Too Much Fabric
If you have any quilters in your life, you've probably heard them joke about how much fabric they have in their stashes.
When a quilter passes away, dollars to donuts they're leaving behind some fabric and unfinished quilt projects. Their loved ones may be tasked with cleaning out their home and dealing with the miscellaneous items that make up a life. I've been through this more than once. I know how difficult it is.
Maybe you are a fellow quilter, or just a fabric lover, and you're taking the opportunity to downsize your collection. Bravo!
For whatever reason, you are rehoming fabric. Excellent! There are a few different ways to go about this.
Maybe you already know a quilter and want to offer the fabric to them. This will probably do the trick, because it's hard for us to say no!
Don't know any other quilters? Buckle up, because you will soon. No matter where you live, there is a quilting guild within driving distance (probably within spittin' distance). Here's a worldwide directory of Modern Quilt Guilds. Here's a directory of other Quilt Guilds within the U.S.(Not in the U.S.? Fear not! Google quilt guilds in your area.)
Quilters tend to get together for monthly meetings, and there's often a "Free to Good Home" table! Contact your closest guild and ask if they're accepting donations. We love to share!
There are also charities that accept fabric donations, such as local chapters of Project Linus or Quilts of Valor. Google "donate fabric" and you'll get lots of options. Different charities have different guidelines, so again, it's best to ask what they need and can use.
Be a Mindful Donor
You may be going through a period of grief and stress. I understand, I've been there. Maybe rehoming these fabrics is difficult for you for emotional or logistical reasons. If that's the case, try and recruit a friend for help.
It's a good idea to at least look at each fabric before you donate. Are they clean and undamaged? Is there water or smoke damage? Mold? Do they come from a home with cats, dogs, or cigarette smoke? Is there any evidence of pests? (Just think how embarrassed you would be if you gave someone fabric that had mouse poop in it.)
Think of it this way: If you wouldn't want the fabric touching your body, it may be best to throw it away. (I know, we try to keep fabric out of landfills as much as possible. If you know of a good fabric recycling source, please tell me!)
If the fabric has that "long-term storage" smell but is otherwise undamaged, run it through a washer and dryer. Did the colors run? Did the fabrics fray a bit? Don't worry about it. Quilters are creative.
Flat fabric is happy fabric.
I’m going to say that again for the folks in the back.
Flat fabric is happy fabric.
If you're not able to iron the fabrics yourself, just fold them into stacks and put them into bags. If you're feeling ambitious, you can even sort them into prints, solids, by color, etc. The recipients will thank you!
Sarah, would you like my fabric?
My answer to this question used to be an unconditional "Yes!" Since then, my boss (me) has had to impose a few rules to keep the stash under control.
These are guidelines for my own quilting practice. Others' mileage may vary.
I will take a look at your fabric if:
It's 100% cotton. (Some wool is okay.) Denim is okay.
It's been washed and pressed.
There is no evidence of pests like moths or mice.
I especially love blasts from the past, i.e. vintage prints!
I'm not able to use:
Fabrics that are stretchy or slick.
Lace, crochet, or knitwear.
Fabrics with a loose weave that will fall apart if I cut into it.
Upholstery fabric.
Fabric that has been damaged by water, smoke, pests, etc.
Unfinished quilt projects with "traditional" patterns, such as Sunbonnet Sue (check your local guilds for this type of thing).
You Are Doing A Good Thing.
If you donate mindfully, you are doing your fellow person a kindness. You are about to make a quilter very happy! Thank you.
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