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How much clothing is too much?
As I’ve mentioned here and there, we’ve just bought our first house. And as most of us do when it’s time to move, I’ve been cleaning out the closets, getting rid of things I don’t need, and reflecting on the amount of stuff I own. I tend to have a little inner crisis every time I clean out my closets, asking myself why on earth I own so much STUFF.
More and more, I’ve tried to be conscientious about the things I buy. I know that having a lot of possessions, even if they’re exciting when you first get them, don’t end up making me a happier person. Yet, there’s another part of me really appreciates nice things and enjoys a few touches of luxury. It’s hard to deny the temporary pleasure of getting something new that you really love.
I think many of us struggle to find a balance between these competing urges, but it seems that we sewists have it particularly tough. On the whole, we tend to be pretty thoughtful about clothes, evidenced by the fact that we’re willing to put so much time and effort into them when it’s much easier (and sometimes cheaper!) to buy from stores.
On the other hand, we are clothes lovers. We sew because we are passionate about clothing, and loving something material like that makes you naturally want more of it! Clothing and fabric offer wonderful sensory pleasures of color, texture, and pattern, not to mention the creative outlet of actually making them with your hands.
But at some point, I think each of us asks ourselves the question: Don’t I have enough clothing? How much does one gal really need?
{photo of just some of my lace collection}
And then there is the motivation to build up our fabric stash, to hoard patterns we’ll never make, to collect buttons and notions (ahem), and to buy way more sewing stuff than we can use. It’s just hard to resist the things you love and feel passionately about, and for a lot of us, I think that means fabric.
So I thought I’d throw it out there, and see what you guys think. Do you feel these competing urges? Do you strive for more simplicity in your wardrobe? A well-edited selection, or do you constantly feel the urge to add more and newer things? Personally, I feel like I want the former in theory, but end up going for the latter in practice.
Also, do you have any rules or thoughts on curbing your fabric hoarding? I’d love to hear how you handle the impulse to buy more and more fabric!
Comments
Janell
April 19, 2011 #
Somewhere in my brain, I think 3 weeks of tops and 2 weeks of bottoms for each season is a sufficient wardrobe. However, if you were to actually look in my closet you’d find about 15 tops, 5 dresses, 7 pairs of pants, and something like 15 skirts. That’s excluding hot-weather clothing and traveling-to-cold-weather clothing that is all packed away right now.
The way I curb hording is I have 1 dresser drawer. All fabric must fit in that drawer. Likewise I have a number of designated shoe boxes for unused patterns, notions, etc. If I want to add something, I must give something away or use it first.
I look forward to other’s comments on how to curb the closet!
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
I like the technique of giving yourself only a certain amount of space for things. That makes a lot of sense, both for fabric and other stuff that tends to accumulate.
Stephanie
April 19, 2011 #
I love shopping and I’m quite an impulse shopper. I try and limit myself to buying things I cannot (or don’t want to) make myself. So, for me, that’s mostly knits, jeans and really nice jackets. I also try to have something whether it be a big ticket item or something I want to buy from an online store (for whatever reason, I’m less impulsey online. go figure) to help me decide if I really want something. Do I really want to spend $10 on X or would I rather put that money towards Y?
As for fabric, it sure didn’t take me long to get a nice stash! My husband had to tell me ‘No more!’ before I even realized how much I had. So, for a while, I’m only working on projects that I have the main fabric for and only shopping for notions that I need to finish the projects. I think having a set firm budget and/or an accountability buddy can help curve your hording best.
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
So true… having someone that doesn’t share your hobby to monitor your spending habits a little is great for getting a little perspective sometimes.
Jennifer
April 19, 2011 #
Like Janell & Stephanie, I have followed by keeping my stash to a limited amount of space and by evaluating whether I want to spend a little now or save for something later. Our creativity might be endless but our storage space is sadly limiting.
I recently had a real eye-opener to stashes:
When my mother moved to an assisted living/senior place, she told me to just donate all that was left behind. I found 15 “paper ream” size boxes that contained fabric; all folded nicely with scraps of paper pinned to them indicating the width and yardage in her neat handwriting. I even remember some of them from 20 yrs ago. I kept some selections but many were double knits fashionable in the 70s that were not of great quality – remember the kind that pilled after one wearing? All I could think of was – this could be me when I’m in my eighties.
Since then, I’ve created an “inventory” with samples of my fabrics by type and yardage, and my yarns by weight and skein details (I also crochet and dabble at knitting). Now, if I have a project in mind, I “shop” first from my inventoried stash. Also, taking my inventory sheets with the samples attached make shopping for thread and notions easier.
Janell’s last piece of advice – if youw ant to add something you must give away or use something first – is a great one – I’ve used that with articles of clothing and with my son and his toys when he was younger.
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
Sounds very organized! I’d really like to do something like this.
Cinnamon
April 19, 2011 #
I only buy patterns I know I will make. Then I take those patterns into the shop with me to buy the correct yardage. I love looking at fabrics, but just can’t stand to have tons of it lying around. (My mom is a hoarder of sorts and it used to drive me batty when I lived with her.) That doesn’t mean I don’t have the urge impulse buy. To combat that, I will wander in a fabric store for awhile looking, looking, looking and storing it all up as inspiration. Most of the time, that’s enough.
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
That’s awesome! I think one barrier for a lot of us is that inspiration can sometimes come from the fabric itself. I find that in addition to looking and getting inspiration, having swatches cut and bringing them home before purchasing helps me plan better.
Jade A
April 19, 2011 #
I have this problem more with my daughters than I do for myself. They are so easy to buy for because kid’s clothes are inexpensive and dresses for girls are a cinch to make. Clothes don’t fit me well, so it’s rare that I find things that work. I will have an issue with clothes that I have made for myself in the future, I’m sure, as I figure out how to sew things to fit.
I’m beginning to have a fabric problem though. I have this weird issue with cutting into my stashed fabric. It’s like I want to save it in case I think of a better use for it later. It’s even sillier because it’s all clearance fabric and I should have no reason to be so attached to it. Admitting you have a problem is the first step, right?
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
I do this too! I have some beautiful vintage fabric that I want to find the “perfect” project for… so it just sits there while I buy more!
cathe
April 19, 2011 #
This is such a tough question for me. I have to dresss *professional* for work. Most of my work clothes are handmade or consignment but still I wish I consumed less. It’s just to easy to fall into the trap of paying less. I want to consume less! And what I buy or make should be quality (I can strive).
I agree keep the stash at a certain level, so if you buy you must move something on, or shop in your stash!
How much is enought, always a good reminder. Also move it along, others might appreciate patterns and fabric that will never be used by you-donate!
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
Yes, consuming less is my goal too. This is one reason I do not shop at thrift stores as much as I used to. I started to feel like clothing was becoming almost disposable because it was so inexpensive. Kind of weird.
cindy
April 19, 2011 #
I am not a hoarder and feel uncomfortable when there is a lot of stuff around. But…since sewing I have too much clothing and fabric! I love my stuff but hate a crowded closet. I know exactly what you mean…my dad used to tell me, “never be a slave to your possessions!” I say this phrase a lot when I start purging…it is easier to let go of my stuff!
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
Wise words from your dad. I always try to remember “it’s just stuff.”
Corinne
April 19, 2011 #
on a rare occasion i think that i probably have more clothing than I need. mostly, i say “so what.” i like to sew, i am good at it and as long as the other people who live here have room to hang their clothes there is not a reason that i can think of that justifies a closet with empty space. I am just being honest. I clean out twice a year and donate very good clothing to charity when I tire of it or just consider it not appropriate for what ever reason. I remember the days when I was lucky to have three different outfits to wear to school. I have no intention of revisiting that situation again if possible. I work hard, this is my passion, I don’t gamble or drink my $ away. I deserve it.
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
Makes perfect sense. You’re probably better at getting rid of stuff you don’t wear than I am. One problem I have is that my closets get stuffed with things I no longer wear. Or I have a lot of clothing, but really only wear about half of it.
Amanda
April 19, 2011 #
An interesting post! I used to buy and buy dresses, etc. before I learned how to sew. Ever since I’ve been making my own clothes my clothes buying has decreased dramatically. I see a dress I like in the store, but then the practical side of me thinks either I could make a dress like it or I already have 5 dress patterns in the queue I should focus on.
I had so many dresses in the closet of my last apartment that it completely overwhelmed me (I had to hide a lot of them away in boxes!). I sure do buy a lot of fabric though, especially at my local thrift store since it’s such a good deal! I started my blog to get more focused about using up my fabric so let’s see how that goes…
Now I mostly just buy shoes, although I *try* to control myself there too :)
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
Ha! I am a shoe accumulator too, but I’m getting better. I recently got rid of 10 pairs and vowed that for every new shoe that comes in (which is not that often anymore), I’ll get rid of a pair. I tend to keep them beyond their usefulness for some reason!
Ginger
April 19, 2011 #
Before I had my son I had waaaaay too many clothes. After he was born nothing I owned fit, so I bought about a week’s worth of clothing. After a while it was clear that the extra weight wasn’t going to disappear overnight, so I packed up all my old clothing. While it has been scary to not have lots of choices when it comes to outfits, it’s been liberating to have such a small wardrobe. As I continue on my weight loss journey I hope to keep my wardrobe manageable, but slightly larger than it is now.
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
I identify with this a lot. I always seem to feel that the smaller my wardrobe selection, the easier it is to get dressed.
Debra
April 19, 2011 #
Please… I can’t even go there. I told my oldest daughter that when she moves out, I’m moving the youngest into her room, and the youngest’s bedroom will be my fabulous walk in closet. I’ve got the whole thing worked out in my mind :)
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
Ha! Our new house doesn’t have much closet space (since it’s 100 years old), so the second bedroom is becoming a dressing room / guest room. It sounds so luxurious!
Jasmine
April 19, 2011 #
Like Ginger I have a very small wardrobe, I tend to wear clothes till they are nolonger wearable. I do have a large collection of fabric and vintage items, the size of my collection depends on what I have been doing.
However I feel you are all missing one of the most imporent parts of breaking the need to over buy, money. When it came down to it not can you be over buying but overspending too. My husband and I work on a cash only basis for our week to week buys. We have found that this stops us buy something we don’t really need and save for the things we really want.
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
I agree that sticking to cash can be really helpful!
Eileen
April 19, 2011 #
This is all really helpful. I have a dresser (!) full of stash fabric, and I try to go through it when I want to start a new project and try to shop my stash. I used to store my fabric in big plastic bins, and found that was just unmanageable because I couldn’t see or find anything I had, so it just piled up. The dresser with very shallow drawers only lets me keep what I can see. I’ve gotten better at donating or using stash fabric, but I can’t bring myself to cull things I’ve made, even things I don’t really love, because it seems so hard to say goodbye.
My problem is starting to be notions and scraps–there’s always just a few extra buttons or a little bit of ribbon left over at the end of a project that seem like too much to throw away. I also have bags and bags of scraps that “will be a quilt one day” (or at least I tell myself) but they’re starting to get out of control.
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
I have so much trouble getting rid of stuff I’ve made too! Even more so for things I’ve knitted because they take soooo long. However, knowing that is a good incentive for me to do more thinking and planning before I sew something.
Kath
April 19, 2011 #
I have recently found that online shopping is my biggest vice. Sometimes 3 things turn up each day for a week and I really have to think hard about when I ordered them! Fabric is my love… I don’t even use it as my primary medium, I just love it. Texture and colour make me want to hold and touch and show off my collection to others.
I don’t curb it, I just try to stay within my means. I also have 3 bedrooms for just two little people so it’s pretty easy to find a home for everything (for now….)
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
Online shopping is a big one for me when it comes to fabric too. Especially when I find good deals, its hard to resist thinking that I’ll use it “someday”!
Shona
April 20, 2011 #
I have no better answer than all of the ladies before me! At times I am controlled and other times I go a bit nuts until I realise what has happened. hee hee. But I am glad to know that other gals are the same. Whew!
Sølvi
April 20, 2011 #
Wow, this topic IS my blog these days! I am constantly thinking about and trying to tackle my wardrobe and my stash.
I didn´t buy any new clothes for a whole year, but although that gave me lots of positive things, it didn´t, however, affect the size of my wardrobe. Although I donated LOTS of my old clothing last year, I make new clothes all the time, and I need to slow down because of space. I don´t have more room neither for stash nor clothing! This year I try not to buy any new fabric.
I am also feeling conscious about what effect my purchases have on the planet – do I really need all of this? I love some of the ideas above, especially Jennifer´s inventory list – that seems like a great idea! I try to do that with my wardrobe, I am listing all of my clothing, shoes and accessories in a software system that helps me keep track of what I own, and by logging my outfits each day, I also keep track of what I use. It´s called Wardrobe Assistant.
It´s so interesting to hear how everyone is tackling this issue!
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
I also went a year without buying new clothing a while back. It totally transformed my thinking and spending habits!
Lisa
April 20, 2011 #
I very much understand your dilemma. That’s why last summer I decided to stop shopping, and start making. This is only a temporary halt though, because the same problem will pop up when I’ve made lots of things and have yet again lots of clothes. The no shopping is really not that hard! (I’ve written a post about it on my blog: http://onlythesmall.blogspot.com/2010/09/first-new-item.html)
What I do to keep my closet from bursting, is at least four big cleanings a year, with the turn of every season. A rule I have set for myself is that no matter how much I might like a garment, if I don’t wear it it has to go. We had a big clothes swap with friends, so it’s more easy if you know someone else is happy with your excess clothes. Moving often also seems to help: before you pack an item, think about whether you need it. Very often the answer is no.
And yes, almost everyone has more clothes than they need. It hurts to let go, but it’s also liberating not to have so much stuff!
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
Four times a year is my goal for closet cleaning. In reality, I probably only do it once or twice a year.
SMR
April 20, 2011 #
My problem with clothing seems to be “purpose.”
Having two or three jobs that require uniforms or otherwise specialized clothing? That alone takes up half my closet and I only probably have a week (or less) worth of each.
Then “interview” clothes, like the button downs; casual dinner out clothes; working in the garden (aka playing in dirt) clothes; chilling at home clothes; fancy night out clothes (usually interview clothes with some upgraded accessories or tops)…multiply that by serious seasonal differences (90s in the summer, negative 20s in the winter)…
Even with layering to make them multi-purpose…that’s a lot of clothing!
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
Yes! For me, the challenge is that I like dresses and pretty things like dresses and heels, but I also love physical activities like gardening, biking, running, or just walking around town. Sometimes this means I collect a lot of clothes that aren’t practical to wear most days.
MB @YarnUiPhoneappv1.2
April 20, 2011 #
For me, there isn’t a whole lot…and I honestly wish I’d kept some clothes that I gave away. Now, a goodly amount – anything vintage – has gone to Columbia College’s Study Collection so I know exactly where it is if I ever want to visit my clothes. Other stuff I gave away to organizations. I wish, wish I could get some things back. For anyone who wants to donate to Columbia, they’re full up for now.
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
Yeah, sometimes it does suck to think about something you got rid of and wish you hadn’t. I tend to hold onto vintage things more, I think.
Also, I hold onto “nicer” or more expensive things even if I don’t wear them.
seeks
April 20, 2011 #
I try to keep my wardrobe a certain size: a dresser and half a closet full. When I was a child, the goal was 7 pieces of clothing for each item-7 shorts, 7 skirts, etc., to just keep enough to clothe oneself for a week or two. I still find myself going back to that concept when looking at my wardrobe.
I love clothing swaps with friends and family to liven up and thin out the wardrobe, too.
My family is known to accrue far too many supplies that don’t get used, so my current goal is to only buy fabric for which I have a project already in mind. And to finish projects before buying for new ones (that one is hard). I’m hoping to keep that as a major focus of my blog as a motivator. I also hope to move beyond just clothing myself and practicing sewing skills on other bodies. On a bartering basis, so I don’t spend the money on the supplies, but get the experience and joy of making things. When I get better, I’ll try to even make it profitable.
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
This is exactly what I’m doing right now, only buying supplies for immediate projects. It’s been the most helpful thing so far. The Spring Palette Challenge really helped me with this too!
Vivien
April 20, 2011 #
Gosh what a question! I sew for a living so I tend to build my wardrobe with my shop, and then add a few things that I just really want to make for the sake of it sometimes too. Usually to meet a need, like for eg if I find myself constantly thinking “I wish I had a black pencil skirt to go with this” over an over again, I have to make said item! I also collect accessories in a similar way. If I run into a shoe I love but already have a pair that meets any need the new one would fill I pass it over for something that fills a hole I don’t already have covered. So I have one pair of black high heels and no more till that pair wears out. (I actually still have items in rotation from the 90’s it’s like shopping for vintage with myself!)
I guess stay strategic about clothes shopping. Wish could say the same about fabric, I have a stash big enough to stock a shop and it still pours in! At some point it’s time to shop with our selves and only use stash fabric instead of buying more.
Sarai
April 20, 2011 #
I was thinking recently it would be helpful for me to make a list of classics that I’d like to acquire, and chip away at that list for a while (like a nice trench coat, versatile ballet flats, etc).
Claire
April 20, 2011 #
These are all good tips and boy, do I need help!
I find it so hard not to buy clothes and almost impossible to let things go, even if they have never suited me or fitted me. 95% of the clothes I buy are second hand/vintage so I can collect stuff with interesting fabric or details, or just because it’s old, with no intention of wearing it! I also have this strange feeling that I should keep everything as one day I may have a daughter and I want to pass my vintage on – as I wished my grandmother had kept all her clothes – anyone else feel that way?!
My fabric stash has burgeoned in the last 2 years, but I have only made THREE things! I desperately want to make more things and make things that are practical/can be worn daily and that fit with existing items or fill gaps… but I struggle to do this, plus the fabric I buy (always vintage) is often not enough for a project or the print too large etc. I have rarely bought a pattern with a fabric in mind or vice versa…I just buy what catches my eye, which happens often!
I also tend to buy similar styles of things, especially with shoes, so rather than have one pair of black heels, like Vivien in the last comment, I end up with 4 pairs of red mary janes.
Eileen
April 20, 2011 #
>I also have this strange feeling that I should keep everything as one day I may have a daughter and I want to pass my vintage on – as I wished my grandmother had kept all her clothes
This is EXACTLY how I feel about some of the things I make, or the nicer pieces I acquire. I have a few of my mother’s and grandmother’s pieces, but it seems like what survived was the pieces which were too nice to wear everyday, for them or for me. I’m kind of hoping the pieces I pass on are both nice enough to wear once in a while and durable enough to last that long.
Nicole
April 20, 2011 #
Clearly this post hit a nerve for many of us :) I’m currently on fabric buying lock, a mostly self imposed but partially spouse imposed restriction — I’ve committed to not buying any more fabric until I use up at least half of my stash. It sounds so reasonable since I have a lot of beautiful fabric in my stash already, but it feel incredibly punitive sometimes. Just now before reading this post I was actually looking longingly at some pretty Japanese double gauze online, feeling annoyed about the fact that I can’t buy it!
For me the problem seems to be, as Sarai said, that I get inspired by fabric as much as I do by patterns and other things. Buying a new piece of fabric is so exciting because I imagine all of the lovely things that I could make with it, and then sometimes I keep it around much longer than I intend because I can’t commit to making any one particular thing with it. It’s like I’m addicted to the possibility in uncut fabric.
I have much less trouble with my already existing clothes, and I kind of take a Darwinian approach to my closet these days. I used to feel really annoyed when I bought something and then didn’t end up wearing it, but sometimes that happens despite my best efforts to really think through my purchases. So I’ve decided sometimes you have to be willing to buy/make a bunch of stuff to find the few garments and shoes that you really love, and just cull the rest.
Sandy
April 20, 2011 #
Fabric is just simply one of the greatest things on earth LOL. I have no suggestions on how to curb your purchasing of it. However my thinking on a fabric stash is… be frugal in all ways you can! But allow yourself your sewing hobby. My honeyman says to me “well a girls gotta have a hobby” He is right! A person just can’t spend like nuts in all others areas too…example one can’t be driving a near car every year, new furniture every time you turn around, every new electronic gadget that comes out etc etc…. I actually hate going shopping for just about everything else so its easy for me to not buy other stuff LOL… But I am always happy to go to the fabric store :O)…
so pick the one that means the most to ya and spend there :O).
r.shelly
April 20, 2011 #
I am a fabric, button, and notions hoarder also. I also live in Portland and there are such amazing places to find these really easily and cheaply. The fact that there is a free box on every corner also makes it too easy to collect things. I have tried to set rules for myself, but it is hard. I also get most of my wardrobe that I don’t make myself from clothing swap parties. I held myself back with the last one I attended so that my closet doesn’t explode.
maryweaverart
April 21, 2011 #
I decided that this year I was going to learn to sew, no matter what (and what a journey it has been!). In the past few months, I’ve collected a little stash of vintage patterns, my grandmothers buttons, and some beautiful fabrics. My goal is for every garment I make, I donate one that I don’t need anymore to charity. That way, my little collection doesn’t take over and I can hopefully give back.
Sherringa
April 22, 2011 #
Yes Ladies it is the texture and color that makes us collect fabric for a future use. It is true confession time: My food Pantry is half fabric. I put it in there thinking it would stop me from buying more as I see it everyday! ( it doesn’t work) Then my kids moved out and my wonderful husband agreed I should turn our big master bedroom into a sewing studio. So now I have this big beautiful space to sew and I invite ladies over for sewing days. We have made stacks of pillow cases for the homeless shelters and now are working on quilts. The problem of collecting stems from having a creative mind and thinking we have all the time in the world to sew when we don’t. I have given away piles of fabric but it still grows. The best idea is to just stay away from the stores and only allow so many dollars in your pocket when you do go. Now it is time to pull myself away from the computer and go make things!
Minnietheminks
April 22, 2011 #
Oh golly gosh, I am relieved that there is such a large response to this and the answers are so varied. I think that thinking about my wardrobe has been vice for so long. It is a roller coaster for me.
I want to be more organised, have a small workable wardrobe, with clever accessories etc etc … cue reality and my mood, taste, and body shape changes. This leads to spells when I don’t want to be cute and floral I want edge and punk… then no, I want sweet and floral. So my wardrobe becomes eclectic, big and random. I then have a big clear out, feel guilt, donate, oraganise for the small wardrobe and then the cycle begins again.
One thing I have noticed is I love patterned fabric, but often wear more solid colours, so I am trying to limit myself to making plain items of clothing from now on and more practical stuff too… I have so many floral dresses I never wear. I have also cut down on op-shopping (thrifting). I often find I buy items to refashion and the end up lying around waiting to be refashioned.
I read an article in Australian magazine Frankie about a girl who drew all of her purchases when she felt her spending was getting out of control. Maybe if I drew what I actually wear every day for a month it might make me more thoughtful about what to include in my ‘capsule’ wardrobe.
If someone could inject me with an editing gene my worries would be over but until then its still a case of learning from my mistakes :)
Caroline
April 22, 2011 #
Ah all the replies here are excellent insights into why we stash fabric, patterns, notions, clothing, shoes, etc. And how to manage it! In terms of myself, I also had to stop going to thrift stores because of stashing clothes I intend to refashion/reconstruct. My pattern stash went out of control because they can be bought for so cheaply from the Big 4 but then I reigned it back in. My fabric stash is so-so and manageable. It’s because I have the mentality that I will waste fabric if I don’t have a project in mind for it. And fabric is more expensive! Clothing? I haven’t bought in ages. But shoes, oh boy I had a thing for those a few months ago but I’ve established a shoe buying ban for myself from now on.
I once read somewhere when I was looking for tips in budgeting that for your hobby (or addictive clothes buying), you should track how much you spend on it and save an equal amount of it in a savings account. If I spend $50 on fabric, then I put another $50 in my savings account. Makes your hobby or addictive spending behaviour seem twice as expensive! I’ve been really good with my budgeting lately. I must though! Living the student life forces it upon you.
Louise
April 24, 2011 #
I have brought lots of fabric over the years, that has been in storage, since I was on active duty. During the many moves I have lost some of the instructions for cleaning some of the fabrics so my question is if you are not sure how to clean the fabric what is the best way. Some of the fabric smells old and moldy.