Several years ago I came to the conclusion that a stash is more than fabric we stockpile in totes, boxes, closets and project folders. It is the most basic of building blocks in the foundation of our quilt making. We can have grand designs in our heads, penciled down on paper or printed off from the computer, and all the latest gadgets, tools and machines to sew on, but without the delightfully thrilling colors of our stash we can accomplish nothing. Some of us have a grander and more prolific amount of building blocks. Others have just enough to get the job done. Yet more fall somewhere in the middle.

I also have come to realize that our stash represents a part of who we are. It tells a story of what we liked or were drawn to in any given year or season, and sometimes how long we've been collecting. It tells what colors we dislike or avoid by the lack thereof within the color schemes we collect. A stash that is color coordinated and neatly stacked makes a statement as well as those that are haphazardly tossed into a pile or tote or those separated by project specifics. I wonder what our children or grandchildren will hear these fabrics say about us since most of us have more than we can use up in one lifetime. I am fortunate enough to have more time with my stash and the creations that come out of it than many others, but when life intrudes on the most wonderful of passions (love transformed into quilts) and there isn't enough time to think let alone take a stitch or cut a block then we head to that amazing stash be it large or small, throw open the doors, totes, boxes and bags to feast our eyes on the rainbow of color. Our gaze falls upon this stash so uniquely ours with joy remembering maybe when we found that wonderful piece or the one that came from someone who you thought had no clue about your passion, but it was the perfect choice or that quilt shop or show where you just had to have that one over there, and the funny one from that swap which still can make you smile...

We have stepped into another world where time slows down and the "stuff" of life cannot intrude, for a little while. As the memories of where this one or that one came from or the reason for its existence in your stash comes to mind a hand reaches out to touch, caress and hold. From our finger tips to our wearied bodies the stresses of the day begin to fall away. Another snatch of color will draw your hand, and as you pull that one out find it blends ever so nicely with the one already in your hand. No sooner have you had time to admire their symphony of colors than another begs to be added to the ever-changing song. In no time at all we seem to be surrounded by colors, sets, pairs, trios and conglomerations. Ideas fly around so quickly we can barely snatch just one or two from flight to set firmly into process. Life eventually recalls us to other chores and needs as we gather up the rainbow and put it back into it's special place maybe leaving that set with the idea caught into it's colors where we can ponder it as we go about the business of our families needs and day to day routine that calls out for our touch. Feeling refreshed, relaxed and empowered to tackle the next batch of curves life's warming up to toss our way, we close the door, totes, boxes or bags knowing that the rainbow will greet us again on another day to lift a heart grown heavy, comfort a weary mind, bring joy into our smile and release the tension of a stress filled day. Our stash is so much more than threads woven into cloth and colored with the shades and hues of the rainbow to us, and non-quilters often cannot comprehend this fascination with fabric, the colors and textures, and in some cases sheer quantity. So, from one fabric fondling, stash-building, quilt maker to another enjoy your stash and remember it has more than one purpose in the scheme of life and guilt is technically not one of them! :-)

©Barbara Whatley October 2000
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