Comments on: Stash infusion

By: Jen

Jen — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:12:18 +0000

What about making (with the felt and fleece, or even the material) some small bags or hats for a charitable organization. Amanda Soule of Soulemama.com has something like that called Mamatomama. That might be a good way of making something good come from something that maybe went a little awry.

By: Stephanie in MN

Stephanie in MN — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:23:46 +0000

Sadly, I can identify with your mother. I developed a fabric hoarding habit while suffering from a disabling illness that ended up including some mild depression. Shopping (for fabric and craft books) made me feel better, if only for a little while. I recognized that I was in trouble when I was buying fabric for quilts I don’t need and putting off buying necessary things like clothing or shoes (I kid you not). I have done much better since joining the Stashbusters group at Yahoo Groups.

One project that gives enormous satisfaction fast is making pillowcases, especially from novelty fabrics. You can easily get a couple of pillowcases completed in just one day, probably faster once you have the hang of the pattern. There are basically two types – one that just uses all of the same fabric (I did this) and one that uses 2 complementary fabrics. Free patterns on the internet. Saved me a lot of money because I have king sized pillowcases and I could just sew from something I had ALREADY and actually like better.

By: Gigi

Gigi — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:34:26 +0000

I too am guilty as charged. I’ve been a garment sewer for 30 years and have thousands of yards of lovely fabrics in my “collection”. And I’ve recently begun quilting! I used to feel terribly guilty about it all but I do have a handle on it and maintain a complete fabric inventory so that I am actually able to use my stash. I try to keep things under control by culling the herd once a year to rid myself of those “what was I thinking pieces?”. I just think it goes with the territory.

By: lee

lee — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:52:24 +0000

As for the felt and fleece, I second contacting schools and Girl Scout troops. Many teachers have craft programs as part of their curricula. My kids’ third grade teacher, in particular, made fleece blankets and scarves with the kids for the local women’s shelter and homeless shelter. If the teachers are unsure, you could volunteer to lead the class in the exercise – I can email you separately with directions for both fringed blankets and scarves. Unless there is something in particular that you want to do with it, having it sit there takes up psychic space and it will LOOM at you until you use it or get rid of it.

By: lee

lee — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:47:05 +0000

I have no help to offer but I do have sympathy. We had to do this twice with my mother-in-law, and what she had was clothes, along with (appallingly ugly and certifiably antique) craft materials. The clean out process was horrendous. Congratulations to your mom for getting her stuff under control NOW, and good luck to you finding homes for it.

By: Leslie

Leslie — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:41:51 +0000

I understand your concern, it can be overwhelming. And I know about hoarding too. My MIL had closets FULL of shoes in boxes, clothes with the tags still on, drawers full of jewelry still in their gift boxes, cases of paper goods, linens stacked to the tops of the closets. The family has moved them 4 times in the last 10 years and gradually it’s gotten pared down. But there’s a psychological weight to it that’s a little frightening. Yeah… daunting to process, take it in stages.

By: Mal

Mal — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:06:07 +0000

@aneela: THANK YOU for the link! I’m going to spend some time on there. Wow.

By: Mal

Mal — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:04:54 +0000

@Elizabeth: Thank you so much for the links and the suggestions! I’m with you. I’ve always thought it was kind of neat that instead of hoarding old gum wrappers and twist ties, she hoards potential. She collects things that could be turned into other things! It’s sort of nice.

By: aneela

aneela — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:08:09 +0000

$12,000 of stash!! Although i’d hate to add up the value of my own stash I know it is nowhere near that amount. I think I inherited my Mum’s hoarding tendencies in that I can never throw away scraps no matter how teeny tiny. For stash busting tips try
http://www.quiltville.com/index.html/
I am in love with that site!!! Good luck!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:14:41 +0000

I am glad your mom collects beautiful things which can be used and not just trash as I sometimes read in the newspaper. But I understand this is a more than a little bit overwhelming because there is so much more at her house.
There is one blog with the topic felt that I visit regular and that is http://blog.betzwhite.com/
She makes beautiful things and written 2 books with felt projects. Than there is also Anneli from http://www.bockfilz.blogspot.com who also made a number of felt projects and than there is my blog with several several felt projects.

Hope you will find something you like.

See you!!!

By: Mal

Mal — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:05:31 +0000

@Erica: It’s a wonderful inheritance for a creative-type, but there is definitely an element of fear!

By: Erica

Erica — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 03:00:19 +0000

Mal, please don’t ever get together with my daughter and compare notes My stash is her worst recurring nightmare!

By: Mal

Mal — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:41:29 +0000

@Victoria: EXACTLY! My ex-boyfriend, who is a notorious bargain shopper, thinks this latest infusion is just wonderful. All this stuff for free!? It’s the ultimate bargain!

It’s also just two steps closer to me turning into my mother. Eek.

By: Victoria

Victoria — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:30:20 +0000

I live in fear of becoming a hoarder… fabric being my greatest weakness. It starts out so innocently, but my it does build up over the years! Maybe you could donate some of the fleece and felt to your local school art department, or to a local girl scout troop… they are always in need of supplies. Good luck! xo

By: Mal

Mal — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:30:22 +0000

@Emma: What scares me about this bounty is that we are just getting started and I live in a small apartment! But I’m with you and have already started snapping up the scraps for subway hexagons.

Other inspiration? All I can think is maybe if I make 50 condom cozies, or a bunch of zipper pouches or totes or SOMETHING that can be sold, maybe I won’t feel weird for having so much fabric in my place!

What I am REALLY going to need are recommendations for using up fleece and felt. Thoughts?

By: Emma

Emma — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:18:40 +0000

That is an unbelievable bounty! I see no problem with your mum’s shopping and hoarding. I live for moments like those There’s plenty of hexagons in them there piles… Any other inspiration strike you while you’ve been washing, smoothing and sorting?