Now Jenn has a wonderfully written manifesto and I could basically copy most of it word for word and it would work for me, but I wanted to put my own touches on it. And since we all know I'm a big time list maker, I'm doing mine in the form a of list.
1. Organize Projects - I will document all existing fabric that I have purchased for specific projects and put all the fabric I have for that project into a bin. I will make a list of the projects, noting the bin where it is stored, the pattern I've picked to use (if I have one) and if the project is mine or Sharla's. Now to be honest Sharla and I have been working on this since Christmas and have most of our projects all organized. We have a couple of projects we know we bought but haven't found yet (which means we put them somewhere for safe keeping). Here is a sample of part of my list.
2 . Organize Fabrics - The second part to the organize process is group the left over fabrics by color or type. I already have bins for fat quarters, but where I have yardage it has been just randomly stored with the above projects. By removing them from my storage cabinet I've freed enough space to sort by color groups, and I also have one shelf for pre-cuts that haven't been assigned to a project and another for batiks. At this point I don't plan on purging anything, but if I find things that are no longer what I like, I will destash it. I am also going to organize my scraps, which right now is just one big bin. I am going to sort it, if it is a decent size it will go into the FQ bins, if it is too small for that, I will cut it into squares (2 1/2") and if it is too small for that it goes into the dog bed scraps. I'm saving tiny bits to stuff beds for my dogs.
3. Buy Less Fabric - I know I should say buy no fabric, but I'm realistic and that isn't going to happen, Can I resist for an entire year, probably not. But my goal is to buy mostly to complete projects. I know I have projects where I still need to buy sashing, backing and/or binding, so those are allowed without question if I am working on the project. New fabric for the sake of new fabric is to be limited as much as possible. I am also allowed to purchase fat quarters for bee blocks, if necessary. Since a total lock out on buying is not reasonable, my goal is to use more fabric than I buy. I plan to track all fabric used (and it isn't used until it is quilted and bound), this will be estimates based on the pattern or my best guess and I will track all fabric purchased, and my hope is at the end of the year the used will far outweigh the bought. I will track with a simple spreadsheet and update it at least monthly so that ya'll can hold me accountable. I probably should make a rule that Tula Pink fabric doesn't count, because we know I can't resist it, but I'm going to try and be strong.
4. Cut My Fabric - I need to learn not to be scared to use my fabric. I have some lovely fabric and as we were organizing it over the last week, I fell in love with several of the bundles all over again. And because I love it I'm often afraid to cut into it, but no more. I know I will enjoy the finished quilt even more than the pretty bundle of fabric. Sometimes I think I want to wait for the perfect pattern to come along, but that is just my fear talking. So when I am ready to start a new project I need to look first at my stash and pick from it. I have fabric that I have had for 3+ years, like Marmalade that I adore, so I need to get brave and start cutting.
5. Be Happy - If I use only fabric from my stash or if I go hog wild and buy a quilt store, I want to be happy with my decisions. So I won't beat myself up if I buy fabric and I will celebrate when I used from my stash. I want quilting to be fun and joyful, not something I dread. Overall I want to use my stash more this year than ever before, and I will.
Ok that is my manifesto, with it and five dollars you can get a cup of coffee. I'm going to link up with Jenn @ A Quarter Inch From The Edge, and you can write your own manifesto and do the same if you would like.
A fine manifesto! Thank you for spreading the word about The Year of The Stash. I love how you've embraced the attitude of it all... it's not about depriving yourself, it's about enjoying the adventure.
ReplyDeleteP.S. That stack of Tula Pink makes me a little weak. :)
I love this manifesto. I especially love be happy! Like you I'm not restricting myself too much , just trying to use more than I buy.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic manifesto, Sharla. And congratulations for already having a big head start on your project organization. I hope it really helps you to work toward completing some fun quilts this year. :)
ReplyDeleteGood job! I always quilt my stash, so this is a no brainer for me. I have been trying to buy only fabric to finish things up, but checking my stash first and usually I can find something that will work. I also have some Marmalade in my stash and lots of other Bonnie and Camille fabrics that I covet--I am not religious, but I think coveting is a sin. I guess we should not sin and use it up. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteGreat manifesto!! I need to get organized as well.
ReplyDeleteThese are great goals, I need to be sewing more from the fabric I already have too.
ReplyDeleteI just cut into my Marmalade bundle before Christmas. I saw a pattern in a book, thought it would suit the fabric I had been hoarding and started cutting the test block the same day. The top is now almost finished. If I can do it, you can too! I will be cheering you on from the sidelines.
ReplyDeleteI especially like #5. We bought it because it made us happy. We should celebrate it! And I'm with you on making myself cut and use the pretty stuff. I don't know why I won't... afraid it will be wasted on whatever project I guess. LeeAnna at not afraid of color
ReplyDelete