My Low-Volume Inferiority Complex

Hello! If the fabulous Molli Sparkles sent you, welcome. I’m Michelle: long-time sewist, newbie quilter, Sunday-stash virgin.

For the record, I’d like to say that I’ve been quite good. In fact, I’ve been purging. I have two quilts in the works that use up some long-neglected fabric, and I even transformed a lost-cause fabric into some sweet pouches.

But you know how it goes. I headed to a local quilt store for some yardage to back my Birds of My Neighborhood quilt. I didn’t mean to partake in any stash-building; it just happened.

I blame the low-volume collectors. They’re everywhere, and honestly, I want to be just like them.

First I saw the low-volume loveliness around Maryse’s crosses. And then Chelsea showed off the low-volume additions to her stash.

I limited myself to just three half-yards. Aren’t they beautiful? From left to right, they are Mod-Century by Jenn Ski for Moda, Edo Blossom from Makower UK, and a beige-on-beige polka dot from (I think) Quilting Treasures.

I did get my yardage for this quilt. It’s a light aqua and is also Mod-Century, which is such an awesome almost-solid. I love the visual texture that print adds to a quilt.

The frogs are Meadow Friends by Deb Strain for Moda. I needed a bit to add to one of my purge quilts. (Hey, sometimes to use up fabric, you need to buy some fabric. It’s the reality of quilting, people. Do not judge!) And the orange floral is Farmdale Blossom from Alexander Henry.

That last find was sheer kismet. I saw that print at Blue Elephant Stitches recently, in gray, and loved it. As soon as I walked into this shop I saw the orange colorway. I restrained myself to a quarter-yard, thank you very much.

I’m so glad I jumped on the Sunday-stash train. I’m feeling good about these purchases. My rationale is solid. The low-volume selections are the start to a nice collection. Nope, I have zero residual guilt about buying during a purge season. None!