I was folding my new stash and noticed that most pieces have a 3" square cut from them. I was thinking that the previous owner probably cut a piece from each to catalog in a binder. This way, she could look in her binder instead of going thru her bins when looking for fabric. Sounds like a pretty good idea to stay organized. Does anyone do this? It sort of makes sense to me.

I recently read an article in one of the mags that suggested doing just that. It would be a great way to match up new "finds". Unfortunately, mine would like an old Sears catalog when I got through. Imagine hauling that around with you!

Years ago I saw a lady with a huge notebook cutting and pasting swatches of fabric as the saleslady was cutting her fabric! Thanks for that reminder! I meant to start doing that but forgot all about it although I would wait until I got home to do it!

I did it for years, but with c. 1 1/2" pieces. Stapled to a page for each type then into three hole binders
e.g. - repros, Holidays, batiks etc.

Stopped doing it a couple of years ago, as I rarely looked at it.
Now I store my fabrics by type into large rubbermaids

sounds like a good idea and keep the selvage with the piece of fabric so you would always know the maker in case you need to find more later on, could but them in a binder by manufacturer name

She may have also cut the pieces to take with her to shops to fine pieces that match. I have done that too.

There are members that do that... I could never be that organized :oops:

i have a digital database of all my fabric.

i take the pic, list the name, color, and where its located in my stash.

I actually years ago went through all my fabric and cut out 3" squares. It was sooo long ago I actually forgot about it. Don't even know whats happened to them!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

The person might have been doing a charm quilt - every piece is the same shape, but of a different fabric.

I have a triangle cut out of ever-so-many fabrics when I was doing that. Didn't know about trading at the time. :?