Episode 129: How Much Fabric Should I Buy, Masculine Fabric Lines & Paper Patterns vs PDF

[@diannehenningsgard1692]

I don't know if anyone else does this but I rewatch older episodes when I quilt. I love listening to the 3 of you and I learn or relearn so much. Thank you ❤❤❤

[@janwilliams4874]

I really appreciated the discussion about how much of a fav collection to purchase...like when is enough, enough? Here is my "go to" strategy and really this applies to anything I border on becoming gluttonous about....I purchase what I know/think I need for a project(s) I may (or may not yet) have in mind. Then before I buy any more, I donate the equivalent dollar amt of what I would spend if I did buy more, to an animal sanctuary/rescue/shelter. If I still feel like I want to buy more, then I do. But, before I make multiple purchases thereafter, I donate in between each purchase. This helps me stay in check, by considering the greater good for society and not buying for myself "just because I can". It does take discipline!

[@raygilliam8472]

Good for you, that is so awesome! I live in Oregon about 30 miles from Lee Asher's animal sanctuary. He's doing great things for animals. I was so happy that a donation was made in my name this year for a Christmas gift. I donate too!

[@Lonequilter22]

Billy, I agree with you that a printed book is best. I've had a kindle for several years but still like a hard copy. Love your input on the program.

[@gloriavelebir9335]

I’m 66. I don’t have a computer or printer. When I go to Staples for a PDF free pattern it costs more than a printed pattern. I’m happy to pay for the paper and shipping. To include all it’s best to offer both.

[@ravenoverton6078]

Have you tried going to your local public library?

[@janbrassard7857]

Thank you for offering both. I live in rural Canada and the nearest place to get patterns printing is 100 miles away. So ordering the paper pattern is way more cost effective for me

[@jeanetten6908]

I make children's quilts for Project Linus and often have trouble finding masculine fabrics for boys' quilts. Thanks for your podcasts and many helpful suggestions!

[@rileighking1471]

Love a lot of Camille Roskelley's blues 💙 for quilts for my husband. She's got 3 boys in her home and always has great inspiration for masculine quilts.

[@christinemg3969]

I enjoy printed patterns because just like a book collection you have a pattern collection. It is also easier for me to go to my bin and look thru my patterns and decide what to make than going to my computer and seeing just file names. I also sometimes forget I bought the pdf and land up buying it again.

[@vickiraub360]

I prefer the quality and convenience of a printed paper pattern. Keeping an electronic device in my machine area, with everything else that's there would make me crazy from a clutter perspective. My printer is okay for scanning and printing for items of short term use - recipes, etc. It cannot begin to compare to professional quality printing for print and picture quality. Printing a PDF also involves personal costs for a printer, paper and inks. I personally have lost unused PDFS when the electronic device "bites the dust" and I had not yet printed the pattern, I shy away from PDFS for these reasons. I think the availability of both options is a win / win. Enjoyed the podcast, as always. Happy New Year🎉

[@michelinelavoie4844]

I totally enjoy watching your podcast,.. keep up the good work. I have been teaching all levels of quilting since 2004. I love having men in my classes or helping them choose fabrics. They have a different way of looking at fabric and color than women do. The colors they choose are like oh boy, that is not going to work, but once the quilt is made it is magnificent. I have learned a lot from just watching the men work fabric. Have a great day and keep up your wonderful work in the fabric and pattern world.

[@sandikae7682]

I loved the viewer questions today. The discussion of paper vs. PDF patterns was interesting. For me personally, I prefer paper, primarily because I have a finicky printer. It’s just easier for me to purchase paper. Sherri mentioned increased printing costs, for me as long as a pattern is well organized and well illustrated I willing to pay the cost if a pattern needs to be more detailed. Also, your patterns are shipped in a very timely manner. Then the discussions went to paper or digital books. In my younger years I always preferred hard copy. Over the years I have had eye surgeries, and now I’m premarital digital format, because I can use my Nook app to change the font size.

[@sandikae7682]

Oops, I think my iPad auto corrected, in my last sentence it should have read that i now purchase PRIMARILY digital books.

[@melaniekey-k4o]

I enjoy the biweekly podcasts for this reason…. It keeps up excited to see your podcast. Secondly I feel weekly would become to use to it that they won’t watch every week!!! Love you guys. ❤❤❤❤

[@shannonh4359]

I absolutely prefer having paper patters. I like to keep them in my binder and I appreciate that you have them available. I like the color covers.

[@CGee17]

Loved this conversation and wanted to mention how much I loved Smoke and Rust from Lella Boutique.

[@RuthK-b5i]

Me too!

[@kellihorger707]

Love the podcast! Yall are my favorite! Tim Holtz does amazing Masculine fabric lines.

[@quiltendeb]

Interesting question about fabric purchase. There has been several fabric lines that when I use some of it I just have to replace what I used. That has come in handy so many times too when say I make a Christmas quilt, then receiver wants a tree skirt out of it, then someone else wants stockings made. See where I am going. This story helps me justify quite a few of my purchases. Hahaha. Favorite things was a line of fabric like that. As well as Moda thatched as a go to “ solid”. I use to do that to Jinny Breyer fabrics back in the day. Yes, I have more fabric than I will ever use, but also enjoy the process of searching my stash for just the right fabric. Love your podcast and your fabric and patterns.

[@TheKatyTemple]

The pdf vs print conversation is so interesting. It leads to a bigger conversation of ownership and how we “own” things these days. Think movies, music, etc. For me, I prefer a printed copy, but I don’t mind printing it myself. But if it’s a pdf, I will be printing it because you just never know what will happen with technology. Computers crash all the time. Call me old fashion, but I prefer a hard copy…books, patterns, movies, music…

[@lanastewart7310]

Love your podcasts! I think red, white, and blue patriotic fabrics can definitely be for men! Thank you for all your inspiration and beautiful fabrics! ❤

[@debbiebrugman1238]

I get Cheryl’s question. My favorite collection of all time is Corey Yoder’s 2018 Pepper & Flax. I am obsessed with the yellows and greens. I originally ordered a fq bundle (none of my lqs carried her line) and when it arrived, I was more in love so for the next 3 years I scoured the Internet and quilt shops buying up whatever I could find. Jelly rolls. Charm packs. Yardage. At a qs on a road trip through Cameron, Missouri I found several near empty bolts and bought it all. A quilt store was going out of business in California and I bought what she had. I still have two huge drawers packed full of it. Whenever I open the drawer and look at it, I smile, it makes me happy. I am also obsessed with Minnick and Simpson’s patriotic fabrics and have been buying up their collections. I didn’t have to break the bank or go into debt. I just re-prioritized my wants and needs. Reduced my entertainment, clothing and unnecessary necessities budget and moved that money over to my fabric bucket. And honestly, it hasn’t even been a sacrifice.

[@lauraswensen5898]

Billy should have is own fabric collection. Just a thought!! Have a Happy New Year 🎈

[@waikikialoha6300]

I always love your fabrics and quilt designs and I especially love Chelsea’s Pines pattern. (The trees). I look forward to more great fabrics and patterns in 2025.

[@PattyB521]

Tim Holtz fabrics are frequently very masculine in both color and designs. I love the look of quilts made with his fabric.

[@Derf56]

Another great podcast! For those looking for more masculine fabrics I would suggest Zen Chic - her fabrics are often geometric and more modern.

[@RuthK-b5i]

And her colors are good for a masculine quilt

[@marykauffman3686]

Thanks! Another great episode and some really interesting questions!

[@rosaleejarman2406]

Hi! Sherri,Chelsy&Billy, I have watched all of your episodes. I am a great fan! I am so excited to come to your retreat in May!!!!! I was fortunate to get into the second one. I will be counting the days❤❤❤

[@carmenbailey1560]

I’m just sharing my thoughts on patterns, it reflects the same as a real good book. If I absolutely love the pattern, where I plan on repeating it’s going to be a paper pattern, if it’s going to be a one off it’s a PDF. Thanks for sharing with us. Wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR. 👍❤️😊

[@PattiMac00]

I have done your BOM for the last 5 years. Love them so much, thank you!

[@joycehart569]

Thanks!

[@mizmerrill]

Your podcast frequency is perfect for me. I think your content has greater depth and is better thought out than others that are more frequent. I also like that you don’t try to do “too much”-whatever that means to you. Everything about your podcast is just right, in my estimation. Happy New Year to you all! Thanks for everything you do! 🎉

[@quiltsforsurvivors3502]

I like and prefer PdF patterns. I live in Canada and many of them would ship from the USA. I like the instant download and that I can start the pattern the same day.

[@colleenfrancis5899]

I'm loving instant PDF's and books! Takes up no space in my house! ( Although I did need to buy an iPad with more storage! 🤭)

[@vckstr312]

I am wanting to do quilts for my grown grandsons and have purchased Wake at the Lake from Riley Blake. Finding fishing and hunting fabrics to go with it is difficult, but it is my challenge for the coming year.

[@gailnash298]

I also have too much fabric but love it all. The problem is that if I don't buy it and it is sold out (like Strawberry Lemonade!), then I'm sad that I missed the opportunity to purchase when I could. When Strawberry Lemonade was reprinted, I was so happy to have had a second chance. But that doesn't always happen. So I went over my budget (always do) and stocked up. "See it, like it, buy it" because the opportunity may be gone and you will regret it. Same with Nantucket Summer by Camille Roskelly... I didn't buy enough at the first opportunity and looking forward to July to stock up! Yes, over my budget again but at least I have my fabric!!! I love your podcasts.... I've seen them all and just love listening and watching ❤. Thank you, Sherri, Chelsi and Billy! Happy New Year to you and your families!

[@janmatthiesen4142]

Im a printed pattern person too. Like the booklet type.

[@kerrycroom7459]

Each time I see regal pines I love it more, definitely bucket list pattern!❤

[@debbiebraatz1919]

Stacy Itsu does some masculine lines, just recently there has been a “Fishing” line, and Horses, and this summer there will be a “BigFoot” more masculine liner coming.

[@RuthK-b5i]

Yes. And looking forward to her new fall/halloween line along with the patterns. Thanks to your quilt week videos of some of the designers! Thanks for making and sharing those!

[@victoriapaetow4376]

6:47 am at the Space Coast. I love listening to you. Can’t wait to Jan 13th. Happy New year!!

[@theresaquiltsscraps4929]

I'm also from the Space Coast and love listening to the Quilting Life. They make my day. It's always enjoyable listening to Sherri, Chelsi and Billy.

[@sherriharris6142]

Love Vanessa 's smoke and rust for masculine quilts

[@vickypetry1049]

Thank you for offering paper patterns. I much prefer purchasing this was. If I am in a hurry will purchase pdf, but much prefer paper. Thank you so much!❤

[@susanlee1827]

Interesting question about the masculine quilt fabric. I know you are a Moda designer, but batiks are a thing; as well as Northcott fabrics, since they do LOTS of scenery/animal/ocean/geometric. All of those are excellent choices. Also: I do love paper patterns, HOWEVER! I purchase pdf when available due to space restriction. Another reason is due to the fact that I download my patterns into marked files in my iPhone so that I ALWAYS have the information available when shopping for materials to do a project. It has saved me many times!!

[@zanaruby1304]

I agree. Batiks or flannels is where I go for masculine colors and prints.

[@lorieblum8894]

I was thinking the same about Batiks. I was also thinking patriotic colors are good for a masculine quilt. Don’t have to use patriotic pattern, but the navy colors can be used well for a male quilt with a touch of red. At least some of the prints aren’t floral.

[@vickypetry1049]

Good morning Billy, Chelsi and Sherri! I love watching your videos 1st thing in am. Just ordered Regal Pines pattern. I hope you all have a Healthy, Happy New Year !!❤❤❤

[@CheapEngineerCrafts]

I’m a non-fussy woman and don’t care for frilly/floral prints. I loved Smoke and Rust. I tend to buy collections that are holiday themed bc of that

[@daniellewilson4778]

I’m always on the lookout for masculine (or at least androgynous) fabric lines. Masculine doesn’t have to mean plaid, hunting, fishing, cars… Zen Chic sometimes has lines that are not so feminine. Tim Holtz has grittier, more masculine feeling fabrics. But most of the time, I end up combining multiple lines because I can’t find what I’m looking for.

[@maryh4554]

Happy New Year!🎊

[@kerrycroom7459]

Yes, I will always have hard/paper copies of my favorite books/patterns.

[@colleenrenegar7770]

I’m going to be making a quilt for my great nephew who is 9, and because I want it to last him a long time I am using stripes, plaids, and some geometric designs. Still deciding whether I want to just do squares or half squares triangles.

[@kimpatterson2333]

When I love a fabric line, I buy a fat quarter bundle but when I’m crazy in love with a fabric line, I buy a half yard bundle!! ❤❤❤

[@DebraDrew-hf7jy]

You mentioned paper piecing vs machine piecing. Which do you prefer and why? I have never paper pieced and I’ve seen Kimberly with Fat Quarter Shop use paper for some of her pieces and it seems like a lot of extra work. What are the advantages of paper piecing?

[@daniellewilson4778]

As a librarian, I’ll say that our circulation of physical materials is decreasing, while circulation of electronic materials is increasing. It’s not the same as quilting patterns, but it’s definitely a trend. For something that I treat like popcorn, like popular fiction, I just download it and read it in my Libby App. But for things I need to refer back and forth with, I prefer a hard copy. I’ll almost always buy a printed quilt pattern or quilt book over a PDF. It really bothers me when folks charge the same amount for pdf and hard copies. I print things out, so it does cost me more (even just a little bit) if I end up buying a pdf.

[@Tlea064]

Morning, I love your podcast! My question is how do you store your patterns?

[@DebraDrew-hf7jy]

I love the feel of a physical book in my hands, but when I lived in England I bought my Kindle because it is easier in flight. However, at 73 the print in even the hardcover books is too small for me so I have to get e-books. I use my iPad for my books. Hat being said, I truly miss the feel of a book.

[@judithmanning2327]

I read all my books on my iPad. I download them from my local library or a large city library.. we have so many books in the house, collecting dust.

[@maureentaphouse5206]

As I live in the Uk and many patterns are hard to buy in paper form that makes PDF options a great time and cost saver.

[@caroline-brisbane8577]

The struggle is real, regarding masculine prints, the plaid ones I like are flannel. Unfortunately too hot in Qld.

[@michellejaggard9657]

Pat Sloan uses the largest size to keep her large blocks she is working on to stay organized, and has a storage place under her machine to keep 3 or 4 up-right.

[@michellejaggard9657]

QUESTION: I too am confused about retreats. I hear quilters say I am taking my Regal Pines guilt along with in hopes to get it finished. (So what is the point of going to a retreat? Can't you do that at home? and it would be free?)I thought a retreat was to take a class to learn something new? They provide fabric (or you buy new fabric there (or bring fabric from home, they tell you before hand how much?) they teach a new quilt and give you a new pattern? Just what is up.

[@gaylepryor9927]

Northcott does a lot of outdoors. Tim Holtz. Seth Apler and more modern designers like Ebond and zen chic

[@francespiquemal8813]

Thank you for this recommendation.

[@helenpeddycord2241]

Love your podcasts! Question? Realizing the cost of printing has increased quite a bit, why is a PDF the same cost for customer purchase. No paper printing for the seller and no cost for shipping since it’s a download. The major cost falls on the consumer, the cost of the pattern and then the cost to have multiple pages printed😭 I do appreciate that you keep your pattern cost lower than some of the others💕Thank you!

[@bethg7931]

I agree. She said they were the same price to offset the cost of printing, but that seems a little unfair.

[@debbiebrugman1238]

Tara Reed creates great masculine collections.

[@ashleywelch6095]

I will always choose paper patterns over PDF. I need the color references and the ability to underline and mark up the patterns.

[@nhager]

I like paper patterns as they are a better print quality than I get from my printer. I have used a couple of lines by Carolyn friedliner (maybe that is the spelling) who did an architectural design on her fabrics. Also Camille did some lines that were more masculine because she has boy children.

[@ELLENJOHNSON-lj6hq]

PDF due to instant gratification :). Then you have the option to print. If it was a sampler, then paper as full color can be helpful. Even better free PDF add on with your paper copy purchase.

[@lissyjanebult6309]

Tim Holtz designs beautiful fabric that is both masculine and feminine! It’s called Eclectic Elements

[@juliasander1680]

I think I choose PDF’s because you get them immediately. If I am in a store, I like to buy printed patterns.

[@marionvoorhees9515]

Billy Reue is a designer for Free Spirit I think . His stuff is very interesting and masculine . He was an architect first.

[@caroline-brisbane8577]

For me in Australia sometimes a pdf is a better option. Edit ps I was able to get a paper copy from my quilt store.

[@Carol_Sews]

Masculine quilts don’t just have to be plaids, stripes, sports, or animals. If you want novelty prints for hobbies, you can probably find a fabric to which you can add solids or geometric blenders. I’d also look for fabric lines that lean more modern than Moda lines. There are several male designers for FreeSpirit that have some interesting prints.

[@francespiquemal8813]

Thank you for this recommendation.

[@debbiebrugman1238]

Tara Reed also creates great masculine collections.

[@giselaa6111]

For me being overseas it’s a lot cheaper with pdf than paper copies 👍🏻❤

[@lisastroble4743]

Doug Leko has great designs that could be considered more masculine.

[@marlenepaumen8903]

I agree that there is a need for more masculine fabrics. Many of us make adult men quilts. Not just baby boy quilts. That might be a fabric niche you should consider designing. Just a thought. I know I wish someone would. 😊

[@debbiebrugman1238]

@ marlenepaumen8903 - Check out Tara Reed. I believe she is now with Riley Blake. She has lovely masculine collections. I have purchased several including her golf, chess and lake lines.

[@marlenepaumen8903]

@ I will. Thank you for the suggestion. I’m not opposed to masculine themed fabric lines but I’d also like just nice fabric lines without a theme that are more masculine in design & color.

[@valeriebarber5302]

Printed patterns have a postage cost. Will pdf become cheaper as printing goes up.

[@shirleyberryhill3911]

I have a problem with fat quarters,I will open my drawer and look at it and shut the drawer.

[@bethg7931]

All the talk of fabric and how much to buy, and whether or not to use, it is such a first world conversation. And I’m not trying to be judgmental, but I just think there are so many bigger things in life, and I am more and more of the mindset that just having something to have it, is frivolous. I have a lot of fabric, not near what I have seen other people have and of course, not near what I see on the shelves in Sherri’s sewing room, but I have committed to working my way through it and then buying fabric that I like and using it beyond that. Having more fabric than I can use in my lifetime just really seems unnecessary, and honestly, I just can’t justify it. I know that the way I am thinking is not very popular among fabric collectors, but after the recent loss of my husband, I just realize how short life is, and I need to focus on the important things.

[@helencowen135]

Billy would be great to design a Guy Collection

[@kimwood5239]

I love a PDF pattern like last week I lost a pattern I went on line to see if they had it on PDF so I could make the wreath before my friend moved and they didn’t have it. So disappointing!

[@nikkireynolds9514]

PDF patterns and ebooks: Sometimes it is just too hard to store all of one’s favorite books, patterns, pattern books in one’s physical space. The older one gets, the more true this is. E-books and pdf patterns save me. Plus, I can store all of my pdf patterns in one app, and find anything I want easily. So I expect you will all grow to love the electronic formats more as the years pass.

[@teresaallen4933]

Great video. I have a question. I'm a beginner quilter. Would joining a guild help me. I'm kinda afraid of taking this step.

[@susanlee1827]

Shop around. Guilds can be vastly different and being able to gain knowledge and guidance from others who are willing to embrace your beginner status and thought process is very important. There are a million ways to do things and being open to accepting others ways is important for you as well as others in the group you choose. Best wishes! ❤

[@judithmurphy419]

I have too much fabric.....not sure how to combine colors....I need to build a sewing room organization room. (more money to chase money already spent 😞)

[@robinburt7196]

Remember Billy knows quilting. 😉

[@annamcarthur3409]

From my point of view, it can depend on the quality of one's printer that may help decide between purchasing a Printed version or downloading a PDF. My printer is not that good so I would buy a Printed version most of the time.

[@dsch7080]

Although I love quilt books and printed patterns I do prefer pdf-patterns because I live abroad and that adds international shipping fees and taxes to the price.

[@vikkivanveldhuizen2290]

I prefer the paper patterns.

[@gomezpnp]

❤

[@shelly5505]

I’m n the discussion of manly material, Tim Holtz’s line lend more masculine

[@francespiquemal8813]

Thank you for this recommendation.

[@tampabaylisa6151]

I prefer a pdf. I like to write all over my patterns when I make them; if I have the pdf, I can always print a fresh one if I make a pattern more than once. I also like to mix things up, so I can print only the parts I need. I usually back my computer files up on an external hard drive monthly.

[@debbiebraatz1919]

I also don’t have a computer or printer so can’t do PDF patterns ☹️

[@helenm8976]

The graphics are better on a booklet copy than a pdf copy.

[@robinthompson40]

My daughters prefer non floral prints for their boy quilts.

[@nikkireynolds9514]

Question: Quilt patterns and pattern design - this is a confusing topic for me, because almost none of them are truly original. They are all based on existing blocks or “units”. Seriously, is there a new HST quilt pattern, really? You can make nearly anything from that unit, but they have been used by millions of quilters by now. Surely every possible pattern has been created already. Yes, you can make it from different fabric, but the pattern is still the same. Sorry this is such a long question, but I’m having trouble explaining why I’m confused. When is a quilt pattern really new? PS: I’m not knocking your patterns, nor anyone else’s. Sometimes one just wants someone else to “do the math” for a particular size quilt with a particular mix of light, dark and medium fabrics. But it just doesn’t seem like anyone can claim their patterns are unique.

[@marinaabad4995]

You are so right, especially using an electronic quilt software. Copyright issues. If you use a standard quilt block & design a quilt, do you own the copyright? If using electronic software, why do you own the copyright? Most purchased quilt patterns say don't make copies without permission of the author, but it's PDF & you print it, you can print it over & over, without permission of the author. Current copyright laws are inadequate for patterns with all the electronic software to make quilt patterns, embroidery patterns, knitting/crocheting patterns, & sewing/garment patterns, especially with the PDF options.

[@judithmurphy419]

OK, Constantly forget the name of the log cabin hearts and homes quilt ?????

[@nikainun]

I prefer pdf copies to printed copies because shipping to my country is too expensive. But, why do pdf patterns cost more than paper patterns when there is no cost involved in the printing by the designer, but the customer buying the pdf copy still has to get it printed and that's additional cost to the customer. Thank you

[@mearis8133]

If it costs more for designers to print patterns, then PDF's should be offered at a lower cost because ink and paper costs the consumer.

[@vanessaking4252]

Tim holt and seth aper masculine lines

[@baseballquilter]

Sorry, I can't leave an apple review. My only outlet is KZbin. ❤😊

[@cherylthompson4250]

I don’t understand why a PDF pattern is the same price as a printed paper, when you don’t have to pay for the printing. Seems like that savings should be passed along to the PDF buyer. I do realize this a not just you guys, that it is industry wide.

[@susiekaiser1]

A PDF pattern doesn’t save you money when it must be printed to use it. Printing ink is expensive. Yes, I save postage but paper and ink aren’t cheap. If a designer charges more for the PDF then I don’t really want that pattern in PDF.

[@sandrafamuliner8741]

I prefer purchasing a printed pattern.