When I try to match up batiks for a banner, I take the pieces that I have in a bag over to the shop in Wytheville and lay them out in a corner and pull bolts that will blend with what I have or make a better choice than what I already have. I've done this process several times. The ladies there offer assistance when I need it. I always let them know what I've brought with me and let them see it. Then I ask if it will be alright to try and match some of their fabrics to go with my project. They have never told me no.

These are great ideas. Thanks

Thank you for asking this question, I have been wondering this myself for some time. Thank you everyone for sharing your ideas.

I just snip a small square and toss in my purse.

I usually take a small piece of each and put them on a safety pin. Pin that to the top inside of my purse, and it's easy to get too. Sometimes I don't even have to unpin it to match!

I carry my samples in a manilla folder.

Ok how do you incorporate paint chips???

I take 1.5 inch strips about 2" long and sew each piece of fabric that I am wanting to match together in a long strip. I then take a marker and write how much fabric I need of the matching fabric. Then I safety pin it to my lapel for easy access.

I have a fairly simple method-though after seeing Glassquilt's picture, mine probably won't work! I have one of the small reusable grocery/lunch bags. I keep my fabrics in there, but I don't have swatches. I take the entire piece(s) with me, but my little bag easily holds 6+ yards.

I asked for paint chips so I knew we are both talking about the same color. There are so many shades.

When I find a fabric I carry it to a window and compare with the chip and fabrics. The chip keeps me on the right track - too easy to find fabrics that look good together but aren't true to the originally requested color.