When is too much fabric - too much fabric?
 

I think I have reached the "no more fabric" line in my life. There is fabric every where, waiting to be used. Every where I look, I find more. It started this weekend, when I dropped off a package for my sister (I do her clothes shopping for her, COPD has limited her stamina), and I gave her a bag of fabric instead of her new slacks. We chatted, and I left (long trip home). She texted me and asked if she has to sew her own clothing now? (hehe). I gave her a bag of navy backing fabric instead of her navy pants, but I can't find her navy pants.

I must do something to organize this stash. It has become overwhelming, but I love each and every yard, fat quarter, scrap, bit and piece. Maybe I am depressed, - weather is still cold (for DE), maybe I need to shop? I think at this point medication would be cheaper. Is anyone else at their wits end with their stash?

Mine is fairly organized right now except for the overflow from an estate sale. My problem is finding the time to use what I have. My quilting friend wanted me to go with her to the fabric district in LA next week but I backed out today. I can't see buying more (just to have it) when I want to use some of what I have. Sooo next Monday and Tuesday I'm taking vacation days from work and spending those 2 days sewing!

Diannia

Sounds like you are just a bit overwhelmed. Try just organizing your stash for 10 minutes at a time. Put on a timer and stop when it goes off. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish in that short amount of time. Then go do something fun, like quilting. hth, Gina

I have a similar problem. There is more fabric in my stash than I can get organized. I do think stash size needs to be related to storage space to really optimize a stash collection. Hancock's of Paducah has free shipping and some fabrics on sale right now, and I am really really tempted, but what I really need to do is cut up half my stash into useable precuts and kits for myself. Which is easier? Which is more fun? Hmmmphhh. Just writing this post has told me what to do. :eek:

I am sure that my stash is small compared to many here but it overwhelms me at times. I can't bear to use it, thinking that I may need/want it for something else. So I have started something different for me. I am making controlled scrappy quilts. I am only buying 7 inch wide pieces of fabric and cutting them into 5 inch charms squares and 2 inch strips. Saves me a ton on money, especially when I find fabric on sale. And I can happily cut into my fabric without guilt.

If you are that frustrated with your stash you can give it all to me :)
I have just finished organizing my stash and as my friend says, the scraps multiply overnight.

If it is causing you stress, it is too much. If it is causing financial burden, it is too much.


Maybe you just need a new organizational scheme. Spend a few days playing with it all.
And then, use it! No use having the most beautiful fabric in the world if it is only going to be tucked away in a closet forever.

If after organizing it you have too much and are overwhelmed, donate it or sell some of it. Get back to a manageable level.

When I first started knitting I kept buying a sweaters worth of yarn whenever I ran across something I liked. Most of that yarn still sits in my cabinet. The yarn that I buy for a specific project generally gets turned into that project. I am trying to keep that in mind as I'm buying fabric for my new quilting addiction - but I struggle nonetheless every day when I see the sale emails.

This is my problem in a nutshell! "Oh look! That gorgeous fabric is now only $5/yd! I better get some, at least enough to use as a border for a queen...no, better get 5 yds, that's still only $25." And so on and so on. I have reached the overwhelmed state too and keep telling myself not to buy any more fabric until I have used up a significant amount of my stash.

Alison

[I just deleted the Hancock's "free shipping" email. Too tempting in my inbox...but the batiks are lovely.]

It sounds like your stash needs organized so it is more easily accessible and usable. Don't know what method of organization will work best for you, but I like mine where I can look at it and enjoy it, so I have mine on shelves around the perimeter of my sewing room. At the moment mine needs some serious attention as things have gotten rather disorganized and I'm not finding things as easily as I would like.