turkey feathers

FAQ Friday

Gee guys, thanks for all the cozy pillow talk.  And all the PB orders!  I'm so up to my eyeballs with stuff to do around here but will get them out as quickly as possible cuz I know you're all eager to get stitching on your projects.  I'm still really excited about the patchwork pillow too for some reason.  Maybe it's because I'm finally doing something with all these charms and strips instead of just admiring them.  Or maybe it's because it's just so super quick and easy; here's proof of that . . . just look what momma pajama did yesterday!  (Great tip Paula about omitting the side-strips to fit a smaller pillow form too.)

OK, I have lots of new patchwork pillow ideas to ponder over now, in fact I'm in a tizzy (a supremely good one) but it will all have to wait a tad longer while I finish up the patiently waiting Maple Leaf Quilt.  The much anticipated b&w plaid binding arrived yesterday (hurray!) so now I'm ready to race to the finish line with it.  Just need to fill in that goofy little gap and I'm done.  Will try and get some good pictures this weekend and post them on Monday. 

Before I forget, Teresa wanted to know what I used for the sashing between the leaf blocks.  It's actually a printed fabric that I cut in narrow strips.  The fabric is older, like from the 80's I think, and is long gone except what I have in this quilt.  I used another stripe print for the outer border as well, just in case you were wonderin'. 

Since it's Friday, time for another FAQ update before I dash off to clean the floors.  (Can you tell I'm procrastinating here?)

{This is where you will find answers to questions concerning my projects, patterns, and other things you may wonder about. I regret that I'm not always able to answer each of your questions individually, after all, there's only so much a busy mama can do, and besides many times I'm asked the same questions, so this forum just seems to make the most sense.  Feel free to ask questions in the comment box or email them to me and I will address a few here when I have time. Before asking a question though check here first to see if it's already been answered. T.Y.}

Q.  About those charm packs and jelly rolls, do you wash them first? ~Natalie

A.   Normally, I wash fabrics I'm going to handle a lot, but these are small and ready-to-use so I don't pre-wash them.  But if I ever need to...I 'd probably do a quick swish-and-soak in the sink with a little dish liquid and let them air-dry on a folded towel to prevent any fraying edges and shrinkage.

Q.  What is an FWYH?  I am in the dark on this one!  ~Anne

A.   Sorry Anne, I sometimes forget how many new folks drop in here and wonder what in the world I'm talking about.  Anyway, I started a "Finish What You Have" (FWYH) "campaign" last year (in June 2006) that involves digging out your old quilts, knitting, sewing, and other projects that have sat too long.  I invited others to join me in the quest to tackle UFO's (Un-Finished Objects) and started a Flickr group, that I just noticed has grown to 125 members--yay!---where we can share our finished projects and stories to inspire each other to reach the "finish line"; hence the cute flag-waving banner courtesy of  Justine's talented "other half ".   You can read some of my original posts about it over here, and another here.  Anyone is free to join and share their progress, and, I just extended the invitation to include seven additional languages, which I think will be interesting and also fun to see what others are making (and hopefully finishing) elsewhere.

Q.  Please, would you share how you do your refried beans [from this post]...I prefer to make them from scratch, but they never seem to taste as good as the canned ones.  Thanks!!  ~Mariah

A.  I always cook my beans in a crockpot:  Rinse 2 cups dry pinto beans to remove any rocks and dirt.  Beans will double in quantity once they are cooked, so don't overfill your pot.  Cover with boiling water until there's about 3 inches of water above the beans.  Set the crockpot on high and cook for several hours.  Stir them occasionally.  (I sometimes start the beans before I go to bed at night, and cook them on low.)  When they are soft and tender, you can eat them as is, or mash them with a potato masher.  Add a little butter and sea salt, which improves the texture and flavor quite a bit, and a dash of Tabasco sauce (more or less to taste).

Q.  My daughter is interested in making a dollhouse bakery & we were wondering what kit you used to make yours.  ~Diane

A.  We ordered our dollhouse kit from this online source.  I shared more information about how we converted the house to a bakery in this post here.  (There are additional posts and pictures under the Dollhouse Bakery category in the left sidebar too.)

~That's it for now...time to get back to work!~

FAQ Friday

Thanks everyone for the feedback on Miss Ginger's peasant blouse.  I wasn't surprised that so many of you were as happy as I was to find that pattern.   I should have added that Miriam's booklet was easy to follow and perfect (as she states) for the beginner seamstress.  I keep going back to her site and admiring the Mexican dress she made.  I told her I have some lovely white linen sitting here all ready and waiting to make another blouse (for me this time).  I've been saving it, waiting for the right project, and this is it.  Ginger wants to design another yoke too, so I've given her some paper with the pattern traced onto it to experiment with.  I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

Well, here it is Friday already and we're about to head off into a busy weekend.  Before I skip happily into the sunset, here's the latest FAQ from my laptop to yours.  Just some of the things inquiring minds want to know. . .

      Q.  You mentioned the cute Japanese craft books that you get a lot of ideas from? Two questions: 1) where do you buy/order the books? and 2) how do you figure out the patterns and instructions if you don't read Japanese? ~Teresa A.  Lots of people still wonder about this I hear.  Obtaining Japanese craft books and magazines is somewhat of a challenge.  They're usually not readily available in bookstores and shops outside of larger, more ethnically mixed cities, so shopping online is usually how I find them.  Check out this site and another here.  Both have English versions, but you will have to do your own currency conversion to figure out how much things cost.  If you aren't up to that challenge, check out Super Buzzy and this auction site for the best selling titles.    Aside:  Crafting Japanese is an excellent site for finding books and getting a peak at what's inside them.  It's mainly a collective forum for sharing book information with a corresponding handmade project.  The site is currently in flux and in need of a little revisional TLC and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it continues to live on in any form, because it's been a valuable resource.   Very much appreciated by me anyway and I assume by many crafters.As far as "reading Japanese", no one I know does!  But fortunately, most of the craft books have detailed drawings of each step.  Some even include printed pattern sheets.   With others you have to guess at the size specs, but for most things it's not that difficult if you have a little sewing knowledge.    Even if you can't figure it out, sometimes they're just nice to have around to inspire creativity.  Photos shown are from one of my favorite books from 2006,  and contains an excellent variety of tote bags:  ISBN4-07-246480-5.  (It's the book in the lower right corner of the top photo.)

Q.  How do you stay motivated to finish all the things you start?  I have so many half-finished projects and can't seem to stay focused on any of them.   Any advice you can give me?  ~Liz

A.  Well, keeping it real, I don't always finish everything I start.  For example,  I've been pulling this quilt out and putting a few stitches on it for eight years now.  It's been a WIP way too long and I really should finish it, but I never seem to get around to it.  This is a problem I think we all struggle with and for various reasons.  I blogged about it last year when I got fed up with all my UFO's (unfinished objects) and called for a month of Finish What You Have.   That in itself was very motivating, especially because a lot of crafter's were also on board with the idea and we kind of inspired each other to push on.  A flickr group formed and the finished projects started materializing. I find that if I have too many things started, I get overwhelmed, lose all ambition, and get depressed from inactivity.  I also find that when I finish things and/or just clean-up my workspace, I feel rejuvinated and inspiration has a place to grow.    Maybe it's time to re-visit that idea again.  Anyone else ready to meet the challenge?

FAQ Friday

I had to skip FAQ last week due to the lovely weather we're having (that lured me back outside), so this post will be super-sized to make up for it.  A tad more than my usual blog-and-run at least.  This is the place where you will find answers to questions concerning my projects, patterns, and other things you may wonder about.  You can ask questions in the comment box or email them to me and I will select random topics to reply to here.  I'll try and let you know if your question has been selected earlier in the week, or just check back here on Friday for the answers.  But before asking a question, check here first to see if it's already been addressed. 

Q.  Can you tell me if there is a pattern available to purchase for the Heartfelt Mary Janes?  I would like to make these for my little 5 mo. Granddaughter.  She is going to be operated on in December for Craniosynstosis.  If you can help me I would greatly appreciate it.  ~Marianne

A.  First, I am deeply sorry to hear about your little granddaughter's situation.  My heart goes out to her and your family.  Maybe everyone out there reading this can help me send some healing thoughts her way.  At times like this, I find needlework can be a calming refuge to take comfort in. The pattern I used for the felt shoes came from a library copy of The Felt Book (ISBN: 0806908645--1994-oop) by Clare Beaton.   It's out-of-print, but a quick search turned up quite a few used copies here.  Good luck with everything!

 

Q.  Hey, Im soooooooo jealous, your items are gorgeous, I particularly liked the bags, the pink one with "Hers" on it? Do you sell the bags or is it just the patterns etc?  ~Chelsey

A.  Actually, I do sell a few bags and other things now and then, but I don't keep an inventory or anything.  Usually my bags are one-of-a-kind and made on the fly so I don't sell patterns for them either.  I've been hugely influenced by Japanese craft books and magazines though, which contain excellent detailed drawings of tote-bag construction, some even include full-size paper patterns if you need them.   

Q.  I was admiring the playhouse you made and we are making one for our daughter.  I was wondering where you got your blueprint and how big it is.  ~Carrie

A.  Our pink playhouse was designed by The Mister here, who wanted to create our house in miniature, so he didn't use a blueprint, just his noggin.  He basically made doodles and drew the dimensions while waiting out the winter.   (He's an engineer, very detail orientated, likes figuring things out.)  I can give you the general size though.  It's approximately 12 x 8 with a bay window that bumps out about two-feet.  The porch it sits on is 12 x 12.

Q.  I'm a big fan and love everything you do!  It's all so inspiring.  I wanted to tell you how much I've enjoyed the vintage embroidery patterns I've ordered from you too and  I'm anxiously awaiting the next set of "free with purchase" transfers you offer each month.  Can you give some suggestions for ways of using them?  ~Karen

A.  Well thank you Karen, that's always nice to hear and the perfect segway to talk about my latest project.   I usually gather a new set of designs each month from my own private stash, just odds and ends that I come across that I think are fun.  These can be used on bibs, hats, clothing, aprons, pockets, tote bags, blankets, doll quilts, and, well, just about anything you can get into an embroidery hoop!  I recently made this potholder using the teapot motif from last month's design, and then added the words. 

So that's it for another week.  Enjoy the long weekend!

FAQ Friday

Is it really Friday already?  The week just flew by.  This is where you will find answers to questions concerning my projects, patterns, and other things you may wonder about. You can ask questions in the comment box or email them to me and I will select random topics to reply to here.  I'll try and let you know if your question has been selected earlier in the week, or just check back here on Friday for the answers if you're shy (tee hee) and don't want to post an email address. Before asking a question, check here first to see if it's already been addressed. OK, that's it! Here are this week's picks:

Q.  I get so much inspiration from your website and blog and love perusing your archives, but I wanted to ask a question about those adorable pom-pom slippers you made a while back and noticed your comment boxes for older posts are now closed.  ~Cheryl

A.  Thanks for the reminder Cheryl, I meant to mention this sooner.  Please know, I truly LOVE getting feedback from you guys and appreciate the time it takes to do that, I really REALLY do...but I'm closing comments on all posts, except for current posts on my home page, to discourage spammers from sneaking weird links and gross stuff into my blog thru the archives.  It's pretty effective too, so if you're having similar problems this might help.  Regarding old projects I've done; I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.  Just drop me an email and I'll either get back to you directly or add it to the FAQ Friday if I think others might also be wondering.

Q.  I love my Miss Mouse Squeek and the Sachet Peeps I purchased from you last year, and wanted to know if you plan on making any more of these adorable things sometime.  ~Maryanne

A.  No plans for making them in the near future.  I may get the crafty bug again when cabin fever sets in though.  (grin)      

 Q.  I am enjoying my days of the week pattern I purchased from you awhile back.  I need some advice though. What is the best way to embroidery the words on my towels. I just cannot remember the correct way to do lettering. Do you use short running stitches? Any advice you can give me will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks so much - Anne

A.  For towels, I usually use a stem or outline stitch for lettering with 4 threads of floss.  It depends on the type of letters too,  sometimes a straight stitch is sufficient if the lettering is small.   I plan to add a guide to basic embroidery stitches on my PatternBee website soon.

OK.  Now I have a question for all you dear readers out there.  Does anyone recognize this Bunny pattern?  It was embroidered on an old towel that one of my stitching friends found.  She sent me a photocopy of her towel hoping I could find the rest of the set and make reprints for her.   I've never seen it before, but was able to re-draw the one design from what she sent me, and then stitched up this demo towel for show.  (I'm also offering this as a free traceable pattern on my website here.)  Any help tracking down the rest of these cute critters would really be appreciated, and a *prize* will be given to the first person to send me the scoop. 

FAQ Friday

I'm back with another update...easing slowly into regular posting again as summer winds down.   Thank you dear readers, for the recipes and the chuckles over the zucchini.   At the moment there are seven more green giants piled up on the kitchen counter---AGAIN, for like the umteenth time.   I no sooner get rid of them only to turn around and see that same scene again.  And all this from only two rather small bushes.  I'm telling ya, we could feed the world if every backyard just grew one zucchini bush.  Well, moving on...I spent a most lovely afternoon discussing blogs (and other crafty things) with Toni yesterday.  She's been visiting family in a nearby town and she and Hannah spent the day with us.  It was great to see them again and their visit gave me a chance to wind down and catch my breath.  Just for the moment though.  I'm off to make crock-pot chili for a potluck tomorrow.   Might even sneak a little zucchini into it.  (But before I go, I bring to you the next installment of FAQ. ) Q.  My girls and i would loovvee to make those cute felted beads. by chance, do you have instructions on how to make those?  ~Brittany*A.  We love making felt beads.  They can be used for other craft projects later too.   You just need wool roving and a bowl of hot soapy water to felt the wool.  Follow this tutorial to make them.  Or this Japanese version demonstrated here which I think is really brilliant.

Q.  I  love your products and have already purchased a set of transfers.  My problem is finding the plain, unprinted baby clothing (bibs, sacques, jackets, etc.) and blankets upon which to do my embroidery.   I would appreciate  any information re this subject.   ~June

*

A.  Check out  dharma trading company, embroidery etc., embellishments blanks, embroider this!  Most baby clothing blanks are made from interlock cotton though, which might be a challenge for handwork because it's stretchy, so iron-on stabilizers can be helpful.   (I make most baby items myself from cotton flannel or linen.)

Q.  I  really enjoyed the gallery about your  playhouse. I noticed it's not there anymore and am wondering if you put it someplace else or just decided to take it down.   ~Amy

*

A.  It's back here temporarily for an encore performance.   

Have a great weekend!

FAQ Friday

Welcome to FAQ Friday. This is where you will find answers to questions concerning my projects, patterns, and other things you may wonder about. You can ask questions in the comment box or email them to me and I will select random topics each week to reply to here. If you want a link back to your website or blog just ask. I'll try and let you know if your question has been selected earlier in the week, or just check back here Friday for the answers if you're shy (tee hee) and don't want to post an email address. Before asking a question, check here first to see if it's already been addressed. OK, that's it! Here are this week's picks:

Q.  I love your website and all the vintage embroidery patterns, thank you so much for sharing them. Do you know where I can find flour sack tea towels to embroider on? Thanks, Sherry

A.  I've found a number of sources on the Internet, here, here, and here.  Some people like to make their own towels out of birdseye cotton (diaper fabric) and huck toweling, both available by the yard at most fabric super stores.  Both will shrink quite a bit, so buy extra with that in mind.

Q.  Your quiche recipes never fail me, I've clipped them out and save them.  Will you be adding more soon? Jean

A.  As a matter of fact, I've just added "L" to the list in the side-bar album. This one's a yummy springtime Leek and Carrot Quiche.  Another hearty meatless dish and a great way to use leeks. Hope you enjoy it!   

Q.  Hi,  I love reading your blog and all the things you make are so lovely. Ellanora, the elephant doll has sent me on a search for elephant doll patterns. Which pattern did you use for her and could you tell me where to purchase it? Thank you, Lee

A.  I used an older Simplicity Crafts pattern #7140 created by Faith Van Zanten in 1990, and modified it a bit.  Your best chance of finding this pattern would be to search any number of auction sites, including ETSY.

Thank you for the quiltie-love. Sounds like those white backgrounds are just as scarce as I thought. Yoo-Hoo fabric designers, more white backgrounds please. We have a pretty busy weekend planned and it looks like good weather is sticking around for it so far. I think it reached 80 degrees yesterday, we were out in the yard working 'til sundown. I'm feeling happy because the "fortress" is almost finished. We hired someone to roto-till and The Mister finished the gates yesterday. He's going to start building the raised-bed frames today. We're also throwing an early birthday party and BBQ with family and friends for Grace on Memorial Day; she's going to be "sweet 16" in another week, which I can hardly believe, and driving a car now too. (I feel gray hairs sprouting as I speak.) How quickly they grow up. So dearies, I've got a lot to do; time to tie on my apron and get cracking. Hope everyone has a super-dooper weekend!

FAQ Friday

Welcome to FAQ Friday.  This is where you will find answers to questions concerning my projects, patterns, and other things you may wonder about.    You can ask questions in the comment box or email them to me and I will select random topics each week to reply to here.  If you want a link back to your website or blog just ask.  I'll try and let you know if your question has been selected earlier in the week, or just check back here Friday for the answers if you're shy (tee hee) and don't want to post an email address.  Before asking a question, check here first to see if it's already been addressed. OK, that's it!  Here are this week's picks: 

Q.  I love your mini quilts. When in the process do you do the embroidery? On the muslin before the square is cut? After the top is pieced? Or does it matter? You've inspired me.  Linda N.

A.  Thank you Linda!  I tend to do things off the cuff as I'm going along, but I think the best advice is to do the embroidery first.  Make sure you stamp or draw your design on a piece of cloth that is larger than your embroidery hoop so it can be stretched taught as you work.   Press it from behind to remove any wrinkles, and don't forget to include a 1/4" seam allowance all the way around before cutting it to the desired size. 

Q.  Do you sell the items on your website or patterns to make them?  I am interested in purchasing the Mixed Bag, and several other items I saw. Thanks, Melonie.

A.  Hi Melonie, I used to make and sell things on my sister website, scrap.happy, but I found that managing another site on top of my PatternBee biz, took more time than I had to devote to it properly.  For now, the few items I still make can be found in the Etsy shop I share with my daughter Grace.  The bags and other items I've shown on my blog were made without patterns, (unless noted) and at this time, I have no plans to design and sell patterns for them.

Q.  I have really enjoyed reading all your posts & looking at your photos! Such colorful creativity! So many great links too. I'm curious about the swaps you do, how do you find out about them - do you use swapbot at all? Thanks so much. Smiles, DianeM :)

A.  Thank you Diane, I'm happy you're enjoying my little corner of crafty blogland!  Swaps are fun but totally random with me. I've never used swapbot, or join groups anymore.  I've had to find a balance by setting priorities and time limits for certain things, and tend to connect with blog pals individually if there's a shared interest in something.

I can't beleive this week is drawing to a close already, it seemed to go by too fast, but I think I got most of the things done that I wanted to do.  Poor Miss Ginger woke up with a sore throat first thing Monday morning, thwarting our field-trip plans to visit the OG.  By Wednesday though, she was feeling better and we were able to hook up with friends a couple times this week.  My gal-pal Missy, (who sells this wonderful fiber-wrapped felted handmade soap), has a very cute  'new addition'  to her family.  One of her alpaca's had a baby (called a "cria") ten days ago, and we saw it for the first time yesterday.  I forgot my camera, but I couldn't get a better picture than the one she sent me of little Neopolitan here, napping with his face to the sun.   She had a few baby chicks hatch out too, they were so cute.   Talking and thinking about all this reminds me that the new PatternBee "Signs of Spring" bonus transfer, is up on the website now, inspired by all the hatchlings and early flowers.  I'm looking forward to a little garden action this weekend.  We're all set for an afternoon delivery of top soil today.  Can't wait to dig in the dirt now!  (It takes so little to entertain me sometimes.)

   

Seen But Not Heard

This little darling was peeking out from the trees when I rolled out of the driveway yesterday.  I had my camera in the car and snapped his picture from the driver's-side window.  Deer are shy and often lurk in the shadows, waiting and listening, before moving closer to the house, where the deer-candy grows.  They are sneaky that way.  That's what was on my mind as I drove away.   Would he, or wouldn't he, move in on my rose bushes during my absence. 

When I got home several hours later, I went around to check on them, still curious to see if The Mister's magic concoction was working, bracing myself for the worst, just in case it wasn't, but to my surprise not a single pink bud had been beheaded.  More joy, that the flowers were making it into bloom.  So, only time will tell.  Since I already used up the whole batch spraying every other day, instead of once a month, as recommended, (I want to believe, really I do!) we'll be mixing up another batch this weekend, and I'll share the recipe when I figure out what all goes into this. 

In the meantime, I'll try and answer a few of the questions I've been asked recently, since I don't have any crafty sewing to show today.  I'm actually thinking of making Friday my FAQ day since I don't seem to be able to respond to emails and comments as often as I wish to.  So ask away, and I'll pick a few inquiries each week to address here on the blog. 

Q.   I'd love to know what rose that is in your garden. It is absolutely beautiful!! Would you be able to post it on your blog? Thanks so much!!! Kari

A.  I'm not really sure.  It was planted long ago by the previous owner, unfortunately no tags. But, it does resemble the David Austin "old rose" shrub variety like this one.  Its growing habit is somewhat rangy and bushy, with smallish three-inch wide blooms.   The stems are spindly and not the best for cutting, although I do use them in squat bud vases. 

Q.  Your cat is just adorable!! Would you consider sharing your pattern? or will you be putting it in your shop (I hope)??  Thanks -Helen in Malden, MA

A.  Thank you Helen, and to everyone who commented about Miss Kitty!   (She's stealing the show over here, pouncing and prancing all over the place, hoping desperately for a dance partner so she can compete on DWTS.  She dreams big. )  Anyway, sure I'd be happy to share the pattern.  It isn't ready for prime-time yet, so to speak, but if enough people are interested I might be persuaded to draft something up, so stay tuned....

Q.  I was wondering if you could tell me if there is somewhere I can get directions to make your beautiful heart pincushion.  Thank you so much.   Sarah M.

A.   Many have asked about this pincushion confection over the past few months, and more again recently.  Well, I don't have a pattern for it, I just cut out two heart-shaped pieces of wool felt (approximately 5" wide x 4" long) and sewed a strip (1-1/4" wide x 20" long) for the sides. 

Stuff the strip-ends inside, with right-sides facing.  Trim off any excess length if necessary.  Use blanket stitching to bind top and bottom pieces together.  Leave an opening; stuff firmly with wool batting before closing.  Embellish with felt flowers and rick-rack.  Follow my tutorial for making the flowers here. 

Thanks for stopping by---I just noticed this is my 400th post!  Hope everyone has a fun weekend!

Cut of the Cloth

Questions.  I'm asked many.  About all kinds of things from canning to unschooling and everything in between.  I'm certainly not an expert on anything but I'm happy to share what I know from my own experience.  The one question I get asked a lot is, what kind of fabric I like to use for embroidery.  The answer depends on what I'm making.  For quilt blocks I like muslin (bleached and unbleached) or similar lightweight cotton.  In fact, I really prefer cotton and other natural fibers overall.  Linen, (made from flax), and linen-cotton blends are also nice to use for inserts on bags or pillow tops, or clothing.  Woven cotton dishtowels are another option, and very popular I've noticed in Japanese Zakka crafts.  Another cloth I've found excellent for embroidery is hemp cloth.   It is one of the oldest and strongest natural fibers dating back thousands of years, and agriculturally speaking, it requires no artificial fertilizers or pesticides to aid its cultivation, making it a planet friendly crop.  So I really like to use it.  Aida cloth is cotton and is used for counted-cross-stitch and samplers.  It comes in different sizes and a range of colors.  Osnaburg is a loose-weave natural nubby cotton nice for primitive-type dolls and clothing.   It becomes really soft once it's been washed and is fairly inexpensive.  For decorative dishtowels, I sometimes purchase 100% cotton huck toweling.  It's sold on the bolt 15" wide with nicely finished selvages so you only have to hem the top and bottom.  Be aware though, it shrinks a lot so allow a few extra inches before cutting.  There are so many other non-traditional fabrics I use for embroidery, such as lightweight cotton duck, denim, chambray, even flannel.  A lot of the time though, I think I'm influenced by how something feels; if it has a nice "hand" to it or a good weave, I know it will work.   A few more tips:  When using coarse-textured or open weave cloth it may be necessary to stay-stitch or use a machine zig-zag around the edges to prevent your piece from unraveling as it's handled and taken in and out of an embroidery hoop.  It is also a good idea to wash everything first, or at least rinse it well before using.  Most fabrics are coated with stabilizers, starches and other chemicals to help them resist stains, stretching, wrinkles, and fading while they are being shipped and stocked, to maintain an attractive shelf-life.  Iron scorching happens more easily with unwashed fabric, and as it heats up, those chemicals are released into the air you breathe, so always wash it first.  Pre-washing also allows for any shrinkage that is likely to occur with most natural fibers to so it's really well worth taking the time to do.  I always keep a stack of suitable fabrics handy so I can just pick and choose when I'm ready to start a project.