Stash Busting - Living a Life of Abundance

Whether weaving or cooking, having a "stash" on hand allows for spur of the moment creativity. I start with the basics - a warp or a chuck roast - and then I look around for what is on hand. Do I want something safe, familiar and comforting or something new, bold, different.

My cooking stash is filled with staples and favorites condiments. My mother used to say she didn't know anyone with a better smelling spice cabinet. I also always have on hand Thai curry pastes, several cheeses, 4-5 kinds of beans, lots of pastas, ready made Indian sauces, and of course Tina's eggs. Having a variety of ingredients on hand allows for creativity when my husband comes home from the grocery with a pork roast or a roasting chicken or whatever. Lucky for me both my husband and daughter are adventurous eaters. 

My weaving stash is not quite as extensive as the cooking stash - but it is growing. I have bought a few things, have been given some and have been "forced" to take some from the overflowing supplies at the center (usually by Pat when Carol is out of town). Beyond those few things I have purchased for special projects most all of my stash will go into rugs. It is fun to get a warp on and then look around to see what will work - coordinating colors and contrasting colors - nasty 70's drapery material and worn out bedspreads and baby blanket double knits.

Bedspreads and draperies

Last month, when digging in the center's storage annex for fabric for a custom order rug I found a rubber-made container filled with white chenille bedspreads and baby fabrics. The idea for nursery rugs was born. I put a pastel warp on my floor loom and started stripping bedspreads. Then I realized that I had stash perfect for use with the warp - nylon from the bulk purchase that we had made as a group last spring. I had even already skeined and washed a lot of "baby pink." Perfect.

Nasty nylon

Nylon ready for weaving

Lucky for me rug buyers come in all types - safe and comfortable - a little wild and crazy - and hopefully in the shape of some grandmothers looking for the perfect accessory for a nursery. 

When I weave I live in a world of abundance. There is always a stash and the creative possibilities are endless.

Be well,

Ann