Over the last year or two, I have developed a little crush– on fabric.

The gorgeous, high quality, expensive, designer type.

I’ve delved into the world of online fabric shopping (check out my sidebar for some of my favorite sources), and I’m obsessed with my local quilting shop (I could seriously live there, everything is so pretty).
Oh geez, I sound like a fabric snob! lol.
I really don’t spend that much money, but I would if I could! 🙂

Most of my fabrics used to come from Hobby Lobby and Joann. Overall, I’m super happy with their available selection in fabric. I shop there for everything else I need… interfacing, batting, ribbon, yarn, notions, tools, crafting supplies, I love these stores!

The only thing they don’t carry is the type of designer fabrics that I like. Some of my favorite designers are Camille Roskelley, Aneela Hoey, Tasha Noel, Anna Maria Horner, Jeni Baker, Amy Butler, Alexander Henry, to name a few. Once you become familiar with their creations, you will not be able to hold back. At least, many of us can’t. I think we’re referred to as “fabric hoarders?”

free image available here

Here’s the thing…

I feel like I need to explain this to my family and friends, or people who don’t understand the fabric obsession. Because I used to be dubious of it too.

The cuteness and quality of the fabric pretty much speaks for itself.

But why the habit of collecting it and keeping it on a shelf?

For me, there are 3 main reasons that I collect fabric.

1. Fabric goes on sale. 

Just like clothing or food or shoes, it makes sense to stock up when you find that its on sale. A yard of designer fabric usually runs $10-12/yard. Generally, I only purchase fabric when its on sale or I have a coupon code. I also gather some fun fabrics for free, in exchange for ad space on my sidebar. **Fabric gift certificates for your sewing loved ones are always a great gift idea!!!**

2. Designer fabric comes and goes.

When a fabric collection is released, only a certain amount is printed. Once it is gone, it really is gone. It’s like seasonal items at your favorite clothing store. The fall line is released, but after its all been picked over and put on sale, then clearance, you won’t be able to find that favorite jacket again. It’s just gone. So if it’s your favorite fabric, its smart to snag some before its out of print.

3. Fabric is soooo pretty (and generally better quality).

I love staring at my fabric and imagining what it could be turned into. I don’t have the biggest fabric stash yet, but what I do have, makes me very happy. I love having my own little mini fabric shop right in my home. When inspiration strikes, I’ve got a fun stash to choose from.

So here is the entire point of this post.

Until 3 weeks ago, all of my pretty fabric was being stored in the deep, dark, dungeon that is my basement. It was such.a.mess. There were stacks and piles everywhere. I had unfinished projects all over the place. All that mixed in with my felt, ribbon, yarn, crafting supplies, paints… such an awful mess. I knew that if I was ever going to get any sewing done, I would need to rescue my sewing supplies and get them organized.

(Ummm…. this picture is not watermarked, because I don’t claim that this space is mine! Only, it is. YIKES! But its getting better! No wonder I haven’t sewn in so long… I could never find what I was looking for)!

Also, my sewing machine has wandered from the kitchen table to a camping table for the last 2.5 years. So not good for sewing, or for family dinners.

I honestly haven’t sewn anything fun in months.

It’s killing me!

So a couple of weeks ago, I decided to turn my office space into a sewing space.
(Why I didn’t do this a long time ago is a very good question)!

It isn’t anything too fancy, but at least I now have a home for my sewing machine and supplies. I’ll be walking you through the space once its all finished, but here’s my progress so far.

Before and After

(I didn’t snap a picture of the desk, but the computer and printer are gone, and my sewing machine and serger are there now).

For now, I wanted to talk about organizing my fabric.

My friend Ashely recently organized her sewing stash, and used this tutorial from Maggie at Smashed Peas and Carrots. I decided to try it out too. Maggie tells you how to fold your yardage onto comic book boards. When you’re done, it feels like a mini fabric shoppe right in your own house. I love it.

I bought mine on Amazon for about $12. Mine was a package of 100, sized at 7×10.5 inches.

You can purchase them right here:

Once I had everything folded, the OCD in me came out, and I wanted to label it all.

I sometimes forget the names, line, and designer of my fabric.

And I like to remember where I purchased it.

That way, if I ever blog about my project, I can cite my fabric sources.

I began writing all the info on post-it notes, but it was so messy.

So I decided to make a quick printable label that I could fill out, to help me remember all the info about my fabric.

I don’t necessarily fill out every detail, but there’s a place for everything if I need it.

If I want to brainstorm ideas on what to do with the fabric, I just jot it down on the back of the label.

Then I just slip it in the last fold of the fabric, and place it on my shelf. Now I feel super organized. I can see the fabric that I have.

Print as many as you want, then cut them out (with your paper scissors, of course)!

Download here.

 I am ready to get sewing, finally!!!

PS-

If you’re ever on the hunt for free printables online, check out this great website called Free Printable. It has worksheets, cards, invitations, and calendars for free. Such a great resource!