Thursday, November 13, 2008

Shopping For Fabric. . .

Well, I finally did it! I went to Jo~Ann's yesterday to shop for fabric for a project I'm starting for my great niece, E. I saw a wonderful idea over at Chasing Cherrios for an 'I Spy Quilt'. I thought this would be a wonderful teaching tool for little E.

As I've mentioned in earlier posts, my mom sewed a lot for us. Shopping for fabric was a routine event I was raised doing. I loved it. But, for some odd reason I was anxious yesterday about shopping for fabric. I don't think I've bought any fabric in 15 or more years. I suppose I was just out of practice.

I got to the store around 12:15. The first thing I did was look at all the seasonal items & the $Dollar Deals$ in the racks at the front of the store. Next, I sat myself down at the pattern book table looking at patterns for crafts, babies, & toddlers. Neat stuff! My goodness, I couldn't believe how expensive patterns are! I didn't buy any patterns, but I will later. I found the cutest pattern for a baby layette that I want to make for little Ethan. Then I began looking at fabric for the quilt. So much to choose from. I was beginning to be overwhelmed. I met a sweet lady who had come to town from Kansas for a day of shopping with her quilting group. She showed me pictures of the two quilts she will start working on in January. Wow, very detailed, very beautiful. I thought, OK, surely I can make a simple quilt. I said goodbye to the nice lady & turned my attention to getting focused. I started making some selections of 'fat quarters' & fabric on bolts. I kept thinking to myself how much my mom would have loved this experience. I tend to over think shopping decisions, so I just went with my instincts. When I checked out I couldn't believe I had been there for 2 hours!



Now I must get busy making a pattern plan & see what happens. I'll just dive in & see what develops. When the project is complete I'll post pictures.


Two weeks from today is Thanksgiving. Today I'm thankful for a loving, talented, Christian Mom who taught me so many useful things about life, but most importantly about faith in God & how to live a life based on the values Christ taught us.

15 comments:

Stacey said...

Carol, you are going to really enjoy sewing again I bet. I could be wrong but I think Hobby Lobby sells patterns for 1/2 most of the time.

Can't wait to see what you do.

Shelley said...

I love quilts - but I completely lack sewing skills. Looking forward to seeing your project!!

Mary said...

Oh Sis,
You got me crying like a baby this morning. First it is so sweet of you making this by E. Can't believe she will be one year old next week. Yes there has been alot to be thankful for this past year. Thinking back on all the things mother made and all the trips to pick out fabric was a sweet trip down memory lane. I do miss her and wish she could have know my sweet Elise and your soon to be Eathan this spring.
Enjoy your project, Can't wait to see it
Love
M

Melissa Miller said...

Hi Carol, It sounds like it's going to be beautiful. I'm sure she will cherish it always! Come by and check out my toppers if you have time.~Melissa

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Hi Carol...Thanks so much for visiting my blog! I'm so excited for you...making a quilt! I come from a family of mountain women who all made quilts...except my mom. It seems to have stopped there! I keep thinking I will try it. It should be in my blood..right? lol I have one made by my great-grandmother when she was 16...it's amazing! It's made from flour sacks and old dresses. I treasure it. Please post your progress. Maybe it will give me the nerve to try it myself. Thanks...Debbie

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

Carol, I have really been thinking about taking a quilting class. It sounds like fun. I know patterns are very expensive. Yesterday i went to Ben Franklin and bought white dish towels. My grandma gave me some transfers. I have a ton of embordiery thread. So, I am going to try my hand at embordierying dishtowels, again. it's been a very long time since I've done any. have fun with your quilt. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
(Which Carol is this? Are you from RMS?) Hugs, Terrie

Terrie's Lil' Piece of Serenity said...

Thanks, Carol. I wasn't sure because I have some friends named Carol on RMS. Some of my friends from RMS are on your blog list. I am very... happy to meet you. Come by my blog whenever you have a chance. ~Terrie~

Anonymous said...

Carol thanks adding yourself to my followers list, I just added myself to yours. I love meeting new people. Hope you don't mind, but I added you to my blog list also. :)

Hugs,
Chris

Chrissy...The Apothecary Shop said...

Good morning Carol, thank you so much for coming by!! It's not much of a blog yet, but its coming..best of luck on your project I am sure it will be lovely. Talk again I hope, Chrissy

Smelling Coffee said...

Hi Carol~ Thank you so much for reading Smelling Coffee and for your sweet comment today! I was a school teacher, too, and know how "smart" we have to be to share the true meaning of Christmas! I know God used you in those children's lives in a mighty way - even if you never got to see any fruit.

I'm enjoying my visit to your blog. The music is peaceful and fun, and your projects are inspiring. I'll look forward to seeing your quilt when you're done. :-)

Tardevil said...

Thanks for stopping by today. You have a beautiful picture for yourself!

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Carol girl I could get lost for hours in a Fabric store and love jo-Anns because it also has a craft section in it..now patterns can't you believe the prices of those?? I bought you 2 months ago to make curtains for my guest room and I think it cost me more than the material did...have a great day...Hugs and smiles Gloria

Bo said...

Hi Carol...I still envy you that you know what to do with beautiful fabrics when you find them... I can hardly sew a button back on when it comes off! ;-) Bo

tincanlily said...

I usually visit Jo Ann's once a week. I always use their 40% off coupons. My first job was at a fabric store. I learned a lot there. I also love to look in the $1. bins. I agree with you about the price of patterns! Have fun making your quilt.
denise

Anonymous said...

Hi Carol. I was hopeing to see your fabric selection! I'm sure the quilt will be so sweet!
Now, I would love for you to become a Diva...you're going to love it!!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia;)