How do you bust your fabric stash? This was part of my sewing desk a few weeks ago. This was only part of the fabric I have been hoarding! I pulled out all my fabric from the overflowing metal cabinet, from the large Ziplock bags I had stuffed in the closet, and from right there piled on the desk. I decided I needed to organize my fabric. I had so much, but I lost track of what exactly I had. So, I checked out the book, Cut the Scraps!, by Joan Ford and got busy. Ford calls it "Scraptherapy." She suggests cutting your scraps into the most commonly used square sizes: 5", 3", and 2 1/2". I started out following her directions, but then decided I don't like the 2 1/2" squares! I don't really see myself using such small squares, so I cut mine 5", 4", and 3". I think these sizes will work for me...for now anyway!
So, after cutting a lot my squares, I now wonder how to organize them. I thought sorting by color would be the easiest. But, I have run into a few problem scraps. Here I have a pile (mostly) of reds. Would you put the black and red squares with the mostly reds or with the black scraps?
And then there's the white with red Chinese writing squares. Should those go into the white/neutrals bin? Or should there be a separate bin just for Asian themed fabrics? I did sort all my batiks into one bin. Themes are much harder, I think, to sort by. Color has to be easiest right? So what color is this?
Blue? Red? Orange? I don't have a bin dedicated to tie dye...this is it for my collection. I guess I'll put these squares with my "Artist" scraps:
Unfortunately, this is my smallest pile! I suppose I will have to have a "random" bin for the scraps that don't fit anywhere else. I've made a dent in my stash, but I have more cutting to do. I haven't tackled my mostly blacks yet.
So far I have squares making up mostly blues, mostly pinks, mostly browns (my biggest), mostly reds, batiks, purples, and neutrals/whites.
Some people sort their scraps by tone. Whether the fabric is dark or light. I thought about organizing mine this way, but I don't think this would work for me. I also thought about sorting by style, pattern, solid or patterned, or whether the fabric is "traditional" or modern. In the end, I think sorting by the dominate color is best for me. How do you organize your fabric collection? I'd love to know!
In other news, I've finished my Ocean Waves Quilt! I can't wait to show you! So, stay tuned! I need to upload the pictures I took before I post about it!
Tootles!
12 comments:
I can't really say that mine are organized by any special way. They are just in boxes, many, many boxes. I think my house is filled with boxes. I like how organized your fabrics.
heather
A timely topic for me. I had decided the best way to cut back on the stash was to begin charity quilting.....which has just led to me wanting to organize my fabrics and purchase even more. I have had similar questions, so I am looking forward to the responses.
I have the exact same problem trying to sort my scraps, most of them aren't a single colour!
I to sort by dominant color...when I pick for my projects I am usually picking by color.. so this works for me also.. I wish I had a good way to sort my scraps.... the ones that don't really make good squares...but for applique or collage would still work awesome.... I love how organized you are... please keep sharing ...
Wow! You are getting so organized! I sort my fabric by the most dominant colour. Also texture and fabric type. Eg Thick canvas/ denium and woollens/tweeds go together etc. Cottons are by colour unless its a print suitable for babies/ young children. They go into a separate crate.
Great idea, but you are right sorting is hard. I usually do color too, although I would have put all the batiks together as well. I gues it is how your brain works??? Or doesn't LOL. xox
I sort by color...sometimes it's hard though...so I think of what it might look best with...I also have some holiday themed fabrics so I stick with that...I have so many bins that Don built me more shelves...just for my wool scraps...fun times!!
I'm loving the tie die!!! I'm in the midst of a project at my house......organizing and creating my sanctuary! My scraping and blogging room. I hope you join me soon!
I try to be as organized as possible, or else I won't find anything! :) Most of my fabrics are organized by colors, unless I have fabrics from the same fabric line, they stay together. Fabric with lots of colors I sort on dominant color. I think you are doing good; we have to find out what works best for us. Believe it or not; I do not have much scraps these days, because I'm cutting all bits and pieces into 2 and 2.5 inch for a Postage Stamp quilt swap - organized by www.thecuriousquilter.wordpress.com I can't believe you don't like small pieces! lol I LOVE them!!! :)
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