Honey

to much stash? I know that we laugh about the one with the biggest stash wins, but seriously, when is enough enough? I have 10 good sized totes, so by no means do I have the most, but I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed by all of it. I have been trying to shop my stash when I start a new project, but the seems to always be one more fabric that I have to get to complete it. So naturally, when I'm looking for that "one" fabric I see a couple more that I just can't live without. Can anyone say OCD? Does anyone else feel this way?

donnajean

Yes, If you get so much that you have no idea of what you have & seldom look through your storage containers and your paying for storage facilities, you have too much. My sister had 2 houses full of fabric, books, etc. but did not have cash for food when she was losing her battle with colon cancer - too sick to work or collect unemployment. I did not get to spend as much time with her as I would like to as there was no place left to sleep and I was 300 miles away.

lots2do

Yes. And when you start to feel overwhelmed, listen to what your mind is telling you. I'm trying to cut back on speculation buying as well and also find that I need to buy something more to go with what I already have. But I did take a workshop with Carol Doak and was able to pull what I needed from what I have.
Donna Jean - what a sad story. I can't imagine going through that with a loved one.
lots2do

raptureready

Mine's at the point that it's too much. Yet I still keep buying. Saturday I bought a tub full of fabric at a garage sale.

lots2do

One last thought before I get ready for my day...I saw a cute jar block (paper pieced) in one of my quilting books. If I could allow myself to buy one or two food related fabrics in a small amount for a quilt with those, each time I go to a fabric shop, then I could still satisfy my 'need' without causing my stash to explode.
Quilt shops are one of my favorite places to go. Would hate to go cold turkey.
:)

Honey

Donna, I'm so sorry about your sister. It just strengthens my idea that to much of even a good thing isn't good. It can be so easy to get carried away. I know I can't stay out of my lqs completely, there are some things that I truly do need, but I'm going to try not to buy any stash stuff until I empty at least one tote. All of this just reminds me how materialistic (no pun intended) I have gotten and I don't like it. Time to make some changes and get back to basics!!

mygirl66

Funny, I was thinking that very same thing yesterday. I went to an estate sale Friday morning, they put in he ad tons of fabric, so you know I had to go. They had a box of bags at the door to this womans sewing room with a sign above it FILL A BAG FOR $2. I had 4 bags full, and a cutting mat.What a rush. Then I went to Jo-Anns to get their Warm & Natural for $5.99 a yard, I thought 5 yds was enough for right now, then I saw fabric with bones on it, had to get 2 yards, then saw a stray piece of fabric for .75 with a Halloween print on it, had to get it too. When I got home, and tried to put everything away, I just stood there going, "omg, where am I going to put it all", I am out of room!I do trade, pay it forwards, and eveything in between, but I have to stop for now. I use to have a storage unit, full. I got that cleaned out, and will not go back to the mess I had before. I made myself a promise no more fabric till I get at least 3 more tops done!( I piece in the warm monthes, quilt in the cooler/cold monthes because I hand quilt). If you need support to not buy anymore fabric untill you get some of yours gone, Im here for ya!

thismomquilts

If one is spending money one does not really have for fabric - it's too much. I have not worked outside our home since August and have been very very grateful for my large stash - I have used it more than ever in the past year. RARELY have I gone to the store to BUY fabric - I go often with friends -they are amazed that I can walk away with nothing... not saying it's easy - but is do-able - oh, btw - I'm headed out to JoAnn's this morning with a friend - I've tucked $20 into my purse (just in case ;) )

Patty Patches

If anyone needs storage space,they can store it at my house.(he-he-he)

dgmoby

I feel the same way. I started feeling a little overwhelmed by all that I had a couple of years ago. I realized my taste was changing, I was tiring of some of it and had no more space. This left me with a lot I wasn't crazy about any more, but still needed to use. So I went on a 'Only-Buy-What-I-Really-Need' spree.

I went from a large walk-in closet with 18" deep shelves floor to ceiling, to 2 rolling carts (6 drawers each from IKEA) and 2 shelves of backing/larger cuts. I like it this way. I have a great variety, still use the old and buy some new for each project, don't break the bank, and am not as cluttered. Just recently, I've bought a few new pieces just for stash. My friends were amazed that I could pass up the sales and walk away empty handed, as was the LQS owner (who said I really impressed her, and she was happy not everyone felt this way, although she admitted she did too!).

I believe, it's too much when you start feeling like this. Then it's simply time to use some up, or donate some, and once that's done - you can reward yourself :) But I have no intention of ever having that much fabric again. I simply no longer see a reason for THAT much...some yes, too much no.

Just my thoughts...