Problem destashing!!!
 

Our Guild is having a "treasure hunt sale" next month so today I decided to start the process of destashing.....I didn't realize that I had so much flannel. :eek: .I am measuring, folding and selecting what I want to keep, what I want to give, and what I want to sell.

My problem is that I might need it someday. I am taking baby steps and feel uncertain about this process I guess that you could call me a "fabric hoarder"..:rolleyes:

I will finish with the flannels tonight and start on regular cotton, batiks, 30's, 108", and scraps. Speaking of scraps How small is too small..??:confused:

Is there counseling for people like me. I am in my 70's and I know that I will never use all of this and another thing...I want to buy something new:o

This board has many members juat like you! I put my give away items in black bags so i don't see it once i decide it can go. Very tiugh to destash so we feel your pain...lol.

Have you ever checked out the FLYlady? http://flylady.net/ She teaches how to declutter, one step at a time. I've been following her advice on and off for the past 15 years, and it does work. When we moved, I decluttered an entire attic's worth of stuff-- my husband and I joined households, and since we both already had established homes, we had at least double of most things, and all of the extras (which means an entire house worth of stuff) went into the attic. When we moved I got rid of everything, and I've discovered that I'm much happier with fewer things. I've never missed one single thing that I decluttered-- although admittedly I believe memories and feelings are my most important belongings, so I don't rely on tangible items to invoke those things for me. My mother, who is a collector, calls me a "natural minimalist." Now, I have to say, that if you saw my fabric stash, you would argue with her! But lately I've been thinking of going through it and passing along some of the fabrics to a coworker of mine who sews dresses for her nieces. Just haven't gotten to it yet. It's been a busy summer but I am hoping to take some time in the winter months to really declutter my stash and organize things.

I feel your pain. We are planning to move next year, so I am having to go through a lot of stuff including fabric. I once gave away all of my whites and blacks, figuring I would never make a white and black quilt, and lived to regret it! So I am careful now.

One thing I have done is purchase clear plastic bins that I like (they have handles that lock the lids in place) so I can actually see what I have. When going through bins, I find there are fabrics I actually don't like anymore; those can go. I have two entire bins of calico, which I no longer really care for (am more into batiks and modern fabrics these days), so I will go through them and get rid of at least half of the calico.

I am getting rid of fabric I don't much care for anymore. I am getting rid of bins of scraps because, over the years, as much as I admire the scrap quilts of other people, I have found that I just don't want to have to deal with all those scraps. I enjoy making quilt tops that are fairly simple and at least partially controlled. I'm sure other quilters will enjoy making something with the scraps; I just feel that I don't have the desire (or the time, or the energy.....).

I have a bin of fat quarters. Discovered the hard way that I don't often use fat quarters in my quilts. I am planning to pull just the pieces that I really like, in the colors I like to use, and will get rid of all those "weirdo" prints and colors I am unlikely to ever want to use.

I think it's fine to keep everything else, especially if it's organized into bins so I can find things. It will be easy for the executor of my estate to donate the bins to worthy causes, since he doesn't quilt! No emotional attachment there. The charities can wait until I don't want it anymore.

My 2 cents worth.....

There were some interesting posts in this thread when I asked about downsizing:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/general...d-t248285.html

Edit: I should add that I'm approaching 70 and aware that I will never be able to use up all the yardage I have. Still, I enjoy having it. Like you, I enjoy buying more too. I've just learned to limit that buying to about 5% of what I used to buy to "build up my stash". I'm much more selective now about what I purchase!

I need to declutter everything in the house...except my stash..nope, not gonna do it! Today I told my oldest daughter not to gripe about all of my fabric because it is their inheritance! Sadly though, neither of my daughters nor granddaughters sew. I love my fabric and now that we are living on a very fixed income, I'm really glad that I have as much as I do. If it's no longer my taste in fabric I'll just cut it up for string quilts. It'll work! (And if that makes me a hoarder, I guess I'm in good company!)

It is hard to de-stash. I did sell on eBay over 5 years ago and i did make a dent. I even try to clean before moving but that was not totally successful. I still have too much. You really have to choose between what you WILL have time to make and what you probably NEVER find time to make and let them go. You might want to make two piles, one for the guild and maybe one for you to sell on eBay or elsewhere. Does you guild have a charity group that you could make some donation for?? Good luck and I do feel your pain. I have drawers FULL of calico prints from the 80s and 90s that I bought when I worked for House of Fabrics !!

Since I have a very limited income, and TWO hobbies, my stash is never very big. It all fits in one medium plastic tote. So I am not parting with ANY of it!

I feel your pain. In cleaning an area I found 30 yards of flannel, bought to make receiving blankets with crocheted edges for babies. Instead of finding a different spot to store the fabric I cut it all to size, serged the edges and over the past year I crocheted the edges of all the blankets. I also found 3 stacks of jeans that I've been saving to make a quilt. Now I am cutting off the pockets, cutting the long french seam (to roll up and use for coasters) and cutting circles out of the fabric. So far I have over 200 circles cut out and the stack of jeans is much smaller. The leftover scraps will be donated for dog beds. It isn't easy to destash -- I've found I really need to concentrate on using up what I have. It takes a long time!

I love scrap quilts... and have accumulated a nice variety of scraps. I have FINALLY gotten over the "what if I want to use this in another quilt???" and JUST USE IT! There will always be more fabric. I agree with the Flylady idea, and looking at fabric and thinking "what the heck was I thinking????" and getting rid of those. One quilter's trash is another's treasure!

I went thru my stash about 3 weeks ago and got rid of anything that I didn't have a clue how I was going to use. I'm a batiks gal now so my "before batiks" were a little easier to toss. I kept the solids but gave the prints to our Guild's community quilts group. I find that prints "age" and maybe it was something in the design or pattern that means I won't ever put more money into it to make something out of it.

I don't have a huge amount of fabric.... I store 90% of it in a 3-drawer dresser. But I do have a lot of scraps. I was going to see if anyone wanted it here on QB but now, I'm starting an applique quilt where I will use a ton of little pieces. So, for now, I'm holding on to my stash. Maybe after I get that applique quilt done, I might think about getting rid of some.

I love to declutter. I can toss and forget faster then anyone I know. Doesn't bother me on bit. I do keep more fabric then I need but that is just normal for quilters. I know as I get older I keep less.

Look at it this way - take what you aren't really interested in any more, sell it and buy something else! Honestly it is pretty hard, if it is something that I am not crazy about anymore or a What Was I Thinking fabric it is a lot easier - so start with those.

Tartan, thanks for reminding me of binding...It happened to my last UFO from the 90's. Had to go to 4 quilt shops to look for something that would work.....finally found something at Walmart. My living room is a mess and this morning I feel that I can do this.....but like I said baby steps.

I understand your dilemma about possibly needing one of your flannel cuts in the future. If there's any question, why not keep it? It's okay to want to keep it. Just purge those fabrics that you know for certain you won't use. That's the baby step you referred to.

The definition of scrap size depends on the person who holds the scraps. I've heard and read references to the definition including something as large as 1/8 yard to a 5" square to a 2" strip. A lot of it depends on what kinds of designs you like to make relative to the sizes of pieces you're willing to work with.

Enjoy your stash and take comfort that you belong to a very large club; most quilters are in the same boat as you.

If the flannel in your stash is several years old I think you should keep it. Today's flannel is pretty cheesy in comparison.

I had to laugh when I read that comment.

Over the years I have come to realize that it is better to have it in hand than to have thrown it out and have to buy it again, whatever it is. All that does is line someone else's pockets.

I guess I am of the 'it is better not to buy it in the first place if you don't need it' school of thought. So I am not randomly buying fabric to stash up. I can't imagine I'd sell or give it away, unless I am on my way out the door for the final time.

HAHA except for that minky!!! Hate that stuff!

With the rising cost of fabric, if you have any doubts, I'd keep it.

I found a wonderful place in Atlanta that teaches homeless people to weave (and gets them back on their feet!). They then sell the woven pieces to continue their work. They need lots of fabrics of all different kinds, so I find it easy to destash when I know that my fabrics are going to a truly good cause. Google ReLoom for more details..... They love "weird" fabrics, BTW. I recently read where they got a bunch of those orange safety vests from Delta Airlines and were able to use those.....

The first few steps are the hardest. After that you begin to get a feeling of lightness. I have tried many crafts and did craft shows. I just donated two car loads (yes, my little Prius was filled to the roof) of basket making supplies to the Girl Scouts. They love buttons, paints, etc. Some of my excess sewing fabrics have gone to a group that makes quilts for needy people. I like the idea of putting things into black bags or boxes where you don't see it after you've made the decision to send it out the door. My sister is my role model for this process. When her husband retired, they started with one room of their house and removed everything that they would not move. Then they repaired any dings in the room, painted it, fixed the closet shelves, etc. One and a half years later they were ready to put their house on the market. They did so, expecting a 3 month period before it would sell. They had an offer the first week, with the contingency that they be out in a month. It was a scramble but all of the prep work really saved the day.

You described me! Even our age is the same. BTW,no scrap is too small unless the seam allowance devours it.

I agree with everyone - it's very hard to destash! I belong to a guild so I take things there. I know the fabric/scraps will find a good home. And I still like to buy new! I'm just more selective and I tend to buy remnants. Sometimes all you need is a small piece. Good Luck!

I'm with you on the whole pain of destashing. What I did a month or so ago was sold some yardage here on the Board. The people that bought it were so verbal in their appreciation, it made me feel a little better. I also like the idea of going through and getting rid of what you don't care for anymore. We all go through phases of the things that we love, and someone will see your fabrics and be so glad to have them!

And, I'm sorry, you can't use the "I'm in my 70's" to try and make yourself feel better about getting rid of some stuff. 70 is the new 40!!! Lots of time left. (that's my story, and I'm sticking to it!)

I think all quilters are "fabric hoarders"!! but with that said it sure is nice to be able to go to your stash when you start a new project.

I'm in my mid seventies and very aware that I can never use all the fabric and things I have amassed and the things I though my kids would want, is NOT what they want....it is sad, but that's the way it is. So, since I still like to sew, I make quilts for charities....pretty much only do this and even then find it isn't making much of a dent in my stash. Still, it helps someone and when I die, my kids can give my stuff away and not feel guilty. Flannel makes wonderful backings for any sized quilt....:)

Is calico out of style? I guess I'm behind the curve--I still love it. :)

I couldn't destash flannel--it's my favorite fabric, and can be used for so many things.

And... okay, I admit it--destashing fabric is hard for me. I can get rid of clothes and shoes and kitchen stuff with no problem, but fabric? **sigh**

This really works when Iset things out for SA and GW. I close up the bags and put a duct tape label on it.

I feel your pain and confusion. I was not real good at destashing before my big move. I just got sneaky and wrapped breakables in flannels.Cause I would need them some day. Well I got busted when I was unpacking. So the family tried intervention- I don't think it took Even after making a dozen quilts my stash has grown. I tried the Buddy System for shopping days. Well that failed -Dee is now a new member of the Fabriholics Club. Her DSH suggested we find a meeting place like AA Well that evening on FB a cartoon from my Aunt -it said - There is to be a new chapter of FHA ( FABRIC HOARDERS ANON) to be held at Hancopck's fabric stores. So we went

I love this! Where do I join? :D

I always seem to want something later that I got rid of when de-stashing. So I'm not getting rid of much anymore. My tastes in fabric switch too. Like I used to love batiks and civil war fabrics, but now I hardly ever use them. But knowing me, I'll want them again as soon as they're gone.

I'm probably going to have to do some reduction of my stash soon I have a huge amount of fabric since I have a big sewing room with 2 closets and two wall of shelves from about 5 ft to the ceiling and all filled with plastic boxes of fabrics. Arranging them by color or sometimes color and type has really helped me to use what I have. I've been mostly sewing out of it for the past few years, but I do enjoy buying new collections and individual fabrics so I do that, too. I've also used up some of my more questionable choices (LOL) to make pillowcases. I'm not that worried about all the fabric though. I figure if some day I can't afford to buy new fabric, I can still sew for years on what I have now. lol

I can really understand your difficulty with cutting down your stash. When we moved 3 years ago from a 3 bedroom home with a sewing room upstairs and down (the upstairs was for winter so we didn't have to heat the basement) into a 2 bedroom apartment, I had a difficult time deciding what to keep and what could go. Fortunately, I have a very dear friend who helped me sort through my stash, as well as the stash I inherited when my sister passed away 3 years before. It was difficult as I wanted to keep it all; however, my dear friend took what I pulled out from my stash, saved some for herself and gave away some fabrics to a woman who did charity quilts. You know, there's a saying that when you toss something out, that's when you'll need it. I was making a family reunion quilt and looking for backing fabric, so I called my friend who still had the fabric, so I was an Indian giver and took it back; however, since we are both on Social Security and funds are sparse, it saved me from having to buy backing fabric for that quilt, which was perfect for it. I tried to keep my fabrics in clear totes so I can somewhat see what is in them, and I've tried to label them as well, grouping Christmas, other holidays, children's fabrics, etc., etc. While I was downsizing, I made some amazing discoveries in my stash that I had forgotten that I had, so that was a nice surprise. This is a long reply, but do what you feel is right, keep what you want, find someone or some charity to give the fabric to, but do not feel guilty about keeping what is left. I have made lots of quilted items from my stash, some I sold at craft fairs, and last Christmas I presented our DGD a full size quilt for her bed, made entirely from my stash, it made me feel good to do that.

The black bag method worked for me - once it was in the bag it was gone. Donated more bags than I want to admit while moving my sewing room and organizing my stash. Was a big job but so worth it - all fabric wrapped on comic book cardboards and lined up neatly on shelves. Now I know what I have and where to find it. Good luck!

Could you please tell us your secret, Onebyone? I find it very difficult to declutter and destash.

Cricket

Since I'm not only a quilter, but also an elementary school teacher, certain materials got WAY out of hand for me. I used to be really good about throwing things out, but then had to repurchase many of them & that cost me a lot of money and time; plus, some items weren't sold any more. So I went 180 degrees the other direction - not good!

I hired a professional organizer 2 years ago & it was life-changing. She came maybe 6 times over the course of a year and helped me set priorities. If it's expensive or especially meaningful (e.g., letters from my students or that one fabric that I try to work into each quilt I make for family members -- even if just in a small bit of applique), then it goes in the bins first. After that, I add in whatever I'm currently working on. Finally, I can put whatever else will fit in the bins. If it doesn't fit, something needs to go. No new bins unless I throw out a current one. She helped me make labels and lists for each bin so I know what's in it. A lot of professional organizers are part organizer-part therapist.

One nice thing I've found for fabric that I just don't have time to do anything with (or don't have money to buy the other items I need to finish a quilt) is to make quilt kits for Downy Quilts for Kids. Our local chapter collects them & matches them up with quilters that have time but either don't have money for decent fabric (like high school or college kids) or with people who hate cutting. Another option one of my neighbors found was to just throw a bunch of scraps in a box, snap a few photos and sell it on the cheap through Craig's List or eBay. She felt really badly parting with her fabric at the time, but then used the money to buy gift certificates for each of her grandchildren for their favorite spots and said the joy on their faces more than made up for the bit of sadness over parting with her stores of fabric. She got everything down to 3 storage tubs, enough to make a quilt for a friend and a few for family members that wanted them.

Best wishes with your efforts to pare down your stash! I know it can be hard, but in the end life is so much happier. :D

I understand your frustration. It seems we spend the first half of our lives acquiring stuff, and the second half getting rid of it. Most of us are frugal by nature (quilters are probably more than most) and it seems a waste not to use what we have paid for. But there comes a time I think we just have to let go of some of our treasures, and rejoice in the fact that they are going to good homes/causes..
I am an only child and after my mother died I had the sole responsibility of cleaning out her house and disposing of countless bags of junk--and some pretty shocking private stuff that I am sure she would rather I not have ever seen if she had known what was coming. That experience did impress upon me the need to clean out excess stuff and private things so my daughters would not have so much to deal with after I am gone!

I've thought about destashing...then I laugh and make another trip to the fabric store.

I can't help you. I take my fabric out to pet it. Good luck.