Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-04-2004, 01:57 PM (1 of 23)
|
I need to clean my sewing room!! How do you decide what to get rid of. I can't get into my closet to even see what fabrics I have. I know that I really need to part with some fabric but I don't know haw to decide which ones. Some I have had since my oldest was small & still haven't used. They bring back memories of what I was going to do with them but my grandsons wouldn't apprieciate hearts & flowers. maybe I will have my sister & niece come over to pick some that they could use for their girls. Barb Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
|
From: Chrysantha
Date: 01-04-2004, 02:43 PM (2 of 23)
I just cleaned MY sewing room and I only threw away what was too small to sew.... I put all my fabric in those long, slim plastic containers that fit almost anywhere. (even under the bed)I'm keeping my fabric because you never know when the mood will hit and you just HAVE to HAVE that certain piece of fabric you bought, (heaven knows when and where) but it'll be there when you need it... Chrys
|
User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
|
From: MaryW
Date: 01-04-2004, 02:46 PM (3 of 23)
|
Anything more than a couple of years old is not likely going to be used.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
|
From: mamahoogie
Date: 01-04-2004, 05:26 PM (4 of 23)
|
Wow, are you going to get a variety of replies to this one. Get rid of fabric!!! not in this lifetime!!! I'm keeping it all until it's gone or I'm gone! Organization is the thing to do. Sort and stack! If you really don't think you'll use some of it even for a quilt back, then yes, pass it on for others to enjoy..but be sure you will never have a use for it! I just sat today and sorted all my little and I mean little, bits of fabric into colour groupings and put them into plastic storage bags so when I need a small piece of one colour it will be easy to find. I just have to be organized to work efficiently...although it sometimes looks like organized confusion to others!! Good luck I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
|
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-04-2004, 09:17 PM (5 of 23)
|
I sorted mine 2 yrs ago & put it all into Lg. space bags. It took 8 bags & I still had 4 clear plastic containers & 2 lg rubbermaid containers plus a bookshelf full. everytime I wanted some fabric & opened a bag It took up more space because it never got sealed back as good as the first time. I am thinking if I could give away about 1/3 it would probably be easier to handle. I wish I hadn't been soooooo busy during the last stash challenge. Maybe I could have used some. I am trying not to buy more but sometimes I just can't help myself. I always believed the saying "the one who dies with the most fabric wins" but then I think of my poor kids who would inherit my mess. i will tackle more tommorrow. Today I just organized 2 desk drawers so I could put my serger thread away. Barb Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: sewserious
Date: 01-04-2004, 10:00 PM (6 of 23)
|
I say part with what you cannot use for you immediate family. If you have fabric that would be good for nieces, then either sew it up right away for them or give it to their mothers. I have come to the point in my life where I wish to simplify and not keep aquiring 'stuff' just so I'll have it. I have too much fabric and am in the process of sorting through it and either giving it away, selling it, or sewing it up. I will NEVER have this much fabric again. It is wasteful, selfish, and ties up money that my family could use for other things! |
User: sewserious
Member since: 08-24-2003 Total posts: 112 
|
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-04-2004, 11:01 PM (7 of 23)
|
I sorted the bookcase & rubbermaid cont. I have a full cont. of fabric to give away. I would sew for my nieces but I have trouble getting the things done for my 12 yoDD, DGS, & myself. 15yoDS. has asked for some shirts & boxers. Maybe when I get organized I will have room to sew. Or maybe I will get tired of organizing & sew in a dirty room. DD(12) has been cleaning her room for months now & it never seems to get done because she can't part with things(Yes, I know where she got it) So I amtrying to set a good example by parting with some of my stuff so she sees I am not asking her to do anything that I'm not doing. Well It is back to school for thwe kids tommorrrow (unless the snow gets bad) so I had better get to bed so I can get them up in the Morning. Barb Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: james.diane
Date: 01-05-2004, 01:50 AM (8 of 23)
|
I am moving house in a few weeks and packed up my sewing stuff yesterday, and I have to confess I packed up every last little bit of fabric- even though I have no idea what I will do with half of it! I did give some away to our activities organiser at the home, before xmas . (We raise funds for our residents to pay for trips out, and she made stuff to sell.) I am planning to be more organised and tidy when I get my sewing room , with some sort of storage system.
Diane :)
|
User: james.diane
Member since: 09-23-2003 Total posts: 100 |
From: sewnfrenzy
Date: 01-05-2004, 08:49 AM (9 of 23)
|
Barb, you didn't mention what most of the the fabric content of your stash is... It sounds like a lot of it is for clothing. But if you have a large amount of quilting cottons, why not whip up a some super simple lap quilts for shelters & charities. Just cut big 6"-12" squares and sew rows for quilt tops. I think Threads magazine did a great article a while back on making roll up blankets for the homeless, these things certainly didn't look atttractive, but they were very funtional and warm You could also find out if any retirment homes in your area has some sewers that might like some free fabric... Good Luck Trish 
So much Fabric, so little time.
|
User: sewnfrenzy
Member since: 11-06-2001 Total posts: 39 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-05-2004, 10:05 AM (10 of 23)
|
Most of my fabric is for clothing. Knits, poly/cotton, denimn, etc. I will either donate it or I may try tosell it in a garage sale this summer. We use garage sale profit for a vacation so it will go to good use. My sister is going to go through it next time she is here from Indiana in a few weeks. DD wants to keep some for herself but I told her she can share what I keep. I don't want to add anymore to her mess. Barb Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-07-2004, 06:14 PM (11 of 23)
|
Well I'm done sorting. I filled a 27" TV box with fabric to give away. DDs. went through & vetoed a few of my choices. They only put back a few pieces though. Now I can see everything & still have plenty to choose from. DD(20) picked out 1 box to keep for herself because she wants to make some simple patchwork quilts & throws as gifts. Now I have to sort patterns I have a 3 drawer pattern cabinet (like the Mc Call's ones in the store) that is overflowing. I will probably give my niece & sister some that will fit their girls and then decide what I can part with. The problem is I did this about 20 Yrs. ago & then things came back into style & I didn't have the pattern anymore. I might just have to get rid of some multiple sized patterns that I have more than 1 of. It will probably have to wait until the weekend though because I have a scout meeting here on Friday & the house is a disaster. Time to put away Christmas. Barb Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: Tenlyn
Date: 01-07-2004, 07:08 PM (12 of 23)
| When I was reading Mary's post about anything over two years would probably not be used I had to pick my chin up off the keyboard. Ohhhh Mary I am in trouble......BUT... when I do try and go through my fabric,these are some of the places I do donate to. The Childrens theaters,scouting dens/troops,elderly houseing,quilters clubs for their donated quilts.Also sometimes if you ask your local hospital,there are people that sew,knit and crochet for premmie babies. Take care, Linda |
User: Tenlyn
Member since: 02-26-2003 Total posts: 2 |
From: AnnH
Date: 01-08-2004, 12:17 PM (13 of 23)
| I have shelves and shelves of fabric and just keep buying more. I LOVE fabric...and have some that are really old. Throwing out fabric would give me great anxiety but at times I do donate to the local senior center for ladies to make baby blankets for those in need. I personally sew all the time and you just never know when you might need just a certain type/kind/color fabric from your stash. In addition to sewing for all the grandkids(a bakers dozen) I also make doll clothes for their dolls...so you never know what the need might be. At Christmas time I make clothes for the naked dolls that are donated to the local helping hands store. The fabric has to be very small for me to even consider tossing. DH thinks I need my head examined...but then look at all the junk he drags home...LOL...that would be a whole nother topic for sure. |
User: AnnH
Member since: 03-07-2002 Total posts: 7 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-08-2004, 01:00 PM (14 of 23)
I would hate to have to tell anyone how old some of my Christmas fabric is.... I would not get rid of any of that for anything in the world..I have one of those huge storage tubs full of just that..another tub full of fingertip towels for 'Lib's Bibs' and the ribbing needed for the necklines...The bibs tub is a lot smaller. I have another box full of ribbing and some cardboard rolls with ribbing that I got from a warehouse sale. Lots of interlock knit for t-shirts and sleep shirts. Its everywhere, I need to organize that next..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: lovemyfabric
Date: 01-08-2004, 05:09 PM (15 of 23)
|
I also have a big stash of fabric. Sometimes I go through it and donate some to the Salvation Army. But I don't like to part with too much of it. I love digging out my fabric and planning what I will make with it. I've had some for quite a few years, but you never know when you might need it. I just can't pass up a good deal.
|
User: lovemyfabric
Member since: 06-06-2003 Total posts: 126 
|
From: sewserious
Date: 01-08-2004, 06:46 PM (16 of 23)
|
Stashing some fabric is fine. At one time, I had over 500 yards. No way in my lifetime was I going to use all that fabric and when I think of the money I had spent on it that I would never get back! Well, let's just say I decided right then and there that, while I love fabric, I love my family more. Fabric is just a THING and I have much less use for THINGS at this stage in my life than I did when I was younger. THINGS and having them are not what makes me or anyone else happy. I am just as thankful I don't have it all around anymore. I don't have to deal with it. I can find time to sew and teach sewing and enjoy other things because I don't have to feel quilty about having that much and then buying more. I also have more money to spend on really great pieces of fabric that are high quality than wasting it on cheapy stuff just so I can say I have it. |
User: sewserious
Member since: 08-24-2003 Total posts: 112
|
From: Llantrisant
Date: 01-09-2004, 04:13 PM (17 of 23)
|
Anything you don't use anymore chuck it out lol.Womens groups,church or seniors homes, would likely be glad of fabric stashes.
If at first you don't suceed, try-try again!
|
User: Llantrisant
Member since: 06-02-2002 Total posts: 144
|
From: Shellymoon
Date: 01-18-2004, 10:43 PM (18 of 23)
|
I agree with Sew Serious. Something about keeping all that excess fabric has gotten to be a burden to me, too. And, before you start throwing stones, I still love to sew! I just needed my space to be less jumbled and more organized. Must have been a mental health thing. When I moved 18 months ago, I seriously got rid of about 100 pounds of fabric. When I thought of all the money I'd spent on it, I got sick. I painted my new sewing room and put new shelves in the closet this summer. I got rid of two more trashbags full of fabric. Now when I look in the closet, it's all sorted out and I can tell what I have. When I go shopping, I only buy fabric that speaks loudly to me and already goes with something I have. I've only bought one piece of fabric in the last four months. I save my budgeted fabric spending cash for the really special stuff. Right now I'm looking for a certain color combo of cabana stripe canvas to make new curtains and cushions for my kitchen. I've given a lot of my cast off fabric to fellow sewers, quilt guilds, Sunday school supply rooms and sold some of it at garage sales. Our sewing guild has a garage sale at our annual fall festival which is another place to get rid of that fabric. There's someone else out there who might want it! By the way, I feel the same way about the rest of my house and have purged most of my closets, my kitchen and my laundry room during the past few months. My clothes closet is going to get a serious once over during the next few weeks. There are literally dozens of boxes of crap in my garage, waiting for garage sale season....Mama needs money for a trip to the beach  Happy fabric sorting. Shelly Moon
|
User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-19-2004, 08:44 AM (19 of 23)
|
I totally agree. I have a lot of poly/cottons I am going to donate.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-19-2004, 10:31 AM (20 of 23)
|
I got the patterns sorted & they were harder to part with than the fabric. I filled a 6lb. stuffing box. DS came yesterday & took a few pieces of fafric & patterns but was very careful that she didn't take so much that she would be in the same state I was. after niece comes I am going to measure & mark for a garage sale. I thought about 50 cents per yd for most of it. Does that sound reasonable? Some I might mark more or less depending on the condition & type. Patterns I thought 25 cents for used & 50 cents for never used? Next it is craft sorting while I'm still in the mood to perge stuff. Barb Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: MaryW
Date: 01-20-2004, 07:58 AM (21 of 23)
My husband is throwing me out in the yard this spring to have a yard sale. Fabric and I have to part company.  I am asking a dollar a yard. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
|
From: Sewhappie
Date: 01-20-2004, 01:43 PM (22 of 23)
|
WHY DO WE DO THIS TO OURSELVES?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Why do we, the faithful lovers of sewing, go out buy fabrics, threads, patterns, what-nots, etc., and then do nothing with it but give it AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are we that crazy?!?!?!?!?! This was bought with OUR hard earned money, for OUR project to do on OUR time. Are we really that willing to give up our time for OUR hobby, even if it is just an hour here a few minutes there, for the sake of everyone and everything else? It's time we, the faithful seamstress's that we are, take a stand and unite as one and devote time to OUR HOBBY!!!!!! Are you with me?? I say down with cooking, down with the laundry, down with schoolwork, and down with housecleaning!!!!! As of now I'm on strike and will spend my time in the SEWING ROOM FROM HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!! Well better close now, I have to go get dinner started. Will talk with you later!!!!!!!!!!!:bg |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-20-2004, 06:11 PM (23 of 23)
|
I tried that once. The problem was no one cared but me. They all have more clothes than me so I ran out first. They loved the fast food & sandwhiches, I got tired of it first. & evryone else can ignore the mess 7 relax & I can't. I think I have learned my lesson & don't plan on going into a fabric store until I really need something. I don't ever want to get to the point again of not knowing what I have. Mary, Thanks. I thought $1 per yd was fair but it is nice to have another opinion. What do you think on pattern prices? Most of the ones I'm parting with are for little girl dresses. Barb Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-11761.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft