The Sewing Place

The Emporia => Fun with Fabric => Topic started by: b15erk on May 14, 2018, 10:34:15 AM

Title: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: b15erk on May 14, 2018, 10:34:15 AM
I go to the Fabric shop at least once a week, and I have a weakness for the Remnant Bin, which is set just inside the door.  Consequently, before I have bought a single item, I have an arm full from the Bin. These Bin swoops cost me £2-3, and I have had some lovely fabrics.

I have now run out of space.  :|

At the weekend I gathered all the fabric I bought into one place (Theo's Moses basket), where it is piled high.  I'm going to bring a couple of large plastic boxes from work to organise it all, but first I need to ask the Question.  How do you all manage your stash?

I start off with good intentions, but before long, after I have dived in several times to find elusive fabrics, the boxes and drawers are all mixed up.

Do you organise by colour, fabric type, usage or what?  Atm, my categories run to Bra and swimsuit fabrics, linings, costumes, jerseys, but this isn't really working, as some of the categories overlap.

Please help me to be tidy.... :S

Jessie

Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on May 14, 2018, 11:05:44 AM
Not sure I can help, mine is in different boxes, all mixed up, and I have no idea what's in where!  My latest plan is to move my old toy sewing machines out of the glass doored ikea tall bookcases and use those shelves.
I think organising by fabric type will be most useful for me.  Hmm, that'll be shelf 1 - jersey; shelf 2 - jersey; shelf 3 - jersey...
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Holly Berry on May 14, 2018, 11:22:41 AM
I bought a 5ft hanging rail as I don’t have a spare wardrobe, and some cheap trouser hangers, and then hang all my fabrics so I can see what I’ve got. Still never have what I’m looking for for a project though, so have to buy more   :ninja:

I also have a loose leaf binder where I cut small slivers of the fabric as I buy and detail length, width and where possible to make up of the fabric, ie cotton , poly, viscose etc.

Interfacing, elastic and other habby , I buy the large zip lock bags and label such as, knit fusible interfacing, med sew in etc. These are then stored in a large plastic container along with calico, muslin and linings.

I know where everything is, but I’m not particularly tidy.

I’ve attached a photo but comes with a warning to @Lolli  and @Lowena of too much stash and mess.






Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: maliw on May 14, 2018, 11:24:42 AM
Mine is in big plastic boxes and drawers, I started to make a list several months ago and gave up as there was so much !!!!!!
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: b15erk on May 14, 2018, 11:31:36 AM
It's reassuring to know that not all of you are super well organised!  I thought it was just me!

I do need to try to be a bit tidier - just so that I have half a chance of finding the fabrics I know I have, when I need them - instead of going out for more!

Jessie
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Ploshkin on May 14, 2018, 11:34:32 AM
I break out in a sweat if I have more than 5 or 6 lengths of fabric waiting g to be made up.  Even at that number I can forget I've got stuff.  If I had a fabric shop nearby I wouldn't stockpile anything.
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Manuela on May 14, 2018, 11:45:17 AM
I have a few drawers with fabrics sorted by type: lace, boucles, tartans/plaids, cottons and linings... 6 desk type of drawers in total. Not a lot when compared to stashes I hear of  :devil:
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Lowena on May 14, 2018, 11:50:58 AM
OMG @Holly Berry   I'm afraid I couldn't be doing with that  :| All that visibility ....... I'd have to have everything neatly packaged and put away from sight. However......if it works for you, that's great ( runs off shuddering  :D )
Needless to say, I don't have a stash and the fabrics I'm working with are in a plastic, lidded box  ;)
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Acorn on May 14, 2018, 11:54:01 AM
Lowena - look away, now.


I have a clothes rail like Holly Berry's with my longer pieces hanging on it.  It is currently threatening to collapse under the weight.  I then have a chest of drawers - merchant chest type with small drawers - that has my smaller pieces, categorised by type mostly.  Above that there is a small wall unit with my fat quarters, arranged largely by colour, but also as florals, checks etc.

Finally, there is a unit made from a kitchen base cupboard, double width, which has... ummm...  well, it's full,  Largely material that I've had for a long time and really ought to get rid of because I can't quite imagine using it.  Of course every now and then it produces precisely what I need, so maybe I'll hang onto it for a while longer.
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Lowena on May 14, 2018, 11:56:22 AM
@Acorn  I'm afraid I wasn't quick enough to exit the page........ what's to be done with you???  :ninja:
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Efemera on May 14, 2018, 11:59:21 AM
Shoved in cupboards in the craft room.. and cupboards in DD bedroom. I know vaguely what’s where but it’s in no particular order.
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Missie on May 14, 2018, 12:22:13 PM
Mine is folded up with a label attached of how much and fibre content where known and stored in an Ikea fabric shoe type box in type of fabric, eg, cottons, linings, satins.  It is amazing how much you can fit into one of those boxes.
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: b15erk on May 14, 2018, 12:25:48 PM
I should really think about selling some of mine, but I can't imagine that anyone would want it.... :S

Jessie
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Sandra on May 14, 2018, 12:40:32 PM
Mine is folded away in boxes, bin bags and large hessian shopping bags...really untidy...and it's dumped in my untidy sewing room.

My FQ's are more neatly stored in bags.

I occasionally go through it all and am usually surprised by what I find in there.  ><  I've got some nice stuff!  Stuff I'm sick of looking at, I'll sell it on Ebay.
I recently sold some scrap bags of polycottons, some chiffons and some satin print fabrics. I don't ask a lot for them but I'd rather they go to someone who can make use of them than to throw them out.
Pretty much everything will sell on there eventually.

I impulse buy on Brum rag market...Bargains!!... and sometimes wonder what I was thinking.

Sandra.
xxx
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: wrenkins on May 14, 2018, 12:44:17 PM
Y'all need to put them on here!  :ninja:  :devil:
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: fajita on May 14, 2018, 12:47:34 PM
I don't have a lot of stash.
I have a carrier bag of scrappy scraps.
I buy, usually, dressmaking fabrics with a plan, so don't stash it.
Colour coding is the way to go.
 
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: datcat23 on May 14, 2018, 12:51:45 PM
This is my stash .... a small built in wardrobe in one of the smaller bedrooms.  This fabric is broken up into fabric types:  winter weight knits, patterned knits, plain knits, lightweight wovens, suitings, slinkys, and quilting fabric. I have a loose policy, that this is the boundary of my stash.  I do have a number of plastic tubs, but these are specialty fabrics .... bag making fabrics in one, baby fabric (very small amount), 90/10 CL and lace, for my knickers, and a mystery box that came from someone else, and I am not in total love with it yet.

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4638/39421589271_0a636bb3c1.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/234xX4D)Stash tamed. (https://flic.kr/p/234xX4D) by Dani (https://www.flickr.com/photos/datcat/), on Flickr

The key though, is not how you spent so little on fabric, but rather whether or not it has a purpose in your sewing arena.  I find that un-purposed fabrics can drag you down, and stifle your creativity.  You find yourself digging over and over your stash, trying to encourage that "spark of inspiration" that will magically tell you what to make a particular fabric into.  I am not saying to avoid the remnants bin, but when you find a piece of fabric, hold it in your hand, and give yourself time to really think what you could make that fabric in to.  Then, figure out if you have enough in that piece, to achieve what you want.  1-2m for tops, 2.5-3m for tunics, jackets, slim dresses and pants, 3-5m for coats, big dresses and matching pieces eg PJ's/costumes.  If you can't make something substantial with the piece, then pop it back in the bin for someone else.

My mantra ..... you don't have to buy all the fabric, right now.  There will always be beautiful fabric.  :) 
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: BrendaP on May 14, 2018, 12:56:45 PM
I have the P&Q stuff (FQs down to 4" x 4" in plastic boxes organised by colour.  Ligerie/swimsuit stuff is in a zip bag and the rest is in plastic crates stacked in a fitted wardrobe- theoretically by type, but if the appropriate crate is full it gets crammed in wherever it will go.
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Mamashep on May 14, 2018, 13:14:58 PM
I started with a few plastic boxes with fabrics by type and plains/patterns separated. That was ok until more fabric mysteriously arrived in the popt, and there was no space in the appropriate box, but space in another. The end result is a mess. I really need to get it all out, and see exactly what is there. I think this time I might number the boxes, then photograph all the fabrics and note the box number. I can never find the exact piece of fabric that I want to use.
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Pinkstar on May 14, 2018, 15:25:40 PM
Mines shoved under the bed, in the sideboard and stashed in a large plastic bag in the conservatory.  No order whatsoever  :D
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: DementedFairy on May 14, 2018, 16:21:39 PM
I should really think about selling some of mine, but I can't imagine that anyone would want it.... :S

Jessie

You'd be surprised.  Shift it here. or there's a useful Facebook destash group that's VERY busy.
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Ellabella on May 14, 2018, 19:26:38 PM
Whilst rummaging through boxes to find something for my trouser toile I found 2 lengths of linen I don't even remember buying to add to the other 2 lengths I do remember buying :D

I too can't resist a remnant, there are fabrics that you need to take home and love, even if you have no plan for them
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Surest1tch on May 14, 2018, 21:01:09 PM
I've got to be one of the worlds worse for organising my fabric or yarn stash.  Most of the yarn is in the loft, boxes and boxes of it :(, I don't want to knit though, I want to sew.  The fabric is in a huge plastic storage box, I large wicker chest, countless cupboards which I've gone through today trying to find a particular piece I know I've got but can't find  :'(.  Thread, haberdashery machine parts etc are all neatly stored in storage boxes which are all labelled, how can I manage to organise that but not my fabrics  :S.
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Stitchalot on May 18, 2018, 09:03:59 AM
I have too much :devil:  I have tried various forms of record keeping but finally found one that works for me. I bought a set of record cards and a box for them. I have card for each fabric with all the information about it and a little swatch stuck on. I like this rather than a list because the card is removed when it’s used and new ones can be inserted anywhere. Lists never worked for me. The actual fabric is in numbered boxes and the card tells me which box it’s in. Blimey, I sound like such a nerdy neat freak!

Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Holly Berry on May 18, 2018, 09:18:44 AM
I like the idea of record cards, as I can get more info on them and it frees up a binder. Great idea.

Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: wrenkins on May 18, 2018, 09:32:44 AM
Inspired I'd say.  <3
This from the woman who spent an hour yesterday looking for a pattern that had sat at her backside for weeks!!!  :angry:
Of course my trouser pattern was at the bottom of my 'latest patchwork project' box. FLAT on the bottom under the fabric scraps. Sure why wouldn't it be!?!?!?!?  :angry:
See what happens when you tidy? SEE?  :fish:
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: b15erk on May 18, 2018, 09:42:03 AM
I've nearly finished the fabric tidy up at home - it was more like re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic!  It turned into a 'make space where you can' exercise.  :(  But at least it all looks a bit tidier - or will do tonight.

Then I can start on my patterns.  :o  So many of them, so many tracings......  :S

I've also decided to put my Bernina back in it's box. :( I use it very rarely, and as long as it's available that's OK.  I'll leave the Pfaff 1475 cd out, the Singer 611g (great for buttonholes + buttons), and the Pfaff O/Locker/Coverstitch.

Getting there....

Jessie
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Samantha on May 18, 2018, 10:57:42 AM
I need to show my husband this thread because he really doesn't believe me when I say my stash is not that big!!

Mine is in bags, roughly sorted by size (scraps, medium, large XL). Most of it is in a storage chest but there is also a shelf in the 'cupboard of doom' which has the scraps bag, felt pieces bag, linings bag and some other odd pieces. My patterns are all in a big box.
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Kwaaked on June 01, 2018, 16:06:00 PM
I have pointed out I take fashion and sewing way to seriously before. Are you prepared for the OCD version of stash management?

I have plastic bins and comic boards I roll all my fabric on.  Each tote holds anywhere from 40-60 fabrics.  And I have a lot (21, I think, I'm not at the shop to count) that is stacked to create a "wall" between my space (aka "The Studio") and my SO's space (aka "The Garage").  Because it's so much fabric, to the tune of about 1000 pieces, I have to have a way to manage it all.  My head works, and I can tell you what I have in there, but placing my hands on it is a task.

So...I got professional printed swatch cards done (about $60 for 1000) in index size.  To these I can add where it's at, a swatch, fabric type, date, yardage, width, etc.  The cards also work for planning, since I don't HAVE to have the fabric, but just the card.

The cards are in a microfiche file cabinet I got used ($30) and hold 2 rows of cards.  I can flip through them all I want and not mess up the boxes and when I want it, I know where the fabric is (like one card I have here says it was in KT, which is box K, top row).

Then because I am crazy, I take this even further.  I bought pre printed barcodes ($10 for 1000) to use with a POS Maid system ($60) and got a bar code scanner for free. The program does inventory, one of the big draws to it before I actually open a shop (another topic, lol).  I can also take photos of the stash if I want to, and have everything digital.  However, yeah, no.  It might happen for fabric I buy once it's set up completely, but for now, I'm not taking photos.  (I am also not marking anything up to today's prices, or anything special, just bare bones what I have.  And taxes, but that has a reason.)

So...everything has a price, everything has a bar code and everything a place, electronically and physically.  By doing this, I have no need to sort it further.  I can just search my database, although that could be organized MUCH better on either computer I have.

But let me not stop here:  EVERYTHING I have is inventoried.  Thread, buttons, grommets, starch, sizing...I use it, and it costs anything: it is bar coded, priced and inventoried.  And where it's at is labeled as to what it is.

I spent about $500 all told on organizing.  But there is nothing I can't put my hands on at any time, so it was worth it to me.
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Tamnymore on June 01, 2018, 16:19:18 PM
Phew @Kwaaked  I am hugely impressed with your organization and may just need to ship you over to the UK to do something similar for us. I was wondering why I hadn't contributed to this thread before. It might be because I'm trying not to look anyone in the eye over the stash. I am moderately well organised but have too much. Periodically I have a clear out and give to charity shops or schools. I love it when a  charity gets a good price for something I have donated. Anothe clear out is due this summer I think.
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: sdBev on July 06, 2018, 01:10:45 AM
I have mine carefully folded, sorted, and stacked on shelves. Used to sort only by color which looks really lovely but I starts sorting by color then type of project.  So I have like 2 stacks of test quality fabrics sorted Into stretch and non stretch stacks.  Another example is fabrics sorted for outfits based on black/grey. Subaorted into pants weight and tops again sorted into stretch and non-stretch.
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: Kwaaked on July 06, 2018, 03:33:37 AM
The SWAKOP let me know I got some fabric, about 100 yards or so, that I should donate.  It's just stuff I don't care for or looks cheap (like double knit).

Not that it would make much difference to the whole of the stash, over all.  My plan in total, including the extra looks, is 65 yards and doesn't even begin to dent the boxes.
Title: Re: (Mis) Managing the Stash
Post by: elisep on July 09, 2018, 13:08:31 PM
I like to say I have a suave Spanish man organising my fabric stash  >< no really, I have 2 of these (https://www.ikea.com/au/en/images/products/antonius-frame-wire-basket-white__0477216_PE616888_S4.JPG) in my cupboard. That's all I've got room for unfortunately, and my fabric is spilling over!! I do also have a tub of fabrics that I should probably just get rid of, and a box with my "planned projects". Basically the newest purchases go into the box of planned projects and sit there with an intended pattern until I buy another length of fabric and have a brilliant idea for making it up... then to fit it in the projects box I have to take something else out  :o

In terms of how I sort them, as I've only got 6 drawers to work with (the top of each antonius is filled with UFOs  :|), they are very loosely grouped into weights - lightweight, medium weight and heavyweight. Then my wool fabrics on their own, linings and interfacings together.
Because they're wire baskets, I can mostly see what's in each (doesn't stop me forgetting what's there!). I've often though about making a sample book for myself, but I don't know that I have the dedication to keep it updated.