Do we really need a stash of yarn, fabric, jewelry, making supplies or any other supplies for our crafts that will last longer than we are expected to live? I have found that I don’t. I have lost count of the number of times that I have done de stashes this year. Each time sending yarn or fabric out to different people and charities. I am in the middle of another de stash that will take me several days to finish. I am going through every single box and project bag. I am currently at the end of day two And I have almost Six kitchen trash bags full of yarn. I also know that I said that I would donate 4 bags of yarn. I really hope they take all of my de stash. I know this is all going to a good cause. Our knitting Guild in Tucson is having a stash sale in January so I decided it was time to pair down my yarn stash again.
How many shawls, sweaters, pairs of socks or any other items do we really need in our closet? How many quilts can you put on one bed? How many pairs of earrings can you wear at once? How much is too much? I want to preface this by saying if the items are going to charity please feel free to ignore this post. Do keep in mind that you need to make a very high-quality project because the recipients do not have the funds to replace them. If you would not give an item to your child or wear it yourself, you should probably not be giving it to other people.
Who started this whole idea that we need to fill every single nook and corner in our houses with crafting supplies? That we need to fill the garage or rent a storage space for all the supplies? How much can you realistically create in a given year. Is it really necessary to buy supplies that we only marginally like because it’s a good price? Even if the craft item is at a good price would we use it? If we just buy what we need and use on a regular basis we would not have a space problem. We might even have a few extra dollars to go out to lunch with friends. Perhaps actually take a weekend away or do a fun activity with our families. Have moremoney for retirement. Perhaps even have more time to create.
This would also eliminate the clutter problem which does stifle creativity. Clutter can in my case cause an under current of anxiety. The less clutter means that I will not risk misplacing an item I really want to make and use. I found 4 misplaced projects today.
Also what happens to this incredible collection that you have amassed? Will your family know what to do with it? Will the resort to filling up baskets with crafting supplies and give them away at your services? Will it land up in the landfill? Will it overwhelm your local charity when your family calls them to pick everything up?
After 40 years of trying to collect a stash of crafting supplies that will last beyond my lifetime, I have said enough is enough. I am going through everything that is currently in residence in various parts of my home. I am only keeping a very carefully created and curated collection of supplies.
The reality is that I don’t have the spoons to start a small business to sell everything that I don’t need to keep or send to charity. This has not been a stellar year for my health. Even in the last 24 hours my body and I are not exactly on speaking terms. I am hopeful that by giving away most of my stash that it will help relieve my stress. Don’t worry, some of it is staying. I will have enough to keep me busy for a few years still. Also, guess what? If I run out of supplies, I know where to go and get more. If I find something that I truly love, I will still probably buy it.
What I will not have is crafting supplies from one end of the house to the other end. John will have most of the garage back. I am saying this because I still reserve the right to keep the clothes line and my car in the garage. I am going with the concept that less will be more. Will you join me in this endeavor? Let me know.
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