The Art of Aging Fabric:Why We Need a Stash

Every so often someone stumbles into my sewing room and asks,"Do you need all this fabric? You can't possibly use it all"
I always think," Do you need your head? You're obviously not using that."


If we are artists (and I would argue that everyone alive has an artist soul within) and if we are quilters, our fabric is our paint. It's what we make our art out of.

This sounds like a sensible idea, that you plan a project, work on a project, finish the project and start another project. Enjoy it when it works that way.

But, that theory ignores the fire within. Inspiration happens when it happens. 
There is a moment where 

• You know suddenly how that pattern went together.
• You have to try those colors together
• You sew because your intensely happy.
• You sew because the rest of the day has been wretched.
• You sew because it's your best comfort and companion.

None of this happens on command. It's just how sewing and quilting run through our lives. It is the stuff of our lives.

What happens if you don't have the fabric you need at the time?
Well if its 3 pm, you're just out of luck. You can use the thing that doesn't quite work, or stop what you're doing as the energy fritters away.

Aging fabric is a cure for this. If you love a fabric, you'll probably love it 3 months later, 6 months later, 12 years later. Fabric taste changes, but people's color choices usually stay constant. The fabric we have in our stashes is a promise for tomorrow that we'll give ourselves what we need for our joy.

And fabric changes so fast. If you love it now, buy it now because you never may see it again.

Can you make a mistake? I hope you make more than one or two. If you don't, you're not trying.

No one ever told Van Gogh, "No more cadmium yellow for you until you use up all the yellow ocher."

If you ever feel overwhelmed buying fabric, Henry is standing by to help. He is a highly trained fabric assistance dog. He'll help you pick out something lovely. Not necessarily for your next project. Maybe as a promise to yourself.