Farewell Old Friend

A good fabric never dies. Today I finally used the last bit of my favourite fabric.

This fabric has been there for me since before Material Obsession. Before I wrote books, or patterns, or even had a pattern published in a magazine. I had this fabric when I used to sit at home with my little old Janome, piecing quilts for my babies and my friend's babies, reading Down Under Quilts and Quilter's Companion and admiring those clever ladies and lovely projects!

When I first found this fabric, I loved it so much I bought HEAPS. Well, heaps for me, then. (How times have changed... I think I bought a metre and a half, where as now if I love something I think nothing of five metres of extravagance, excusing it by saying it will be a border and I can use the rest on the back....)

I used it in this.

Coming Up Roses, Material Obsession Two

And some in this too.

 

Maple Leaf Rag, Material Obsession Two

I used some in this, and the one after.

Dotty for Dresden, Material Obsession One

 

Jazz Hands, Material Obsession 2

It's in this, my carry along hand piecing project that's been going for four years now.

It's in this that I made for my nephew, and a lot of older things besides that I couldn't find pics of in my relatively new Mac.

Are you impressed by how I eke my fabrics out??

What is it? you ask. A beautiful floral, a spot? An amazing stripe that goes with everything? No, in true Sarah style, it's a fabric with a little animal on it.

I know, it's not what you would expect. But there's something about the combination of the great, clear blue, the little green seaweeds, the bubbles and those little fishes that just gets me every time. Just look at their little eyes.

So that's it. The end of an era. I cut the last pieces up into flying geese this afternoon, along with some other favourites. 

I think it's time for a new favourite. I have searched among the candidates in the stash and come up with this:

 

I'm thinking watch out - this fabric is coming soon to Sarah Fielke quilts near you.

PS. Don't forget to hop over to Sewn and enter the competition to win a Shannon Lamden apron pattern! So cute! Sarah Fielke, Material Obsession, Material Obsession books

All photography in Material Obsession books is by John Doughty.

Comments

[Jjody Schoger]

Great story -- great fabric - beautiful work. Enjoyed reading this.

[kathie]

oh if I had any of that fabric I would send it to you
sorry you used your last little pieces
had to laugh at how much you bought then and what you will buy now!
sounds familiar! and then when I see it again I will still buy more of it!
Kathie

[Stephanie]

I have a yard of that darling blue fishy fabric and a yard in pink too. I've been savoring it for far too many years. Time to pull it out and use it! Gorgeous quilts.

[Susan Ramey Cleveland]

Your quilts are amazing.

[Jan]

Oh, Sarah, I know that feeling of watching a favorite fabric shrink smaller and smaller, although unlike you, I think I have never actually used up a favorite! I always have some small bit in some pile, waiting for that perfect last project. :-)The quilts you showcased are among my very favorites of yours. Must be your special fabric that gives them that extra something!

[Debra]

Your quilts are fabulous. I love the story and following along. It was like playing
"Eye Spy" for adults.
Debra

[Heather]

Wow - what an amazing array of quilts - just gorgeous and you are right I wouldn't have guessed that fabric - but it is very cute!!!

[Kathy Marsh]

Great choice for your new favorite fabric. There's something about the combination of that clear red and aqua or blue that is very appealing.

[Heather]

Wow, all of those quilts are just fabulous! :)

[Elizabeth]

Sarah, you make me feel better, I thought I was the only one to become sentimental over a favourite fabric, it's hard to part with the last of it isn't it? You have some beautiful photos of the gorgeous things you have used your "fishy fabric" on - lovely memories of those bulgy fishy eyes - very cute.

ps. Your work is beautiful....Oh and I like your new profile photo.

[Joy]

I agree, it's adorable! And I love the way you've managed to use it in so many of your precious quilts.
Hugs,
Joy :o)

[Andi]

I love how the fish fabric is reminiscent of the fishes on your side bar wanting to be fed.
How will you 'feed' that new fabric? Might need to get some plant food for your side bar.
Love your work!!
Andi :-)

[lyn lindsay]

Hi Sarah,

Is that a new hairstyle your sporting, if so looks good.
Your fish fabric was gorgeous and how thrilling to have placed in time capsules, your quilts,I'm doing Art each week in my granddaughters class, grade 4 Qld.,and they have been doing drawings representing the ocean being destroyed by 'mans' carelessness and now they are doing the ocean being looked after, your fish design would be brilliant to copy as the fish is so happy.
Enjoy creating with your new fabric look forward to seeing.
My favourite fabric is a watermelon design with mattress ticking background, a dress was made for my granddaugther when she was 2 she is now 18 and I used some 'leftovers' for her graduation quilt, the design formal dresses by Teri Christopherson, I too love the fabric going on and on.
Lyn :)

[Amy (badskirt)]

it's a long shop, as it's been a while but you should try to search for more on your Sewn fabric finder!

[Deborah Segaert]

Hi Sarah, I guess you could say, you cut... The Last Piece.... hmmm...
dls

[Kate]

I can see why you love this - yummo!

[Susan]

Isn't it amazing how you can use the same fabric in so many quilts and come up with so many different looks? I love them all!

[Erica K]

Those are adorable eyes! I say good for you for actually using it! I think too many times people won't use a fabric they love so much. At least you still have it...in your quilts!

[Tara]

I find it endearing that you can love those little cross eyed fishies!

[Kate]

Definitely a good reason to buy lots and lots when you find a fabric you love! I will remember this next time I am shopping!