A new year, time for new perspectives, right?

This is the time a year when we reflect on the past year and think about what we would like to differently for next year, am I right? 




For me, my stash is seriously out of control. 



I have a very nice sewing space that my kids helped me put together.  The carpet was replaced with a faux wood floor, there is additional lighting, double L-shaped computer desks to host my four sewing machines, a folding chamois-covered quilt planning wall, and lots of storage.  I even have very wide island in my sewing room for cutting, piecing, and ironing--should I desire to do so as I covered it with fabric and padding to make it multi-purpose.  So, what is the problem?  I have too much fabric.



Were I to measure it, this is undoubtedly what would show! 


Don't laugh--I will only showing one photo of my sewing room that will hopefully represent the problem.  My stash 'overfloweth' into the rest of the space and even other parts of my home--just ask my husband.  In fact, it is such a problem that my oldest daughter, who lives in Baton Rouge, entered and said something to the effect of, "Mom, you've got a problem and it isn't a lack of space...."  Ouch.  But deep down, I knew it.  She just put into words what was in my heart and mind and she also challenged me.  You see, she sews herself and she also knits.  She knows all about 'needing' the necessary supplies so you don't have to go somewhere and get additional materials to create a project.  She also understands creativity and how sometimes the best projects are those that you need to think about, be creative with on design or material usage as she designs her own knitting patterns and has numerous publications in a variety of formats including magazines, pdfs from her website, and such.   As I was crafting a rebuttal, I knew she was right.  At that moment we challenged each other to use only from our stash for the next month-- or the month of January and as I contemplated this challenge, I wondered if I could truly do it.  Her motives are to inspire more creativity as she feels she is lacking.   My motives are purely to find what I have in my stash (especially those treasures that are hidden) and use it to make some new additions to my wardrobe. 

So while DD1 wants me to not purchase patterns, notions, or fabrics for a month, I have decided to challenge myself for three months.  As I have tried to clean up my space in the last week, I have found at least a few duplicate purchases of patterns (I my REALLY) like those if I purchased them twice! and so many treasures of fabric that I would consider somewhat precious.  Those precious fabrics must become wardrobe items.  Right? 

If I had to stretch myself (other than getting my stash to a manageable level) my next goals for the new year would be the following:
1.  Brush up on my tailoring skills.  I've made several more tailored items this past year but it has been a l-o-n-g time since I've pad stitched a collar and lapel and I'd really like to do it so I dust off the skills I used to have long ago.
2.  I have joined the RTW fast--I've wanted to do this for years and finally took the plunge!  Yay!  Now, I just need to resist the urge to purchase RTW. 
3.  Make undergarments/lingerie.  I have so many patterns for these items and now that I have 'taken' some Craftsy classes, I feel ready.  It is time, just do it!
4.  Sew for pleasure and stress relief.  Sometimes I create just to create, but I want to spend more time enjoying the process. 

What image(s) led my daughter saw to challenge me?  While I won't show them all, I will show you one: 

While pictures can only say so much, trust me that the rest of my sewing room was just as terrifically bad.  It looks better now, just seven days after her departure.  And, I have had a great time 'shopping' my stash.  I will get my new makes posted soon!

And I must give DD2 props.  She loves to quilt and has made some incredible designs from my cast-offs.  While I am a part-time quilter, she is a full-time one and her designs are just gorgeous.  I really need to look at my scraps as treasures, worthy of a design, if I would just take the time to look more carefully--just like she does. 

Until later, Happy New Year, and Happy Sewing! 

What are your plans?  Do tell!
Sue :)