Now that the wheels are in motion for an early exit from the 9-5 workaday world (followed by a possible relocation), I’ve been seriously right-sizing my fabric & notions stash.
Here are some things that have worked for me:
*Teach sewing classes for kids and design projects that use what you already have on hand!
*Designate a “kid” fabric basket and let your kids/students pull from here for craft projects or practice fabric for sewing. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it moves!
*Participate in QALs, but shop your stash as much as possible.
*Cut your scraps/leftovers into various sizes squares and strips for future scrappy projects. Lori Holt has some great ideas for scrap management over on her blog and YouTube channel.
*Organize your stash by color, theme, precuts, FQs, yardage, etc. I organize mine by color, theme, precuts and specialty categories. For example, all my Lori Holt type fabrics are in one area, precuts are stored together, dog, holiday and kid theme fabrics are stored together (mostly FQ or 1/2 yard cuts) and the rest of my quilting cottons are sorted by color. I do have one bin of flannels I am collecting for a special quilt.
*Sell off your stash/notions/machines via FB Marketplace or Etsy. Cut your own charm packs, 2-1/2″ strip packs, 10″ square bundles, etc. With supply chain issues currently impacting almost every aspect of our daily lives, take advantage of the fact you have product available and can ship.
*Sell or donate books you no longer want or need. Your local quilt guild, public library or Better World Books would be happy to take them off your hands.
*Gently used patterns, books, notions, and fabrics can be donated to quilt and sewing guilds for their annual yard sale fundraisers. Some will even accept working sewing machines and furniture, but you need to ask first.
Before you donate, make sure it’s an item that’s still in good shape and usable. If not, trash it!
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