To stash or not to stash

I have an INSANE amount of fabric. I mean I-N-S-A-N-E. It's really my only vice. I love being able to go out in the garage (you see it won't all fit in the house) and pick out a beautiful piece of fabric and being able to make whatever I'd like in that moment. The problem is I keep finding more fabric that I like. I just purchased 5 yards of this gorg. linen to make a Collette dress for myself. And of course I picked up a few of the DSQ prints from Joann's (only the green and blues...the red seems too much like 4th of July to me), I have tons of precut fabrics and plans in my head. I wish I could sew as fast as I come up with ideas...alas, I don't seem able to manage it.
One of my goals for 2012 and isn't it one every year is to sew from my stash and stop shopping. I'm putting it out there...again. I've been doing better. I've only added a few yards (ok, maybe a few more than a few) to my stash last year, but I did make a point to make many items just from what I already have. That's also bled over into other parts of my life, which is a good thing. Anyway, I've been commissioned by friend and family to make 4 quilts in the new year. I'm making a point to use fabric I already own. I'll be sure to share the results of the stash quilts.

Six week declutter challenge

Ok! This is basically a challenge to myself. My friend and I were talking about the state of our homes and it got me thinking about purging, decluttering, donating, getting rid of stuff...downsizing. Whatever you want to call it, but it got me thinking that it's all too much. So...I've issued a challenge to myself to get control of it. I know that nobody is going to rescue me from this mess...but if I take it in small bits, focusing on a couple areas/week I should be able to make some great strides. So, not wanting to put things off, my week will run from Friday to Thursday and I'm going to start with books and magazines. I will post on freecycle to see if anyone wants them and I will not be concerned about the money I spent. I'll just let it go. So...week 1, bookshelf, books and magazines. I'll post about this again on Thursday and I'll let you know how it went. I think the next week I'm going to focus on the kitchen. I have alot of dishes and tupperware I need to purge as well as cleaning out the pantry. See, I've already got a game plan. This is good!

Small house blues

We've lived in our home for 8 years. We never thought we'd be here this long, we thought this was our starter home...or more accurately my dh thought it would be. Something always told me we should have gotten a home w/4 bedroom and a bit bigger. Anyways, the house is 1700 sf, which is not teeny tiny, but small by the standards of where I live and certainly spatially challenging for a family of six. Most of the times I feel okay living here. I've tried to make it a warm and welcoming home, we've painted and have beautiful hardwoods throughout the downstairs. But, today is one of those days when I have the small house blues. Everything seems too small and cluttered. I admit we have way way way too much stuff. I try, I really do, but even as much as I purge it doesn't seem to make that much of a difference. I've gotten rid of gads of stuff, but I still feel like we need to get rid of 50% more of it. I can't seem to find the time to do it either, and then there's the "what if I need that syndrome". It's my frugality, I can't imagine getting rid of something and then having to buy it all over again when I need it. I just can't wrap my brain around that and I know it's an issue. I'm working hard on that though. I make a point to get rid of something(s) every week or so on freecycle. I try and not think of the end use...just that the stuff is keeping me from achieving my bliss and therefore needs to go.
The constant cleaning is a drag too. I don't mean I don't want to clean my house. I actually don't mind that...what bothers me is that I'm the only soul doing it most of the time. I have to be honest and admit it, my kids are slobs. I've tried every trick to engage and encourage them to pick up after themselves and take pride in their environment. It hasn't worked...I think I must be talking to myself. I find it so odd that someone can be drinking from a cup, finish and just drop it on the floor. UGH! Why would you do that? Anyway...I better stop now, because this is turning into a self pitying rant. I'm just feeling a little small home blues today...I guess I better go clean something.