Thread: My name is Souzan and I am a fabriholic.

Have you seen that bumper sticker "The one who dies with the most fabric wins!"? Yep, I think I need that bumper sticker. I've been oh so good about staying away from Joanns and keeping off the Spandexworld website. But this weekend I succumbed to the lure of a former costumer's bargain bin prices at a workshop. This was Chandra from the original Chandra's BellyDance Emporium, one of the first on-line vendors and costumers. And I bought bags of sew-on crystals--lots of bags--and a grab bag of coordinating rhinestone, silver and rose trims and embellishments and about 5 yards of luscious creamsickle colored lycra for a song. I have a sewing room. I have a cutting table. I have a dress form. I have two sewing machines and a serger. And I have no excuses. Must take a week off from work and sew down my stash. I'll tell the boss that. Guess what? I have to take off a week so that I can make costumes. Right!

Well, I'd be happy to "relieve" you of some of those crystals / grab bags for a "second song"!!! Hahaha:)) ..l;,
I totally understand--I've been buying up the "Boxes-'O-Goodies" here on Swap! We should start another bhuz support group!

Originally Posted by Souzan

Must take a week off from work and sew down my stash. I'll tell the boss that. Guess what? I have to take off a week so that I can make costumes. Right!

I found out this weekend that my husband and I need to cut our vacation short by 5 days. Three of those five are work days.

Am I telling my boss??? Hmmm.... Nope, nadda, notonyourlife! I am taking them to costume my brains out.

You are not alone.

Originally Posted by Zeevah

I found out this weekend that my husband and I need to cut our vacation short by 5 days. Three of those five are work days.

Am I telling my boss??? Hmmm.... Nope, nadda, notonyourlife! I am taking them to costume my brains out.

You are not alone.

Good for you! Like I was telling someone this weeked--I have the tools but not the time!

Ooh! I really think you need some time off for "personal business."

Also, I really think you need to sell me some of those sew-on crystals. I'm looking for red (round or oval) and anything AB (round) to replace the prong-set ones on my plum pharaonics! Whatcha got? :)

I've got all the stuff...could always use more bling...I just need the time.....cr.:

While we're on the subject.....what's your favorite place to purchase your sew on bling and rhinestones?

Souzan, enjoy your time off! Create!

Originally Posted by Suzana

Ooh! I really think you need some time off for "personal business."

Also, I really think you need to sell me some of those sew-on crystals. I'm looking for red (round or oval) and anything AB (round) to replace the prong-set ones on my plum pharaonics! Whatcha got? :)

Nothing red. Lot of clear round and pear shapes some in acrylic and some glass Czech and some smaller blue and pink rounds but those are acrylic. Good quality acrylic, though. I will probably keep the Czech. All are flat-backed. I need to inventory the other stuff. One of the bags I bought mainly for the 1 yard piece of rhinestone trim. Its about 2" wide and a yard long on excellent quality backing all in silver-lined silver beads, ab crystals and rose montees (the real ones not plastic). No idea what I will do with it but it was worth the $10 I paid for the bag it was in. Would be stunning as trim for rose velvet gauntlets or armbands. The bag also contained a spool of preslung rose colored sequins, silver and rose beads, silver wire trim, pailettes, and it looks like there may be more crystals in there.

OOOH! Sounds like a treasure chest. :)

I've got many many milk crates FULL of fabric! Each piece has its own ideas. I don't like not having a job, but it has been nice to finally have time to sew and get some of these projects out of the way! I also have 10 yards of this really pretty off-white/creamy/cappuccino colored satin that I'm going to make my wedding dress out of! I'm almost done sketching it out... form fitted, lace in the back, mermaid bottom, art deco-esque sleeves and neckline with old off color pearls and beading.

Originally Posted by Lesedi

I've got many many milk crates FULL of fabric! Each piece has its own ideas. I don't like not having a job, but it has been nice to finally have time to sew and get some of these projects out of the way! I also have 10 yards of this really pretty off-white/creamy/cappuccino colored satin that I'm going to make my wedding dress out of! I'm almost done sketching it out... form fitted, lace in the back, mermaid bottom, art deco-esque sleeves and neckline with old off color pearls and beading.

That sounds lovely. We will all want to see pictures of it, of course!

I think it's funny this came up this week- I'm taking a day off (yes, only one, sigh) from both work & kids to deal with my sewing area- I figure if I sew it all, it won't be clutter anymore & therefore fulfills hubby's request that I spend the day cleaning, right?

One day off with no other commitments is enough to make a good dent in things! And you'll have finished projects to show for it...l;,

I tell myself that I really need to work from my stash to get it down, but then something bad happens and I'm bringing more fabric home. I swear it's a sickness! There's no way you could have passed up a bargain like that. Even though I don't need anything at the moment, I'm envious of your find.

This seems like as good a place as any to mention that I'm looking for some ice blue lycra. Someone to make me a top out of it (for money of course) would be a bonus. :)

I am trying very hard not to build up my stash of fabric and such larger than my tiny apartment can hold. I try very hard not to buy any supplies unless I have a specific purpose in mind. Unfortunately, I have all of these ideas, materials, but I lack the time and motivation!

Originally Posted by Karnak

I am trying very hard not to build up my stash of fabric and such larger than my tiny apartment can hold. I try very hard not to buy any supplies unless I have a specific purpose in mind. Unfortunately, I have all of these ideas, materials, but I lack the time and motivation!

yes- I am supposed to keep my stuff on my side of the loft. Hubby's side is bare except for his reading couch & I REALLY try to respect his space, but it just keeps creeping closer & closer...I think he is afraid the mutant fabric stash will eat him if he falls asleep on the couch...

& yes, I am so jealous of your find, Souzan.

I have no idea what you guys are talking about. What's wrong with accumulating enough stash to do projects non stop well past the average life expectancy in my country? Dude, I have to retire someday. Just being prepared, ya know? ;)

Originally Posted by kemintiri

I have no idea what you guys are talking about. What's wrong with accumulating enough stash to do projects non stop well past the average life expectancy in my country? Dude, I have to retire someday. Just being prepared, ya know? ;)

Yes, that is what I say. Making costumes will be my retirement job.

My addiction started at a young age. I would go with my mom to the fabric store and while she looked at patterns (which seemed to take forever) I would make the rounds to all of my favorite areas - satins, velvets, anything that came in pretty colors and was nice to touch. Most of my costume inspirations are centered around fabric, the beads and fringe are secondary.

Originally Posted by Souzan

Yes, that is what I say. Making costumes will be my retirement job.

you know, I've thought that for a while, but then my mom retired & somehow that has translated to her fabric stash moving to my house & I begin to have doubts...

Originally Posted by kiyaana

My addiction started at a young age. I would go with my mom to the fabric store and while she looked at patterns (which seemed to take forever) I would make the rounds to all of my favorite areas - satins, velvets, anything that came in pretty colors and was nice to touch. Most of my costume inspirations are centered around fabric, the beads and fringe are secondary.

Mmmmm- some of my favorite memories are wandering through the fabric store, touching all the fabric- delightful! warm, fuzzy memories (literally!)

I started a 'make a costume piece a day for a year from The Stash ' inititative in June when I removed enough fabric from my 'turquoise silk' box to make bra, vest, pants and headband and the only noticable result on the size of The Stash was that the top fit back on the box properly.

Originally Posted by maurazebra

I started a 'make a costume piece a day for a year from The Stash ' inititative in June when I removed enough fabric from my 'turquoise silk' box to make bra, vest, pants and headband and the only noticable result on the size of The Stash was that the top fit back on the box properly.

SOunds like it would be a blast just to take a tour of your stash. Just a feeling.

Originally Posted by kemintiri

SOunds like it would be a blast just to take a tour of your stash. Just a feeling.

Stash Tours? Is this a new reality TV show? sounds like one I'd actually watch!..g.:

I inherited my addiction honestly. My grandmother was a fabric lover, my mom's a seamstress and quilter. My (non-biological) daughter seems to have "inherited" it as well... and so have my granddaughters (ages 8 and 6).

A fabric store trip with my mom, daughter and granddaughters threatens to take days - and we all HAVE to touch things.

It comforts me to know that someone will inherit the fabric I don't use!..l;,

Originally Posted by Lara L

Stash Tours? Is this a new reality TV show? sounds like one I'd actually watch!..g.:

Amen sistah!

Originally Posted by Lara L

Stash Tours? Is this a new reality TV show? sounds like one I'd actually watch!..g.:

heh. I bet we would.

I read a funny article by a lady who recommended storing pieces of your stash with friends. Put stuff in a box, inventory it thoroughly, ask a friend to keep it for you and visit it on occasion (the friend, too).

When a local Joanns closed its doors (we have one store now instead of two) instead of moving the inventory they sold everything at ridiculous prices. Like 80 percent off and then if you bought what was left on the bolt you could get it for 80 percent off the 80 percent off. You get the picture. I have boxes of velvets, boxes of satins, boxes of lycra, etc., etc.

Originally Posted by kiyaana

My addiction started at a young age. I would go with my mom to the fabric store and while she looked at patterns (which seemed to take forever) I would make the rounds to all of my favorite areas - satins, velvets, anything that came in pretty colors and was nice to touch. Most of my costume inspirations are centered around fabric, the beads and fringe are secondary.

LOL. My Mum also took FOREVER looking at patterns!

Originally Posted by Lara L

you know, I've thought that for a while, but then my mom retired & somehow that has translated to her fabric stash moving to my house & I begin to have doubts...
Mmmmm- some of my favorite memories are wandering through the fabric store, touching all the fabric- delightful! warm, fuzzy memories (literally!)

Originally Posted by Zeevah

I inherited my addiction honestly. My grandmother was a fabric lover, my mom's a seamstress and quilter. My (non-biological) daughter seems to have "inherited" it as well... and so have my granddaughters (ages 8 and 6).

It seems we have all come to our "problems" honestly. It does appear to be a genetic defect. ..l;,
Dancing with silk veils and wearing yards and yards of skirts that swirl around is an extension of the fabric hoarding/obsession, in my experience.