I think that television has an effect on how we behave... and not always in a good way. I know others think the same way or no one would censor what their children watch. That said I have to ask.... Has the "Hoarding" shows effected how you save your fabric scraps? I am SO guilty of holding on to every bit of fabric that I'm pretty sure I could be called a fabric hoarder! Since watching the show a few times, I do convince myself to throw away the small scraps... BUT only if they aren't even large enough to make a yo-yo. If it's too small to make a yo-yo, I have to tell myself there isn't a reason to keep it... but there are Christmas ornaments that require tiny yo-yos and fabric jewelry projects so I'm still keeping some very small fabric scraps ... it's time to make some scrap projects!
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Scrap projects speak to the very “green” use of left over fabic. We only need to add time, skill and inspiration. Scraps are like stored inspiration as we need to consult the size and color to determine the use of those scraps. Tres cool.
This the first time I’ve commented.. But I have enjoyed this page for a while. Thank you Debbie.
Regarding use medical/clinical labeling of the word hoarder…is important to note that ones hoarding would be of such irrationality and significant amount so as to greatly impact ones living environment in order to be considered a hoarder.
Debbie, you have the most ingenious ideas. I love reading your blog. I learn so much, and I’ve been sewing for my family and home for almost 40 years! I even made baby jeans and western shirts! (Never again)
I don’t think it’s hoarding if you actually USE the fabric.
Storing the scraps in a way that makes finding them easier…such as a zip lock bag to keep those small pieces together, then the bags into a bin so that retrieving small scraps to make yo-yos (as an example) is handy. It would make sense to save the small scraps if they’re used.
I don’t save anything smaller than something that could be made into a pocket (or pocket lining).
My biggest problem is hoarding fabric in general!! Everytime I need to run for a notion, I find myself looking at fabric and coming home with some. My fabric storage area is small. So, I vowed to anticipate all supplies needed for a project, making ONE trip. Plus, I’m working on making the projects that I currently have fabric for before coming up with more ideas for other projects.
Gosh, it’s very HARD to turn off inspiration!
You can always use tiny scraps as stuffing for other projects (cat toys, ornaments, even a big throw pillow that’s sewn shut). Just a thought. Some even take cotton fabric and shred it down to where you can add the fibers into paper-making pulp. You can go as green as you want to with scraps. How ’bout this…lay scraps out on a thin sheet of foundation cloth or even wash-away stabilizer. Free-motion quilt over all the pieces, use your new “cloth” to make a grocery bag or something else “green.”
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The hoarder shows have most definitely affected what I decide to throw away! My husband calls my craft room “Hoarderland State Park”. He’s right about the fact that I probably have an entire craft store in that room. Unfortunately it is so messy, I can’t find what I want and end up just buying more. I have had a hard time throwing away the tiniest pieces of fabric, but I like the yo yo standard. If I can’t make a yo yo with it, let it go.