It’s Earth Day my lovely readers, and do you know what that means?  The end of the De-Stash Challenge!
I’ve kept my promise, I haven’t bought any fabric since the challenge began, on March 17th.   Those of you who know me well, know that isn’t the easiest thing for me   I’ve only been seriously tempted once, but I was good and put the fabric back…  Unfortunately, I haven’t had as much time to sew as I would have liked.  I did manage to complete a shirt for my DH and sew two shirts for myself.
I also found some great …read more

Hello my lovely readers – it’s the last week of the De-Stash Challenge!  I haven’t bought any fabric, but last week was so busy that I didn’t get a chance to make anything either.  Don’t get me wrong, it was a fantastic week – but I was out every single day and my studio definitely got ignored.
How is your challenge going?  I’ve set up a new poll on the right sidebar to vote for how you’ve done
My friend Terri suggested a great place to donate your time or yarn to: Blankets for Canada.   Some craft stores even …read more

So my lovely readers, how is the de-stashing going?  I’m still being a good little de-stasher and haven’t bought any fabric for myself.  I will however need to buy some fabric to complete a commission…  I’m not sure how this works into the De-Stash Challenge, but since it’s technically not for myself, will you forgive me?
So what happens if you’ve got fabric that you don’t want anymore?
You’re not going to just throw it out, right??
There are lots of different organizations who can use second-hand fabric!  Ask your local women’s shelter, play schools, artist co-ops – there’s even a re-using center …read more

How are you doing with the de-stashing?  I’ve treated myself to several patterns (hey, when they’re on sale for $1.99 you can’t help it!) but I’ve been very good and not bought any fabric.
I have run into one little problem though…
I’ve bought a couple of dress patterns, (including this one) and would like to make some lightweight summer dresses….  But I don’t have long enough lengths of fabric to do that!   Oh well, I’m sure I can wait until April 22nd to indulge.
I’m also looking at other ways I can de-stash – including going through my stash of patterns.  …read more

I wanted to mention that I’m not trying to make people feel bad by holding a De-Stash challenge!  I’m just trying to be more mindful when I’m shopping   Have fun with your fabric stash – in fact, I want you to go and play in it!
When was the last time you dug through your fabric storage boxes just for the fun of it?  I went through mine this afternoon and came up with three combinations for outfits that I could make.
Okay, contestant number one is…

Starting clockwise from the top left, a rust-colored stretch chenille (I’m thinking a shrug …read more

It’s time for the weekly check-in!
Did you stray?  Was there a yard of something lovely that you couldn’t put down?  Did that that ball of yarn “magically” appear in your shopping basket?
I was surprisingly well-behaved this week…  My favorite fabric store had a sale on some pricey patterns this week, and so I dropped in on Saturday to pick them up.
But I went to a location I don’t normally go to… and it was one of the biggest in the city!  Argh argh argh.
I was a good little de-stasher and didn’t buy anything!
Well… except for my patterns
So, how …read more

So how are you all doing?  Got the fabric shakes yet
I’ve found some great ideas for “stash busting” projects out there:

Got some spare ribbon?  How about making a ribbon bracelet.
Use covered button forms, fabric & embellishments to create earrings.
Does your watch band look a little shabby?  Try fabric!
Check out this charming little bird brooch.

Now what if you’re trying to de-stash your yarn collection?  Noreen from Hankering for Yarn has some fun & easy projects, perfect for using up those little pieces of yarn that you’re holding onto.

Make a spool-knitted kittycat bookmark.
Enchant a lucky child with this collection of …read more

I’ve got a new challenge for all my lovely Tangled Thread readers
Part of what I do is educate young children on how to take care of the planet.  Did you know that one of the most important things we can do is to use less stuff?   I realized that I don’t always practice what I teach… I have lots and lots of stuff, fabric to be specific!  I’ve got enough fabric to keep myself in new outfits and projects every day of the week for months now… so that’s what I’m going to do.
My challenge to myself …read more