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I hope it is okay for me to start this thread. I'm ready to begin, not as a contest but as a way to be accountable to sew down the stash.
My goal this year is to sew 50 meters or more from the stash. My first smaller goal is to sew Christmas fabrics in January. I am ready to begin cutting out today. I can't sew until I get my machines back from being serviced on Friday or Saturday.
Ann was quicker than me, so I added a title post to hers. :)
Welcome to The Sewing Place’s year-long stash-busting challenge.
There are no rules or regulations. This is about you deciding how you want to stashbust, defining your own goals and cheering others on along the way.
This thread will run all year, and conclude at the end of 2020. Whether you choose to diligently stashbust along and record your numbers or just join in the thread is up to you.
I'd recommend if you want to take this seriously, defining your goal statement in a post here, and keeping track of your numbers either in a spreadsheet or in your signature. If you want to copy my signature, here is the code, just copy & paste it into the "signature" field on "Profile > Forum profile"
<b>Stash Busting 2020</b>
Goal: 100 metres
So far: 0m metres
Alternatively, you could just track it here, for example:
Existing stash:
Used up: (hopefully with pictures, because we are nosy ;))
Newly added: (hopefully less than used up ;))
Updated stash:
(https://media.giphy.com/media/Vsxv2SHYkcLSg/giphy.gif)
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I am planning to make a top for the January competition from my stash. I don't know exactly how big it is so I can't resolve to sew so many metres.
6 more metres arrived by post yesterday. :ninja: Sorry, it was the sales.
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@Starryfish, I don't know how much fabric I have in the stash nor do I plan on inventorying it prior to sewing it. I keep track as I sew it. I know I have more than 50 meters of fabric as I measured 30 meters of Christmas fabric as DD asked how much of it I had.
I may take part in the January competition as I want to try a new bag pattern and have a horse print for it. I have my fingers crossed I won't have to buy any fabric but I have a feeling I may have to. I want to make my own piping and may not have enough of that fabric. I may not have enough of the horse fabric if I have to fussy cut it.
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I was doing reasonably well with last year’s challenge until I had a bit of a December buying frenzy.
Aiming not to buy anything for a few months (We’ll see how long that lasts!) so am just going to record fabric used.
Otherwise I may have to start a support group for fabric addicts, any joiners? :ninja:
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When you say 'support', do you mean 'encouragement'? ;)
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Thank you for the reminder to change my signature @Ann ! I only managed 8.5m out of the 30 I'd aimed for in 2019 but I hardly sewed at all.
This year I've upped it to 35 metres so we'll see if I can get a bit closer.........
Being small it doesn't take much fabric to make a top or pants, well that's my excuse!
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I've no idea how much stash I have, but I'm going to try to reduce it. It actually annoys me to have fabric sitting there, not used. I'd love to be like @Lowena and only have fabric for the current project, nothing else.
Trouble is, at the moment, my part of the walk-in wardrobe is full...
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I too have no idea how much I have, but it is a lot. I succumbed to a couple of set pieces reduced in price from Croftmill last week - 2019 :P - but I'm going to really try to use up a lot of the stash this year :sew: :trousers: :frock: = :angel:
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No problem :) Good to know I'm not the worst.
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My fabric is overflowing again so I think I'll do the spreadsheet again.
https://sewjourners.net/2018/01/02/stash-shrinker/
I found this very helpful as I will not be doing an inventory. I did this in 2018 and it helped me sew 128 metres of fabric (but only buy half that). 2019 was much less disciplined. So back to counting what I buy and sew for 2020.
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@Vezelay your stash is tidier than mine! I think I need to refold and categorise mine then it might fit in the boxes.
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My fabric is overflowing again so I think I'll do the spreadsheet again.
https://sewjourners.net/2018/01/02/stash-shrinker/
I found this very helpful as I will not be doing an inventory. I did this in 2018 and it helped me sew 128 metres of fabric (but only buy half that). 2019 was much less disciplined. So back to counting what I buy and sew for 2020.
@SewRuthieSews where on earth do you put it all? Your wardrobe must be positively overflowing!
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I'm not really a joiner but this has me thinking I want to, rather than just need to. I'll probably try out the spreadsheet idea too although I really do want to cut right back on the buying and only get new fabric when it's needed for a project in hand (I've got some dance dresses coming up so I can't avoid that entirely). I sew far fewer now – good thing, but I can't resist lovely fabric when I see it at an irresistible price – bad thing in the circumstances.
I'm also intending to sew up some of my stash to sell as ready-to-wear in standard sizes in place of the custom fit dresses that I stopped making for the dance school as a whole some time ago because the demand overwhelmed me and became a burden. I shall strongly resist getting sucked back into that. I've already decided that I'll use my stash for the new venture so this all seems like good timing. I'll add it to my signature at the first use of the stash.
I also wish my stash fitted as compactly as that @Vezelay ! :o
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When you say 'support', do you mean 'encouragement'? ;)
@Acorn I’d be surprised if you needed encouragement :D but far be it from me to stifle anybody’s urges. I’m going to buy vicariously through you lot. Admire everybody’s purchases then go and root through what I already have. I keep finding things I have no recollection of buying. :S
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@SewRuthieSews
I being new to the joys of sewing, have seen how the equipment multiplies (Like bunnies) and since I have only bought one section of fabric for sewing, realize this is a problem I will adopt in time. So to get off to a good start, I must say I am in. I will have to modify the spreadsheet for use with Libre-calc, as it gives an error on save and requires a password to do a modify to the document. Done
I will have to measure everything I got from Mom to know what the total is.
Tim
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I've been sewing on and off for 30+ years and buy fabric when I see it as its a bit variable where I live.
A good purge of wardrobe and fabric would probably be a good thing this year too, but..... that would take away from sewing time.
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Yes I think I should join in I too would like to have a much smaller stash, my problem is I don’t wear as many clothes as I used to now that I only work one day a week.
I am not the sort of person who can sit at home wearing a nice dress or skirt and tights etc I spend too much time cleaning floors and climbing into attics etc as well as having a young cat.
How do you deal with what to do with the fabric if you don’t have a need for the clothes?
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Must. Use. Stash. I did pretty well in 2019. I think I only bought one or two pieces of fabric that I had a specific need for a specific project. I have way more stash than I ever want to track ahead of time. But I added Ann's suggested lines to my signature and I will try to faithfully track 2020 stash busting. There is also great need to join in the UFO tracking. Le sigh.
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How do you deal with what to do with the fabric if you don’t have a need for the clothes?
Accessories, home decorating, sewing for charity, or relatives and friends, quilts.
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How do you deal with what to do with the fabric if you don’t have a need for the clothes?
Selfless sewing for friends, family members, charities, etc..?
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My fabric is overflowing again so I think I'll do the spreadsheet again.
https://sewjourners.net/2018/01/02/stash-shrinker/
I'm not really one for being organised enough to keep going with a spreadsheet, and I certainly don't have an inventory of what I have :o but I have downloaded that spreadsheet. I changed the units to metres and then entered the one bit of sewing that I've done this year; the cushion cover kit from Santa @Acorn which I estimated as being 1m - and it tells me that I can buy another 0.5 m of fabric 0_0
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I have sorted my stash today, and filled in the spreadsheet, more or less. I have 42 m of usable fabric, not counting lining. I will add lining if I have to buy any more.
Looking at the extended wardrobe competition, I only need to buy two lengths to have enough to make the
Spring /Summer and one length for the Autumn/Winter. I like this sort of sewing so will be entering.
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Thank you @Manuela for fixing the first entry to include what I missed.
I cut out the first lot of the Christmas fabric yesterday. It took me two days to get the measurements correct for the Christmas tree skirt and the end table toppers.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KaqGJ7ZnBKs/Xg3FH9zFkyI/AAAAAAAAp84/BjX3G6MxKOknmIp7EPZRPw9WdYKYFSahwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6428.jpeg)
This is what is left over from 2.5 meters of fabric.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcufaP09wWU/Xg3FebXBW8I/AAAAAAAAp9A/hO_auYBe_Q4NAPri7eDqAaGzF4CNVvvCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6429.jpeg)
This afternoon I made a pattern for a table topper for the bottom shelf of the table the tree stands on. It has been cut out of the light grey along with the mug rug pieces. The dark waits to be pieced and then cut out along with the mug rug pieces.
This is the remaining 5 meters that will be sewn up for the dining area and kitchen. I have lots of ideas floating in my head.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-llNhgsNmk9k/Xg3F58AEPOI/AAAAAAAAp9I/nFyoal7OPxYXnztQTmr4k6yEijPoAeTQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6430.jpeg)
Once the measuring is done it won't take long to make these items. I'm going for simple ideas as I really don't like anything too fussy.
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@Ann I think it's a great idea sewing for Christmas now during that sad sort of post C'mas lull we have while it's still too cold to be out much and the happiness of C'mas is still shining down upon us. It will be so nice next year, late November, to be able to pull out all these fresh new coordinates and do your seasonal transition.
Your color scheme is so nice and fresh. I love seeing things with cardinals on them. When I was a kid you'd see lots of holiday stuff with cardinals on it.
I might steal your idea. I did something years ago that worked. Christmas get's overwhelming. We think we should do so much, get pulled in all directions and the magic disappears. So I did Christmas monthly. Usually for 3 or 4 days, I "did" C'mas. I played music, set up a table top tree, made a holiday dish or two, baked a cookie I hadn't gotten to and crafted. I also gave OH some little gift. It was nice, Christmas was actually happier because of it and I got more done.
I'm a huge fan of Hallowe'en and did the same thing in the months with a 31st. Two or three days of Hallowe'en crafting, creepy foods, my antique Hallowe'en pieces out. Bliss.
I've been thinking of doing it again. You sewing up Christmas now just sounds so good.
BTW: your signature still says 2019. ;)
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Selfless sewing for friends, family members, charities, etc..?
Yes I like this idea and do a lot of knitting that I give away either to friends or charity but I find it more difficult with sewing. I do sometimes sew boxer shorts for my son but I do not have any other family to sew for and almost all my friends sew, my best friends are professional dressmakers so I really can’t complete.
If anyone has any ideas for charity sewing that might use what is mainly a dressmakers stash I would love some ideas. I seem to have a lot of fabric suitable for dresses and maybe skirts, most of which are stretch fabrics.
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@Renegade Sewist, love your idea to get things done over a few days at Christmas and Halloween. I usually do baking over a couple of days and decorate over 2 days. I did a lot of Christmas sewing in Oct-Dec. By Dec. 16, I was exhausted. That created the change of attitude in what I'm doing this year. And my first choice was Christmas.
I love cardinals and have for many years. I display them at Christmas in the tree and on an antique server. They can be seen here in Nova Scotia which is pretty exciting for this cardinal lover. You will see more cardinal fabric pop up while I'm doing Christmas fabric.
I was really wanting to have a finished project and was driving myself nuts. I finally decided to do a wall hanging using a painter's canvas I had bought. I had the fabric (bought in December) and made a back drop for the Nativity scene. It took longer to put on the hot fix crystals than it did to cover the painter's canvas. But I had 2 hours of creating something out of Christmas fabric while I have no machines.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-riQZasjvuB0/Xg8eL3tnNPI/AAAAAAAAp9k/WlDIzc149Sgr6pUSDe5twmG30wu0cGhegCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6439.jpeg)
I have plans to make a third one. Another one with cardinals on it.
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@Ann that is a fabulous backdrop for your Nativity. Very clever.
It did work well spending time monthly "celebrating" Christmas and Hallowe'en. Doing 3 days per month Jan-Oct to do C'mas recipes, music and crafting/sewing was fun. A little tabletop tree, tiny string of lights and music and the mood is set. There's never time to fix all the foods we want in December and really, who needs that many treats all at once? This gave me 30 days spread out to enjoy.
Then doing Hallowe'en only in months with a 31st gives me 5 months before October to get some things made. I play my spooky music Cd's. It's silly and fun. Really looking forward to it this year.
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I've had a look through my stash this morning and there isn't as much as I thought. There are some pieces that I honestly have no idea why I bought, and have no idea what they'll be used for :S
I will tell myself that once there is visible reduction and plenty has been made I can look at purchasing more but to be much more mindful >:)
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@Renegade Sewist, I've just firmed up my Christmas and October sewing plans. I have a tub of Halloween fabric I need to sew up. Now to figure out what days I want to sew Christmas and Halloween in January. So, it's 5 days Christmas each month to the end of November and 3 days Halloween with months having 31 days. That leaves me with lots of other things I can sew during the month. Thank you for the suggestion.
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@fourkid, I spotted that it still says ‘stash busting 2019’ in your signature, then I realised that I didn’t change the code on the title post. I’ve done that just now...
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@fourkid, I spotted that it still says ‘stash busting 2019’ in your signature, then I realised that I didn’t change the code on the title post. I’ve done that just now...
Oops - :|
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I've set my stash busting spreadsheet up with metres instead of yards and at 10 times instead of 2.
btw If you want to use it to do a complete stash reduction, measure all your fabric and enter a purchase yardage with this total as the first line. You'll then see it come off that total as you enter in the sewn garments.
I have no intention of doing that but I might put a nominal no of metres in as a starting point (say 20 as that would cover the fabrics I bought on 24th December)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IqHDosHDCE/XgH_vH-mebI/AAAAAAAAM58/3hBGDM7zsoUmvLAReRAeUawgfummjH68wCEwYBhgL/s400/SWAPwovens%2B%25281%2529.JPG)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QHY0-OIbu2U/XgIAV70yJdI/AAAAAAAAM6E/AC3oSzJEDagWe1Dj-kUn3dyHEZukSHDugCEwYBhgL/s400/SWAPKnits.JPG)
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@Renegade Sewist, I've just firmed up my Christmas and October sewing plans. I have a tub of Halloween fabric I need to sew up. Now to figure out what days I want to sew Christmas and Halloween in January. So, it's 5 days Christmas each month to the end of November and 3 days Halloween with months having 31 days. That leaves me with lots of other things I can sew during the month. Thank you for the suggestion.
@Ann I'm glad you like the idea! I was just marking my calendar. What I did, and plan this time as well, is using the 25th and 31st and keying off those for my days. In months I did both C'mas and Hallowe'en I usually ended C'mas on the 25th and might do fewer days. It all depended on the month and how busy it was.
I enjoy cooking a few appropriate dishes for it, playing C'mas music, a cup of cocoa and a tiny bit of super easy decorating. Helps with my mood. 0_0 There's all those foods we only make at Christmas and new recipes to try out.
I think 23-25 and 30-31 this month for me. I have quilted throw WIP's for both.
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@Ann I'm glad you like the idea! I was just marking my calendar. What I did, and plan this time as well, is using the 25th and 31st and keying off those for my days. In months I did both C'mas and Hallowe'en I usually ended C'mas on the 25th and might do fewer days. It all depended on the month and how busy it was.
I enjoy cooking a few appropriate dishes for it, playing C'mas music, a cup of cocoa and a tiny bit of super easy decorating. Helps with my mood. 0_0 There's all those foods we only make at Christmas and new recipes to try out.
I think 23-25 and 30-31 this month for me. I have quilted throw WIP's for both.
@Renegade Sewist, I'm going to steal your idea for dates as they are so appropriate. I didn't get that far. I may have to fudge a bit with appointments and day trips.
I got my machines home yesterday afternoon and will set them up today. I have to hand hem DGS's school pants today and then I can sew. I'm doing my Christmas early this month as I'm excited to get it sewn. Will settle down next month. Halloween this month will be a wall hanging.
We don't eat a lot of fancy foods at Christmas. But I can make DH his favorite cookies. I can play Christmas music off my phone if I want to. I'm really looking forward to this.
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@SewRuthieSews, what a nice lot of fabric you bought. Love the plaid. Can't wait to see what you are going to make from this lot of fabric.
My copy of stash buster is set in meters also and at 100 times rather than 2. I am really trying to sew down the stash. I know I will buy some fabric to finish up projects.
I'm not doing any wardrobe planning yet as I chose to focus on the craft/quilting fabrics. It's 2 fold -- I want the craft/quilting fabrics gone and I'm loosing weight. It is harder to find nice garment fabrics here in NS so I'm holding onto the ones I have for a lovely wardrobe.
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My stash is beyond overflowing it's designated space, and there is no way I'm going to measure it all. However, I am trying to sew down the overflow. Already this year I've completed one charity quilt top from a pile of triangles and matching pieces that took up residence on my ironing board at least 1.5yrs ago. SO nice to have my entire ironing board clear again! I'm currently working on a quilt for a friend that uses up much of the blue scraps I've been saving for a monochromatic quilt. (And I found another half-done charity quilt buried in THAT pile!) I'll post pics later of the overflow pile. I'll consider myself a winner if it's all contained, one way or another, by the end of the year.
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I need to join this as my stash overfloweth, yea verily. My recent attempts at selfless sewing resulted in 2 dresses for DD. Dress #1 is fine but despite much taking in and alteration dress #2 did not suit so I'm letting out this one to its maximum extent and I'll wear it. :D
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OK, I'm in. If I'm honest, I probably need to join more than once - yes, it's reached that state. I expect the stretch pile will be the biggest hurdle as it used for the smallest clothes - bathing suits and booty shorts don't take much.
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I tested my sewing machine and it's purring like a kitten. These were sewn while I was testing. The last bits I cut out from the 2.5 meters of Christmas fabric I'm working on.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oaH0sg5rvLw/XhDfRq8Uj3I/AAAAAAAAp-M/ZqZ7IbPImz4LmlfdaqIrqYAYfXuYGILwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6444.jpeg)
We use mug rugs all the time so they will be nice for next Christmas.
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I've used about 40m of crin from my stash over the last few days, I had to stop myself from buying new by using slightly different different types on each of the three layers but it's actually really effective. Does that count or is it limited to fabrics only?
There will be stash fabric being used for the next project in a few days though.
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@Marniesews, non-native English speaker here, what is ‘crin’?
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You probably know it as horsehair braid. Crin is an abbreviation of crinoline which is the most frequently used name for it in the UK. With the ballroom dresses especially (it's used in some Latin skirts too) I've amassed a stash of different colours & widths (1"-6") in 33yd rolls so it soon mounts up.
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I set aside the Christmas sewing to test a pattern for a designer of doll clothing. I finally decided on a fabric that has been in the stash for over 10 years. I'm sure it was a piece that I got suckered into buying prior to retiring. It is perfect for this dress.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80UAm5ZgzOw/XhMND8KRuCI/AAAAAAAAp-c/kZNUmQ8UHpEbPIYVwIy3KR2gLVzfrz3DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6447.jpeg)
I have about 1.5 meters of this fabric and the dress takes 1 meter. I will use it up as I don't want to put it back into the doll's stash. A simple dress will be perfect project for the remaining piece. I'll knit a sweater to go with it getting another ball of yarn out of the yarn stash.
For this dress, I need to buy lace for the neckline in cream. Before I head out to get it, I'm going to measure what I need for the next project so I can use up what is in the stash and not over buy. Wish me luck.
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Looks interesting @Ann. What is the pattern?
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@UttaRetch, it is called the Beret Sleeve dress. It won't be published for another two to three weeks. I belong to a group who tests patterns for designers of doll patterns. This dress sits off almost off the shoulders and is quite cute for an 1830's dress.
Got the lining sewn today and am ready to tackle the sleeves. They are almost a circle so will be heavily gathered. I will have to put on the arm bands before I gather the sleeves up. That will be Wednesday when we will be stuck in with heavy snow that is suppose to fall all day.
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The doll's dress is done and 1 meter used up. It was a time consuming item to make.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCrBJNs3RSc/XiGqC3GAgnI/AAAAAAAAqCw/XBxRRm9y418-0u07Q86We-6Bgt8gz9CyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6489.jpeg)
I am almost finished a market tote. A lot of work also. It took 2.3 meters of fabric and 1 meter of fusible fleece. I just have the handles to add and it will be done.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EuJyGIGrkDE/XiN_Kkoo_2I/AAAAAAAAqDY/16JmGdhx9VQjJYRZhejYz4OmjoukinjRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6502.jpeg)
And the pocket on the inside.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-97zJfu3FT7c/XiN_KvvBiJI/AAAAAAAAqDc/SVRECrypYdUG0VyBsyL83N0NdeGNN-f8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6503.jpeg)
I have to make more piping for DD when I am done and then it will be onto Christmas sewing Dec. 23. Looking forward to that.
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I love your bags @Ann. They are so neat and precise. :loveit: I'm also amazed how much fabric they consume!
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Beautiful dress @Ann and your bag is way nicer than my shopping bags 0_0
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Thank you @snoozi soozi and @wrenkins.
The reusable bags use a lot of more fabric as I line them all. A plain bag uses 1.7 meters of fabric and .5 meters of craft weight interfacing. It only goes up from there. I feel if you have to have bags for shopping, they should be nice looking. Mine are pretty plain except one has embroidery and crystals on it.
The dress was a lot of work for 1 meter of fabric. The designer is suppose to have fixed the skirt being bigger than the bodice but I don't have time to try it out. Maybe later when I have more time. Right now I have other things to sew.
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After two flops, I had a success. I want to make an embroidered wall hanging each month for DDIL. It can't be very wide as where she wants to put it is narrow. I used lettering I bought at Christmas and a free pattern I got a few years ago. I fooled around with the new embroidery software I got. There was a lot of sweating and a bit of swearing but I succeeded.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qmOsDkPNxg/Xii6Weu3OPI/AAAAAAAAqFA/BpAp5foFZ8UWjDq9FAvhXL7RwDElmvZ-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6516.jpeg)
I'm hoping to take one day and make another one to put away. I have the fabric and thread so why not.
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This project has been a long time coming. I traced it off at least a year ago, and the fabric has been in the stash so long that I can't remember when I bought it. It's a heavy linen/linen mix, and when I tried on the (very nearly) finished dress, I was surprised at how heavy it is - and how warm!
The pattern is McCalls 6696, and has been such a lovely project to sew.
I used about 3 metres of fabric! :) :) :)
Jessie
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It is the start of 3 days of Christmas sewing and I got a tree skirt sewn up. When I went to add the lace I was 3" short. Will have to buy lace tomorrow when I'm shopping. I was a bit upset as I thought I had enough. (I did buy the lace and gimp for the skirt and it is now done. Had an issue with the gimp as my machine didn't like it to begin with)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XG4etE5WGLI/XitgGe5k16I/AAAAAAAAqGo/jWZoa6hN7wQVKCAAxs9RAWVkNZfgSgdVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6528.jpeg)
I did a rolled hem on the ruffle which turned out quite nice. The skirt is lined and I used gros grain ribbon for the ties. I'm really happy with the finished look.
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I made a top from fabric that must have been in my stash for 2+ years. The colours are nicer than the picture shows - the background is blue. The pattern is StyleArc's Kim, but with a straight hem and long sleeves. It's my go-to pattern for long sleeved knit tops.
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It took me less than two hours all-in, including time spent wrangling with my coverstitcher!
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My first sewing project will not be from stash since I don't have suitable fabric for a dressing gown, but anything else I make will be from the big tub in my sewing cupboard.
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So pleased to read all that is going on in your new home and that you now have a sewing room - well done - now all you have to do is enjoy sewing in there - look forward to reading what you are making. You say you have a small stash, wonder if now you have a dedicated room that this small stash will just grow and grow.
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Hell no. A big stash is oppressive. I sew very slowly from a limited range styles and don't need a wide variety of fabrics.
The sewing room is about a month away since stage 2 of the refurb is set to commence. However, there will be pictures when the room is ready.
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I’m going to join in as I really need to reduce the stash. Last year I started off with an intention of a 3:1 ratio, 3 metres used, to allow 1 in. While this started off well up to about March it went downhill from there but at least I was ahead by the end of the year. - 105 mtrs sewn (including curtains) and 89 mtrs in. Woefully short of the target but I recognised that I had set an unachievable aim!
So I’ll aim for 100 mtrs again but try for 2:1 for 2020. Let’s see how I get on!
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While I know how much fabric I do have, the number probably would give all of you a heart attack...then I inherited about 1000 yards from my mom.
I have at least 2500 yards I can get rid of: won't sew, was my mom's and not my taste, cheap looking from online sales. You get the point.
On that end, I do need to inventory it again...add what I want to keep, remove that which I won't use and figure it out. It will still be rather large regardless.
Edit: None in. Haven't bought fabric since August.
So far this year since Jan 3:
20 yards for curtains in my house
2 yards PJ pants for DD
2.5 yards for satin skirt (for the animal print contest, but we all know how well I manage to actually enter)
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I got rid of another couple of yards at the weekend I'm glad to say, and I'm very pleased with the tops I made. These are from a free Hot Patterns pattern, Fringe Festival Scarf T. I know Trudy's patterns took a bit of knocking on the old forum, but this made up with no alterations needed apart from the fact that I didn't want a single layer scarf, and I left off the fringe.
I'm really making an effort this year to get rid of stash - one way or another!
Jessie
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I finished up a bunch of sewing yesterday and tallied up what I had sewn. So far this month I've sewn 9.85 meters or 10.75 yards. I still have a doll's blouse and a Halloween wall hanging left to make this month.
Sewing up the Christmas fabric was a lot of fun. I had to spend time figuring things out but I'm pleased with the results. I had to design the topper for the table shelf. I laid paper on the shelf and drew the pattern. I folded it into quarters and evened out the design. It couldn't be perfect for this antique table. I used lovely flannel for the batting as it isn't bulky.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5zpCSGDRfk/Xi6-BnOjvdI/AAAAAAAAqHc/Uv6BUG32VmoVD6Me_NC43OW_pHSNMWw-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6540.jpg)
I made two toppers for the end tables in the living room. They have the flannel instead of batting. The center part has rows of stitching to keep everything from shifting. The binding is sewn on ready to hand stitch while I watch the embroidery machine stitch out items for a doll's blouse.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kuKXETVq_Z8/Xi6-x5ht1AI/AAAAAAAAqHk/iwAKZ0ABVnshpAcqw7tjFt8n3574CLERgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6541.jpg)
The Christmas sewing for the living room is done at this time. I have to say I had a lot of fun sewing Christmas items for 3 days. Thank you @Renegade Sewist for the idea. Can't wait to do it again in February.
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I just remembered that on Saturday I took 7.5 metres of fabric to give away to Offcuts, our Bracknell get-together ( see https://thesewingplace.org.uk/index.php/topic,9252.0.html for details if anyone is interested in joining us).
My “used” total has been amended accordingly!
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Oh @Ann , I'm so glad you liked my idea. :loveit: I didn't get to it, but I did have a cup of cocoa and a Christmas cookie on the 25th. I'll try to work on some Hallowe'en sewing the 30th-31st, or at getting stuff together for next month.
My so called busting hasn't gotten off the ground yet. I actually stumbled across some fabulous fabric at half off. They were perfect for what I want to be doing wardrobe wise. Last Summer I learned we have a mega sewing machine store. Last time I'd been there it was a pretty small shop. When Hancock fabric, a big box US retailer shut down a few years ago these people moved in to that space. They bring in national trainers from Bernina, Floriani and others and have these classes where you get to use one of their top of line machines. I took a Bernina TOL serger class last week, for free. Anyway, there was a class preview earlier in January and I discovered they have a small and growing collection of garment fabrics, mostly higher end natural fibers. It totaled 11 yards of pure goodness and I'm so glad I saw them. I resisted several other fabrics, as they are all more readily obtainable.
I have several tests coming up next month so hope to really get to this after that, maybe early March.
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@Renegade Sewist, I loved your idea. I have February's Christmas sewing planned and hope to keep on track for the year. DH got a chuckle out of me sewing Christmas fabric and telling him 11 months until Christmas. If I keep on like I am, I may have the yardage sewn up by November. If not, I will get it done early in 2020.
I'm testing another doll's pattern. It has machine embroidery lace and the collar took 90 minutes to stitch out. I still have lace to embroider on the sleeves and front button band. I will do that today and cut out the pattern pieces. I'm also doing a skirt so it can have a Victorian look to it. The designer has a modern look and I'm doing a historical look for her. The Halloween fabric is on the table and I am ready to start it on the 30th.
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My Halloween sewing is going down the tube this month. I'm so sad. I'm testing a lace design for a designer and I'm having issues with it. I will start again today using different needles in my machine. When done this project, I will have used a meter of fabric and I am gnashing my teeth. Oh well, you win some and you loose others. Halloween will be done in February if I can slip it in.
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Approx 4 meters down..
Two grey tops and one yellow/mustard one.
6m so far this year.
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I had fun using my embroidery machine today and used up some of my embroidery thread stash. The fabric I bought and put on the stash shelf.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwbr34DB6QQ/XkB6nUF9zZI/AAAAAAAAqPE/ijEdoB638H8TeCj0UXW_hrsF0PVpQqUFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6615.jpeg)
There is enough fabric to make one more wall hanging. I have to look for tear away stabilizer. I'm sure I have some in the stabilizer stash.
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Another yard and a half of fabric gone from the stash!
Rebecca Taylor for Vogue 1387, view B.
I have entered it in the Shirt competition although it isn't one of my better efforts. Still, it used up a fair bit of fabric!
Jessie
Jessie
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I hit frustration mode. I bought a bit more than was required for a doll's coat pattern that I am testing. I thought I would have enough to make a cute jacket. I have more than enough to make another coat and a jacket. Thank goodness I have another coat to test but will have to look for a cotton to trim it with. The lining is the same. Calls for a half a meter and it uses a fat quarter.
I am working on my to do list. Once the doll's coat is done, I will be making more piping until I start Christmas sewing. After Christmas sewing is done, I'll finish up the second February's wall hanging and clean up the sewing room. I've cleaned it up once so far this month but will need to do it again.
So far this month I've sewn 6.25 meters of fabric.
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I really should not be allowed near a fabric store unsupervised - somehow I bought 12 meters of fabric this weekend. This does not include the 60 meters of netting and tulle that I have coming for 10 romantic tutus - but those will be done by early April.
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I'd happily supervise you. Of course you'd probably come out with even more fabric... :angel:
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I started Christmas fabric sewing on Feb. 23 and will happily sew it until the end of the month. All other projects slated for the month are done. I'm working on a table topper/runner for the dining room table. I've got to the point of sandwiching it and hopefully will have it quilted (straight lines only) by tomorrow afternoon. Then it's a runner for the antique server which should go fast. Then onto DD's tree skirt.
@MitchOfTheNorth, where in BC do you live? Do you have more than Fabricland to buy garment fabric from?
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Ann, I live on northern Vancouver Island. It's 2 hours to the nearest Fabricland - or any fabric store :'(. Mind you it's also 2 hours to the nearest stop light. The 3 closest Fabricland stores are franchises that include a private quilt shop as well. They even carry some independent patterns. I'm up and down Island on a regular basis though I don't get to Victoria very often. I even get over to Vancouver several times a year - Dressew, Atex, Fabricana, Blushing Boutique. Blushing Boutique sells their leftover fabric from their designs at $3/meter - I've bought some very nice fabric from their backroom.
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I really should not be allowed near a fabric store unsupervised - somehow I bought 12 meters of fabric this weekend. This does not include the 60 meters of netting and tulle that I have coming for 10 romantic tutus - but those will be done by early April.
Mr Manuela said I should stash away all the fabrics I see online and love. Once in Thailand we’ll be hit with VAT....
I’m expecting a large parcel with broderie anglaise and other lovely fabrics later this week. :devil:
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Ann, I live on northern Vancouver Island. It's 2 hours to the nearest Fabricland - or any fabric store :'(. Mind you it's also 2 hours to the nearest stop light. The 3 closest Fabricland stores are franchises that include a private quilt shop as well. They even carry some independent patterns.
I've been to one of the Fabriclands and to Snip and Stitch 2 times when I lived in BC. I did Ron Collin's workshop there twice and once in Langley. I do miss shopping in Nanaimo but don't miss the crazy drive I use to have to take when catching the ferry.
I am also a graduate from UVic so did that drive for 4 summers when doing summer school.
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My Christmas fabric sewing had to be beaten into submission. I spent 2 hours ripping out the stitching and basting the fabrics so they wouldn't pucker. I put the walking foot onto my machine and success. I'll get the binding on this afternoon and will hand stitch it when I have to watch the embroidery machine.
I used up 10.1 meters of fabric this month. The majority of it came from the stash. I'm happy with what I accomplished this month. Goal for March is another 10 meters. I'm making DH a shirt for selfless sewing so that will be 3 meters used from the garment fabrics. Looking forward to sewing it for him.
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I started March slowly as I got caught up in doll clothes. 1.65 meters in a week and still not finished one doll outfit. The pattern pieces were not correct. :( I had to set it aside while the pattern was fixed by the designer.
I bought the fabric for a reading pillow on Monday and it was done by Wednesday. It goes to the library on Saturday.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ4cREto3WQ/XmoHHqXLK5I/AAAAAAAAqdI/d5TZR5NHocoAo2UyFB0xuIKygwtnP6qyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6739.jpeg)
I also bought .7 meter of fabric to make 2 wall hangings. One is on the machine and will be done tomorrow. That is my monthly purchased fabric used up. The rest of the month is from the stash. I do enjoy buying for projects that I will be making immediately. I quite happily dig back into the stash and sew.
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All I've managed to do is buy more fabric!
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Used up yet more fabric making sheets and pillowslips for Theo's new big-boy bed. Both were made from new sheets I had bought for yardage when they were in the sale a few years ago, and they have made up beautifully.
The first set is already on Theo's bed, the second set will be going at some point this week. I'm a little disappointed with the name on the 2nd set, as it has 'whiskers'. The stabiliser I used to stop it fraying, also stopped the applique adhesive sticking, so that when I sewed it, the edges just shredded. I was going to put this in the Selfless Sewing comp, but it just looks messy - and yes I have trimmed it, but the 'whiskers' keep peeking out.
Jessie
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Confession: think I'm buying more than I'm using. Another delivery from the Dutch enabler this morning :|
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I haven't bought since the beginning of March. All fabric stores are closed. My favorite one is doing drive by. You email or mail what you want and pay by credit card and it gets put in your car when you're notified to pick it up. This month will probably be no purchases.
I cut out 9.25 meters of fabric and sewed 6+ meters. I stalled on the burlap Christmas tree skirt. The burlap started to fray so I need an underlining of the same color or a shade lighter. The ruffle is cut, roll hemmed, and gathered waiting for me to finish it.
Including the skirt, I have sewn 30.95 meters in the first quarter of this year. I'm hoping I get 90 meters sewn up this year.
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Umm, I'm washing piles of fabric since Mr. Mitch filled the sewing room with smoke.
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I'm sewing masks right now. I did 18 masks and now have an order for 34. I will be laundering fabric today, sewing two masks that are cut out and starting assembly line cutting tomorrow. I have figured out that 6 pleated masks take .8 meter of fabric.
The main stash and doll stash will be raided today. I'm even going to raid the Christmas fabric as I have some that will work either for lining or outer fabric. Thread may or may not match. These are for people who wear them in a shop as they are essential services. I'm hoping this will be it for mask sewing.
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Well this pandemic has been for one thing, and that’s stash busting. I’m setting myself a challenge of 50 metres this year, hopefully it’s realistic!
I used 5 metres in February for a formal dress (+1 metres of new fabric) to start the year off!
I’ve used a further 5 metres on my Chanel jacket and 2 metres on my vogue shirt, both works in progress so I won’t count them until they’re finished!
I’m anticipating the rest of my 6pac challenge to use another 8.5 metres so all going well, I’ll be under 30 metres remaining by the end of May! My goal WAS to not buy any fabric this year... unfortunately I “accidentally” just bought another 7 metres :S
Goal: 50 metres
Used: 5 metres
Remaining: 45 metres
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Here's a question for you all -
If I make a shirt that takes 1.5 metres, and I cut it out of a 2 metre piece, do I count it as 2 metres used or 1.5? Half a metre left over is rarely enough to make anything else unless the piece is suitable for a very basic short sleeve top. If I buy fabric with a blouse or shirt in mind I usually get 2m unless it's expensive.
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@elisep, I count it as 1.5 meters as I use the other .5 meter for doll clothes.
By the end of the month, I will have sewn 40.65 meters of fabric. DH stated it didn't look like I had taken that much fabric off the shelves. I refrained from strangling him. I do keep larger scraps of fabric for doll clothes and those pieces do take up space.
I started to worry about thread but am trying not to be over worried. We aren't shopping at all and the fabric stores are closed. I could order online but am trying to refrain from that as Canada post is experiencing volumes equal to Christmas.
Stay safe and take care.
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I've been using the spreadsheet linked posted by @SewRuthieSews
https://sewjourners.net/2018/01/02/stash-shrinker/ (https://sewjourners.net/2018/01/02/stash-shrinker/)
But all the scrubs sewing is playing havoc with the stashbusting. I'm supposed to sew more than I buy, but stash didn't have any fabric suitable for scrubs so I bought 14m and sewed 14m so that didn't dent the stash. Then I sewed the precuts which were from donated fabric (paid for by crowd funding) so do I include that? and the next lot will be fabric paid for by the practice who will be receiving them. Lots of sewing but not reducing stash. :S
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If you want to record your scrubs achievement then perhaps a completely separate spreadsheet showing what you've sewn and how much fabric that used would be the best bet.
I have not been using the stash shrinker this year, and I have probably bought more than I've sewn.
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I've been busy in the sewing room with a new attitude about sewing. I've decided to enjoy the journey with less of "sew down that stash" attitude. It has made sewing a lot more enjoyable. I've also been outside more as the weather has improved considerably.
By the end of the month, I will have sewn 45.5 meters or 49 yards. I should be over my goal of 50 meters by the end of June.
I've bought no fabric since the beginning of March and hope to stay that way for the next 3 months. If I've survived this long, I can go longer. I do need some notions though (thread, zippers, snaps, bees wax, cording and some buttons). Our fabric stores have just started to reopen and have a restrictions about shopping; masks, limited number in at one time, 30 minutes shopping time.
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I didn't meet the 50 meter goal at the end of June. Got to 47.4 meters. I spent the month making doll clothes for one of my dolls.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbxgFcDebJk/XvixTVsNvXI/AAAAAAAArXY/S6x0zVbM0nUKHdsg5-4ZuttHEm2hQPX-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Kit%2527s%2BWardrobe.jpg)
I then decided to try and draft a bodice pattern for another doll and am back to the drawing board on that one. Today I will work on it again and see if I can draft a better fitting muslin.
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July almost became a bust as I had only sewn .9 meters on July 30. I then got to sew a banner that used up 5.2 meters of fabric so ended up sewing 6.1 meters of fabric. Total sewn this year is 53.5 meters or 58.4 yards.
I did buy some fabric in July but I've sewn enough that I could. I hope to have the yardage sewn up by the end of the year. This month I have to make 2 bags for DD as she is donating them as prizes at a dog trial. I am looking forward to that. I also hope to sew another bag and more doll clothes.
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Good job @Ann. Thought I'd draw the attention of @TartanPaint to this thread. She just took posession of a van load of fabric from her sister.
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Good job @Ann. Thought I'd draw the attention of @TartanPaint to this thread. She just took posession of a van load of fabric from her sister.
'He'
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@Renegade Sewist
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'He'
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@Renegade Sewist
Oops! :facepalm: my apologies.... :faints:
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Oops! :facepalm: my apologies.... :faints:
@Renegade Sewist
It's ok. It's actually quite funny. I've been speaking to a local fabric supplier who makes stuff too. She was sending me photos of frilly toddlers party dresses and wondering why I wasnt answering her.
0_0
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Well if I'd looked at the new members posting this week I would have known.
So now my suggestions for you are camp shirts, pajama bottoms/lounge pants and boxer shorts. Plus assorted home dec. The garment suggestions are good for new garment sewists.
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@TartanPaint, I can't wait to see what you will be making with a van load of fabric. It is fun to see what others make while using up their stash.
One thing I got a blast out of doing was stretching fabric over artist's canvas for art on walls. I did a back drop for our nativity pieces and hot glued crystals to the center of the stars.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1MEkmQWm5I/Xg8uPB_ZnTI/AAAAAAAAp98/gfFq0RdqBk0BAcJYqDeKKPtJ6LUL9HGBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6439.jpeg)
And this one for the cardinal table I set up at Christmas. We have lots of cardinals here in Nova Scotia and they are my favorite bird.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTTwvrkkF6I/XfdfefRcOMI/AAAAAAAAp10/CYtSxQ34NOUD11sI8p3UImKe4jK8biBTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6310.jpeg)
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@Ann you could poke tiny lights through that like @Manuela did with her Star Wars dress. 0_0
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Sadly, this year’s Star Wars day was during the school closure, and our newly imposed lockdown means cinemas are closed again.... So, no chance to wear that dress.
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Aw that's a shame. You should have just worn it anyway...watching telly! 0_0
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@TartanPaint, I can't wait to see what you will be making with a van load of fabric. It is fun to see what others make while using up their stash.
One thing I got a blast out of doing was stretching fabric over artist's canvas for art on walls. I did a back drop for our nativity pieces and hot glued crystals to the center of the stars.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1MEkmQWm5I/Xg8uPB_ZnTI/AAAAAAAAp98/gfFq0RdqBk0BAcJYqDeKKPtJ6LUL9HGBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6439.jpeg)
And this one for the cardinal table I set up at Christmas. We have lots of cardinals here in Nova Scotia and they are my favorite bird.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pTTwvrkkF6I/XfdfefRcOMI/AAAAAAAAp10/CYtSxQ34NOUD11sI8p3UImKe4jK8biBTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6310.jpeg)
@Ann
So you live in 'New Scotland'? I live in the old Scotland :)
A van load of fabric? I dont make clothes or quilts so I'll probably sell a load of it and see whats left to make furnishy type stuff. There's also a load of stretchy baby super soft nursery type stuff so that will probably be sold too. I'm not sure yet. I was going through it last night trying to figure out what to do with some of it but I gave up in the end; theres just too much.
That stuff you've done looks lovely. One of my old mentors on the Engineering (non-sewing) side of my life is really into Canada. He's been a few times and I suspect he'd like to move there. He loves his ice-hockey too. Isn't there a team called the Cardinals or am I thinking American sports?
:)
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@TartanPaint - We live in New Scotland. In a community called Windsor where my 3rd great grandfather muster out of in 1783 at Fort Edwards which is still in our community. I have lots of family roots here from both parents sides. We've been here almost 4 years and I love it.
Hockey was founded in Windsor and is celebrated each year at Long Pond where the first games were held. The Cardinals are an American team. Nova Scotia doesn't have a national team but there have been some good players come out of here. Sidney Crosby is the most famous. Soccer is also becoming quite the sport here. The Halifax Wanders started last year. Our DS, DDIL and DGS attended all the games they played in Halifax last year. DGS plays soccer at school and loves the sport.
Sorting out fabric can be a daunting task. What to keep and what to sell takes lots of decision making and can be mentally exhausting.
@wrenkins, I had thought of the tiny lights but the crystals sparkle quite nicely so decided against it.
@Manuela, wear the dress one night just for the fun of it. Have a glass of wine and watch a good movie on the TV.
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@TartanPaint - We live in New Scotland. In a community called Windsor where my 3rd great grandfather muster out of in 1783 at Fort Edwards which is still in our community. I have lots of family roots here from both parents sides. We've been here almost 4 years and I love it.
Hockey was founded in Windsor and is celebrated each year at Long Pond where the first games were held. The Cardinals are an American team. Nova Scotia doesn't have a national team but there have been some good players come out of here. Sidney Crosby is the most famous. Soccer is also becoming quite the sport here. The Halifax Wanders started last year. Our DS, DDIL and DGS attended all the games they played in Halifax last year. DGS plays soccer at school and loves the sport.
Sorting out fabric can be a daunting task. What to keep and what to sell takes lots of decision making and can be mentally exhausting.
@wrenkins, I had thought of the tiny lights but the crystals sparkle quite nicely so decided against it.
@Manuela, wear the dress one night just for the fun of it. Have a glass of wine and watch a good movie on the TV.
I think I'll probably shift the weird stretchy lycra sort of stuff. I've no idea what to do with it and looking at it makes me feel like I'm going through a knicker drawer or something. I don't make clothes at all and even if I wanted to I'd probably need formal training of some sort.
@Ann
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I've been to Nova Scotia @Ann. We loved it. There seemed to be more tartan about than old Scotia! I don't remember if we passed through Windsor but we did drive through New Glasgow and we were delighted to see that its motto is 'Let New Glasgow Flourish' because, of course, dear old Glasgow town's is 'Let Glasgow Flourish'. Whatever your Glasgow, may it flourish. :D
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I <3 Canada. It's my second favourite place. :loveit:
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@Tamnymore, you would have drove past Windsor on Hwy 101 if you went into the Annapolis Valley. They have two sayings on their sign "The Little Town of Big Firsts" and "The Birthplace of Hockey".
On my maternal side, I have family living in the New Glasgow/Stellarton area. My maternal grandmother was born in River John and my maternal grandfather was born not too far from Truro. On my paternal side, its Lunenburg, Windsor, Parrsboro, Halifax, Sackville, and many towns in between.
Our mantra during the pandemic and the mass killings has been "Nova Scotia Strong". The other saying that became a slogan at the beginning of the pandemic was "Stay the blazes home". It was on t-shirts, mugs, cider bottles, and even shower curtains. Our premier said it and a lot of profits went towards equipment during the pandemic.
And tartans -- you wear your family tartan with pride (mine is the MacKenzie) and if you don't have a family tartan, you wear the Nova Scotia tartan or locate if you are sept of one of the main clans. The MacKenzie tartan is worn by Jamie Fraser at the beginning of Outlander. Our grandson could wear the MacKenzie tartan at the private school he attends for Cadets but he has chosen to wear the tartan the school chose. He is loaned the kilt to wear and if he wore the family tartan, they would have to buy it and they are costly here.
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I'll just sneak in to say I'm Clan Donald. And back out again....
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I had a great month sewing up fabric. Not all was stash but quite a bit was. Well over half of it. I sewed 12.7 meters (13.2 yards) of fabric. I've sewn 66.2 meters (72.1 yards) so far this year.
I really did learn something this month. DD wanted two reusable grocery bags made since Friday. I bought the fabric for one and then she wanted another one (prizes at a dog trial). She asked what I had in the stash. Nothing that was right for the bag. She said I need to replenish my stock (aka the stash). At that moment, I realized how much I enjoy buying for a project. I need to get my stash sewn up so I can enjoy buying one project at a time.
I'm not discrediting my stash as it got me through the first "stay at home" stage of the pandemic. It will also get me through the next stage of the pandemic as we are preparing to be at home for a few weeks towards the end of the month. I will get what I need in the next 3 weeks for gift making. I will then be prepared for a while. The stash will get me through the next while.
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Not sure if this counts but I donated 4 metres of fabric (3 pieces) to our local Oxfam shop yesterday.
They were all pieces I'd had for some time but I won't use them so rather than bin I thought maybe someone will be able to use them. They were really pleased to have the fabric, so I'll start another bag for the next donation.
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@Helen M, I think you make the rules. Other groups count donations all the time.
I've sewn 3 meters of fabric so far this month. A pair of pillow cases for DGS, 1.1 meters into 15.5 meters of piping, and 4 masks for DGS. I'm quite happy with the amount I've sewn as I'm doing a lot of yard work now we are having cooler weather. The piping is easy to do as it is cut on bias, strip, add cording and trim to 1/4" piece to put into the fabric you attaching it to. The pillow cases were cut out and ready to make, and the masks were made from left over fabric I had left over from another project. I'm making more piping after I get cording tomorrow. I need to clean the sewing room once I get the cutting table cleaned up. Hence why I'm sewing what I'm sewing.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w9e-sXMURgs/X19OH3gvTNI/AAAAAAAAsBw/Fc4CGlwt1FMdTvTcqAQVaDoZYSijdHmUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_7695.jpeg)
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Have accounted for them now @Ann!
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With appointments, outside work and trying to clean the house, I had a slow month. I sewed 3.5 meters of fabric in September. 1.6 meters of fabric made 22 meters of piping for DD. I also made a pair of pillow cases and 4 masks.
Total for the year is 70.5 meters. I bought less fabric than I thought as most of what I bought was for DD and her projects.
This month could be slow as I am cleaning the sewing room and still cleaning up inside and outside. The weather is going to be perfect for that. I have to make 4 masks between now and Tuesday. I just need a day to do that.
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October was another busy month were we were on the go a lot of the time and resting as we were tired from being too busy. The time change has knocked both of us for a loop and we are slowly getting our bodies adjusted to it.
I sewed 5.35 meters of fabric in October and have sewn 75.85 meters to date. I did better than I thought I would but a sewing dog's blanket helped me out.
I have 6 masks to sew after I finish a doll's outfit. People want masks using up my Christmas fabric (hurrah). Wearing them is mandatory here so people are now wanting them from seasonal fabrics. I'm fine with that as a few will be gifts and 2 are being purchased. Anything to sew up the stash.
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My goal was to get rid of jelly-roll bits & pieces. Toward that end, I made 6 log-cabin blocks, which were incorporated into 2 baby quilts.
[ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
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@Sara-S, those are two gorgeous quilts. I love that the blocks are the focal point on them.
Mask sewing has gone well and I will deliver them tomorrow. I have also been sewing a doll's dress as I am testing the pattern for the designer. I've almost sewn 78 meters of fabric this year and hope to be close to 90 meters by the end of December. I'll take what ever it is that gets sewn. As the stash goes down, I have to get more creative on what to make.
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Thanks @Ann I like to incorporate some brights into baby quilts, as the bright colors provide a stimulus that helps their brains develop.
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I'm glad I didn't throw myself into the ring with this little challenge, I'd be busted.
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@Gernella, I am not going to be up to the meterage I set for myself.
I am at 79.35 meters and I had hoped for 90 - 100 meters. Not all of it has been old stash but there has been enough of a dent to notice.
This month, I have sewn 3.5 meters of fabric. The projects have been small - masks and doll clothes. I have 4 meters of fabric for DGS's pajama pants (plaid) to sew in December. I'm not sure what I am going to do for the rest of the month but I will find a project or two. If I do something big, I will get to 90 meters. If not, I will accept what I have made it to.
I'm challenging myself to sew as much of the stash and buy less next year. It is hard but I know the quilt shop I go to has been doing well without me purchasing too much. They have a huge customer base for a local business. They have shut their doors to in-store shopping at the moment but people are ordering and picking up curbside.
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I don't think I'd really want to set myself a target @Ann if I did I think it would take some of the pleasure of sewing away, bit like having to do it to keep myself on target. I sew for pleasure if it's done relatively quick, then maybe the next one will take weeks or may not, it doesn't matter.
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@Gernella, I enjoy this as one of my goals is to sew down the stash. I really don't want a lot of inventory as I want to enjoy buying new fabrics to sew. Lots of people think I am crazy to make lists of what I will sew for each month but it keeps me focused and allows me to do a variety of projects. I have projects that are quick and others are a labor of love.
I made friends a reusable grocery bag out of a piece of fabric that was calling to be made. The project had to be simple so the fabric could do the talking. It is one they can use when they go to farmer's markets (very popular here in Nova Scotia). They got addicted to it this fall after they moved here.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PyEdmtIk3wI/X9fgTz_USkI/AAAAAAAAsjA/Pt2GqtlfwyE0AEbCzNO3mQu3xYHqb85egCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8016.jpeg)
I used up the last of some soy batting I had and cross hatched it. It was fun to do as I was keeping the bag simple. I thought I wasn't going to finish up today as my hands started cramping when I started hand sewing the turn through opening closed. I persevered and got it done.
Another batch of fabric goes on the cutting table tomorrow to make another bag for our neighbors. I'm not sure what I will do with it as the fabric needs to talk to me while I play with it on the table.
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I'd forgotten about this thread, and when I looked the last time I posted was March - just about when the Covid madness kicked in! :headbang:
I've bought very little fabric since then, so most of my makes have been from the stash - although I have to say, it doesn't seem to have made the slightest dent in it!
I had a root around last night, and lifted some fabric out to be made up into a jacket, a blouse, and a couple of tops, so I need to get cracking!
Items made since lockdown (that I can remember) Showman Coat for Theo, my Pauline Alice coat, three pairs of pyjama bottoms, and about 8 tops. I made a nice pair of trousers last week, but forgot the fabric wasn't stretch, so they are too tight... Made myself two dressing gowns, and DD one, and three or four shirts for me. Nearly forgot, I've made 5 aprons as well, a shedload of masks, and a couple of Christmas stockings!! Whew!
Some of these items have been put in other categories, and I'm sure I've forgotten some...
The last one I made was from a duvet cover I bought from a lady on FB who had lived in the Far East. I've made it for DD, but I'm not giving it to her as a Christmas gift - I want it back if she doesn't like it!
Jessie
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I'm almost done for the year. I have to start DGS's pajama pants today. When done, I will probably be just shy of having sewn 90 meters this year.
I'm looking forward to next year and sewing more from the stash. The focus will be on sewing down the doll's stash as their tubs are overflowing. I am going to do a bit more Christmas sewing and am looking for some fabric for baskets that I will embroider on. I have very little fabric for those and will run out of it quickly. My list is quite big and I will be breaking it down over the year so I can do a variety of things each month.
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I finished sewing for this year. I had a huge fret over this one thinking I had messed up on matching the plaid lines. But I didn't and was able to finish on a high note.
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QalTm2izye4/X-ER6KOlo5I/AAAAAAAAsmA/7qobEURaRggqQJdS8up9C5b0UNFjgSnPQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_8045.jpeg)
I sewed 6.9 meters this month for a grand total of 86.9 meters for the year. Not all of it was old stash but I'm guessing about 75% was. There is less there than when I started in January. I'm looking forward to the journey in 2021.
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I think that's amazingly impressive, especially given how tiny many of the things you sew are!!
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Two more projects from the stash, and I'm pleased with both.
First up, the first sweater made with Burda 116 04-20. I found this rusty pink stretch fabric in the dark recesses of the stash, and thought it would make up well as this Burda Sweatshirt pattern.
It looks nice, and is very comfortable, but a tad on the large size, but I'm happy with it.
The second came about when Lilya said that we were expected to wear Christmas sweaters for Christmas dinner. Well, I have no such thing in my wardrobe, so I went back into the stash, and came up with this sequinned jersey. Cut it out - two sizes smaller, but with a plain band as I was afraid it would irritate me, and it looked horrid, after I had basted it together. :S
So, last night I cut out another band with sequins on the outside, and plain jersey inside. It worked a treat, and I'm a happy bunny! DD said dress up, so I think this one does it!
The mess though, was driving OH round the bend - cut sequins everywhere. So, I've had a good hoover up, and a tidy round, and that's me done until Boxing Day!
Jessie
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@b15erk absolutely lovely projects, the sequinned top would be great in the festive contest!
Anymore for the stash busting challenge? Its due to finish on 31.12.2020.
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@b15erk, those tops are gorgeous. You did a fabulous job on them.
I'm letting the hems down on DGS's school uniform pants. One pair done, 2 pairs to go. I'm not sewing again until Jan. 1 of which I plan on having fun in the sewing room most of the day.
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@b15erk The Christmas sweater is lovely! I really like the band and peephole, great pattern. Will keep in mind for a sweater variation of my TNT.
@Ann You sewed up an remarkable amount of fabric... with lots of doll clothes even! Impressive. :thumbsup:
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Apart from georgette and chiffon, I think I've gone and done It! :toast: Yep, all used up!
Now what do you do with 5000 meters of flimsy fabric when you live in a freezing cold house :S
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Apart from georgette and chiffon, I think I've gone and done It! :toast: Yep, all used up!
Now what do you do with 5000 meters of flimsy fabric when you live in a freezing cold house :S
Light a fire?
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Make frilly covers for all your household appliances. ;)