My fabric collection and how I organized it
I’ve been collecting decorative fabrics for many years. I often find lovely textiles rolled up on tubes at tag sales and rummage shops. I like to use these fabrics for various upholstery projects, pillow and bed covers, and tablecloths and napkins. When I went to find a particular Fortuny fabric recently, I realized that my fabric collection was in disarray. We’ve organized so many things after moving my belongings from Turkey Hill to Bedford, and it was now time to focus on my 200-plus rolls of fabric.
This is what my fabric collection looked like –- a jumbled mess!
We brought out my large roll of acid-free archival craft paper and protected the tabletop with a heavy terry towel.
This is Laura Acuna, my housekeeper of many years. She knows exactly where to find everything in my home. Each roll of fabric was first covered with craft paper.
Kate then rolled the fabric in a sheet of clear cellophane. Notice that the end of the fabric was left exposed for easy identification.
The ends of the cellophane were secured with clear packing tape.
A sample of each fabric was stapled to a tag and then secured to the fabric bundle with string and tape.
As you can see, the finished product is certainly a whole lot neater. The fabrics are now nicely stacked on shelves and the cellophane makes it very easy to slide the rolls in and out. Another good and practical
organizing tip!
It was great seeing you today in Vancouver .Looking forward to seeing your pic's when you post them .
Posted by: Heather | March 6th, 2008 at 12:18 am
Hi Martha, I watch you from Australia on the How To channel and love how diverse your show segments are, and I feel priveleged to see behind the scenes on your show & your blog!
How about a trip down under so we can catch you first hand??
Posted by: Karen Gall | March 6th, 2008 at 3:22 am
Martha, this is fantastic. It is great to see how you deal with organising your things. Would love to see how your bathroom and wardrobes/clothes are sorted out.
Thank you
Posted by: Pru | March 6th, 2008 at 4:09 am
God I would love to get my hand on your fabric stash - I bet you have some great retro fabrics stashed somewhere - Cheers Tania - Jet Designs
Posted by: Tania Murphy | March 6th, 2008 at 4:23 am
I love organising things! This is a great way of avoiding all those creases and fold lines that I get in my fabric stash. This would be a good method for storing quilts, too. Great tip, thanks.
Posted by: spiralsun65 | March 6th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Clever idea, I like that.
Posted by: Judy | March 6th, 2008 at 7:23 am
Hi, Martha,
Such a good way to store your fabric collection. I'm going to try it. Thanks for the useful information and photos.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | March 6th, 2008 at 7:31 am
I love all your organizing tips Martha! It looks great Kate!=)
Posted by: Gail Maydaniuk | March 6th, 2008 at 7:31 am
I could use Kate and Laura to help me rehouse the textile collection at the museum I work for. Do they want to volunteer?Excellent job!!
Posted by: Paula | March 6th, 2008 at 11:43 am
Hi Martha,
What a wonderful tip! As a fabriholic myself.....my sewing room will benefit greatly from this post!
Thanks for the inspiration!
LaurieAnna
Posted by: LaurieAnna's Vintage Home | March 6th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Hi Martha,
What a wonderful tip! As a fabriholic myself.....my sewing room will benefit greatly from this post!
Thanks for the inspiration!
LaurieAnna
Posted by: LaurieAnna's Vintage Home | March 6th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Hi Martha,
What a wonderful tip! As a fabriholic myself.....my sewing room will benefit greatly from this post!
Thanks for the inspiration!
LaurieAnna
Posted by: LaurieAnna's Vintage Home | March 6th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Hi Martha,
What a wonderful tip! As a fabriholic myself.....my sewing room will benefit greatly from this post!
Thanks for the inspiration!
LaurieAnna
Posted by: LaurieAnna's Vintage Home | March 6th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Hi Martha,
What a wonderful tip! As a fabriholic myself.....my sewing room will benefit greatly from this post!
Thanks for the inspiration!
LaurieAnna
Posted by: LaurieAnna's Vintage Home | March 6th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Hi Martha,
What a wonderful tip! As a fabriholic myself.....my sewing room will benefit greatly from this post!
Thanks for the inspiration!
LaurieAnna
Posted by: LaurieAnna's Vintage Home | March 6th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Hi Martha,
What a wonderful tip! As a fabriholic myself.....my sewing room will benefit greatly from this post!
Thanks for the inspiration!
LaurieAnna
Posted by: LaurieAnna's Vintage Home | March 6th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Hi Martha,
What a wonderful tip! As a fabriholic myself.....my sewing room will benefit greatly from this post!
Thanks for the inspiration!
LaurieAnna
Posted by: LaurieAnna's Vintage Home | March 6th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Hi Martha,
What a wonderful tip! As a fabriholic myself.....my sewing room will benefit greatly from this post!
Thanks for the inspiration!
LaurieAnna
Posted by: LaurieAnna's Vintage Home | March 6th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
I don't know what you pay Laura, but I'm sure she deserves a raise. What a godsend to have such an organized housekeeper.
Posted by: fightin' mad mary | March 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I don't know what you pay Laura, but I'm sure she deserves a raise. What a godsend to have such an organized housekeeper.
Posted by: fightin' mad mary | March 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I don't know what you pay Laura, but I'm sure she deserves a raise. What a godsend to have such an organized housekeeper.
Posted by: fightin' mad mary | March 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I don't know what you pay Laura, but I'm sure she deserves a raise. What a godsend to have such an organized housekeeper.
Posted by: fightin' mad mary | March 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I don't know what you pay Laura, but I'm sure she deserves a raise. What a godsend to have such an organized housekeeper.
Posted by: fightin' mad mary | March 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I don't know what you pay Laura, but I'm sure she deserves a raise. What a godsend to have such an organized housekeeper.
Posted by: fightin' mad mary | March 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I don't know what you pay Laura, but I'm sure she deserves a raise. What a godsend to have such an organized housekeeper.
Posted by: fightin' mad mary | March 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I don't know what you pay Laura, but I'm sure she deserves a raise. What a godsend to have such an organized housekeeper.
Posted by: fightin' mad mary | March 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
I don't know what you pay Laura, but I'm sure she deserves a raise. What a godsend to have such an organized housekeeper.
Posted by: fightin' mad mary | March 6th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
If only we could all be so organized. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Mary Beth | March 6th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Hi Martha, When will the tours begin so we can see all of the wonderful orgainzing projects that Laura, Kate, etc. have accomplished in and around your beautiful homes?!!! I hope you enjoyed your trip to Vancouver, BC. If their weather was anything like it was here south of Seattle, you had a marvelous day. I love the marble table and fireplace in your photos. Gorgeous! Thanks for another great blog. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | March 6th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Although very practical, personally I love seeing the beauty of my fabric stash. To me, it's half the joy. Maybe rolled and stored in groupings (linens, woolens, etc.) in some sort of garment bag? I've used the space-saver bags, too. They work well.
Posted by: Debra Ayala | March 6th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Martha:)
What a great idea for storing just about everything in the sewing room. Every tip you give is always so helpful.
I'm trying to organize my craft room now. Some how it got away from me and now I've got to work twice as hard to straighten it up. Thanks from a look at your wonderful collection of fabrics.
Linda Gail
Posted by: Linda Gail | March 6th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
This post sort of reminds me of how you store your linens (table clothes, etc). Looks like your material is on large upholstery fabric roles. I am wondering how I would store shorter pieces? (are there shorter cardboard roles?)
I for one, would love to see creative ways of organizing my kids toys, and keeping them that way. There is just waaay too much clutter, and I can't afford a TON of storage bins or built-ins.
Posted by: Angela | March 6th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Martha, Why is it everyone always looks so cold in your Bedford Home? Laura, Kate and the rest of your staff always wear fleece, heavy sweaters or even coats in your house?
mary jo
Posted by: Mary Jo Carlos | March 6th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I do a similar thing, but not with fabric. I use poster tubes that my dad collected for me from his office (he worked in advertising) and I then use them to store wrapping paper and craft paper and drawing paper. I label the tubes. What I like about them is that they're very studry and the paper will not bend.
I've been thinking of collecting fabrics, so maybe I'll start using them for that!
-Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | March 6th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Great tip on organizing fabric, I just have mine folded and put in bins. Thanks, Debbie
from Camp Point, IL
Posted by: Debbie Greving | March 6th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I was so impressed with the organization of your vintage and prized fabrics. I did not realize that you could cover them in cellophane, what a great idea. I have collected vintage fabric for over 30 years, but never thought of using cellophane. Do you know for sure that you can use cellophane to cover quilts? That would be nice to know. Thank you, again for all your wonderful ideas.
Posted by: Charlotte | March 6th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Martha,
Oh, see, now I have a reason to collect more fabric.
Ok, maybe I didn't need a reason, but still.
Blessings on the day!
Posted by: Wende | March 6th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Wonderful as always !!!
Hope you have a great week-end, see you Monday !!!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | March 7th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
It seems this could work for someone who was a bit of a wrapping paper "collector" also
. Fabulous idea...
Posted by: Karrie | March 7th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Tip: Add the yardage amount on your tag with your fabric swatch.
"Fabric is soothing and also exciting"
Posted by: Gloria Brown | March 7th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Wow..Love your horses!
My husbands Cousin is in Vet school. I sent him a link..Very interesting how she makes the saddles!
Thank you for letting us see so much of your wonderful life, and learn from you Martha!
Posted by: Carla Martin | March 7th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
very good idea's thanks
Posted by: karenlisa | March 7th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Hello Martha - I just have to say that visiting your blog and finding new entries makes my day! I love how you organise everything. Also I adore your photos, as they are like looking at the world through your pair of eyes! I also have a Canon G9 which is just the best camera. It was a gift from my husband for Christmas and I was so thrilled to find you use the same one! Anyhow just wanted to say how much I appreciate the blog and learning about how you live and work. Best, Jimi
Posted by: jimi | March 8th, 2008 at 5:55 am
Gee...do you think they could come over to my house and organize my fabric? Glad to know that you collect fabric too
Posted by: Pam | March 8th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
I would love to see all your fabric you have collected. I have lots and lots of fabric and was recently wondering if the tubs I have it all stored in is practical. Perhaps I can combine a little of your suggestions to make my fabrics easier to find.
Posted by: BeachMama | March 8th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Hi Martha! I am going to Paris in May, and remembered the shows you did from there last year, which I so enjoyed! I forget which flea market you would recommend, or liked the best. Thank you!
Posted by: Sally Keisling | March 8th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Hello Martha:
You were BORN knowing everything! You have helped me with so many projects, from organizational tips, fabulous gardening ideas, now this wonderful protection of fabrics....to interior decor annnd MORE! I have been a true fan from the very first issue of Martha Stewart LIVING magazine, years ago! Thank you for everything you do ~ it's all so helpful and lovely! I adore the Guest Cottage on your newest property, where you featured the great whimsical desire for PINK in all four rooms! What is the name of the PINK paint you chose for that rapturously beauteous GUEST HOUSE?? Mayhap Kate or Laura could respond. Thank you very much! I am painting one part of the interior of my home and would love to know as soon as possible. Thanks, again!
Lynne
Posted by: Lynne | March 9th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
enjoyed the TV program in honor of your Mother and her recepies.I make my stuffed cabbage the same way BUT my Mother-in-law told me to put the unwrapped heads of cabbage in the freezer. The night before using,take the cabbage out and put it in a colander and let it sit overnite. Next day peel off the leaves, cut down the center spine and you continue to fill in the usual manner. Sure does take away the boining water and it is so much easier to handle when cold. No more burned fingers. Continue with the recepie as your Mother suggested.
Posted by: betty cvetkovich | March 10th, 2008 at 12:48 am
Do you keep a binder with all the swatches in it as well?
Posted by: Lotta | March 10th, 2008 at 2:44 am
Such a neat way to keep fabric inventory!
Posted by: Bhavs | March 11th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Hola Marta esperamos que te encuentres bien como siempre. Somos un equipo de trabajo que realizamos con la ayuda de nuestra creatividad y nuestras manos, hermosos proyectos para un mejor vivir. Te felicitamos por todos los consejos y esperamos ponernos en contacto contigo.
Un abrazo desde Colombia
Norma Y Martha
Posted by: Norma y Martha | March 13th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Hi Martha,
Wonderful idea. Much nicer than a pile in a basket!
Jeremi
Posted by: Jeremi Jackson | March 17th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Dear Martha,
I love your magazines and shows. I've been a fan for more than 20 years. I'd love to be able to " see you in your home element" and what a typical day is as Martha Stewart. Do you ever allow "ordinary fans" come to your home? I also am an Interior Design student. My home office is 11X11 with no shelving or closet space. Right now all my crafts, materials and such are all in plastic containers. Can you suggest how I can really set up a nice comfortable office that I can have clients come over as well as neatly house all my stuff? I would greatly appreciate it. I'm on a very tight budget as well. Thanks so so much. Have a most wonderful day. Lori from Texas.
Posted by: Lori | March 26th, 2008 at 11:03 am
Hi Martha,
There's a quilter's saying--"The quilter who dies with the most fabric wins."
---------------
Like another writer I was wondering about the archival factor of the cellophane. I love your blog, thanks.
Posted by: Leah from North Carolina | March 30th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
I have collected fabrics and linens for many years. It is always interesting to see how someone else stores them. I use my vintage linens, pillowcases, sheets, tablecloths, and assorted others. I sew, and use many of my vintage fabrics to make one of a kind clothing.
Posted by: Mary Jo Piazza | April 16th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Hello Martha, Thank you for the inspiration and courage to keep on going. I'm now ready to try my hand at a new venture. Have a great day! Thanks for everything you do for our society. Kathy y in Cincinnati
Posted by: kathy y lenhardt | April 27th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Greetings Martha..
I am interested in your sewing area or room.
I have a Designer SE and when you started with Viking I was hopeing you would show us more on the embroidery section of the machine.
The need for suggestions for storage of a quilting stash, stabilizers, and all the rest of sewing equipment would be appreciated. I currently have four machines including the serger, a sewing armoire, bookshelves and a 6 x 4 foot enclosed shelved cabinet and still don't have an organized room. Please help with your suggestions.
Thank you in advance
Sheryl
Posted by: Sheryl Murphy | May 29th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Dear Martha,
THANK YOU for being my source of inspiration ! If you every come to Brussels, it would be my pleasure to show you around. We have great antique shops and the bespoke "Sablon" antiques market, close to the Grand Place.
Sabrina Steelandt de Blocq
From Brussels, Belgium, Europe.
Contemp. Art Gallery assistant.
Posted by: Sabrina | June 27th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I Martha,
I'm Portuguese and while I was doing some research I found out your blogs, since then I've been reading them and I find them fascinating!Congratulations!
Posted by: Vanda | July 26th, 2008 at 8:49 am
Hi from the Cotswolds in England. I love your blog and your website, and being a hoarder of textile treasures this tip was brilliant. I love your craft and collecting tips. Thank you, brocobelle
Posted by: brocobelle | September 1st, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Martha,
I have been a fan of yours for years. So has my youngest daughter. I live in a very low income town in Indiana and have learned to sew very well since my early retirement. Many friends give me fabrics and in return I turn them into something useful to give them and give many other things away. In the last 10 years I have made hundreds of things. From original cloth wallets, origional artistic wall hangings with matching quilts, to fairly simple long centenial dresses and more. I store my fabrics in large plastic bens as they are usually fabrics less than 10 yards. It is good to know other ways to store them. Thanks so much Martha, and your assistants.
Linda
Posted by: linda | September 9th, 2008 at 8:55 am
All little off the fabric subject here but, some time ago there was a piece in Living on turkey red damask. Since then, I have searched high and low to locate a vintage table cloth in good condition for our holiday table. But, I have found nothing. Not even smaller pieces in poor condition. Any thoughts?
Posted by: Blushing Hostess | September 12th, 2008 at 2:06 am
Hi Martha!
You are always so organized! Rolling fabric is GOOD~ it avoids creases....adding the tags is a great thing~ especially with the yardage you have left, so you dont have to unroll to measure to see if you have enough for a project. I myself like to SEE my fabrics, so perhaps rolling in the clear cello without the paper~ good for glancing and grouping coordinating fabrics together, without removing them from the cello. The only problem I have with this idea~ and a VERY good one it is~ is folding over and taping the cellophane on the ends of the rolls......this does not allow the fabric to breathe, and if there was the least bit of humidity in there when wrapped, mold can grow~ even in the friest climates~ nice dark tubes of organic fibers....even just the change in temps can cause condensation........I would reccommend leaving the ends of your fabric tubes OPEN.
Now if you want to protect the rolls from any UV and fading, may I suggest instead of cello, you could wrap them in clear UV film~ you can get large rolls meant for windows at any archival supply!
kindest, Rachael Kinnison
Posted by: Rachael Kinnison | October 1st, 2008 at 6:48 am
Any advise on fabric stashes that are not on rolls?
Posted by: Linda Cyr | October 3rd, 2008 at 5:57 am
Great concept but, if you're going to this much trouble, best to use archival paper - and - to wear cotton gloves as the natural oils on our hands are transferred to the fabric and over time will become dark spots on the fabric - even if the fabric is tightly covered. Also, avoid the use of staples, I speak from experience with this one as you're attempting to sort through fabric because staples do snag and sometimes they're snagging a finger.
I'm a quilter, textile artist, and fashion all the fabric items for my own home (upholstery, drapes, pillows, bedding). For my bolts of fabric, I have them lined up in heavy ceramic umbrella stands, and rotate them top to bottom regularly. For the folded fabrics, I favor the open air drawer storage systems like ELFA, with the extra deep drawers and I fold my fabrics and line them up vertically so pulling a fabric is very easy. On the occasions when I do make a mess of a drawer, I take a few minutes to pull that drawer and refold the fabric, redistributing any fold lines. And perhaps the greatest keys to fabric storage seem to be in keeping things dry, bug-free, and providing adequate air circulation.
Posted by: Rucy | October 5th, 2008 at 3:45 am
Dear Martha
What a pretty way of organizing fabrics.
Many thanks for disclose.
Posted by: Sirimewan Amaratunga | October 18th, 2008 at 11:42 pm
That is amazing. ur effort is quit remark abale
Regards
Lilly
Posted by: Lilly | December 4th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Wow...Martha! Wonderful collection of fabrics I can imagine! This is a great way to store them.
Concern...as an artist I hope your craft paper is acid free. I am sure it is, but craft paper generally is not. If it has any amount of acid in it, it will begin a process of ruining your fabrics! Discoloration, sheen, dullness, yellow will inevitably occur. If plastic is not making fabric beathe either(i could not tell if it was sealed end to end, this can be an issue. You know all this stuff!I had some antique tapestry stored in plastic and well it stayed dust free, but...there is always a risk of little worms coming for a visit. Natural lavender helps a lot with this. My mother, has stored precious linens, tapestries and more in Italy, by simply keeping them in a dark armoire with lavender for years at a time. They are still pristine till today!
On the other hand...that marble table is a crafters dream table! Ooo la la!
Love it and you!!!
Posted by: Rosemary | December 14th, 2008 at 9:16 am
I finally had to admit, I have a fabric fetish. I've been trying to organize our household lately, getting ready to put everything in storage for several months (we're renters) in order to go and explore Italy, to begin a new life. In the process I realize that most of what I'm storing is rolls and bags and boxes of fabric that I've been collecting (don't say hoarding!) for the past twenty five years, or so. Much of it is vintage, including tablecloths, bed linens, potholders....which takes much more time with handling for deep storage, so things don't get yellowed. I can't believe that at some point most of what I'll be shipping to Italy for my "new" life will be textiles. But they are so comforting.
If you can relate to this in any way you may be interested in reading some books by Marlena de Blasi (A Thousand Days in Venice, etc.). She's a chef and food critic formerly of San Francisco (and a cafe in St, Louis)who moved to Italy...with all of her textiles in tow.
As I'm writing this my friend Iris has just come by to give me a tassel necklace that she made. Did I mention that I have a tassel fetish!
Posted by: Sylvie | January 21st, 2009 at 8:36 am
Very helpful insight on storing rolled textiles. I will add a link to this article for my fellow members of YourSewingRoom on Yahoo Groups.
We share many tips on organizing our sewing rooms!
Thanks again, Sheree in M!ch!gan
Posted by: ShereeSews | February 10th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
The rolling method is also a great way of storing table cloths and place mats.
Posted by: Bonnie Dewkett | June 9th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Hi There,
I'm Vicky from the land down under, just thought i'd say Hi
V x x
Posted by: Liaindbuica | July 4th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I get the whole fabric fetish for sure. I love this idea for the drawings I did in art school as well.
I have been creating designs on the computer that seem to be most wishing to become fabric. I have over 15,000 of them now and wonder if there is any way I could submit some of them to you for comment? I hope it is not rude to have asked in this venue and apologize if it is indeed a faux pas.
Posted by: Judy Gayton | August 26th, 2009 at 5:54 pm