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 :)
Me, too. Not only for textiles, but also for other art supplies. Goodness knows I need to use things up a bit.
Posted by: Kristen | March 16, 2006 at 07:36 PM
Sounds like a great idea. It always surprises me what I have when I take the time to look. Plus, using what you have really makes you be creative!
Posted by: Robin | March 16, 2006 at 07:48 PM
Too funny! I just pulled out some old/overspun/never set merino/silk wool and knit up a big square for future felting (I have tons of patchwork knits to someday add up to a "quilt"). I thought I've got to work through my stash before I move. I'm with you!
Wait, I promise to use only what I've got, but just remembered that the once a year fiber fair happens in April so I can't promise not to buy.
Posted by: Jeanne | March 16, 2006 at 07:49 PM
I'm in...just joined on flickr...can't wait!
Posted by: pyglet | March 16, 2006 at 07:59 PM
I NEED to do this and will join you because my husband is threatening to put up a "Craft Store for Sale" sign on the front door. I was purchasing stuff yesterday and, whilst putting it all away when I returned home, I thought I ought to use what I already have. Since the project I bought materials for is a commissioned work, I will forgive myself. Your "use what you have" idea comes at a great time when I acknowledge my need to use what I have and can now accept the challenge.
Posted by: June | March 16, 2006 at 08:34 PM
I'm so glad WhipUp posted about this so I could find your blog!
This has been my resolution for 2006, with a few rule modifications, but for April I think I can play the game your way.
My only caveat is that I'm working on writing a craft book (just for my mental health so far, no publishers yet), so those supplies don't count.
Posted by: Reese | March 16, 2006 at 09:00 PM
I'm in. I will be starting a Yarn Stashalong at the same time, this way I won't buy other things since I won't be able to buy yarn.
Posted by: Ginger | March 16, 2006 at 09:17 PM
Sounds like a great idea, and sensible, too. And it sounds nicer that "yarn diet", "stash reduction" etc. I think I'll join you!
Posted by: Strikkelise | March 16, 2006 at 10:25 PM
Oh yes! Living in Zambia I *have* to operate this way! It will be so exciting to see what others come up with.
Posted by: Katurah | March 16, 2006 at 11:00 PM
Oh, how my DH will love this one!!! I am keen to take this challenge. However, with one caveat (as so many people seem to have made!) - I am doing a textile art course and I may need to get some stuff for that as the month progresses, though I will try to use what I have for it - but as it is expanding my creativity in areas I have not covered before, some of the requirements are for stuff I just don't have any of! I must blog about this!!
Posted by: Judy Edmonds | March 16, 2006 at 11:44 PM
This is such a great idea! I have those moments all the time where I find something I've bought - fabric, paint, what have you - and I can totally remember buying it when I see it, but I would have never remembered it was there...So I'm in, using only what I have for april.
Posted by: Zoe | March 17, 2006 at 01:59 AM
Well, I said I would use only things from my stuff exactly one month ago... and failed... would love to try it again, though. But since I just lately discovered all these inspiring crafty weblogs, and and have decided to do my version of the 'Plain Spoken' I have to prepare my stash before April because I have not enough solids at home... But after that I'm in!
Posted by: Alex | March 17, 2006 at 03:35 AM
OMG - Can I DO this? Can I? It's goign to be hard... Whip Up posted this link, and your blog is so gorgeous! OK, I'm gonna TRY - APril it is!!
Posted by: Caitlin O'Connor | March 17, 2006 at 04:11 AM
Looks like you struck a chord here Toni!I believe they say it takes 2 weeks to make a habit but an awful lot longer to break it!Not sure I can change of a habit of a lifetime in 2 weeks but maybe I'll try?????
Posted by: Kristy | March 17, 2006 at 04:51 AM
You Bet! As long as I don't have to start until April - I'd better do some serious shopping until then right??? Thanks to whip up for linking me to you!
AmyDe
Posted by: AmyDe | March 17, 2006 at 05:24 AM
Looks like you already have a lot of company, and I desperately need to thin my stash, so I'm in too!!! I've actually been thinking about making April my don't buy anything but essentials month! I've done way too much shopping lately, buying things that are on sale but that I certainly don't need.
Posted by: Sandy | March 17, 2006 at 05:47 AM
I loved this idea and your blog is beautiful.
Posted by: Cecilia | March 17, 2006 at 06:09 AM
All the way from Costa Rica, I'm In!
I love the idea of making a conscious effort to bust the stash and actually getting around to using all the stuff!
Posted by: medea | March 17, 2006 at 06:24 AM
I'll take your challenge. It's on.
Posted by: Amy | March 17, 2006 at 06:24 AM
Great idea! KnitOwl & friends is in too!
Posted by: RheLynn | March 17, 2006 at 06:58 AM
Hi! I just found your blog through Buzzville and I love it! I'm going to try hard to work only out of my stash as well since I'm trying to save up money for a fabulous vacation. I may crack. I'll probably crack (especially if it includes craft books. I'm a craft book junkie), but I'll try!
Posted by: scribblesnbits | March 17, 2006 at 08:55 AM
count me in!! :)
Posted by: Aimee Roo | March 17, 2006 at 09:13 AM
Count me in. This week alone I have gotten two fabric shipments and one box o' yarn. That's it; I'm cutting myself off. I'm set for at least the next couple of months, maybe more.
Posted by: Maritza | March 17, 2006 at 10:00 AM
I like the challenge -- thank you for extending it. To keep myself from the diet-anxiety tendencies to cheat, I'm going to try to focus on what I can DO with things at home. In otherwords, it's time at last for a bit more sewing at home.
There are, after all, STACKS of things to use.
Posted by: jpknits | March 17, 2006 at 10:12 AM
Ooooh tough, but I am in. Wait .. it starts in April right? Do subscriptions count? I wouldn't think so, since I paid for those months ago. Is there a patch for this? Oh boy, this is going to be tough.
What a fabulous challenge though, I am looking forward to it! Thank you!!
Posted by: vegasandvenice | March 17, 2006 at 10:41 AM