I did it. I finally cleared out my fabric stash - all eight clear bins of fabric lovingly collected over the decade plus! The calicos from when I first learned to quilt... the dozens and dozens of brown fabrics for the people I sew... the yards of fabrics featuring African American images (yes, Black Santa Claus!).... and more. I realized that I didn't need EIGHT bins of fabrics. So, the other week I had a clear-out. I had a ball recalling when or where I was when I purchased different prints, including the horribly expensive Art Deco print I got from Liberty's in London one summer. I laughed asking myself why I purchased four YARDS of the Michael Jordon "Space Jam" cotton print. I finally admitted to myself there are some fabrics I'll never really sew with. Slowly I put aside those prints that I'm not really going to use or need to keep any longer.I have only three bins of fabric left... the-really-will-sew-with this fabric... the must keep ethnic prints.... and any other piece that simply made me happy. (I donated all the other fabric as well as the 40 spools of thread I'll not use either!) I feel lighter now. Have you ever had such a fabric experience?
11 comments:
Yep! I've been doing the same thing recently and it does feel wonderful. I've still got lots more to sort through and donate, but a LOT of it is gone. I love the photo you posted...I have most of those same lovely fabrics!
You bet, but have to watch it as those bins come back..... enjoy the space....
Ummmm no! *LOL* Me without a fabric collection feels like I'm walking nekkid down the street with no clothes!
Fabulous picture of Lisa Tutman Oglesby's stash...
I don't have a large fabric collection; most has been passed down from my mom. It's in one bin, and I do use it.
I used to have TONS (figuratively) of yarn––then I got rid of most of it. Now my studio actually has very little. I firmly ascribe to the idea that you can't get the new in your life if you hold onto the old.
Yes Ma'am! I did this purge 5 years ago and then 3 years ago. Now I go through my fabric like I do my wardrobe. RUTHLESSLY! I keep only what I love. The rest is weight holding me down and keeping me from my creative work. I donated most of my fabric to other quilter friends. I took the rest to the community center. Congratulations on getting FREE!
i can't believe you were able to part with 5 whole bins of fabric!! it makes me nervous to think of it. I hope you found good homes for it all though!
One of the things i love most about my own stash is going through it and remembering where/when/what i was thinking when i purchased it.
I am in the process of moving and I have found a large bid of fabric. I know I have to part with some of it, just can't have a hard time letting it go. Hopefully, I'll find some nice quiters in Augusta who will take some of it off my hands.
I share your pain Kyra. Last month I clean-up my fabric stash. Felt good, cause I donated my fabric to a children's program. The experience was a trip, to say the least. Although, I didn't find any Michael Jordan Space Jam fabric. LOL
NOW, i have ONE chest in my tiny studio for fabric--LORD knows I am committed to keeping it this way. The reason being...well, I estimated the $$$$ I spent on that fabric I donated (for tax purposes)--I could have my dream sewing machine by now---had I not gotten distracted with fabric purchases.
I no longer buy new fabrics but like to go through my fabrics periodically and notice that every few months, my taste changes. So I clean up and donate.. It is a good feeling!
Trying to clean out my eight bins. Just can't find the time!
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