The fabric diet, extended: 2018

I did it!  I didn't purchase a single inch of fabric for my stash in all of 2017.  The one-year fabric fast was a success!

{{Disclosure -- there was a tiny bit of wiggle room allowed in my rules for purchasing fabric for specific, defined, and planned projects, like custom orders, requests, and the like.  So there were a few of those purchases, such as flannel for t-shirt quilt backings, or interfacing for said quilts.}}  But as for buying fabric just to buy, or because it was on sale, or because it was pretty and I just had to have it. . . NADA.

I learned some unexpected lessons during my one year fabric fast. . . .

The first thing that I learned from my fabric fast -- it felt AMAZING! 

I loved making things, and particularly using up what I already had on hand.  And the more I sewed, the better I felt!  It was like the hold on me -- the high, the addiction, the bonds of BUYING and even just OWNING fabric -- loosened with every project.

It wasn't always easy. 

I've come across some really, reeeaaally cute fabrics that I just NEEDED.

Except I really didn't.  So I didn't buy.  Yeah, these are just some cute pics I found on the internet.  NOT from my stash.  *sigh*

It also forced me to be a little more creative. . .

. . . especially in my fabric pairing choices.  I chose fabric pairings that I may not have, if bouncing off to JoAnn's for yet another yard of cotton had been an option.  But I ended up really liking them!

I realized JUST. HOW. MUCH. fabric I have. 

And that makes me feel a little sad and guilty, actually.  I thought I'd made somewhat of a dent in my stash, you know, sewing for a whole year and all.  But I haven't.  There is still waaaayyyy too much fabric that needs to be sewn.

the boys making fleece blankets for charity. yes, all from my stash.

So I'm going another year without buying fabric.

I don't think it'll be hard, really.  I'm excited to do this!

---> I'm going to allow for the same wiggle room I had last year -- I can buy for planned, specific, and defined projects, but that's it.  Notions (like thread) or necessities (interfacing) are allowed, too.

And I'll TRY to be better about posting my sewing projects and stash busting here.

I sewed so much last year, and didn't take (or save) very many pics of the things I made (like some bags, totes, backpacks, pillowcases, aprons, skirts, dresses....)  :(  So I can't share them with you.  It didn't help that my computer died after my first post last year, and our crumbling laptop blew smoke and sparks (FOR REAL) about a month ago.  So now, with better equipment, I hope to be posting and sharing a little more regularly.

Will you be joining me in a fabric fast?  Or other craft / art / sewing fast?  C'mon, let's do this!  :)