I really believe that Tartan has the best idea. I believe that before you sell, you need to organize it. Just ruler folding will help so much in saving space. I have all my fabric ruler folder and in drawers, each drawer has a particular background color in it. But you can organize the way that works best for you. If you do clothes sewing, I would separate that fabric from the quilting fabric. If you have clothes sewing fabric that you don't or won't use anymore, then that would go in a separate area, to be either sold or donated. If you start in one room, don't leave it to work in another room until it's organized. I would read the criteria first, as far as selling on here is, one of the problems is that you can only list a few items at a time, which from what you've described would take years to sell here, I would list the fabrics on either Craig's List or e-bay to sell.

As the coordinator of a group that meets once a week to make lap robes for local area nursing homes and
the VA hospital here in Florida, we are always in need of fabric. We depend entirely upon donations to do our work.
We be more than happy to help you down size the fabric

I think a Craigs list as or E- bay would be your best bet. Enlist a buddy to assist you in this process, one who can stay on task and focus on the "mission" and bring any techinical assitance you might need. Consider selling in color coordinated bundles, for better efficency.
It sounds like all of this fabric is stiffeling rather than bringing inspiration.

I have found myself paralyzed by my stash as well, especially recently. I am about to donate a bunch of novelty prints to quilters who make blankets for Project Linus. I sew for PL as well, but some of the fabric didn't inspire me and I knew I'd never get to it, so better to put the fabric in the hands of someone who will bring it to life in the form of a quilt that can give someone pleasure.

head to the post office grab some med flat rate boxes- fill them and post here for sale for a min price plus shipping costs..
there are members here who are on a limited budget and would welcome some fabric they would be more than happy to receive..

I would go to your closest quilt guild an see if someone there is willing to help you out even just send them an email. You could just pick a project and just donate lots of fabric, I would think they would be happy for the dontations.

dchev you do sound very overwhelmed by your situation but there is always solutions available with a little work on your part. selling some of it and donating some of it sounds like a good plan. perhaps you may have a friend or relative that can come help you sort by colors if possible. if you have bolts of fabric it is easier for those looking to purchase to have a set price for the bolt. i wouldnt bother selling anything by the yard. if you yard pieces, set a price for the whole piece it makes it easier for those purchasing. for example 3 yards and under for $3.00 and 3 yards up to 6 yards for $5.00, etc.

for the sales, i would say contact local guilds in your area and let them know of your sale. quilters are always looking for fabric. also consider donating some fabric to the guilds also. there are most likely some quilt shops in your area that are participating in the 1 million pillowcase challenge that could use some donated fabric. you can check online for the shops in your area that are participating. i would just concentrate on one room at a time. i realize that sales can be slow but they do help to accomplish the goal. selling on ebay could be a bit challenging for you right now. craigslist sales or local sales seem an easier task.

you could also consider opening up your sale to QB members who are in your area. pick a sale day, post a thread on the board and those who are interested can come by and shop. each little bit you manage to rehome, is each little bit you no longer will have in your home. you will be able to tame your beast but take it a little bit at a time. there are various avenues to rehome your fabric so do it one stack at a time.

i remember when i was somewhat in your position, i had hugh packing boxes of fabric to rehome. i called the local girls/boys center and gifted them lots of patterns and fabrics for their afterschool/summer programs. i posted a notice in my church bulletin for free fabric and gave bags of it to sewers at church. i gave some to family and i sold some. i still have fabric left but its much more managable and i kept the more expensive silks and wools that i had.

I second the flat rate box idea but you can order them online so you don't even have to leave your house!

I for one would be interested as I posted a request for pillowcases and lap quilts for people with AIDS back in Novemeber and two members contacted me but so far nobody has sent in any items to the organization. They could use fabric , so that quilters could turn them into quilts. I would be willing to pay the postage on behalf of the group.

I am sure other charity quilters would do the same.

My address is 1643........, LOL!!!!

Jan in VA :p

I would be happy to fly in to help you and you could pay me in fabric! :-)