Becky

Thanks for the info on where to look for the used cabinets. My husband works for Cobb Habitat, here in Ga. I'll now be buggin him for the cabinets. But your so right about a hit and miss type thing. I'm a big yard sale person and I can't tell you how much fabric I've been able to accumilate thru yard sales. But I always try to focus on things I'm looking for, but alway look for fabric, Right now the weather is'nt permitting for yard sales, so as soon as Christmas is over, like on New Years day I start thinking SPRING. So I usally start a Spring type quilt to help meander the days away till warmer weather permits me to start my yard sale searches.Now this spring your thoughtful suggestions I have a new list to start with. In fact I think I'm going to post a question on the board, to see what other quilters think about yard sales and their finds.

Lucia

Until I finished my basement, my bookcase was made of concrete blocks and whith white laminated shelves that I bought at Home Depot. They were very strong and I would still have them if we did not have so many technical books in the attic. I just recommend placing them against a wall, to make sure nobody gets hurt. This concrete blocks have some openings that I use to place stuff, like CDs. The shelves will warp a little bit, but once in a while I would dust all the books and turn the shelves up side down. Even my sound system was placed there. They work really well.
Lucia

Betty

Hi Becky, Your hubby works at a Habitat store?!.... :mrgreen: What a lucky girl you are. That man needs a list.....tell him, if you have something that is this size and would do this, call me so I can come look at it. I don't yard sale much, if I have a navigator with me I might once in awhile but one of my pet peeves is to get behind someone who is looking at someones' yard, not the road and just totally forgets about driving, so I tend to not do it myself. I know! You just get caught up in the moment. I have gotten a lot of new fabric at Hospice Thrift, I expect some poor souls' stash that the family donates after they pass. Or at the Goodwill or Salvation Army stores. I sometimes think of it as someone else is determining what will be in my stash. LOL Makes for a lot of variety though. It's like a treasure hunt as you never know what is waiting for you there that day. I got an old beat up singer box with the lid hanging off for $4 that was chock full of different plates and feet. Most of which I don't even know what they do but they all go on my machine so will test and find out. Hospice is one of my favorite thrifts as it is the older folks, present company included, that have kept on sewing and crafting over the years and have the neatest little gadgets. Have also found some of the oddest, no longer made kitchen tools that way, old cookie cutters, which I now understand are a collectible. Their families just pitch them out, which I kinda find sad. As for waiting for Spring, I hate to be one of those Floridians but we don't necessarily have to do that here. O, another source is your local senior center for yard sales, thrifts, too. Happy hunting. 8) Betty

Betty

Hi Lucia. Yes, cinder blocks, wood planks and milk cartons. The college students staples since the 60's. You can't beat them, indestructible. A basement is something I really miss being in FL. I would be in heaven and in a totally dedicated sewing room if I had one, but no sense in going there, not going to ever happen. I had considered converting my garage to a year round space but besides the expense it would be a huge hassle. So I just keep stealing inches in my master bedroom and being content with that. You are so lucky you got your space when you finished your basement. Enjoy. 8) Betty

Becky

Betty

No he dosen't work for the store, He works for the organzation, He's in charge of different site's that are building the homes, But he runs their warehouse as well. They are fixin to expand next year to 2 other counties. And when they have to reposess a habitat home alot of times they have to replace fixtures and renovate, So now I know that they sometimes have to take out cabinets, Which they throw away anyway. I'll tell him to throw them my way. HE HE HE, Thanks

Joyce

I probably go to more trouble than I should!
I bought 6' high, with 5 shelves, bookcases from Walmart to store my stash.
I use my 2-thread serger set-up and serge both cut ends of each piece of fabric ( I usually buy 3 to 5 yds of fabric).
I then wash and dry the fabric with no loose threads to untangle.
After pressing my fabric, I fold selvedge to selvedge.
I have a piece of thin board cut 11 1/2" wide x 24" long. Plexi-glass works nice, you will need something that is smooth.
I start at the very edge of the board and wrap the fabric carefully around the board. I then pull the board out and am on to the next piece.
When I pick up a folded piece of fabric I know exactly how much yardage I have by counting the folds. I use 11 1/2" instead of 12" to allow for wrap on the edges.
Joyce

Norma Luikart

My husband, who is the handy, dandy around the house, built me a huge shelf in our art and quilting "studio" in basement area. It's 55"x38", attached to the wall with 2x4's at an angle. Don't have to worry about legs getting in the way of chair. It's high enough for my arms to be at 45 degree angle. Have chair that rolls and is able to be raised or lowered so that I can turn and move to my cutting and ironing table. He covered top with white melamine and really nice wood edging on 3 sides. Also made indentation for my Viking so that it is level with table top. When not in use, I cover with one that came with machine. Have metal shelving with huge stacking drawers from Walmart to hold my projects, stash, books, etc. Cost?...about $15-20.00+ shelving and took about 3 hrs. to put together! Sure beats $500.00 or more for just cabinet alone.

Betty

Becky, All I can say is lucky lucky lucky lady. lol 8) Betty

Betty

Joyce, You have really got it together. I don't think you do too much. If you can do something up front to avoid problems down the road it is a timesaver in the long run. I don't have a serger but would do what you described if I did. Best I can do is pink all the edges and minimize the raveling threads. 8) Betty

Norma Luikart

Thanks, Becky, I think so, too! By the way, he told me it was $86.00, not $15.00 or $20.00. Mr. Precise!! Everything was purchased at Lowe's.