How to Go On A Fabric Diet

Ah, the smell of fresh fabric, the sound of silky threads running through your machine needle, and the thrill of a stack of patterns waiting to be brought to life – for a quilter, these are a few of our favorite things. Yet as we start a new year, many of us are considering a unique resolution that might initially sound like taking all the fun out of quilting: a fabric diet.

What is a fabric diet?

We’ve all heard that strict diets are the hardest to keep and most likely to fail. So let me assure you that a fabric diet (done right) doesn’t necessarily mean not buying anything for the year. Instead, think of it as a more mindful approach to your stash. Let’s dive into some tips to help you manage your fabric diet for the year.

 

Organize what you have.

Begin your fabric diet by taking stock of what you already have. Pull out every last bit of fabric from the depths of your stash, spread it out, and categorize it. This process not only helps you rediscover forgotten treasures but also gives you a clearer picture of what you own. Consider organizing by color, pattern, or project, making it easier to find what you need when inspiration strikes.

 

Cheat days are allowed.

Just like any other diet, sometimes you’ll fall off the no-impulse-buying wagon. Don’t beat yourself up about it! The best fabric diet allows you to be flexible, your fabric diet can have cheat days. Designate specific occasions or events where you can indulge in a little fabric shopping. Celebrate your birthday, enjoy your quilting retreats, and take advantage of major sales guilt-free and add a few new pieces to your collection. Setting realistic boundaries keeps the fabric diet from feeling too restrictive.

 

Replace, restock, rejuvenate.

While the fabric diet aims to curb impulsive buying, it doesn’t mean you can’t replace or restock. Think of it as not growing your stash, but replenishing it. If you use up 3 yards of a particular fabric, then your stash isn’t getting bigger when you head to Quilting Mayhem and come home with another 3 yards. If you’re working on a project and don’t have enough to finish something, fill that specific need and get through that project! This process is about being mindful, so keeping a targeted approach ensures that your fabric diet doesn’t stifle your creative flow.

 

Embrace scrappy projects.

Turn the limitations of your fabric diet into an opportunity for creativity. Embrace scrappy projects that allow you to use up smaller fabric pieces. Quilts made from leftovers not only use up a bunch of fabric, they are fun reminders of your other projects, retreats, and classes you’ve taken that have built your stash and expertise.

 

Remember, a successful fabric diet isn’t the same as a no-buy year. A fabric diet is an opportunity for you to love and use every single part of your stash and fill it up with all the best stuff. By taking the time to organize and get a good look at your stash, being flexible with your rules, replenishing as you go, and tackling scrappy projects, you can declutter your sewing space while sparking new levels of creativity. So, here’s to a year of mindful quilting, where every piece of fabric is cherished and every project tells a story that is uniquely you!