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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Ooh, that is cool! Thanks for the tip.
Yes, that is pretty awesome!!!
Ooh, guess what! I’ve just learned I can insert images into Google Sheets cells. A plan is hatching.
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…
Very good idea to include the location, thanks!