Fabric Stash Encore

I've written about the "stash" before, but I thought it was worth re-visiting just to quote another person on the subject.

In addition to sewing, I love to cross-stitch.  It's a comfortable craft that requires less of me, especially if I use a chart designed by someone else and don't change the colors (a favorite habit of mine in years past!)  Now I stitch for the comfort of the rythym and the tactile pleasure of the linen in my hands.  I love to "watch" the design emerge from the fabric as I thread my needle in and out rythmically.  I have quite a stash of charts, fabrics and threads, along with unframed finished pieces.  Sound familiar?  Yes, I have the same type of stash for my sewing passion...fabrics, patterns, and alas, a few unfinished pieces. 

Recently, I received the monthly newsletter from The Silver Needle.  What a wonderful shop!  I hope I live long enough to make my way to OK and visit in person some day, but for now I enjoy their online venue. Lindy writes a monthly newsletter full of info about their latest products and events and sometimes a few personal comments...this one had me at the word STASH.

We had a discussion in the shop today -- centering around THE STASH.  THE STASH is your 'home base, your security, your legacy.' (Some poor souls think it's a nagging reminder of what you haven't done yet...) WE, on the other hand, prefer to regard your PRECIOUS STASH as your Potential for Creativity!  ~Lindy, The Silver Needle Newlsetter, 5.12.09 

Now don't we sewers agree with that concept!  I refer to mine as a collection, one to be savored over time and used with care and planning. The potential energy that exists in that stash is palpable and serves to stimulate, entice, comfort and provide pleasure beyond its actual worth. Women, especially, are too quick to feel "guilty" about unused resouces. Whatever your stash is to you... home base, security, legacy... let's remember that sometimes the potential has a worth all its own.

Comments

[Lois]

Barb - I love your last phrase "potential has a worth of its own"!! How true - thank you for that concept. It express so well my undefined yet strong feelings about my stash. When I want to begin a project I sometimes hate to take something out of the stash because it will no longer be there! Weird, but that's me. I love my stash....thanks for writing about it...has got me thinking....
PS I have a yarn stash in addition to my fabric and bead stash!!! ; )

[Jennie Nash]

I stumbled upon your blog because I'm writing a novel with a character who is a fabric collector. This was very inspiring. Thanks!

[Lisa]

All Fabric collection with its proper protections.
This design for fabric in this blog is quite a stash of charts and fabrics.

[Linda]

I love my stash! But I call it My Collection. Don't feel guilty - enjoy it. Coin collectors don't pay for things with their coins. Stamp collectors don't send mail with their stamps. Think about it ...