ORGANIZING FABRIC TIPS

• Clip the corners of the fabric as you pre-wash your fabric, then fold so the corners show. You will always know at a glance which the fabrics have been pre-washed.
• When you have several pieces of fabric for a project, put them all into a zip lock bag so you don't accidentally use it for another project or forget which piece of fabric you were to use with which project.
• Put a label on each piece of fabric, and on each zip lock bag, with a description of what the fabric is for, the fabric content and size.
• When your project is pieced or completed, or as you cut the fabrics to the correct size and shape, you will invariably have odd size trimmings and leftovers. For all pieces that are small and odd sized, put them all in one container. At some regular interval, or while doing something that allows you to do so (talking on the phone, watching TV, etc.), cut these bits into squares, or some other shape or size for a quick quilt. Keep all like size shapes in a zip bag or other container, and label it for quick reference.
• At the beginning of each year, choose a "scrappy pattern" and then cut that shape and size from the trimmings from above all through the year. Keep all of these in one zip bag or container, which is labeled, and includes a references as discussed above. Then at the end of the year, sit down and make the project. I think of this as a kind of a "free" project because you have already paid for the fabric in other projects!

• Every sewing or craft room should have either a dresser or a bookcase. You can store projects in it, magazines stay organized, patterns, sewing supplies, etc.

-- Karen (mountains_mama2@hotmail.com), April 15, 2002

Answers

Very good ideas Karen. Now, if anyone would like to volunteer to do this to my fabrics I'd be more than happy to let you!:)

-- Terri in WV (mrs_swift_26547@yahoo.com), April 15, 2002.

Another way to store fabric is hanging in a closet if available, use hangers with carboard. Easy to see what you have and less creases to iron out.

A piece of paper pinned with safety pin on fabric with yardage is a big help.

-- Marie (rainbarrel55@yahoo.com), April 18, 2002.

To add to that, whether you have prewashed the fabric or not, and any special care instructions (which aren't always in line with the fabric content, by the way).

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), April 18, 2002.