Two things came out of the water in the basement. One, I rearranged the items in the sewing workroom, to give me more space and make the room appear cleaner and brighter.
Two, I realize that I've reached my fabric limit. I've stuffed as much fabric into the shelves and the cabinet as possible. I refuse to lay it on top of things again or to have so many bins in the room that I'm unable to move without rearranging things. I'm seriously disturbed that with a sewing workroom packed to the gills with fabric that I still have four full bins of fabric in the garage...because that's fabric I'm unable to see and touch which was never my intent.
So, I need to do something drastic. Very drastic for me. I really don't want to purchase any more fabric (except for my Mood project fabric) for the next five months or until the end of the year. I can't think of a type of fabric that I don't own. I can't think of a color that's not well represented in my collection. Prints, plaids, florals, paisleys, abstract prints, yeah I have that. Herringbones - large & small in various colors...yeah I've got some too. It's time to stop acquiring...seriously time to stop.
I'm making a public declaration so that there is someone to hold me accountable to my pledge. I just want the next five months to be fabric free. Five months of no new fabric purchases. Five months of sewing from the collection (well all except my Mood projects). Believe me, five months won't make a difference in my collection. It will be like a drop in the bucket BUT there won't be anything new coming in to add to the chaos.
I know some of you are out there shaking your heads, laughing even, seriously doubting my ability to do this because I AM A FABRICAHOLIC. You know that I love fabric. I love owning it. I love the possibilities of it. I love acquiring it. However, I'm taking this a step further because I'm co-opting all of you to help me. Not only am I NOT purchasing any new fabric for the next five months, but I'm giving away FOUR pieces to ONE lucky winner every month for the next five months. For this giveaway, I'm opening this up to everyone, no matter where you're located in the world.
This is how it will work...
- You must leave a comment on this post and this post alone.
- Everyone's name will be entered into a jar (sort of like Karen's).
- Around the 15th of every month, I will pull one name.
- You will have three days to contact me with your name, home address and email addy.
- I will ship four pieces (by the cheapest method possible if it's an overseas winner) that I pull from my collection.
- I will forward a picture of the pieces of fabric to you via email. Please confirm when you receive the email.
- If you have a blog, would you kindly post the fabric's arrival on your blog.
- Once you've won fabric, of course your name will be removed from the jar for good.
- Finally, the comments section on this post will remain open for one week - until July 31st at 11:59pm EST. I will lock it down then and I will transfer all of the names to my "Fabric Giveaway Jar".
That's it. So not only will I NOT add to the fabric collection, but I will also give dozens of yards away. Hopefully that will gain me some space on my very full fabric shelves which is my ultimate goal.
Okay, so are you in? Will you help me to stay on my fabric diet until the end of the year? If so, leave a comment and tell me what is your favorite fabric to work with...and if you win...maybe it will be included in the gift parcel sent to you.
...as always more later!
Carolyn you are a fabric enabler.Like I don't have enough of my own.\\
ReplyDeleteJudy
I applaud your courage to take a break from purchasing more fabric. It is difficult to pause and take a breather from something that is so integral to who we are.
ReplyDeleteI would be grateful if you would put my name in the jar. I am new to sewing and i don't have a favorite fabric yet and if i am fortunate to be a winner i will opt for your recommendations.
Thank you for an entertaining and educational blog.
I'm in! I will also JOIN YOU in the diet, and be Fabric Free for FIve months! There is one fabric I'm eyeballing now, but in my heart of hearts, I know that I don't NEED it. You can lean on me, friend!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite fabric... Definitely a woven. Probably a pretty boucle, as it can be a colorful jacket or skirt and look polished.
I'd like to 'toss my name into the jar.' How much fun! I'm just getting back into sewing after quite a few years away. Most of my earlier sewing was for my children or for dolls; this time I want to sew more for myself. I don't have a favorite fabric yet, for grown-up sewing, but I love most any natural fiber fabric. Much easier to handle.
ReplyDeleteI admire your effort to sew from stash. I'm sure you can do it, and I'm sure I'll be inspired by all your lovely projects!
Okay, for all that my own fabric shelving units (yes, plural) are overflowing, I have to jump in on this one. Honestly, I would be honored to have some "chosen by Carolyn from her own collection" fabric in my own collection. So, I have to put my name in on this giveaway. And then attempt my own fabric moratorium. But it's sooooo hard! Darn these fabric purveyors for continuously offering us these gorgeous gems!
ReplyDeleteI have only just started sewing and I am already becoming a fabric hoarder. My husband just realized how many tubs I have stashed...... oops
ReplyDeleteYou posted this on a day when I just indulged in some fabric retail therapy....Darn it! I need to recommit to sewing down my stash.
ReplyDeleteHow could anybody pass this opportunity by? I would love to have some of your fabric (& I would be happy to contribute to the cost of shipping to Australia). After all, it's a good cause..helping Carolyn bust the stash!
ReplyDeleteWowee! I read regularly & know how much you love your fabric collection. But you're right, if you can't touch it & have it on your shelves...
ReplyDeleteI'm in too, I'd love to add to my own fabric aging system from your fabulous collection ;-)
ReplyDeleteOmg Carolyn, Yes Please, Totally Count Me In! :) Your Sizeable Stash Is An Inspiration To Say The Least. My Favorite Fabric Is Silk, I Love Them, But I Love Working With Linen And Ponte Knits, Probably Inspired By You Since I Read Your Blog Before I StartEd Venturing Into Sewing clothes. :) A Million Times Thank You..
ReplyDeleteOoh, five whole months cold turkey, just like that? Welll, you can do it. You will peruse your beloved stash and find things you'd half forgotten about and fall in love all over again with their possibilites!
ReplyDeleteToss my name in the jar too, please!
Woah! What is all this crazy talk??! Actually, I think that you are being very proactive and I applaud your new resolve!
ReplyDeleteSadly, I cannot join you on this new journey as I have a trip to NYC planned for later this year, and having heard about all the fabulous fabric shops you frequent, I need to see for myself!
So, please count me in, I would be happy to re-home some of your collection. Incidentally, I had to smile at the size of the jar, I think that it may be overflowing with names :)
What a fun giveaway idea! My favorite fabric to sew with (currently) is knit fabric. It's so forgiving!
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm impressed. Well you know I sew with a ton of cottons, that being said - I really need to up my game. It's just time. More beefy ponty, wool (it was easy!) some real linen (it was easy too!).
ReplyDeleteThankfully my next trip east you will be off your fabric fast, but if you can't buy, you can certainly steer me toward something appropriate for Mother of the Bride. You can do this! Not buy, give away and sew it up as well. I'm sure your daughters would be happy to take the four bins from the garage and leave a 'package' on your doorstep regularly over the next 5 months. g
Oh WOW! You're SO brave, and I'm
ReplyDeletethrilled to participate.
AND...if you need prodding and
nudges to keep your disciplined
promise, just whisper "HELLLP" ..
and I (and I'm sure others) will
be happy to give you the pertinent
reminders (of ALL you went thru;
POOR you..SO much misery and work
..it's just too much for anyone)
to get you back on track.
Thanks very much for ALL you teach
and inspire and for this extreme
generosity. You can do it!
Joy (from SG)
Hi Carolyn, I would be very pleased to take a few pieces of fabric off of your hands! My favorite fabric to work with is anything with a twill weave.
ReplyDeleteYou are very brave! I haven't acquired a stash like yours yet, but I admire it -- and I would like to be in the "jar" to help you thin it down!
ReplyDeleteI applaud your commitment! I just went through all of my fabric and wrapped it on comic book boards so it is quite tidy! I have quite a bit more than I thought, although no where near as much as you! With the comic book boards I have a self-imposed limit of how much fabric I can store. 200 boards means 200 fabrics. When I run out of boards, I will either have to stop buying fabric or use some up!Good luck with your challenge! I'd love to take some yardage off your hands!
ReplyDeleteI've been limiting myself to trading fabric with friends and we would love to add some of your fabric to our treasure trove. I don't really have a favorite fabric. Is that a bad thing?
ReplyDeletePlease add my name to the jar, I am in awe of your fabric collection (I'm happy to pay the postage myself too seeing as I live in Australia).
ReplyDeleteGood luck on not buying more fabric, it is so much harder to do than I ever imagined! I have ended up tracking how much I use compared to how much I buy and as long as I am sewing more than I buy each month I am happy. I just couldn't stop cold turkey!
Anything to help you out, Carolyn! ;)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, thank you for the opportunity. As a fellow fabric-aholic, I should not enter, but I simply cannot resist. If I have this opportunity to win, then maybe I can stay out of the fabric stores for a while.
Best,
Rose in SV
Hi Carolyn!
ReplyDeleteHow fun, fabric and patterns are my addiction of choice also - though this is my first year out of the 10 that I've been sewing that I have allowed myself to acquire a stash. I have 4 drawers full, so not out of hand. I grew up in a hording house (not of nice things either) so I spent the first 10 years of my marriage on a constant decluttering mission. Now I feel relaxed enough to use my space for a few things I know I love - fabric/ sewing stuff. I really like having the small selection so that I can spend time pairing up different patterns and fabric for a few days then reassessing to decide if there is something more suitable. I love reading your blog - it gives me such joy seeing your creations. My name is Autumn and I would love to be added to your jar. I am partial to cotton sateen, and rayon challis.
All the best,
Autumn
Good luck with your challenge!!!! My favorite fabric to work with..... wool. No, linen. No, wool. Ok, since it is summer I am going to give linen the edge!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck - you can absolutely do this and take charge of your fabric stash.
ReplyDeleteTracy
I like working with natural fibers, cotton, linen and wool.
ReplyDeleteWow, what an amazing give away, I'd love to enter :) I admire your stash and your sewing room, and you're setting a great example here! Fingers crossed :)
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn, i love your blog.. And I love how honest you are on it. I know you closed comments when you posted Obama's speech last week, but I just wanted to thank you for doing that as although the case made big news here in NEw Zealand, I missed the speech as we had a just-big-enough to cause a few problems earthquake that day.
ReplyDeleteIf I win fabric I'll pay the shipping. NZ is a long way away. I don't have a blog but maybe I'll start one if I win. You are very generous!
I love reading your blog and I hope to be one of the lucky winners .
ReplyDeleteI would love to be in the draw for some of your fine fabric. I Can't wait to see what inspires you for the next few months from your own collection.
ReplyDeleteAll the best with your challenge Carolyn, I'm sure you can adopt the determination you use in sewing to resist buying more fabric (now that you really want to). My first desire when reading this was to give you my number in case you wanted someone to text prior to going to a till/clicking "buy" etc etc. But I'm sure you have many much more suitable people in your life for that (given that I live in Scotland & don't know you!). So all the best and good luck. (P.S. I'd love wool jersey or crepe if my name was one of the lucky ones)
ReplyDeleteI've always been an admirer of your sewing and your fabric choices. Count me as part of your fabric give away. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGood on you for doing this! You have so much beautiful fabric and I can't wait to see what lovely things you make from your stash! And lucky us you're giving some of it away. :-D
ReplyDeleteOh Carolyn, I can truly understand where you are coming from! My fabric shelves are completely packed and I do have fabric in tubs - but like you say, it needs to be on shelves where it can be seen and dreamed about! Despite that, I'd still love my name to go into the jar - because I know that you have some truly wonderful pieces in that ginormous stash. And as for what fabric I like to work with? At the moment it is ponte. Love that ponte! But I know that as the weather warms up again in Australia it will change to linen...
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your vow. I am seriously considering making a similar one.
Please enter me in the giveaway! I think it's great you are going on a fabric diet. The funny thing is, is that you are now a Fabricholic and an Enabler. LOL. That's okay. None of us mind.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
Wow Carolyn, this is impressive. And good luck to you, Fabric Fasts are hard. Especially for self proclaimed addicts. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love sewing with natural fibres - cotton, silk, linen. Anything plastic makes me ithcy!
Thanks for the very generous giveaway.
Having just packed up my stash for the big move, I certainly understand your dilemma. I still can't resist the thrill of a free fabric lottery, because I love aging fabric like fine wine until I figure out what it wants to be. I love knits, but am trying to sew more of my women's. Good luck with your fabric fast!
ReplyDeleteI'm in! Anything to help a fabricaholic, I'm an aspiring one :) I live in Australia and an happy to pay postage too. I love vintage fabrics anything in a natural fibre cotton, silk, rayon take your pick. And good luck with your fabric diet!
ReplyDeleteI'm not laughing...even True Fabricaholics can survive a 5-month fast! You can do it, and what better way to commit than to have a monthly giveaway!
ReplyDeleteDarn tootin' I'm joining this one lol! Thanks doll :)
I'd love to toss my name into the jar! how exciting! I've been on a fabric hold for a while now, mostly because i realized that I was purchasing fabric because sometimes when I couldn't sew, I liked to dream of projects I would do. So, i vowed that instead of dreaming, I would start doing. Still working on the doing part, but I'm getting there!
ReplyDeleteI want to enter! I've lived in Vietnam for 2 years will move back stateside next week. I've bought fabric like crazy; it is full of clothing factories, and some places sell fabric by the kilo (2.2 lbs.) instead of by the yard. My stash is huge, but the packers just left and I won't see fabric til it arrives 3 - 4 months later by boat. Pls send faille (not sure exactly what it is so getting some would help) or crepe (they don't sell it here!) I love your blog! I am signing up to Google just to enter.
ReplyDeleteI'm in too, what a fantastic idea Carolyn. My favourite fabric to sew is linen, I have a blog, and also live in Australia. Happy to contribute to costs if I win a fabric draw. I have been an attentive follower of your blog for a few years and have learnt LOTS from you! My stash is small as there are very limited fabric shops here - winning some from USA would be just wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteplease put my name into the jar, too.
I' m new to sewing and would love to get a jump start with a few of your fabrics :-) I live in Germany and would also contribute to the shipping costs if I win.
Have a nice day,
Gabi
Oh Caroline, I always *squeee* with excitement when you post a new make, your fabric choices are always inspired.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be put into your draw - I am from the land of Aus(tralia), and postage isn't cheap, so if you should pull me from your hat I'll pay the post :)
Love your work - and best of luck with your focus on your stashtacular stash for the next five months.
I would love to help tidy up your stash a bit! When my kids think I have lots of fabric I show them your supply. I've only just starting sewing again after 10 years or so off, so my supply is limited. The fabrics I like sewing the best are knits, everything from ITY jersey to ponte. Happy to contribute to postage to Australia too.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy to help with your endeavor. :) There is still space in my fabric boxes and I'm trying to change that. ;)
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the fabric fast, New Year shopping will be so much more fun once you've not done it for a while.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be entered in the draw please.
I love the term fabric diet! I'm a reborn sewer after a few years off with small kids so am slowly building my own fabric stash, I would love to be entered into your draw - thanks. Thanks also for your great blog, I look forward to reading it each time you do a new update. Love Gemma Howarth x
ReplyDeleteI visit your blog regularly for inspiration and knowledge. Learnt how to alter sleeves. I have big biceps, short body, huge behind and and and. LOL. For my part of the world (Namibia) the most suitable fabric would be cotton because of the heat.
ReplyDeleteOMG this is the best give away ever!! You are a Sewing Goddess and I would feel so privileged to sew fabric from your collection. I live in Australia, but if I'm lucky enough to win, I'll have it sent to my parents in Nova Scotia. Cheaper shipping, and I go there every year.
ReplyDeleteSo happy to help you to cure your fabric addiction. Of course count me in!!! What a generous giveaway thanks for it.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will be crossing your fingers that my name doesn't come out of the jar, but please include me in your giveaway. I know you have some gorgeous fabrics that I'd love to give a home too. Your revamped sewing studio really does look a bright and inspiring place to work.
ReplyDeleteThank you for opening this up to the world. I am in New Zealand and would love to have my name pulled out of your jar. I am sure your fabrics are far more luscious than the type I can get here
ReplyDeleteOops I got so excited I posted my comment before seeing your last paragraph, I think my favourite fabrics are knits.
ReplyDeleteWTH! Don't put my name in the hat but I applaud your efforts and generosity!
ReplyDeleteI am also a fabriholic, but I am willing to help you out and take some off your hands.
ReplyDeleteI almost could believe the magnitude of your fabric stash when you had to move it. - I was so gobsmacked! Although there is nothing better than buying a nice piece of fabric :). I like to sew with cotton sateen, jersey knit, demin, twill and I always love a good eyelet :-). Thanks so much for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your posts on your fabric collection with interest. You say you like the idea of being able to get up in the night and know you will be able to sew anything and have everything to hand. Interesting...I am the complete opposite. I maintain only a small stash and hate the idea of having unused fabric lying around. I buy new notions for every project as needed. But hey, each to their own right? I would love to take some of that fabric off your hands :-) so count me in.
ReplyDeleteYou can do it!!! When you get the emails from Fabric Mart just DELETE them without opening! Good luck
ReplyDeleteIt is probably best to block as emails that relate to fabric buying and never go to anywhere that sells fabric ever. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteYou have such an incredible stash - hope you enjoy diving into it! I'd love to be included in the jar - and my favourite fabric is silk anything! :)
ReplyDeleteKathryn (Ireland)
Wow...this is so generous. Please count me in.
ReplyDeleteYou can do this...and you'll have some lovely garments to show for it.
I very seldom enter anything, but would love some of your fabric. You have great taste. I work with a lot of ponte for the winter.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn in Oviedo, Fl
Your sewing room looks great. I look forward to your next designer-inspired dresses. You are a brave sewist to cease and desist fabric purchases....I feel the lure of the Internet far too easily to resist new stash.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea! Not only will it help you regain control of the stash, you're also choosing to share and make other people happy :) Love it!
ReplyDeleteI'm in.
Good luck with your challenge Carolyn, I hope you can make it! I would be glad to help you making some room on your shelves, so yes, put me in the jar, please :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
OlgaS
Enjoy shopping the stash for a while - your fabric collections looks and sounds very impressive. Get stuck into some projects and
ReplyDeleteI am sure the time will fly by.
ah, you have seen the light! Too much fabric can be overwhelming :) Very generous of you to give some of your babies away. I think I like wool best of all. Very forgiving. Good luck with your fast and hopefully the withdrawal symptoms aren't too hard.
ReplyDeleteI wish you well on your fabric fast... buying and owning fabric is lovely until it overwhelms you... good on you for drawing a line. However I am still happy to share your bounty so would love to be included in your draw! :)
ReplyDeleteim happy to help - good luck!
ReplyDeleteI applaud your efforts! I'll make sure the fabric has a loving home :-)
ReplyDeleteAlthough my stash is not as large as yours, I, too, have been trying not to buy more until I sew mine down...but I am happy to help you reduce your stash. Lovely giveaway, Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI have decided to hang my fabric over hangers in a closet. Somehow I feel that they are more visible that way. But I had to take some of them to the attic when the rail in the closet looked like it could collapse any minute. Now I change not only my clothes in my closet according to the seasons - I also drag fabric up and down the stairs to the attic. But if I can help you out - count me in!
ReplyDeleteDalene
I love looking at the pictures of your stash, please enter my name into the drawing. Good luck with the fabric diet.
ReplyDeleteAre you in, you ask? Of course, I love give ways and cannot imagine turning down fabric. So include me in you give away jar.
ReplyDeleteI would love to help out by being added to the jar. :) I am a relatively new sewist and am experimenting with as many different fabrics as possible. My favorites so far are linen and voile but I do love a good double knit as well. Good luck with your fabric diet!
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the jar please!
ReplyDeleteHow could any self-respecting fabric hoarder NOT throw their hat into the ring for this giveaway?! Your plan sounds smart and amazingly generous. Even though your collection is a little out of control, it's wonderful how much pleasure it has brought you and us, your readers, over the years.
ReplyDeleteOh dear! I hope Satan owns some long underwear, cause his home town just got chilly! LOL
ReplyDeleteCount me in for your giveaway!
LOL, I was not surprised to see that after only a few hours the comment section is loaded. I'm currently living overseas and the only way for me to get anything is Fedex and it is not cheap. I could have you send it to one of my parents house in the States but I' not sure when I'll get it and be able to post it to my blog. If this is okay please enter my name as well.
ReplyDeleteI just started sewing 3 mo this ago and I would love to receive new fabric!
ReplyDeleteThank uni!
I think this is fabulous that you are SERIOUSLY trying to exhaust what's in your stash. I've been doing something similar since January. Admittedly a slip up here and there but certainly not making purchases like I was at one time. You can do it Carolyn, YOU CAN DO IT! And you're off to a great start.
ReplyDeleteOh my. This is a drastic move for you. I applaud your decision to reduce the size of your stash. I will join in your fabric diet and will not accumulate anymore fabric (with the exception of fabric I may win in a giveaway).
ReplyDeleteMy favourite fabric to sew and wear is silk noil, second favourite is linen, third would be a drapey rayon.
You can do this Carolyn. ♥
Thank you for sharing your treasures with us.
ReplyDeleteUnsubscribe from all fabric websites for the time you have pledge not to buy fabric that way you won't be tempted to buy new fabric. Hope you make it!
I'm in! Sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteThat is a very challenging task you have ahead of you. But at least it is only 5 months and you still have your monthly Mood project. I am trying to also not purchase any new fabric and use what I have. It is not an easy thing to do. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteI don't need more fabric but I can't stop myself from entering!
ReplyDeleteMy fabric favorite: linen
Of course, I'd like my name in the jar to help Carolyn reduce the stash. I seldom meet a fabric that I don't like. By a slight margin, my favorite fabric in ponte knit. I imagine that you will post when the withdrawal symptoms get painful. I'll be reading and be a part of the support group.
ReplyDeleteI'm in =)
ReplyDeletethank you! it's very generous of you !
Happy to help you reduce your collection. Enjoy sewing with knits - Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWho wouldn't love fabric from the great Carolyn's stash? ;-)
ReplyDeleteFavorite fabrics: cotton lawn, linen, and ponte knit.
Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteA fabric fast is difficult, but I'm sure you can do it. My husband teases me about my stash and I often think I should try harder to get it under control, but the dreams that go along with a fabric purchase are so sweet and wonderful. I love most fabrics, but I am currently loving cottons and ponte for dresses. Please count me in for the drawing, as I have often admired your stash. Thanks for sharing your sewing life with all of us.
Sueann
I am overflowing with yarn the way you are with fabric. Recently I shared some of my yarn and the space felt so good.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your "fabric diet". You can do it and how generous of you to giveaway some of your stash. Thanks for the opportunity to enter.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who is still developing their stash, I would love to work with some of the fabrics you've acquired over time.
ReplyDeleteRight now, my favorite is definitely knits. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteFunny, but lately I've been thinking perhaps I should un-subscribe from the e-mail I get from various fabric companies so that I'm not tempted by their wonderful offers! I'd love to have a piece of fabric from your collection and my favorites are wovens in natural fibers. Right now I'm on a linen binge! Thank you for the opportunity!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck with the no new purchases pledge :o) I would be happy to assist in your de-stash and would welcome anything you send should I be lucky enough to win one month :o) my own purchases are not always very wise so your experienced choice would be a great learning curve x
ReplyDeleteOh what a pledge! I really do hope you manage to keep it! And such a generous giveaway to accompany it. It would lovely to be in the jar :)
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn, I'm in. I am a bit of a pattern collector. I am in Toronto. Sounds like a great plan!
ReplyDeleteI am starting to sew again after 40 years and I am trying to build a fabric stash, so I throw my name into the jar. Thanks for sharing. Cindy Nance
ReplyDeleteMy favorite fabric to work with is woven- i love the predictability of it. No shifting or stretching. That being said, I am trying to branch out and use more knits.
ReplyDeleteI applaud your self challenge to buy no more fabric the next 5 months. Hopefully "shopping your stash" will give you your "fix". :)
You have such great taste in fabric--I'd be honored to even touch your stash. I hope I win!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this generous offer! valeriec(at)inlandwireless.com
Carolyn, I am in! Not because I need the fabric, because you know how I feel about stashes. ;-) But I want to help you! You're taking a bold step here and I support you!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in. I can't tell you what is my favorite fabric to sew because I have not sewn that many, there are many I would like to try. I always enjoy seeing your creations!
ReplyDeleteI'm in! I adore you and your fabric collection. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou are so generous! Thanks for the contest!
ReplyDeleteYou are a brave and generous woman to give away so much fabric. I sometimes think I need to start a blog so I can give away some of my overflowing stash. I absolutely love the process of acquiring new fabric--poring over pictures on the internet, ordering, and then receiving a box of lovely possibilities in the mail. I certainly don't NEED more fabric, but I love it. I'd be honored to throw my name into your jar. You have such wonderful taste, I'm sure your selections will be wonderful. Navy blue is my favorite color--so dark blue fabrics would be my choice.
ReplyDeletePlease put my name in the jar. BTW, I think you sewing room looks awesome now. I tend to hang on to things, so when I send things to freecycle or Goodwill, I try to view it space creation rather than loosing something.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun way to "trim" down. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your fabric fast. Your sewing space looks great now--I hope you can keep it that way! With as much fabric as you have, I imagine you make new discoveries every time you go through it!I don't work in the corporate world, but I did go back, to work in Jan after 13 years at home, and find that my old stash doesn't meet my new work needs.
ReplyDeleteWow this is so exciting.
ReplyDeleteI vowed not to buy fabric for 1 month last year. It took me 5 tries to finally make it. You can do it. Stay strong.
I am thrilled at the chance to win fabric from your stash. I drool when I see your wonderful collection.
Thanks
Best of luck with your goal Carolyn. I'm cheering you on. And I'd love to take four pieces off your hands. Thanks for being so generous.
ReplyDeleteI will gladly help you trim down your fabric stash. Count me in the drawing. Is there such as thing as FA? (Fabrics Anonymous)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite fabric to sew with is knits, helps fit issues, machine washable, wrinkles fallout by themselves, seam finishing optional, need I say more.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your fabric 'diet'
I'll toss my name in. I love reading your blog (even if I'm terribly about commenting anywhere). Not that my own fabric shelves aren't creaking...but so much fun!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your fabric diet. I did that and it was hard. The only fabric that came in was for client sewing.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite fabric is any kind but I do love tweeds.
I would be delighted to help you ease your fabric stash problem. Any of your beautiful fabrics would be absolutely wonderful, but since you ask, I really love natural fabrics.
ReplyDeleteWhat a kind,generous offer! I would love to win some fabric! Seeing pictures of your fabric collection always makes me drool!
ReplyDeleteOoh, how I love your fabric. Not that my fabric stash isn't more than big enough, but still...
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be entered into your giveaway.
Oh! What fun! Please count me in. I'm Canadian but have a Maine post office service address. Believe me . You would not want to pay Canadian postal service charges!!! Thank you so much for this, Carolyn
ReplyDeleteWow. We all win in this one (except maybe the fabric stores!). Good luck with the resolution. I'm excited about the opportunity to win some of your fabric. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteVictoriaR
I think my last entry got messed up. I'm not trying to double dip, but I would love to be entered into your very generous fabric giveaway. (Not that I need more fabric, but still...)
ReplyDeleteYou have been such an inspiration to me. I have not sewn since my children were little. I SHOULD be making my clothes because I am hard to fit. I have my sewing area set up and I am ready to dive back in to sewing. Thanks for the great ideas! Please put my name in the jar.
ReplyDeleteOMG!! this is an amazing giveaway! I wish i had the funds to create a fabric stash even remotely close to yours. Its extremely nice to give away so much fabric! i dont know if, after investing sooo much money into my fabric stash, to give it away. Maybe there is somewhere you could donate the fabric as well. For example the "Skirting the Issue" series i just read on another blog where they donated skirts to girls in need.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the oppertunity
Carolyn I have always admired your eye for selecting the perfect fabrics. You are a brave one to be going on a fabric buying hiatus(don't think I could do it). Please count me in!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck on your fabric diet!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you will pull out of your amazing stash for your next five month of sewing and of course for the giveaways!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to enter the giveaway! You have one of the most awesome sewing rooms/stashes EVER! Thanks for sharing the wealth! :D
ReplyDeleteI know you can do it! But OMG what a wonderful thing for the lucky winners!
ReplyDeletePatty
Oh, Carolyn. What a quest you're going on! I'm very impressed. I don't think I could do it. :)
ReplyDelete"The Carolyn collection" is famous on the internet due to your generosity with other bloggers. And you've got fabulous taste. I'd love to enter! My favorite fabric to sew with is rayon/lycra jersey.
Good luck! I'll cross my fingers for you for the five months!
I love reading your blog. I would love to be a winner. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteRuty
I would be honored to help you in your stashbusting project, and so I'm throwing my name in the jar. lol
ReplyDeleteRight now my favorite fabric to work on is wool coating. It is very forgiving and nothing is a cozy as a beautiful handmade wool coat. I'm experimenting right now with some silk crepe de chine, which is lovely, so my favorite fabric may be changing soon.
Love your blog and the new sewing cave is inspirational. Happy sewing!
I believe you. My stash is out of control, and I refuse to move it from NJ to Florida, so all of my holiday presents will be made from my stash, and I'm looking for charities that can use fabrics for sewing, not to dump into a scrap bin. I hope that I have your resolve. Brava.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great and generous idea. Please add my name to the jar! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteTo be a winner of a morsel of the 'Carolyn Collection' is beyond fabulous. Thank you for making this possible for myself and others.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, you are a woman after my own heart. I, too, am a Fabricoholic and have bins and bins I have not been able to see or touch for months since we moved. I am waiting for my new sewing room [a converted shed] to be completed before I can get to my stuff. I would love to be included in your giveaway. I love your style and your fabric choices are what I would choose myself. Good luck with your challenge; you have spurred me on to not buy anything myself till Jan. 1st 2014.
ReplyDeleteOooh me, me! Oh wait, I also have more fabric than I know what to do with. Oh well, I'm sure I could find space for 4 more pieces...
ReplyDeleteI was so proud of myself yesterday! I went to Hancock's Fabrics and made it out of the store with only 4 spools of thread. And a packet of 100 hand needles that was sitting on the counter. But still, everything I bought could fit in my purse and cost under $15.
My favorite fabric in the summer is linen, especially the linen/rayon blends. I love the way the rayon gives the fabric drape while the linen fibers give it stability. These fibers are the most comfortable in summer! Well, also cotton/silk blends, for the same reason. I love them both. Also knits. And did I mention sweater knits? Oh gosh, I feel a trip to my favorite online fabric stores coming on... Stop me before I buy again!
Seriously, Carolyn, I have learned so much and gotten such inspiration from reading your blog. I don't comment as often as I should, but I read you almost every day. Thank you for continuing to put yourself out there. I know it must be hard sometimes, and a tremendous amount of work. Thank you.
Wow- you are so brave to give up fabrics from your collection! I would love to be one of the winners; my stash is dismal. Like you, I love working with Ponte, I'm jealous of the great prints you find it in!
ReplyDeletePlease enter my name in the jar! Thank you for having this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a wonderful idea, Carolyn! I know how much you love buying fabric, but I also know how sad it is to have a stash that is too big to use. Good for you to putting a stop to the consumption, at least for a few months! I did the same thing a couple of years ago - albeit, my reasons were slightly different.. I did have a neverending stash of fabric, but I also had debt to pay off, which meant no new purchases until the balance was $0! Not only did I pay off the debt (WOOHOO!!), cutting off the indulgences really helped me re-asses why I was buying so much stuff/fabric in the first place. I'm much more mindful of my purchases these days (well, ok, maybe not so much while I was in NY - but I had a PLAN! And a budget ;) and I've used almost all that fabric at this point!).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I think this is a great idea for you. I can't wait to see what you unearth from your collection to sew up! You have such great taste, I just know your whole stash is killer.
Please put my name in the jar - I want the chance to have a little piece of your stash! :) Oh, and to answer your question - well, you already know the answer ;) My favorite fabric to work with is wool crepe! I'm so happy you convinced me to give it a go during the summer, now I can sew and wear it year-round! Yay!
Please add me to the Jar. I have recently starting sewing again for myself - my job recently took a "need to look more professional" in responsibilities and I love your look. Thanks for doing this.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, that is a wonderful idea. I'm commenting because I am applauding your decision to scale back rather than because I want more fabric as I have enough already. But I am looking forward to your next several month's posts. I'm trying to whittle down my stash as well and it is nowhere near yours. Don't enter my name in the draw but I had to give you a vote of approval. You go girl.
ReplyDeleteTheresa in Tucson
I would love to be a part of this giveaway, altough my husband probably would prefer me to give away my own fabric stash;). I love to sew garments in wool, since it's mostley cold up here in the north:). I really wish you the best of luck with your fabric diet!
ReplyDeleteWow! I would love to receive some of your fabric. you have great taste! I love hour sewing gusto.
ReplyDeleteYou are stronger than I am, my stash isn't huge but I don't think that I could part with any of it. Good luck de-stashing, I am sure that we are going to see some beautiful creations coming from you with just stash fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI'm in! I love the fabrics you purchase. Good luck with your challenge. You can do it! Thanks for including all of us in your challenge!
ReplyDeleteOh I am so IN! Glad to help and thank you so much for hosting this giveaway
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I totally support your decision. I made the same pledge last year, and I'm so glad I did. You go, girl!
ReplyDeleteHi, I'v been making my way through your entire blog and read with amazement the lovely pieces you make. I am so impressed with what you do. I used to make some items many many years ago (before my children came along). Now I want to try my hand at it again. I have just bought some lovely cotton lawn and have cut my dress pieces out - I think that is the scariest part, making the first cut.
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping this weekend to make some headway on it.
Anyway I'd love to be included in the giveaway. I live in Scotland and would happily contribute to the cost of shipping if I win.
Thanks for giving me the motivation to try it again :))
Ellie
how fun, I would love to receive something that you chose. and based on what you have shown in the past I think you will have no problem sewing from the stash. Lots of inspiration there I imagine.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I'd love to enter the "jar." Please and thank you.
ReplyDeleteAs for a favorite fabric. I'm not sure I have one yet, having only recently switched from sewing diapers to clothes for me. So for now I'll say anything that's not children's flannel or PUL!
You can do it! And I can help. ;-) Thanks for another great give away.
ReplyDeleteI am one that reads often and hardly ever comments - ummmm, sorry. But a chance to dip into your fabric stash with your impeccable eye for texture and color and all your creativity. YES, PLEASE!!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I would love to support your 5 month fabric diet! Please add me to the giveaway jar. Whether I'm selected or not, it's certain that your fabric will go to someone who will appreciate it. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteJen
Carolyn, Please don't put my name in the jar... I have enough for a year or two.
ReplyDeleteBut I want to say that I love your thought process and I'll drop by often to see how you are doing and to offer support and encouragement if needed. You go girl, and I'm rooting for you! You can totally do this!
I started a no-buy journey this year and lasted 5 full months.. before I crashed and burned in June due to stress AND the lack of certain type of fabrics in my stash (knit fabrics with lycra) that I want to sew right now. But now that I have acquired enough to keep sewing that I'll be going back on my fast come August. So I'll join you on this fast as well! Another 5 months. I can do this.
I would love to enter the giveaway. I also have been on a fabric diet for more than a year, as my shelves are bursting also. If I can do it, so can you. Thank you for your knowledge and generosity!
ReplyDeleteGood for you Carolyn! It is so hard to stop buying when we have a passion - there is always something new to try or a great sale. YOU CAN DO IT! Thanks for giving me a chance to win some of your stash.
ReplyDeleteOh boy oh boy. Yes please.
ReplyDeletePick me! Pick me! Pick me!
ReplyDeleteYou are very generous! It is so hard to not have pretty new fabric coming into your stash.
thanks for the opportunity to own Carolyn approved fabric.
Good for you! I am at the beginning stages of fabric collection so I would love to be entered to increase my own stash whilst decreasing yours. Win-win!
ReplyDeleteI am so envious of your resolve. And of your organized space. I have hopes of emulating your organized space, with all your fabric (well MUCH of your fabric available and accessible. I fall into the trap of getting more because of two reasons - one, it's such fun to shop for fabric and two, I can't lay my hands upon what I thought that I had! But if I win, I will be happy to add a bit more and maybe that will push me to actually do the organizing, rather than think about it!
ReplyDeleteYou can do it! Breaking a habit seems so hard until you're really concentrating on it, and once you're really committed it's usually not as bad as you thought! I am a quick project kind of girl, so knits are my favorite fabric of choice. One of these days I'm going to invest in some awesome bamboo knits, but right now it's usually cheap poly knits. :p
ReplyDeleteI'd love to help out by having my name put in the jar :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck on keeping your pledge!!
I'm always up for a contest, but here's the deal - I just ordered more bins to rearrange my own fabric stash, and I wonder if I'm almost in the same boat!
ReplyDeleteCount me in! Always ready to help a fellow fabric lover. *smile*
ReplyDeleteDenise
Oh Carolyn, this is hard!! I do the same thing, and then I fall off the wagon every now and then. That's why I work so hard to sew things up when I do make a fabric purchase (you saw how fast I sewed my last Fabric Mart purchase!!)
ReplyDeleteYour room looks amazing! Congrats on having all that work done. I know it was a huge task. Now that you get back to your usual high productivity, you will sew that stash down!! Good Luck!!
I am starting to acquire a stash of my own, but I would love to enter my name in your giveaway. I guess my favorite fabrics are knits, although there are uses for just about all of them:) I am interested to see what you will come up with in the next five months. Sometimes limitations really spark creativity.
ReplyDeleteAs everybody, also I would like to support Your fabric diet and to help to reduce Your stock. Good luck with it, this is not going to be easy...
ReplyDeleteOh, I do understand. I'm sort of new to the sewing thing (been meddling with it for years, but only recently started seriously learning everything I can) but have been a jewelry maker for 20+ years, and keep finding stashes of beads here and there from my recent move! Please enter me in your give-away. I love linen and linen blends, as well as rayon and cotton. Pretty much any fabric that lets me breathe! Scared of knits but thinking about trying them.
ReplyDeleteI think you're gonna need a bigger jar ...
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun, count me IN!
BetsyV
Wow, that is an amazing commitment! Good Luck! Maybe after a few weeks it will feel like shopping because you will have so much choice in your stash. I think the Mood project will really help you because you'll still be able to buy some fabric.
ReplyDeleteWhat a generous giveaway! Count me in! After years of moving around I don't have much of a stash. I do love wool blends though......very hard for me to pass them by even when the money should be going to other things. :-)
Kathleen T- From Kansas! (there are a lot of Kathleens......)
This is such a great idea! I've managed to keep my fabric stash down to one shelf so far, but that had not been easy :-) my favorite fabric is linen, but I haven't really met a fabric I didn't like.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Carolyn and I would love to help you clear out some of your fabric! ;)
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I must say, I never thought I would see this day. It must be serious, and you are very brave to go public! Kudos!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely count on it! I am a fabric addict even when I don't have time to sew. I love soft pontes the best, too...
ReplyDeleteHi--I love wool and silk but have never done much with knits. Good luck with not buying more fabric. Some of us have to reach out and touch (and then buy)!
ReplyDeleteI'm on a fabric fast as well, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't accept free fabric! Knit fabrics are my weakness. So easy to fit and sew!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness girl, you have quite the following! No surprise though, as I love your blog.
ReplyDeletePlease add me to your drawing jar. How exciting seeing the posts that will come as a result of your sharing ways.
Good luck with your challenge! I'd love to enter the giveaway - I really want to start sewing with knits, but I don't have any yet, so that would be a good start :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on this challenge...having more space is important for your creativity and sanity! I'm slowly branching out from cottons and polyester to challis and recently used a rayon/bamboo blend that was fantastic! I'm challenging myself to do more sewing over the next 6 months because some "basics" are still challenging for me (e.g. set-in sleeves, fitting pants, making pattern adjustments). Hopefully my wardrobe will improve as a result! Thanks so much for all your blog posts...they're really helpful and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your challenge! I bet you will have lots of fun "shopping" from your stash, and will find lots of treasures that will inspire you! I would love to put my name into the jar. :) I love sewing with knits, especially making knit dresses, but I would accept any kind of fabric. :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Carolyn. I prefer natural fibers over man-made :-)
ReplyDeleteI hope you are able to keep your wits about you for the next five months and decrease your beautiful stash. My fabric of choice at this moment is linen.
ReplyDeleteOh- may the strength of many gods be with you!! It would be impossible for me to pick a favorite fabric- wool crepe or cotton seersucker or lawn or modal... You are generous and eloquent! Thank you for your thoughtful blog!
ReplyDelete-Kimbersew
This is an amazing idea!!! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteI'm in! As if I need more fabric, LOL! Good luck to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm a girly-girl and I love the swirl and drape I get from dresses and skirts I've made using rayon challis.
ReplyDeleteI, too, have reached my fabric storage limit. Doesn't mean I don't still fondle new fabric whenever I get the chance, though! I think I'll put myself on probation and purchase no more fabric, other than linings, until the end of the year.
I'm rooting for you....pls enter me in the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteGet busy quilting. Everybody should get nice Christmas presents from you this year. I love scrappy quilts so your donation is welcome.
ReplyDeleteYou caught me at a perfect moment to receive 'grab-bag' fabric. I live in cotton interlock tees and jeans but just yesterday decided it is time to expand my wardrobe horizon. I'd love to make things from anything other than wool (I'm allergic). Think I might like long, flowing dresses. They look so comfy, especially here in the hot south.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, I know what you mean about too much fabric. I just cannot resist it yet. I love the the way it feels in my hand. I have it bad.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, I think you made a wise decision. I am only sewing one and a half year now and I have a tiny sewing space, but I already have several plastic bins full of fabric- that clearly exceeds my sewing capacity. So, I also have an issue with that. I definitely support you in your pledge!
ReplyDeleteI would love to help you declutter a tiny portion of your magnificent fabric stash! I'm sure mine would be as large if I lived any closer to your marvelous city ;-)
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, having uncut fabric means it has many possibilities - I think that is what paralyzes me sometimes in using my stash. However, that doesn't stop me from hoping I win some of your stash!
ReplyDeleteI especially love knits - you certainly have sewed some beautiful knit pieces, especially the ponte knits.
Oh, wow! That's a big commitment from someone who so clearly loves fabric. I have almost reached capacity, too, but am busy sewing away, so I can hopefully make some room for new pieces!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a generous idea! Thanks so much for all the valuable and interesting information on your blog--I love reading about your adventures. And thanks for the giveaway--I hope I win!
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI've just starting sewing again after years of buying ill fitting, over priced clothing, so would love a little headstart on building a fabric stash. Great idea and I love that you are being generous on top of it.
Thanks!