Organizing ideas, plans for fabric?

I went to a great fabric garage sale last weekend and filled another bin with interesting fabrics, but now I’m worried I’ll forget what all I have and what I hoped to do with it all. How do you organize your fabric plans? I can pin a slip of paper to the fabric and then snap a picture of the two and then create a document with all the photos, but is there a better way? Thanks!

2 Likes

That sounds very organized. If I have specific plans for fabric, I will put it in a tote with the pattern. I only do that with a few, or else you have a ton of totes. It also helps me see how many “dream” projects I have versus how much I am actually getting done.

2 Likes

I take pictures and insert them into an Excel schedule.

Fabric earmarked for a planned project go into a tote with the pattern or website. I throw trim, zippers, and thread in as well if I am going to make it soon.

1 Like

I tried a fabric database for a while, but it didn’t really work well for me. Mostly I try to organize my storage by fabric type, so if I’m looking for linen, I pull that box and then I can see what my options are.

I also know people who keep a swatch book in a binder, which is kind of the analog version of AIMR’s photo spreadsheet.

3 Likes

I am seriously thinking about doing a binder. “Something” is lost by looking at pictures on the computer. I miss the touching of the fabric, seeing the weave, the colors. Plus, I am not always at my computer when inspiration strikes. It would also be more relaxing for me to flip through a binder. Old school is sometimes better!

5 Likes

Oh my, such organization. I have bins and shelves of fabric. The bins are.sort of by type of fabric the the smaller pieces are by color on the shelves. That’s it. I could never keep track. I applaud you all.

3 Likes

I still resort to the “rummage” through the piles…can’t change my old habits no matter what system I get into. I sometimes think I am at least two different people: neat and organized, messy and chaotic. I accept it.

3 Likes

I’ve been using this app for quite some time:

https://apps.apple.com/de/app/cora-sew-your-fabric-stash/id1114445108

You can take a picture of you fabric and add lots of notes. I like that I have the details of my stash on my phone during unplanned fabric shopping.

3 Likes

Ooh, that is cool! Thanks for the tip.

1 Like

Yes, that is pretty awesome!!!


Ooh, guess what! I’ve just learned I can insert images into Google Sheets cells. A plan is hatching.

2 Likes

Looks a lot like the Excel sheets I use! If you have different places that you keep the fabrics, you might want to put a location. I have fabrics mostly in clear bins that I have labeled Bin 1, 2, 3, etc. Some are on shelves, some in the basement, and some in closets. If you need a certain fabric, knowing where it is can be useful.

Have fun! I like the “Idea for Use”…I’m going to add that column! I bet I can add a Pinterest inspiration picture as well…hmmm…

1 Like

Very good idea to include the location, thanks!

1 Like