Fabric you just don't like

[debinmalaga]

Is anyone else stuck with fabric they don't like? What the heck do you do with it? I dislike one layer cake I bought so much that I can't even bring myself to make something and gift it, to get rid of it. I guess I can just use it as practice quilting pieces. Is there a quilting swap meet or something?

[Loonwatcher]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

You could sell it on ebay.

[Sandy Navas]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

Or do a 'blind' trade with another forum user - a layer cake for a layer cake . . . I'm game. Just let me know what you REALLY like and PM me - we can work something out.

[EsGrandma]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

Does your church make quilts? We take donations and make quilts for homeless - you wouldn't believe it, even those terrible fabrics end up looking good!

[pdjewelrylady]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

HAHA! thats so funny - i just dug thru a big box of what i thought were ugly strips and have been making Pineapple blocks with them - guess what - they are really not so ugly all together! pictures to follow after borders are done.....

[Dragonfly]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

I forget which well known quilter said it but her view was "if you have an ugly fabric cut it up and if it is still ugly, you just haven't cut it small enough". In other words use it in a scrappy quilt with small pieces (as Suzi says above), then all you see is the colour not the print. If it is the colour you don't like then same applies but mix it with lots of other fabrics/colours and it will disappear.

PS. when you have been 'stashing' for long enough you end up with many fabrics you no longer like, I have quite a few where I wonder what the h*#l was I thinking when I bought that one.

[debinmalaga]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

LOL Lynn! Too funny...

PS. when you have been 'stashing' for long enough you end up with many fabrics you no longer like, I have quite a few where I wonder what the h*#l was I thinking when I bought that one.

[tamsterg7]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

You girls are too funny - I didn't think there was any ugly fabric! Maybe I just haven't been collecting long enough...........

[sewsoft]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

I guess I haven't either.

You girls are too funny - I didn't think there was any ugly fabric! Maybe I just haven't been collecting long enough...........

[meemeecyn]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

I have a lot of 'ugly' fabric that I bought in the very beginning....maybe at yard sales or Walmart, etc. That was before I knew what beautiful (quality) fabric was like....how nice it is to work with, how great it feels and how durable it is! The ideas from the other quilters makes sense, though. Selling it, gifting it to a charity, making something with it and then donate or just using it as a filler in a scrap quilt. Then there always is the swap, which sounds like fun! I promise if I ever do one, it will be a good quality fabric. Don't have any more of the other kind now anyway!!!

[patticakes]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

Once I cut ugly fabric and combine it with other fabrics I like it better!

[toggpine]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

It happens the most when I buy things online. I have a charm pack that I thought the prints were cute, but when I got it in the mail the colors were not what I saw on the screen. I finally made myself make something with the honey bun I bought and hated. Again one or two strips were to my liking, but the rest was soooo not me. It will go as a gift toa friend who will be flattered I made something just for her!
I also recently read a blog post about a gal who took a quilting class and the teacher had them make a quilt with their three least favorite colors. I think it was to teach them to not "see" the colors and prints so much as the values and contrasts. Nothing quite like being shoved out of your comfort zone! The gal didn't end up loving the colors, but did like the end result of the quilt.

As for ugly fabric, did you see some of the stuff from the 70's??!?! I think most of us have a few pieces of WTH that we have bought over the years. If you are relatively new to this hobby, just wait. Give it a few years and you'll find that piece you just had to have for some forgotten project and wonder why you bought THAT.

Deb, I'd say go for the trade or a re-sale. Get something you will use!

[shirleyj]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

Toggpine,
I had to laugh when I read your reply. 70s fabrics, oh yes! Double knit. Yesterday, I was listening to the radio while cleaning house (YUK) and on the local Tra-de-o a lady calls in to say she has some fabric to give away. Welllll, I give her a quick call and she tells me whoever gets there first wins the prize. I got there first, but not sure I got the prize. Some pieces of older cotton scraps, very pretty. But there were several yards of plaid double knit, definitely 70s, and some pretty(in color) purple double knit. Also in the bag was a pair of double knit plaid pants, not completed, but the bottom of the legs were bigger than the waist. LOL Don't have a clue what to do with the double knits, guess I'll think of something. My MIL used to make scrappy,tacked, double knit quilts. You certainly did not get cold under them.
shirleyj

[quiltingtrish]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

I give it to Goodwill. Someone out there will love it. But, if Sandy is offering a straight trade for another layer cake, I'd trade with her!

Hugs,

[toggpine]

Re: Fabric you just don't like

ShirleyJ the double knits wear like iron! They will make great backing for throw about quilts, car quilts, picnic quilts, etc. Good luck with your "prizes"!