If you're compacting...(a ? about buying fabric)

[rere]

does that mean you don't buy fabric?

I asked this question in the simplifying section but maybe it's more of a sewing question?I guess I'm really just looking for some view points on buying fabric.I'm trying to buy less new stuff but I can't always make what I want to from old clothes or sheets.

Anybody have any thoughts about buying fabric?

[iowaorganic]

Eh- I don't know if this is what you are refering too.... but I have a problem with buying without having a specific plan for making it into something. Not as bad as my mom- but an inherited gene none the less. I don't really have any fabric shops around (for clothes)- so when I am at one I tend to go a little nuts and get fabrics that apeal to me and then since I have no idea what I will end up making I buy a ton of each one. Then I get home and realize that that is why I spend so much on fabric! Now I am becoming the same way with yarn!

So as far as organization- staying away from fabric shops is best!

As far as remaking clothes- I don't know- I don't do it because I am much to lazy....But I do make quilts out of old clothes sometimes! And other crafty projects! Those I store in rubbermaid totes until I use them.

[autumnbloom]

try doing things like checking freecycle for listings, or post on freecycle that you're looking for fabric - you never know what you'll come across! i just came home with two garbage sacks full the other day from a generous freecycler who was stash-busting.

i think with compacting, to buy something new, it pretty much has to be a *neccessity* (like underwear) that really has to be *new* for sanitary-type-reasons (or something similar).

good luck mama and have fun!

[rere]

Originally Posted by autumnbloom

try doing things like checking freecycle for listings, or post on freecycle that you're looking for fabric - you never know what you'll come across! i just came home with two garbage sacks full the other day from a generous freecycler who was stash-busting.

i think with compacting, to buy something new, it pretty much has to be a *neccessity* (like underwear) that really has to be *new* for sanitary-type-reasons (or something similar).

good luck mama and have fun!

I guess pretty new curtains aren't a necessity....huh?

Any way...thanks for your responses.

[courtenay_e]

Well...now...pretty new curtains count as a project, anyway! At least it's a purchase with an end in mind! Of course, I have LOTS of projects put aside that I have had put aside for at least five years...so maybe it's better than just randomly buying pretty fabric, but in my husbands opinion, not MUCH better, because, regardless, the fabric still sits, with alllll that potential and space being taken up...

[rere]

Originally Posted by courtenay_e

Well...now...pretty new curtains count as a project, anyway! At least it's a purchase with an end in mind! Of course, I have LOTS of projects put aside that I have had put aside for at least five years...so maybe it's better than just randomly buying pretty fabric, but in my husbands opinion, not MUCH better, because, regardless, the fabric still sits, with alllll that potential and space being taken up...

Ahhh...yes,all those "good intentions"......

[orangefoot]

I'm not compacting but I'm not spending any money at the moment!

I haven't bought any new fabric for months and I have tried to find ways to solve the project needs which occur by using what I already have.

If I can't make what I want fro what I have then I don't make it, just like if I don't have steak in the house I don't do steak sandwiches

[SneakyPie]

I am semi-compacting. (I know, I know...) I agree about Freecycle, and I have been able to find some fabric at thrift stores. If I really had to make a project I would buy new fabric as that counts as a supply for me, but so far I have not needed to. Good luck and good vibes!

[HipGal]

Maybe you could make patchwork curtains with scraps you have around? Could turn out cute!

[AngelBee]

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[~Stephanie~]

I'm guilty of buying fabric. I only buy on clearance though and I do end up using just about everything that I buy. I do a lot of recycled sewing too so in my mind at least it balances out.