Decisions, Decisions

June 14, 2012 | Comments
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This is what my drafting table looks like right now.

I have wasted so many days by not being able to make a decision of what to start and make. I get everything out, sit and think, rearrange the stacks, and then stare at them until I put them away. Honestly, it kind of paralyzes my creativity, having this many choices. I’m so worried about making the perfect design choice for each of these fabrics, that I never cut into them. This pile includes some of the softest cottons, voiles and knits I’ve ever found. What if I regret a choice I make about something as dumb as closures, sleeves, or design details, and then “use up” the fabric, only to not love it and never wear it? I’ve had some of these fabrics in my “make that next” pile for about two years.

I tell you, it’s exhausting being this neurotic. Please tell me someone else does this too…

  • i feel your pain! i do the same thing all the time. i’ve got fabric out the wazoo, yet i’m not making a dent in the stock…a prisoner of my own indecision! but hey, i’m lovin that blue floral to the right in those stacks! see, i can’t bear to use what i’ve got and i’m still wanting yours!
    take care!
    debra

    • Haha! I actually got that at Joann’s- not that I should be encouraging you to go get it (BUT IT’S SO SOFT)! Should we start up some sort of “Use Your Stash” Challenge? What would it take for you to cut into your favorite yardage?

      • sorry so late in responding…busy, busy, busy! yeah, i don’t really need much encouraging to buy fabric, but for me, time is a huge enemy in using up stash. i buy the stuff, cuz that doesn’t take much time, and i think, “when i’ve got some time, i’ll sew that up”, and then it just never happens! that, plus the indecision! argh!!!
        take care!
        debra

        • I know what you mean! I was all fired up after my last post, ready to cut into in my fabric. I have a pattern all ready, the fabric pre-washed and ready to go, and then life steps in. I almost feel like I need a vacation before I’ll be able to these things done! Of course, who knows how much time I’d spend on that vacation debating which project to start… 😉

  • Michelle

    Yes. Absolutely!

    • Yessss! I’m not the only hoarder! 😉

  • Lynn

    I just made pillows and covered a day bed with beautiful fabric I purchased 18 years ago. I couldn’t cut into it until I had the perfect project! The day bed had been a 12 year project tucked in the garage. My husband called my bluff and set the bed up in the porch this spring so I had no choice but to figure it out! And yeah…it looks great:)

    • EIGHTEEN YEARS AGO?! That is some fabric-saving dedication! Makes me think that I should keep saving and planning… but I need clothes! I’d hate to go out and buy something when I have everything right here to make what I need! I love that your husband made you finish your project though- it’s too bad Rob would have no idea where to start to make me sew up a few dresses and shirts.

  • Abby

    Wow. Yes, totally yes. I am new to your blog, and loving this post. I have this problem, too! I adore fabric and will buy it on the spot if it speaks to me. But, much like drawing on a brand new piece of delicious and expensive paper, I just cannot bring myself to “spoil” it’s perfection. It’s so silly! So, I am all for a “Use Your Stash” challenge.

    • Ha- thanks! It seems most of us crafty women have some kind of hoarding problem. I figured I’d better be honest about it for once! It is the hardest thing for me to see a fabric I love and not buy it. What if it’s not there the next time, and I need it?! I’m trying to be better about using what I have, but IT’S SO HARD TO CUT. Ugh. I’ll see what I can come up with for a “Use Your Stash” challenge. Thanks, Abby!

  • Nessa

    Oh, I am so familiar with this game, my table looks very much the same – it is paralysing .
    What if I waste this amazing fabric? What if, what if and then what if I put this with this and then it looks fabulous but then, how about I wait until morning in case I could use another fabric that I care a little less about! Terrible …
    Oh Lynn, I have fabric I picked up from thrift stores longer than 18 years ago, how pathetic is that? Could’ve made some very cute skirts for my girls but they are too big now. ummm let’s start using it.
    Nessa

    • It IS paralyzing! In all honesty, I still haven’t cut into this stuff, but in my defense I’ve been finishing up sewing jobs so that I can. So that’s it- I’m instituting a Use Your Stash challenge! I’ll figure out the details tomorrow and get something posted. So go thru your stash Nessa, because now you HAVE TO CUT IT UP! Eeek!

  • Aunt Linda

    If you’d like more to ponder over, Matt swears I’ve got six tubs full in the basement! Anyone who loves fabric collects fabric:)

    • Then the next time I’m home I’m going to raid your basement! You’ve been warned! 😉

      • Aunt Linda

        If you’re brave enough to go into the basement, I’ll be happy to share my stash:)

        • Oh boy. Maybe I should rethink this…

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  • Jim

    Ames,

    Two cents from a professional procrastinator/big dreamer/likely starter/unlikely finisher, just make something. If you hate it, you hate it. If you love it, make another. There will always be fabric. New, old, soft, crappy, etc. Never know if you’ll be happy with the finished product if there never is one. Now go make something awesome!

    • I know you’re totally right, Jim (weird to type, since I never call you that). I like your “never know if you’ll be happy with the finished product if there never is one”. AMEN.

      P.S.- Didn’t you want to learn to sew? I do have some awesome men’s sewing patterns!

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