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Im 71 and I can sew anything I want to without having to go to a shop ever. I love that. I live with my son and we are moving to a small town soon. I asked him if I should get rid of everything due to my age and he said absolutely NOT - just let me know what you want me to do with it when you turn your toes up. So - greetings from South Africa and I just love your vids - Christina
My favorite thing about this video? The way you give yourself grace for having a stash. I bet I’m not the only one that appreciates your raw honesty 😃, either.
A good friend at church is using up her stash by making 90 lap throws for a nursing home in the area. She is making the tops and sewing them to 50x60 fleece blankets she got on winter clearance at Walmart (and her kids shopped at their local Walmarts to help her get enough blankets). She can easily make one a day, especially when she uses a panel. They are so nice and they will be a huge blessing.
That's a good idea! I'm just wondering how to use up my stash quickly. We certainly don't need 15 or 20 blankets for our own chairs and couches. And, I'd rather donate finished blankets to groups that need them, and have something useful to do, than leave it all up to others to do. I have been making quilt tops this year, and my daughter passed on a large piece for a backing that someone gave her. It will be perfect for the autumn color top I'm finishing up.
Wonderful! I made between 50 to 60 of just flannel and fleece to donate to nursing homes . But to put a pieced front would increase the work exponentially. So nice to think of the needy.
My husband made his living as a graphic designer. I was lamenting the amount of fabric I had one day, and he said to me that if you don't have the raw materials for your ideas, you stop your creativity. This has proven to be true many times.
Lately, I've been telling myself, "Just because the fabric is pretty, doesn't mean I should buy it. If that were a pair of shoes, you know you wouldn't buy closets full." Then, I say, "But, quilts are one-size-fits-all and shareable! You can't snuggle shoes!" Even so, when I know I have a new car's worth (little car) of sewing supplies and my fabric collection has reached S.A.B.L.E.* statis, I concede it is time to donate (*Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy).😄 I think I'm going to make a donation to the Navajo Nation. Their acess to quilt shops is slim to none and they have put out a call for sewing supplies.
If you google, "Navajo Quilt Project," it will take you to the French General website with addresses and information on the program, and where and how to mail packages to the reservation. If you want to donate to a specific nation near you, look on your state map, find out which tribes live near you, and contact them.
I make quilts for the homeless here in my town. I get my fabric mostly from good will, hopefully yours resale store. sometimes from estate sales. I have downsized once and donated to my sister who has no way if getting fabric where she lives. Replenished my stash. I have a good size amount of fabric again. I would like to share again to indian nation if i could. The Lord provides.
The best part of this video is when you say "I'm not going to shame myself...." I have far too much fabric myself, but I enjoy buying fabric, receiving fabric as gifts, gifting fabric, just HAVING fabric & using fabric. I counted my fabric a couple years back, and thought it was a good exercise, but certainly didn't stop me from getting MORE fabric. 🙂🙂🙂
This is where I am at too. I probably don't have as much as many others do. But I simply have no room to store it. So I cannot accept many donations now. I am trying to use what I have and it is mostly very short yardage and truly scraps. But it is enough and I am trying to be guilt free about it. Right now my focus is on continuing improvement as a quilter, not on the stash.
Yes it is, my granddaughter was with me at HOBBY LOBBY one day and I couldn't help myself I had to buy some remnants , she said nanny why don't you just use what you already have ( closet full) ? I said it's a sickness , I just love to buy them .
@@sumari9751There's more than just those two hobbies if you sew though. There's the hobby of finding notions that work better than the ones your currently use, of finding the best way to store everything, finding that perfect pattern, etc.
There is nothing wrong with having a big stash. I was grateful for what I had during the pandemic. Its so nice to not have to go to the store when I want to start a project. Also, quilting stores are becoming fewer and fewer and the cost just keeps increasing.
Quilter from Australia here. We are paying anything from $A28.00 to $A30.50 a metre for fabric. 😢 I am very grateful for my stash, especially when it was purchased from the US and paid around $A14.00 plus.
True story. I had just finished a quilting class at the local sewing machine shop in Wenatchee Wash. We were all standing around chatting before we scattered about to our homes when a man walked in. He was grumpy. As he collected his wifes machine and paid for it (also griping about THAT), He complained about the walk in closet stuffed with fabric . Well he snorted loudly, I bet there has to be a hundred dollars worth of material in there!!!!! Not one of us said a word.
At 65 the stash was weighing on my mind. Enlisting my daughter and her friend we ruthlessly pared the stash down and donated a mountain of fabric to Ujamma Grammas. I feel lighter, less guilt driven and have only been doing projects that please me. Don’t know exact amount remaining but it’s less. Thanks Karen for this thoughtful video.
I’m 68 and have three rooms jammed full of kits, yardage, precuts out the wazoo. I’ll need 9 lives! It’s starting to give me anxiety because I know I’ll never use it all. My daughter and I are going to do a deep dive into it while she’s on spring break. She’s ruthless when it comes to decluttering, so I really need her help. I’m so torn between just donating it and trying to sell it, but I don’t want the hassle of selling it. Still, it’s got to go so my mind can settle down and I can reclaim the guest room, and get my other two rooms organized!
I just had to get rid of all my 'stash' since I have moved into a nursing home because of health. I gave some to my Quilts of Valor group and a lot of it went to a non-profit group in town. They also got my machines. I know that will be using a lot of it to teach others. I kept saying that I could open my own quilt shop with all that fabric. I am just glad it is going to new homes.
After doing this year’s declutter challenge, I made a list of UFO’s, panels, and kits. Your definition of kits included precuts which I never considered as such. I found that I had enough to keep me busy for three years. Keeping the project list immediately in front of my sewing machine reminds me to stop shopping for fabric unless I need something to finish a project OR can schedule a new project in between all of these existing projects. I can now set goals and prioritize. It feels good to check things off as well!
I have bought most of my stash from thrift stores, rummage sales and estate sales. I went to one estate sale where the son and grandson of the owner were clearing out the house after she had to go into a nursing home. I told them to please tell their family member that her fabric and sewing supplies were going to people who loved them and would be so happy to use them. I shared my haul with everyone in my quilt group.
Your video inspired me to do a quick count of my fabric stash. I did not count with precision, but rather by fingering through my stacks on the shelves. I did not count scraps because most of my multitudinous accumulation are small cuts. So, my estimate is 584 yards. 😮 😂 I don't drink any alcoholic beverages, neither do I use any form of nicotine, nor do I gamble. I create about 12 completed quilts per year, and I donate at least 10 quilts to charitable causes. I love fabric, and I love to sew. It keeps me happy.
I think if you made queen size quilts, you'd use 12 on the first side - that's 100 quilts. If you use your own stash for the backs, that probably cutting the number of quilts you could make to between 60 and70. that's not a crazy number, IMO. :) Why would we shame anyone, anyway? I've never shamed someone for having a big pantry full of food. That is exactly what we quilters are doing when we have a lot of fabric that can be used. Woodworkers don't get shamed for having a variety of beautiful wood to make things from. Artists have paints and canvases. Quilters have fabric.
People have closets filled with clothes, shoes, hats, purses, boots, coats, scarves, and gloves. More than they wear in a year. I have my stash. Think of the lucky women with stashes of all kinds of stuff during the war years.
During the pandemic it was the quilters and sewers who came through with donated masks. I work at a fabric and craft store and one woman made A TON of masks and made Covid Quilts with the scraps. Another woman made a ton and sent them with her daughter to college to have at like information desks. She said all of them were taken, even the "ugly" ones
That's sort of my new thing now. I no longer save my favorite fabric, I use it 1st. What have we been saving it for? It's so much better to enjoy it made into something beautiful! We aren't honoring the fabric hiding it away. Be it in quilts we cuddle that keep us warm on cold nights or our favorite blouse, make it with our favorites 1st!💙🤩
I feel so much better about my life now. People in my life who don't quilt think I am crazy and I was beginning to believe them. I was buying only the amount of fabric I needed for a specific quilt, but then I began to buy fat quarters, jelly rolls, layer cakes and charm packs that just called out to me. I don't have a quarter of what you have, but always felt I had gone too far. A painter never has enough paint. A fisherman never has enough fishing gear. It brings me joy. I just bought fabric from an estate sale. This person bought a second home just to keep their fabric in. The joy on the faces of the people combing through her stash of fabrics, kits, machines and accessories was a delight. It also helped me realize how easy it is to go from happiness to stress from being overwhelmed by it all. Thank you for putting some perspective on my own stash and - I will no longer "shame myself" about it.
I made the decision at 70 not to buy more, but to use what I have, but, I always seem to need just a couple of yards to go with what I have for each quilt, so my stash is only reducing slowly but still proud of it 😂
I have decided only to buy what I need (1 or 2 fabrics at most) to finish quilts that otherwise will be shipped from the stash. I also don't let myself buy anything randomly (unless it is $4/yard or less on clearance) at the fabric store. In fact, I try not to go to the fabric store, except when truly necessary.
After moving across the country a few months ago, unpacking, I realized I have an embarrassing amount of fabric. So, in order to use up more, I'm making all pieced backings. It takes a lot more time, but that's penance for over purchasing!
I am watching the video and I am having a panic attack. I have at least 500 yards of fabric. You are a champion with all your yardage. Bless your heart .
Early in my quilting journey, I saw Mary Ellen Hopkins in a lecture series. She discussed the "whys" of having a stash. "What if you come up with a great quilt idea at 1 AM and all the quilt stores are closed?". I bought into that idea hook, line, and sinker. My stash is huge. I'm afraid to count it all, but I am taking steps to reduce and use what I have. I blame some of this on our many moves (my husband is a retired Army officer) across continents and needing to put things in storage at various times. He has retired now and all the fabric has come to our forever home to nest. I am finally able to complete projects that I've started along the way, as well as create new ones from all this stash I've been storing. It is good to see it all and come to terms with letting go of that which no longer excites me and holding on to that which still invites ideas.
I noticed colorful sticky notes on your fabric, Karen. One time, I discovered a stack of basket blocks from a quilt guild block lotto that I had won much earlier. The color from the sticky notes had transferred up to the light background on some of the blocks, including one by an elderly lady who did excellent work. She has since passed away. 😢
I have no idea how much fabric I have. I started sewing clothes in 1964 and quilting in 1984. I will say that at this stage of my life it is nice to have enough that I do not have to buy fabric for projects. These days I buy fabric for projects that need something I do not have. With the price of fabrics I am quite happy for stash.
For me, the trick is to keep my fabric super organized. 100% of my quilts are scrappy, often improv, and knowing what I have and where it is stashed, really keeps the creative process fun and calm.
Love this! Several years ago I pulled all my fabric out & sorted, folded, labels in the selvedge with a SKU, and logged it in a spreadsheet. Such a good feeling to be organized and it renews your enthusiasm for quilting. I assigned a SKU to anything 1/8yd or larger then kept the smaller pieces too big to cut into scraps in a bin labeled "chunky scraps." My first "inventory" revealed 585 yards in 2014. As I acquire and use fabric & added or subtracted from my spreadsheet and re-inventoried every few years. Today I'm at a 785 yards so definitely going in the wrong direction - and have a trip planned to my favorite quilt shop tomorrow so YAY.
Thank you for this. I don't feel so bad about my habit. Thank you especially for your honesty and refusal to scold yourself about it. We all are in love with fabric and it inspires us to just revisit it all once in a while.
Thank you for this video. I was surprised at how many emotions surfaced in me as you were adding up your stash, and I was looking at mine (which is about the same amount that you have). At first, I laughed, then almost cried, felt anxious wondering if my stash would outlive me - lol - then realized how fortunate to have such a treasure right at my fingertips! I am truly grateful for the luxury of having a stash, no matter the size. Have a wonderful day! 😊
For me, out of sight = out of mind. Basically, forgotten. So I bought 3 billy shelf units and folded all my fabric -- including fat quarters -- on comic book cards. It became a library of color that I could flip thru easily to find just the right shade. But then I bought an Ikea cube unit and filled it with boxes and put all my project ideas in those. . .and once out of sight. . .were forgotten. I counted 66 projects waiting for their turn. Lots of forgotten fabric in those boxes. Guess I better get busy!!
I found I really prefer clear storage and I’m actually recycling salad containers to use on the bookcases. I’m a visual person and I need to see what I have.
Out of sight.= out of mind is same for.me..That's why I asked for, and received, 12 clear localized boxes for Christmas one year. But I have to keep my fabric away from dust, or my allergies flare up when using it. At least I can see what I have when opening the closet doors, though.😏
It looks like you're ready for a month or two of stash busting sewing during which the emphasis is simply sewing up as much fabric as possible. More simple designs which use a "puddle" of fabric large enough to see, or volumous enough count (in terms of yardage) when done, or put a good dent in fabric set aside for a specific purpose. I do this every so often. With the 100% cotton, ill periodically whip up some crib/ toddler bed sheets which use a shy 2 yards; 69", 175 cm, 1,7t meters. With a good table set up you could probably cut 6 (@12 yards) in 1/2 hour to an hour. With a serger elminating French seams you could probably do rounded corners on all 6 in 15-20 minutes. If you didnt need to press in the doible fold elastic casing you could probably put stitch that in 15 minutes; say 1.5 hr for all 6. Treading and stitching the elastic takes a little longer, 15-30 minutes each; 1.5 hr to 3hr. The total comes out to between 2.75 and 5.75 hours to purposefully make 6 crib sheets and use about 12 yards of fabric. Best yet, it could be quilting, flannel, knit, shirt weight, softer top weight, solid, print, stripe, big print, just about any color, and even ugly print fabric as long as its 100% cotton. It is amazing how good some of the aethetically off fabrics look done up as a crib or toddler bed sheet too. When working from stash fabric, the only added cost is the elastic. Most instruction sets call for 1/4" wide but ive come to prefer 3/8" wide.
I already commented on how wonderful I think this video is and now another question: you mentioned your placemat and napkin plans. I would love to see how you do it! How about a video on placemat and napkins? ❤❤❤❤
I agree. I make to sell placemats, coasters, and mug rugs, and you know, it's nice to change up the projects so frequently, rather than being stuck on a big quilt forever!
@@scrappyquilter102 I figure out which remnants are big enough (15 inches+) and then cut the scraps that leaves into squares of all sizes and bookmarks (3x6 cut)
What a wonderful video. I like how you say that getting control of your stash has given you permission to sell or donate. I came to quilting last year and I have been so grateful for UA-cam videos and FaceBook pages on how to keep organized. At first I thought I had to have a big stash, but I don’t have a lot of $$$, plus I’m easily overwhelmed my having unused fabric on my shelves. You’ve done several videos where you talk about how to keep track of yardage and figuring out how many quilts you can make in a year. I’ve done that math and in my case, it’s not many, so I’ve given myself permission not to have a stash. I’ve become really good at cutting up my scraps into 6.5 squares as soon as I’m done with each project. These squares are made into lap blankets for the local nursing home. Any scraps smaller go into dog beds and are donated to the local animal shelter. These ideas came from quilting videos and have really helped me enjoy this hobby even more.
@@wendygilbert416 I have switched away from paper piecing and I often substitute light- weight interfacing (not bondable) instead. You can press it out flat, draw lines on it and use it just the same "as if" you are paper piecing and then leave it in afterwards. It gives fancy placemats a nice extra bit of "heft".
After retiring, then moving twice (and purging each time), I was getting my stash under control. Then I got a part time job at a fabric store. While I haven’t yet spent my whole paycheque, it is so hard to watch other people buy all the pretty fabric and not want it for myself!
All I can say a “Good for You!” Enjoy every thread! Don’t you feel bad for one minute! I can only think how very blessed you are. You have what you need. So get creative, take your time and just have fun!! You are a great gal!! ❤
I donated 3 bags of Christmas fabric and one of regular to a lady in my guild who teaches quilting in the 4 community centers in the county. I have 2 half hex kid quilt tops pieced from just my stash and 2 stockings from stash fabric. I'm in the process of creating a handmade Christmas for an Alaskan family that lives next door to my brother-in-law/sister-in-law/nephew. Last year I took the time to log all my UFOs with the intent of finishing them. My fabric buying has become purposeful with projects designated like Christmas cards and bags.
As a lifelong artist, seamstress/sewist, and generally a creative person, there is no escaping the collecting of things to make stuff with - and I am happy that you aren't shaming yourself for owning as much as you do. You're a serious quilter, and having a serious collection of fabric to go with that sometimes just goes with the territory. That being said, the permission to make sure that you are using it, loving it, and cycling through it all is also a noble endeavor and should be at the core of any decluttering mission (in my opinion.) I live in a small space, so being mindful of that space while being creative is always on my mind, especially when I lose track of what I have or what I've collected over the years (and it's not just fabric!) The right-sized stash (or lack thereof) is entirely personal and based on each of our goals. Thanks for the content and I look forward to seeing what you make with your 1211 yards of fabric!
Wow! I am truly impressed at your stash. I thought mine (at 30ish yards) was too much for me to keep track of. For those who have large stashes and want to; our church has a “prayer blanket” organization where we are able to make a prayer blanket for someone in need. A group of 50 ladies meets several times a year and we make prayer blankets for a few hours. Our pastor comes in at the end and blesses the blankets. My husband received one when he had what his doctor referred to as an aggressive cancer; and the doctor was shocked when in surgery that the cancer was entirely contained. There are wonderful organizations out there like mine; please find one to put your stash to a beautiful use.
Oh WOW! I feel so much better about my own stash but then I'm almost 75 and 2024 is my "Use it up and move it on " year. I can already see a difference on my layer cake section so by the end of the year there SHOULD be progress , I hope.
Yesterday I needed a template I bought a few months ago but hadn't used it yet. So I went to my sewing room to get it. After stepping over a few things and realizing that the item was not where I expected. nor was it in sight, I became angry. I said, starting tomorrow, meaning today...I was going to clean out that room. There's just too much fabric, especially for such a small room. Too much stuff. So I started today. I can't do it in one day due to my back but I sure wish I could. And I found the ruler and have started my son's quilt. I have one and one-half totes of projects, whether started or kitted. So why am I even looking at patterns? Enough already! This video was so timely and so validating. Thank you, Karen.
I started clearing sewing started. Gave away sewing machines and ugly fabrics and some unfinished quilt tops I was never going to finish ihad for 9 years. Felt sooooo much better . The clutter was out of my room and my head. 😊
Wow. I am so impressed with the INTESTINAL FORTITUDE it took to undertake this Herculean task. I have a stash but I don’t have the stamina it would require to count it. Last year I was determined to start really using up my stash-or at the very least, going there first. I did buy fabric, though. I decided February was going to be a no-buy month and I haven’t bought any fabric. Four more days to go! 😅 I commend you for courage this massive undertaking required! Well done!!!
Hysterical !!!)))) My bins are large enough to nest 5 cats. 21 of them are crammed with random bits of cloth...by color of course. There is easily 10 quilts of a single color waiting to be cut and assembled in each bin. More than half of it was free gifts from Quilt Fairies leaving them on my porch. As I see a new "pretty" at a garage sale, I have to ask myself if "the blue bin could sneak another slivver in it". Usually no. As they are all random bits the only solution is the fabulous crumb quilts or shades-of-a-color quilts. Fortunately I do LOVE these, and have collected hundreds of pictures of quilts I like and would probably make if I live that long. ))) Is that "packrat"? or "prudent"? What a FINE estate sale this will be hahahaha.
In UK, we love an acronym. I have not counted mine accurately but, based on my slow make-rate, I am in the “StaBLE” category - Stash Beyond Life Expectancy!! Wherever you are, enjoy your stash.
Jeez this made me chuckle! But it also made me a lot more philosophical about my own stash, reducing feelings of guilt at my own greed and procrastination... Thanks, Karen, for another great infusion of ideas 😊
I donated 75% of my stash to Salvation Army, I knew I was never going to use the fat quarters I had bought and accumulated over 9 years! I only have 1.5 small tubs now, plus a few ufo’s made and 5 lengths of backing fabrics. I’m happy with this amount. In future I’ll only buy for one project at a time.
I thought I had a lot, but your stash is seriously impressive. I remember some 14 years ago my little 4yr old granddaughter was playing with my stash and quipped “ these fabrics would stretch right around the world Nanna”. Am currently trying to make quick split 9 patch etc quilts using a particular colour & contrast. Need to use it up as it is overwhelming
I am much more frugal about material now that I am retired and using up scraps, zero waste if I can. Working on a crumb quilt in between dóing queen size ones. Quilting is my happy place.❤
My mother had quite a selection of quilting fabric as well. She could have started a store. Sadly she passed but her stash went to several (ha!ha!) good homes. No need to shame anyone! It's lovely to have more than you need for any project! Saving for a rainy day is truly one of life's greatest gifts!
1211 yards of fabric? Did you remember to count what you bought at QuiltCon?! It was great meeting you on Thursday. Hoping you had a fun time and a safe trip home, Karen.
We are such soul sisters... I am conducting a rough quesstiment of my fabric stash. Weighing the empty container, then it with the fabric in, then totally up the yards by the equation of the assumption that 1 pound is 3 yards of fabric. This is based on the containers I nicely have. ( only had to weigh four empty) then I plug the data into my excel spread sheet. This number of yard estimate will then be divided by the estimate of fabric needed to make the front and back of a queen size quilt! And then I will come to the conclusion I have too much fabric.... This is a process just to confirm what I already know.... I will fill you in on my results! Now I am off to watch the video. And tell Jake that there is someone out there just like me! At least in needing to confirm what I already know!
When we were seeing masks in early 2020 (when they thought Covid was droplets not aerosolized), I had just learned to sew. We had a local mask-making collective, dividing the town into teams. I washed and ironed and cut for other people to sew. For a while you could not get fabric, but one quilter on our team just kept offloading out of her stash to keep us supplied for months. I still have some of the off cuts (that did not meet size after cutting into the needed rectangles) in my scrap stash - some just got incorporated into a scrap it quilt I made. But this one lady supplied a team with so many yards for so long. So, your stash could one day save lives or sanity!
I just gave away 7 or 8 large trash bags of fabric and trims... all sorts of things that I'll never live long enough to use. faux furs, sequins, velour... the group crafts for various causes and will put to good use. Better than spilling out of a closet or stacked in a corner for the next 30 years.
....No......I am scared to! Lol! Actually, I do have a Stash, all organized...but honestly, with prices of fabric at a crazy level here in Canada, no matter if Quilt Shoppe or Michael's Crafts, I can Shop from My Stash to make quilts... I make 60 x 80 tops/flimsies , for a local church group Blanket Making Guild...so I get to do all the fun of making tops.... then they take it from there and finish them and donate overseas... With fabric that I bought 24 years ago, I don't mind using it up for Charity Quilts, as the colors no longer match what I like in my house. I pick up pieces from the local thrift store as well to add in. During the Pandemic, it was nice to have it 'in stock' here, in my quilt room...for all the reasons.!
Shame? Not at all Karen, it's a very giving hobby that you have, it's driven by love. Wanting to gift a hug or happiness in the shape of a handmade quilt is a wonderful thing. You're bound to accumulate craft items when you've been crafting for any length of time. ❤
Thank you Karen for your courageous act of counting your stash. I know I have a stash that rivals yours and was deeply ashamed about it. One year I decided to add up how much money I'd spent on fabric. I was horrified at the amount. Like others, I love fabric. I love buying it. I love touching it. Can hardly stand cutting it. I have gone far beyond fabric creep to something like fabric kudzu. When I have tried organizing my stash, sometimes I get overwhelmed. I like your point about not being ashamed of the amount of fabric you have. I love that you've given yourself grace. I will do likewise for myself.
Ah...but if we cannot buy more that inspires us where's the fun in that? I have less fabric than you but still lots. I also have 30+ flimsies to quilt. They accumulated before I was confident doing FMQ. Making progress but saving up for a new sewing machine now. As long as I'm having fun is my mantra. With no family, it's something that can bring me joy.
I am still feeling great after donating 45+ metres of Blenders to Victoria Quilts Canada to make quilts for anyone on a Cancer journey. All the Quilts are backed with Flannel.
I have got to say that as this video continued, I laugh harder and harder with each hidee-hole you uncovered. I am sure many of us see ourselves in different parts of this. Thank you for your honesty. This video has made my day. PS you have some absolutely stunning fabrics in your stash!!
I admire your enthusiasm and stamina to curate all your fabric. It requires more energy than I have. This year during the January declutter challenge, I made it a point to put all my 1 yard+ pieces together (unless they are in a specific kit) so I can see what's available for borders or for 3 yard quilt patterns. I have completed 3 UFOS so far this year - that's great for me! And I am deliberately pulling from my stash. Really cut back on buying fabric- sad and hard, but neccessary for now. At age 74, not sure I have 15 more quilting years ahead of me. Hoping my granddaughter and grandnieces will enjoy using my fabric some day.
WOW. That took courage! I had a tall closet packed with shoe boxes full of fabric. Most of them are gone now and I make a practice of keeping my closet half empty no matter what! I also make a practice of having about 1/2 of my fabrics from the "gently used" category. Still, it seems to breed and multiply when I am not looking...
Before i retired 5 yrs ago I selectively bought fabric to have on hand after retirement. It was in boxes, so i didnt know how much i had. 😅 A few months ago i took on the task of properly organizing it. Well, now I know I have SABLE! 😂 If i step up production, and don't buy more, i might consume most of it. But just knowing what i have comforts me. Thanks for sharing and making me feel better - that I don't have as much as you!! 😂 ❤
Thank you for this video. I feel like I can tackle my stash now with more self acceptance. Until a week ago i was going through moments of extreme panic that had me thinking about what my poor kids would do with my stash. It was bad for me . Not joking here. Knowing I'm not alone has been a huge relief. Better than therapy. Thank you for your frankness.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your video was just what I needed to get into my basement and pull out my tubs. I don’t have as much as you do and mine is segregated. But to take it all out and put it on the table and decide what I can get rid of is going to help me immensely. I have a lot of projects that are organized that I call kits. I am anxious to start them, but I’m trying very hard to finish things that are already started. I’ve been able to put together about two quilts a month from things that just needed bindings or just needed quilted and then bound or stacks of blocks that need to be assembled. I went through a stage of not finishing quilts because every time I finish one I’d give it away. It was like giving away my children, when I finally realized how much money I had invested in each quilt I had to realize that no one gave me that expensive of a gift and so there’s no reason I needed to give away my investments, either, except for odds and ends To charity. My children have an expansive collection, but that is their inheritance and they treasure each and every quilt.
I haven’t counted mine yet, but I was glad I moved enough bins of fabric from the old house to the new before QuiltCon to be able to skip looking at fabric! Next I need to unfollow a lot of the quilt store accounts so I’m not tempted, because I love what I have in my stash, and I want to sew it up! Even without counting, I know I have at least 5 years worth of stash (probably much more). I bought a few new rulers at QuiltCon (Stripology) that should help me work through some of it faster, as well! And I will have more to take to our guild destash! I’m looking so forward to organizing it all in my new space!
I am so glad to see how much fabric you have. I keep mine in 55 gallon buckets. We moved about a year ago and found I couldn't take most of it with me. I had 162 buckets of fabric and could only take 12 with me. I didn't know how to get the fabric to other quilters so I just told all my friends that if they wanted some, come and get it. They did and I was so glad they found new homes. I hope all of them make fun things and quilts with the fabric. I know 10 buckets of flannels went to Oklahoma City for Angel quilts for Christmas. They make 100 of them every year. Thank you for your videos. In my new home I have been able to get a lot more organized with your organizing videos you do at the beginning of each year. I can now fit all 12 buckets under my Long-arm quilting machine. Love it!!!
OMG! You are living in fabric heaven! If I only had 25% of that I would consider myself a very happy person. Thanks for showing all this. And personally I would never shame you. No my reaction would be envy!!!💕
I think you have lit a fire under me to count my stash. It's a daunting task. but I believe it will help me in the long run, to take pics of fabrics and kit them. But also to see exactly what I have. Thank you for the gentle nudge to get my sewing studio organized.
You are a much braver woman than I am, LOL. And aren't we privileged to know we have the resources to pursue this hobby, or rather I should say "passion" without reservation. I've been quilting a very long time, have made way more quilts than my extended family needs, so am happily going forth making quilts to give to the less fortunate not knowing how much fabric I have in my cabinets. Thanks for sharing this, Karen and best wishes from a cold Alberta winter.
I am just getting ready to reorganize my stash...but I don't think I'll count it...I am sure it's way more yardage than I think! But, I love it and love that you feel NO shame! I don't either. Quilting is just sew much fun! I am getting lots more done now that I am retired...so while I am trying to use up stuff I've had for over 30 years...I still buy new cool stuff too! If I slow down, or burn out (not likely!), I'll pare down, but honestly I love that I have so many options!
You're a brave woman for sharing the results ! :) Thanks for this ! It's fun to go through one's fabrics to see what's what and get reinspired :) Great job edditing and posting !
I use most of my fabric to make lap quilts for Hospice patients. They were wonderful with my parents and my husband's parents when they died. Now it's time ti pass that blessing along.
I've worked hard the last couple years to reduce my stash and have made progress. During the Declutter Challenge this year, I decided to put my stash on boards so I could store them vertically in my drawers and see all the fabric as opposed to being stacked and the bottom pieces were not visible. I was able to measure all the pieces and label so I know at a glance what is on the board. I have promised myself that I will shop my stash first and then only purchase new fabric to complete a project. I'm going to take a different approach than Karen though, and use my least favorite pieces first.
I donated a couple of large bins of fabric that I had for years and did nothing with to a gal that does curch scripture quilts. I felt good about it going to something that qould bless others and she even let me pick out a lap scripture quilt. I treasure it.❤
Thank you, Karen. After the January declutter challenge I realized I’ve never ‘cleaned up’ my fabric stash. I have leftover small bits (less than an 1/8 yard. I have pieces with holes where I have fussy cut. I saved everything. But that was actually stopping me from using my stash because I never knew if I had enough of a certain piece and using it might need extra cutting just to get to the ‘usable part ‘. So I have been going through mine, tub by tub. I’m measuring and marking anything that is 1/8 yard or more. The rest I’m cutting into usable pieces for scrap quilts. I’m pulling out and storing separately any piece that’s 2 yards or more. And when I’m finished, I will be able to count my fabric. I’m already gaining fresh inspiration just from handling every piece. It’s wonderful. And very therapeutic.
I’ve had this chore on my sewing to do list for a few weeks now. I’m trying to get a sewing room together and understanding the amount of fabric I have is important in how I use the space I have.
Wow! So much fabric, so little time. Actually, I really value the lessons of this video. You now know that your stash will produce 15 years of quilts--no more. Your wish to have a stash, just like everyone else, I can relate to. I have had some questions about stash curating. My wish is to be able to shop my stash and not always have to shop each project's amount when I get an inspiration to create again. Your stash has given me ideas about what I want on-hand. Cathy Martin of Catbird Quilts really knows her stash. When she shops, she has a really good idea about the holes in her collection. Good ideas here about quantities, variety and permission to get rid of fabric you don't love and are unlikely to ever use. Thank you, Karen.
I have 3 billy bookcases. I made a commitment several yrs ago to consider that my limiting factor. If there's no space on a shelf.. no buying! I know I can make enough quilts to use my stash in 3yrs or less. I commend you for actually counting yours!
I am also feeling better about my stash. I have more rhan most but have been collecting for over fifty years. There is an upside to all this collecting. Prices are going up and we have fabric to play with without having to spend so much now!!
I think what constitutes a reasonable stash is unique to each quilter. My rule is if I feel guilty about it it's too much. A year or so before the plague i felt my stash was a bit much so I resolved to only use the stash which I did quite painlessly (that's because I always treated my stash as my palette--low on yellow then I'd buy yellow). I'm 76 & know serious downsizing is coming. I also like big quilts 90"x90" or bigger. Did I mention I mostly work by hand except for some machine piecing? Now I only work on bucket list quilts and have kitted bucket list quilts. When I must downsize those quilts will come with me; the stash will not. I still shop but I buy tools, notions, specialty scissors, & etc which I enjoy immensely.
I have a tenth of what you do if that. 😊 I live above a comic book store and the owner gave me a stack of comic boards. This afternoon I am reorganizing my small stash onto the boards, thanks for the tip! 🌻🍄
What a huge undertaking! Amazing. I'm proud of you. I know that matters naught, but I am just the same. When the Campfire happened here, my sister lost Thousands of yards. We also do Renaissance Costumes, and quilts. I need to do this too, I don't have anywhere that amount. Enjoy being reacquainted with your fabrics. Huggles Always 💖🤗🍀 Liz🦓
Karen, I’m still laughing at your video, because you and I are long lost sisters. The only difference is I have more garment fabric than quilting fabric, but the quilting fabric is catching up since I retired. I’m giving you the win for Queen of the Stash only because I don’t want to face a final number of stashed yardage. 🎉🎉🎉congratulations!!
Thank you Birch Living for sponsoring! Click here birchliving.com/quilts to get 25% off your Birch mattress (plus two free Eco-Rest pillows!) during their President's Day Sale. Offers subject to change. #birchliving
Im 71 and I can sew anything I want to without having to go to a shop ever. I love that. I live with my son and we are moving to a small town soon. I asked him if I should get rid of everything due to my age and he said absolutely NOT - just let me know what you want me to do with it when you turn your toes up. So - greetings from South Africa and I just love your vids - Christina
Wonderful son!
I will trade you a daughter who wants me to sell everything from my sewing stash to my car for a "toe's up" son. You are blessed!
There’s a son who realizes what happiness you derive from making things with your stash!
Love your son. Mine told me not to stress over it, calls it my art studio, I felt so relieved and I'll be 80 next month!
You have a good son. I'm glad he supports your hobby! ♥️
My favorite thing about this video? The way you give yourself grace for having a stash. I bet I’m not the only one that appreciates your raw honesty 😃, either.
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A good friend at church is using up her stash by making 90 lap throws for a nursing home in the area. She is making the tops and sewing them to 50x60 fleece blankets she got on winter clearance at Walmart (and her kids shopped at their local Walmarts to help her get enough blankets). She can easily make one a day, especially when she uses a panel. They are so nice and they will be a huge blessing.
That's a good idea! I'm just wondering how to use up my stash quickly. We certainly don't need 15 or 20 blankets for our own chairs and couches. And, I'd rather donate finished blankets to groups that need them, and have something useful to do, than leave it all up to others to do.
I have been making quilt tops this year, and my daughter passed on a large piece for a backing that someone gave her. It will be perfect for the autumn color top I'm finishing up.
I donated three large plastic containers of fabric to the church. They sew for the poor
I’m doing some thing similar, I’m making smaller ones for the pet shelters in various sizes for cats and dogs.
Wonderful! I made between 50 to 60 of just flannel and fleece to donate to nursing homes . But to put a pieced front would increase the work exponentially. So nice to think of the needy.
That is lovely!!
My husband made his living as a graphic designer. I was lamenting the amount of fabric I had one day, and he said to me that if you don't have the raw materials for your ideas, you stop your creativity. This has proven to be true many times.
Oh! I do like that attitude!!! He’s so right!
Be still my heart!🤩
Wow, your husband is awesome!
yeah, I'll keep him, lol.@@ThirdStoryThreads
sounds like you married a "true keeper" !
This reminds me of those old commercials. “But wait, there’s more!”
Lately, I've been telling myself, "Just because the fabric is pretty, doesn't mean I should buy it. If that were a pair of shoes, you know you wouldn't buy closets full." Then, I say, "But, quilts are one-size-fits-all and shareable! You can't snuggle shoes!" Even so, when I know I have a new car's worth (little car) of sewing supplies and my fabric collection has reached S.A.B.L.E.* statis, I concede it is time to donate (*Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy).😄 I think I'm going to make a donation to the Navajo Nation. Their acess to quilt shops is slim to none and they have put out a call for sewing supplies.
How does someone donate to an Indian nation near me or near someone
If you google, "Navajo Quilt Project," it will take you to the French General website with addresses and information on the program, and where and how to mail packages to the reservation. If you want to donate to a specific nation near you, look on your state map, find out which tribes live near you, and contact them.
Excellant charity.
I make quilts for the homeless here in my town. I get my fabric mostly from good will, hopefully yours resale store. sometimes from estate sales. I have downsized once and donated to my sister who has no way if getting fabric where she lives. Replenished my stash. I have a good size amount of fabric again. I would like to share again to indian nation if i could. The Lord provides.
Thanks for the info. They also need sewing machines. I will go through my stash and get rid of fabrics I know I will never use.@@pennycatherine9735
The best part of this video is when you say "I'm not going to shame myself...."
I have far too much fabric myself, but I enjoy buying fabric, receiving fabric as gifts, gifting fabric, just HAVING fabric & using fabric. I counted my fabric a couple years back, and thought it was a good exercise, but certainly didn't stop me from getting MORE fabric. 🙂🙂🙂
This is where I am at too. I probably don't have as much as many others do. But I simply have no room to store it. So I cannot accept many donations now. I am trying to use what I have and it is mostly very short yardage and truly scraps. But it is enough and I am trying to be guilt free about it. Right now my focus is on continuing improvement as a quilter, not on the stash.
Buying and collecting fabric is a different hobby from quilting. So you have two wonderful hobbies!
Thanks for this insight about having fabrics and making quilts! 💕
Never thought about buying and collecting as two separate hobbies, but, you know, you are right! ❤
Yes it is, my granddaughter was with me at HOBBY LOBBY one day and I couldn't help myself I had to buy some remnants , she said nanny why don't you just use what you already have ( closet full) ? I said it's a sickness , I just love to buy them .
You should see the stash videos of the garment sewers. I had a huge stash when I sewed garments.
@@sumari9751There's more than just those two hobbies if you sew though. There's the hobby of finding notions that work better than the ones your currently use, of finding the best way to store everything, finding that perfect pattern, etc.
There is nothing wrong with having a big stash. I was grateful for what I had during the pandemic. Its so nice to not have to go to the store when I want to start a project. Also, quilting stores are becoming fewer and fewer and the cost just keeps increasing.
I agree. I'm in Canada and when the dollar was at par, I bought a lot from US stores because of the price.
Precisely. 100% cotton in the UK is so expensive now! I'm glad I have fabric I bought in the USA in 2009 😅
I still buy from the USA despite the exchange rate. Fabric in the local store is over $22 a metre.
Quilter from Australia here. We are paying anything from $A28.00 to $A30.50 a metre for fabric. 😢 I am very grateful for my stash, especially when it was purchased from the US and paid around $A14.00 plus.
Same for me here in Germany @@lynhanna917
True story. I had just finished a quilting class at the local sewing machine shop in Wenatchee Wash. We were all standing around chatting before we scattered about to our homes when a man walked in. He was grumpy. As he collected his wifes machine and paid for it (also griping about THAT), He complained about the walk in closet stuffed with fabric . Well he snorted loudly, I bet there has to be a hundred dollars worth of material in there!!!!! Not one of us said a word.
At 65 the stash was weighing on my mind. Enlisting my daughter and her friend we ruthlessly pared the stash down and donated a mountain of fabric to Ujamma Grammas. I feel lighter, less guilt driven and have only been doing projects that please me. Don’t know exact amount remaining but it’s less. Thanks Karen for this thoughtful video.
I’m 68 and have three rooms jammed full of kits, yardage, precuts out the wazoo. I’ll need 9 lives! It’s starting to give me anxiety because I know I’ll never use it all. My daughter and I are going to do a deep dive into it while she’s on spring break. She’s ruthless when it comes to decluttering, so I really need her help. I’m so torn between just donating it and trying to sell it, but I don’t want the hassle of selling it. Still, it’s got to go so my mind can settle down and I can reclaim the guest room, and get my other two rooms organized!
I just had to get rid of all my 'stash' since I have moved into a nursing home because of health. I gave some to my Quilts of Valor group and a lot of it went to a non-profit group in town. They also got my machines. I know that will be using a lot of it to teach others. I kept saying that I could open my own quilt shop with all that fabric. I am just glad it is going to new homes.
After doing this year’s declutter challenge, I made a list of UFO’s, panels, and kits. Your definition of kits included precuts which I never considered as such. I found that I had enough to keep me busy for three years. Keeping the project list immediately in front of my sewing machine reminds me to stop shopping for fabric unless I need something to finish a project OR can schedule a new project in between all of these existing projects. I can now set goals and prioritize. It feels good to check things off as well!
Bless you!
I have bought most of my stash from thrift stores, rummage sales and estate sales. I went to one estate sale where the son and grandson of the owner were clearing out the house after she had to go into a nursing home. I told them to please tell their family member that her fabric and sewing supplies were going to people who loved them and would be so happy to use them.
I shared my haul with everyone in my quilt group.
Your video inspired me to do a quick count of my fabric stash. I did not count with precision, but rather by fingering through my stacks on the shelves. I did not count scraps because most of my multitudinous accumulation are small cuts. So, my estimate is 584 yards. 😮 😂 I don't drink any alcoholic beverages, neither do I use any form of nicotine, nor do I gamble. I create about 12 completed quilts per year, and I donate at least 10 quilts to charitable causes. I love fabric, and I love to sew. It keeps me happy.
I think if you made queen size quilts, you'd use 12 on the first side - that's 100 quilts. If you use your own stash for the backs, that probably cutting the number of quilts you could make to between 60 and70. that's not a crazy number, IMO. :) Why would we shame anyone, anyway? I've never shamed someone for having a big pantry full of food. That is exactly what we quilters are doing when we have a lot of fabric that can be used. Woodworkers don't get shamed for having a variety of beautiful wood to make things from. Artists have paints and canvases. Quilters have fabric.
People have closets filled with clothes, shoes, hats, purses, boots, coats, scarves, and gloves. More than they wear in a year. I have my stash. Think of the lucky women with stashes of all kinds of stuff during the war years.
During the pandemic it was the quilters and sewers who came through with donated masks. I work at a fabric and craft store and one woman made A TON of masks and made Covid Quilts with the scraps. Another woman made a ton and sent them with her daughter to college to have at like information desks. She said all of them were taken, even the "ugly" ones
That's sort of my new thing now. I no longer save my favorite fabric, I use it 1st. What have we been saving it for? It's so much better to enjoy it made into something beautiful! We aren't honoring the fabric hiding it away. Be it in quilts we cuddle that keep us warm on cold nights or our favorite blouse, make it with our favorites 1st!💙🤩
I feel so much better about my life now. People in my life who don't quilt think I am crazy and I was beginning to believe them. I was buying only the amount of fabric I needed for a specific quilt, but then I began to buy fat quarters, jelly rolls, layer cakes and charm packs that just called out to me. I don't have a quarter of what you have, but always felt I had gone too far. A painter never has enough paint. A fisherman never has enough fishing gear. It brings me joy. I just bought fabric from an estate sale. This person bought a second home just to keep their fabric in. The joy on the faces of the people combing through her stash of fabrics, kits, machines and accessories was a delight. It also helped me realize how easy it is to go from happiness to stress from being overwhelmed by it all. Thank you for putting some perspective on my own stash and - I will no longer "shame myself" about it.
I made the decision at 70 not to buy more, but to use what I have, but, I always seem to need just a couple of yards to go with what I have for each quilt, so my stash is only reducing slowly but still proud of it 😂
I have decided only to buy what I need (1 or 2 fabrics at most) to finish quilts that otherwise will be shipped from the stash. I also don't let myself buy anything randomly (unless it is $4/yard or less on clearance) at the fabric store. In fact, I try not to go to the fabric store, except when truly necessary.
Well done Karen. Curating fabric and sewing are two separate pastimes 😉
After moving across the country a few months ago, unpacking, I realized I have an embarrassing amount of fabric. So, in order to use up more, I'm making all pieced backings. It takes a lot more time, but that's penance for over purchasing!
Under 2 thousands isn't bad. I'm finally down from 3 thousand to around 400.
It is so lovely using it up!
🎵 🎶 Count your blessings. Name them 1 by 1! 🎶 🎵
I am watching the video and I am having a panic attack. I have at least 500 yards of fabric. You are a champion with all your yardage. Bless your heart .
Early in my quilting journey, I saw Mary Ellen Hopkins in a lecture series. She discussed the "whys" of having a stash. "What if you come up with a great quilt idea at 1 AM and all the quilt stores are closed?". I bought into that idea hook, line, and sinker. My stash is huge. I'm afraid to count it all, but I am taking steps to reduce and use what I have. I blame some of this on our many moves (my husband is a retired Army officer) across continents and needing to put things in storage at various times. He has retired now and all the fabric has come to our forever home to nest. I am finally able to complete projects that I've started along the way, as well as create new ones from all this stash I've been storing. It is good to see it all and come to terms with letting go of that which no longer excites me and holding on to that which still invites ideas.
I noticed colorful sticky notes on your fabric, Karen. One time, I discovered a stack of basket blocks from a quilt guild block lotto that I had won much earlier. The color from the sticky notes had transferred up to the light background on some of the blocks, including one by an elderly lady who did excellent work. She has since passed away. 😢
My fabric stash is enough to start my own quilt shop.
I have no idea how much fabric I have. I started sewing clothes in 1964 and quilting in 1984. I will say that at this stage of my life it is nice to have enough that I do not have to buy fabric for projects. These days I buy fabric for projects that need something I do not have. With the price of fabrics I am quite happy for stash.
For me, the trick is to keep my fabric super organized. 100% of my quilts are scrappy, often improv, and knowing what I have and where it is stashed, really keeps the creative process fun and calm.
Love this! Several years ago I pulled all my fabric out & sorted, folded, labels in the selvedge with a SKU, and logged it in a spreadsheet. Such a good feeling to be organized and it renews your enthusiasm for quilting. I assigned a SKU to anything 1/8yd or larger then kept the smaller pieces too big to cut into scraps in a bin labeled "chunky scraps." My first "inventory" revealed 585 yards in 2014. As I acquire and use fabric & added or subtracted from my spreadsheet and re-inventoried every few years. Today I'm at a 785 yards so definitely going in the wrong direction - and have a trip planned to my favorite quilt shop tomorrow so YAY.
Thank you for this. I don't feel so bad about my habit. Thank you especially for your honesty and refusal to scold yourself about it. We all are in love with fabric and it inspires us to just revisit it all once in a while.
Thank you for this video. I was surprised at how many emotions surfaced in me as you were adding up your stash, and I was looking at mine (which is about the same amount that you have). At first, I laughed, then almost cried, felt anxious wondering if my stash would outlive me - lol - then realized how fortunate to have such a treasure right at my fingertips! I am truly grateful for the luxury of having a stash, no matter the size. Have a wonderful day! 😊
Beautifully said. I am honestly very happy about my stash at the moment
Embracing your stash is great advice…be empowered.
For me, out of sight = out of mind. Basically, forgotten. So I bought 3 billy shelf units and folded all my fabric -- including fat quarters -- on comic book cards. It became a library of color that I could flip thru easily to find just the right shade. But then I bought an Ikea cube unit and filled it with boxes and put all my project ideas in those. . .and once out of sight. . .were forgotten. I counted 66 projects waiting for their turn. Lots of forgotten fabric in those boxes. Guess I better get busy!!
I found I really prefer clear storage and I’m actually recycling salad containers to use on the bookcases. I’m a visual person and I need to see what I have.
Out of sight.= out of mind is same for.me..That's why I asked for, and received, 12 clear localized boxes for Christmas one year. But I have to keep my fabric away from dust, or my allergies flare up when using it. At least I can see what I have when opening the closet doors, though.😏
It looks like you're ready for a month or two of stash busting sewing during which the emphasis is simply sewing up as much fabric as possible. More simple designs which use a "puddle" of fabric large enough to see, or volumous enough count (in terms of yardage) when done, or put a good dent in fabric set aside for a specific purpose. I do this every so often.
With the 100% cotton, ill periodically whip up some crib/ toddler bed sheets which use a shy 2 yards; 69", 175 cm, 1,7t meters. With a good table set up you could probably cut 6 (@12 yards) in 1/2 hour to an hour. With a serger elminating French seams you could probably do rounded corners on all 6 in 15-20 minutes. If you didnt need to press in the doible fold elastic casing you could probably put stitch that in 15 minutes; say 1.5 hr for all 6. Treading and stitching the elastic takes a little longer, 15-30 minutes each; 1.5 hr to 3hr. The total comes out to between 2.75 and 5.75 hours to purposefully make 6 crib sheets and use about 12 yards of fabric. Best yet, it could be quilting, flannel, knit, shirt weight, softer top weight, solid, print, stripe, big print, just about any color, and even ugly print fabric as long as its 100% cotton. It is amazing how good some of the aethetically off fabrics look done up as a crib or toddler bed sheet too. When working from stash fabric, the only added cost is the elastic. Most instruction sets call for 1/4" wide but ive come to prefer 3/8" wide.
I already commented on how wonderful I think this video is and now another question: you mentioned your placemat and napkin plans. I would love to see how you do it! How about a video on placemat and napkins? ❤❤❤❤
I agree. I make to sell placemats, coasters, and mug rugs, and you know, it's nice to change up the projects so frequently, rather than being stuck on a big quilt forever!
@@scrappyquilter102 Me too! I love making placemats and napkins. Trying to reduce paper usage, plus they are pretty!
@@scrappyquilter102 I figure out which remnants are big enough (15 inches+) and then cut the scraps that leaves into squares of all sizes and bookmarks (3x6 cut)
What a wonderful video. I like how you say that getting control of your stash has given you permission to sell or donate. I came to quilting last year and I have been so grateful for UA-cam videos and FaceBook pages on how to keep organized. At first I thought I had to have a big stash, but I don’t have a lot of $$$, plus I’m easily overwhelmed my having unused fabric on my shelves. You’ve done several videos where you talk about how to keep track of yardage and figuring out how many quilts you can make in a year. I’ve done that math and in my case, it’s not many, so I’ve given myself permission not to have a stash. I’ve become really good at cutting up my scraps into 6.5 squares as soon as I’m done with each project. These squares are made into lap blankets for the local nursing home. Any scraps smaller go into dog beds and are donated to the local animal shelter. These ideas came from quilting videos and have really helped me enjoy this hobby even more.
@@wendygilbert416 I have switched away from paper piecing and I often substitute light- weight interfacing (not bondable) instead. You can press it out flat, draw lines on it and use it just the same "as if" you are paper piecing and then leave it in afterwards. It gives fancy placemats a nice extra bit of "heft".
After retiring, then moving twice (and purging each time), I was getting my stash under control. Then I got a part time job at a fabric store. While I haven’t yet spent my whole paycheque, it is so hard to watch other people buy all the pretty fabric and not want it for myself!
All I can say a “Good for You!” Enjoy every thread! Don’t you feel bad for one minute! I can only think how very blessed you are. You have what you need. So get creative, take your time and just have fun!! You are a great gal!! ❤
I donated 3 bags of Christmas fabric and one of regular to a lady in my guild who teaches quilting in the 4 community centers in the county. I have 2 half hex kid quilt tops pieced from just my stash and 2 stockings from stash fabric. I'm in the process of creating a handmade Christmas for an Alaskan family that lives next door to my brother-in-law/sister-in-law/nephew. Last year I took the time to log all my UFOs with the intent of finishing them. My fabric buying has become purposeful with projects designated like Christmas cards and bags.
As a lifelong artist, seamstress/sewist, and generally a creative person, there is no escaping the collecting of things to make stuff with - and I am happy that you aren't shaming yourself for owning as much as you do. You're a serious quilter, and having a serious collection of fabric to go with that sometimes just goes with the territory. That being said, the permission to make sure that you are using it, loving it, and cycling through it all is also a noble endeavor and should be at the core of any decluttering mission (in my opinion.)
I live in a small space, so being mindful of that space while being creative is always on my mind, especially when I lose track of what I have or what I've collected over the years (and it's not just fabric!) The right-sized stash (or lack thereof) is entirely personal and based on each of our goals. Thanks for the content and I look forward to seeing what you make with your 1211 yards of fabric!
Wow! I am truly impressed at your stash. I thought mine (at 30ish yards) was too much for me to keep track of.
For those who have large stashes and want to; our church has a “prayer blanket” organization where we are able to make a prayer blanket for someone in need. A group of 50 ladies meets several times a year and we make prayer blankets for a few hours. Our pastor comes in at the end and blesses the blankets. My husband received one when he had what his doctor referred to as an aggressive cancer; and the doctor was shocked when in surgery that the cancer was entirely contained.
There are wonderful organizations out there like mine; please find one to put your stash to a beautiful use.
Oh WOW! I feel so much better about my own stash but then I'm almost 75 and 2024 is my "Use it up and move it on " year. I can already see a difference on my layer cake section so by the end of the year there SHOULD be progress , I hope.
Yesterday I needed a template I bought a few months ago but hadn't used it yet. So I went to my sewing room to get it. After stepping over a few things and realizing that the item was not where I expected. nor was it in sight, I became angry. I said, starting tomorrow, meaning today...I was going to clean out that room. There's just too much fabric, especially for such a small room. Too much stuff. So I started today. I can't do it in one day due to my back but I sure wish I could. And I found the ruler and have started my son's quilt. I have one and one-half totes of projects, whether started or kitted. So why am I even looking at patterns? Enough already! This video was so timely and so validating. Thank you, Karen.
I started clearing sewing started. Gave away sewing machines and ugly fabrics and some unfinished quilt tops I was never going to finish ihad for 9 years. Felt sooooo much better . The clutter was out of my room and my head. 😊
Wow. I am so impressed with the INTESTINAL FORTITUDE it took to undertake this Herculean task. I have a stash but I don’t have the stamina it would require to count it. Last year I was determined to start really using up my stash-or at the very least, going there first. I did buy fabric, though. I decided February was going to be a no-buy month and I haven’t bought any fabric. Four more days to go! 😅 I commend you for courage this massive undertaking required! Well done!!!
Impressed by your honesty!! After I moved I vowed not to buy fabric for at least a year and it turns out to be so much fun to use what I have!
Hysterical !!!)))) My bins are large enough to nest 5 cats. 21 of them are crammed with random bits of cloth...by color of course. There is easily 10 quilts of a single color waiting to be cut and assembled in each bin. More than half of it was free gifts from Quilt Fairies leaving them on my porch. As I see a new "pretty" at a garage sale, I have to ask myself if "the blue bin could sneak another slivver in it". Usually no. As they are all random bits the only solution is the fabulous crumb quilts or shades-of-a-color quilts. Fortunately I do LOVE these, and have collected hundreds of pictures of quilts I like and would probably make if I live that long. ))) Is that "packrat"? or "prudent"? What a FINE estate sale this will be hahahaha.
In UK, we love an acronym. I have not counted mine accurately but, based on my slow make-rate, I am in the “StaBLE” category - Stash Beyond Life Expectancy!!
Wherever you are, enjoy your stash.
People that buy to much fabric live healthier than the ones who point it out! 😂
😂😂😂
Jeez this made me chuckle! But it also made me a lot more philosophical about my own stash, reducing feelings of guilt at my own greed and procrastination... Thanks, Karen, for another great infusion of ideas 😊
I donated 75% of my stash to Salvation Army, I knew I was never going to use the fat quarters I had bought and accumulated over 9 years! I only have 1.5 small tubs now, plus a few ufo’s made and 5 lengths of backing fabrics. I’m happy with this amount. In future I’ll only buy for one project at a time.
Gotta love a well rounded stash!!!
You win on the fabric starch, love the comment; “ I need to deal with them, but not today”. 🙂
I thought I had a lot, but your stash is seriously impressive. I remember some 14 years ago my little 4yr old granddaughter was playing with my stash and quipped “ these fabrics would stretch right around the world Nanna”. Am currently trying to make quick split 9 patch etc quilts using a particular colour & contrast. Need to use it up as it is overwhelming
Absolutely loved this video. It made me smile as you found all those hiding places. Keep making videos for all of us to enjoy. Thank you, Karen.
I am much more frugal about material now that I am retired and using up scraps, zero waste if I can. Working on a crumb quilt in between dóing queen size ones. Quilting is my happy place.❤
Fabric stash is one of my best investments.
My mother had quite a selection of quilting fabric as well. She could have started a store. Sadly she passed but her stash went to several (ha!ha!) good homes. No need to shame anyone! It's lovely to have more than you need for any project! Saving for a rainy day is truly one of life's greatest gifts!
1211 yards of fabric? Did you remember to count what you bought at QuiltCon?! It was great meeting you on Thursday. Hoping you had a fun time and a safe trip home, Karen.
We are such soul sisters... I am conducting a rough quesstiment of my fabric stash. Weighing the empty container, then it with the fabric in, then totally up the yards by the equation of the assumption that 1 pound is 3 yards of fabric. This is based on the containers I nicely have. ( only had to weigh four empty) then I plug the data into my excel spread sheet. This number of yard estimate will then be divided by the estimate of fabric needed to make the front and back of a queen size quilt! And then I will come to the conclusion I have too much fabric.... This is a process just to confirm what I already know.... I will fill you in on my results! Now I am off to watch the video. And tell Jake that there is someone out there just like me! At least in needing to confirm what I already know!
🤗🤗🤗
When we were seeing masks in early 2020 (when they thought Covid was droplets not aerosolized), I had just learned to sew. We had a local mask-making collective, dividing the town into teams. I washed and ironed and cut for other people to sew. For a while you could not get fabric, but one quilter on our team just kept offloading out of her stash to keep us supplied for months. I still have some of the off cuts (that did not meet size after cutting into the needed rectangles) in my scrap stash - some just got incorporated into a scrap it quilt I made. But this one lady supplied a team with so many yards for so long. So, your stash could one day save lives or sanity!
I just gave away 7 or 8 large trash bags of fabric and trims... all sorts of things that I'll never live long enough to use. faux furs, sequins, velour... the group crafts for various causes and will put to good use. Better than spilling out of a closet or stacked in a corner for the next 30 years.
I really enjoyed seeing your beautiful fabrics. And laughed when I think you calculated 15 years to clear it all? Wonderful! ❤👍from Somerset UK
....No......I am scared to! Lol! Actually, I do have a Stash, all organized...but honestly, with prices of fabric at a crazy level here in Canada, no matter if Quilt Shoppe or Michael's Crafts, I can Shop from My Stash to make quilts... I make 60 x 80 tops/flimsies , for a local church group Blanket Making Guild...so I get to do all the fun of making tops.... then they take it from there and finish them and donate overseas... With fabric that I bought 24 years ago, I don't mind using it up for Charity Quilts, as the colors no longer match what I like in my house. I pick up pieces from the local thrift store as well to add in. During the Pandemic, it was nice to have it 'in stock' here, in my quilt room...for all the reasons.!
“When i thought i was going to be a……..”. I cant stop laughing! We have all been there ❤
Shame? Not at all Karen, it's a very giving hobby that you have, it's driven by love. Wanting to gift a hug or happiness in the shape of a handmade quilt is a wonderful thing. You're bound to accumulate craft items when you've been crafting for any length of time. ❤
I like the math to divide the mass into quilts!
Thank you Karen for your courageous act of counting your stash. I know I have a stash that rivals yours and was deeply ashamed about it. One year I decided to add up how much money I'd spent on fabric. I was horrified at the amount. Like others, I love fabric. I love buying it. I love touching it. Can hardly stand cutting it. I have gone far beyond fabric creep to something like fabric kudzu. When I have tried organizing my stash, sometimes I get overwhelmed. I like your point about not being ashamed of the amount of fabric you have. I love that you've given yourself grace. I will do likewise for myself.
Ah...but if we cannot buy more that inspires us where's the fun in that? I have less fabric than you but still lots. I also have 30+ flimsies to quilt. They accumulated before I was confident doing FMQ. Making progress but saving up for a new sewing machine now. As long as I'm having fun is my mantra. With no family, it's something that can bring me joy.
If you just want to use some of it up, you could make drawstring bags for Christmas gifts to use up the Christmas stuff)
I am still feeling great after donating 45+ metres of Blenders to Victoria Quilts Canada to make quilts for anyone on a Cancer journey. All the Quilts are backed with Flannel.
Loved this video!!! Just think of all of the beautiful quilts yet to be born.
I haven’t countered my fabric but I said this year I wouldn’t buy any new fabric until I started to use up what I’ve got.
I have got to say that as this video continued, I laugh harder and harder with each hidee-hole you uncovered. I am sure many of us see ourselves in different parts of this. Thank you for your honesty. This video has made my day.
PS you have some absolutely stunning fabrics in your stash!!
Glad you enjoyed it
You were so brave to count all of your yardage. While my stash might be just as staggering, I’m not up to tackling this. Am content not knowing. 😂
So proud of you for counting it all! After the first half hour, I start some out and start another quilt!
I admire your enthusiasm and stamina to curate all your fabric. It requires more energy than I have. This year during the January declutter challenge, I made it a point to put all my 1 yard+ pieces together (unless they are in a specific kit) so I can see what's available for borders or for 3 yard quilt patterns. I have completed 3 UFOS so far this year - that's great for me! And I am deliberately pulling from my stash. Really cut back on buying fabric- sad and hard, but neccessary for now. At age 74, not sure I have 15 more quilting years ahead of me. Hoping my granddaughter and grandnieces will enjoy using my fabric some day.
WOW. That took courage! I had a tall closet packed with shoe boxes full of fabric. Most of them are gone now and I make a practice of keeping my closet half empty no matter what! I also make a practice of having about 1/2 of my fabrics from the "gently used" category. Still, it seems to breed and multiply when I am not looking...
Before i retired 5 yrs ago I selectively bought fabric to have on hand after retirement. It was in boxes, so i didnt know how much i had. 😅 A few months ago i took on the task of properly organizing it. Well, now I know I have SABLE! 😂 If i step up production, and don't buy more, i might consume most of it. But just knowing what i have comforts me. Thanks for sharing and making me feel better - that I don't have as much as you!! 😂 ❤
Thank you for this video. I feel like I can tackle my stash now with more self acceptance. Until a week ago i was going through moments of extreme panic that had me thinking about what my poor kids would do with my stash. It was bad for me . Not joking here. Knowing I'm not alone has been a huge relief. Better than therapy. Thank you for your frankness.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your video was just what I needed to get into my basement and pull out my tubs. I don’t have as much as you do and mine is segregated. But to take it all out and put it on the table and decide what I can get rid of is going to help me immensely. I have a lot of projects that are organized that I call kits. I am anxious to start them, but I’m trying very hard to finish things that are already started. I’ve been able to put together about two quilts a month from things that just needed bindings or just needed quilted and then bound or stacks of blocks that need to be assembled. I went through a stage of not finishing quilts because every time I finish one I’d give it away. It was like giving away my children, when I finally realized how much money I had invested in each quilt I had to realize that no one gave me that expensive of a gift and so there’s no reason I needed to give away my investments, either, except for odds and ends To charity. My children have an expansive collection, but that is their inheritance and they treasure each and every quilt.
I haven’t counted mine yet, but I was glad I moved enough bins of fabric from the old house to the new before QuiltCon to be able to skip looking at fabric! Next I need to unfollow a lot of the quilt store accounts so I’m not tempted, because I love what I have in my stash, and I want to sew it up! Even without counting, I know I have at least 5 years worth of stash (probably much more). I bought a few new rulers at QuiltCon (Stripology) that should help me work through some of it faster, as well! And I will have more to take to our guild destash! I’m looking so forward to organizing it all in my new space!
Sounds smart
I am so glad to see how much fabric you have. I keep mine in 55 gallon buckets. We moved about a year ago and found I couldn't take most of it with me. I had 162 buckets of fabric and could only take 12 with me. I didn't know how to get the fabric to other quilters so I just told all my friends that if they wanted some, come and get it. They did and I was so glad they found new homes. I hope all of them make fun things and quilts with the fabric. I know 10 buckets of flannels went to Oklahoma City for Angel quilts for Christmas. They make 100 of them every year. Thank you for your videos. In my new home I have been able to get a lot more organized with your organizing videos you do at the beginning of each year. I can now fit all 12 buckets under my Long-arm quilting machine. Love it!!!
OMG! You are living in fabric heaven! If I only had 25% of that I would consider myself a very happy person. Thanks for showing all this. And personally I would never shame you. No my reaction would be envy!!!💕
I think you have lit a fire under me to count my stash. It's a daunting task. but I believe it will help me in the long run, to take pics of fabrics and kit them. But also to see exactly what I have. Thank you for the gentle nudge to get my sewing studio organized.
You are a much braver woman than I am, LOL. And aren't we privileged to know we have the resources to pursue this hobby, or rather I should say "passion" without reservation. I've been quilting a very long time, have made way more quilts than my extended family needs, so am happily going forth making quilts to give to the less fortunate not knowing how much fabric I have in my cabinets. Thanks for sharing this, Karen and best wishes from a cold Alberta winter.
I am just getting ready to reorganize my stash...but I don't think I'll count it...I am sure it's way more yardage than I think! But, I love it and love that you feel NO shame! I don't either. Quilting is just sew much fun! I am getting lots more done now that I am retired...so while I am trying to use up stuff I've had for over 30 years...I still buy new cool stuff too! If I slow down, or burn out (not likely!), I'll pare down, but honestly I love that I have so many options!
You're a brave woman for sharing the results ! :) Thanks for this ! It's fun to go through one's fabrics to see what's what and get reinspired :) Great job edditing and posting !
I refer to my stash as part of my retirement portfolio. I probably have more fabric than I can use, but I plan to give it a good try. 😊
I use most of my fabric to make lap quilts for Hospice patients. They were wonderful with my parents and my husband's parents when they died. Now it's time ti pass that blessing along.
I've worked hard the last couple years to reduce my stash and have made progress. During the Declutter Challenge this year, I decided to put my stash on boards so I could store them vertically in my drawers and see all the fabric as opposed to being stacked and the bottom pieces were not visible. I was able to measure all the pieces and label so I know at a glance what is on the board. I have promised myself that I will shop my stash first and then only purchase new fabric to complete a project. I'm going to take a different approach than Karen though, and use my least favorite pieces first.
I donated a couple of large bins of fabric that I had for years and did nothing with to a gal that does curch scripture quilts. I felt good about it going to something that qould bless others and she even let me pick out a lap scripture quilt. I treasure it.❤
Thank you, Karen. After the January declutter challenge I realized I’ve never ‘cleaned up’ my fabric stash. I have leftover small bits (less than an 1/8 yard. I have pieces with holes where I have fussy cut. I saved everything. But that was actually stopping me from using my stash because I never knew if I had enough of a certain piece and using it might need extra cutting just to get to the ‘usable part ‘. So I have been going through mine, tub by tub. I’m measuring and marking anything that is 1/8 yard or more. The rest I’m cutting into usable pieces for scrap quilts. I’m pulling out and storing separately any piece that’s 2 yards or more. And when I’m finished, I will be able to count my fabric. I’m already gaining fresh inspiration just from handling every piece. It’s wonderful. And very therapeutic.
I’ve had this chore on my sewing to do list for a few weeks now. I’m trying to get a sewing room together and understanding the amount of fabric I have is important in how I use the space I have.
Wow! So much fabric, so little time. Actually, I really value the lessons of this video. You now know that your stash will produce 15 years of quilts--no more. Your wish to have a stash, just like everyone else, I can relate to. I have had some questions about stash curating. My wish is to be able to shop my stash and not always have to shop each project's amount when I get an inspiration to create again. Your stash has given me ideas about what I want on-hand. Cathy Martin of Catbird Quilts really knows her stash. When she shops, she has a really good idea about the holes in her collection. Good ideas here about quantities, variety and permission to get rid of fabric you don't love and are unlikely to ever use. Thank you, Karen.
I have 3 billy bookcases. I made a commitment several yrs ago to consider that my limiting factor. If there's no space on a shelf.. no buying! I know I can make enough quilts to use my stash in 3yrs or less.
I commend you for actually counting yours!
I am also feeling better about my stash. I have more rhan most but have been collecting for over fifty years. There is an upside to all this collecting. Prices are going up and we have fabric to play with without having to spend so much now!!
I think what constitutes a reasonable stash is unique to each quilter. My rule is if I feel guilty about it it's too much. A year or so before the plague i felt my stash was a bit much so I resolved to only use the stash which I did quite painlessly (that's because I always treated my stash as my palette--low on yellow then I'd buy yellow). I'm 76 & know serious downsizing is coming. I also like big quilts 90"x90" or bigger. Did I mention I mostly work by hand except for some machine piecing? Now I only work on bucket list quilts and have kitted bucket list quilts. When I must downsize those quilts will come with me; the stash will not. I still shop but I buy tools, notions, specialty scissors, & etc which I enjoy immensely.
I added it up - 240 yards - 15 - 20 quilts...working on it. MBH helps.
I have a tenth of what you do if that. 😊 I live above a comic book store and the owner gave me a stack of comic boards. This afternoon I am reorganizing my small stash onto the boards, thanks for the tip! 🌻🍄
What a huge undertaking! Amazing. I'm proud of you. I know that matters naught, but I am just the same. When the Campfire happened here, my sister lost Thousands of yards. We also do Renaissance Costumes, and quilts.
I need to do this too, I don't have anywhere that amount.
Enjoy being reacquainted with your fabrics. Huggles Always 💖🤗🍀 Liz🦓
Karen, I’m still laughing at your video, because you and I are long lost sisters. The only difference is I have more garment fabric than quilting fabric, but the quilting fabric is catching up since I retired. I’m giving you the win for Queen of the Stash only because I don’t want to face a final number of stashed yardage. 🎉🎉🎉congratulations!!