Stash busting - things just got serious!

Friends, the only way forward for me in terms of Autumn/Winter stitching plans, is stash busting. I’ve complained before that my ridiculous accumulation of stitching ‘stuff’ is suffocating me and it’s still true. I walk into the spare room and I panic, not knowing what to look at or work on next. I’m embarrassed frankly, especially complaining that I have too much when a sickening amount of people in this world have so little.

So to maintain my sanity and some dignity I must bust that stash and I’m only allowing myself to purchase extra necessities like lining, interfacing, muslin material and the like. Traditionally I don’t ‘do’ plans, but I will fail without one and failure is not an option. Sorry to sound so dramatic, but reality has really hit home that I spend much faster than I can make. 

Anyway, here’s my broad vision for the following months – my approach is to take things nice and slowly, to enjoy the process and to produce quality results.

October will be dedicated to Colette's Anise sewalong - I'm both excited and scared to attempt my first ever jacket, but I'm hoping to achieve a Chanel-esque feel to it with my chosen fabric. It's been in my stash since the Minoru days and despite seeing some wonderful Minorus out there, I've finally accepted that the style just isn't me.

I've had a Macaron muslin cut out for weeks and I haven't sewn it up yet, so in the name of finishing what I start, a Macaron's in order. I received the beautiful teal cotton in a swap with Little Red Squirrel and I've had the seersucker in my stash since this hideous make back in 2010!


I keep saying I want to make more lovely dresses, so I must get round to making a Cambie or two. I'd like to make the A-line version in my heavier darker floral print and the gathered version in a beautiful cotton lawn that I won in one of Shivani's generous giveaways.


I struggle with skirts, it's no secret. Finding styles that suit my body shape is a real challenge, but I found my Vivat Veritas Scalloped Waist Skirt to be super flattering and I can't believe I haven't made more of them. I think this red gabardine I've had for over a year will be perfect for this project!
I have a fair amount of viscose and other drapey materials that would make pretty blouses. And as luck would have it, I've also amassed an incredible amount of pretty blouse patterns too!
I've decided cowl-neck Renfrews are not for me, but I love and wear my other three versions to death. So I happily snapped up this flamingo-print jersey to make another fun version, possibly with a V-neck and 3/4 length sleeves.


The make I'm most excited about will combine a vintage pattern with some vintage fabric. I have plenty of vintage fabric in my stash and I'm always too scared to use it, but this is far too pretty to be kept on a shelf. It would be amazing to have this done for the Christmas season, but I'm not going to rush this make as it's far too precious.

Oh, and of course there are also the three knitting projects I'm working on at the moment too. I'd love to get the chunky cardigan and double moss stitch scarf done first in time for the cold weather. Then I'll pick my 1940s jumper up in time for spring I think. 

So...erm...I think that's plenty to be getting on with, don't you? I'm sad that I'll probably have to sit out some of the many awesome sewalongs happening - like Karen's ApronalongGertie's Coat sewalongLauren's Thurlow sewalong and a Deer and Doe sewalong from paunnet - but I must stay strong! The beauty of sewalongs is that you can always visit them at a later date I guess.

Are any of you in a similar stash position, or are you far more sensible with your buying?

56 comments:

  1. Wow! You have some seriously beautiful fabrics to sew with! I love the one you chose for the Anise, it's definitely Chanel :)

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    1. Aaaw, thanks! Let's hope I can pull it off!

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  2. I feel some of your stash pain! I've only been sewing a few months, but I've managed to amass a ridiculous amount of fabrics. And of course, not one of them is appropriate for fall or winter!
    I think your plan looks wonderful--I wish you luck!

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    1. Good to know I'm not the only one, hope you find a way to use your stash soon!

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  3. Hi Marie...love the new look blog banner! Too cute and such a great idea. Yes, like you, my plans are going to be governed by my stash....which means I suspect, less of a coordinated winter capsule wardrobe, but hey, it all needs to get used sometime! I like your plans though, some very gorgeous makes in the pipeline. Can't wait to see your blue/ white floral double vintage dress the most. I also love that tie back blouse...is that a burdastyle?

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    1. Hey Winnie...hurrah for stash-busting, even if it does result in a rather random selection! And yes, the tie back blouse is indeed from burda magazine. I can send it on to you once I've traced it if you like?

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  4. Wow, that's a lot of plans, all absolutely gorgeous of course. I'm especially looking forward to seeing the flamingo print in action! Loving the new look on the blog as well! x

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    1. Thanks Alice and yes, I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can eat ;o)

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  5. Well done on your stash busting plans. I love that fabric for the Anise. I tidied my stash yesterday so am feeling a little more focussed about future plans.

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    1. It's so good to have a proper sort through isn't it! I feel that if I can make a bit of a dent in my stash, a weight will be lifted from my shoulders!

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  6. I am loving seeing everyone's sewing plans lately. It seems a few blogs I read are on the stash busting path. I have a few projects lined up for summer but I am just hoping I am going to get a chance to make them around baby.

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    1. I'm sure you'll have your hands happily full with Squishy, but hopefully you'll manage to get some sewing in ;o)

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  7. Oy, I'm on the opposite end of the spectrum. My stash is dismal and totally uninspiring, whereas yours is bountiful and beautiful. I have more home decor fabric than anything, and it's all terrible. There aren't many fabric stores around here for me to wander through on a regular basis, so I've been doing most of my fabric shopping online which is tedious, overwhelming and often more expensive with shipping costs. I have a couple fall items in the pipeline with fabric on the way, so hopefully it'll end up being a successful season of sewing. Good luck to you!

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    1. I love the options and prices that online fabric shopping provides, but you're so right that the P&P can be such a b*tch! Such a shame you don't have any good local stores, but at least you won't have an out of control stash any time soon ;o)

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  8. I wouldn't call myself sensible! But look at all the terrific fabrics you have to work with. It'll be a piece of cake to make a zillion things - practically for free! :-)

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    1. Thanks K.Line, this is such a positive way to think about it!

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  9. I am in the same spot as far as stash goes. I have a TON of fabric. I find neat stuff in the thrift stores very often, and it is so hard to pass up silk or vintage knits for under a dollar a yard! I am also trying not to buy anything.

    Your fall sewing plans look great! All of your fabrics are just lovely.

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    1. That's it, when you see a bargain it's impossible to pass it by...and then a stash is born! Haha!

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  10. I'm loving the fabric you have in mind for that Colette jacket! Very Chanel-esque. And the other fabrics aren't far behind in terms of gorgeousness, either. That flamingo knit? I'm in love!

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    1. Thanks, here's hoping I do them justice ;o)

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  11. Yep - my stash is enormous by my standards (though small compared to many I've seen online!) so I'm sticking to it for my fall and winter sewing, minus some coat fabric, which I don't have, and linings, interfacings, etc. I love your plans! And flamingo print jersey?! Yes, please! I feel like all of the UK bloggers find the best jersey prints...

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    1. Haha, we must have an abundance of jersey in the UK then! Most of it is really cheap from the local market as well!

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  12. All your sewing and knitting projects look super exciting! I can't wait to see the double vintage garment :)

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    1. Thanks Cecili! I'm most nervous about the double vintage dress...eeek!

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  13. You're not alone. I just cleared out my stash and paired up patterns with fabrics too! Not brave enough to post mine though because I never stick to plans. Sounds like you have lots of lovely projects to choose from now.

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    1. Great minds think alike then eh ;o) I hope I don't regret posting these 'plans' online, last time I did something similar I totally failed! But I'm hoping it's a way to keep me on the straight and narrow...I can't keep buying new stuff all the time...

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  14. I applaud your rigour and will follow your example Marie. I have way too much fabric just sitting around now and considering that I have to start making space for other things I need to start working my way through it. I love that flamingo knit - perfect for Renfrew, and your knitting projects are so exciting! Looking forward to seeing all your makes.

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    1. Thanks Joanne, I had no other option really..haha!

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  15. That Chanel-esque jacket will be a delicious one. You've matched up your fabrics to the perfect patterns. You'll be stash busting in no time.

    I'm with you Marie. I'm a horrible fabric hoarder. I tell friends who are learning to sew that they should buy fabric on a project to project basis. But to be honest I look at all my fabrics and i get so happy I want to roll around in them. I love them all so much! But yeah. They gotta go!

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    1. Hehe, love that image of you rolling about in the fabric Mela! I used to be like that too, but I honestly have so much that it stresses me out now!

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    2. I guess it helps that they are in a wardrobe and don't see them that often. If I had to look at them often I might lose my marbles...and stop adding to the collection!

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  16. Lovely plans! I really love your florals for the Cambie :)

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    1. Thanks Johanna, I'm a sucker for florals!!!

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  17. I love your plans! And the flamingo jersey is SO cute!
    Please don't tell me where you bought it (oh go on - you can if you like...!)
    I blitzed my stash about a month ago and sent a few pieces to other homes via swops and ebay. THEN I discovered I had had a moth attack and threw another heap away as a precaution... so I was feeling quite smug about my neat little stash. And then I pressed "buy" on a basket full of goodies from France - oops!
    It's an investment. ;)

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    1. Hehe, France eh!?! Can't wait to see what you bought...is it from a website I need to know about please?

      Re the flamingo jersey, I got it off my local market. I think it would look awesome on you, More happy to get some for you and post it on? Let me know lady ;o)

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  18. I love your plan! Every one seems to be on the separates train this season. Maybe I need to get around to making a pledge button for that.... Super stoked to see your Anise. I agree about the Minoru - it's super cute on everyone but I think it's too "sporty" or something for me. And I can't believe you have THREE knitting projects going simultaneously. Do you switch when you get bored or....? I'm hoping I can get ONE sweater done by next spring - how do you knit so darn fast?!

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    1. Thanks lady! And yes, too 'sporty' is exactly how I feel about the Minoru...even though I've loved everyone's versions!

      As for the knitting, I'm really not fast at all....the pretty baby blue number has been going for ever! I also think I have an inability to finish things...which I need to get under control!

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  19. Oh, I just got trapped in your captcha hell - would you consider switching your comment platform to Disqus? It's really the best system, because I get notified when you've responded and vice versa - facilitates actual conversation and also, no captcha hell. It only takes about 10 minutes to set up.

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    1. Oh no, sorry about that! I'm not very technical so I don't have a clue what to do, but I'll give Disqus a go!

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  20. Pretty the same position!%=))
    Also I returned from trip with a kip of fabrics!! Should plan what to do from them! So no new for me for next 2 month at least! Especially because I am very slow seamstress.

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    1. Take your time Sveta, a least that way you can make things to a high standard and that you'll really love!

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  21. Gaawwwdddd!!! I love your plans! So many good things here! Your fabric for the Anise jacket is totally dreamy! And I think since I don't know how to knit I'm always most mesmerized by everyone's knitting projects. I WANT that huge chunky cardigan and that adorable lacy shell SO BAD!! Must... learn... to knit....

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    1. Thanks Sallie!!! You know what? The only reason I started to learn how to knit is because I was in awe of other bloggers too! So last October (a year ago) I had some lessons and I'm so happy that I did. I'm by no means not a great (or fast) knitter, but you'll be amazed at what you can achieve in a short period of time. Do it lady, do it!

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  22. I know what you mean! I haven't done much sewing over the summer, but have been buying fabric and patterns aplenty! It can make it hard to focus... I think your plans look great and I'm excited to see Anise jacket and the vintage dress - the fabrics both look really lovely. I really like your new blog banner too!

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    1. Why are patterns and fabric so hard to stop buying darn it!?! Thanks for the kind words and I hope you get some sewing done this autumn/winter ;o)

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  23. Gosh, I want to see ALL of these things NOW! What a great lineup! I'm really, really, REALLY trying to stash-bust these days... I feel overwhelmed by fabric and half-finished projects. I don't buy fabric just to buy it-- I have a plan for every piece that I own-- but I don't have time to make everything that I want to!

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    1. Tell me about it, time is another huge issue! I often worry that I have enough patterns and fabric for a lifetime, because with a full time job...there's not much time left for stitching :o( So it may take me a fair while to get through these plans! I'd love to be more like you and buy with a specific purpose in mind...can you please rub off on me?!

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  24. You have some lovely fabrics. I really like the knitting pattern in the top right of your knitting photo montage. Would you mind telling me where the pattern is from please?

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    1. Thanks! That lovely knitting pattern is from 'A Stitch in Time - Volume 1': http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stitch-Time-Knitting-Patterns-1920-1949/dp/0955620627/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1348783530&sr=8-3

      If you like knitting and vintage fashions, I can't recommend this book enough!

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  25. OMG. All of your projects are so, so lovely. I'm loving your Anise fabric and all of those knitted goodies! Just picturing your Renfrew paired with that red skirt is making my heart swoon - I'm excited to see all of these marvelous projects!

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    1. Meg, thanks so much for your comment. I was actually racking my brains to think of what I could wear my flamingo top with (I don't like blue with blue denim and I don't like navy with black denim...I need some grey jeans) but the red skirt will be the perfect match. So thank you for opening my eyes!

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  26. I know exactly what you mean, believe me. I think I' m on the edge of becoming a compulsive hoarder, when it comes to sewing stuff (and a lot more, I' m afraid). I started from the house this September, and am trying to declutter it and reuse some of the fabric and various materials I have hanging around everywhere. As far as the sewing is concerned, I was thinking about the same thing; having too much fabric and many patterns I haven't tried. I do not own fabric as beautiful as the ones above, but I must sew them, at some point!
    I particularly liked your flamingo jersey, and the vintage flowery cotton as well! The Anise pattern, I' ll be making it myself, I hope it turns out well. Finally, the jumper you have started looks great!
    Good luck with your plans!

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  27. oh god this is me all over! If only we could make as fast as we buy, eh?
    I was saying to friend that I feel like I'm practically sleeping on my fabric there's that much of it and all stored at the end of my bed, I feel like I'm going to wake up one night and find it strangling me or something!!
    I'm quite inspired by your plans to go through my own stash and do the same!
    your fabric choice for the jacket is quite lovely I'm looking forward to seeing that made up, I'm also quite taken by the flamingo fabric too!

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  28. Oh that vintage Butterick and blue floral fabric.... What a dream. I can't wait to see that finished. I too, am especially sad not to be joining in with Gertie's coat sew-along - it's my absolute dream shape and reminds me of a pink cashmere coat that used to be my Mum's which I lost as a teenager. That will definitely have to be revisited when I have the funds to buy a suitably delicious fabric!

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  29. Your plans are so exciting.. Hun.. I'm really interest

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  30. I am so in love with that flamingo fabric! I can't wait to see the finished top.

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