Decluttering Your Quilting Stash: 10 Tips for Fabric Destashing

We all know that feeling of excitement when we stumble upon a beautiful piece of fabric that just screams potential for our next project. But let’s be real, over time, that excitement can lead to a stash that’s bursting at the seams, making it a challenge to find what you need. It’s time to dive into the art of destashing your quilting fabric collection. Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you part with all your treasures; just a thoughtful curation to make your creative journey smoother. Here are ten tips to help you navigate the destashing process without breaking a sweat.

#1. Bid Farewell to the Unloved:
We’ve all got those fabrics that make us wonder, “Why did I buy this?” It’s time to free up space and let them go. Whether you donate them to a quilting club, gift them to a friend who loves the pattern, or use them in small projects like mug rugs or pot holders, freeing up space for fabrics you adore is liberating.

#2. Seasonal Separation:
Holiday fabrics are like a burst of joy, but they can also clutter your space. Keep it organized by storing Christmas prints with Christmas prints and Halloween patterns with Halloween patterns. This way, you won’t have to scramble through heaps to find the perfect fabric for your festive projects.

#3. Color is Key:
Color coding is your best friend. Neatly arrange your fabrics by color and take it a step further by using ribbons or washi tape to label each section. A visual feast of colors will not only spark inspiration but also make your search for that perfect shade a breeze.

#4. Annual Purge Party:
Set a date in your calendar once a year to assess your stash. If you haven’t used certain fabrics, it might be time to say goodbye. You can either donate them to a local crafting center or sell them to fellow quilters looking for a unique find.

#5. Hang in There:
For those longer pieces of fabric that are too beautiful to be folded into oblivion, consider hanging them up with pants hangers. This prevents unsightly creases and makes your fabric feel like a part of your creative space decor.

#6. Roll with It:
Odd-shaped pieces can be quite the puzzle to fold neatly. Instead, roll them up like scrolls, making sure to secure them with a ribbon or elastic. This not only saves space but also keeps your fabric wrinkle-free and ready to use.

#7. Jar of Delights:
Those tiny scraps you just can’t part with? Clear mason jars are a game-changer. They save space and let you admire your collection of mini treasures. Plus, the transparency makes it easy to pick out just the right piece for an appliqué or patchwork project.

#8. Filing Cabinet Revamp:
Give an old filing cabinet a new lease on life by turning it into a fabric haven. Organize your fabric by theme, color, or pattern, and watch your once-ordinary cabinet become a whimsical centerpiece of your creative space.

#9. Swatch Tags for the Win:
Never again will you question which fabric you’re holding. Create swatch tags for each piece in your collection. Attach them to a ring or a bulletin board, and voilà! You have an at-a-glance guide to your stash.

#10. Thrift and Transform:
Score big on a budget by hitting thrift shops or garage sales. Look for shelving units and storage baskets to repurpose for your fabric storage needs. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also give new life to forgotten pieces.

Remember, destashing isn’t about letting go of your cherished collection; it’s about curating a space that sparks joy and fuels your creative fire. So, roll up those odd shapes, hang your gorgeous yardage, and transform your quilting haven into an organized oasis. Need a little more help destashing? Below is a free printable you can save! Happy sewing!

An interview with fabric designer and artist Bari J

I have a new interview up on my YouTube Channel with my friend, artist and creative maximalist Bari J! I’ve known Bari for years and have watched her business evolve and change. We chat about how it’s important to understand and appreciate our creative roots, even if they seem completely unrelated to where we are today.

 

Bari’s book, Bloom Wild, is full of eye candy and pattern inspiration! Also get lots of inspiration from Bari’s Instagram feed. Also be sure to check out Bari’s website.

 

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for new content and all the archives!

I hope you enjoy!

An Interview with Bari J

My Interview with Tricia Fidler, a KonMari consultant

 

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An interview with Arounna Khounnoraj of bookhou

I have the opportunity to sit down and record an interview with Arounna Khounnoraj of bookhou, based in Toronto Canada. She has been such an inspiration to me, since way back in the early days of Flickr when I bought a wooden ABC piece for our walls from her and her husband when my kids were little. It was truly inspiration to talk with her and learn more about her business and artistic practice. I hope you enjoy!

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Love Your Creative Space!

Love Your Creative Space by Lilo Bowman

 

 

Last week I had the pleasure of interviewing Lilo Bowman, author of Love Your Creative Space (C&T Publishing). In the Quilt As Desired Membership, we have discussed our studio challenges when it comes to making the most out of our space. I am a firm believer that our creative space is our sanctuary, and it yours isn’t feeling that way, there are probably a few things that you can do to tackle some of the problem areas.READ MORE

My trip to Portugal

 

What an amazing trip I had to Lisbon, Portugal in September. Its the first time I’ve been to Europe since 1998. And I will not let it be that long before I go again.READ MORE

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