Stash Management, Yes - Fabric Diet, No

Did you get a chance to read Kristina's blog post on organizing her stash? I was both proud and very interested to read it. I was tempted to jump in with pictures of my own stash, but then I remembered that I don't have one. Yep, that's right. A quilt shop owner with no stash. The word stash implies that I have an actual plan to utilize these fabrics in a project in the forseeable future. What I have is a "collection" of fabrics that I am in love with. These are fabrics that I have purchased while on quilt shop hops with my girlfriends. Fabrics for future grandbaby quilts, pillowcase themes, a few fall colors, fabrics that make my heart sing just by looking at them or touching them. I have no guilt associated with this collection of fabric, just pleasure.I used to have a "stash", but as every quilt shop owner will tell you, there is no time to sew on personal projects. Since I still love to shop for fabric, I just give myself permission buy what I love and keep it until I am done admiring it. If it becomes a quilt then I will admire it in it's finished form. If not, I can still pet it. Either way, I feel no guilt. Below is a list of clubs you could form if you want to ease your guilt of having a large stash/collection of fabric. There are many more, but this will give you a perspective on how to give yourself permission to continue to buy the fabric you love. It is a lot more fun than dieting!

"Fabric Catch and Release Club"-fishermen do not feel guilty about purchases they make in pursuit of their hobby. Many have no intention of eating a fish, they just enjoy the chase. You are not obligated to make a quilt out of every piece of fabric. Really, it's ok just to enjoy the process.

"My Stash Weighs Less than Your Stash Club"-have you ever retreated with a Scrapbooker? Their project bins need to be delivered by semi. They need cutters and do-dads and 150 pounds of paper to create one page (slight exaggeration)

"Woodcrafters Wives Club"-we often have woodworking husbands come into the shop with their wives. I love this because they completely understand the stash thing. Just get on the topic of exotic woods, and watch their eyes light up. In the meantime, they don't care how many yards their wife is purchasing to add to her stash. They have a collection of their own in their "work" shop, including scraps they will never use.

"Hunting Season Support Group" Hunting season is also quilt retreat season. We support hunting season because this is the easiest time to smuggle fabric into the house. At the end of a hunting weekend, you can continue to pet your new fabric. You don't have to hang it in the garage, process it and eat it later.

"You Can Never Have Too Many Toys Club"- Surround Sound System = Queen Sized Batik Kit; Radial Arm Saw = Set of Creative Grids Rulers; Fly Fishing Rod= Moda Fat Quarter Bundle; Harley Bike = Quilt Retreats; Video Game = Collection of your favorite thread colors... 

"If I Have to Dust It, I Don't Want It Club" Hummels, antique glassware, thimbles, villages, you get the idea.  

What clubs would you form? I would love your comments and ideas!

Bottom line is that we all need to let ourselves imagine, play and create. It just makes life better! Speaking of making life better, I get to spend a few minutes today with my little friend Bridget, our Cuddle blanket model.

Sew on!

Mary

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my club: let him have the expensive sports car, I don't think I could ever buy that much fabric! we all have our things that make us happy!

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