Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago

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A popular quilt shop video went viral telling you to open a $50 layer cake and use it for practice. I had to respond.

In this episode I break down exactly why that advice will cost you money, what you should ACTUALLY use for practice (hint: it's already in your scrap pile), and the smarter way to buy and use pre-cut fabric so nothing ends up in a box — or donated away.

We also talk about:
✂️ Why layer cakes limit your cutting options
✂️ How to eliminate fabric waste when using 10-inch squares
✂️ The right order to buy fabric (pattern FIRST — always)
✂️ Why your stash may be out of control — and what to do about it

🎁 GIVEAWAY WINNER: Teresa Rodman-GM18 — email quiltersheaveninc@gmail.com with your mailing address!

📍 FREE FABRIC: If you're near Northbrook IL (northeast Indiana, southern Wisconsin, or western Illinois), come by the shop — we have bags of donated fabric to give away to quilters and charity sewers.

🏪 Quilters Heaven — 1747 Dundee Rd, Northbrook IL (near Waukegan & Dundee, just off I-94)
📧 quiltersheaveninc@gmail.com

Downloadable Patterns: quiltersheaveninc.com/shop/Patterns--Downloadable.htm

Instagram: instagram.com/theopinionatedquilter

#quilting #layercake #quilttips #fabricshopping #quiltingforbeginners