Did/Do you wash your fabrics before cutting them? It can be done even without having a washer and dryer in/on the premises. I would soak each color in hot water in a separate kettle or bowl - drain the water out - one could set the fabrics in a colander to drain some more - and then they can be line dried - I would bring the selvages together and hand the fabric by the selvage edge
How old are the grandchildren? Are you their full time caretaker?
As far as 'forgetting' what you learned in class - almost everyone forgets over half of what was taught in a class - repetition is what reinforces what one learned.
Can you get a tote that will slide under your bed? It's a bother to have to put everything away all the time - but it's a bigger bother to have stuff messed up.