Had a great chat with Marie @StitchOdyssey about her fabric stash. She showed us some really precious heirloom pieces, including some silk handwoven by her great grandmother! Marie stores her fabric in Kallax units. This is a staple in the sewing community – @AdamSews showed us his Kallax too. Marie’s upcoming projects include a Hazel dress for the festive season. This pattern has been made by previous Stash Chats guests Fauve and Sandeep and it’s on my list too – maybe it’s becoming a Stash Chats mascot!
Here are some highlights from my conversation with Marie:
When did you start sewing?
I first started sewing aroung 14 years ago. My friend invited me to join them at an evening class and I’ve been hooked ever since!
What do you like to sew?
I mostly sew dresses as that’s what I tend to wear the most. Skirts don’t really work for my body shape – my waist is much narrower than my hips and bust. I used to sew a lot of vintage pieces, but I’ve transitioned into more relaxed styles over the last few years as my lifestyle has shifted towards more working from home and casual situations.
How would you describe your stash?
Large, overwhelming, beautiful. I’m drawn to a lot of bright colours and statement prints. I definitely wouldn’t describe it as a capsule collection! When I was packing for holiday, my partner Charlotte was shocked seeing the eclectic mix of prints all together. I don’t often buy fabric with a project in mind, so I usually pull a few options to choose from when I decide on a pattern.
How do you store your fabric?
I have floor-to-ceiling Kallax units full of fabric! I tend to roll viscoses and slippery fabrics and fold more stable fabric. The fabric is sorted by type so even though there’s a lot, I can still find what I’m looking for.
What is the most precious fabric in your stash?
I have some silk fabric that was spun and woven by my great grandmother in Cyprus – she even raised the silk worms herself. This fabric was intended as part of the dowry for my grandmother and her three sisters, although I’m not sure my grandfather was much impressed by it! Earlier in my sewing journey (when I was less consumed by THE FEAR), I made a 1920s-inspired blouse using the Armistace Blouse by Folkwear Patterns. I still have quite a lot of this fabric but now I’m scared to cut into it.
I also have a nautical themed fabric from my great aunt from the 1930s or 1940s. She kept it really well so it’s still in great condition.
Tell us about your destashes – they’re very popular, some people even describe you as their favourite fabric shop!
I enjoy the destashes because I feel it gives me an opportunity to play at having my own fabric shop! I run my destashes through Instagram and I’m so grateful to everyone who buys from me. The money often goes towards funding vet bills for the animals I seem to be collecting. I love it when people tag me in their makes – it’s so good to see the fabrics sewn up (although sometimes they look so good I regret letting them go).
We should get you set up as a consultant on a Rainbow Fabrics buying trip!
Honestly, I would love that! It’s amazing watching Yusuf and the team pick out fabrics in Turkey but I always think could help them make some great picks. Rainbow is one of my favourite fabric shops, I just can’t resist their drops. I’m planning to make a festive Hazel dress using a green print fabric from them.
Stash Chats takes place on Instagram Live, usually every Thursday evening at 8pm (UK time), although times can vary so make sure you follow us on Instagram so you can tune in live. The next Stash Chats guest will be bag maker, pattern designer and avid collector of Tula Pink fabric, Adam of @AdamSews!
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