It's gonna take a few more days to get this all sorted for washing, then a few more days getting it all laundered and ironed(grrr!). But, I have 2 weeks without hubby so I know what's gonna fill my empty time while he is in Florida training. It's comforting to know that my thoughts on what to do with it are spot on, as ya'll have the same ones. LoL. Thanks or the ideas and feel free to add on. One can never have too many ideas ya know. ;-) I checked it all as I boxed it up for any "lost" critters... alas, one sneaky little mouse did manage to stow away. I reckon that makes getting fabric fun for the cat too then. LOL

Would love to see a picture of some of the most interesting fabrics in your collection.

Wow, I dream of getting my grabby little paws on something like that. I'd go nuts! You are one lucky lady. Enjoy it and happy quilting.

If a fabrics speaks to you and you don't want to use it in a "vintage" design - then don't !! Part of the fun of fabric is to do with it what you want!! I'm sure lots of us could help with vintage designs if you want them, but I don't think you should feel obligated to use your fabric one way or the other.

You have already gotten some good ideas from the other members here. I just want to say congratulations on your haul!! Well worth the dig, I expect. No matter what pattern you use for them, I'm sure they will be just gorgeous. Have fun!!!!

Not a lot to add..
Other than, YEAH! for you.
I'd have so much fun just sorting through all that fabric. In my opinion, the only value in fabric is how you use it. Agree with what others have said: Use & enjoy it. Then come back here and share pictures.

I think you should use the fabric in whatever pattern you like or works best for it. The fabric is what "dates" a quilt not a pattern. I have seen some fantastic uses of fabrics on traditional patterns and have been wow'd by them. I had never thought about doing a Dear Jane until I saw it done in BRIGHTS. So just go with what looks good to you

Fabrics from this era are highly sought after! that's not to say they bring big bucks, but home fashion/style/decor is very midcentury modern right now. The 20-30-somethings really love it! What a bonanza! think about trimming some tea-towels, valances, pot-holder, pillowcases, pillows. To me, they work best in modern style quilts but heck, anything you like totally works. Look at etsy where you will see lots of inspiration and if vintage fabrics are used, it always states this in the ad because that makes it lots more special and one-of-a-kind.

Well, my first thought is HOLY HANNAH are you a lucky kid!!

Next I would try to organize them by type or colors. I do not rack my brain trying to do certain blocks. I just do blocks that appeal to me. Since you have so much and yardage is not a problem, you might do at least one quilt that can showcase just a couple of the prints. I sure would. Pick out a couple of favorites and have at it.

Be sure to show us some pictures too.

Hey..I l ive just down the road. What say I come over and help you with your problem. LOLOLOL Seriously, I had that "problem" last year. A pickup load of bags, bins, and bundles. I sorted and kept what I wanted. Sold some, gave some away and donated bunches. The Stiching Post there in the City accepts donations for the Linus Project and they got some of the fabric.
But the most important...Do what you want to and have FUN!!! And we want to see what you do with it. Luck to you from El Reno.