Friday, February 4, 2011

Stash Organization

I have been thinking about trying a new way of organizing my fabric stash.  Right now I store it in drawers by color. The drawers stay messy though, and it is hard to see what I have without dumping all the contents out.

So I've been considering trying out those mini bolts that you see advertised in the quilt magazines.  It would make it easier to see at a glance what I have when I go to pull fabrics for a project....assuming I was to keep them neat :)  But I think it would be easier to keep neat...maybe....

After checking a few websites with different brands, I was lamenting to a friend that it's looks like a great idea but they are a little pricey....especially if I don't follow through keeping up with it.  She suggested  these



which are coated cardboard, archival quality,and pretty cheap.  I found them at Amazon. Now they aren't are nice or as sturdy as the real mini bolts, but for the price it's a good way for me to try this system out and see if I like it and will stick with keeping it up.



I got started, but I know I won't get it all done before it's time to move. I do like it so far though...might even go for glass door cabinets for fabric storage in the new studio! Wouldn't these be pretty standing up on shelves behind glass doors to keep them nice and clean?



I've found that these are sturdy enough to hold up to a 6 yard piece of fabric easily. Of course it's going to take LOTS of time to get all my  fabric ironed and folded onto the boards, but if this works out, I may eventually invest in the "real ones".  But for now, this is going to suit my needs just fine!  I ordered 2 packages to start, and  I've used them all, so I'll be ordering more this evening.

Oh, and I finished the SID in all the blocks today,Yeah!



Now on to the fun part!

4 comments:

  1. Looks like a good system.....love them fabrics. :)

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  2. I have the same problem with my fabric. That looks like it may work. Have to give it a try.

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  3. I always thought those mini bolts were too pricey too, and I'm glad to see you've found a cheaper alternative. I bet your fabrics will pack and unpack very easily this way...for your big move.

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  4. The best thing I ever did to help keep my stash organized was place squares of cardboard between every 3 or 4 pieces of fabric. That way, when I want to take one out, I can remove the layer between the cardboard without messing all the rest of it up. I think your idea is good, as far as it goes, but when you want to get a piece that is at the bottom of the pile, you are still going to mess up the top ones. Try the cardboard - try it, you'll like it :-)

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts!