Episode 92: Quilting on a Budget and Fall Sewing 2023

[@tammyingle233]

I have so many fall quilts. Small quilts. Christmas is my next largest quilt collections, but I have so many Christmas quilts that I have made & gave away for gifts. Only 3 for Valentines Day. Spring & Easter are lumped together. Fall quilts are already started to be pulled out. Good show today. Thanks for remembering 9-11.

[@carmenbailey1560]

I got a chuckle out of Billy’s comment, you know Chelsi your going to have to do your own placemats now and I’d be pushing it a little further and make a set for Billy. True sibling conversation within families, love it. Thanks for the chuckles. 👍❤️😊

[@jayneterry8701]

Yes yes! Get your order in Billy though time to learn aome stitching yourself 😉💗

[@dianabirkenholtz8377]

Your Mini charms idea about making a sample project is exceptional in order to save on budget and to find out if we like the collection. I also think it would be great for birthdays and seasonal gifts. Our quilt guild does a Boutique every year and so this would also be a way to sell those little projects that are timely within the collection year.

[@suzetteamos6257]

Billy called you OUT!!! But I agree with him. DO IT!!! They will be GORGEOUS!!

[@jacalynstaten5607]

I lost 2 brother-in-laws on 9/11. This year seems harder than the couple of years. I thank you so much for just mentioning this horrible event.

[@joannethielen7346]

Billy your comment about ranking fabrics for future purchase is a great practical idea! I often am making a more emotional in the moment purchase, and then something else comes along that I have to pass on and I’m sad.

[@michellejaggard9657]

I found a free double pot holder pattern! I am so excited about making it. You know the one with a potholder glove on each end and the and the cloth connecting them. Chelsi I LOVE both of these quilts, so beautiful.

[@melaniedavis2526]

WOW!! I'm pretty sure this podcast was speaking to me!! 😮 All the suggestions Billy that you asked your sister Chelsi (whom I love very much!) about fabric. Buying a 2 1/2" mini or even a stacker to see if you even like that entire line! I feel like I'm chasing the dragon so to speak & wanting EVERY SINGLE LINE OF FABRIC OUT THERE!!! This sadly is what happens to me... I don't even get all those quilts made and other fabric lines are already out there to buy! There are so many fabulous designers out there & your one of them!! ❤❤ I need to get my thoughts in order & realize I simply can't afford every line of fabric that comes out nor make every quilt!! It's hard! Terribly hard! It puts me into a state of depression!! I can't thank you enough for this podcast! It's helped me immensely! That's what I'm going to do. Everything you suggested!! Thank you! Also, I know that PDF patterns are becoming very costly! Even for us buying them. Some are 16 pages! Ink is way out of control too so what does one do!! Buy the paper pattern & pay high shipping costs. 🤦 Who knows right! I'm going to concentrate on one quilt at a time!! No more of this chasing the dragon stuff! That's a story my brother told me years ago & it's always stuck with me. What a true statement is that right!! That also applies to so many things in life I think!! Thank you very much for this marvelous podcast! I love you all!! ❤❤

[@deniseg7340]

I'd say to sign up for quilt shop newsletters as you will often get coupons via email! Sometimes collections can sell out quickly, so you can't wait too long to decide. I would select a Charm Pack at a minimum to preview a collection, colors, and patterns - there's a lot of small & larger projects that use Charm Packs so I think those are most versatile.

[@michelesews]

Such a good and interesting episode, you three! I love the counterpoint on budgeting Billy provided - esp since he's not chronically infected with the Quilting Virus. As a retired person, I did some rebudgeting last year when things were starting to look a llittle scary. Here's what I learned. I started EPP and I absolutely adore it. Wasn't sure I would like it, but I do, and you can take any approach from full collection to saving all offcuts and making hexies from them. I'm doing more complicated BOMs with EPP and I am so hooked on this. It's helping me budget because slow sewing fills your time in a different way from patchwork, and the artistry is different. I'm much more into combining the leftovers from several collections into scrap quilts, and I'm doing that with Blockheads 5. I love Fat Quarter Shop's livestreams where Kimberly shows upcoming collections and I make more rational decisions now on what I preorder. I believe that once you have some basics, with a little conscious planning you can buy on sale for many things and keep your costs reasonable. A question for you is, what designers' collections do you especially like combining with your own collections to create something new?

[@kristenmarshall27]

I only buy what I need for a quilt and I’m trying to use my stash right now. But there are a few designers that I buy every line (yours being one of them!) and sometimes I don’t have a project in mind yet or can’t afford to go big at the time. Layer cake is my go to precut but sometimes I’ll just do a charm pack. Often lines go with other lines either from the same designer or another one (like a recent one of yours with Corey Yoders). So if you save up charm packs, you will eventually have enough for a big project if you wanted!

[@marymccluskey1516]

I would love to see you both use other designers fabric in your patterns. I love all your fabrics & patterns and it would be fun to see 30’s, reproduction, modern, batiks, etc.

[@maureenabramson4224]

I do love listening to all of you. This is such a great video. I love how you interact with each other and we get to know about your fabrics but also about you, including Billy. I love his question as they draw out amazing information. Thanks so much Billy. And congrats again on the hole in one and tag your mom had made from Titleist. 🎉

[@mtyner641]

Billy you read my mind about the placemats.

[@soniac.9085]

When I'm sewing in the season, I usually just get the top pieced. I'll display the pieced top and after the season is over, eventually I'll finish it up by quilting and binding it. Come next year, it would be all done.

[@teresarobinson7471]

Thank you Billy! Your point (planning on what can be budgeted for fabric) is great for those of us that have a small budget.

[@annmoreira1363]

Oh my. I completely understand y’all talking about the weather We took a road trip that way and stayed at saguaro desert and oh my 🙏🙏🙏

[@madamcello5244]

I love your pod casts for a ton of reason, but the family interactions just makes my day. I wanted to bring a suggestion to you about your mini idea. Fat Quarter shop has a moda mini club that I belong to that sends you four different mini's each month for $17 plus shipping. It is a great deal and I use it just like you suggest. I get to see fabric collections I might not have thought of and helps me decided if that is one I would want to purchase. Also, your placemat using mini's is a great way to use that pack to see it put together. I was so happy to have you design and release that pattern so that I can make something quick and easy with my collection of mini charms. And as you suggested in your video people could also make a pillow. Just an idea to add to your great budget ideas. Have a great day and I am looking forward to your 2024 block of the month idea. Plus, I agree starting the block of the month when the collection comes out and having it ready for a Christmas present would be a wonderful idea.

[@denisemahoney9373]

Thank you for all of the great videos that the three of you create. I really enjoy listening and am always learning from them. I don't know if this has been requested , but maybe during the section that you introduce the quilts on the wall and table , Sherri or Chelsi could also briefly talk about the quilts on the ladders behind them. Maybe just give the pattern name and fabric line. Perhaps you already do this, but often times I can only take a few minutes between my work to watch you videos and I forget or miss that part. Thanks again for all of the hard work.

[@ruthwilson7451]

I like your green tumblr sherry it's very pretty

[@pauladimattei6434]

Ooooo…I like the 2025 BOM idea. This gives me time to get caught up on my other Sherri and Chelsi quilts in progress.

[@kimpatterson2333]

I really enjoyed the Quilting on a Budget topic in today’s episode! It was very helpful and true to life. While we all would love to buy ALL the fabric it’s just not going to happen. 😂 The idea Billy had of seeing the fabric in person and buying a charm pack was exactly what I did this time! With the fabric that just came out, I had 2 mini charm packs of fabric that I wanted. While I liked them both in person, I chose the one that I was crazy about and ordered a half yard bundle!! Also, it helped that I found a quilt shop on Etsy that let me layaway the half yard bundle with the preorder. Which made it easy on my wallet. 😁

[@dcharlton162]

What about reversible placemats? Fall/Christmas - choose binding that compliments both seasons ❤️

[@joycebaker3798]

Thank you for acknowledging the day. Living in New England, many people are directly effected. My next door neighbor lost her brother at the World Trade Center. I have a good friend who escaped. It is still traumatic for many. I have a co-worker who had her first child that day. Very big day for her, and it was totally overshadowed. It was hard for her to be fully happy.

[@kathygallagher7283]

We’d love to see the grandma placemats chelsi & siblings fought over. A recreation might be in order. Thanks so much for your enlightening podcast.

[@sandidavis45]

Good discussion today. I watch Kimberly on Fat Quarter Shop. She previews fabric quarterly. I watch and choose just 2 or three. Put it away for a week or so. Revisit my list and order just 1 fat quarter bundle. If I can't decide, then 2 in fat eighths. Sometimes not at all. I also preorder as it is cheaper. I only buy what I really love. I also use only 1 of 3 three backgrounds...Moda 200, orange peel tone on tone and an ivory. Bought these in a bolt and saved a good bit. I also have it on hand. Finally on paper patterns...I have noticed that for most places the PDF is the same as the printed version. I prefer digital. Better for the planet. Perhaps to encourage this maybe the digital should be less.

[@kathyburch9591]

What a great video! I agree it is always fund to buy a mini charm pack and make something small like a table runner. I have all of my fall decorations out - did it last weekend. I love putting out my pumpkins and I agree with Chelsea they deserve to be out for 3 months.

[@jbodnicki948]

Billy, nice shirt. So nice to see a young man well dressed.

[@nbc911]

Thanks for a great video. I need the summer slice pattern. Its lovely. SUGGESTION.....I think the blocks from that quilt will make a great set of placemats. 1. Strawberry 2. Watermelon slices 3. Pair of lemons 4. Pair of limes If you are recording the sew along with Billy perhaps you can turn each block into a placemat after 😊 🎉 Nicole

[@gailstraka771]

I wish you would pop up photos of the collections as you talk about them. I feel lost sometimes because I don’t know all those lines.

[@SharonMcGlasson]

I just got my bountiful blooms half yards. I ordered all except the blues. I plan on sewing with them as soon as I get my 3 pumpkin quilts I’m working on finished. 😅 I’m using my Merry Little Christmas by Bonnie and Camille from my stash for my Moda Block Heads quilt a long.

[@cheri5911]

yes I sew with the season too and if don't finish I put away to the next year. I am working on a jolly bar quilt kit with greens dark purple and brown. Doing the free motion quilting now should finish this fall.

[@brendafrye5875]

So is there going to be a sister brother fight over the " placemats" after the show???? Only kidding. I love you guys so very much. Always great ideas and absolutely fantastic fabric. Billy so glad you can add some ideas to our quilting life.

[@debbierice1363]

For several years I have adopted Billy’s idea. I watch all the fabric release Videos and write down what I like, why and ideas I might use for. I keep them ranked and also note certain fabrics I really like, especially backgrounds. And also quilt patterns I like that are designed with fabric. I update this list as new fabrics come out. Some get marked off but I still keep that list to have a record of. This list can also be used when I notice sales etc and to keep track of what I have pre ordered Etc.

[@nevaannegrant453]

How about Fall/Christmas reversible placemats. Get them out in September, turn them over Thanksgiving night, then put them away in January. I’ve made these and reversible table toppers too for years.

[@patriciaruppert201]

Absolutely. Choosing a pattern before you buy is such good advice. Your fabric needs a purpose. Especially at todays prices. Thank you for acknowledging 9/11. Such a tragedy. ❤❤❤❤

[@teresaderrow3552]

I'm working on a quilt that combines Hey Pumpkin & Maple Skies, using Deb Strain's Harvest Wishes fabric! I'm so excited about it! I'm also using Bountiful Blooms in the Blockheads 5 sew along this year!

[@quiltnanny2011]

I am recovering from surgery and can't sew right now. I am watching plenty of quilting videos and living vicariously through you guys.

[@wrennknits6048]

🙏 for a quick recovery and return to your quilting!

[@dianemotley]

Chelsi...love Summer Slice...so creative!

[@marylynnlutenski9196]

Thank you for remembering 9/11! I would love to see the borders binding and the backings of your quilts!! Love the quilting on the quilt in back of Billy!! I got my Bountiful Bloom fabric. FQS sent an email and I ordered it right away!!!

[@sandikae7682]

I am so looking forward to the Strawberry Lemonade collection. I love bright vibrant colors, and I love all the low volumes in this collection. I had already decided what I was going to do, but to hear Sherri's suggestions reinforced my ideas. There are several patterns for the Strawberry Lemonade that I fell in love with. So that will be a sizable part of my fabric budget. But I did decide to made an Excel spreadsheet, figure out what I would need for each quilt, so I can get the most out of border, backing, and binding yardage.

[@mlisshunter14]

I am making the Primitive Gatherings Twilight Stars using Rustic Gatherings!

[@astorybookfinish5055]

I like the intentional ranking system. Planning out your quilts is an intuitive approach to that but this is a new level of evaluation. Thx Billy.

[@debbiebrugman4543]

Fall 🍁🍂 is my favorite season. I have been working on two Fall quilts this year. But I have to be honest, my favorite Fall fabric designer is Sandy Gervais. I just love those deep rich Fall colors. They remind me of Fall growing up in NE Ohio.

[@carolhanks7334]

Oh my gosh, your viewers are awesome, congratulations Billie, we quilters enjoy your input and no words can explain how much I enjoy Sherrie and Chelsie, and Chelsie another pattern for😊 me to order, I have done Three of your quilts and they bring me such joy, thank you!

[@charaldcomeau3971]

I’ll be doing your Hello Fall with Bountiful Blooms.

[@debbulgrin589]

oh, almost forgot...Sherri...where is my book recommendations? I have almost finished all the others you told me about! :)

[@donnabagshaw2124]

I have been pulling the gold, burgundy, brown and teal fabrics from Lori Holt's Hometown line to make Sherri's Maple Sky Remix and love the results!

[@pauladimattei6434]

Congrats Billy! Now it is really official.

[@colleenquiltstoo]

Budget tips: When your LQS has a big sale, if you haven't got a specific project in mind, buy background fabric in 3 - 4 yard pieces. Also, look at the discount rack for good fabrics for backings - they are often deeply discounted. Join a guild - they often have fabric exchanges and "quilters garage sales", where you can get fabric and notions for cheap. Look in thrift stores or yard sales for fabric. Learn how to join pieces of batting to use in another project. Or, use inexpensive fleece blankets in place of backing and batting. If you are buying for a project, just buy what the pattern tells you. Don't buy extra. Usually, the pattern maker has added in some extra in case of a cutting error, so you should be fine. In fact, I've found some patterns add in a LOT extra - it has been worth my while to do the math and see how much I can cut back on the fabric purchased. Don't get sucked into the current "must have" notion. After getting sucked in myself, many times, I made a rule for myself that I will wait at least 6 months (and better yet, a year) before buying. If I still think it's a must have, then I will get it. I have a lot fewer unused notions that way.

[@NitengaleQuiltCo]

Billy and Chelsi could make placemats as his next project. Easy little project, throw a goose on it for giggles 🤭

[@katherinem7835]

Yay, a quilt behind Billy. I love it. And thank you for remembering 9/11.

[@Kelley_stitches]

The placemat story at grandma’s house is so cute! I have memories of going to grandmas my kids not so much since 3 of their grandparents passed by the time the youngest was five. I think it would be pretty neat if you made a pattern for the placemats.

[@lauracarroll1347]

I am sewing with bountiful blooms. I love love this fabric. The pattern is Flower Shop. I love it also❤️

[@christinemg3969]

So many good topics today, first condolences to those affected by 911. 🙏 Secondly, I agree with sewing in your season it does make sewing more exciting. Third, I agree prices have gone up so much! I love the paper patterns tho so dont stop printing. Also i didnt realize how privileged I am as i order half yard bundles of all the ones I love. My budget suggestion would be a jolly bar from FQS as you get a pattern with it. If i really love the pattern I get an additional half yard or fat quarter bundle to add to the jolly bars. The backing is the hardest part of my planning bc if you don't buy it right away its gone and then you have to find something that matches later on. Usually most designers have mix and match fabric lines that can be used as a backup plan if you didnt get the fabric on time.

[@EOgma]

Great video. My quilting budget is smaller. I'm sewing through my stash and only buying what I need to finish. I have more than 2 life times of patterns, so I am donating them. It's the shipping that kills me. Unless I buy $100 from a company, I have to pay almost $9 sometimes. It's crazy.

[@jojorey6886]

Thank you for remembering 9/11.

[@rv6847]

I have a notebook where I keep pictures of crochet patterns I want to make and the yarn requirements, so when I go shopping or to a festival, I know what to look for. I really should do that for quilts, too!

[@fayeheffner752]

Due to budget restraints after having to have a couple of Huge trees cut down, I was only able to purchase one fabric collection this year. Bountiful Blooms was it! And Flower Shop pattern. Can't wait.

[@helencowen135]

Christmas placemats would be a great idea for both Chelsi & Billy!!!! Still waiting for Billy's second video......

[@michellebee1117]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@Auntie7024]

Great podcast! Loved discussion on budget, very helpful. ❤😊

[@rebeccaaguilar9550]

Thanks to all three of you. Appreciate you!

[@cindywedeking5027]

I like to buy a charm pack and border/binding and make tabletoppers or runners.

[@jaimemaranville1049]

I am cutting my beautiful bountiful blooms for Chelsi's gorgeous Hello Fall Quilt! I love that fabric and pattern combo. I can't wait to start sewing it together! Thanks for the inspiration for the fall season and all your great tips! Love your podcast, all 3 of you are doing an amazing job!

[@patbraman639]

Me too! On he pumpkins. I want to use my pumpkin décor September October and November!🎃

[@JenniferGreene321]

Great budget suggestions and yes on the prioritization. I have a list on my phone and review it periodically. And love going to shops to see the fabric in person or order a mini charm pack online (can always make a placemat 😅). I also only have fabric for specific projects. Each fabric has a “job” and the remnants are for minis, test blocks etc. Great episode today. And congrats Billy on your hole in one ⛳️

[@pampeterson3092]

Thanks for the discussion about budget and fabric collecting. There are so many beautiful fabric lines and “I WANT THEM ALL”. And, I don’t have enough time to make quilts out if all these pretty fabrics, so I need to prioritize. I follow Pat Sloan and her KZbin channel. I currently am making a pumpkin quilt using Fig Tree Cinnamon and Cream. AND….I will be doing an mystery Autumn quilt with Pat Sloan using………Bountiful Blooms and it just came in the mail today.

[@monataylor2600]

Beautiful quilts, ladies! Your fabric lines continue to entice as your podcasts evolve! Keep up the wonderful work (& growth). The sky’s the limit!

[@jeanettewithrow9641]

Just finished my regal pines and quilted it. Been doing a lot of charity sewing. Working on triple Irish chain with Cory Yoder working on Autumn gathering quilt.

[@jeanetten6908]

I appreciate your budget tips! It's difficult to forego buying some fabrics since there are so many lovely collections from which to choose. As I watched today's video, I was machine quilting my fall wall quilt that I pieced last year. I look forward to hanging it up and enjoying it this fall!

[@debbulgrin589]

i have been trying to find the time to sew fall placemats, runners etc. Can i just say how much i love Chelsi's quilts? Oh So cute! the waiting on this fabric line is killing me, but i am using the time to plan my projects! already signed up for a fat quarter bundle from the quilt shop. Might have to do some charm packs as well. Just too cute!!! and i think it will come just in time to beat the winter blues! Love to you ladies for all you do...oh and billy too!!!!

[@bunniegrant698]

Great discussion. Plus acknowledging budgeting limitations. Thanks for suggesting using small precuts.❤

[@shellydodson6895]

Question: what is the name of the quilt pattern behind Billy? I’m sure it’s been shown on the podcast but I cannot remember. Thank you for sharing your talents with us!! Love both quilts today Chelsi. I agree with everyone, would love to see Chelsi make some placemats. 😊

[@theresaquiltsscraps4929]

I really enjoyed this video especially Billy calling out Chelsi. I was thinking the same thing Billy. But I totally understand how busy Chelsi is. What is sample fabric and is it the same quality as what we buy in a quilt shop?

[@sabrinabuoniconti5008]

I have already received my Bountiful Blooms yardage😄

[@barbaralake6794]

Thanks for the budgeting advice. It’s realistic to choose and rank the collections. Also know what we are going to create with it. 😊

[@pamelalinthompson]

Yes I agree that mini charms are good to get a see and feel of the fabric in person but the actual design on the fabric are rarely that small so a lot of the beauty is missed with the small size of a mini charm.

[@shereeblack5706]

Since printing patterns is an added expense… I wish pdf would be cheaper?

[@christinemg3969]

I am currently working on a jolly bar quilt by FQS using Harvest Moon by Fig Tree Quilts that has the cutest rows of pumpkins. The fabric is beautiful, and I just love the colors. It was a very easy and quick quilt. I am ready for longarm quilting. Just need to decide on a backing.

[@debrat777]

I’m waiting on that cute little orange check in the Strawberry lemonade collection before making a fall quilt. 😊

[@debbuckingham2313]

I love watching you three so much. 🥰 I paused the video to go buy some Bountiful Blooms precuts. I cannot wait to get them!

[@marymccluskey1516]

'Love the Summer Slice Quilt, Chelsi, so cute!!!

[@debbierice1363]

Love the idea of the 2025 BOM starting end of 2024. I usually make BOM quilts for Christmas presents, and most BOMs end in December.

[@susangage9140]

Sherry just wanted to tell you thank you. I recently started epp due to two of your videos! I’m now obsessed. Thanks

[@1960Connie]

I got some Bountiful Blooms in the mail last week. It’s gorgeous!!! ❤❤❤

[@shannonfischer8088]

I received my half yard bundle and love it!!!! Cant wait to start sewing fall quilts

[@jackienelson1424]

I received my Bountiful Blooms Saturday and have it all starched and ready to make the Blockheads 5 quilt!

[@rileighking1471]

I got a Fairytale Pumpkins Grey Ghost quilt kit using Fig Tree Harvest Moon. I LOVE IT! Haven't started yet... And I also got a grey version of Chelsi's Little Town quilt kit that I also haven't started yet 🤣 so excited though! That's my first time to purchase Sherri & Chelsi fabrics!! 🤍

[@ginabethyoung3276]

Would you consider doing a “walk through” film of you house to show us how you decorated?

[@cindykruse6805]

For the PDF patterns. Will we get a discount for printing on our paper. If and when paper prices go up

[@shannonfischer8088]

I made road side harvest by corey yoder using cozy up a few yrs ago..I really really want to remake using bountiful blooms!!!! I think it would look beautiful in bountiful blooms!

[@vikkivanveldhuizen2290]

Believe it or not, I just bought my very first jelly roll, layer cake, and fat quarter bundle. All of them were from Bountiful Bloom. ❤

[@lindseyr4966]

I really enjoyed this chatty-family-episode.

[@susanlee1827]

I just received my “Evermore” fat quarter bundle from SweetFire Road. Jackie does a beautiful job designing and I’m so glad I grabbed the bundle. I’ve got a few ideas for it, but may use some of it for BH5…maybe. Lol😂

[@jaynaraymond9574]

Love, love , love the quilts today!! Great podcast! ❤️

[@kristiparker4139]

LOVE your quilts today, Chelsea!!

[@mariawells8026]

Beautiful episode! Thank you all. Sherri you mentioned a pumpkin & acron swag and wondered if you can note where to find the pattern? Thanks so much!!

[@katherinem7835]

I want to make a maple leaf quilt with fig tree's all hallows eve. I want to do an orange and cream quilt.

[@debbierice1363]

Yes, Chelsi. You need to make family placemats for your kids ❤️❤️

[@kellyholtz8830]

I have 3-4 designers that I buy. Always you and Camille and then 2 others sometimes. Still hard to stay on a budget. And Chelsi is right, I take note of preorders and when I’ll be paying.