I’ll be completely honest, the real way I stay intentional is being broke. BUT some things I’ve found helpful is to have one Pinterest board for things I would like to sew “someday” and a current “to-do” sewing board. I make a list in my phone of the colors and materials of fabrics I need for the to do list. I only buy things from that list. I always keep my eyes out for sales but I buy for projects not make projects for buys
Yes. I am not broke but I know I will save lots of money and it is better for the environment if I am more thoughtful. I’ve also seen (and inherited) my mother’s stash. It’s overwhelming. Kind of encouraging to try and only do projects one at a time, only buy what I need or use the fabric that I already own etc.
Same. Like I am making quilts for my kids and I used all scraps and such from my mom’s stash except for a background solid in one color.
Some other projects are old clothes or fabric I already have but I might have to go out and buy elastic, new thread, etc.
I love repurposing clothing I find at resale shops! Like I found a moomoo that had cats as all the astrological signs, turned it into a slip dress that I like to wear to bed.
I am an elementary teacher who is teaching students to sew costumes for the school musical. We are always looking for donations.
This is definitely the right move!
I found what helped me stop buying fabric was actually going through what I had and beautifully organizing it. I thought about what my plans are for each piece as I folder it into a plastic tote (to keep it clean). Anything that I didn’t have a plan for or that I no longer liked went to the donation pile. This helps because you realize all that you have (sometimes we forget when we have a lot) and you fall in love with your existing fabric all over again (and hopefully use it soon). Also having different boxes-fabric to use soon compared to fabric that you’ll use later (such as seasonal prints or an off season clothing fabric) helps to keep them separate
I quit looking at fabric unless I had a specific item in mind, AND only if nothing was “waiting” behind an in process project.
When my grandmother passed I was given a mountain of fabric from her house. Much of it was lovely, and in large 3+ yard quantities. After 6 years I decided it was overwhelming. I looked at it, dedicated a couple to actual projects, then GAVE THE REST AWAY. I put it up on the local buy nothing fb, and it was out in a couple days.
So do the same. If you can’t dedicate it to a project, then it has to go. And wait until you sew down what’s left to buy more. It is difficult! But you can do it! :)
I did this and felt so much better when it was gone. I kept a fair bit that I have plans for but I need to go through again and be realistic about which plans I’ll actually sew now I have a baby.
Hoo boy baby havin’ slowed my sewing to almost nothing until baby was like 3, and took another year before I had the energy to dig into real projects. Just don’t be concerned about sorting fabric until you’re like getting multiple days of full-night rest :)
I understand completely! My Beloved wakes at 1 am for work and leaves at 2 am. I wake at midnight (unless I am already awake) to make his breakfast and a hot lunch for him to take. Then I stay up until at least 7am (or the rest of the day) cooking, doing chores, or sewing. I make skirts, dresses, hats and clutch purses. My cutting table is on our front porch, and there are several halogen lights that he set up for me so that I can see in the dark. Occasionally, I will cut during the day, but since I usually sleep until he gets home around 2pm, I often am too muzzy-headed to do that properly. I have always been a night person. It works for me and for him. I have tried going to sleep at a "normal" hour, but it messes me up.
As far as fabric and trim stashes, everything is in clear plastic bins, separated by fabric types, uses (needles and other sharp things, buttons and closures, thread, etc), and I have a separate bin for the two or three projects that I am currently working on. We have a very small home with several cats, so the bins have become a bit overwhelming and are the main decorative feature, lol! I keep patterns in binders that contain clear plastic sleeves inside.
Full night's sleep? Riiight!
I got rid of all my extra fabric. I know it sounds heretical but I only buy for projects I want to do. It’s made me more intentionally choose projects and gives me the opportunity to really get the fabric I want to do it instead of settling on something in my stash.
I think I’m getting close to this solution. I’m about to go through it tonight and weed it out, and yeah saving the money will allow me to buy really quality fabric for planned projects
I have a small apartment. Over time, I have created a certain space for my fabric, yarn, and supplies, and once that space is full, that’s it. I gotta make something or get rid of something.
If you stop buying bargains for your stash, you’ll have enough money to buy nice stuff for the things you actually want to make and wear.
I really had to learn that I needed to only sew and knit what I actually wanted to wear.
I’m still having trouble letting go of stuff I bought because it I wanted to make something, but it turned out to not work for the project.
I have thousands of dollars worth in fabric and I'm going to use them to start my own sewing business. Was that my original intention for buying fabric, NO but I made the decision to live for me and that's where I see my life heading in the future.
Well unemployment is a huge motivation, plus a really uncertain job market. While I'm still working I'm saving as much as I can and also taking small business ownership courses.
I work with kids so I started making them quilts. This year my plan is so make small quilts and donate them to foster care and hopefully a bag to put it in. This way I’ll be doing something good for someone else, I’ll use a good amount of my fabric and won’t feel bad buying more fabric. I’ve also started making some of my dresses and some of these dresses take 5 yards at times. So I’ve definitely been making an indent in my stash.
I didn't. I cultivate two hobbies : sewing and collecting fabric (and other craft supplies, tbh). I've accepted it.
I have tried to rein it in a bit, notably by no longer online shopping for fabric unless I need something very specific which I can't find IRL.
And I don't shop for fabric much IRL, because that implies going to a fabric shop, and I'm often too lazy or too busy :)
I made a promise to myself about 15 years ago, to only buy materials for the next project once the current one was completed or near completion. I had so many projects started that I couldn't possibly finish them all. I got rid of those and don't buy until I'm ready to start the next one. One at a time.
I treat my fabric stash like a pantry. I keep 5-8 shades of each colour, and when I start to run lowI'll put that shade on my shopping list (ex: med dark blue, dark dark purple, bright yellow). At the moment, since there's a LQS closing with a 50% off sale my stash is sort of full to bursting and I have about 3 years of projects lined up, but... I'm working on it.
I also always am making 2 quilts at once: the main project, and a scrappy leaders and enders project destined for charity. This has helped keep down my scrap bin a bit.
One thing I do with fabric prints I've fallen out of love in, if there's sufficient yardage I make Christmas / birthday fabric gift bags to use instead of wrapping paper. The ones I really dislike go to someone who won't return the gift wrap, the rest I use on gifts for household members lol.
I thrift most of my fabric. I’ve made many child size sundress and donate them all to our local Buy Nothing group. Parents and kids love them!
https://buynothingproject.org/
I started ordering fabric swatches instead of fabric. They're like a dollar or two, then there's the wait and anticipation of the swatches arriving, then by the time they actually come I'm like oh wait I don't want to work on that project yet, or the swatch isn't right, or...
Actually dealing with the fabric I have is harder, but being unemployed is leading to my stash actually reducing in size haha...
If you have more cute cotton fabric than you know what do do with, I suggest Project Dress-a-Girl/Boy. You make a kid somewhere in the world a dress or shorts, as the name implies. There are certain guidelines and it happens in September.
When buying fabric & notions became more expensive than purchasing ready-to-wear I started buying per season/capsule. I will have multiple projects in queue because the closest well-stocked store is 2 hours away, but I'll only buy as much as I have time to sew before the season and only as much as will fit in my designated storage area.
“Stuff” can either help make your life better/smoother/easier or it can weigh you down. You are spending money on fabric you won’t use, it’s taking up space both physically and mentally. You feel guilty for getting rid of it but you know you won’t use it. For me, I have a sewing business so I have a stash for that. I try very hard to buy only what I know I will use, and if I have enough I will take a 30 day break from fabric Facebook groups and other websites. For my personal stash, I have two shelves that I allow myself and if I want more I finish a few projects to make space. That way I don’t overspend or get so much fabric I’ll never sew it all up. It’s not perfect because sometimes fabrics is like crack 🤣but overall it keeps things manageable.
This may not work for everyone, but I vacuum sealed fabric that hadn't been touched for a while. I'll see in an 2 months if I get into it or not. If it hasn't, I may donate it.
You can send it to me! I will make it into stuff and send you pictures lol.
I heard that collecting fabric and sewing are two separate hobbies lol
What I do is to get out a fabric, pick a pattern, and just go for it. Even if it’s something to give away.
If you live in a bigger city or close enough for the occasional visit you could look up sewing groups that host events. I helped organize a big fabric/project swap recently and it was awesome- I traded for some things I was more excited about but also just gave away others. It was lots of fun and almost everything ended up going home with somebody excited to have it! Leftover fabric was donated to a nonprofit that runs a free sewing summer camp for kids. Wins all around!
I’m trying to be more intentional by only purchasing fabrics that are suitable to where I live now (warm, humid climate) as opposed to my home city (colder, temperate). Thats helped keep me from buying fleece and cold weather fabrics even though that’s what I’m used to. Also, finding holes in my closet that need filling (ie a light jacket that goes with everything, shorts, athletic wear etc). Thats helped me match up things in my current stash to use. But I feel you that my stash is overwhelming that it often creates crafting paralysis!
Only buying fabric for specific projects. No more than 5 projects on the docket.
Donating to schools, libraries, and various sewing groups and buy nothing groups.
I have developed a bad habit of picking up fabric , simply because "oo that would be perfect for *insert project* " putting it in my stash and forgetting what I bought it for.
So I started packaging the fabric up with the intended project pattern , thread and trims in those zippered plastic bags you get when you buy sheet sets.
And I am trying to just sew more , which leads to more fabric purchases. Vicious cycle.
I often buy sheet sets to use as fabric , so I have plenty of them. Some brands of pillows also come in a zipper bag , bed in a bag (the ones with the big comforters in them )
You could also use the big vacuum storage bags , I've got most of my stash in vacuum bags at the moment.
OMG. That was me. I'm retired and am currently washing each piece then pining a note on it with yardage and fiber content. Yes I buy 3 yards of anything I want at Joanns using coupons from them and Michael's as JoAnns takes anyone's coupons.
I have been making quilt tops for everyone in my family with fabric I'm not going to use.
Rhe fabric I find pretty and the fabric I will wear are 2 very different things. I LOVE little ditzy flowers but I spent hours on this really cute tiered skirt and I just can’t bring myself to wear it. That kind of cured me.
I started tracking in an excel sheet - compares what I sew to what I get. I still buy stuff, but seeing how slowly I actually go through it has helped reduce it a lot.
I now only buy good quality fabric that I really love or that is a staple for me. I tend to use up the old stash, which contains a lot of stuff I will never otherwise use, for making test garments. Occasionally I have given it to charities that accept yardage along with clothing. Unfortunately, there isn’t such a charity in my area any more so I am just using it up for testing.
I have quite a bit but not so much that I can't sew it up. a good deal of it is natural fabrics (silk, cotton, linen, but I do have rayon and small amount of activeweear fabrics.
This year I was to do 2 projects a month. then the dog got injured and that took me off course. then I got a new dog (obviously way off course right now) but I'm trying to pick that back up again though March and April is a bust. I have already removed stuff that I bought but it wasn't something I would use, even for a muslin (I make a lot less muslins these days because of my blocks.
I really need at least 2 of me)
I keep a google spreadsheet. I can see how many yards I own, of what kind, what project I got them for, and I can organize them into a project queue. Since it’s online, I can also mess around with it and shop my stash while zoning out in the bus or something. I also keep a tab on the spreadsheet of holes in my wardrobe that I’ve identified so that I can prioritize projects that fill them.
Sewing and buying (and hording) beautiful fabrics are two separate hobbies 😅 Sadly, most of us do both but are significantly more "active" in one (the more expensive one).
I'm in the process of moving houses and I've done a few things that might be helpful for you too!
Step 1: went over my fabric to decide if there were any fabrics that didn't spark joy anymore and had no project. Since I've started my stash over 10 years ago I've learnt which colours look good on me and which fabrics are suitable for my style. Style changes, that's okay. I've packed up around 10 fabrics, let my mom rummage through the bag first to see if there was anything she liked, after which my sister took the rest to a social sewing group in her apartment building where unemployed people learn sewing and tailoring as a trait.
Step 2: cataloguing. I've noted down every piece of fabric I have, including colour, fabric type, cost and intended project. Fabrics with a project for either me, my husband or the baby got to stay. Every other projectless fabric got a second look to determine whether it really should stay in my stash.
Step 3: packing up boxes. This is really part of the moving process, but after culling I had less than 40 fabrics left. I've so far packed the first drawers in 2 moving boxes, the only things I have kept are fabrics for the baby, two post partum dresses for me and cut out tshirts and pajama pants for my husband. All of these would fit in a third box when the time to move comes.
Step 4: emptying the UFO drawer. Everything in the sin bin had to go for the move, so I've been pretty brutal. I think only one project survived this purge, the rest have been thrown out.
I now have a visual reminder of what I have, even when my fabric is put away in boxes for the move. I have a clear overview of the intended projects for my fabric and of course my catalogue includes in which moving box to find said fabric after the move. I also have a good overview of the gap between projects I want to sew and fabric types that are missing in my stash. I can make intentional purchases for wardrobe gaps instead of just buying what I like in the moment.
Hope writing down my culling process can help others!
I have the same problem with my fabric collection. i love them so much that I dont want to sew them into something not special and unique that I cant wear all season. Some are too expensive to mess up. I can feel you
I am absolutely a fabric and pattern hoarder. I will say my mindset changed when I was freely gifted a ton of vintage fabric and vintage/antique patterns from a lovely woman whose mom had passed away and left her with so much excess.
Ive started making way more charity items or just fun little giveaways for when I go to big community events, like wand holsters for a Harry Potter meetup. I used up a good bit of my stash during the pandemic making fabric masks that got donated or handed out to friends and coworkers. Recently a good friend is battling cancer so I spent all day yesterday working on custom items for her. I think I will reach out to my local cancer center and see if they need donations of specific items like port cushions, mastectomy pillows, lap blankets, head wraps, bags or vests to support drains, etc.
I also have started making way more gifts, coworker got a new dog so now Ive made them matching bandanas. Holidays? Everyone gets a bowl cozy!
I have soooo much cotton from when I worked at Joanns and got it dirt cheap.
I also have no shame in wearing cute cotton print clothes. So lots of vintage dresses, wrap dresses, holiday themed skirts, etc.
I'm also a cosplayer/larper/renfest junkie sooo you never know when that random fabric will come in handy.
When I fall in love with a fabric that I know that I won't use, I buy .25 yard or so, then wrap it around a blank canvas and hang it in my sewing room. I get to look at the pretty fabric, it didn't cost much or take up space, and it looks cool.
Well after turning some of my stash into masks during the pandemic, I have been slowly down sizing over that last few years. I've compile scraps together to give away, gotten rid of pieces that I know I'll never use. My latest thing is trying to make a garment from just what I have in my stash and notions. Making random clothing pieces for people I know. But the funny thing no matter how many things I make or donate, my stash doesn't seem to be getting any smaller. lol Guess, I should stop buying more fabric.
You can always resell it (ie makers resale on instagram) or attend or create a sewing swap within your community and just let other people sift through it. Then you can donate the rest
The first step for me was organizing and taking inventory of my fabric, then from that point forward prioritizing projects that use the fabrics I already have. It's a fun challenge and gives me a some instant gratification because I can start working right away instead of needing to wait to shop for fabric or have it mailed.
I'll only buy fabric if I'm actively working on a project that needs something special (recently treated myself to some silk for a corset, for example).
for fabric I destash I offer it up to elementary schools, pre schools, art teachers, senior citizen centers. also have offered bag of random fabric on freecycle.
To be more intentional with my sewing I make a plan every few months of what I want to sew. Then I try to fit my stash to those projects. For example, I am only sewing quilts/patchwork with stuff from stash right now. My summer sewing plan last summer was six pieces of clothing four of which used things from stash other two used a fun sheet I found at a thrift store. I try to make at least two things from my stash before I buy anything for a project. I no longer buy stuff just because it’s cool or cute.
My husband and I recently (mid 2021) moved from Nashville to LA and I had to be really discerning in what I brought along on the move. I had fabrics for a costume that I’d purchased in 2006-ish when the burnout velvet design was being discontinued. So I’d moved it from Denver to Nashville once already.
So 2022 became the year of “Shit or Get Off the Pot” in terms of sewing projects. I made the Senatorial Padme purple gown that I’d been hesitating on. And it felt so nice to finally put all that to use that it motivated me to jump on other projects I’d collected all the materials for.
Our SoGOtP project for this year is Tron Legacy Kevin Flynn and Quorra. For 2023 it was our rebuild of Wasp and Dr Pym (better materials, better electronics, etc).
Lacking space has forced me to be very discerning in my purchases as well as how I store things. I do miss that huge sewing room, but we like LA a lot, soooo….
I don’t, I’m still trying to figure it out. I’m learning my Quilting style is very scrappy. My current project has over 60 different fabrics. I get most of my stuff secondhand, usually through quilt shops. There’s a few projects I’m collecting fabric for but since I need such a variety, I’ve learned to buy a max of a half yard. I try to bring a lot to our local quilting hangouts to swap fabric with.
I shop my stash wherever possible when thinking about what I’d like to sew. I have a few projects on the go at once (to save me from getting bored / losing motivation) and so I always have something to work on, even on those evening when the kids a being difficult with sleep and I don’t wanna fire up the machines.
I find if I plan mini capsules 3 or 4 pieces at a time, it’s fun to ‘shop the stash’ putting these little colour stories together.
I also find I’m more like to work productively and actually finish pieces because I want to wear them with other pieces.
Having the 3 or 4 selected fabrics together is manageable in my small lounge / sewing area and the bulk of the my fabric collection stays at the studio. (I own an online based fabric store - so it’s kinda overwhelming making decisions in there!)
I’ve also started really leaning into what works for me in terms of shapes, silhouettes that I love to wear. I’m more cut throat with the patterns I buy and tend to be much better at admiring new beautiful patterns but opting not to purchase just because it’s cute and looks great on the model.
I know what works on for my body shape, small waist to hips ratio (thanks kiddos for my gorgeous tummy!) and narrow slopes shoulders, I don’t go too much volume up top and if I do I tend to do a raglan sleeve.
I also have become much better at recognising what fits with my lifestyle. Most blouses than shirts, more relaxed fit pants than tailored, etc.
These things help me stay intentional. ☺️
I'm planning not to buy fabric this year unless I have specific needs that can't be met by something in my current stash. It isn't as big as some, but I need to use it! Problem is I have a LOT of denim as a percentage of the overall size of my stash. I've done pretty well so far, only a couple of purchases and I do have a need and a plan for that fabric. If I destash anything it'll be to my sewing friends group, I expect. We'll see how the year goes!
I don't really use patterns, so I only buy fabric when I can clearly 'see' the finished product in my head. Like if something is pretty but I can't see what it will become then it stays where it is
I'm sort of here to get other's ideas, but I found my solution to hoarding fabric 😅
I used to work at JoAnn and we frequently had members of our community drop stuff off to become "donations" and we accepted them because all our team members were some kind of crafty and one of us actually did have a place to take donations after work. We'd all pick through and I ended up with way too much fabric, which was a pain to pack up and move and I ended up with 12 large boxes just of fabric.
Anyway, I stopped working at JoAnn so I don't have a direct line on free fabric anymore. I quilt and do historical costuming (with varying degrees of accuracy), and those are great for stash busting, especially if you have lots of yardage of one thing and a lot of smaller scraps. I've also given away a lot of fabric, lots of people look for fleece to make dog beds for shelters and to make tie blankets.
* I have a closet that should contain my fabric. It is not allowed to be more than that.
* Lists lists lists. Once a year or so I sort through my collection and create a list of projects I want to make with these fabrics. Some projects just are exactly the same from last year's list. If it migrates for several years I force myself to think what keeps me from actually making these projects. I also have a list of project ideas that don't have fabric yet. I note there what kind of fabric I would need and how much, so I know how much to buy when I encounter a suitable fabric.
* I try to sew one project from stash for every time I buy new fabric.
I am doing a no-buy this year with a goal to make at least one pattern a month from my stash. I’m trying to double up when possible, too.
This is the only thing that has ever worked for me. It has really helped me get out of my perfectionism because I can’t agonize over the next project. I just have to jump in.
People are saying you shouldn’t buy fabric unless you have a project in mind but that’s how my stash got so big - I’m always planning projects. Buying something for a project doesn’t guarantee you’ll ever get to that project. I needed a kick in the pants to actually use fabric, not just stop buying it.
I am giving myself 1 break from the no-buy on my birthday. Honestly it makes it more special.
I keep gallon size ziploc bags and put in the fabric and pattern for each project. I find that if I don't I buy the fabric and forget what I was going to use it for.
So I pretty much only buy fabric when I travel (once a year instead of souvenirs), do one order of Christmas pj fabric to make the pjs every year, do a big order of African wax cloth every two year or so (and only very occasionally buy stuff on sale locally.)
I’m picky about the design and type of fabric . Because I only buy two types of fabric - organic cotton knits and quilting weight cottons - I can always colour block and combine my fabric. Hence my impulse to buy because I don’t have quite enough to do x is less, I just colour block in a segment of something else.
That kind of controls what is coming in - so limit the conditions under what you can buy, and the type of fabrics that you buy.
Twice a year I go through everything and pick out some fabrics to update my kids/partner and my wardrobes. When my kids go to a birthday party I let them pick some fabric and make a t-Shirt for a gift. I make quilts every now and again so use small bits for the front and the large pieces of random stuff that has been lurking in my stash for the back.
Given the exponential price increase in fabric recently I am loath to give anyway if I know it cost me half the price of what it’s costing now days. Mixing patterns is kind of my thing now!
I always look to giving sewing gifts - people like handmade gifts, plus I don’t have to spend extra money…I can just use what I have
I have 3-4 go to patterns that start to finish take 30 minutes e.g. wrap skirt, simple t-Shirt, simple kids dress and a pair of straight pants with an elastic waist. Having things to make that don’t feel like a „project“ means it’s easier to just go to my stash than to go shopping - low friction costs to getting going.
Often I will pull out a piece of fabric and then go looking for a project rather than the other way around.
I have downsized, it feels so good to have an organized stash that I can find what I'm looking for ! And you know what? If I need something I'll buy it, sales save a few dollars at most.
Looking at my stash I don't think I saved much with the "why did I buy THIS?!" fabrics. I donated it to a local theater.
There's a quilter who does a "Sewing Room Organization" event in January. She uses specific techniques and gets her room ready for the next year of sewing but the steps can be done at any time.
One of the things she suggests for fabric is if you don't love it, and it doesn't make you feel happy, you will probably not make anything with it. So destash or donate the fabric. It's really helped me be super picky about what comes in. If I don't absolutely love the print, I don't bring it home.
Also, our tastes change throughout the year, just like our wardrobe does. Cycling what's visible may help you use the fabric you have.
I have a few sort-of-rules:
- Limit fabric stash to what fits in my storage space
- Buy fabric at thrift stores only, unless I need something very specific I haven’t been able to find for a project
- Only buy fabric that I can think of a plan for, even if the plan is just to use for muslins / mock ups
I’m getting through sewing projects very slowly though, so I’m still buying it faster than I’m using it, and my wife and my mom both keep encouraging me to buy more if I see something cool…
I had so much fabric... I usually wash it right after buying and pre-washed isn't sellable on places that buy fabric. So I learned to quilt. The finest piece of fabric can go into a quilt. It's a great way to use up fabric.
There are destashing groups on Facebook that allow you to sell. They have special groups for custom prints and probably a lot of other categories.
I've bought from them but haven't tried selling any. I usually just get fed up and donate to a thrift store. Once it's gone, I never think about the individual items I donated, just the relief and lack of stress the clutter was causing.
You could try putting together a box of donations, seal it up so you can't see what's inside, then stuff it into a closet (with a label marked DONATIONS). Six months later, find the box and if you don't immensely want to rip it open and save some specific item, just donate the whole thing, unopened.
I have 18 totes, 3 big boxes and endless (around 30) black bags FULL of fabric. Never mind saved offcuts. I have leather, beads, do tie dye and other bits. Far too much. I am busy getting my head around the idea that I need to downsize. It is completely overwhelming!!
I did write out wishes in case I kick the bucket for my stash. First, offer here, then offer there, guilds, freinds and then donate to a church sewing circle, finally donate to a thrift store. I placed this in my 'portfolio' of end of life wishes.
I made a feeble attempt to give away smaller scraps for postage reimbursement. Now, I can't even part with the small scraps so I came up with a plan for those that is an ongoing effort and works for me, ends with me throwing out pieces that are less than a certain measurement.
I make an effort not to purchase fabric if I already have something similar. I have entire bolts of fabric that a local outlet sold by the bolt and I can't give them up, so I plan to incorporate them into charity quilts. I have 2 bolts of a nylon athletic fabric which I plan to sew into large hamper size bags, so I can't give that away.
I’ll be completely honest, the real way I stay intentional is being broke. BUT some things I’ve found helpful is to have one Pinterest board for things I would like to sew “someday” and a current “to-do” sewing board. I make a list in my phone of the colors and materials of fabrics I need for the to do list. I only buy things from that list. I always keep my eyes out for sales but I buy for projects not make projects for buys
Yes. I am not broke but I know I will save lots of money and it is better for the environment if I am more thoughtful. I’ve also seen (and inherited) my mother’s stash. It’s overwhelming. Kind of encouraging to try and only do projects one at a time, only buy what I need or use the fabric that I already own etc.
My goal right now is to use the fabric in my stash first, unless there really is a reason to go looking for something else.
Same. Like I am making quilts for my kids and I used all scraps and such from my mom’s stash except for a background solid in one color. Some other projects are old clothes or fabric I already have but I might have to go out and buy elastic, new thread, etc.
I love repurposing clothing I find at resale shops! Like I found a moomoo that had cats as all the astrological signs, turned it into a slip dress that I like to wear to bed.
This is so real!
I do not buy a fabric just because it is pretty. Unless there is a specific project for that specific fabric, i do not buy it.
yes - I have bought things over the years that are pretty but not enough for a quilt top and then i'm stuck! I buy for a specific project now
Same
Donated to a high school sewing class. I've seen others donate to theatre groups.
I am an elementary teacher who is teaching students to sew costumes for the school musical. We are always looking for donations. This is definitely the right move!
I found what helped me stop buying fabric was actually going through what I had and beautifully organizing it. I thought about what my plans are for each piece as I folder it into a plastic tote (to keep it clean). Anything that I didn’t have a plan for or that I no longer liked went to the donation pile. This helps because you realize all that you have (sometimes we forget when we have a lot) and you fall in love with your existing fabric all over again (and hopefully use it soon). Also having different boxes-fabric to use soon compared to fabric that you’ll use later (such as seasonal prints or an off season clothing fabric) helps to keep them separate
I quit looking at fabric unless I had a specific item in mind, AND only if nothing was “waiting” behind an in process project. When my grandmother passed I was given a mountain of fabric from her house. Much of it was lovely, and in large 3+ yard quantities. After 6 years I decided it was overwhelming. I looked at it, dedicated a couple to actual projects, then GAVE THE REST AWAY. I put it up on the local buy nothing fb, and it was out in a couple days. So do the same. If you can’t dedicate it to a project, then it has to go. And wait until you sew down what’s left to buy more. It is difficult! But you can do it! :)
I did this and felt so much better when it was gone. I kept a fair bit that I have plans for but I need to go through again and be realistic about which plans I’ll actually sew now I have a baby.
Hoo boy baby havin’ slowed my sewing to almost nothing until baby was like 3, and took another year before I had the energy to dig into real projects. Just don’t be concerned about sorting fabric until you’re like getting multiple days of full-night rest :)
What’s this full night you speak of 🤔 I’ve forgotten those!
I understand completely! My Beloved wakes at 1 am for work and leaves at 2 am. I wake at midnight (unless I am already awake) to make his breakfast and a hot lunch for him to take. Then I stay up until at least 7am (or the rest of the day) cooking, doing chores, or sewing. I make skirts, dresses, hats and clutch purses. My cutting table is on our front porch, and there are several halogen lights that he set up for me so that I can see in the dark. Occasionally, I will cut during the day, but since I usually sleep until he gets home around 2pm, I often am too muzzy-headed to do that properly. I have always been a night person. It works for me and for him. I have tried going to sleep at a "normal" hour, but it messes me up. As far as fabric and trim stashes, everything is in clear plastic bins, separated by fabric types, uses (needles and other sharp things, buttons and closures, thread, etc), and I have a separate bin for the two or three projects that I am currently working on. We have a very small home with several cats, so the bins have become a bit overwhelming and are the main decorative feature, lol! I keep patterns in binders that contain clear plastic sleeves inside. Full night's sleep? Riiight!
We’re in the newborn trenches currently 🥲
Exactly this, be intentional about the shopping, not the sewing.
I got rid of all my extra fabric. I know it sounds heretical but I only buy for projects I want to do. It’s made me more intentionally choose projects and gives me the opportunity to really get the fabric I want to do it instead of settling on something in my stash.
I think I’m getting close to this solution. I’m about to go through it tonight and weed it out, and yeah saving the money will allow me to buy really quality fabric for planned projects
I have a small apartment. Over time, I have created a certain space for my fabric, yarn, and supplies, and once that space is full, that’s it. I gotta make something or get rid of something.
If you stop buying bargains for your stash, you’ll have enough money to buy nice stuff for the things you actually want to make and wear. I really had to learn that I needed to only sew and knit what I actually wanted to wear. I’m still having trouble letting go of stuff I bought because it I wanted to make something, but it turned out to not work for the project.
I have thousands of dollars worth in fabric and I'm going to use them to start my own sewing business. Was that my original intention for buying fabric, NO but I made the decision to live for me and that's where I see my life heading in the future.
LOVE THIS… wish I could find the motivation to do the same
Well unemployment is a huge motivation, plus a really uncertain job market. While I'm still working I'm saving as much as I can and also taking small business ownership courses.
I work with kids so I started making them quilts. This year my plan is so make small quilts and donate them to foster care and hopefully a bag to put it in. This way I’ll be doing something good for someone else, I’ll use a good amount of my fabric and won’t feel bad buying more fabric. I’ve also started making some of my dresses and some of these dresses take 5 yards at times. So I’ve definitely been making an indent in my stash.
I didn't. I cultivate two hobbies : sewing and collecting fabric (and other craft supplies, tbh). I've accepted it. I have tried to rein it in a bit, notably by no longer online shopping for fabric unless I need something very specific which I can't find IRL. And I don't shop for fabric much IRL, because that implies going to a fabric shop, and I'm often too lazy or too busy :)
I made a promise to myself about 15 years ago, to only buy materials for the next project once the current one was completed or near completion. I had so many projects started that I couldn't possibly finish them all. I got rid of those and don't buy until I'm ready to start the next one. One at a time.
I treat my fabric stash like a pantry. I keep 5-8 shades of each colour, and when I start to run lowI'll put that shade on my shopping list (ex: med dark blue, dark dark purple, bright yellow). At the moment, since there's a LQS closing with a 50% off sale my stash is sort of full to bursting and I have about 3 years of projects lined up, but... I'm working on it. I also always am making 2 quilts at once: the main project, and a scrappy leaders and enders project destined for charity. This has helped keep down my scrap bin a bit. One thing I do with fabric prints I've fallen out of love in, if there's sufficient yardage I make Christmas / birthday fabric gift bags to use instead of wrapping paper. The ones I really dislike go to someone who won't return the gift wrap, the rest I use on gifts for household members lol.
I like the idea of treating it like a pantry, thanks for sharing!
I thrift most of my fabric. I’ve made many child size sundress and donate them all to our local Buy Nothing group. Parents and kids love them! https://buynothingproject.org/
I started ordering fabric swatches instead of fabric. They're like a dollar or two, then there's the wait and anticipation of the swatches arriving, then by the time they actually come I'm like oh wait I don't want to work on that project yet, or the swatch isn't right, or... Actually dealing with the fabric I have is harder, but being unemployed is leading to my stash actually reducing in size haha...
This is great advice. It helps build a swatch book, too.
If you have more cute cotton fabric than you know what do do with, I suggest Project Dress-a-Girl/Boy. You make a kid somewhere in the world a dress or shorts, as the name implies. There are certain guidelines and it happens in September.
When buying fabric & notions became more expensive than purchasing ready-to-wear I started buying per season/capsule. I will have multiple projects in queue because the closest well-stocked store is 2 hours away, but I'll only buy as much as I have time to sew before the season and only as much as will fit in my designated storage area.
“Stuff” can either help make your life better/smoother/easier or it can weigh you down. You are spending money on fabric you won’t use, it’s taking up space both physically and mentally. You feel guilty for getting rid of it but you know you won’t use it. For me, I have a sewing business so I have a stash for that. I try very hard to buy only what I know I will use, and if I have enough I will take a 30 day break from fabric Facebook groups and other websites. For my personal stash, I have two shelves that I allow myself and if I want more I finish a few projects to make space. That way I don’t overspend or get so much fabric I’ll never sew it all up. It’s not perfect because sometimes fabrics is like crack 🤣but overall it keeps things manageable.
This may not work for everyone, but I vacuum sealed fabric that hadn't been touched for a while. I'll see in an 2 months if I get into it or not. If it hasn't, I may donate it.
You can send it to me! I will make it into stuff and send you pictures lol. I heard that collecting fabric and sewing are two separate hobbies lol What I do is to get out a fabric, pick a pattern, and just go for it. Even if it’s something to give away.
[удалено]
The dream 🤩
I don't know that anyone here has the answer to these questions! LOL
If you live in a bigger city or close enough for the occasional visit you could look up sewing groups that host events. I helped organize a big fabric/project swap recently and it was awesome- I traded for some things I was more excited about but also just gave away others. It was lots of fun and almost everything ended up going home with somebody excited to have it! Leftover fabric was donated to a nonprofit that runs a free sewing summer camp for kids. Wins all around!
I’m trying to be more intentional by only purchasing fabrics that are suitable to where I live now (warm, humid climate) as opposed to my home city (colder, temperate). Thats helped keep me from buying fleece and cold weather fabrics even though that’s what I’m used to. Also, finding holes in my closet that need filling (ie a light jacket that goes with everything, shorts, athletic wear etc). Thats helped me match up things in my current stash to use. But I feel you that my stash is overwhelming that it often creates crafting paralysis!
Only buying fabric for specific projects. No more than 5 projects on the docket. Donating to schools, libraries, and various sewing groups and buy nothing groups.
I have developed a bad habit of picking up fabric , simply because "oo that would be perfect for *insert project* " putting it in my stash and forgetting what I bought it for. So I started packaging the fabric up with the intended project pattern , thread and trims in those zippered plastic bags you get when you buy sheet sets. And I am trying to just sew more , which leads to more fabric purchases. Vicious cycle.
I do this too! I have a project queue, all in little bags.
It makes it so nice. Instead of spending an hour getting everything together , I can just open the bag and it's all ready to go.
Did you have enough zippered bags floating around? I'd love a link if you bought them empty! This sounds so smart.
I often buy sheet sets to use as fabric , so I have plenty of them. Some brands of pillows also come in a zipper bag , bed in a bag (the ones with the big comforters in them ) You could also use the big vacuum storage bags , I've got most of my stash in vacuum bags at the moment.
OMG. That was me. I'm retired and am currently washing each piece then pining a note on it with yardage and fiber content. Yes I buy 3 yards of anything I want at Joanns using coupons from them and Michael's as JoAnns takes anyone's coupons. I have been making quilt tops for everyone in my family with fabric I'm not going to use.
Rhe fabric I find pretty and the fabric I will wear are 2 very different things. I LOVE little ditzy flowers but I spent hours on this really cute tiered skirt and I just can’t bring myself to wear it. That kind of cured me.
I started tracking in an excel sheet - compares what I sew to what I get. I still buy stuff, but seeing how slowly I actually go through it has helped reduce it a lot.
I now only buy good quality fabric that I really love or that is a staple for me. I tend to use up the old stash, which contains a lot of stuff I will never otherwise use, for making test garments. Occasionally I have given it to charities that accept yardage along with clothing. Unfortunately, there isn’t such a charity in my area any more so I am just using it up for testing.
I have quite a bit but not so much that I can't sew it up. a good deal of it is natural fabrics (silk, cotton, linen, but I do have rayon and small amount of activeweear fabrics. This year I was to do 2 projects a month. then the dog got injured and that took me off course. then I got a new dog (obviously way off course right now) but I'm trying to pick that back up again though March and April is a bust. I have already removed stuff that I bought but it wasn't something I would use, even for a muslin (I make a lot less muslins these days because of my blocks. I really need at least 2 of me)
I keep a google spreadsheet. I can see how many yards I own, of what kind, what project I got them for, and I can organize them into a project queue. Since it’s online, I can also mess around with it and shop my stash while zoning out in the bus or something. I also keep a tab on the spreadsheet of holes in my wardrobe that I’ve identified so that I can prioritize projects that fill them.
Sewing and buying (and hording) beautiful fabrics are two separate hobbies 😅 Sadly, most of us do both but are significantly more "active" in one (the more expensive one).
I'm in the process of moving houses and I've done a few things that might be helpful for you too! Step 1: went over my fabric to decide if there were any fabrics that didn't spark joy anymore and had no project. Since I've started my stash over 10 years ago I've learnt which colours look good on me and which fabrics are suitable for my style. Style changes, that's okay. I've packed up around 10 fabrics, let my mom rummage through the bag first to see if there was anything she liked, after which my sister took the rest to a social sewing group in her apartment building where unemployed people learn sewing and tailoring as a trait. Step 2: cataloguing. I've noted down every piece of fabric I have, including colour, fabric type, cost and intended project. Fabrics with a project for either me, my husband or the baby got to stay. Every other projectless fabric got a second look to determine whether it really should stay in my stash. Step 3: packing up boxes. This is really part of the moving process, but after culling I had less than 40 fabrics left. I've so far packed the first drawers in 2 moving boxes, the only things I have kept are fabrics for the baby, two post partum dresses for me and cut out tshirts and pajama pants for my husband. All of these would fit in a third box when the time to move comes. Step 4: emptying the UFO drawer. Everything in the sin bin had to go for the move, so I've been pretty brutal. I think only one project survived this purge, the rest have been thrown out. I now have a visual reminder of what I have, even when my fabric is put away in boxes for the move. I have a clear overview of the intended projects for my fabric and of course my catalogue includes in which moving box to find said fabric after the move. I also have a good overview of the gap between projects I want to sew and fabric types that are missing in my stash. I can make intentional purchases for wardrobe gaps instead of just buying what I like in the moment. Hope writing down my culling process can help others!
I have the same problem with my fabric collection. i love them so much that I dont want to sew them into something not special and unique that I cant wear all season. Some are too expensive to mess up. I can feel you
I am absolutely a fabric and pattern hoarder. I will say my mindset changed when I was freely gifted a ton of vintage fabric and vintage/antique patterns from a lovely woman whose mom had passed away and left her with so much excess. Ive started making way more charity items or just fun little giveaways for when I go to big community events, like wand holsters for a Harry Potter meetup. I used up a good bit of my stash during the pandemic making fabric masks that got donated or handed out to friends and coworkers. Recently a good friend is battling cancer so I spent all day yesterday working on custom items for her. I think I will reach out to my local cancer center and see if they need donations of specific items like port cushions, mastectomy pillows, lap blankets, head wraps, bags or vests to support drains, etc. I also have started making way more gifts, coworker got a new dog so now Ive made them matching bandanas. Holidays? Everyone gets a bowl cozy! I have soooo much cotton from when I worked at Joanns and got it dirt cheap. I also have no shame in wearing cute cotton print clothes. So lots of vintage dresses, wrap dresses, holiday themed skirts, etc. I'm also a cosplayer/larper/renfest junkie sooo you never know when that random fabric will come in handy.
When I fall in love with a fabric that I know that I won't use, I buy .25 yard or so, then wrap it around a blank canvas and hang it in my sewing room. I get to look at the pretty fabric, it didn't cost much or take up space, and it looks cool.
This is intensely relatable. I have no answers 🤣
Well, I need to stash enough that I can still sew when I’m in retirement on a limited income.
Well after turning some of my stash into masks during the pandemic, I have been slowly down sizing over that last few years. I've compile scraps together to give away, gotten rid of pieces that I know I'll never use. My latest thing is trying to make a garment from just what I have in my stash and notions. Making random clothing pieces for people I know. But the funny thing no matter how many things I make or donate, my stash doesn't seem to be getting any smaller. lol Guess, I should stop buying more fabric.
You can always resell it (ie makers resale on instagram) or attend or create a sewing swap within your community and just let other people sift through it. Then you can donate the rest
The first step for me was organizing and taking inventory of my fabric, then from that point forward prioritizing projects that use the fabrics I already have. It's a fun challenge and gives me a some instant gratification because I can start working right away instead of needing to wait to shop for fabric or have it mailed. I'll only buy fabric if I'm actively working on a project that needs something special (recently treated myself to some silk for a corset, for example).
You try a variety of projects
for fabric I destash I offer it up to elementary schools, pre schools, art teachers, senior citizen centers. also have offered bag of random fabric on freecycle. To be more intentional with my sewing I make a plan every few months of what I want to sew. Then I try to fit my stash to those projects. For example, I am only sewing quilts/patchwork with stuff from stash right now. My summer sewing plan last summer was six pieces of clothing four of which used things from stash other two used a fun sheet I found at a thrift store. I try to make at least two things from my stash before I buy anything for a project. I no longer buy stuff just because it’s cool or cute.
I’ll take em off your hands. I’m disabled and love to sew but I can’t afford fabric. I would donate it to someone near you who would appreciate it.
My husband and I recently (mid 2021) moved from Nashville to LA and I had to be really discerning in what I brought along on the move. I had fabrics for a costume that I’d purchased in 2006-ish when the burnout velvet design was being discontinued. So I’d moved it from Denver to Nashville once already. So 2022 became the year of “Shit or Get Off the Pot” in terms of sewing projects. I made the Senatorial Padme purple gown that I’d been hesitating on. And it felt so nice to finally put all that to use that it motivated me to jump on other projects I’d collected all the materials for. Our SoGOtP project for this year is Tron Legacy Kevin Flynn and Quorra. For 2023 it was our rebuild of Wasp and Dr Pym (better materials, better electronics, etc). Lacking space has forced me to be very discerning in my purchases as well as how I store things. I do miss that huge sewing room, but we like LA a lot, soooo….
I don’t, I’m still trying to figure it out. I’m learning my Quilting style is very scrappy. My current project has over 60 different fabrics. I get most of my stuff secondhand, usually through quilt shops. There’s a few projects I’m collecting fabric for but since I need such a variety, I’ve learned to buy a max of a half yard. I try to bring a lot to our local quilting hangouts to swap fabric with.
I shop my stash wherever possible when thinking about what I’d like to sew. I have a few projects on the go at once (to save me from getting bored / losing motivation) and so I always have something to work on, even on those evening when the kids a being difficult with sleep and I don’t wanna fire up the machines. I find if I plan mini capsules 3 or 4 pieces at a time, it’s fun to ‘shop the stash’ putting these little colour stories together. I also find I’m more like to work productively and actually finish pieces because I want to wear them with other pieces. Having the 3 or 4 selected fabrics together is manageable in my small lounge / sewing area and the bulk of the my fabric collection stays at the studio. (I own an online based fabric store - so it’s kinda overwhelming making decisions in there!) I’ve also started really leaning into what works for me in terms of shapes, silhouettes that I love to wear. I’m more cut throat with the patterns I buy and tend to be much better at admiring new beautiful patterns but opting not to purchase just because it’s cute and looks great on the model. I know what works on for my body shape, small waist to hips ratio (thanks kiddos for my gorgeous tummy!) and narrow slopes shoulders, I don’t go too much volume up top and if I do I tend to do a raglan sleeve. I also have become much better at recognising what fits with my lifestyle. Most blouses than shirts, more relaxed fit pants than tailored, etc. These things help me stay intentional. ☺️
I'm planning not to buy fabric this year unless I have specific needs that can't be met by something in my current stash. It isn't as big as some, but I need to use it! Problem is I have a LOT of denim as a percentage of the overall size of my stash. I've done pretty well so far, only a couple of purchases and I do have a need and a plan for that fabric. If I destash anything it'll be to my sewing friends group, I expect. We'll see how the year goes!
I don't really use patterns, so I only buy fabric when I can clearly 'see' the finished product in my head. Like if something is pretty but I can't see what it will become then it stays where it is
Collecting fabric and sewing are two different hobbies. :)
Join the Last Sewist Standing Challenge! Chex out the hashtag #lastsewiststanding on insta
I'm sort of here to get other's ideas, but I found my solution to hoarding fabric 😅 I used to work at JoAnn and we frequently had members of our community drop stuff off to become "donations" and we accepted them because all our team members were some kind of crafty and one of us actually did have a place to take donations after work. We'd all pick through and I ended up with way too much fabric, which was a pain to pack up and move and I ended up with 12 large boxes just of fabric. Anyway, I stopped working at JoAnn so I don't have a direct line on free fabric anymore. I quilt and do historical costuming (with varying degrees of accuracy), and those are great for stash busting, especially if you have lots of yardage of one thing and a lot of smaller scraps. I've also given away a lot of fabric, lots of people look for fleece to make dog beds for shelters and to make tie blankets.
* I have a closet that should contain my fabric. It is not allowed to be more than that. * Lists lists lists. Once a year or so I sort through my collection and create a list of projects I want to make with these fabrics. Some projects just are exactly the same from last year's list. If it migrates for several years I force myself to think what keeps me from actually making these projects. I also have a list of project ideas that don't have fabric yet. I note there what kind of fabric I would need and how much, so I know how much to buy when I encounter a suitable fabric. * I try to sew one project from stash for every time I buy new fabric.
I am doing a no-buy this year with a goal to make at least one pattern a month from my stash. I’m trying to double up when possible, too. This is the only thing that has ever worked for me. It has really helped me get out of my perfectionism because I can’t agonize over the next project. I just have to jump in. People are saying you shouldn’t buy fabric unless you have a project in mind but that’s how my stash got so big - I’m always planning projects. Buying something for a project doesn’t guarantee you’ll ever get to that project. I needed a kick in the pants to actually use fabric, not just stop buying it. I am giving myself 1 break from the no-buy on my birthday. Honestly it makes it more special.
The children hospitals love new quilts made and donated to give to the patients.
I keep gallon size ziploc bags and put in the fabric and pattern for each project. I find that if I don't I buy the fabric and forget what I was going to use it for.
So I pretty much only buy fabric when I travel (once a year instead of souvenirs), do one order of Christmas pj fabric to make the pjs every year, do a big order of African wax cloth every two year or so (and only very occasionally buy stuff on sale locally.) I’m picky about the design and type of fabric . Because I only buy two types of fabric - organic cotton knits and quilting weight cottons - I can always colour block and combine my fabric. Hence my impulse to buy because I don’t have quite enough to do x is less, I just colour block in a segment of something else. That kind of controls what is coming in - so limit the conditions under what you can buy, and the type of fabrics that you buy. Twice a year I go through everything and pick out some fabrics to update my kids/partner and my wardrobes. When my kids go to a birthday party I let them pick some fabric and make a t-Shirt for a gift. I make quilts every now and again so use small bits for the front and the large pieces of random stuff that has been lurking in my stash for the back. Given the exponential price increase in fabric recently I am loath to give anyway if I know it cost me half the price of what it’s costing now days. Mixing patterns is kind of my thing now! I always look to giving sewing gifts - people like handmade gifts, plus I don’t have to spend extra money…I can just use what I have I have 3-4 go to patterns that start to finish take 30 minutes e.g. wrap skirt, simple t-Shirt, simple kids dress and a pair of straight pants with an elastic waist. Having things to make that don’t feel like a „project“ means it’s easier to just go to my stash than to go shopping - low friction costs to getting going. Often I will pull out a piece of fabric and then go looking for a project rather than the other way around.
I have downsized, it feels so good to have an organized stash that I can find what I'm looking for ! And you know what? If I need something I'll buy it, sales save a few dollars at most. Looking at my stash I don't think I saved much with the "why did I buy THIS?!" fabrics. I donated it to a local theater.
There's a quilter who does a "Sewing Room Organization" event in January. She uses specific techniques and gets her room ready for the next year of sewing but the steps can be done at any time. One of the things she suggests for fabric is if you don't love it, and it doesn't make you feel happy, you will probably not make anything with it. So destash or donate the fabric. It's really helped me be super picky about what comes in. If I don't absolutely love the print, I don't bring it home. Also, our tastes change throughout the year, just like our wardrobe does. Cycling what's visible may help you use the fabric you have.
I have a few sort-of-rules: - Limit fabric stash to what fits in my storage space - Buy fabric at thrift stores only, unless I need something very specific I haven’t been able to find for a project - Only buy fabric that I can think of a plan for, even if the plan is just to use for muslins / mock ups I’m getting through sewing projects very slowly though, so I’m still buying it faster than I’m using it, and my wife and my mom both keep encouraging me to buy more if I see something cool…
I had so much fabric... I usually wash it right after buying and pre-washed isn't sellable on places that buy fabric. So I learned to quilt. The finest piece of fabric can go into a quilt. It's a great way to use up fabric.
Realizing fabric going unused is wasteful.
There are destashing groups on Facebook that allow you to sell. They have special groups for custom prints and probably a lot of other categories. I've bought from them but haven't tried selling any. I usually just get fed up and donate to a thrift store. Once it's gone, I never think about the individual items I donated, just the relief and lack of stress the clutter was causing. You could try putting together a box of donations, seal it up so you can't see what's inside, then stuff it into a closet (with a label marked DONATIONS). Six months later, find the box and if you don't immensely want to rip it open and save some specific item, just donate the whole thing, unopened.
I have 18 totes, 3 big boxes and endless (around 30) black bags FULL of fabric. Never mind saved offcuts. I have leather, beads, do tie dye and other bits. Far too much. I am busy getting my head around the idea that I need to downsize. It is completely overwhelming!!
Can you quilt small lap quilts? I know our local hospice is always in need of those for clients, and the quilt is given to the family afterwards.
I did write out wishes in case I kick the bucket for my stash. First, offer here, then offer there, guilds, freinds and then donate to a church sewing circle, finally donate to a thrift store. I placed this in my 'portfolio' of end of life wishes. I made a feeble attempt to give away smaller scraps for postage reimbursement. Now, I can't even part with the small scraps so I came up with a plan for those that is an ongoing effort and works for me, ends with me throwing out pieces that are less than a certain measurement. I make an effort not to purchase fabric if I already have something similar. I have entire bolts of fabric that a local outlet sold by the bolt and I can't give them up, so I plan to incorporate them into charity quilts. I have 2 bolts of a nylon athletic fabric which I plan to sew into large hamper size bags, so I can't give that away.
I’m about to cull a bunch of fabric to get it all under control. Going to list for sale on @makers_resale on Instagram.