Fao Ferlew 'Re The Stash Problem

[rowanwitch]

're SABLE. I am sorting mine in advance I have spoken to a few groups and found out they will welcome it. As I find I can no longer do things e.g... Sitting at the sewing machine making quilts I have already off loaded bags of fat quarters and yards of backing fabrics. I will pass one of my sewing machines on to a dressmaking group in a few weeks, and bags and bags of yarn have found new homes.... I still have more than I will use in terms of embroidery thread, beads, and other embellishments and a shedload of card making stuff. Add that to my artists stuff and I will be busy for years yet I hope. I just didn't see the point of things taking up space when someone younger and/or fitter could be making use of them.

[ferlew]

Rowan, yes I've been trying to address it for a little while now. My son knows that anything knitting related is to go to the local knit and natter group. Although my knitting stash is mostly sock yarn, some beautiful stuff, and not many folk want to make socks thes days.
Card related stuff that I'm not using I have been boxing up and that can go to any youth/brownie /guide groups that have craft clubs.
The biggest headache is all the parchment craft stuff I have, most parchers are my age and more so I'm not sure how that will be disposed of. There are so many books and patterns and tools.
I have also just passed on two sewing machines in recent weeks.
I know it has to be done, but in a way it's like facing your own mortality, but the recent health concerns have made me address it all.
And STILL we buy stuff - knowing full well that it may not be used. (Well I do, though trying very hard at the moment to resist)

[gness]

My problem is....just in case. I have a clear out then keep most...just in case. Which was useful for the costumes I had to make this week. Years old fabric I thought I'd never use came in handy.

[ferlew]

That's exactly what I have been doing Gness, I de-stash then build it up again.
I used to tease Mr F about his 'might come in handy' - but honestly, I'm just as bad.

[rowanwitch]

At least my embroidery threads hoops and beads only take up one sideboard and the big drawer of my coffee table.... I can fit more in.... Honestly....
My cardmaking, two large, plastic drawer units,and one filing drawer. And a large cupboard just for the die-cutting stuff
Paints, coloured pencils, and brushes a big underbed box.
I have more than 20 pairs of scissors ( not counting pinking shears and fancy edge cutters)
I have a neighbour who has a spare room full of card making gear who hasn't made a card for years. She still buys sets of stuff from the tv.

[ferlew]

I stopped watching the craft channels on tv about 3 years ago so I cured myself of that. Rarely go in Hobbycraft these days, I used to use that just to get away from the house for an hour or so when Mr F was still here, So where does this stuff sneak in from I wonder?

[rowanwitch]

Amazon...... Ebay.. Just bought a job lot of vintage embroidered linen, mostly napkins and tray cloths but some great pieces I can add to. Reference pieces as well . I want to practice some restoration work and using a batch of low value items is ideal. ( I thought I had bought about 10 items... There were over 50 I guess that's how things grow)

[ferlew]

Yes, I reckon you are right Rowan :)

[diddlydo]

I do very little creative sewing these days but I too have a "stash". However, one freezing cold dy this winter my son asked if I could make a "snake" for their draughty Edwardian front door - I happened to have a perfect fabric which has been deemed a total success! Any idea what to do with the national collection of buttons? (inherited from grandmother, aunt and mother + recycled from rag-bag clothes)

[ferlew]

Oh dear, I had quite forgotten about the tins of buttons. Some date back to my great grandma.