Use what I have

I've been thinking about something. Not anything that has not crossed my mind many, many times before. But something I try to tell myself often and that is use what I have. I have so much STUFF.  Stuff that needs to get used, to be turned into something useful, something fun, something pretty. I know how inspiring it is to browse the thrift store or fabric shop in search of new materials, be it second-hand clothing, vintage textiles, or bolts of spanking,brand new fabric. Honestly, nothing relaxes me quite like that activity!! I love it. L-O-V-E it.

But, as I was searching through my piles of fabrics and such, I kept coming across things I had bought and forgotten I had. It was a lot actually. I thought this is wasteful. Oh yes, someday I'll use it. Will I really? I just keep stacking more and more stuff on top. With that said, I want to challenge myself, for the month of April, to create only from the things I already have. No buying supplies. Nope. I want to use up some of this lovely fabric, trims, ribbons,yarn, thrifted sweaters etc...that I already have. Just for one month. Would anyone like to join me? I'm totally prepared to go at this solo, but just thought I'd ask :)

Comments

[mijk]

I'm in! I've beern thinking the same thing!

[Samantha]

I am afraid as a self-confessed craft book /fabic magpie, I can't commit myself to join you.

But conincidentally I made quite a dent in my fabric yesterday by using what I have rather then buying.

Good luck with your challenge!

[sooz]

I'm in! I'll be upfront in saying I'll need a few things before April begins - mostly wool rovings for my stuffing and a few thread colours, but they have been on the shopping list for weeks and don't count on the stuff pile. Other than that I am COMMITTED. April will be a craft supply purchase free month for me. I'm off to post on this RIGHT NOW.

[autum]

Can I commit to be in... sort of. I agree totally but I may have to purchase something to fulfill an order. So I will commit to join you and only purchase something if it is necessary to fill an order. I will try my best to limit that to items like handles or interfacing and use only fabric that I already have.

[Gina L]

YES, I will join! I keep telling myself that all the time and I really need to do this. And I am totally prepared to do it, I need to do this. Hey, we can see what beautiful and fun things we can all come up with.

[amanda]

Count me in! The only things I will buy are things absolutely necessary to finish projects that are started. Does that count?

[beki]

Hmmm, I'll have to think about this. I really NEED to join in.

[Dee]

I'll join you, I have been collecting things for months, and always look for something new for a project instead of using what I already have.

[k8tykat]

oh, this would be hard. hard no to go thrifting, because if i did i know that incredible thing would be there waiting and i'd HAVE to but it. but i do have to much stuff, and my hubbie would be the first to agree. maybe... i'm gonna have to think this over a bit.

[michelle]

I'm in! I'll post a photo of my teetering craft supply, which I'll try to tame instead of adding to. My big challenge will be not going to garage sales when the spring weather comes around.

[Stephanie]

Ohhhh...I really need to commit myself to this. The BF is always mocking me when I say I'm just running to the 'store' knowing full well that it is the craft store. My drawers and shelves are overflowing with stuff I'm sure I've already forgotten. I'm with Autumn though, I'm in unless I absolutely need something to fill an order but will limit the non-necessary craft spending. What a great challenge!

[Kristen]

Ha, I don't know it's fair for me to join, since I just bought some new fabric (not much!) yesterday...! But okay. No shopping through April, and a photo post of my accomplishments!

[Aurora]

I believe in knitting circles this is known as the Yarn Diet (or in your case, the Craft Materials Diet, or something like that.) I am starting over again after many years of not collecting stuff, so I'm not quite ready to join you. But I can't wait to see all those FP's at the end of next month!

Good for you!

[kelly]

boy this sounds familiar! i look at my wall of fabric and buttons and trims and sometimes feel as if i've never seen some of it before... i'll join, but like Kristen i have to admit to having purchased some fabric earlier this week...

[dixie]

I've been trying to use my stash too. My break from crafting is over. I adore your site, Toni, your creativity is more inspiring every day.

[manda]

Oh I know I should join in with this, I really, really should. But I can't do it - I'm just too weak! And pathetic! But I am at least hanging my head in shame.

[Blair]

Oh I am so in for April. But, having said that, I realize that I've overbought for March. Nevertheless, I like the idea of challenging myself to use what I have and it always turns out to be something I've proud of doing. But, sorry, I have to run to the fabric store now!

[laurie]

Ahh... That was my March goal. I have to say WAS now because when the DS Flea Market Fancy fabrics came out my knees got all weak and I crumbled - fast!

[denice]

I feel exactly the same about fabric buying: very relaxing. But it does leave me with abit of a pile.... I have been needing to go on a "shop the stash" kick, so I will definitely join you.

[jenn]

I am so with you!

[Susannah]

I've been thinking a lot about thisof late. I'd love to join you, but I know I can't control myself this month ;-) Good luck!!!! Looking forward to seeing how you go!

[Rose]

Um...wait...uh...yes!! It will also give me the excuse I need to get all my stuff organized to take inventory of what I have to work with. Thanks!

[rebecca]

I can do it . . . I think. I really need to do this! Having others hold me accountable will really help!

[Melly]

Me! I would love to do this!

[A.J.]

Absolutely. I'm all the way in.