Diagnosis: Crafter's ADHD

I don't need a doctor to tell me I have a problem; I've known it for years. I have two sewing machines (they're both hand-me-downs: I know how to make buttonholes on one, and the other sews more nicely without causing me tantrums over the tension), a dress form, a knitting machine that hasn't seen the light of day for at least two years, loads of jewelry-making tools (all small tools, but they add up), beads, a table loom, piles of knitting needles, and ridiculous stashes of yarn, fabric, embroidery floss, and the like. There are craft books, sewing patterns, binders full of tearsheets, saved issues of Threads and Marie Claire Idees, and my binders full of MSL articles. And I still have all my notes and books from design school, which I use frequently.


Now I'm considering dyeing fabrics using natural dyes. And I'd like to try spinning sometime. Plus my Grandma has a fantastic floor loom I'd love to have someday, but when would I use it? And where would I store it? And what about that serger I'd love to buy?

So with all these projects and craft types, what have I been doing with myself lately? Well, not sewing the baby dress, making baby gifts, finishing my sock, or sewing any of the other piles of cut-out clothing on my sewing machine. No, not me. I decided I just had to make myself a t-shirt. Why, I don't know. But I liked the silhouette of a shirt I bought at Anthropologie a while ago and decided that two XL t-shirts which were destined for the thrift shop or the garbage just had to become a little fitted t-shirt. I've never sewn knit fabric before, but it was easier than I thought. Still, I don't like the neckline or the sleeve cap or the shape of the armholes and will almost certainly never wear it. And the fabric was a bit stiff and heavy for this particular style, I think. Those Beefy T's weren't meant for Anthropologie styling.


It was an interesting experiment, and I'd like to say that I've gotten it out of my system and can return to the previously planned projects. But something tells me that there will be more t-shirts in further attempts to solve the fit issues I had with this one.


Great. One more new craft direction. Now I suppose I'll be building a stash of knit fabrics or old t-shirts? There must be a cure for this illness, and I'm sure I'm not the only one with the problem. Perhaps we should start a support group for Multi-Crafting Disorder? We could call eachother when the urge to try a new craft hits and talk eachother down. But knowing you crafty types, you'd just encourage me, wouldn't you? Some help you are. Enablers is what you are, the whole lot of you. Humph.


Oh, and regarding those natural dyes? Cristina sent me the Martha article and lots of information regarding the dyes and the dyeing process. She really knows what she's doing and was extremely generous with her expertise. Thank you so much, Cristina! Are these colors just screaming "YOU MUST DYE YOUR OWN FABRIC...NOW!" or is it just me?