Fabric Stash -- A Favorite Topic

One of my favorite blogs...Sew, Mama, Sew...has invited readers to answer some questions about their fabric stashes and to post pictures...so here goes...

What do you usually sew? -- Mostly quilts, but I also love to make other things such as bags, wallets, pillowcases, fabric gift items, etc. You can see many of my projects here.

When you shop for fabric, what size cuts do you usually buy? (i.e. If you see something beautiful, but you don’t have a use for it right away, how much do you buy?) -- I don’t usually buy more than a yard unless I really love it and know I will use it. If I buy smaller pieces, I can buy a larger variety of fabrics.

Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need? -- Yes to both...who doesn’t? But I am currently in the 12-step recovery program for impulse-buying fabricoholics.

Are you a pre-washer? If you are, do you wash your fabric before you need it, or only when you’re ready to use it? -- I only pre-wash flannel fabric and only when I’m ready to cut it up for a project.

Do you iron it? -- Oh yes, all of my fabric...with Mary Ellen’s Best Press.

How do you sort it? (color, print size, collection, etc.) -- Mostly by style -- batiks, fun kid/novelty prints, florals, boring fabrics, etc.

Do you have any special folding techniques? -- Not really. How do you fold scraps? Or selvages?

How do you store your fabric? -- In plastic bins mostly. This photo is just of the scrap bins...the others are a bit neater.

What tips do you have for building up a well-rounded stash? -- Shop much and shop often.

When do you say enough is enough? Just like a girl can never have too many shoes...she can never have enough fabric. We need to do our part for the economic recovery.

What are some of your favorite stash-busting projects? Kids’ quilts and charity quilts. See some of mine here.

Do you have a current favorite print in your stash? Let’s see it! -- That’s like asking me if I have a favorite child...but since I only have one child, I guess that argument doesn’t work.

What’s your definition of the perfect stash? -- A perfect stash is like a perfect husband -- always there when I need it, but tucked away out of sight when I don't want to be reminded of how long I've had it! ...only kidding, sweety : )