Years ago I would have considered my obsessive bead collecting habit out of control. Whenever I could, I would head up to Providence and fill up our Grand Wagoneer with boxes and boxes of old glass cabachons, beads and decorative goods. Since I was always able to constantly use the beads in my jewelry designs or put the beads into kits - I convinced myself that I was simply preserving the past and passing on my great finds to others. I had a few small bead boxes stored at home, so I could design jewelry whenever the mood struck me.
My fabric stash is a different story. I thought everything was going along fine and then one day this past week, I noticed my fabric stash had sort of become a part of my everyday life. Piles of old fabric have been stacked up in the living room and on the tables - for no other reason except that I like to look at them. The other day I couldn't sit down on the couch because of all of the patchwork squares I had uncovered at Quilt Market. I actually picked up a couple of the piles and put them on the floor to make space for me. The piles are still there.
I thought about storing them in the armoire in the living room, but the last time I checked it was chock full of cloth. I thought French General was supposed to be my craft workshop - the place where I could actually store all of my old bits and pieces. Somewhere along the way I decided I couldn't go a whole night without looking at my scraps - and so, instead of me dropping the bags of fabric at FG, they come home with me and make little piles all over the house. I seem to be unable to pass up beautiful, antique fabric. And, I am already counting the days till the fabric show at the end of the month at Pickwick Gardens.
So here's the big idea...if you have a fabric stash - and I am sure most of you do, pull it out (or if you are like me, it's already out!) and use it. I know - it's an unusual concept - to actually use the very elements that we have been hoarding for years. This actually could be fun and could make up our first ever sewing contest.
A few rules: you must not buy your material, all of the elements must come from your stash - even the trim - and you must make something that will show off special bits off your stash. A patchwork bag, quilt, wall hanging, pillow or stuffed animal - anything that will let you look at your fabric collection on a daily basis without having to look at all of the piles!
Once you have completed your design, send it along to us at French General, along with details of the scraps you used. All designs will be photographed and then returned to you by the holidays.
Our Sewing Stash contest will run the month of November - plenty of time to dig out your scraps - and the winner will be chosen based on design and function by a group of stashers. The lucky winner will win a $100 gift certificate to French General, along with a copy of our new book, Home Sewn. All of the designs will be shown on our website along with your name and a link to your website and blog if you like.
Have fun, be creative....and...use your stash to make some cash!
Send your entry to us at:
French General 1621 Vista del Mar, Hollywood, California 90028
Well, as winter is beginning to settle in, it's time to think about my planned getaway! I have been talking with Lizzie, our friend who owns the lovely 18th century Chateau Dumas in south west France. Together, we are ready to plan our first ever Textile Workshop. We are thinking of a seven night/six day chateau stay which would include outings to the flea market, vide greniers and brocantes as well as afternoon workshops and maybe even a field trip to the hat factory in Caussade. 
All of our meals will be prepared for us - to give us more time to relax and create, walk the grounds, learn about wine and of course - hunt for old textiles! This is a planned escape for the woman who would like to live in France for a week, wake up to the smell of fresh croissants and see the fields of sunflowers that go on for miles. Mom - are you coming?
If you are interested in French General's Chateau Getaway, please leave me a comment with your e-mail or home address and I will send you the details, including room availability, travel suggestions and costs! The chateau has a limited amount of rooms, so sign ups will be on a first come basis.
