I don't know why I didn't organize my fabric stash like this in the beginning, I never thought of it until I lost a couple of treasures.
I've lost this piece of fabric. No clue where it can be, yet. I'm still searching. I just know that it is lost in that sewing space that could use some serious organization.
The final straw came when I couldn't locate this wool fabric that I had in mind for Tessuti's Kyoto Vest pattern. The wool binding I've been swooning over is currently on sale at Fabricland so I picked some up. Excited at the prospect of sewing this project, I went searching for the fabric I had in mind. Of course, I couldn't find it until I started tidying up and many hours later.
Marie Kondo doesn't have a chapter on organizing fabric in her New York Times Best Seller The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Which leads me to consider that there might be a best seller if one of us could leave our sewing spaces and write a book dedicated to organizing sewing spaces. But I digress...
I put my pinking shears and stapler to good use and started clipping a small piece of each fabric and started to document the what and where of my fabric stash.
I knew I had a big fabric stash, I just didn't realize how big until I started measuring and listing it on sheets of paper.
It feels great to have this documented and to be able to quickly find where I have stored it without dragging out and searching bins, uncertain if it were actually there. Another bonus is how much easier it will be to consider a fabric from the stash for a project. I am really hoping that this organizational binder of my fabric will help with the fabric fast. Fingers crossed.
Now, if I can just find that yellow and white silk fabric.
Happy Sewing!
What a fabulous idea. I might have to try to document at least part of my massive stash! It would definitely be a timesaver (and sanity preserver) in the long run.
ReplyDeleteAfter reaching for the wool fabric, would you believe it was in one of the bins I looked in more than once? I didn't notice it until I dumped out the contents to start the recording process. ~sigh~ and laughter. I'm hoping this will be a sanity saver for me as well.
DeleteI cut dozens and dozens of fabric swatches and never did anything with them. I think it's great if you can catalog them and stay on top of it.
ReplyDeleteCataloging all of it is going to take some time for sure but I think it will be worth it because seeing the collection of fabric that I've accumulated there in the binder is making me feel guilty at the thought of going to a fabric store.
Deletehmmmmm. But where's the book for trims, accessories, and notions??? I have darn near every doo dad contraption specialty whatever known to the sewing world stashed SOMEWHERE, but I think I'm hitting about 50% finding it when I want it. I just forget most of the fabric I buy so that hasn't bothered me so much as of yet. I'm just delighted when I browse, or go buy more.
ReplyDeleteLOL, let me finish this binder first! I've managed to save those Roche chocolate plastic containers at Christmas that I use to store my thread collection. It's see through and easy to see what I have or need. But I really could use a system for organizing my zippers. Any suggestions?
DeleteI have a catalog of all my fabrics similar to yours but I don't list where they are. Maybe I should add that as well now that I'm up to 3 totes. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that documenting where I pick a certain fabric will free up more time for actual sewing instead of searching!
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