This is some of the stash that was given to me. Someone's mother was moved from her home and these "2 boxes of junk fabric should be thrown out, but Elaine might like it", and it came to me. Thank you, Ron.
Yesterday, I had the fabric pieces outside in the sunshine, trying to freshen it up. Late in the day, I gathered it all up and dropped it in a basket for today's project of washing and sorting. In the process of sorting, ZOWEEEEE, a wasp was IN the fabric and let me have it on my finger. I quickly removed my ring in preparation for expected swelling, and since I've never been stung before, called my DH for instant care if I stopped breathing or something equally serious. Then, I grabbed the baking soda (again) and made a -- oh gosh, you will think I live in "Little House on the Prairie Days" -- I made a POULTICE of baking soda and water, slathered it on my finger, and surprisingly, no swelling, and barely any pain. I don't even know where I heard about baking soda poultice. (I could call it a compress, that's a modern word!) LOL
There are a LOT of shirtings in this pile of possibly 35 yards. Most are large chunks of 1/2 yd., but several are 3 yds, and one is 6 yards (backing!, yeah). And only 2-3 small pieces of floral for the woman. Isn't that touching? Fixing and making for everyone else, many men it would appear, and only a few items for the woman. A story could be written by what I'm seeing.
I still have NOT washed/sorted all the muslins, which I estimate to be another 15 yds. Guess this all has to be included on my Fabric Diet, even though I did not purchase anything.
Now, that I'm shopping at the Mission store, and people are giving me their castoffs, I DO need to make it clear and even though I LOVE these freebies, I am NOT a pauper -- yet! But the success of that last Shirt Quilt was so inviting, I want to make MORE using that almost-free fabric.
I went back to the Mission store today -- yes, 2 more shirts and one teapot, all for $2.00! AND, the lady assured me that ANY purchases from the Mission store was just fine - I was NOT taking a shirt away from a poor person.
Don't ya love free fabric? You end up with some real treasures that you would have never bought yourself, OR that just can't be found now. And the possible stories about someone else's stash are intriguing! What fun for you! I'm curious to see what you'll come up with for your next "almost-free" project!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I call a great gift! I know you'll be doing wonders with all of it! Smart you for thinking of the baking soda!
ReplyDeleteLucky you with all that free fabric. I believe that you are helping the poor and the environment by shopping at thrift stores. The money they earn goes for good works and you are re-cycling. My friend from Australia went to ours yesterday and got completely fitted out for winter for under $10.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about the sting but happy to hear you didn't have that anafalactic whatchamacallit thingy happen! I can't wait to see what wonderful creations you come up with using all your freebie fabrics.
ReplyDeleteGreat use of shirtings. I have become the drop off spot for three friends taking apart their mother/sister/own homes. I graciously take in it all, sort it, throw much away with out their guilt being triggered, and find much good stuff to use myself or pass to someone else.
ReplyDeleteI have used the baking soda compress on a wasp sting myself. It *does* work well. You really got a good haul in the freebie fabric. I have a giveaway on my blog for some homespuns that would work well with shirtings.
ReplyDeleteI love fabric as gifts as well even though it increases my stash. I like having another person's "taste in fabrics" mixed with my choices. This gives me a more interesting assortment of colors and patterns.
ReplyDeleteI hope the wasp sting was worth it!
ReplyDeleteBonanza! Looks like you got some great shirtings. I need to find a place that sells shirts like that. My husband is starting to get nervous. Your quilt turned out beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThose are some great light tones--I know you'll make good use of them. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to have the new fabrics!
ReplyDeleteElaine! I got the machine quilting done! check out my blog.!!! Thanks!
So sorry for the wasp sting. Those really hurt. Can't wait to see what you make with those fabrics.
ReplyDeleteAwww. .. what nice gifties! Sorry about the wasp sting... glad you're not allergic to them.
ReplyDeleteI use the baking soda trick on bee and wasp stings too - don't know where I learned it, just figured "everyone" knew about it. Glad it worked.
ReplyDeleteI always seem to be on the "giving away" end of free fabric, not the "receiving" end. Lucky you!