Quite a few who have been reporting their efforts at stashbusting have written me to say they were surprised with their numbers. The stash reports have been so useful to me because (1) I know that anything I buy I’m going to have to report and (2) I don’t like having weeks of reporting that I used nothing at all. Sometimes that meant that I had been sewing but the yardage had already been calculated. Some weeks it meant that I hadn’t touched the sewing machine at all! This year wasn’t a normal year for us. Even so, I should have ended the year with a bigger number in the “used” category. The move took a lot of m y time but there were months that Vince was in Texas and I was still in Missouri, with no real responsibilities so I could have sewn more. Look out 2012! And, in the added category, those 25 yards added were yardage bought for two bags that I never made and for Vince’s Texas quilt that I haven’t made yet.
The stash reports aren’t about who has the biggest stash or who adds the most yardage . . it’s simply meant to be a tool for each of us to be a little accountable and to improve in areas where we might need to improve. Even if you have a small stash, it might be enlightening to do a stash report and see where you stand at the end of the year. I have never advocated “no buy”. My main goal is to make quilts. If I need a certain fabric to make a quilt, I’m going to buy it. If I see a fabric I can’t live without, I’m going to buy it . . but I’m not looking very hard for fabrics I can’t live without.`
I pulled some of my previous years stash reports and was kinda surprised at my numbers. 2008 must’ve been the year that I decided I needed to change my ways. Considering what I did in 2008, I did really great in 2009. 2010 was the best year yet as far as net figures but I bought less fabric in 2011 but just didn’t use as much. My numbers may change a bit in the next two weeks but probably not too much. 2012 is going to be my banner year . . few purchases and lots of yardage used. By the end of 2012, I hope that I really need to go shopping.
2008
Fabric added year to date – 633 yards
Fabric used year to date – 435 yards
Net Used to Date – <198> yards
2009
Fabric added year to date – 457 yards
Fabric used year to date – 464.50 yards
Net Used for 2009: 7.50 yards
2010
Fabric added year to date – 195 yards
Fabric used year to date – 572.5 yards
Net Used for 2010: 377.5 yards
2011
Fabric added year to date – 25 yards
Fabric used year to date – 281.25 yards
Net Used for 2011: 256.25 yards
With the stash reports, no one keeps track but you. If you report once a week or once a month or twice a year . . no one cares — just so you’re happy with what you’re doing. Think about joining us in 2012!
Pam says
Just think of how much that stash is worth! Cotton fabric is very pricey to us in the USA, but not to our fellow quilters in other lands.
I’m proud of of my stash. I don’t participate in the reduction and accounting for my fabric, but I do use mainly from the stash.
Glad things are on the move in the great state of Texas, birthplace of my daughter.
Toni says
This year, with your bloggy encouragement, I started tracking my purchases and useages. I did well through September. And as we are now retired I do have to be more frugal. Again, in 2012, I’m going back to tracking. Heck!~ I’ll do it this month too. Thanks for the encouragement. Toni
Joanne H. says
I’m with you Judy about the reason I post stash reports. Since doing these reports, I’ve become more aware of my buying habits and have often thought twice about buying something without a plan in place for using it. It doesn’t mean that I haven’t bought fabric; it’s just that I’ve thought about it more.
The reports have also helped me record my projects (finished and unfinished) and that was something that I really needed to do!
These reports are for me and my use, but there is something to be said for publicly announcing that I bought 10 yards of fabric in a weeks time. Maybe I should use that same logic when it comes to losing weight. Perhaps I should record my weight each week along with my fabric purchases and usage and see if that motivates me. 🙂
Debbie says
I have not participated in the past but I believe I am going to do so in 2012. I have so much fabric and it needs to be used. I do try to use from my stash for projects but sometimes it is harder than it should be. Thanks for encouraging using the stash, Judy. It really is a big help. 🙂
Diana in TX says
I am hoping to get on the bandwagon this coming year too! Definitely way to big of a stash here. Need to pare it down to a more manageable amount.
Lee Ann L. says
I probably should join in because I don’t really need to be spending money or adding to my stash. Plus, we could be adding the money to our car/house funds! But, it isn’t going to be easy because I sure like those 50% off sales on fabrics I really really want!!!! LOL. 🙂
Leah says
I got lost about reporting in the middle of the year – in fact I stopped logging what I was sewing… my sewing journal is empty – but I did some sewing….
Kate says
It’s really about manageing your stash isn’t it. Which was what I needed, a framework to manage the stash. The report helps a lot with that. So I’ll defintely be back in 2012.
Linda in TX says
Okay I feel much better about myself after seeing your 2008 and 2009 “added” numbers; wish I could compete with your “used” numbers. Heck, I’d be happy if I could achieve your 2010 statistics – both of them!
Liz says
I found quilting blogs in late 2008 and joined in the stash reporting in 2009. I also use the reporting for stash management purposes. I am buying things for more specific projects as well as more of the basics and less of the “impulse” buying.
Reporting also got me thinking about quilting (and life) goals as well as better organization of the quilt room and stash closets. Though they still get messy – it’s a more organized mess!
And I’m working on the UFO, slowly but surely, they will get done.
Beth Cunningham says
Judy, you have inspired me to participate in stash reporting. I have tried unsuccessfully to link to the report. You have very kindly sent me an email a few weeks ago with directions but some nasty gremlin erased your directions. would you be able to help figure out what I am doing wrong.
P.S. If I had to add yarn this week, I would be in big trouble. Thank you.,
Jennifer says
I love doing the reports and it really does make me think about my purchases. I look forward to joining along again next year!
Darlene S says
I love the stash reporting. I will be back in 2012 and hopefully my numbers “used” will be much greater. I’m dedicated to reducing my UFO pile/list. I didn’t make much progress on it this year. I did, however, cut my spending on new fabric down to a smaller figure. Now to just reduce stash AND finish UFO’s will be my goals. Thanks for motivating us on all levels. Dar 🙂
Mary says
I track just what I use each year … I’d like to think I’m using slightly more than’s coming in.
Jackie says
How do you get started?
Karla says
I am going to try to follow my stash this year. My new years resolution 🙂
Cindy from California says
First of all — Congratulations to you!!! Your trend is wonderful and an example to us all!!!
I started to report early in 2011, but then fell off. BUT, I can tell you that I thought about the Stash Report every time that I bought fabric for which I did not have an immediate need!!!!! It kept me from buying LOTS of fabric. Also I made 6 quilts this year (the MOST ever in one year) and at least 75% came from my stash.
So, I am going to start again in 2012. My New Year’s resolution is to keep better track of what I buy and what I use!! I am sure that that will result in a reduction in my stash!!!
Also, I am running out of room to store it all (and to be able to FIND anything!!!). I need to make a significant reduction in my flannel stash!! — So, more pillow cases for nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, daughters, friends, etc AND more baby blankets!!!
Thank you for the motivation!!!
Cindy
Nann says
Judy, your stash reports look like mine. I’ve kept track of use/acquisition since 1998. I total everything at the end of the year and report it on my blog on January 1. This year I stuck to all the metaphors: bit the bullet, stayed on the wagon, etc. Since 11/1/10 I’ve bought 31-5/8 yards and I’ve used a LOT more than that. (I wish my resolve with fabric would translate to resolve with food!)
Jessica says
I’ve never done stash reports before, but one of my goals this year is to finally start working through my stash. What’s the point of having bought all of that beautiful fabric if I’m afraid to slice into it and actually use it, right?!?
So, I’m in for 2012. I’m getting my quilt binder all set up so I can keep track of my quilts, UFOs and stash used.