To be completely honest, the only thing about this tip that will take 10 minutes is reading the post. This process will more likely take about 10 HOURS. At least it did for me.
Refold your fabric stash.
Okay, stop rolling your eyes. There is a point to this crazy idea! Last week I decided things were a little out of control in my sewing room. Can anyone relate to that feeling? I thought so.
As I was putting away lots of the fabrics that I had pulled out for various projects, I decided it was time to 'tidy up' the stash. I have a limited space for storage (which is probably a good thing!) and I wanted to make the most of it.
(my low volume bin)
I have a wonderful storage system from Elfa similar to this one. Mine is so old that it is no longer available, but I highly recommend the brand. Anyway, I have basically one bin for each color and two bins for backings*. So as I was putting fabrics away, I refolded what was in each bin and removed the fabrics I didn't like anymore if room was needed. I had been saving some of the fabrics for years 'just in case' I might need them one day. Surely I'm not the only one who does this!
By eliminating what I no longer needed, refolding what I wanted to keep, and resorting everything along the way, my stash is now nice and tidy and I have found lots of fabrics I love but forgot I had!
Any fabric that is the size of a fat eighth or larger, is now refolded and stored neatly by color. Being a scrap quilter, I never keep fabric together by lines or manufacturer. I do have a shelf that holds my new precuts and bundles, but as soon as I open them and start using them, they get dispersed into the bins according to color.
If you would like to read more 10 minute tips go here, or see my post on 10 minute tips at SewMamaSew. If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment. I LOVE getting comments.
Have fun folding!
Diane
* I have my fabrics assorted into the following: low volume, cream and beige backgrounds, reds, yellows & oranges, greens, blues, purples & pinks, aquas & greys, black & white prints, solids, backings in rainbow order.
Last night I just finished going through almost all of my fabrics. I have 2 more giant bags to give to my guild for the silent auction. I never feel bad about getting rid of the ones I don't want anymore when I know they will go to someone who wants them!
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing Kelly! It makes me happy knowing it will make someone else happy!
DeleteI think I must change my containers because, since 2003, when I learnt patchwork, I have bought fabrics and fabrics....and I told my husband that I need some more space but noooooo he didn't understand ! lol !
ReplyDeleteThe more accessible our stash is the more likely that it will get used. Great job!
ReplyDeleteExactly, I completely agree!
DeleteI did about half my closet - need to ge to the other half.
ReplyDelete