As promised, here is my 3rd resolution-conviction: fabrics!
Vast subject... how to organise your fabrics and especially regulate your purchases? Because stocking up for the sake of stocking up is neither productive nor economical...!
I'm sure that between us, some people have totally postponed their compulsive purchases of clothes to compulsive purchases of fabrics shortly after starting to sew...! It's normal, you don't change your habits and consumption patterns that quickly...but you have to admit, it's frustrating to have all your lovely fabrics on your shelves, not sewing them and buying new ones when, let's be honest, you don't sew that fast!
There is so much fabric on offer that I assume I'll always fall for a lot of it anyway, but is that a good enough reason to buy it?
No, at least not all of them... I also try to reason with myself, and for that I have a few techniques:
Tip 1: Make an inventory of your current stock
You just need to list all your fabrics (we're not talking about scraps, just lengths that are big enough to make a project), their material, if it's a stretch fabric, and especially the length. I use Patterntrace's "Fabric Swatch Book" for this, but you can easily create your own. I cut out and staple in samples of my fabrics.
Why make this inventory?
- to have in mind all the fabrics already in your workshop
- to avoid buying a fabric similar to the one you already have (it can happen ;-)...)
- to validate the yardage needed for a project without unpacking all the fabrics in your workshop
- to easily validate fabric and colour combinations, or to choose accessories (ribbons, bias, buttons...)
- and take advantage of this to organise your fabrics efficiently
Tip 2: Classify your fabrics
It's up to you to choose your classification system (colours, projects, weight...)
Personally, I classify them by material or composition. In my shelves, I can see my cotton, canvas or linen fabrics, jerseys, crepes, veils, woollens, laces and more technical fabrics.... This is quite practical as I often choose my fabrics by project and the composition allows me to see immediately what I have available.
Tip 3: Match sewing patterns and fabrics (or projects / fabrics)
While browsing through your fabric inventory, now that you know the yardage of all your fabrics, match sewing patterns that you like to your fabrics. This will allow you to rethink your wardrobe and imagine the one you haven't made yet but which is waiting to be sewn!
Tip 4: Never without my inventory!
I try to take my fabric book with me on my sewing shopping trips to make sure I choose my new fabrics or accessories. You'll see how reasonable you'll become... you'll be able to go to the checkout without hearing that little voice "Pfff... I bought way too much again ...." and above all you won't have to try to hide the 12 meters you just bought to avoid remarks when you get home ....
I hope these techniques will inspire you... next time we'll talk about fabric scraps...!
See you soon xx
Comments