Fabric in your ears!

Do you have fabric coming out your ears, and no idea what to do with it all?

How to store it and more.

Many of us have an addiction to fabric, we love it, we see it and we BUY it. Some have plans for it, others want it for just in case. But just how much is too much?

Gasp! Too much fabric - this can not be real!

It is!

How do you store it all, keep it organized and what to do when it is just too much to deal with.

First, when we buy fabric we must think about if you have it already. I have done it, bought something and then realized after getting home I already had it. So it goes into the storage bin.

BUT, how do you store it?

Plastic bins I read a lot are the favorite way to store fabric. Did you know fabric can bleach from light exposure? Well it can, and what is a plastic bin usually made of besides being plastic? It is see through, allows light to come through it. So you put all that fabric in nice layers neat and folded, then set up on the shelf and sun light and or your new light bulbs are glaring at it, with an evil soft laugh. The longer it sits there the more exposure is happening, and those nice folded edges are being light bleached. How do I know this? I have done it, unfolded a piece or two and find light lines through it. ONLY WHERE THE LIGHT HIT IT! GAH! It can ruin it for you.

The next one I hear of are comic book boards, again nice and neat set up on the shelf for all to see or just you. BUT again the light is laughing ever so lightly in the background, and it is just taking all the color out of it. Whether it is the edge or the front of the board exposed it is bleaching it out.

The third most common is the tried and true zip lock baggies one. Yes, those are great for keeping water off and mildew and dust etc., it is closed after all. But again we have light exposure, we have chemicals churning about and we have NO AIR to it . Closed and zipped up it can't breathe, it can not allow those chemicals to escape from it, and it is just waiting to be set aflame, not really. But, it could be.... Zip locks are good, if used for short term to keep things organized but let them breathe, do not zip all the way. It will allow air to circulate, and leach out chemicals from the processing. Even if it is washed there is an issue with the no air to it. As well it is completely see through no protection from light exposure.

What is best? Dark storage bins, closet that is closed or a cabinet that light is not constantly beaming in. Try to find those bins that are colored, they make them. Get some of the storage cubes made of fabric and use those, they are breathable, and have no light exposure directly through them. They also can be stacked and well organized in about any place you put them.

For those who have a lot of fabric to store, the larger bins are good as well to keep light out. But, those are a disaster if you just keep adding to them, since they hold so much. You start to buy things you already had, and then you get called names like hoarder. We do not hoard.

Sew, you have a lot to store and a lot to use. But are you really going to use it? Maybe. If so plan out projects for it: put the pattern and all fabrics together in a storage bin and cover it with a label to tell you what it is. We have discussed a diary before, you can add these into it as well, put a number on it and a picture of the project into the diary, label the storage container with the same number. Visit this list often.

Check your stash twice a year. Spring and late fall. Why? This is when all the new lines release. Sew you can go through see what you already have and can add to compliment what you have. Also, this is a good time to destash - get rid of some of it. If you have had it for more than 2 years the likelihood you will use it this year is null. Sew either donate it or destash it online. Good way to get money for the new stuff you want!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/destashwithclass/ and

https://www.facebook.com/groups/702352793263828/

two favorite Facebook groups to sell fabrics and even find some you may need more of and can't find.

Checking your stash regularly if you purchase on a regular basis in another way to get some motivation to get back to it as well. At times we hit a slump, lose the mojo, and just need to get it back. Your stash can do that for you. Look through and get inspired.

Now, for those of you who have a big addiction to fabric, and you have it displayed more than photos of your children, well check it for light exposure bleaching!!! Rotate it often, and check for anything on it. Such as snags, dust, hair, lines, or cuts. It is important to protect what you invested so much into.

The best thing to do is: a closet storage system, or get a portable one you can close up and keep light out. Big Box stores have them in all sizes. Trunks from years gone by are good too. Storage bins that slide under your bed are excellent as well, how often does anyone look under the bed for a fabric stash?

Now, we have this issue in our books (and mine coming soon), you can rest assured you have what you need and can always buy more at www.sewnsewhome.com. Be sure to check what you have, do not buy more of it and not use it. I know it is so pretty and I want it and and and... Invest into some new fabrics regularly and a few notions as well. Sell some of your stash to get that "Oh i gotta have it" item. Me it is a feather weight, put the money towards your BIG vacation fund, and share what you have someone may need a small piece or a yard or two. Try it, you may like it. And always look at what is coming next for you. Often times we do think it will be there for us later, I understand there are many retired lines or designs we all look for, you can find them with diligence and payment for sure.

As always remember: A quilt unfinished is one waiting to love.

Til next time - keep your stash safe from light, and let it breathe...

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And for Gadsake: Quit your bitchin' and start stitchin'!