Fabric Stash

BrendaJo · Joined: 20 Apr 2007 Posts: 36 Location: Cape Cod

I generally don't have a lot of fabrics on hand as a lot of sewers do. I like to use up what I have and only buy more when I can't resist something that has come in the mailings. Recently I have been looking at a 2 yard piece that I bought at the Sewing Expo last year (2006). The name of the fabric is "Checkered", it is a mint green and charcoal check and when I took it out of the closet, where it had been hanging for a year, I couldn't remember why I had purchased it. It bothered me b/c I didn't like seeing it there not being made up. In the Vogue Pattern Magazine for April/May 2007 I saw a sporty styled jacket that I thought would work with this fabric so I ordered it, Vogue 2875 designed by Adri. I didn't realize until I opened up the pattern that the body of the jacket is cut on the bias, the pattern envelope hadn't mentioned it. Actually I think having it on the bias makes it more interesting. There are no facings, no lining, no interfacing and the instructions are to turn under the seam allowances a quarter of an inch and then stitch the allowances down on either side of the seam. A lot of work so I had a thought that I would either line it or include a facing instead but I decided to construct it according to the instructions and see what happens.

Janee · Sawyer Brook Staff Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 72

Brenda,

I started a system a few years back to keep track of my fabrics and the ideas I had when they were purchased. I take a swatch and staple it to an index card, then list all the info on the piece right on the card - how much yardage, what I paid for it, and what I'd thought to use it for. It really helps when I rediscover pieces I never got to use - even though I'll often change my mind when I finally make it up!

Nata · Joined: 14 Apr 2007 Posts: 86

Brenda,
I hate wasting my time searching for a piece of fabric. I cut a small swatch out in the corner of the fabric as soon as I purchase it (1"x1"). I have an Excel spreadsheet set-up. It has a space for a swatch, fabric description, yardage, and cost. Fabrics are grouped by winter/summer top/bottom weight, knits, suit/dresses cuts. I also pencil in fabric location by the swatch. This way I know exactly what I have and where to find it. I print out the pages and keep them in a 3-ring binder. I attach swatches with double sided tape (a wash-away tape lately:)). It is very easy to color-coordinate new purchases to the fabrics in stash, match thread and lining, and to avoid buying similar fabrics. Once the piece is sewn, I pull out the swatch and cross-out the info, and delete it from the spreadsheet.

I don’t keep track of the pattern I intended to use with the fabric. I often buy without a pattern in mind. I have Burda WOF coming every month, so there is always an abundance of new patterns on hand to choose from.

bhhewitt · Joined: 14 May 2007 Posts: 5

I wish I could say that I use up all the fabric that I buy before I purchase more. I live in a area that does not have fashion fabric--everything is for quilting. I have 4 granddaughters and two daughters that I sew for, so as I see fabric--mostly online or the samples from SB, that I like I buy. Usually in 3 yard amounts. Then as the creative ideas come I am ready. I wish that I did have the fabric organized but so far haven't found a method that works for me, since I also have to purchase notions on the web.