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After much thought, I have finally picked the name “Annie” for my A-1.  I’ve received several emails asking if I had named my machine yet??  I got the idea from my friend Kathy G.  I always look for little “signs” or coincidences.  While I was shopping LAs, I found it interesting that the machine I liked best, the A-1 Elite has the initials “A and E” just like Alyssa and Elaina.

Coincidence, probably…or not?  Trust me, that is not the reason I picked the A-1. πŸ™‚   So I was explaining this to Kathy when she was over visiting before I received my machine and she mentioned the name Annie.  It just kind of stayed with me and I think my machine looks like an “Annie” now.

I seem to be a little frustrated with my practicing or lack of.  I was getting a bit frustrated at the look of my quilting and have been avoiding practicing a bit lately.  I was told this would happen.  Scott keeps telling me  “Just keep practicing and you’re doing great!”  I’m just going to have to work through this little “roadblock.”

I have received several emails regarding my fabric stash.  It’s small, but it does exist.  All the fabric I own has been purchased with a project in mind.   I rarely, if ever have purchased fabric just to build my stash.  My brain just doesn’t think like that…too bad it doesn’t think the same way about shoes!  All the fabric I have is leftover from a project, purchased for a project and then I changed my mind or it’s been designated to a project I haven’t started yet.  About 3 years ago, Scott finished our basement.  He did a wonderful job!  He has a Michigan State Spartan area with cabinetry and mini kitchenette.

 

Guess who stores her fabric in the cabinets on the other side of the bar?? πŸ™‚   That is the infamous window.

Just to give you an idea of the space, these cabinets are 12″ deep.  Here is my stash…

Next cabinet over holds designated fabric for projects I have yet to start.  A few are wool projects…

Last, this cabinet holds some more leftover fabric, UFOs and tops waiting to be quilted…

That’s it!  I hope I haven’t sent anyone into shock. I wish that I could buy fabric without a “project” stipulation, but then I would be bringing the whole store home with me!! πŸ™‚

Scott and I came up with an excellent compromise.  He has a Michigan State Spartan area with Spartan bar stools and I have a place to store my fabric!!  πŸ™‚

21 Comments

  • Lori says:

    I love the his/her little area. What a great compromise. As far as your stash? Who's counting? It looks workable to me!!

  • Michele says:

    You have a nice stash…. I can see how its not necessary to have too much since you are at the store often πŸ™‚ Thanks for the tour of your renovated room. Anyplace is a good place for fabric in my book:)

  • Abby and Stephanie says:

    A perfect compromise. I'd have to designate half my basement to UCLA! I do believe you've sent many quilters into fits of disbelief with your "stash."

  • Jocelyn says:

    Wow Linda, I love how you have stored your fabric stash. Very nicely organized. Mine are in Rubbermaid containers, and I have to dig down to find what I am looking for ;-S

  • WoolenSails says:

    Maybe you need to actually quilt something;)
    I get bored with practice, so try a small project, maybe use up some scraps and do a charity quilt with a simple design.

    Love you kitchen area, nice workmanship.

    Debbie

  • Terry says:

    That's one special guy you got if he lets you keep fabric under his bar! LOL

  • Darlene says:

    "Annie's my name and quilting is my game" – sorry couldn't resist. πŸ™‚ Perfect name!

    Don't apologize for your stash – smart girl. I detest my stash – it's crazy. I'd love to sweep it out and start all over again. πŸ™‚

  • Joan says:

    Oh wow – fabric in a bar…I wish I was so civilised πŸ™‚ Mine is all over the place – half the time what I am hunting for is never found – till I dont need it anymore and I find it. Scott I think is a very special young man!! Bless him.
    Wish I had an Annie too – get back there and practice – you are doing so well!! I am cheering for you .

  • Carrie P. says:

    Compromise is good. I am doing better about not buying fabric just because it calls my name. I really like your idea better. It seems like less guilt feelings. lol
    My aunt only buys fabric for a quilt when she is ready to make one and she finishes before starting another.
    Annie is a very good name for your new friend.:D

  • Brandie says:

    Shocking! If it wasn't for the shoes that you mentioned, I'd be wondering about you.

  • Nicole says:

    That is how I got started, just buying specific fabric for a project. I still tend to buy fabric like that, but the problem is, I don't do all the projects, or borrow fabric designated for one thing to use in another. Before you know it, you will be moving things into bins in the garage or basement!

  • Candace says:

    I love the name Annie – it's perfect, Linda! Your practice so far has me very envious – LOL! I am not even close to being that good yet! Hmmm..maybe we should introduce Annie to Vinnie! I love that you and Scott "share" the bar area – I started out buying fabric like you do, but after a few years I just couldn't resist some stash building and still do – and Mr. Squash now "shares" some large built in drawers in his office with me!
    Cheers!

  • Yvette says:

    I sure wish California had basements. I would love all of that extra space. Your hubby did a fantastic job refinishing it.

    Did I tell you I tested your A1 machine at the quilt show? It was like BUTTAH! Lucky you!! Before you know it, you will be whipping out quilts one after the other.

  • Sue says:

    I think it's great that you have a name for your longarm. I just wish I had a longarm!

    I unfortunately can't say no to fabric. I do like your idea and think it's probably best especially if you ever move!

    Thank you for sharing your goodness with us today:)

  • Cheryll says:

    My stash is outrageous! I wish I had the self control you have to buy only fabric as you need it. I'm fortunate to have a huge stash but unfortunate to have to pack it up and move it. Annie is a cute name for your longarm…mine is Bee. She was named after my Grandma Bee. πŸ™‚

  • West Michigan Quilter says:

    So her name is Annie! Don't be so hard on yourself. You don't have to be perfect in your quilting. But I know what you mean about frustration. I've been away from mine for a few months and finally slapped something on it today just to get back in the groove. Of course, nothing I did is acceptable. Isn't the quilt shop your stash?

  • Impera Magna says:

    I'm thinking "Annie" is perfect for your long-arm… and also think you have the perfect philosophy for buying fabric. I try to do the same thing… never buy just have have… but FOR a project. Problems is that I have a lot of projects in mind! *lol*

  • Mama Pea says:

    Ha ha. Hang in there with the practicing. You'll get over this little bump in the road. Sorry to say your fabric stash is pitiful. haha! Mine's not too much bigger. I can fill a large plastic tote and a half with my fabric. But my fat quarters take up 5 or 6 storage drawers. I have my friend Michelle to blame for getting me to buy fabric I really don't have immediate plans for. The WORST is my projects waiting to get started pile. That fills at least 3 large totes! Argh! (And didn't I just buy two more of those?!)

  • Donna says:

    Annie is a great name for your machine! I wish my fabric stash was as organized as yours. I have fabric everywhere. I can't help myself every time I see a piece I love I "have to" purchase it πŸ™‚
    Maybe you should quilt a quilt.
    Hugs,
    Donna

  • Allie says:

    Annie is a great name!! Yep, you sent me into shock with your stash….but you're smart. I tend to buy novelty fabrics, and I can't use them in anything. If I could just get blenders, that would make me happy. Lovely area you and Scott have there!

  • QuiltSue says:

    That's a brilliant name for her.

    Your stash looks rather like mine. Apart from neutral tone-on-tone fabric, I can never buy just "on spec", I have to have a project in mind. I don't always make that project though, so that's how come I have any spare fabrics at all!