10 things I'm not buying for SLOW STITCHING in 2025 - SPENDING LESS and BUYING BETTER slow stitching

• A vintage collector's ...
Do you have a room full of slow stitching supplies, yet you're still buying MORE? This is my list of 10 things NOT to buy for slow stitching, to inspire us both to buy better - it starts with deciding what NOT to buy. I hope this inspires you.
This channel is all about being creative through slow stitching, sewing and other crafts - all from the beautiful English countryside here in Cornwall, England.

[@eileenalexander9026]

Oh, this is SO me! I can't believe that I just randomly found this channel. It's absolutely delightful. Love it!!!

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Thank you Eileen - lovely to meet you. Dawn x

[@evocationart8370]

I resonate with everyone here, I have stopped going in charity shops and car boots etc. trying to give loads away or put them up for sale. Getting rid of anything not inspiring. But all the sorting means I’m not creating 😅

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

I know what you mean - the sorting needs to be done, but it's frustrating when you want to be sewing instead! I feel your pain! g 😅

[@myrnadahl105]

O my goodness, love that book with the key. im noy sure i could keep from buying that!

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Hi Myrna - well, we're not going to be much help to each then, are we 😂? Sounds like we'd just encourage each other. Dawn x

[@gailjoynt-sigley9929]

I'd look out for antique fabric then cover that beautiful book. 😊

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Hmmm. Good idea... 😁

[@odulcina]

Same here, there are kind of laces or fabric that I am not buying or even accepting for free as I have so much! the only thing that I was are real antique, lovely, soft and thin laces … or decos :)

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Really, nothing compares to the old, antique lace, does it? 😊

[@michellehenderson2773]

Oh my goodness your just like me I do the same and say not buying anymore till last Saturday I found 3 old hand stitching books in a charity shop just had to give them a home and I'm stitching a design from one lol Have a lovely week stitching x

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

On Michelle - if you're already using one then I reckon that really doesn't count - it's only things we're NOT going to use that we need to feel guilty about...! 😊D x

[@traceybeale1761]

Thanks for the reminder…I’ve just had a big clean out in my craft room and am determined to use what I have 😊 I probably have enough fabric ,yarn and thread to keep me busy for years 😂

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Hi Tracey. Yes, you're not the only one. I AM determined to use more of my stash this year though - not in a "use as much as possible" way, more of a "if you love it - use it" way. D x

[@LindaHook-m3h]

I had to laugh!! Who were YOU trying to CONVINCE ME or YOURSELF 😂 I have to admit l am the same... l am trying (truly) it is NOT EASY... TEMPATION IS EVERYWHERE!! I came home yesterday after visiting local charity shops and saw a gorgeous vintage sewing box on legs with a rolled top... l was so proud of myself until l got home and could not stop thinking about it. YES you guessed l am now looking at it in my house!! "NO" l will try honestly!! Love your channel.

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

You weren't weak - if you were still thinking about it after you got home then it was MEANT TO BE!!! Ha-ah. Lovely looking, vintage AND a sewing box all in one? - you didn't stand a chance! Don't forget, I still have a list of things I DO plan on buying if/when I see them this year - video on the way...! Enjoy the rest of your weekend Linda. D x

[@julieschwartz2135]

I totally agree with everything you said. I just hope I have the willpower to hold myself back, because I’m drowning in everything 🤣. The books are my weakness, and taking them apart is a form of relaxation for me….so I will keep buying them😊

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Well, if they keep you relaxed, then they're worth every penny and definitely worth buying more of... ! Hopefully you can do some of that this weekend. Take care, Dawn x

[@karenoshea151]

I am back because I had to make one more comment that it is so cathartic to see somebody else dealing with all the beautiful Treasures we have accrued and want to work with but have to learn how to organize them all I am a professional organizer of 30 years and I still struggle with my own stuff I'm great with everybody else's LOL but I think I finally have a system down like you do where I put like with like and I have beautiful containers to contain them in which makes me feel happy when I'm looking for something and I just love that you're sharing this this is a very important video that you have made end I will watch it again because it's entertaining as well I love how you talk to us like we're in the room with you and ask us questions it's so sweet because I feel like I'm sitting there with you

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Oh Karen - I'm really touched at what you've said - thank you! I'm actually astounded - but VERY pleased - that I'm feeling the same way as other people like yourself - it's not just me being weird!!! I'm so glad to have met you Karen. D x

[@JournalBreezeYT]

You make some very good points. The way I've found that works, and I'm not being sarcastic, is to not go to as many shops and markets for antiques and vintage as I want to, or as I have in the past. If I don't go, I don't shop, as much, and often it's in my own home :) It's almost as much fun, less hassle and better pricing!

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Well, it's funny you should say that Kimberly, because one of my favourite places to shop is my own wardrobe! I am planning to put the camera on when I next dig into it - I've said the same thing to myself about the best prices around😂! Thanks for encouraging me to keep posting onto KZbin. D x

[@JournalBreezeYT]

@AtHomeInCornwall love it! I knew you were a kindred soul 🙌 Absolutely take us shopping in your wardrobe...please!

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

😊😊😊

[@charisgriffin]

My goodness, this video resonated with me SO much! I'm am trying very hard to use what I have and not buy more this year (mainly because my pension really doesn't stretch as far as I would like😂) - but the thing is, I could create for the next 30 years and not use up what I have (patchwork fabric, threads, lace, old books, paints , yarn, beads , scissors... I've got the lot! ) I am gradually downsizing my craft and stitching supplies and donating what I don't need/love to a local charity so then I don't feel guilty about spending the money in the first place as someone else is benefiting - win-win 👍😊It doesn't always work (I simply cannot resist beautiful new art/stitching books) and I still have a long way to go but I'm actually using my supplies, creating pretty things and not feeling quite so overwhelmed. My mantra for this year is 'Shop the stash'! I shall try to keep your ideas in mind next time I'm tempted, thank you ❤

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Hi Charis. I agree completely - better to donate for someone else to use than store it forever. And Yes, I think we can all get overwhelmed. Too much "stuff" is so distracting too - as if we aren't easily distracted anyway! Dawn x

[@maiotm]

I’m actually starting to run out of storage space, so your video is timely! I’m getting a new desk / table next week to expand my work surface. I’m sure a purge is coming soon! Thanks for your inspiration! Love your channel so so much!!😊

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Hi Theresa - that's so nice of you to say that. A bigger workspace? Brilliant! I bet you can't wait. Have a good weekend, Dawn x

[@karenhagan5082]

I'm planning to not buy any fabric or threads this year 🫢🤞🏻The armchair "thingys" are called an antimacassar 😁 x

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Of course! Now I know why I was thinking of Bryl Cream! I think macassar oil was a 19 century thing, wasn't it? Nowadays, hand cream is probably the perpetrator - I used loads of it!. Thanks, Dawn x

[@katpaints]

Tea dying is your friend when you need to mute fabric! I understand the problem. I just do not like some colors - on me or to look at! I paint and it took me years to buy a tube of orange paint! It wasn't until I realized I could not paint the effects of sunshine without it that one came home with me. Old books!!! I was making junk journals a few years ago and collected way too much. If I started reading something, I couldn't cut it up. I love reading. I bought a stack of music that I was sure I would cut up and paste down, but I could not. What is funny, though, is that I have recently decided to not just have this old recorder sitting on the piano. I was going to learn how to play it! The other day I came across that music and I am using it - for playing, not for glue! I grew up in a creative home and having things 'handy' was one of my mother's mantras! For me that became having more than one of something wherever I might use it! I have too many of to much! By the way, I do use a little Fiskars sharpener on all but my chrome/Gingher scissors. They will sharpen the cheapest scissor to fabric-cutting sharpness! It is orange (not my favorite color) but I put up with it! I do LOVE your background! You do have an area that works for video and that is fabulous! I had to subscribe....

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Kathleen, I've just watched one of your videos - you've done it in such a fun way, I think it's brilliant! And it's great how you're using the music sheets - for their original purpose - who'd have thought?!?! life is funny. And unpredictable isn't it? Dawn x

[@helenstorer7128]

Feel the same about yellow, has to be that muted yellow to work for me. Great advice about having a list of what to buy and what not to buy. I am trying to sort and move things on in my work room. No longer hoarding little scraps. Luckily have a daughter who is a kindy teacher who can use little scraps for collage box.

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Hi Helen. That's great - it's sooo much easier to let things go when you know they're going "somewhere nice" to be used, not just stored again, isn't it? And if they spark someone's imagination, that's brilliant too. Dawn x

[@sandypolok9041]

Plait the strips. Lovely tie around journals😂😂

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Yes, they would be... but no! Don't encourage me to keep them please!!! D x

[@junkjournalgirl]

This was great, thanks so much. I am a beginner collector 😊I love slow stitching and I always find "pretties" 😍

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Hi - I'm glad it was interesting (I'm never quite sure if anyone's going to be interested in me waffling on). I have another video on the way - next weekend hopefully - with my list of things I WILL be looking out for - I'm not banning myself from buying anything new, just trying to buy the right things - things I'll use rather than store. Lovely to meet you. Dawn x

[@kimbecker6203]

I can relate lol especially when it comes to the books 😊

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Morning Kim. Well, my intentions are good, so we'll see what happens. Next week, I have a list of things I AM intending to look for throughout this year... Dawn x

[@brendabutler5738]

Thank you I’m with you x

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Thank you Brenda. It's so nice to know I'm not going mad on my own...! Dawn x

[@CynthiaHeidt]

Retired and cleaning and organised my craft room. Found several duplicates, let go of things not going to use now. So Yes get the idea of saying no to buying.

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Stay strong Cynthia - get rid of them before you decide to keep them after all (or is that just me...?)! Take care, Dawn x

[@juliescase5105]

I'm in the process of actually doing this too. My problem is it's not just sewing supplies, I also have a huge amount of papercraft items 😏.

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Morning Julie. I'll be honest with you - I also have paper that I haven't started sorting yet. The same rules apply though - if you LIKE it but don't LOVE it, will you ever use it, or will you use the paper you LOVE instead, and still have the rest stashed in a year's time? I've definitely come to the conclusion that I will NEVER get through everything so I'm actually not gong to miss it if it's stuck in a box and buried at the back of the room anyway... Just stick to sorting one thing at a time though - this weekend = sewing tools, next weekend large paper, then smaller paper by comparing like for like. You can do it Julie, just aim for small batches at a time...!!! Dawn x

[@joyofthings]

You are just talking like you can see inside my head, I get what you are saying.brilliant.xxx🐝🐝🐝

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Hi Linda. Let's just hope we can stick to the plan and only buy the things we've said we will...! I have another video, in the making, of thing s I AM looking out for, so watch this space...Take care, Dawn x

[@karenoshea151]

I love the idea of your video I'm just at the beginning of it and I totally agree with you about if it doesn't feel good and you know it's not going to perform good I'm not going to take it free or $2 I'm just not taking it home because it'll sit there and I won't use it brilliant thank you so much

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Hi Karen. Well, hopefully we'll all keep each other on the right track, and remind ourselves that it's better to leave it behind than to just store it for years. This is becoming a nice little support network, isn't it? Thanks, Dawn x

[@TraceyFJStudio]

Guilty as charged 😆 I'm trying to use the natural boundaries of my storage as limiters. For example, if the drawer I'm using to store something gets full then I either have to stop buying more or, if I do buy more because I love it, then I have to get rid of something that I don't love as much. Or use it. I mean, that's why I buy the stuff after all 😆 At the end of the year I'd like to see a follow-up video to see how you went with your plan. Accountability can help us stick to goals 😊

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

How true! Maybe I could keep track of everything I make during the year, by taking photos each time. Then, when my room STILL looks ridiculously full, at least I can remind myself that I HAVE actually used lots of treasures, it's just that my drawers aren't as stuffed as they once were...! Hmmm... D x

[@just_sandie_journals-j77]

Very good advice but... will I follow it! Haha. Absolutely love that falling apart ledger - I would continue to buy things like that! Thanks again for a great video.

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Lots of people who don't know me would not believe journals like that are even for sale - people who DO know me just roll their eyes...but you and I know they're catnip for us folk! Dawn x

[@KatrinBauer-r4l]

But they are cheap.... they look nice.... maybe I will need it later... But you are so right.😢😅

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

😁

[@evocationart8370]

I love using vintage linens but I have about 20 x yes 20 ! huge boxes of it which is now in storage !! Don’t feel bad about only having one basket full😅

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Thank you! It's so difficult with vintage pieces, because we're mindful that we can't just go out and get more if we need to - and we love them all!! Dawn x

[@evocationart8370]

@ we do ! If you ever need anymore you know where to come 😁

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

@ I'm not sure you should be encouraging me like that...I'm supposed to be making room! 😁

[@evocationart8370]

@ 😂

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

😁

[@cathiespalding2083]

What a great video… you can be so funny, great suggestions

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Well Cathie, the truth will be in the pudding - let's hope I stick to it! Have a great weekend. Dawn x

[@louisethornton7235]

Ooh, that lost cause scarf strip would make lovey twine. And you wouldn't have to look at the strips you don't like anymore!

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

😂😂😂

[@vaundamacpherson5727]

Have just discovered your channel and what a delight. Our interests are so similar! I love vintage and agree with you on the books. Thank-you for sharing your little work area. I have a small 10 x 11 room designated for sewing/painting/books/genealogy. Am very interested in slow stitching, but not yet started. So, start small, right? I will check out your other videos.

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Hello Vaunda, nice to meet you. Yes, my room is pretty small too, but it's amazing what you can stash in a tiny space, isn't it?!?! The lovely thing about slow stitching is that you probably have everything you need already so, yes, give it a go and let me know how you get on. Dawn x

[@carrold815]

Make a material bowl with the scarf strips

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

I see where you're coming from Carrolyn, the trouble is that if I didn't like the scarf in the first place, I'm not going to like anything I make with it. Maybe my local scrap store will make a bowl with it - that would be good. I'm sure they'll have lots of ideas and - to be honest - it's much easier to donate things when you know where it's going. Hopefully it'll inspire someone else. Have a good weekend. Dawn x

[@giusicoluccia6594]

Yes,Dawn,I agree with you! There's for sure a long story and experience behind your advice so I thank you for making me think and ponder on my choices❤❤❤

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Hi - actually, I think I cut most of my "story" out when I was trying to keep the video short and interesting, didn't I...? Never mind. I'm sure I'll ramble on about it another time. I have a half-made video about the things I AM going to be looking out for too, so it'll be up next week hopefully. Dawn x

[@poodlegirl55]

I feel called out lol. Now you know we agree with you but we are still going to do all those things, right? BTW I think I have that piece of old, dry leather that peeled off your book.

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

😂 You're probably right about the leather! Well, I AM hoping to stick with my list of things NOT to buy, because next weekend I'm going to be showing you my list of things I am still going to look out for - yes, not buying anything at all would be unrealistic for a hoarder like me but focussing on buying the RIGHT things will hopefully keep me on the straight and narrow. Fingers crossed... I'll have to show you what I do come home with so you can decide! D x

[@beverlymartin1414]

We will check back with you on March 7th- to see how your doing?????❤❤

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Oh dear - you're very strict, aren't you?! I probably need it though...! Remember I have a list of things I'm looking for as well though - video up next weekend hopefully. Dawn x

[@karinbaird2499]

Antimacassar 😁The clothes to keep Macassar hair oil off the furniture.

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Hi Karin - Yes - that's the lad! And I think sailors also used it to keep their uniform clean - not just grannies and their settees like I was saying! Thanks for watching, Dawn x

[@TraceyFJStudio]

I always wondered why they were called that. It's such a weird name, but now it makes so much sense!

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Did I explain it properly? Now that I read my first message it doesn't sound very clear at all! The Antimacassar was a kind of flap of fabric (like on our settee arms), that the sailors had on their uniform to keep their Macassar oil off their smart uniform. Yes, it does make good sense though, and would make sense to still use them today. Not that I wear much hair oil myself, obviously...!

[@itsmyparty4637]

artery clamp ( funny thing to pull things through )

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Ah - the technical name! Yes, very useful for turning things inside out, however, I'm not sure I need 4 of them! I've been coming across more scissors all weekend - I'm thinking 10 is probably a realistic amount, so I still have them dotted around the house. Are you like that with any of your tools?

[@ameliagfawkes512]

Viscose isn't synthetic and it usually feels really soft.

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

It's a shame I don't have the label anymore, since I put the rest of the dress into fabric recycling. Maybe it's a polyester? I guess I could see if it burns but, to be fair, it's not really worth it. It draped nicely, so was fine as a dress but it doesn't feel good to sew with.

[@rinathakrige8793]

I think you need to start tea dying some of those pieces!!! It tones it down and make it look old!!!

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Yes, some of them are too 'shiny' even for that - nothing really sticks to them, even tea. Unless, of course, I accidentally spill tea on it, in which case they'll be stained forever...! Dawn x

[@barbaraspector6689]

Tea stain the bright yellow.

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Hi Barbara. Thanks - Tea staining improves almost anything, doesn't it? Love it!

[@lisamendoza-rodriguez1968]

Hello Beautiful Dawn. Bless your heart! You have motivated me not to purchase. I too am guilty of the massive scissor stash! I will have to count mine.🫣 Thank you Dear for sharing. Have a fabulous weekend Dawn. 🩷🫶🏽🩷🫶🏽🩷

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

So glad to have motivated you. We'll see how well we both stick to not buying the same old things we're not using...! Of course, I have also made a list of things I DO want to look out for this year - video coming soon! Take care Lisa, Dawn x

[@ameliagfawkes512]

Antimacassars.

[@AtHomeInCornwall]

Yes, thank you Amelia! Dawn x