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| The wall 'o fabric |
Monday, May 7, 2012
Stash
Lately, I've been trying to keep better track of my fabric Ins and Outs. I created a spreadsheet to record fabric purchased and fabric sewn up, and it really has been helping me keep my fabric buying in better control. Like Carolyn, I don't feel particularly guilty about my fabric buying habits - it's cheaper than therapy, right? But, I do have limited space, and I do want to make sure that my collection is full of fabrics that I love, not just purchases I made because they were a "great deal".
This morning I started tracing Vogue 1050, which I have been planning to make for some time. When I bought the pattern (at least 3 years ago), I also bought some navy and teal peachskin to make it up. I often purchase fabric for one project and then end up using it for something else, but this time I actually am using the fabric purchased for these pants to make them. As I started to put them into my spreadsheet, my cursor hovered over the "stash" box. Is this stash fabric? I've had it at least three years. But I bought it specifically to make these pants, and here I am, actually using them for the purpose intended. I usually define stash fabric as something I bought without a specific pattern or use in mind, ie just for the stash, but this fabric has been with me a while. When does it cease to be dedicated and become stash? What do you think? Is it stash or not?
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15 comments:
Oh I'm totally cracking up over here, this sounds totally like something I would do, I can't believe I haven't yet! Inventory evenings this week I think...
I think I define stash as anything that lingers for any length of time. I could totally have a project in mind and then get around to that bit of fabric and realize that I want to do something else with it or that it's more suitable for something else. Definitely basics or solid anything are automatic stash fabrics too. I can't be that organized with my fabric. I like to have enough fabric on hand to have some options, but not enough that I can't pull it all out at one time and just dream. It's amazing to me how differently we all approach this whole matter of the creative process. I love that we all look at things from a different perspective.
It it isn't used immediately, it's "stash", or, as Carolyn calls it, "Collection" fabric. Sometimes I know exactly what my fabric wants to be, and sometimes I just have a general idea, (for example, "Ooh! Cute sundress!"), but if it doesn't get under the scissors within a week or 2, it's "stash". And then I'm extra happy when it becomes something new.
I think it is stash fabric. Most of what I buy I have a specific idea in mind for it. However if I don't get to it within 6 months of purchasing I then consider it stash fabric.
Yeah it's collection...anything that's been around that long is collection. :) Can I say again how much I love your fabric shelves! Just seeing them makes me happy.
I love looking at people`s stashes - thanks for showing yours ! Unfortunately I do feel guilty about my stash so I am trying to sew it down and not buy more. You have alot of inspiration there.
That is interesting. I think I got into the "stash" mindset because I couldn't get good garment fabric in small town Texas, so I would never have what I wanted and had to wait for things so much. Now that I live in Utah and can get decent fabrics, it has become more of a habit.
Me, too!! I love seeing those shelves every time I walk into my sewing room. You're fabric shelves are pretty amazing, too. Lots of loveliness there!
Well, I differ from the crowd, being someone who only bought fabric for a certain pattern! I say it's not stash, because I consider stash to be something I bought with no pattern in hand. (I never did this till I found Pattern Review - remember I asked you one time how much you bought if you didnt have a pattern!) And my stash is in 3 drawers, so I am always amazed at you ladies with SHELVES!
I love your stash - and with your production sewing - I'm seriously - it is a timesaver. I can't imagine you having to run out to the store for every item you make.
Like Sister, I too do have a small stash - but not much at all - but I live near some great fabric stores!
Oh, and I totally forgot to tell you how cute those Vogue pants are in person! Sandra wore them last year, and another lady made them this year, and they're very flattering - can't wait to see how they look!
To me, it become stash when it goes onto the shelf. Occasionally, I buy something and make it up within a week or two, but if it's been hanging around so long that it has to be put away...it has been transmogrified. Of course, I am more lax than many people about putting things away!
First, would you mind if I ask how tall you are? I am similar in build to you, and watching which patterns you make also helps me (but even more if I think I'm somewhat near your height -- I am 5'2"). Thank you for this!! It makes my stash look teensy =) I LOVE your blog!!!!! -- Patty in San Jose, CA
Thank you!
I'm 5'6", but most of my height is in my legs. I'm very short waisted and actually often have to shorten a blouse or the bodice of a dress significantly.
Wow. That wall 'o fabric is impressive! My stash is stashed in a bookshelf, in little piles on the floor under my ironing board, in tubs under my cutting table, in more tubs up on the top shelf in the closet, and the worst pile is mostly new stuff, mostly folded on bolts, in a big pile teetering haphazardly in the closet. It would be a dream to organize everything into a big shelf like yours! Decluttering my closet is on my to do list. On the upside, I have noticed that my stash seems to be shrinking!
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