Let Go of Fear

June 26, 2012 | Comments
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I’ve been thinking a lot about the comments I received from my last post, along with a few emails that were sent to me on the subject as well. The main theme I noticed throughout most of them was fear.

We’re all afraid of something. Whether that be conflict, losing a job, crossing a busy street or simply cutting into a beautiful piece of fabric. Why do we let fear stop us from doing wonderful things? We stay in situations that make us unhappy, we say “yes” when we want to say “no”, and we let the fear in our hearts and our heads paralyze us from moving forward.

I’m not saying that this all has to do with fabric, but I’m saying that finally cutting into the yardage you’ve been saving can be a step forward. Having “things”- that can be fancy dishes, unmarred notebooks, a giant stash of fabric, etc- can mentally burden you, and you don’t even realize it’s happening. Why do you save every last bit of your favorite fabric’s scraps, or keep a pile of plates you only use once a year (yes, I do it too)?  We’re so afraid of not having, as if there will be a drastic change to our lives if you “use up” or get rid of something that’s supposedly precious or considered an important part of your life.

Less is truly more. You have freedom to choose again, and if you’ve used up your stash of fabric, then you aren’t bringing home guilt with those four yards of new linen either. You’ll have finished projects, things to wear and be proud of, rather than the shame of stacks of prints that stare at you from a corner.

So let’s stop paralyzing our creative processes. Let’s let go of fear and worry and excess and use things for their intended purpose. Your projects won’t always be perfect, and you won’t always love it, but that’s okay. If you never even try, you’ll never move forward.

Let go. Start cutting.

These are first fabrics I will be cutting into from my stash, starting TODAY.

If you’re interested in a Use Your Stash challenge, I will happily organize one. I think it will involve coming clean about EVERYTHING in your stash, and then using it up, piece by piece, no matter how old or treasured it may be. I plan on doing this anyways, so if anyone wants to join me, let me know!

  • Perfect timing! I am a teacher and one of my goals for the summer is to USE the thrifted sheets I have been buying instead of saving them for the perfect project. Thanks for the nudge and if you do ?-a-long, count me in!

    • Perfect, Rose! I’m glad you’ll join me. I’m thinking up the challenge and I’ll have something posted soon!

  • Elsa

    I’ve been working on my stash, but it’s not getting any smaller since I keep finding more beautiful pieces. I would love to join you.
    Amy, I’ve been following your blog for a while, I check every day for something new. I love your honesty. I’ve been thinking of starting a blog…trying to find courage.
    Elsa

    • Thank you, Elsa, that’s so sweet! I’m glad you want to join in too. I think I’ll be posting the challenge steps in about a week, to give others more time to debate whether they have what it takes to finally cut into their stashes.

      I do my best to be honest, and I’m glad you enjoy stopping by here. It’s hard to really find and use your true voice on a blog, but once you do, it’s so much easier to write. Go for it- I want to hear what you have to say!

  • This is so me! When I have a day to myself I get nothing done, because I can’t make up my mind where to start. Should I make something new? Should I alter that dress? Maybe sort my fabrics again, for the tenth time! And I end up doing nothing instead, just wasting the day & then I get angry with myself for not being productive :/
    Sometimes I feel like just getting rid of everything, fabrics, beads & other crafting supplies. But there is always that nagging feeling in the back of my head, that it will all be useful for something in the future. So I guess I’m trying to say I’d love to join a Use Your Stash challenge 🙂

    • Oh, Jennie! We are TWINS! I have totally considered getting rid of my entire stash and starting over. Sometimes it sounds so much easier, even though it’d be a terrible idea. I’m glad you’re on board for the Use Your Stash Challenge as well!

  • Dee

    This really hit home for me. Constantly saving something for “good” or for the “perfect” use and then stuff just keeps piling up, taking up space, to the point of sometimes thinking getting rid of it all would be so much easier. While I don’t sew, I knit and have a yarn stash that takes up too much room. I am the same way with beautiful notebooks and cards. Thanks for a bit of inspiration – I’m going to focus on actually using things – moving forward to let more good stuff in!

    • I think it’s something that we all do, whether we realize it or not. For some people, they collect books they’ll never read, other people collect yarn and fabric that would take a lifetime to use up. I’ve almost considered setting up a swap, where we all send someone else a package of things we love but will probably never have the heart to use up. I think it could be very liberating! Good for you, Dee, for using what you have! Would you post a photo of your stash?

  • Nessa

    So, is it done?

    • Almost! Sorry for the delay in posting the challenge, Nessa- it’s been a week full of important deadlines. It will be up this afternoon!

      • Nessa

        Amy
        I see you have got serious! But still no cutting ….
        um, you mean I have to weigh all that?
        okay I’ll take some pics

        • Oh, I read your comment wrong! Yes, I did write up the challenge, but I also cut into my fabric! I’ll show it to you tomorrow when I show you how to weigh projects.

          I think that weighing everything is good because it also makes you go thru everything you have. There was so much I’d forgotten about, that I now have plans for. Hopefully you’ll find some treasures in there!

  • AmberC

    I have to ask….what is that beautiful blue flower print in the bottom picture???

    • Hi, Amber! That’s actually a bottomweight from Joann’s. It has the most beautiful drape, and even though it was priced a bit high (considering Joann’s usual prices) I had to have some. I’m going to make a 1960s inspired dress out of it. I found the link to it for you here: Seaside Blue Floral Sateen

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