State of the Stash

Another Slice of Stash

So I've been digging through the stash and thinking about how to shrink it. My fabric and yarn and beads need to fit in a certain space, and that's it. To help me figure this out, let's look at the current state of the stash:

+ On the Plus Side  +

1. Much of my fabric was purchased for specific projects--mostly quilts.So most of it  coordinates.
2. I still like a lot of it (especially if I'm not obsessing about being "modern" and appealing to my swap partner's apparent preferences).
3. Most of it isn't cut, so I'm not commited to my original project ideas.

- On the Minus Side -

1. I have a lot of fabric. And a lot of it has been around--not so modern.
2. I have a few UFOs. These were intended as gifts--not so interesting to me anymore.
3. About half of it reflects past taste & furnishings.

2011 Strategies

1. Finish: Who cares if the intended recipient would no longer be interested? Just get it done and worry about who gets it later. Some of these will be pretty simple to complete.
2. Sort: Keep my stash organized so when I have time to sew, I can sew instead of spin my wheels.
3. Regroup: Let go of my original plans and consider making lots of quick projects like potholders, zipper pouches, shopping bags, etc. This will use up fabric without using up my brain power--instead of my usual modus operandi of obsessing over what to do next.
4. Divest: Feel free to give away anything I don't love--stop wasting time and space with ho hum stuff.

As a rule, in 2011 I will only purchase what I need to complete a project--and then, ONLY after shopping my stash. With one exception: I received a gift certificate to my LQS, and I think I'll get a selection of solids. I  don't have many, and solids will help me feel "modern" with what I have.

How do you keep your stash under control?