Stash
hoarder – a person who accumulates things and hides them away for future use
There’s some rearranging to be done here at Rose Cottage before the baby arrives. Today I decided to move my fabric stash off the shelves and into containers so it’s more protected and more condensed. While doing so I discovered just how much nice fabric I seem to be hoarding. I don’t do it deliberately I just seem to suffer from a fear of cutting; What if I make a mess of it? What if I hate the finished item?
How do you will yourself to actually cut and sew nice fabric? Confidence that it’ll turn out ok? Not wanting to hoard? Having rules where you can’t buy more until you’ve used this lot? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Danielle
January 23, 2011 at 7:42 pmRenae,
you have to use it before buying any more! And if you havent used it within a certain timeframe- eg a year, then chuck it!
Ren
January 23, 2011 at 8:29 pmChuck it! I’d have to throw 90% of it out! I do like your thinking though – no more new fabric until I’ve used this lot, unless it’s for maternity clothes (I don’t have any stretchy fabric!) I really just need to do a massive sew-a-thon!
curlypops
January 23, 2011 at 9:31 pmAs a self confessed hoarder, I don’t think any comment I make would actually be useful!
Ren
January 24, 2011 at 1:26 pmAh but you actually sew, reguarly! So you are allowed to have a stash!
Jen
January 24, 2011 at 10:19 amI need to get sewing too. I even have patterns matched up to my fabric!
Don’t chuck it, but maybe ebay it. and as a fellow horder i know how hard it is, so i’d say after 2 years.
BUT as a horder, I also say it’s ok as long as the fabric itself makes you happy. if the fabric is getting you down because it’s staying fabric then you need to make it not fabric or sell it, but if it’s pure unadulterated form gives you some kind of peace, then maybe find a way to display it, or have somewhere you can look in on it…
I’m not talking about my yarn stash AT ALL :)
Ren
January 24, 2011 at 1:28 pmIt does make me happy to look at, but I also feel bad for never doing things with it. I was thinking of doing what you’ve done with the embroidery hoops. That would also help with my embroidery hoop stash problem!!
At least you do actually knit with your yarn stash!!
Mel
January 26, 2011 at 12:32 pmI like the 2 year time limit … a lot can happen in 2 years; tastes change … and then change back again. Confidence in sewing ability grows, and then you’re not as afraid to cut and sew lovely fabrics ;)
If having the fabrics around makes you happy then go with that … no regrets/ guilt allowed in 2011 so just go with what makes you smile :)
I’m sure that once your bub comes along you’ll get out all those special materials (that are suitable) to make all kinds of clothes, blankets, etc. for them xo
Also – my guess is that it is always good to have a big stash so that when the creative mood strikes, you then have plenty to work with.
Lastly … you could always have a little fabric sale at your next Craft Day :)
Ren
January 26, 2011 at 8:53 pmI like your thinking Mel!