Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: mommydionne
Date: 10-16-2004, 01:29 PM (1 of 30)
After reading "buying Material" I was curious about what and how much folks had in their stash (this does have an motive, to tell DH I'm not so bad  )I have 5 large rubber maid totes stuffed full (amazing what you can fit in them) and several shades of 3-4m lengths of silk hanging in my closet plus the stuff (still stuffed) in plastic bags. I do wash or dry clean everything before it goes into the stash pile. I have actually made a number of things from it as of late cause the 5 year old is into dresses for school now and it is easier to whip up a little dress than go shopping. any other addicts out there ???? 
Jeanette
|
User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
|
From: Hogmami
Date: 10-16-2004, 01:40 PM (2 of 30)
|
I have 10 of the storage boxes. An old truck that is bigger than the storage boxes. 8 small storage boxes of fat quarthers. and 5 shelves pack full.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
|
From: dlbcpa2b
Date: 10-20-2004, 02:13 PM (3 of 30)
I have two closets full, some stashed under a card table in my sewing room, and a BUNCH of fat quarters in my sewing machine cabinet.  Dee In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins--not through strength, but through perserverance.
|
User: dlbcpa2b
Member since: 10-20-2004 Total posts: 14 
|
From: dregan
Date: 10-20-2004, 03:17 PM (4 of 30)
|
It's a great day in the neighborhood! Now I don't feel so bad about my stash! I only have 2 large totes and I'm not doing much sewing lately! Well, I forgot about the 2 other boxes full and a few hanging in the closet. It has been a great while since I have purchased any because of severe pain. I am unable to tolerate shopping and dh hates me purchasing off the internet.This weekend I was unable to go with dh to my kid's college for family weekend-he went out partying with them and out to supper Friday and tailgating and football game Sat. Guess what! I kind of felt sad and on the pitty pot and so I purchased FABRIC! That was so much fun, I purchased more from another place. Now, the trick is to pray the mail or UPS trucks come while my husband is sleeping. He works 11-7 and the mail should come around 3, but it's been 4:30-5! I'll be on pins and needles waiting for the mail each day. I also ordered a fabric brush steamer from Joanne's for $37.95. Ha! Ha! I enjoyed hearing how much stash you all have! If I could figure out how to print off this thread, I could show it to him. dregan |
User: dregan
Member since: 02-28-2003 Total posts: 24 |
From: barbeelady
Date: 10-21-2004, 02:59 PM (5 of 30)
|
Ok, I'll make you feel even better, dregan, by adding to the comments, lol. Before I started sewing for Barbie dolls, I had a tub and several under the bed boxes of people fabric. Since I've been sewing for dolls regularly the last 13 years, that stash has grown to 3 tubs and a large clear box in one closet, 2 big clear boxes outside the closet on a shelf, one underbed box is being used for doll clothes (one I actually cleared by selling fabric on ebay), probably 8-10 sweater size boxes, a couple of xerox paper boxes, an Avon box and a banker box. And that's just what's in boxes and not still in the store bag or package from the internet, LOL. Also, this is just for dolls. My people material still takes up about a tub and a half. I'm slowly weeding through it and selling it off on ebay but it's still not easy. Oops, almost forgot the tub in the garage. My mom knows what a fabric hound I can be so of course when a lady at church said she had this older lady's fabric stash--her complete stash, mind you--in her garage since the lady was going into assisted living, would my mom want to come and look. She did and that's where the tub in the garage came from , lol. Another tub got filled with selling possibilities. The lady was meticulous about noting where she bought a particular piece and keeping receipts. There are some authentic vintage fabrics out there I'll probably list on ebay this winter. I took out anything that I remotely thought I could use for Barbie clothes plus I gave a good amount to a friend.Someone will be doing this to my stash someday if I don't quit buying. But as dredan said, it's so much fun to buy it! If anyone buys from Fabric. com, it's kinda cool how they send the stuff in food boxes. I was reading some of their comments people wrote one day and a woman's comment was: "Love those food boxes! Hubby never knows what's being delivered!" I had to laugh but it's true. Hubbies are sweet and can be adorable but they just don't understand why more "STUFF" (think George Carlin's comedy routine) is coming into the already STUFF-ridden house. ROTFL. Ok, I haven't posted in awhile so I got long-winded. Better get working on a few things for this weekend's craft show. TTYL! We stash-hounds are not alone!  Tari (barbeelady) Tari in Ohio
|
User: barbeelady
Member since: 10-08-2004 Total posts: 21 
|
From: susies1955
Date: 10-21-2004, 03:52 PM (6 of 30)
I could fit all my fabric in a large tote bag.  I began sewing/quilting just last October and I didn't have anything but I'm working on it.  ,Susie northern NY
http://community.webshots.com/user/susies1955 |
User: susies1955
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 124 
|
From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 10-21-2004, 04:28 PM (7 of 30)
|
I have a wire clothes bin with 9 cubbies full, and 4 glad plastic trash bags--all in the small closet of my dh's workout room. Hogmami, Is it really a truck full??? Or just the bed of the truck? Its not a semi, is it? LOL!  Jen in CA 
|
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263 
|
From: SBEAR
Date: 10-23-2004, 06:47 AM (8 of 30)
|
I live about an hour away from the nearest city, so I maintain a large stash---several totes full-----so I can whip up what I want when I want it! I wash everything before stashing, and the drawers up in the sewing room are filled with various lengths of fabric I bought at sales here and there. Most of my old lengths are labelled as to yardage and possible use. When I finish a garment made out of fine fabric, I roll up the scraps into a "diploma". This is useful if i ever need to fix the garment or add another feature. Sometimes the diploma comes in handy for a collar or a facing somewhere. I buy the fabric when I see it, because I know I'm not going to see it again next time, which may be the next shopping trip in a month or two. And I sew the garment when I need it! I just replenished my stash---------I bought a big box of fabric online and I just discovered the Joanne's coupons, which I have been using if I get to the city. I stock up because there are so many days in the winter when you just can't get anywhere here-------we get wild storms and huge piles of snow. It sure is easier to go up to the sewing room and find a length of material than it is to hitch up the huskies (just kidding, but not by much) and get down to the city to buy fabric for what i have in mind! |
User: SBEAR
Member since: 09-15-2004 Total posts: 31 |
From: blackie
Date: 10-24-2004, 01:22 AM (9 of 30)
|
I have a very small stash. I just organized my sewing room last weekend and I feel so good about that! I have two small shelves worth of cotton wovens and flannels, a drawer of knits / fleece, a drawer of interfacing / batting, etc ,and one drawer of UFOs. I have always prided myself on buying just the right amount of yardage so I can keep things under control and "prove" to my husband I am not being too extravagant. But... !! After being a member of this board (and reading the "Buying Fabric" post) I have now been toying with the idea of buying 3 yards of everything I like. I am starting to wish I had a stash. Tell me ladies, is this a good thing or a huge mistake?
see the mundane life of a housewife.
|
User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: dregan
Date: 10-24-2004, 04:11 AM (10 of 30)
|
Hi, I was shocked tonight when my husband was leaving for his 3rd shift job. I told him I might go shopping with my sister for awhile if I can handle it. My sisters have been asking me for a long time, but I'm always in so much pain that I rarely leave the house-I can always buy fabric on line, though, and even tell about it! Ha! Anyway, he said, "Why don't you go out and buy yourself some clothes. Take $200 to buy some clothes, not to go to the fabric stores and buy more fabric. Take $200-300 to buy some clothes for yourself. I have never heard him say that to me, even when I could work. Of course, then I loved to go shopping. When we do have to go to a DR's appointment, etc., it drives him crazy how long it takes me because I never can find something to wear. The night before, he'll have to do a load of laundry with my clothes in it just so I can wear something that fits. He's had to take over most of laundry. A lightbulb just went off! He has enough clothes that he goes all week and then puts his clothes in the wash. He wants me to have extra clothes to go to DR.'s in,etc,so he won't have to wash for me for a long time! Ha! I'm trying to drag the basket downstairs and push it with my cane and hang onto the wall and lift basket to the washer, but it's so easy to make my back worse, he tells me not to. It's a long story, but I emailed my sister, and told her I'd pro. go(what am I doing up?), and told her I do have to stop at fabric store for a little bit anyway. Ha!Deb |
User: dregan
Member since: 02-28-2003 Total posts: 24 |
From: dregan
Date: 10-24-2004, 04:20 AM (11 of 30)
|
Blackie, I think you better think long and hard on stashing! It can get pretty dangerous, you know. I'll look at the sites on the internet and fall in love with so many-especially if I'm on their swatch service so I can see and feel the fabric, also. It can get ridiculous pretty fast. You have to spend more time sewing than I do, less time on internet than I do,and don't buy everything! Deb |
User: dregan
Member since: 02-28-2003 Total posts: 24 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 10-24-2004, 09:14 AM (12 of 30)
|
I have now been toying with the idea of buying 3 yards of everything I like. I am starting to wish I had a stash. Tell me ladies, is this a good thing or a huge mistake? [/QUOTE] Blackie -- Try to keep it under control as long as you can. Don't worry, it will over power you eventually. Just enjoy having money left over to feed the kids for as long as you can. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: abear
Date: 10-24-2004, 03:32 PM (13 of 30)
|
I love being able to go to my small stash(just starting to build) and choose a fabric and sew up something. I recently have been buying fabric that has been marked down to $1-$2 a yard at my local wal mart. I was able to purchase fabric to make my daughter"s and granddaughteSr belly costumes that totaled up to maybe $20! Does anyone have a good source that they purchase fabric form online? Holley Holley
|
User: abear
Member since: 08-08-2004 Total posts: 27 
|
From: Sailorliz
Date: 10-24-2004, 04:27 PM (14 of 30)
|
Well, I'll admit to have a "medium" size stash, compared to what I have read here. I took over my youngest daughter's "old" bedroom this summer and turned it into my sewing room. It has a walk-in closet which is now full of my stash. I also live in a rural area, so I like to stock up. Here is a link to a picture of my stash http://www.photofun.com/IM/Templates/index.cfm?next=&Username=SailorLiz&SubSite=49177&Position=8&LinkedPage=56560 I  my stash
Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386 
|
From: blessedmommyuv3
Date: 10-25-2004, 12:13 AM (15 of 30)
|
Liz, Your stash is so neatly organized! I am in awe. Mine is much more haphazardly arranged. And when I am looking an exact fabric I bought months ago, but am suddenly inspired to use---Watch out!  Things get downright ugly. lol!Jen in CA |
User: blessedmommyuv3
Member since: 05-18-2004 Total posts: 263
|
From: dregan
Date: 10-25-2004, 12:31 AM (16 of 30)
|
Sailorliz: Wow! I love your sewing room and the totally organized and neat space you are able to keep. It is really great to hang your fabric up and cover them even! The cushions you made look very nice. I was told my son's room would turn into a sewing room for me. The room is painted. Period! There are some other things my dh is suppose to do before his friend finishes the floor. The room has been cleared now since the first of July, so everything from that room is in here in the computer room/daughter's old bedroom. It's a slow process. Yours is awsome, though, and happy sewing! dregan |
User: dregan
Member since: 02-28-2003 Total posts: 24 |
From: susies1955
Date: 10-25-2004, 04:29 AM (17 of 30)
|
Liz, Love your sewing space. I have that cutting table too and love it. I also purchased the ironing pad/cover that fit over it. Take a look at the link in my signiture, Susie northern NY
http://community.webshots.com/user/susies1955 |
User: susies1955
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 124
|
From: DorothyL
Date: 10-25-2004, 07:37 AM (18 of 30)
|
Jen , My system is similar to yours. While I'm digging for one thing ("I know there is some black cotton twill in here") I remember what else is in there ("Wow, check out this yellow silk. I'll use that instead.") and the project takes on a whole new dimension. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Sailorliz
Date: 10-25-2004, 10:07 AM (19 of 30)
|
Sailorliz: I was told my son's room would turn into a sewing room for me. The room is painted. Period! There are some other things my dh is suppose to do before his friend finishes the floor. The room has been cleared now since the first of July, so everything from that room is in here in the computer room/daughter's old bedroom. It's a slow process. Yours is awsome, though, and happy sewing! dregan Dregan, Thanks, I really love my sewing room. Hang in there, as this room has been in the process for a couple of years. It was only this summer, that my DH and I really tackled the room. I had him put in new lighting for me, which he still has to finish up a few of the electrical outlets on one wall. I know about a mess, it seems you have to mess up the rest of the house, in order to redo just one room. We have been remodeling our old house now for about 10 or 11 years. We do one to two projects a year. You'll love your sewing room, once you finish with it and "settle" in. Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386
|
From: Sailorliz
Date: 10-25-2004, 10:18 AM (20 of 30)
|
Liz, Love your sewing space. I have that cutting table too and love it. I also purchased the ironing pad/cover that fit over it. Take a look at the link in my signiture, Susie Susie, I like your sewing room as well. The table is great. I thought about the ironing pad/cover, but instead opted for the full size cutting matt, that fits the table. I use that for cutting my bigger projects. I also have an Olfa Matt, like yours, that I use for smaller projects. I use to cut on my dining room table, but I would get a lower backache after awhile. This table is the right height for me, no more backaches! Happy Sewing, Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386
|
From: mommydionne
Date: 10-28-2004, 10:06 AM (21 of 30)
|
Tee Hee it's been great to read about what everyone had, I like having lots of fabric around b/c I don't get shopping much (except when that "buy 1 get 2 free" sale flyer hits from fabricville, worth the hour+ drive to the city) I like having a stash but sometimes do feel guilty over it, not too much though. I'll have to figure out how to post pictures so you can see my new sewing room too my pride and joy with the house reno this summer!happy sewing! Jeanette
|
User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838
|
From: barbeelady
Date: 10-28-2004, 10:44 AM (22 of 30)
|
Can't wait to see your sewing room, Jeanette. I've been meaning to tell Susie and Liz theirs are really cool! I enjoyed seeing those pics. To share pics, you just need to go to a free photo sharing site like one of them used and upload your pics and include the link in your sig. I would love to share my sewing room but if you guys saw pics of it, you'd run screaming thinking that a tornado had struck the inside of my house, ROTFL. Maybe I could just take pics of the actual sewing area. The room is shared with the computer and also has a desk/phone/fax and a TV in it so it's not really exclusively a sewing room. Like a lot of people, I've taken over part of the dining room too. Hubby says I'm like gas: I take up whatever space I'm given. He said when we added on that was it. So I have to be inventive and sneakily invade other spaces in the house. I have my eye on the newer section of the basement for an ebay room (or maybe I'd sew there and ebay upstairs) but unfortunately I'm not a handyman type of girl so I wouldn't know the first thing about a DIY basement finishing project. Better scoot before I get too OT in this Stash thread, lol. (Is there a thread on sewing rooms?) TTYL!
Tari in Ohio
|
User: barbeelady
Member since: 10-08-2004 Total posts: 21
|
From: abear
Date: 10-28-2004, 10:48 AM (23 of 30)
|
I spent the whole day organizing and sorting out my small stash in boxes and marking them and placing them in my spare closet! I did such a great job that later when I went into the closet I was like "Whoa! whose closet is this?!" Btw do any of you ladies surf the freebie sites? I do and I get free stuff in the mail every day (my mail lady hates me!) lol. Just wondering if any of you know of any sites connected with sewing? abear p.s. if any of you want the addys to the freebie sites just pm and i will be glad to share. p.s.s. sorry about the typo's i can really spell, just can't type! Holley
|
User: abear
Member since: 08-08-2004 Total posts: 27
|
From: wild800
Date: 10-28-2004, 10:16 PM (24 of 30)
| I have quite a bit of christmas fabric stashed for my Christmas Stockings, and three boxes of very old fabric which I was given when a co-worker's grandmother passed away. I notice that several of you said that you wash the fabric before storing it...is there a reason why you do it, or is just to save time? |
User: wild800
Member since: 10-27-2004 Total posts: 48 
|
From: Sailorliz
Date: 10-29-2004, 11:31 AM (25 of 30)
|
I'll have to figure out how to post pictures so you can see my new sewing room too my pride and joy with the house reno this summer! happy sewing! Go to Photofun.com They have a free membership, for up to 20 megs of storage. You can do photo albums, web sites, a lot of different things. They do have a paid memebership, but I haven't joined it yet. I'm considering it. You don't have to join the paid one or are obligated to buy anything. They seem to be having some technical difficulties as they upgraded their servers. I did email their support people and they answered me via email. I am in not associated with this company. Just a member of the site. 
Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386
|
From: Sailorliz
Date: 10-29-2004, 11:40 AM (26 of 30)
|
Can't wait to see your sewing room, Jeanette. I've been meaning to tell Susie and Liz theirs are really cool! I would love to share my sewing room but if you guys saw pics of it, you'd run screaming thinking that a tornado had struck the inside of my house, ROTFL. Maybe I could just take pics of the actual sewing area. The room is shared with the computer and also has a desk/phone/fax and a TV in it so it's not really exclusively a sewing room. Like a lot of people, I've taken over part of the dining room too. Thanks for the compliment. Go ahead and post a pic of your sewing room. Most of us started there. I use to sew on the dining room table. It is just so nice to have a "real" place that I can go and call MY sewing room. I don't have to share it with anyone else in my family, it's hands off! If it is messy, that is okay, because it's my mess and not someone else's that I have to pick up after. I do allow the dog to come in and lay on the floor. She likes to sleep in there while I sew
Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386
|
From: MaryW
Date: 10-29-2004, 12:39 PM (27 of 30)
|
My grandson's cat has her bed in my sewing room as well. She settles in every day for a nap.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: plrlegal
Date: 10-29-2004, 03:23 PM (28 of 30)
My little Sophie likes to come and stretch out in the middle of the floor in my sewing room also. She thinks she's my protector.  Patsy Patsy
|
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: Jonell
Date: 10-29-2004, 03:26 PM (29 of 30)
|
I am so glad to know that I am not the only one who has large totes filled with fabric. DH used to travel for his work (in US) and I joined him in his travels. I found so many wonderful fabric stores that I just had to buy just a little bit of fabric 'that was on sale'. Before I knew it, I had fabric hidden everywhere in our RV. When we came back home between jobs, I would empty out my hidey holes and pack it away in totes. And of course I would repeat all of the fabric shopping on his next trip. Well now we are home to stay and I just can't believe how much stash I have accumlated over the years. I tape large labels on each tote to identify which type of fabric is inside - ie Holdiay, Christmas, USA, Kid, Flannel, Solids, etc. I now have 12 LARGE totes filled. But still don't have all of it organized. Sew Much Fabric, Sew Little Time Now if I just had my own room to play in. I currently share my sewing area on the enclosed back porch with 'old stuff' that DH just can't get rid of. Stuff that belongs in the garage. But his baby 1970 Nova has taken over the garage and needs a clean area to sit , so now I 'share' my space. I can hardly wait until we move and I get my very own sew room. I remind him - See I already have my fabric packed for moving 
|
User: Jonell
Member since: 05-30-2001 Total posts: 11 |
From: CatholicMum
Date: 10-31-2004, 08:47 PM (30 of 30)
|
My stash is very small compared to the rest of you and I'm actually trying to sew my way through it. I have a small shelving unit (@4x3x1.5ft) with my fabric in it. Most of what I have has been passed onto me by others - we're on a tight budget so I usually only buy for current projects not for stash. Storage space is at a premium also so that's why I'm trying to sew up my stash.
Linda
|
User: CatholicMum
Member since: 10-31-2004 Total posts: 19 |
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-13943.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft