- My daily food diary
- My activity log
- My to do list
- My knitting notes
- My sewing notes
- My knitting stash catalog
- My FitBit Flex sync
And for those of you who are visual (which, really, you should be with fabric), here's my current to-keep stash in pics and here's the stuff I'm happy to give away. If you'd like to become the owner of a new piece or two, you can email me directly, or contact me on the Stash Diet swap page.
Let me know which fabric interests you and, as long as no one else has claimed it, I'd be happy to get it to where you live and split the shipping charge.
But moving along, yesterday I smugly insisted that I am light on stash. (Please wait while my hoarse cackle of laughter abates.) Sure, I can fit my stuff into one small cupboard - well, until that new 7 yards of fabric arrives sometime in the next week, at any rate - but Lord, I am swimming in GORGEOUS pieces of fabric that I am stupid to ignore.
While this day has been hijacked by some really boring, tedious photography, list-making and trying to remember how the fuck to wrangle Flickr (this site is useless), I can't begrudge the process overly.
Just to incline you to check out my photo sets, here are a couple of beautiful fabrics I am very motivated to use:
Above, is the insanely plush, 100% cashmere sweater fabric that's hot pink on one side and slate grey on the other. Mardel generously, really generously, gifted this to me a while ago and I haven't yet used it because, people, it is precious. Note: I'm not one of those who cannot cut into precious things?! Honestly, this is probably the most high-quality and beautiful fabric I have ever owned. I do not want it to languish in my stash, but to live in my wardrobe. Mind you, nothing I've seen so far is worthy of it, IMO. I've got an insanely generous 2.5 yards at 60" width. If you can think of what I should make with it - I'd be so grateful to hear about it.
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And this fabric, above, is one I bought with my friends last weekend. It's the loveliest stretch twill - really, I feel it's denim with flowers. I think it would make great denim leggings or even a good sleeveless summer dress. I've got 1.5 metres at 60" width. Don't you think it's pretty? I actually got it for 11 bucks a metre (half off) which is a very good price. Much of the fabric at FabricLand is too expensive these days, IMO, for its quality. We no longer have one in TO, but I'm more inclined (if I can't find what I want in the garment district) to order online through a variety of sources. No doubt, I'll write about that soon.
So, today's questions: What do you think of your own stash? Do you really know what's in there? Really? Are there things you want to give away? (No problem - join the Stash Diet Flickr group.) Do you think my stash is insane? I can take it. Let's talk!
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I suspect stash is bigger than I think (altho not huge compared to some!). It's all over the place tho so until I can keep in all in one place I can't really "see" it. Most have a project attached and were either v cheap or thrifted so I can't feel that bad about it. I am trying to get projects I have fabric for take priority but I have bought some knits for tees I need to fill wardrobe gaps (no knits in stash)
ReplyDeleteI know that's a huge risk - parceling things out everywhere. That's why my bottom line rule is that I have to be able to fit it all into the same cupboard. But you know, the idea that most of your fabric is attached to projects or basic and well-priced really does take the guilt out of it. Well planned!
Deletemy "stash" mostly consists of large enough pieces of leftover fabric to make something for a kid, so i'm not super inspired to use it up... i don't have much storage or a good system of organizing so i'm not even sure anymore what all i have. and those two fabrics you have pictured look amazing! i have been searching for a good printed denim for ages, so hope you make something amazing with yours!
ReplyDeleteHa! I totally understand. I suggest, if you have an aft, that you go through everything and look through it carefully. I mean, not just refolding and sorting, but also listing out amounts and fabrics. I suspect you'll find some great stuff you cannot exactly remember. And, at least, knowing the yardage of everything will help you to plan.
DeleteThis is not really that much stash, IMO! But stash is a very individual thing, I think. For one person, 10 pieces is too much, and for another 100 is too little.
ReplyDeleteYou might think I'm nuts, but I see that floral as a cute little blazer.
I don't think it's insane, but that cupboard is full. So this is a great time, as I'm bringing in new stuff (shown in today's Flickr set, I've already accounted for it), to give the same yardage away. Then I'll have the space and someone else can use what I haven't managed to find a project for.
DeleteMy next post will consider the rationale for my stash - specific contents, I mean.
I find this exercise very useful Gail, in a way I could not have imagined. I should have done it sooner. I have done it before, but in half-assed ways. My Ravelry stash is always up to date, so why shouldn't this be too. It'll be EFFICIENT.
Oh, and it would make a great jacket!
DeleteMy stash exists mostly as a bunch of notes and links ))
ReplyDeleteCashmere is gorgeous and looks like a demi-season coat to me ) Classic MaxMara style.
And floral one looks more like dress or jacket.
Ha! You know, I haven't thought about a transitional coat, oooh, I have to consider what sort of pattern would work. Remember, it is sweater fabric. It does stretch...
DeleteI saw the classic coat made from sweater fabric, which was good, the secret was very wide use of that stuff (I don't know how you call it in English) that glues to the main fabric when you iron it and make it hold shape. Another option is to make the lining stretch and give it more casual touch (then it will be extra comfy, but real pain in the ass in the process ) or skip the lining all together with all casual approach (but I think that it could make it less durable).
DeleteThe stuff is interfacing (you can fuse or sew it in) or maybe you mean underlining? I wonder if the best plan is to line, but not necessarily interface. The fabric is like the most gorgeous, thick, cashmere sweater you've ever seen. It could almost be a blanket.
DeleteI've been thinking a lot about stashing lately. Sometime in the past few months I've become "stash free". I did have some fabric left, mostly scraps and remnants, but no pieces that were big enough to be made into a garment (except for 2, that are still waiting for a pattern to be purchased). While it was liberating it was also demoralizing, because I could no longer take my mind off things by grabbing a piece of fabric and making something nice out of it at the end of a long day of... life. So I did some sewing for my boyfriend (3 pairs of pants and 2 cardigans, from Thread Theory) while taking the time to theoretically build my idea wardrobe. Ever since, I've been going to the textile district every few weeks or so to buy the supplies I need to make 3 garments out of this idea wardrobe (garments that I need and want in my life) + 2 things that I don't really NEED but want to make. Making stuff I enjoy wearing mostly from patterns that had become my TNT patterns, also mean I can get rid of some of the clothes I don't like and don't fit me anymore (dropped some major kgs in the past few months).
ReplyDeleteThis change has increased my sewing productivity, and also changed my wardrobe for the better.
Roni: I intend to write about this today! What kismet. I COMPLETELY agree with you. We all need some stash. I love knowing that I can go to the fabric and the patterns (and the yarn) and just make something. Something fun and fast, something complicated, something to occupy my hands and brain. So I'm with you. Thanks for this comment!
DeleteYou have to find something to make with the fabric Mardel sent you. It is to beautiful to sit unused! My stash is large. 270 metres large, to be exact. That includes linings and quilting cottons, which make up about 1/3 of it. I've definitely ran out of room and suspect I should be giving away more than I have already listed in the swap group. Most importantly, I should just get sewing.
ReplyDeleteI know. It stares me in the face every time I open that cupboard. It feels like a million dollars. Really. It could make a Chanel garment. Hmmmm... I have 34 yards of fabric (not including the lingerie stuff which is plentiful but in tiny increments of yards). I have to start sewing too. You know - just as you suggested - we should totally get together, look at that stash, and decide on what the other person's going to make.
DeleteI think the cashmere would be stunning as a cape or shawl of some kind so that you could show off the pink.
ReplyDeleteYou are right! I must show off both sides.
DeleteI knew that I recognized that fabric!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know what was in my stash before I moved. It was all in boxes in the tops of closets (hiding between 7 and 9 feet from floor level). Now I do, with the exception of a small number of boxes that have not been unpacked, and it is much better. There are probably still a few things I'd give away, but not many.
No sewing yet, but i've got two pairs of socks on the needles, not that i've seen them today. Seems I am chained to my desk, which is good as otherwise I'm so tired I'd fall over….
I can't believe you gifted it to me. It's the most beautiful fabric ever. Well, except for that Versace charmeuse you gave me, which was also the best fabric ever. You will start sewing when the time is right! And you will be in sewing studio heaven, what with all the work you've done on your space. Can't wait to see what you produce. xo
DeleteThis is my suggestion for that pink/grey cashmere.
ReplyDeletehttp://hattiemylove.blogspot.no/2014/03/sew-good.html
I have the pattern, but not any kush double sided fabric - which is how I stumbled across your blog post. :D
Ha! Well I know you're serious :-) Gotta keep this one in mind...
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