An Honest Look at Stashbusting

Hello Stashbusters!
 Today was the monthly get together of Tub's Anonymous. See, it's not just the world wide interwebs that has a stash problem, I have a local group of ladies ranging from 7 to 80 who get together to sew and each have enough fabric stored away to inspire our group name.
  I was able to get two large pieces of fabric up and out of the stash today. My friend and I cut out four knit tops and got three sewn up and ready to wear. I was happy to bring Pavlova home to sew up on my own time, since it is my first time making it. Sadly in the midst of all the fun and games I didn't get any pictures so you'll just have to take my word all this was accomplished!
  My Mom, (who is learning to sew) also helped me make a dent in a secret sewing project (you'll see it in June) so we got a decent amount of sewing done in the midst of changing poopy diapers, keeping an eye on nine kids and two babies, checking each other's projects out, and eating. (Our seven year old has an amazing button collection.)

Never fear, this isn't going to be a picture-less post! I prepared ahead for you, my intrepid stashbusters. Alas, planning was foiled by lighting conditions so I'm sharing with you an honest look at my work/living space with this project.

It was quick, it was fun, it's a CUPCAKE SKIRT!!

This picture is terrible too... I think this will be worn as some sort of petticoat for my 50's dresses. I've been asked not to wear it out of the house unless it's as a costume.

I like this better, at least it makes the picture look
intentionally bad.

Yes, I've watched one too many anime and k-drama. Yes, it is too long for those anime girls to wear. What can I say, I love my thighs but that doesn't mean I want to share them with the world.

Ok, I'm done rambling now.... 

So can you guess what piece of housewares/bedding I repurposed this darling eyelet fabric from?

Happy Stashbusting friends!

Sewing Swap!

  The holidays are approaching quickly and our local sewing group, "Tubs Anon." decided to squeeze in one more sewing day before the madness started! After reading about all the lovely fabric swaps on different blogs I suggested we try one ourselves in lieu of gifts.
  We sat in a circle a showed everyone what we had brought. One lucky person drew the special paper and got to choose first, whoever she chose from went next, ect. Those who had brought more things got to choose more times. It went pretty well but some had to wait awhile for their first pick.
  Next time we will put all our stuff in a pile and draw numbers to choose items in that order. That way everyone will get to go once before some get to choose twice.
  Most of us were delighted to get rid of sewing supplies we were never going to use! Some books found new homes and fabric and notions got happy new owners.

  I got rid of some crazy leopard knit, a bear pattern and some sports fabric that I was NEVER going to use. While I was trying to decrease my stash I ended up bringing home a bit of a pile.

Bow fabric is a sweatshirtish fabric for a spring jacket for a not-niece.
The light pink check will be a summer dress.

2 shades of green blue soft and cozy knits I'll eek some warm winter shirts out of.

A fun blue border print I'll make myself a skirt out of
or a dress for the little neighbor girl who sews.

The plus side is I can see the garments I will make out of this stuff so it shouldn't sit around while I wonder what to do with it.
How about you? Have you ever attended a fabric/sewing swap? How did it work? Do you ever go home with more than you came with?