How old is our our stash?

I have to admit that I have been quilting for 20 years now and have a HUGE fabric stash with much of it older than five years old.  I don't know about you, but I have had a difficult time letting it go.  I tend to buy new fabric to make a new quilt rather than using what I have.  In my case, I generally remember where every piece of fabric was bought and that holds many memories.  So how long should we hold on to our fabric?  I am coming to the conclusion that seeing selvages with dates of 2002 and 2006 is a bit ridiculous.  It's time to begin using it up.  I put that idea into play when needing a backing for Stars All Around. 

Generally, laziness, or need for speed, keep me from piecing a back.  I would much rather purchase a wide backing fabric.  With this quilt back, I decided to get creative.  As I prefer for my backings to match in fabric style and colors, my first selection was the remaining fabric used on the quilt top.  Whew, one fabric no longer in my stash :)  Stripes I love to use for bindings but this stripe is from 2006 and the colors work.  Another fabric depleted from my stash.  With those two fabrics in hand, I determined the pattern, selected a few more fabrics from my stash, and a backing was created.


Now the quilt is nice to look at whether from the front or back sides.

Previously, I discussed that I now incorporate embroidery into my quilts.  That is has become my style.  Here are photos of the embroidery done on this quilt.  While it doesn't stand out, the needlework adds another dimension that flows with the piecing and allover quilting.

Do you have any interesting ways to use up stash?  If so, please share with comments below.

Love and blessings,
Karri