'Fabric Changes'
by Stephanie McCormick
SewColorful
Have you ever run out of fabric - right when you were in the middle of a project? Of course, it was something you took from your stash and there isn't a prayer in the world that you will find it again. I know, I've done it.
Well, here are some suggestions that might help keep you from pulling out your hair:
- Keep your background scrappy. Instead of one background piece of material, use several of the same value. Several different but similar fabrics will keep the eye moving and add more interest to the quilt.
- If you want to keep it all one fabric, measure carefully. Changing the design of the quilt might be necessary if you find yourself short of material after you get started.
- Add additional elements using a complementary fabric. I've found myself running short in the middle of the making of a memory quilt with no hope of finding that 'special' background fabric. If it's an anniversary or wedding quilt I add a heart or two, or in one case, I added a dozen. It keeps the same background but uses up some of the space with another piece of material. A child's quilt could be enhanced with a printed fabric panel, blocks with stars in the corners or even a picture of the child when they were younger.
Don't be afraid to make changes to your pattern - there really are no quilt police checking to see that you follow the rules. Be as creative as your heart desires and you will make creations with great memories.
Most important - have fun! If quilting becomes a frustrating experience you won't want to do it again. Remember that it's only a few yards of fabric until you put your heart into it and you won't do that if you aren't having fun.