How the Stash Happened

Laurie Ann has a post on her blog about the size of her stash and it got me to thinking about my stash. It isn't that I'm a compulsive buyer because I really am pretty frugal. My husband would disagree but he's so far beyond frugal but we will not even go there. Here's my reason/excuse/explanation about the stash. This is my story and I'm stickin' to it! When we lived in Louisiana, there was no quilt shop real close to me. I could drive one hour west to Beaumont, Texas to get to Sew What, I could drive another hour or so and get to any number of shops in Houston; I could drive one hour east to Opelousas, Louisiana to Ginger's or I could drive about another hour and get to The Thimble in Baton Rouge. This was all before internet shopping had gotten to my world. So, if I'm going to drive an hour or more to a quilt shop and then an hour or more home, I'm going to make it worth my while. And, I did! Then, the ladies at The Thimble in Baton Rouge must've noticed my addiction so one day one of them said Honey, would you like for us just to snip a little swatch off all the new fabrics that come in and mail them to you? Then, if you'd like any of them, you can call and let us know and we'll send them to you." OMG! What a great idea! Instead of spending time driving, I could be home sewing. Once or twice a month, a little envelope would arrive at my office, stuffed to the gills with little swatches. I'd spread them all out on my desk, ooohhhh and ahhhhh over them. My co-workers (none of whom were quilters) would pick out lovely fabrics, I'd pick out lovely fabrics. Never had a clue what I might do with these fabrics so I'd just order 4 yards of each! Stashes grow quickly at that rate. Once we were at Houston and it was St. Patrick's Day. One of the shops in Houston (ughh, don't remember which one but it was out past IAH . . not It's a Stitch but maybe headed towards The Woodlands . . or I could be completely turned around). Anyway, we went by the shop and they were having a sale! 30% off any fabric with any amount of green in it. We left with a trunk full of fabric. Then we moved to Kentucky. Wouldn't you know it! Not a quilt shop here either. I can drive about an hour north and get to the quilt shop in Boonville, IN or I can drive a little over two hours and get to a shop in Goodlettsville, TN. There are some in between but I like that one. So, once again . . if I'm driving that far, I'd better make it worth the trip! Then, the internet shopping hit and I found Big Horn Quilts. For a while, if you bought over $200, you got free shipping. What a deal! That helps grow the stash too! But, now I've come to my senses. I am buying fabric only if I need it for a particular project (like the quilt for the chaplain's wife . . I had no fabrics in the colors she likes). I am going to use the stash. I am not adding to it! And, you, my blogging buddies are my witness! :) Judy L.