Monday 1 March 2010

Stash Busting Extravaganza-thon-fest

Yep, there's been a lot of talk about stashes lately, around the darling blogs that I read regularly! I only started realising I was getting a bit of a stash when I moved into my new house 18 months ago, as my front bedroom turned into not only my sewing room but my STASH HQ! My darling friend also gifted me most of her Grandmother's stash as well, after she passed away, so most of my notions and buttons are now from long long ago, but have been kept safe by Granny.

As my own Granny passed away over 3 years ago now, I always associate my sewing with her, or that older generation of women. My friend's granny was a very clever seamstress and hoarder, as her lace collection is so well kept and it seems anything and everything was set aside so that it could be used. My Granny perhaps wasn't so keen on sewing, but she absolutely adored everything I made, and pointed out things I could do better. I can't really remember but I think Granny did destash some things to me when I started sewing (and these things were very minimal mind you) so taking a pin from the cushion ALWAYS reminds me of her. I like sewing everyday, and everyday I think of Granny.

Anyways, I wanted to post about using up these things! Stash bustin' as darling Zoe has coined it, and as I get itchy for challenges and itchy for webstuff I made this button:


This button matches my site, but please go and visit 'So Zo' and sign up if you're keen to be thrifty, use what you already have on the shelves and bust some of that stash!

Through So Zo, I've also found some new (to me anyways!) bloggers, and Color Kitten is trying to get rid of the stash as is Camelia Crinoline! Cute blogs guys! Camelia is also posting at the Sew Retro site, and totally can whip up a very mean and darling vintage frock!

My challenge with Stash Bustin' has kinda started (I did buy some crazy orange fabric at the Remnants Warehouse when I dropped by for Underwear Elastic - more on those later!) as I've been doing Amanda's Vintage Pattern Challenge using my stash stuff (especially all those pink ones - err yuk for me, but oooh darling for you maybe!) and I 'accidentally' went to the Op Shop around the corner last week just to see what was happening (and there was a few things happening, I can tell you what!). BUT, from now until The Big Picture (more on that later too) starts I will not buy any new material... and totally totally totally totally the hardest bit ... is not buying any Op Shop fabric. ARGH! I'll not go to the shops at all now! ARGH! This is pretty hard for me, as I NEVER go shopping, like I don't even browse the women's stores at all (I get inspiration from online or vintage patterns!) ... but I do go to the Op Shops... just to 'see what's happening'...


Yep...

No more 'seeing what's happening'...

Just heaps of this:

 

  

 

Phew phew phew phew phew. Stash bustin' is UNREAL SO FAR. (Hope you can't read the sarcasm there)

Sorry to be cagey about The Big Picture, but it involves things, life, people, places, Doggie Darling, etc. It involves most of our going on's in life, and I can't really start talking about it yet. But I will.

Now after that little rant and relief, I've got to buy the groceries!

4 comments:

  1. Good luck!! I am completely addicted to fabric. Completely. I need to stop buying too, but keep reasoning with myself that my stash is quite small. The excuses!!!!!

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  2. OMG!!! I love your stash. I have tried giving up op-shopping for fabric...but it didn't work for me...the fabric will only be there once! I can't say no (the results of which I posted on WR a few weeks ago)! But anyway, your fabric stash looks awesome!

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  3. Hi Veronica! Thanks for the shout out! Good luck with the Stash Bustin'. You know, if you want to off load some of your less favourite bits in exchange for something you find more inspirational, you may be interested in the international fabric swap I'm hosting at my blog. Can't wait to see what you make next!

    Zoe x

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  4. oooh, not buying fabric from op shops is a biggie, 'cos you know you only get one chance to buy it and you could be missing out on the world's most fabulous fabric! But good luck, I'll do my best to fill in your shoes in the fabric buying, we don't want those op shops going broke now do we?

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