Monday, May 04, 2009

Cave In At The Craft Cave


Every thing's calm now, but I have been off line due to a major cave-in at the craft cave.
That last batch of thrift goodies kind of set off some sort of crafty, critical mass, stash avalanche. By the time I heard the rumbling, I was buried under 6 feet of exquisite thrifty craft treasure, I can't possibly live without...all quite shoddily stored, in an inadequate and badly lit space.

Before the end, I would be injured, and it would take Lassie, Oprah, and several volunteers from the staff at Martha Stewart Omnimedia before I could be located.

The buttons are now all sorted by color, into various adorable vintage tins. My life is perfect. I can die content.

It is amazing that if you take a full walk in closet and empty it into a full sized house, (Well, a very moderate full sized cabin, really.) the items will fill the entire house. And then comes the occasionally fun, and usually utterly confounding step, of categorizing and containing an entire house full of artsy and esoteric random "items of great potential". This is daunting.

If I got rid of it, where in the world would I ever find another one of.. whatever these are.


At this stage we lost Oprah, Lassie, and a good 1/3 of the MS gang. I was left with Little Miss "Good Things For Organizing", some little masochist from the recipes cross reference section, and a couple of interns from RISD. Basically, I was on my own.

I know it's really crazy but I kept the old labels on these boxes I thrifted.
They amuse me. They were driving the Martha Stewart Interns crazy.
( click image to enlarge)
I am assuming these were for correspondence, and not anything more horrifying.



However, in just under a week and with a minimum of actual blood loss, we were able to cram a sufficient amount of irreplaceable craft treasures back into the hole I love to hate, and this week the craft is back on.

It's true. I was really injured. and for those of you who are really paying attention That is my right index finger, otherwise known, by bloggers everywhere, as the typing finger.

Seriously though, I really learned a lot from going through all my huntings and gatherings. I learned
A) I'm totally lucky to have such a cool bunch of junk.
B) Organization is not my best attribute.
C) The New Vintage Wardrobe just has to come back, bigger and better than ever and...
D) If your stash doesn't make you stronger, it just might kill you.

this is the first of the new batch of patterns to be sewn.. stay tuned!

21 comments:

Maria Stahl said...

Hahahahahahahaha!!!

(love the caftan pattern - you must make)

WV: smallan, a line of modular shelving from IKEA.

Kristin L said...

I'd keep the labels on those boxes too. ;-)

mary said...

"If I ever got rid of it, where would I ever find another one of...." SO TRUE! But the small room in our house that I have taken over with my "treasures" is going to spontaneously combust one of these days (according to my husband). But so hard to walk away from a thrift store treasure!

kerrykatiecakes2 said...

Hi Betty! I just found your blog via a link on Sharon B's pintangles. So glad I did! I love thrifting, old patterns and have my very own stash of Workbasket magazines. You got a terrific haul at your last treasure hunt at the thrift store! Way to go!
Hugs,
Kerry

kerrykatiecakes2 said...

Forgot but meant to say - your cat is gorgeous!!
Hugs again!
Kerry

Meghan said...

Holy cow, I love the labels on those boxes. And that Simplicity pattern in the top photo is awesome! Nice work sorting out the stash -- it's been on my to-do list forever, but I keep getting sidetracked by new projects.

Claire said...

Who would have a box devoted to "men friends" anything? I laughed out loud!

Lets hope those boxes were used to store Christmas presents or something :P

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the cleaning spree! My "craft space" (ie -corner of the bedroom) needs some serious work. So I think I'll take page out of your book!

can't wait to see the new sewing projects!

Miss Dallas said...

You are an inspiration to me, but I'll just admire your organization from a distance. I revel in my junky closet!

Oh, and I seriously want that caftan!

Cass said...

I love that label "my men friends"

Anonymous said...

i = jealous of your tins

if they're ever in need of a home
please think of me ^_^

Anonymous said...

the drawers I use still bear labels of their former owner; mine say allen keys and furniture instructions, plugs, maps of the Midlands 2003 etc. The labels stand as a salutary reminder to keep craft corralled. And heaven knows, I try. But there was this hatbox full of buttons and haberdashery (notions) and the "psychotic" kitten tin full of vintage buttons... I couldn't resist adding. I think the green things in picture 2 are for trimming hats. Congratulations on a job well done! Lynda, in England.

FRIZZ said...

I love your story telling abilities. Are you for hire? My hubby will make you homemade chocolate cream puffs in exchange for an organized art room. Yes, I pimp out his cooking abilities. You wouldn't enjoy anything I attempt to make.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the story!
I posted this bit about my craft room in December. Many months later it still looks a lot like this, but more of the stuff is in bins to appear organized. http://ibbyskibby.wordpress.com/2008/12/05/new-new-craft-room/
It's a moot point, though, since in just a month, the new new craft room is moving into another, smaller room, but with better lighting!
Sara in Salt Lake City

Jenifir said...

I love the tins. I would probably leave the labels on too, especially if the containers did not contain suspicious dust. My Dad had boxes labelled 'Ties I don't like' and 'Old Girlfriends' so I love colourful labelling.
I had to go through and organize all my stash when my husband renovated my sewing studio. Blogged about here: http://thoroughlymodernvintage.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-creative-space-before-and-after.html
I can't wait to see you New Vintage Wardrobe additions and hope to join in.

Mrs. Pla said...

Love those labels! I know exactly how being that disorganized can feel, and already went through and tossed out a ton of the "but I MIGHT use this SOME day!" crap that was cluttering up the place.

I also wanted to say thank you. Your website has pushed my interest in clothing making, and I have ordered a book on grading patterns so that I too might have a New Vintage Wardrobe some day...

Jen said...

Hi Betty!! I just recently found your blog & love it.
Just one question... what would be found in such a bin labeled "My Men Friends"? LOL that is great!!

Kristi said...

That last pattern is cute, a short version would be nice for summer.

Yarni Gras! said...

I LOVE this post! I'm envious. I wish I could be covered with a stash 'o' thrifty goodness...especially buttons!

aichaku-愛着 said...

gosh i loved this post!! :D for some unknown reason, those labels are hilarious to me, esp "my men friends". Lol.

laura said...

The squat tin on the far right? I have the other ones! I adore the pattern and never knew it came in that size...now I'll be obsessed at lawn sales and flea markets trying to find it!

Vintage tins rule!

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