Stash Questionnaire

I found this questionnaire on Sew, Mama, Sew!

• What do you usually sew?

I sew mostly quilts and wall hangings and bags.

• 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 usually buy a yard of fabric unless I will want to use it as backing or am following a pattern. Then I might buy more.

• Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need?

I go looking for something I need unless there is a big sale on.

• 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 don't pre-wash. I prefer quilting with the crispness of new fabric. I have had no problems with running or shrinking. The only pre-washed fabrics in my stash are the hand dyes.

• Do you iron it?

Only if it really needs it.

• How do you sort it? (color, print size, collection, etc.)

It is sorted roughly into colors.

• Do you have any special folding techniques?

I fold it in half lengthwise and then roll it around a ruler and then fold it into a rectangle.

• How do you store your fabric?

The folded lengths are on shelves and the scraps are in bins. I have a clothes horse full of strips too.

• What tips do you have for building up a well-rounded stash?

Lots of variety and as many colors as you can find.

• When do you say enough is enough?

I haven't said it yet.

• What are some of your favorite stash-busting projects?

Scrap quilts and bags.

• Do you have a current favorite print in your stash? Let’s see it!

I love them all but I specially love my collection of polka dots. Oh yes, and the black and whites.

• What’s your definition of the perfect stash? (Consider sharing a picture or two of your stash & storage, or direct us to a pic on Flickr!)

Lots of different fabrics. I'm not there yet.

My stash is not that extensive. These are yardage pieces, folded and they were once organized.


Here are some of the scrap bins, not at all organized! The drawers contain tools, buttons, etc.


My clothes rack full of strips. I need to make a strip quilt asap.