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Tuesday, July 28, 2020

When Love Comes Calling -


Or in this case – Love comes mewing!

It all began yesterday – out of the blue.  I was talking to my dad on the phone – enjoying the morning on the front porch at Quiltville Inn where I still have a half-decent phone signal thanks to installing a Verizon booster tower.

I hear “Meow!  Meow!  Meow!”  And I look over and there is a kitty sitting on the concrete pad at the back door of the QPO.

I leave the porch, I start walking across the grass, and here comes little kitty to meet me in the middle.

“Oh, my love at last I found you…….”

Who are you, kitty?  Where did you come from?

Hungry little thing!

Loud purring going on.

Loads of wrapping around my ankles, wanting to be held.


Pretty coloring – stripes and socks!


And so much snuggling!

Pardon the Covid hair – I haven’t had a haircut in 7 months.  Lock down happened 2 days before I had a scheduled appointment and I just have no desire to enter a salon of any kind right now.

I haven't worn makeup since February.  So much change, not always for the better!

And here I was gearing up to head to Wallburg for the window AC unit retrieval, and more stash hauling.

What to do with a new kitty?  Click to Play:


I did the morning mail order round while watching Lola and the new one – a bit of hissing, a little growl here and there – but no threatening moves.  More like “You stay over there and I’ll watch you from over here.”


There is also no problem here!

By her size I am guessing 6 to 8 months.  But I’m not a vet, and it’s been a long long time since I have had a kitten around so it is just a guess.

Where we are located on the corner of two highways with no other homes around – I have a feeling she was dumped down by the creek below the inn.  That happens quite a bit out here.

I will get her to the vet to see if she is chipped, but it can’t happen for a few days as today I have the HVAC guys coming.  I have asked at the USPS up the road if they have heard of anyone missing a cat.

If she is not chipped, and no owner is found, then I will feel safe to name her.  I am leaning toward Ivy, due to her beautiful green eyes.


Packing the stash – load 2!

The stash cabinets in the basement at the Wallburg house now stand empty.  All fabric has been placed into clear tubs and are in the garage/shop at the retreat house where it is climate controlled.

This has been such a daunting task!  I uncovered so many beautiful pieces that I forgot I even had as I was moving fabric stacks from shelves to bins. 

I am blessed with abundance.

It looks like I will get my wish after all – I wanted to spend my retirement years turning out charity quilts.  I could do that for the next 20 plus years without having to buy anything but batting and thread (And even that would be a long way down the line at this point.)

I will reorganize and cull a bit as I set back up.

Once again I am singing the praises of scrappy backings to use up a lot of funky and “why did I buy this, I swear I never bought this!” stuff.

I will be shopping my stash first before I shop anywhere else.  I can’t continue to add to this without a present need.

The sheer volume of this takes my breath away.

That may sound harsh to some as we think about the economy, but I fully believe that with my supporting quilt shops and fabric shops over the past several decades also comes the privilege of sewing with what I purchased with my support over the many years.

I believe in being a good steward over what I have brought into my creative space.  I want to sew.  That’s the part that brings me the most joy.

I know I am not alone in this – so my promise to you who are also in the same situation – there will be more fun quilts to make that focus on using what we have on hand.

There was once a funny bumper sticker that read “I’m spending my children’s inheritance!”  In the case of my kids – they don’t want the fabric as an inheritance.  They would rather inherit the quilts.  (Even if they end up putting them on Ebay before I’m even cold in the ground! LOL!)


Let’s get sewing!

It’s going to be a great time!

As soon as I find a way to put it all away, that is!

How are you feeling about YOUR stash today?  Does it intimidate you or inspire you?



Quiltville Quote of the Day -

This year. Just. You know?

Lord, please help me keep my sense of humor!

Have a lovely Tuesday, everyone!


117 comments:

  1. I too could spend the next 20 years sewing with what I have. (More coming in the mail this week.) Along with that, when my MIL passed, I acquired all of her fabric. My DH says the house is going to implode from the weight of all the bins. My stash is not organized, crammed into containers with no organization what so ever. Maybe you could come to my house and help with that endeavor?

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  2. Love the kitty, have a soft spot for them- what gorgeous eyes! Hope you can get her looked at soon. A beautiful stash is a gift- like a full box of paints. Hope your AC can be fixed ASAP. I hope the stash inspired you and got your creative juices going.

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  3. I too could spend the next 20 years sewing with what I have. (More coming in the mail this week.) Along with that, when my MIL passed, I acquired all of her fabric. My DH says the house is going to implode from the weight of all the bins. My stash is not organized, crammed into containers with no organization what so ever. Maybe you could come to my house and help with that endeavor?

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  4. I love this post! I have a huge stash and would love to sew along with you making charity quilts. I can't wait to start with you on this project that will most likely last the rest of my life.

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  5. Cute kitty. Cora (short for corona).

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  6. I love my stash. It is huge and way more than I need, but I don't care! It's so nice to be able to make quilts by just going to my stash and picking everything that I want. Nope...no regrets here! What I really need is more space!

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  7. I sure enjoy your blog. I always read to the end. I also have a huge stash, I am using it to make quilts for local children. With the help of a few ladies from church we have made 22 quilts since March. Now we are working on pillowcases to go with the quilts. I am donating my fabrics for this project and I am loving it.

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  8. Esmeralda Or Esme
    Meaning Emerald. 😊

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  9. You could name your new kitty ❤️ “Lovey” ❤️

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    Replies
    1. So funny someone dropped off a cat at my house,Could not find a home for her so she stayed,loss my husband quite suddenly,and now Lovey is my companion. She fits the name, all she wanted was love.

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  10. I love reading your post every morning, That gets me motivated! Ivy will have a great home with Zoey and Lola, she is adorable. We just bought a king size bed which I don’t have a quilt that fits it, I’m making your new leader ender so it may just make it to the new bed! I love you and your energy!

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  11. back in the 1980's, I worked 10 years for a chain fabric store when we lived in Wisconsin. We had moved locally a few times and I think I cleverly disguised my stash as packing material or padding so it was never visible in total. Until we moved across country. It was truly shocking how much I had. At that time it filled 18 30-gallon totes not counting misc notions and supplies. To make matters worse we moved into a small apartment and I had to store most everything for 3 years. After another move across country I was finally able to have a sewing room. I worked out of my stash for a good amount of time, gave a lot away and when we moved this last time I was down to just 9 tubs. Right now, just 6 have fabric in them. I recently pulled fabrics for a black and white theme pieced project that will include year 2000 millennial prints, and fabrics I remember buying the last week I worked in the fabric store 30 years ago! It feels good to use what I have but I wish my younger self knew better. The best cats are the ones that find you! Best wishes your new spare cat finds her real home with you!

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  12. Thanks for the great laugh with your quote! I'd go for it if I could (Mom passed away many years ago). My name suggestion is Jade.

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  13. Stash - oh the beautiful stash - I found your blog nearly 20 years ago when I first started quilting and your scrappy backs have been a mainstay for me through the years to use those fabrics that just couldn't "fit" anywhere else. (LOVE the name Ivy BTW) I don't always follow your designs "to the letter" but you have inspired me in so many ways through the years (and I even have a couple of quilts you quilted for me way back when). I agree that moving the stash (from one room to another or longer distance as you are now) is a healthy thing to do to revisit just what (and how much) we have. LOVE my stash - and I'm enjoying watching you work with yours.

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  14. That kitty has beautiful soul searching eyes. I do hope that she will become the new member of your family. You already have fabric.😁

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  15. Have fun! You taught me a new word today - thank you. I won't say which one, but I had to look one up, and now I know. Now to try and add it to my vocabulary. :-)

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  16. I have a very large stash. It was even bigger but I’ve started sending it to the French General Navajo Project. As I fill boxes, I remind myself that if a particular fabric calls my name, I am OK with keeping it.

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  17. Suggested name: Special Delivery

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  18. What a joy to have so much without having to go shopping in this time! I really envy the stash you have! I have a small one that is getting smaller by the day. I enjoy your blog, Bonnie, it makes my day.

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  19. But you do help the economy, and quilt shops! You provide the patterns and inspiration for others to create.

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  20. What a beautiful scrappy colored edition you have. I am hoping this Gypsy (my name suggetion) has found a forever home. I pray it wasn't a dump...that hurts my heart. I hope she is just a traveler that has finally found her forever home.

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  21. I am moving to a new house and folding & restocking by color on my shelves. 3 boxes done, 4 to go. I, too, have fabrics I do not remember. There are some pieces I am not keeping. Will donate. The oldest piece I have found is a Cranston Print works (no designer info) dated 1987. My largest color collection is green! It’s a bit overwhelming, but I’m taking it one pile at a time!!

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  22. What a sweet name of Ivy. I don't have a large stash but using it for charity/comfort quilts for our Quilt Club to give away. It's always wonderful to give them away. Any quick patterns for charity quilts? Thanks for all you do.

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  23. Beautiful kitty! Maybe she was "sent" to be a companion for Lola. Lucky kitty to find a safe cat-loving place. I love having a stash to shop and have tried to be more deliberate about new fabric purchases the past couple of years. I have a happy balance of using what I have, and supporting the local quilt shop. What I really need now is to have my stash better organized.

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  24. You are a professional quilter. This fabric represents the tools of your trade. A manufacturer does not scoff at her raw materials cache, nor should a carpenter regret a single board hoard. Knowing this, I can still envy your organization, but never can I judge your stash.

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  25. Your quote made me guffaw out loud! I hope it is all right for me to paste a copy, with credit, on my personal FB page. My friends and family will enjoy it, too.

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  26. I could easily sew for the next 20 years from my stash. I just don't have the space to organize it.

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  27. Love my stash to pieces. Don't want to de-stash it or give any of it away. I just want to make more quilts. I've decided several years ago I have to live to be at least 150 yrs. young to use it all up. Or sew a lot faster. LOL That kitty's eyes are so beautiful. You can just see the love in her. I'd call her Lovey, just because.

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  28. Love the name Ivy! We had a calico we named Ivy for the same reason.

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  29. She's adorable. How about Keeper?
    I have a large stash also. I love it. I also enjoy going through it and seeing all my treasures.

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  30. I too can sew from my stash for the next 20 years or so! The first name that came to mind for the kitty is Boots.
    We have never gone out looking for cats. They always find us!

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  31. I could see for quite a while and not shop either!
    Why not name the new fur baby “Stitch”?, then you’d have Lola & Stitch- remember LILO &Stitch? 😊

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  32. I love the story of your stash for fifteen years I rarely sat down to sew but I continued to collect beautiful quilt fabric on vacation. Now that I've moved to an apartment I sort through my stash with joy. I recently finished a quilt for my sister and it included a fabric from 2004.

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  33. Miss Ivy is so lucky to have found you! :)

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  34. What a sweet cat! My immediate thought was "Lovey" as she is so loving to everyone. I believe she was sent to you to help fill the void since you lost Dresden. The name "Ivy" is lovely, too - those green eyes! What a nice surprise for you - and I suspect Lola will adjust and learn to love her, too. Have a great day, Bonnie!

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  35. apparently you have not your required stash of cats! LOL Hope Lola is willing to give up being the Empress of the QPO and share space...apparently your newbie was raised around dogs, too... she and Zoey seem to be compatible!!! Walk-ups are such mysteries...you look great sans make-up & hair!!! Free and that smile? Yep, look on the bright side... God Bless you, family, critters and stash.. thanks for a fun Tues. a.m. Cats in Carlsbad, CA -- thanks for starting my day!

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  36. My sentimental son ask me one day if he could possibly ask all the people I made quilts for if he could get them back when I die. I said no, but he will cherish all I have made to just make quilts. Like you I should never buy anymore fabric - I am 70 - but I will. There will be that fabric that just wants to come home with me. LOL Your kitty is precious. Enjoy her, maybe Lola will have a motherly instinct that she will fall in love with her too.

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  37. I too am heading to my downstairs sewing studio to use some of my stash. We just lost our 16 year old kitty, am saying no new cats right now, so almost wish a new kitty would appear on my porch. She is adorable with those pretty eyes.

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  38. I can't wait to see your stash all tucked away in VA! :-) As for me, my stash is big enough for me and I buy every year. At just 59 and newly retired, if I stopped buying I would be out of fabric on a decade. So far this year, I have stitched up almost 300 yards and have purchased 159 to compliment and/or back my projects. And another 40 yards in 4 projects that will be finished in the next 2 weeks!

    Enjoy this time of solitude and your journey in a full transition to VA.

    And ohhhhhhh the sweet kitty. We just euthanized our nearly 12yo Bengal-lymphoma was taking him out and we wanted to spare him final week's of pain and misery. We and his sister miss him terribly. So now he can play again and eat tuna to his heart's content. Sweet Pepe'.

    Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday :-)

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  39. I have my own stash and I got 14 boxes of fabric when my sister moved and downsized. I've been sewing charity quilts since March. 5 twin size done and 2 lap quilts, with 2 more lap quilts in progress. The 2 in progress are the Easy Peasy Leader and Ender, and the Jackknife from your Quiltmaker page. I did shop for some coordinating fabrics, but I am making a (small) dent in the stash (aka resource center). Oh yes, Unity came of the stash also, and will be donated to Quilts of Valor today.

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  40. I noticed the new kitty's beautiful eyes right away, too. Like one of the other commenters above, I was going to suggest Jade. But I do like Ivy!

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  41. Ivy is the purrfect name for the new little one. Lola will accept her in a few days and they will be great friends. Just my prediction. There is so much Love in your lives to share.

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  42. You have such a soft spot for animals. Lucky are those furry friends. Your stash is amazing. Enjoy it!

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  43. Welcome to the newest family member! I look forward to seeing her in future posts. Your take on using the stash is spot on. You bought it so you could use it probably saying "someday" and now is someday. Enjoy playing with your stash.
    Connie W.
    c_s_wolfe@yahoo.com

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  44. New Kitty's name --- Socks

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  45. Ivy sounds like a great name for your new kitty if no one claims her. Looks like a lover! Stash - oh my! I haven't been quilting nearly as long as you have, but clearly I have STABLE (STAsh Beyond Life Expectancy). I remember when I retired 3.5 years ago thinking "Maybe some day I'll have enough to make a quilt without going to the fabric store". Then all of a sudden there were estate sales and going out of business sales and on-line sales "too good to resist" and within 6 months - STABLE! I've even turned down opportunities to shop hop just because "I REALLY don't need anything." I miss the thrill of the chase, but agree with you, my kids don't need to inherit bins of fabric. Best wishes on putting it all away again!

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  46. I,too, think that perhaps Dresden sent the new kitty to keep Lola company. Lola will still be the Queen of QPO and will be able to show Ivy the ways of QPO. I hope your A/C problems will be quickly resolved today, as mine were yesterday. Another day of 102° here in "central" California.

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  47. Ivy would be a great name for new kitty! For her green eyes, AND for the way she wraps around you. <3

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  48. Love Anne's term "resource center" !!
    The kitty's eyes brought to mind that song from the ? 70's -- "What's Your Momma's Name?". One of the lines is, "...and her eyes are Wilson green". Coincidence? ??

    My "resource center " will keep my granddaughter and I going for many years, yet.

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  49. Love the morning read of how your world is going. We all understand the stash problem (LOL). The kitty is adorable and she just looks like a Callie Sue. It's wonderful when one so loving finds you. Hope your other furry friends learn to love her too. Best wishes on this hot day in Northern Calif.

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  50. Her eyes are amazing! Love that green.....Ivy is a pretty name, I also like Jade, Jasmine, Lovey. Around here we usually let the animals reveal their names to us through knowing them a bit. This whole episode makes me smile deep inside.You are a lovely person, inside and out! And that smile just lights up my day. Thank you for being you, and sharing your day with us.Christy

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  51. Oh, Bonnie! What a lovely sweet gorgeous kitty! Any name you choose will be perfect. I particularly like Ivy and Jade. Keep sewing!!

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  52. I had a most loving stray cat show up here, long haired black one. Loved to be held. After a quick "check" named her Frieda. Took her to the vet for shots and spaying, but the vet checked more thoroughly than I and Frieda had to have a name change to Freddy! Lost him a year ago and still miss him.

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  53. What a beautiful kitty, and the name Ivy fits her perfectly. Since we had to put down our 19 year old cat, I have wished that a cat would appear on our porch.

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  54. i love my stash...may not use it up but so what...it's my lifetime of fun...i keep finding fabrics i had forgotten about...lots of beauties here too!

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  55. My hubby says, "name the kitty 'Flossie' or 'Floss' for short".

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  56. I second 'Gypsy'. But she will let you know. If you get 'that look', try again.

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  57. Hey Bonnie, am looking forward to seeing the stash in its new home. I love looking at mine, definitely shopping from my stash 90% of the time now. I will be making more backs from leftovers and larger pieces, what a great idea. Thanks as always for the tips.

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  58. How about Cupid? Q for quilt, P for post office. And “id” for COVID.

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  59. I've not read any of the comments, but as soon as I saw your post..."Daisy Mae" came to mind...She's a beautiful kitty and I am not a cat person...

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  60. What a sweetheart who looks as if she's found her new human. If she is chipped, then I know her family will be happy to get her back (at least, I hope so). If she's not chipped and no one claims her, she'll make a great addition to your brood. I like the name Ivy, but I immediately thought of Willow - but for her green eyes and in honor of your town (Wilson just isn't that great a name for a kitty).

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  61. I think the name Ivy is perfect. When we moved to our current location my husband wasn't happy with my statch either. But I said Honey it doesn't need braces, new shoes, talk back, etc. It just waits to be used. My son labeled fabric boxes FabricObviously!

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  62. Love this post. Love the kitty and the name Ivy.

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  63. I am so glad you said what you said about your stash. I have been sewing charity quilts like crazy since March and feel that I haven't made a dent in my fabric. And some days it feels overwhelming and then I feel guilty and then annoyed with myself for buying so much. But, I also remember, while I was working, that I kept thinking I needed to buy fabric because who knew what retirement would bring financially? So, like you, I can sew forever without having to buy fabric... just batting and I go forever! And am happy you shared your thoughts ... I feel just a little bit better about how much I have. Good luck with your new kitten! Sounds like a perfect match.

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  64. the world is a
    much better place, because YOU are in it! Thank you, Bonnie, for just being you--and for sharing your world with us.

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  65. I am glad that I am not the only one to belong to a "stash" club. Could it be a requirement to belong to a quild? Then, no problem, I fit the bill. Love the new kitty. We have one similar to your fondling who just appeared one day and stayed as we have the same situation by which people seem to think this place is a dumping ground for forlorn kits and pups. We named our little vagabond, White Sox as she has the four white paws and seems to like the sound. She loves to wind around my feet as I walk and eyes my toes for tasty treats or mice, I don't know, but I have become vigilant about that so she doesn't trip me or pounce on them. LOL. Hope you will be able to give "Ivy" a home. June

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  66. What a laugh you gave me with the clip at the end. Gosh "into next year", if that clip isn't just the BEST. Thanks, Bonnie, for the chuckle. You know, I think that deep cleaning (or moving) is one of the best ways to discover lost or forgotten things. Maybe there was sensibility to the lost art of Spring and Fall cleaning that used to be done each year.

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  67. How about naming kitty Fat Quarter? BTW..how is your son in Portland?

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  68. Here's hoping that ~Lily~ will have found her new forever home!And my Grandma used to say that it is not polite to ask or comment on the size of a ladies' stash! I always said Sheesh! As if! If she could only see mine now!😏

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  69. 4 weeks ago someone dumped a beautiful tortoiseshell female near our place. Nobody claimed her and she is just a darling cat..and pregnant. Due in a week to 10 days. She is so sweet, her name is Madeline and there has only been a bit of hissing with the other cats. I wish that I could post a photo. So far as my stash is concerned, I culled a lot out 3 yrs ago when my studio was flooded. Making masks has used up over 125 yards. Maybe more. I have made more than 750 masks so good use of my stuff. I don't feel like quilting at all, but hopefully that will come back. Ivy is a beautiful name Bonnie..good luck with her.

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    Replies
    1. You are a blessing to her and giving her a home and her litter. Thank you!

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  70. Your new kitty looks so much like my Socks except Socks has more white on her back legs. She does have the same pretty green eyes.

    I also have a pretty good size stash. When I see the prices of fabric now I'm glad to have so much bought at much lower prices. Mostly I buy neutrals now, or a bigger pieces for borders since much of my pieces are smaller. I'm also starting to use more of my stash for pieced backings. Might as well, I'm not immortal!!! LOL

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  71. You called her kitty girl, I love that so that should be her name.. my fabric is here and running over lol

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  72. You called her kitty girl, I love that so that should be her name.. my fabric is here and running over lol

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  73. Cute kitty but happy to say I am more of a dog person. Stash...intimidating maybe but trying to use up fabric that I have had for a long time...not saving for a special day, just use it up!!

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  74. I wish that I had a bigger, more usable stash. I've collected a little off and on through the years but never seem to have what I need. But that doesn't stop me, at 63, I'm still working on collecting more. LOL

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  75. For the last, going on three years, I've bought very little new fabric. I love using what I have acquired, and sharing it too. My kids and family would much rather inherit my quilts than my stash, so I will continue to fill my hours and days with scrappy creativity. Thanks Bonnie, for always encouraging us. I appreciate you SO MUCH! Already looking forward to your next MQ. :)

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  76. Back in March when the covid19 shut down started I made many masks donated lots of fabric to those who were also making for charity and cut out about 50 surgical caps also for charity so I have used much of my fabric and still have a lot. It made me feel good and useful to be able to help with the donations in such troubling times. I don't have near what you do but do have enough that I don't have to buy any for quite some time. I might have to break down and buy some reds as I want to make a red & white quilt for my daughter for her 25th wedding anniversary in two years, we shall see I might even have enough of them. Happy Quilting

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  77. Name suggestions for your beautiful new family member: Chloe is a greek word meaning young green shoot. Or Fern or Moss or Minty. Love Jade or Emerald also. She is lucky to have found you.
    Dana - Down Under

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  78. My suggestion is Cleo.....she has beautiful eyes....made up like Cleopatra

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  79. I started working from shortly after the pandemic began. I enjoy being able to buzz into my sewing room to work on a project. A friend recommended your site to learn more about leaders and enders. I have truly enjoyed it and have started cutting out my first leaders and enders quilt. Mom likes last
    Patches for the kitty. I'm liking Ivy.

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  80. Think you may have more than one new kitty there Bonnie - common reason for dumping cats, not sterilized and possibly in kitten. Could call her Rona - end of Corona!

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  81. Dresden has sent you a new companion for Lola. Sweet little kitty will fit in well & make friends very soon.
    I like Jade for her name it is the colour of her beautiful eyes.

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  82. What a cute little cat, I think the name ivy suits her such pretty eyes. So pleased she found you. I hope you get to keep her.
    Love your blog my stash is not quite so big but it is growing,I mostly buy fat quarters as I’m always in need of neutrals.
    Stay safe
    Love and quilty hugs
    Anne xxx

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  83. What a coincidence. Little willie came to us last Thursday. Skinny, hungry, we let him in my walk out basement sewing room. Keeping him away from my other two until he is tested for feline leukemia, ear mites, etc. How are people so cruel. He came into the house and immediately found the litter box! He was someone's pet! Well, he's mine now. had him checked for a chip today and Friday will get his shots and neutered. He will have a forever home.

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  84. Several years back, possibly a decade ago, my mom decided to stop quilting. She gave me part of her stash and the other part she gave to a woman in the area that was teaching high school students to sew. I brought her stash home and cut out six and eight inch blocks and made Disappearing nine patch quilts out of them. Those quilt ended up in a variety of places that our local quilt guild helps to support. I loved sorting the fabric by colors, adding in some of mine, and that the quilts went together quickly. And I helped support local causes such as the women's shelter and families of house fires.

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  85. How about Scrappy? Her face reminds me of a patchwork quilt made of several colors or scraps! Precious cat! Love reading your blog daily, but I usually am a lurker. This just touched my heart!

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  86. You don’t have to excuse your Covid hair or lack of make-up. I thought that was a beautiful picture. Your skin glows! Love the kitty! What a beauty! And believe that Ivy is the perfect name. I also LOVED that quote at the end. It is nice to think that this will be all over by the middle of next year. And, last, yes,yes, yes, to more quilts where we can use our stash!!

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  87. I was going to say Beautiful Jade after her lovely eyes. She looks like a lovely friendly girl. Enjoy.

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  88. It's known that (most) cats love quilts, so this beautiful cat knew exactly where to go to get as much cuddles and quilts as she wants. I like the name Dorothy. (you know, Wizard of Oz and the Emerald city.)

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  89. Such a beautiful kitty so sweet and loving. I so hope you are able to adopt her! She will have such a loving home and wonderful companions! I really like the name Ivy; Jade is good also, and as Dana - Down Under suggested above, Chloe for it's Greek meaning, young green shoot.

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  90. Good luck with the kitty, I suspect she and Lola will become buddies soon. Savor putting your fabric in its new home. Enjoy sewing with what you have. I think most of us have lots.

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  91. We have 3 cats. Their names are Bunny, Finn, and Binx. Binx is 20 plus pounds and is my lap cat.

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  92. Hope the kitty finds a new home with you and Lola. I hear you on moving 40 year stash. I am also excited to hear you are going to be focusing on fun projects to use what we have but please make them with larger pieces or we will ever make a dent in any of our stashes :-)

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  93. I ALWAYS get your blog posts by email a day late. -- but never a dollar short haha whatever that means
    I do like the name Ivy.
    I hope you find her owner or you can add her to your family.

    My stash? is kind of messy these days. I have about 4 boxes of scraps, needs to be folded and filed again.... and that is the thing that intimidates me. For the most part I know I have about 15 more years of sewing to do.... haha that is my goal
    Happy Hot and steamy Wednesday from Loudoun County

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  94. Ivy is lovely! I was thinking Mira short for miracle since you foun deach other. Love feline furry friends!! 😻

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  95. If I show up friendly and hungry on your porch, will you take me in?!!!!

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  96. Maybe just name her STASH to remind you of the time!!

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  97. When my children were young and we lived in the country all our kitties found us. Our first cat showed up on the porch pregnant in late September so we kept one kitten and found homes for the others. Then the mommy disappeared and we were sad. Then the following fall she again returned pregnant. This happened again the following fall. I let each of my children pick a kitten to keep and momma cat went to the vet for more than her yearly shots. She then stayed with us so we had those cats, six of them for many many years. I think Ivy is a perfect name and I hope you get to keep her. I, too, have been sewing from my stash. I even have some containers with "projects" where the fabric is together for a designated quilt. It feels good to make headway on those, too. My hair is getting long now, too, because the week before my appointment everything closed down and now even though I could go I don't feel it is the best thing for me to do at my age. Thanks for sharing pictures of your lovely pets, your progress on all those maintenance projects you tackle. I look forward to starting my day each morning with a cup of coffee and your post.

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  98. Good morning - new kitty a special gift.

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  99. I sometimes feel a little guilty about my stash until I see yours. And, sometimes things are just meant to be, like the little kitty. God has sent you this blessing to fill in a few little holes. Enjoy.

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  101. I have enough stash to last for at least 15 years of projects. I finally had to admit to myself that I love shopping for fabric every bit as much as piecing and quilting. This year has forced me to use what I have, which has resulted in some unusual fabric combinations! And I've barely made a dent in my stash. However, I still do love each and every fabric, so that's a good thing.

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  102. Well that explains why I haven't been able to find any yellow for years! LOL

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  103. I seldom comment but daily enjoy your entries because you keep it real just like today, natural is beautiful. The kitty is sweet and looks like a Hildy to me but whatever you call her she'll be a Material Girl lol.
    Thank you for all you do for us all, I appreciate it more than you'll ever realize. It's like a friend coming to visit. Blessings and hugs.

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  104. Oh my goodness, yes. They pick us, we don't pick them. Cleopatra of Egypt was originally from Greece and traveled with her father to the land she later ruled, so perhaps Cleo would be appropriate- this gal obviously negotiated her travel to the right place!

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  105. I don’t want to make this a long comment. I’m 69 and I have used cardboard to keep a gauge and fold my fabric in tone on tone color order. I have three large bins of light, medium and darks and I put in a large bookcase and catalogued my quilting stuff. Three years ago I got two new knees and I was in a recliner more then in my sewing chair. I have not seen since Ringo Lake. I do crafts but avoid my sewing room. I think it’s called lost my mojo. I thought I accumulated for retirement but did quilt since I found you Bonnie in 1996. I religiously read your lively posts every day. I am hoping it inspires me one day.

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  106. I second Patches! (should be a quilty name don't ya think?)

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  107. I like Jade for kitty’s name as o saw green in the eyes.
    I am cleaning in my sewing room and I too can sew for a few years on what I have. I just found a 50 yard bolt of 100% cotton muslin and blue/ white ticking material on a bolt.

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  108. Love-Bug, Snuggle-bum, Cutie-Face

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  109. Beautiful kitty! Maybe Socks?

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  110. Bonnie:
    I, too, have a huge stash. I can't remember the acronym or the saying, but part of is aabout "A stash that will last beyond my life expectancy". That is mine. And, mine is in totes, bags, boxes, etc.; because when I built my home I did not know how I wanted my Sewing/Quilting studio layed out. Now I do, they won't sell me cabinets after the fact, so I need to find a reasonable cabinet maker that will beuild and install my cabinets to match either my other cabinets or my woodwork/ doors. So, I can barely walk in my room, have a place to sit down and sew, press or cut things out. It is as bad in the hall ways and common area around my long arm.

    I Love your new little kitty. I thought maybe you found her in some ivy, and that is why you call her "Ivy"

    Good Luck w/ your new resident!

    Donna
    Kasilof, AK

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  111. The thought of you not being in this world brought a tear to my eye! We need your sunshine Bonnie... you’re not allowed to joke about that! Ivy is a beauty!

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