Jackie Spencer

Lots of churches make lap quilts for the elderly or for childrens hospitals too. They could put that fabric to good use. I know several churches where I am do that.

Handcraftsbyjen

I buy fabric that I like but I try to have a pattern first (but often don't). I too, live in NH and have a few people who sew at our LQS every other Friday that also raise chickens! I'm sorry you lost your stash.

Dolphyngyrl

project only usually, one might sneak in every now and again, but I usually have an idea in mind

momto5

I second that! There are dozens of places and people that can use our discards!

alikat110

have you seen the plastic tots that are thin and long and used for under bed storage.......

ging10ging

Sorry you had to throw out your stash I think I would die. I keep some in the spare BR in one of the bureau's but if I have company come I have to empty it out so they have some drawers. I have the rest in those Rubbermaid locking boxes and some in those plastic drawers which are sitting in my spare BR and also under the table in my sewing area which I have to share with DH as the computer room. I have made up my mind not to go to Joanne's no matter what so I can't buy more. My sister-in-law is coming to visit and I have to take her to Joanne's for some yarn and I'm hoping I don't see anything while I'm there. Why do we have to buy all this fabric and I used to do the same with yarn and still have 3 rubbermaid boxes of yarn which I am also trying to use up and not buy more. I must get busy and can start to use my hand so that will help get things done. I guess it's hopeless to think I won't buy something when I go to Joanne's or WalMart. Good luck ladies and gents. Sue

Rubesgirl

Sorry to hear about the loss of your stash, it must have been difficult to have to get rid of so much. I only have a small stash but am fortunate to have an extra bedroom to do my sewing and other crafts in, so it is stored in a small bookcase and plastic shoe boxes I purchase at Dollar Tree. I keep telling myself not to buy any more fabric, but then I see something I just have to get for some l project in the future. I am involved with a group at my LQS and we are making a quilt a month. The next project is going to be something to use up the scraps from our previous quilt tops, and I have plenty.

QUILTNMO

I woud buy and buy then i said to myself you need to stop until you use what you have so for a whole year i didnt buy a thing so now i know i can go without buying i did it for one year. Lol

Judith1005

I store my fabric in a couple of under the bed storage boxes. And my batting in a rubber maid tub. I quilt at the kitchen table. I had to move due to an abusive marriage. So I had to move from my home to my family home which is much smaller and already bursting at the seams. I traded my space for my freedom. And, I've never been happier. I gave away 3/4 of my stash to a group that makes quilts for nursing homes. And so far, I'm working on only buying for a specific project. And I do have a bit to play with and for specific quilts in mind. I do not need it all. It has taken me a long time to come to this. I have a very addictive personality. I still love my small stash and am using what I have saved for myself.

Treat yourself to a little "stash" and carve out a small place for yourself. Enjoy every minute your creating.

Don't forget, a church may want donations of fabric. And, there are a lot of people on this board who will use fabric that is not only quilt store quality. Maybe, more then you think. There is good quality fabric out there. I'm suprised someone hasn't snapped up your offer of FREE. I had no trouble finding people to donate my stash to.

ILoveToQuilt

Thanks everyone for the support! Please, rest assured, I did NOT willingly toss my stash. It was bug, rodent and mildew infested - not usable to anyone because of the extensive damage. I would never, ever dumpster good, usable fabric. I am a quilt guild member and I help make charity quilts. If I was going to get rid of my stash, I would donate it to my guild for use in the charity quilts. I didn't want to toss my stash, I had to toss it. Thanks for the storage ideas. I am going to try the under bed boxes and possibly the rolling drawers in my clothes closet. We've put out mouse traps and "pantry pest" traps for moths. Don't know how to keep the garage dry, but I won't be storing anything good in there again. I've learned my lesson! Thanks again for your help! :-)