Mar 6, 2009

Frugal Friday


In honor of Finn's Frugal Fridays (and with deepest respect for the state of the economy) I am only sewing from scraps and stash. Not just talking about it...doing it. And we're looking for YOU to join us!

Now, I'm always been thrifty....even been on the front page of the news for it...and I've always sewn from donated fabric...... but this is the time to really buckle up, huddle down, and step up to the plate...is that enough colloquialisms for a recession era economy?

Here in Oregon, unemployment is at 10% and many of our businesses are closing, downsizing and small businesses like ours are without work. On top of that many are without jobs and without any money coming in. So, when I say recession, I'm not making jokes about stash reduction and trying not to shop...times are serious, there's no joke about it...but, we can still be optimistic and have lots of frugal fun!!!!

So, with that in mind, I threw caution to the winds, scraps to the floor, and put metal to the pedal for fast and furious sewing fun. Now, keep in mind, I don't sleep so I have LOTS more sewing time than you do ;) but still...I whipped these puppies up in no time!


For one wonderful thing, I found all of these little orphan starter blocks in my scrap bag. Little bits and pieces of leftovers...desperate for a new home and a little loving. That's a wonderful way to get going in a hurry! When you're down and out....and so sad you feel like you're turning blue....there's nothing like scrappy sewing to bring you back up again. Play that music loud, girls and get those motors humming!

It's "Frugal Friday"...time for some sewing fun!!! In no time, I had these happy, scrappy little blocks all lined up. No thinking, no planning, no resizing, no un-quilting allowed. Just sew something and make it fun!!! And if you don't like it when it's finished...I can guarantee that someone else will!

And if you want to work on something else in between...lay your blocks out as if for an audition.... and roll them up and put them away for the next free and liberating happy-scrappy Frugal Friday Fun!

So join me, add this link to a post when you join in today or any day:
With Heart and Hands.....: Frugal Friday

Check out :
Depression era quilting at Woman Folk.com's Frugal Quilting Fun
My inspiration: Finn's Frugal Fridays

Printable 40% off coupon for Joann Fabrics courtesy of the coupon show on Rachel Ray good through Oct. 24, 2009

7 comments:

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

I'm in! ;)

Myra said...

Hey Michele! Stitch on, stitch on with your Frugal Friday! Good for you! I'll stick with my UFOs for now... 8-)
Sorry to hear of your loss in Keira... I know that pain... Take care.

Finn said...

Hi Michele, thanks for the heads up on your actions *VBS* Welcome to the low cost addition of Orphan Train thinking *VBS*
Your post is wonderful, very stimulating and enthusastic, thanks for the linking! I've got MAM(mile a minute)blocks going and a new string quilt using fabric from old clothes for the squares. See you soon, hugs, Finn

quiltmom anna said...

Michele,
My mother always said when life gives you lemons make lemonade and that is what this project reminds me of- Making the best out of what we have and finding the positive voice- THanks for the inspiration-and the uplifting thoughts - it is most appreciated..
I will keep this project in mind for summertime...
Life is kind of busy these days ..
Regards,
Anna

Joanne Lendaro said...

Michele,
Congrats and good luck on your Frugil Friday's!! I too, and attempting to watch everything that I buy. Looking hard at what is on hand, and if I NEED anything I head right for the clearance areas in all of the stores. Your blog is great, thanks for the inspiration!

Mary Johnson said...

Good for you! I'm doing a series of Log Cabin quilts this year just from my strips and strings. I've got two tops completed and will be starting blocks for a 3rd. I have a hazy goal of getting 12 done this year but I've got lots of other things in the works so not sure if I'll hit that one.

Tracey @ozcountryquiltingmum said...

Oh, Frugal Friday looks fabulous to me!!!(Especially as I don't sleep much either!!) well done Michele!
Sorry to hear about your cat, 7 is too young!
And I like DWTS as well, but we only get the US version in snippets on Entertainment tonight! Tracey