Today's WIP
A little polka dot credit card holder
on top of a Dalek pencil/sketchbook holder prototype.
Look at that fabric, isn't it sweet !
Which leads me to Myra. I was going to leave a comment on this post, agreeing with others and telling her to cut cut CUT !
But the words 'pot' 'kettle' and 'black' immediately hit me in the face
I have many things that I really really don't want to cut up, amongst them,are these fabrics from Kitty. Notice I only cut out two incy patches of that sweet fabric, and that nearly made me hyper-ventilate.
Then there's this Merry Bonbon fabric I got from e-bay, how can I cut into that ?
And Debbie sent me this over a year ago, it's still not been used, but I do like to pick it up and cuddle it from time to time (really, I do). I know my friends and family are sometimes understandably concerned about my odd fabric stashing/stroking behaviour. But you understand me - right ?
You do.
I know you do.
I certainly understand.
Here's my confession: Sometimes, I just get out fabric, iron it extra crisp, and then fold it and put it away. I'll spend a whole afternoon doing this.
My husband says it's an addiction.
Hey, it's way better than watching fishing.
Posted by: Lynn | July 14, 2006 at 12:19 PM
Oh yes I understand! I lose count of the amount I have that I hover the scissors over with my "lovely" sister shouting "JUST DO IT"... but she doesn't understand... once you use it, its gone, no matter how pretty what you've made is....
Posted by: Sarah | July 14, 2006 at 12:24 PM
I totally understand how you feel, but I also have it the other way, with the felt I make.
Sometimes a piece will come out, and it just isn't good enough in my eyes, but I know I can make it into something else, however, my darling husband will quite often stand there saying "no, don't do it!!'!!!!
Posted by: raspberryfairy | July 14, 2006 at 12:57 PM
that pencil holder is cute, cute, cute!
And I must confess that I CUT with no qualm and no regret. It's the only risky behavior in my life. Ha!
Posted by: amanda | July 14, 2006 at 01:02 PM
I have the same dilema with two old quilts...they are stained with large holes and falling apart in some places and perfect in others and yet I just can't seem to cut them apart.
Posted by: Lauren | July 14, 2006 at 01:18 PM
I love the pencil case, too. I have that same monkey fabric from Debbie! I can't cut it, either. I have to feel that a project is "worthy" of using my favorite fabrics or not. Perhaps we should start a support group "Fabric Stashers Anonymous".
Posted by: persephone | July 14, 2006 at 01:32 PM
I completely understand. Children & cute animal novelty prints are my FAVORITE.
Posted by: Gina | July 14, 2006 at 02:18 PM
yes...I really do..
Those links...ultimate in cute!
Posted by: Dawn | July 14, 2006 at 02:27 PM
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your dalek fabric. It is so cool. I know that may make me (as an American) a complete sci-fi geek, but so be it!
Thanks!
Amy
Posted by: AmyDe | July 14, 2006 at 02:45 PM
I always get the same feeling when i start a new sketchbook -
the pressure!!!
Loving the credit card holder x
Posted by: suze | July 14, 2006 at 02:47 PM
You're too funny. And yes, you're right, I do understand you.
But don't worry, I know you'll find the perfect thing to make using all your lovely fabric. Take your time ;-)
Posted by: Adriana | July 14, 2006 at 03:03 PM
Such a nice pencil holder... and the credit card cutie...! Sweet.
I think as a fabric collector as I understand myself you are legitimized to not cut all the time. I reached that point some time ago - I buy fabric without any intention to cut - ever. I am not always feeling good about that attitude but I think it's natural to collect, no matter what.
Posted by: Alex | July 14, 2006 at 03:14 PM
I know what you mean. Really I do. I've actually thought about framing pieces of my favorite fabric, but then I woudln't be able to touch it! Maybe a quilt...but that would involve cutting! What to do?
Posted by: janel | July 14, 2006 at 03:14 PM
I'm a paper hoarder, so I completely understand your hesitation to use the fabric! And are those little monkeys? LOVE
Posted by: Jessica | July 14, 2006 at 04:05 PM
i totally can feel with you. there are some fabrics i´ll NEVER-EVER cut... i just hoard them, getting them out from time to time, pet them, look at their wonderful patterns or colors and lay them back...
think every fiberholic has this problem. we all should get "professional help" ... *gg*
Posted by: katrin | July 14, 2006 at 05:17 PM
I totally undesrtand. Those kitty craft fabrics are so very beautiful, I would be crying if I had to cut them.
Posted by: Veronica TM | July 14, 2006 at 05:56 PM
I haven't been able to cut any of my Kitty fabric either. And the Merry Bonbon fabric, and the links to other fabric wonderlands off of that site, well, that's almost too much to ask of a mere mortal. But I must encourage you to CUT CUT CUT the fabric in the last photo. I can't wait to see what you make!
That Dalek is one cute robot. What a great pencil/sketchook holder and the adorable credit card holder, well, I'm verklempt.
Posted by: debs | July 14, 2006 at 06:00 PM
I am not really a sewer (I like to do it but do really basic stuff and prefer to knit...) but I have the same fabric cutting problem! I thought it was just me. When I was in Uganda I bought SO much fabric, and now that I'm home I can't bear to cut any of it... It's just sitting in my basement, looking pretty... maybe one day I'll cut into it, but then again, maybe not.
Posted by: Jen | July 14, 2006 at 08:23 PM
Oh I'm with you girlfriend! Most people do not understand my stashing/stroking ways but here I feel amongst friends, hehehe ;-)
Posted by: donna | July 14, 2006 at 09:56 PM
How could anyone cut any of that gorgeous fabric? If only there was a machine that could seamlessly put cut fabric back together, then I would cut, cut away. Well, maybe not, I think I'd still have trouble. :P
Posted by: myra | July 14, 2006 at 10:20 PM
Sometimes I think I should buy fabrics in sets--one piece for stash, one piece to make things.
Posted by: Donna | July 14, 2006 at 11:06 PM
There is definitely a wisdom that comes with age, and being 41 I say CUT IT!!! I have fabric that I don't want to cut either, but when I did a big clean out of my stash I found fabric that I couldn't cut 20 yrs ago. And guess what? I don't even like it anymore and gave it away! Use it while you are passionate about it!
Posted by: kirsty | July 14, 2006 at 11:25 PM
Life's too short--cut it! You can't take it with you---it doesn't fit in the nether world.
And if you still have a problem with it, send it to me, I'll cut it for you and everyone else for that matter.
;-)
Lovely pencil case darlink.
What no wine post this weekend?
Posted by: Snowbear | July 15, 2006 at 12:46 AM
oh, and I just read Kristy's comment above and yeah, we over 40 say CUT it because we are so wise.
;-)
Posted by: Snowbear | July 15, 2006 at 12:48 AM
one last thing, if you can't cut it then frame it.
:-)
Some of that does belong in a museum though so I do understand.
Posted by: Snowbear | July 15, 2006 at 12:52 AM
the duck fabric at the top (on the CC holder) says 'ducky is getting clean, too!' Cute!
Every time I see kitty-craft fabrics, I have insane rushes of lust. And then I must go to confession.
Posted by: eireann | July 15, 2006 at 01:22 AM
I must admit I am the same! I save fabric... but what for? I don't know! I think with this new baby coming I just need to cut some into squares and make a little patchwork quilt so at least everyone can see it all the time ( son't hold me to it though!)
Posted by: Melissa | July 15, 2006 at 01:31 AM
Keep it if you want to! After all nobody expects stamp collectors to stick their most precious stamps on their letters, so why shuould we feel obliged to use all the fabrics we collect? ;-)
Posted by: mathea | July 15, 2006 at 12:57 PM
Over 40 and I say CUT!!! I mean, I guess the unused fabric serves a function as art for you to gaze at and enjoy, but you bought it to make something out of it, right?
Here's a morbid thought: do you want some young woman to blog about the great fabric she found at your estate sale? No, you want to make great projects which will be heirlooms.
Posted by: A.J. | July 15, 2006 at 04:28 PM
Beautiful work and wonderful fabric. You'll cut it when you find the right project. I have an armoire full of such fabric. I must confess, I've been viewing your blog for months and finally decided to chime in. Every time we see something new, my daughter begs "let's make that, no that, or that." And then we get nothing done that we're supposed to. But checking in with Molly chicken saves my sanity. Thank you.
Posted by: gena_p | July 16, 2006 at 03:59 PM
by the time you get to this you'll be commented out! anyway, just had to say that i just cut into a beautiful vintage apron to make a wee wonderfuls bunny. i felt sick and winced as the blade touched the fabric. it was so well made and preserved but i wanted that fabric. go see if you like, i think this link goes straight to my e mail but my oh so new blog is
http://prairiemouse.typepad.com/prairiemouse/
Posted by: prairie mouse | July 16, 2006 at 08:21 PM
So completely understand. I have far too many pieces of very beautiful material, which all had a definite purpose when I bought them, which still lie uncut. I'm terrified I'll mess up a beautiful piece, or not do it justice (hello? like material has a conscience?). I'm trying to let go.......but it's so damn hard!
Posted by: Alison | July 16, 2006 at 11:07 PM
I stash fabric and I really don't even sew. It does find its way into my collages though. I can't get over the black and white monkey fabric. Do you know where it came from?
Posted by: Marci | July 17, 2006 at 01:21 AM
My husband often comments on my problems with stashing fabric. But I can't help it. Whenever I see a fabric I like I want to purchase it. I know sooner or later I will use it.
Posted by: HeatherJ | July 17, 2006 at 07:19 AM
I know how you feel...I am the same with both fabric & paper...the finished credit card holder is so adorable though...worth cutting for!
Ouissi x
Posted by: Ouissi | July 17, 2006 at 02:00 PM
I wouldn't cut up the monkey fabric in that last one either. I love it!
Posted by: Kelli | July 17, 2006 at 08:56 PM
Hi! I’m a new kid on the block, on the blog area that is… I’ve just recently created my own blog, come and visit me! http://handmade-design.blogspot.com or http://anaromerodesign.etsy.com
Posted by: anaromerodesign | July 18, 2006 at 12:52 PM
Like most of the other comments, I have to say that I'm totally with you on the fabric worship. In fact, my WhipLash entry for July had to do with just that. for those who might be interested: http://jixichick.blogspot.com/2006/07/whiplash-competition-july-lemon.html ). I took the opportunity of this challenge to make myself cut into this piece I had been saving for so long. It still didn't "cure" me though!
Posted by: Tanya | July 18, 2006 at 11:22 PM
I love your fabrics,im sure you will make some lovely things from all of them, love reading your weblog and have added your link to mine.Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Elly | July 19, 2006 at 01:57 PM
The Dalek pencil/sketchbook holder and credit card holder are both amazingly fab - but what really has me hyperventilating is the monkey fabric! Dear Lord, could that be any cuter????
Posted by: LLA | July 20, 2006 at 02:23 PM
Oh you have struck such a chord with me, and others by the looks of it. I don't normally comment, just read and enjoy but I am so in sympathy over the "cutting" business. Why oh why am I always saving these fabrics for something better? I have got to get over this and live dangerously.
Your credit card holder is particularly beautiful and I always enjoy seeing your creations.
Posted by: Rebecca | July 21, 2006 at 05:54 PM
I know how you feel; my fabric basket is getting rather overfilled and has spread into many boxes because I cannot bear to cut it up!
Your fabric collection is beautiful, I'm very envious!
Posted by: helen | November 17, 2008 at 10:38 PM