Alright, my quilty friends. Time for some tough quilting therapy talk.

We all know quilters have always been a thrifty bunch. We come from a long line of flour-sack stitchers and scrap savers. We’ve cut up baby clothes, ties and T-shirts that held a thousand memories and turned them into keepsakes that’ll last for generations. In fact, we didn’t just embrace thriftiness—we turned it into a full-blown industry. And ladies (and gentlemen), it’s fabulous.

If you’ve been shopping for fabric lately and caught yourself muttering “excuse me?” at the price tag, you’re not alone. Things are getting pricier, and it’s not just your imagination or a bad sale day. We’re feeling the ripple effects of stuff happening behind the scenes (we’re not naming names, but you know the vibe).

As Amber Elliot from Alderwood Quilting posted the other day, many of our fabrics and notions are imported. Plus, our favorite big box – Joann’s – is going out of business.

Yes, things may be shifting a little right now. The belts may need to tighten, and our buying habits may need change—but don’t go thinking that means the fun is over. Not even close. This is when our creative talents really shine.

But before you go swearing off your favorite quilt shop or cringing with your credit card, let me say this:

🧡 We’ve been here before. Quilters are resilient. We make joy out of scraps, comfort out of chaos, and art out of leftovers. And we’re going to keep doing just that—even if we need to stitch together batting better than Frankenstein.

Here are a few ideas to keep you quilting happily.

🧵1. Scrap It Like It’s 1999

You know that tote (or five) filled with oddly shaped leftovers and “someday I’ll use this” strips? Dust it off, darlin’. This is its moment to shine.

Don’t forget about those worn-out blue jeans and dad’s flannel shirts? Recycled clothing is definitely the in thing for quilting. Just look at Pottery Barn if you don’t believe me. Alanda Craft has some great idea if you are interest in denim quilts.

Scrappy quilts are nothing new. Scrappy quilts are not just resourceful—they’re stories stitched together. Each piece has a memory. A past life. A little attitude. And when you bring them together, they’re magic. Plus, it’s like a free quilt. Who doesn’t love that?

You say you are not a fan of scrappy quilts. They are little too – um unrefined for your taste? That just means you need to use a little more creativity to make them more sophisticated.

🪡2. Small but Mighty Projects

If making larger quilts are going to squeeze your budget, go small—but go detailed. This is your time to shine and learn. Experiment with specialty stitches on your machine.

Dive into some hand stitching or embroidery. Break out those embellishments for couching, cording, sparkly bits, and bobbin work. Go full Bob Ross meets the Grand Ole Opry—cozy creativity with a little stage-worthy sparkle.

Goodness knows, we all have the bin of buttons we have been saving for some reason. Or the bobbins of lace and ribbon we found on the free table or at an estate sale. Now is the time to play with those bits and bobs to see what you can create.

Try a journal cover, a mini wall hanging, or a pillow with pizzazz. Spend the same time quilting but walk away with a project that feels like a whole event.

🧵3. UFO Resurrection (Because You’re Crafty Like That)

Honestly, you know you’ve got half-finished quilt tops, orphan blocks, or abandoned “meh” projects. Yep – that is why we have so many challenges to get them gone. This is your sign from the Quiltiverse to give them a second chance.

Maybe it is time to turn that half-finished quilt into a coat? Can a pile of blocks become a cute tote bag? What about turning an applique test into a table centerpiece? Breathe new life into them and let them strut their stuff!

And hey—this is the perfect time to finally try that walking foot quilting or free-motion you’ve been putting off. These “just-for-you” projects are great playgrounds for experimentation. No pressure, no judges, no quilt police—just you, your machine, and a dash of bravery.

And when all else fails, finish it for someone else who may really need it now. The list of charities needing projects may get longer.

🧵4. Support Your Locals Community

If you’ve got a favorite quilt shop (or five), now’s the time to show them some love. Sign up for a workshop. Buy a pattern. Stock up on a little thread. Even grabbing a couple fat quarters makes a difference.

These workshops and classes may help you make the most of the fabric and materials you already have. These small biz heroes are trying to keep the lights on and the fabric flowing.

And while you’re at it, consider trying a digital pattern or two. They’re easy to download, save on shipping, and you can print only what you need. It’s a great way to support those talented folks designing patterns out of their basements, kitchens, and quilt-filled dream studios. You know—the real heart of this quilt world we love.

💬 Real Talk: The Joy Is Still There

Yes, things are weird right now. And yes, it might mean adjusting how (and what) we quilt for a while. But that joy you feel when finish putting the last stitches in the binding? When your colors sing together in harmony? That’s still here.

In fact, this might just be your most creative season yet.

So stitch boldly. Quilt weird. Embrace the scraps, the sparkle, the small-but-mighty projects. Let’s keep quilting through the mess, together. With courage, curiosity, and just a little thyme. 😉

Happy Quilting 🙂