Wednesday, January 8, 2014

My Stashbusting Pledge and Thoughts




Hello my name is Emily and I'm a Stashbuster! I was so excited to see there was a desire to continue this because I still have fabric piles that need to be taken care of. I've really enjoyed seeing everyone's pledges and they have given me ideas on how to better do mine! So without further ado here's my pledge

I, EmSewCrazy, commit to making 35 garments and various other projects from stash fabric in 2014. I also commit to not buying any new fabric/patterns/notions except for what is necessary to finish a project until all my fabric fits on my existing shelving. This excludes any birthday or Christmas money or gifts.

Why do you sew?
I sew to create a fun and better fitting wardrobe for myself. I sew to save money and my sanity. So, mostly garments with an occasional quilt, toy or anything else that can be created with cloth.

Why are you stash busting?
I'm sick of the piles and am tired of feeling guilty about buying new fabric when I have other fabric sitting around. I also really want to be a good steward of what I have.

What's on your list?
Last year I made a list and it really helped me focus. Out of the 48 projects listed I sewed 28. There were lots of projects sewn that weren't on the list but I'm too lazy to go back and count them. My list hangs on the wall where I have easy visible access.

My list for this year has several pieces carried over from last year and a bunch of new fabric projects that I'm super excited about. I'm going to write it here for my own records, feel free to scroll to the bottom if it bores you. 

For Me
  • Sparkle Denim Bootcut Jeans
  • Brown Corduroy Jeans
  • Madras Plaid Shorts
  • White & Pink Floral 50's dress
  • Blue Flocked Rose Vogue Dress
  • Brown Velvet Jacket
  • Purple Hummer?
  • Shelf Bra Tank Top
  • Turquoise Corduroy Jacket
  • Turquoise and Burgundy Colorblocked Dress
  • Crazy Paisley Velvet Jumper
  • Tan Stripe Hummingbird Skirt
  • Red Plaid Upcycled Hummingbird Skirt
  • Chiffon Top from Cotton Friend pg. 40
  • Twist Neckline Pleated Dress from Cotton Friend pg. 58
  • Cat Print Apron
  • 2 or 3 Novelty print tops
  • Floral & Tan blouse
  • Brown & Black Dot Dress
  • Polka Dot Cabarita
  • Navy Stripe Cabarita
  • Red & White Red Velvet
For Others
  • Green Twiggy Dress
  • Grey Long Sleeve knit shirt for Dad
  • Upcycled Dog Tee
  • 5 matching Cowboy print outfits for the kids
  • Finish Pavlova Top UFO
  • 2 Knit Tops for Mom
  • Brown Wool Hummingbird Skirt for Mom
  • Navy Wool Skirt upcycled for Mom
Ok, that's it for now... here's the small button if you want to put it on your blog. We haven't figured out how to code it yet... but you can copy and paste it into your posts if you wish.

Do you make sewing lists or are you like Windbreaker Heather?


17 comments:

Béatrice said...

I make a list, mainly to get the ideas out of my head, because otherwise they'd buzz about annoying me. But the list ain't the boss of me! I always reserve the right to ignore it and do something completely different, if that's how the mood takes me. But the list is always a good starting point, and it makes me feel more organised.

Stephanie Lanzetti said...

I have a list of sorts. I have practically emptied my wardrobe out the other day and am now making myself a new on full of clothes with styles. I have following a book called "Simply Stylish: Looking chic at any age". I will try and at least make the basics the book says everyone must have (jeans maybe a problem) and then elaborate on these. There are 10 basics, so at least 10 makes for me this year. And what a good opportunity to reduce the stash at the same time (I am also do Goodbye Valentino's - No RTW 2014).

Sharon said...

I'm not game to list my ideas as it would really put me in a spin but have committed to sewing 11 pieces for SWAP 2014 at Artisan Square but so far have only made firm plans for 3 pieces :) Your answers are so close to mine and it will be so interesting to see what we both achieve this year!

Jeri said...

Thanks for hosting again. I didn't finish as many as I would have liked in 2013 but this year I am more prepared to actually accomplish my goals!

EmSewCrazy said...

I think you are exactly right and I feel the same about my list.

EmSewCrazy said...

Ooh that sounds like a fun way to do a "list". Goodbye Valentino's challenge will definitely help you get going on it. There's nothing like only being able to wear what you have to get you sewing more! :)

EmSewCrazy said...

I understand where you are coming from. I think that's how I feel about my piles of fabric. The list actually helps give me a place to start so I don't feel so overwhelmed. I just make sure to look at one project at a time. :)
That's neat that our answers are similar! I really like your pledge and the things you make! My Mom is a smaller built woman as well so you're one of my inspirations when it comes to sewing for her. :)

EmSewCrazy said...

Very Exciting! We all learn as we go and you DID get something accomplished. Looking forward to seeing how this year works out for you!

Carolyn said...

Thanks again for a terrific stash busting challenge! I was very pleased with my attempts too; I pledged to use 24 pieces from my stash, and I used 31 pieces, yay! I did also buy some new fabric (blush) but sewed that all up straightaway. I am aiming to do at least the same level of stash busting this year too :)

Sharon said...

Thankyou very much!

Chuleenan said...

Great pledge challenge! Hmmm - not sure what I could commit to but I am trying to do an inventory of my stash so maybe I can force myself to use up a good chunk of my stash. I'm trying (operative word is trying) not to buy any more fabric. I feel guilty about all that fabric taking up space plus hubby ain't so pleased about it. ;) Until I get a new sewing machine I'm focused on planning what I want to sew and then tracing and cutting stuff out.

melissa said...

Ooh, I love that you make a list, I think I'm going to make one, too.

EmSewCrazy said...

Isn't it great when we over accomplish our goals! If you sewed up fabric right away then I don't think it counts as stash! :)

EmSewCrazy said...

I really like your inventory system! Someday I may do something similar.
Good luck on all the tracing and cutting. Once you get your new machine you'll be making tons of stuff so quickly!

EmSewCrazy said...

They are fun if you keep it in a happy mindset! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!

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