Thursday 4 October 2012

The Great Pattern Stash-bust!!

So there is often talk about a fabric stash or a wool stash and adding to, or using from, said stash.

But what about patterns??

We all have a pattern stash, don't we?
It's time to confess about the patterns lurking there in your stash that you haven't used.

Things you bought with a specific project in mind and never got to, something you saw and just had to have because someone else made it up and it looked great, or how about the ones you bought on sale just because you liked them?? (and they were so cheap, how could you not!!).

Could there even be a couple you are too 'scared' to break into?

Well now, my friends, is the time to liberate those patterns from your stash!



As past of Blogtoberfest I plan to make at least three items from as yet unused patterns in my stash.

There are a number I can choose from...

I definitely want to make at least one of the gorgeous Sewaholic patterns shown above - that will guarantee at least one item for me!

Then there's the Oliver+s stash.

I'm an unabashed fan of Oliver+s, so I tend to buy most of their dress and skirt patterns (I have three girls, that's my excuse and I am sticking to it!!)...

So I will tackle something from that stash too.



Then there are many in the 'miscellaneous' stash that also need to be addressed.
Perhaps the Clever Charlotte shorts???
Or the cute me and my doll dress from Kwik Sew....
Who knows!


As someone who tends to find a good thing and flog it to death, I mean stick to it, I am frequently amazed by the variety of patterns Lara uses in her sewing.

Though I will also say I have inside knowledge that she has a very large stash to choose from - so I am sure there is a pattern or two lurking that she still might like to try!!

Come on - join in, liberate those poor unused patterns from your stash.

Leave me a comment and let me know if you post about it and we can spur each other on.

If you've found me via Blogtoberfest, welcome. I hope you leave a comment so I can come and see you.
It's not too late to join in...

16 comments:

rachelmp said...

I love your pattern stash. Lara and I both have a croquet dress cut out....

thornberry said...

Well, I just spent the past hour liberating patterns and fabric from stash and putting them together to plan my summer sewing for the girls - and I'm partway doing the same for me! I have to admit that I do still have many, many unused patterns there though.

Maryanne said...

Hi Karen

What a great idea. I have LOTS of patterns that are purchased with enthusiasm and then some how "get lost".

Lots of Kids Ottobre magazines that have only had one or two items made up from them, a Miss Mozelle dress pattern for myself and a variety of others.

I'd like to know how the Clever Charlotte shorts go - I made some up for Madeleine and I loved them but she hasn't worn them at all - I think she feels they are too loose and floppy.

Looking forward to seeing what you make

PS Finally took the Style Arc Slip on Suzie out of this category. I made one for work and a maxi dress for the beach. Both look pretty good but probably like the casual maxi better

Unknown said...

Oh haha - how many things can I commit to in the same month? There's a kids' clothing week challenge on starting Monday as well, since your patterns mostly seem to be for the kids, prehaps you could incorporate this somehow?

Kylie said...

What a great idea. Ihave heaps in my stash and a heap of vintage ones that the kids no longer fit into. Although I hold on to them - you just never know when you might need to whip up a little vitage style dress for a gift.

Leonie said...

Looks like you have a few new sewing adventures ahead. And you didn't even have to buy anything new.

Lilli boo said...

Hi there, just dropping by to say 'hello' and thank you for your lovely comment! Spirited away is defiintely an inspiring movie..as so are your patterns..I love the Oliver + S range and plan to start sewing this summer, so looking forward to more inspiration, cheers, Lil x

Belinda said...

You are going to love the Sewaholic patterns! I actually wish I had purchased the pants pattern when I made my last order. I might finally be brave enough to sew pants for myself. I think I have made 6 Renfrew tops so far. Total value for money!

Cass said...

Those clever Charlotte shorts look great and I love the dress on the right in the top pic

Å olanje na domu-Waldorf said...

I so wish I had the patience to sew. I always admire the sawing creations from people. :)

Cindy said...

BK is wearing her Clever Charlotte Finch shorts today!:) Can't wait to see what you think of the Sewaholic patterns. I've been eyeing the Renfrew and the coat pattern but have yet to purchase either.

I have several O+S patterns that haven't seen the light of day, many Ottobre Design magazines that haven't even had 1 thing sewn from them, and a few Lisette/Little Lisette patterns that haven't been touched. My biggest confession is the Colette patterns and book I bought last year. After wanting them so bad, I've barely looked at them.

Ellieboo said...

Loving the stash Karen - happy sewing :)

Rachelle said...

That sounds like a fantastic idea, but probably not in October for me, too much else to do! Might get onto it in November, got a dress pattern for me that needs to see some action.

Seaweed and Raine said...

It looks as though you have some real gems! Definitely get to those sewaholic ones - they look fab. And I'm a fan of Oliver + S too... except I've yet to bust them out.
Happy stitching! :)

Susan said...

Haha I have a tonne, my eyes are bigger than my sewing time.and Lara goes and makes something I like..You must start with the Cambie dress which I think I spy!! I wish I lived close to someone who had a huge pattern stash so I could do a swapsy. And my want list keeps growing..luckily I don't have a girl otherwise it would be twice as bad. Susan

Unknown said...

Oh to de-stash! I am all about de-stashing at the moment. There are so many patterns and fabric here that I need to justify owning!!

I will try to get through 3 of my patterns that are yet to be opened... Now to choose which ones!! :)