LGJARN52

I've said it before and will repeat it now...I'm addicted to buying fabric and saving every little piece. This week I'm letting go of many pieces that are a forth yard and smaller, some larger pieces that I now look at and think "what was I thinking?" Everything has been measured to the nearest useable piece, that measurement written on an index card and put in individual ziploc bags. I have three large boxes to take to the local thrift store early next week. I've also let go of a couple templates that I thought I just had to have years ago and never used. A couple (5) UFO quilt tops that I never did anything with, have gone into the box also. Maybe someone can complete one or two to give as presents for Christmas. Now thinking that I have time this weekend to put a binder together with downloaded patterns in plastic sleeves and give those away also. I did keep, numberous jelly rolls, layer cakes and charm packs and quilt backings. At least I know that the fabric colors in those coordinate wonderfully. I will still be making pillowcases and reader pillows each week to use up much of my larger pieces...keeping my toes in the water so to speak.
Do I feel "free"? Not until I hand those boxes to the thrift store in-take person and drive away will I feel that way. Sometimes you have to know when to say time to let go.

Quiltwoman44

I've been doing that for a bit now. I'm in a low place and can't get out of it completely. Still trying.
the other day i took some things to Good Will and one was a large bag with tons of fat qtrs and two yardages. they were all in browns and other subdued colors. I included a pattern i meant to make with all that. of skinny ladies with flat hats and dresses like triangles. I sort of got a western vibe and would have gone with that but it was not to be. Someone else may finish it up one day. Or at least love all those fabrics!!! breathing easier here now. a bit disappointed with myself but that too shall pass.

toverly

You will be so glad you let go. I have been doing that for a few years, passing on patterns, fabric, UFO's. Things that no longer bring me joy. I know they will appreciate the time and effort you put into the fabrics by indicating the quantity.

Stitchnripper

As someone who does not accumulate a "stash" (yes I know - my quilty friends tease me) I still end up with fabric. Leftovers, good enough pieces, etc. Recently I went through my two scrap bins and got rid of two big shopping bags full of too small, not good, etc. They are still in the garage just in case. But, their next step is garbage. I don't want to make pet beds because I don't have a place to donate them and even if I found a place, I understand the places like small quilts instead of scraps inside fabric. I guess we quilters will always have that dilemma. At least I am not storing yardage I will never use, just pieces.

SusieQOH

Linda, I purge every year or so. I have NEVER wished I saved something I gave away. It invigorates me to see a sewing room that is manageable and I like knowing that someone else will enjoy what I no longer want.

bearisgray

Check with donation places to see what kind of fabric donations they actually keep and sell.

One ladY told me that "her" organization discarded anything that was not width of fabric.

stitch678

Thanks to folks like you, quilters like myself who love a huge variety of scraps or are low income can find bargains and continue their craft. I find my supply of fabric needs an infuse of fresh colour or style from time to time.l've been making community donation quilts for 16 yr. ( since retiring) and go through a large quantity of fabric every year.

Oksewnsew

It must be that time of year. I've just finished cleaning out fabrics "I wonder why I bought them" and loads of other pcs. I made up several sets to cut, then store in bags, hoping to sew them someday..lol Several months ago I cleaned notiions and bigger scraps I'd kept, they went to a lady that works at a donation place, EARC, she helps people learn to sew, some have disabilities and they enjoy sewing. It feels so liberating to clean out..

Onebyone

I did this with household items. My home is clutter free. I have one closet of nostalgia, memories, photos, and keepsakes. I know they are there safe to give me peace of mind. I don't have to have them displayed. They will be easy for the kids to sort through and I know they won't keep anything as the items have no real meaning to them. They already have every item they would like to keep. That really helped with the declutter. LOL I have started donating a lot of my older fabric I know I will never use. My husband has given most of his seldom used sport and tools to younger family members. One day we may have to leave our home to reside with care, and I will not leave my items to be jumbled and hauled. I will disperse with dignity my things deserve while I can.

quiltsRfun

I list mine in the Facebook Buy Nothing group for our neighborhood. It’s worked well for me because the interested person then picks it up from my porch so I don’t have to take it somewhere and I know it’s going to someone who will use it.

I’ve been letting go of my scraps and some unloved fabric. Much as I love sewing with scraps I’ve decided it’s time to concentrate on the “good stuff” I’ve been saving.