Letting Go

 Vintage pillowcases I’ve collected for crafting. But there is more yardage and vintage fabric in the store too. Check it out! 

How do you know it’s time to destash? Time to sort through all of things (or ideas?) you’ve been hoarding? What makes it OK for you to let go of something. . . to give it away, or list it on ebay, or donate it to goodwill? 

I’ve been struggling with this for a couple of weeks now. After making a concerted effort to get into the studio more (which means you’ll find more listings at Mireio, Yay!) I’m feeling so overwhelmed just walking through the door.  Staring at the unorganized mounds of fabric debris from previous creative bursts, I’m starting to dread the necessary clean-up. Folding fabric, odd shaped fabric at that, is for the birds, friends. Not fun.

Beyond my laziness there is something deeper gnawing at me.  I’m realizing that no matter how amazing the fabric is, I’m not finding any inspiration in it. Apparently, my muse is not a hoarder! She likes new and fresh and often shiny things in the corner.  And maybe she is right! Because, when I catalog what I have… um, some of this stuff I’ve been hoarding for years. Waiting for just the right idea or project: ideas and projects that never materialize.  At what point can I admit to myself that I’m never going to do anything with a particular piece of fabric beyond admire it? 

Wow. That sentence was hard to type! 

So, I’m starting to sort through this disasterpiece of a stash. Setting aside fabric for friends who quilt and craft, creating a pile of “What the heck was I thinking?” for goodwill, and at the urging of a few friends on Facebook I’m creating small craft packs of fabric and listing them in the store.

I’m trying to keep those fabric packs generous for the price (since shipping is so high on heavy fabric!). And I’m crossing my fingers that not only will all this excess fabric  find its way to someone who can use it. . .  but that in the process of letting go, I can find my way to making once again.