tlpa

This is a great idea! My fabric is stored on shelves and in containers. It isn't all consolidated at this point....not enough time....but I can see most of it....on a shelving unit (with a sheet covering it) and in clear totes. I'm to a point where if I bring anything home, I try to take something out. Therefore I don't I usually wash when bringing it in, but that depends. I found some vintage 1930's & 40's fabric and did wash & iron before storing. I do keep the Christmas, novelty, kids, vintage and solids separate, and then loosely by color.

Carol Jean

This is how I store all of my fabric and it is so easy to grab when auditioning fabric for a project.

ShirlinAZ

Since I sew clothing as well as quilts I have the scrap problem you describe. All my yardage is ruler folded and stands on shelves in the closet. Large scraps are laid as flat as possible on the table, then rolled, tied with a thin piece of fabric (selvedge maybe) and stacked on a shelf like wine bottles. This way I can see the colors but I know it is not a continuous large yardage piece. Some people would take these scraps and cut into strips or squares. I never reduce the size of scraps until I know what size I need in the project I'm using it for.

tessagin

I prewash everything brought into my home. In fact it goes straight to the laundry shed before it goes into the house. I can't tolerate the odor that comes off new fabric and after what I saw at a big box (woman wiping her very sweaty brow, neck and pits), I make sure to wash. I sort first flannel, knits, muslin, then theme (holidays) color. I try to do it like laundry. I also do this on my cutting table (for measuring) and easy folding or using the comic books or for fat quarters. I don't cut pieces until I need them. If the fat quarter piece is a little larger than it should be (a little wonky) it still becomes a fat quarter (trim later). my fabric used to sit on shelves in a very light room. Some not so great fabrics to work with were used to cover the other fabric to prevent fading.

bkay

Thanks for all the great ideas. I only have two more work days before retirement! I'll be starting on my sewing area then. First, I have to clear most everything out of it (garage sale, probably) and give it a good cleaning. I have a huge space (size of a three car garage), but it has no closets. I have shelves and tables, but nothing else. I'm really looking forward to this.

I have some of those stacking plastic drawer things that I can empty out and try.

Thanks for the reminder that stuff needs to be on shelves, not stacked.

I've already bought some comic boards, so I have a starting place.

I have 5 big totes of quilting fabric (they are heavy!) + my I spy fabric which is in 4 smaller totes and then one of those large shallow totes full of oddball silks, linens and the like. I think those things would make great sachets. I have lots of quilt possibilities, as well. Most are calico, so are going in quilts or to donation.

Lots of big changes are coming in my life, so I have lots of room to experiment.

Thanks again for helping me think this through.

bkay

Claire123

I have mine stored by specific project sometimes and sometimes by type... batik, flannel. I don't have lots of larger pieces. I keep my fabric & supplies mostly in plastic tubs or wicker baskets. As long as you can find what you're looking for, you system of organization works.

Jingle

I wash and dry all fabrics as I bring them home. I buy mostly 4-6 Yard pieces. I use a 24" ruler to fold them with. I store them in stacks on the wire shelves we bought at Home Depot years ago. I have two closets and that is where I stack them. I open the doors and there they all. When I buy remnants I fold them with a ruler too and store those on the top shelf. I have lots of variety of colors and prints. I have many yards and will never sew it all up, my oldest Daughter will inherit it and can do whatever she wants with it. She is also a quilter.

Prissnboot

I agree with Redstilettos on this one. I'm in the Houston TX area if you need any help!!! LOL..good luck luck and enjoy the journey.