Sunday, May 17, 2009

Sewing from my stash

I'm not one with a large stash, but certainly have accumulated more fabric last year than I've sewn. This year I've sewn only 13 items till now, and certainly have been buying more fabric. I'm not counting meters and don't plan to, but I would like to diminish my unused fabrics. I don't like to have a large stash, it doesn't feel good for me. Very personal this, I know that some of you have large fabric collections and love it. It doesn't work for me that way. Certainly fabrics with a print are likely to go out of fashion relatively quick. I do even have a very beautiful fabric with a plaid, that I now think is not "current" any more, while two years ago when I bought the fabric, it certainly was.

Time to make a plan for reduction and try not to buy too much fabric. Below the fabrics I plan to use and some of the patterns I've chosen. Of course subject to change and I'm not putting a timeframe on this. Let's see what I get done till end of June. It's 8 garments: 2 bottoms, 3 knit tops, 2 blouses and 1 vest.

It's not a wardrobe, not everything can be combined, but most of it can, and all things can be combined with other garments in my closet. For fun I'm going to add a list to my sidebar to keep track of progress (or not).

6 of the fabrics, I tend to buy black, navy, white and off-white as basics.
My first set will be based on black.
The pants that I made the muslin for. Tonight I'm writing this post instead of sewing, because I can't decide whether I want to make the piping on it. Perhaps that is just too much with the stripe.
I'll omit the belt loops, that's too much in any case with this fabric, and a belt is not intended with this pattern.
Would a basic blouse pattern be good for such a sheer fabric? Any suggestions for a style for this one?

The Jalie pattern will be used to copy a wrap top I bought recently in turquoise, which proves to be a good buy, great summer look with white pants and camisole. I'd like a black one to combine with other clothes too.
The famous top from the February BWOF, which has such difficult instructions. I haven't read them, but traced the pattern. The instructions KayY gave in her review of this top seem to be very helpful.


And to get some color: a coupon I bought last year, only 1 meter so this will be a sleeveless blouse. Pattern to be decided.

To the left and right fabrics already shown above, the center a white embroidered cotton that doesn't need a complex pattern.

13 comments:

  1. I am going to make a goal also. You have inspired me.I will also attach a date,that is critical!
    You will love the difficult T as long as you remind yourself that like an unruly child it will become a great adult in the end!
    I think a wrap blouse for the sheer dot fabric would be lovely. You have to wear a camisole anyway so why not? I think they really showcase a sheer drapey fabric. I think BWOF 11-2007-104 is a cute wrap blouse but I think the bow is a little big. If you wear a camisole you have more options if the neck is a little lower.
    Great stash!. There is no way I will confess the contents and volume of my stash!

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  2. Sounds like a plan--a GOOD plan! Good luck! I'll be watching for some finished garments.

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  3. I can understand your views on having a stash...I think it's a very personal decision. However, it seems like you have a great sewing plan and I can't wait to see what emerges from your sewing machine.

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  4. Good luck with your plan. I've found my plan to be very helpful in keeping me focused both on sewing and NOT buying new fabrics. :) I hope it works for you.

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  5. Nice plan. I like the colors and mix of prints you've chosen. I am trying to sew more from my stash too. I have been buying 'special' pieces or fill ins, but really I need to sew more, definitely more than I buy.

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  6. Excellent and well organized way of planning your sewing. I like your plan. I've been wanting to do something similar for a long time. Maybe this year it will happen :) Good luck.

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  7. I am the same with stash - mine has grown beyond my comfort zone so I am making items from it too. I get a great feeling of satisfaction when I finish an itme made from the 'stash'.
    Your planned items look lovely.

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  8. Hi Sigrid
    I used one of my TNT tailored blouse patterns for a sheer fabric I had and made a contrasting silk like camisole to go underneath, I made the straps of the camisole wide enough so that my bra straps wouldn't show.
    I too don't like a lot of fabric, it overwhelms me and I don't want to sew at all, besides I love the feeling of sewing what I already have..I feel I am not wasting anything.
    I love your fabrics and your organization.

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  9. Looks like you have a lot of lovely projects ahead of you! I have been building yet another sewing plan from all the beautiful pieces in my stash. Must be something in the air!

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  10. Nice plan! Unsolicited advice--I followed Gigi's (Behind the Seams) lead and make a nice robe when the stash becomes overwhelming. They dry nicely when made from a shirting fabric, even though I'd only ever seen terry or towelling in RTW.

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  11. My stash has been growing wild too...
    I like your garment ideas!

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  12. I feel the same way about all the fabric I have in my stash. Last week, after I bought some more fabric, I decided that I should not buy anymore fabric until I reduce my stash. I've only been sewing for about 6 months, but I've been buying fabrics on special to make muslins. Your post has inspired me to make a plan. Thanks!

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