In the beginning

Time to begin.  First a disclaimer.  I have never blogged before and so there may be some inconsistencies and layout problems but  I will attempt to work the bugs out as I go along.

I came up with this idea of  blogging to motivate myself to work on reducing my stash and also keep a record of  progress.  The stash has begun to  overwhelm  m e.   (Although, I will never  admit this to my husband.)   I have recently taken stock of  everything  and all I see is a lot work.  I am making a promise to reduce my stash by at least 50% before I purchase another piece of fabric.  The only exception to this rule is if I need a specific fabric to complete a project.

I have not always had this problem.  It all started when I moved to Amish country in Pennsylvania from Utica, NY.  I had never been exposed to such an array of  fabric at discount prices.  There are other temptations as well.  Namely, the two great quilt shows held in the area annually.  One is Quilt Odyssey in Hershey; the other is the quilt show in Lancaster now being sponsored by AQS.  Yes, those are the same folks that do the Paducah show.  It is the  vendor area at these shows that  get me into trouble.  Suddenly I have  to have the latest tools, books and fabric.   Having so many new ideas and kits to go along with the patterns and fabric collections doesn't help either.  I will also admit to some internet shopping as well.

Now, In scheme of things, having seen some other quilter's stashes, mine is smaller.  However, I feel that whatever causes discomfort for me needs to be addressed before I can move forward.  Stash comfort is a very personal thing.  What's out of control for one may be just the beginning for someone else.

In conclusion, I would like to thank Gyleen Fitzgerald for giving me permission to use my stash any way I want to without regard to the original reason (if there was one) it was purchased.  Now, let's get on to the projects.