Thread: preference for storing fabric? design wall

Originally Posted by OdessaQuilts

However, as for the fading problem, let me just say this: there are some fabrics that may fade by being in the plastic boxes, too. I have three fabrics bought for me many years ago by DH for a specific project (as yet unstarted, of course!). When I was transferring the fabrics into their new home, I noticed that they each have a little bit of facing along the top folded areas. Not the bottom folds, just the tops ....

Many years ago I remember reading not to use plastic boxes for fabric storage because the plastics outgas. I wonder if the outgassing is what causes fading? Of course, I have all of my fabric stash stored in plastic boxes, some of which haven't been unpacked in years......

Originally Posted by Prism99

Originally Posted by OdessaQuilts

However, as for the fading problem, let me just say this: there are some fabrics that may fade by being in the plastic boxes, too. I have three fabrics bought for me many years ago by DH for a specific project (as yet unstarted, of course!). When I was transferring the fabrics into their new home, I noticed that they each have a little bit of facing along the top folded areas. Not the bottom folds, just the tops ....

Many years ago I remember reading not to use plastic boxes for fabric storage because the plastics outgas. I wonder if the outgassing is what causes fading? Of course, I have all of my fabric stash stored in plastic boxes, some of which haven't been unpacked in years......

Yes, I thought about that, too, but it's only 3 or 4 fabrics. The rest are fine. It could be the quality of the fabric or the inks/dies that were used, too, but who knows? Whatever it was, it's happened and I'll just have to live with it.

Odessa

There are some great ideas for fabric storage on YouTube. I am on my iPod, so can't post the link, but Search for storing or organizing fabric. The one I like best shows how to wrap your fabric around your long ruler, slide the ruler out, then fold in half and place on a shelf, in a bin, etc. I am tired of bins because they are so heavy and bulky. Another video shows how to make an easy roman shade to cover the front of your shelves to protect thefabric, but you can raise the shade easily if you want to see what you have.

My fabric is stored, folded, by color, on an open chrome plated pantry rack. It's industrial like restaurant looking. My FQ's are in clear plastic shallow bins under my cutting table.

I'd like to get rid of the two plastic drawer storage units on wheels, one day.

I think I wanna change my design wall so will be reading this thread for options.

I bought the large clear plastic drawer units. I spent a full weekend organizing. I love it. The only problem is not enough room for one more unit. (DH says the problem is too much fabric. But, we all know that is not the problem. :lol: )
I organized by color mainly. The large drawers have the larger pieces.
I have a couple of fat quarter drawers, a fall/halloween, and a Christmas drawer. I still have a few tubs with fabric for specialty type quilts like crazy quilts, old linens, tub of fleece for craft projects, and a tub of things like wonderunder.
My room is also our study and extra bedroom. I have everything, (almost in the closet). This has made my quilting life so much easier.

Originally Posted by amma

4 X 8 sheets of insulating foam board is light weight, attatches to a wall easily, is inexpensive and gives you a nice surface to stick pins into. 2 pieces is a nice size for laying out bigger bed sized quilts. You just cover it with batting or flannel.

Clear totes are wonderful to be able to see through, but the sunlight probably will fade those in the front if left there for long time frames, some fabrics seem to fade sooner thatn others. A curtain across the shelves can help with that, or maybe DH can make doors for the shelves.

Where do you get the insulating foam boards?

I do what gaigai referred to in her post. It makes it soooo easy to see what you have color-wise, and keeps your fabrics from getting all messed up. Here's a link to a video that shows you how to do it.

http://tipnut.com/fabric-folding/

You can get the insulating board at Home Depot or Lowe's or whatever home improvement/lumber yard you have in your area. It's just rigid foam insulation for building.

Happy organizing!

Thanks. Maybe I'll post pictures when it's all complete. I'm thinking of having the design board attached to sliding doors on the front of the shelves my DH makes. My sewing room is in our basement, so I don't have to worry about sun fading the material,

I prefer the see through plastic boxes. Folded on a shelf looks nice but I would worry about them getting dusty.