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!

Comments

[Heather]

It was great seeing you today in Vancouver .Looking forward to seeing your pic's when you post them .

[Karen Gall]

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??

[Pru]

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

[Tania Murphy]

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

[spiralsun65]

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.

[Judy]

Clever idea, I like that.

[Kathy]

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

[Gail Maydaniuk]

I love all your organizing tips Martha! It looks great Kate!=)

[Paula]

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!!

[LaurieAnna's Vintage Home]

Hi Martha,

What a wonderful tip! As a fabriholic myself.....my sewing room will benefit greatly from this post!

Thanks for the inspiration!

LaurieAnna

[fightin' mad mary]

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.

[Mary Beth]

If only we could all be so organized. Thanks for the inspiration!

[Jan Erickson]

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

[Debra Ayala]

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.

[Linda Gail]

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

[Angela]

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.

[Mary Jo Carlos]

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

[Andrew Ritchie]

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

[Debbie Greving]

Great tip on organizing fabric, I just have mine folded and put in bins. Thanks, Debbie
from Camp Point, IL

[Charlotte]

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.

[Wende]

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!

[Kathy]

Wonderful as always !!!

Hope you have a great week-end, see you Monday !!!

Kathy

[Karrie]

It seems this could work for someone who was a bit of a wrapping paper "collector" also :). Fabulous idea...

[Gloria Brown]

Tip: Add the yardage amount on your tag with your fabric swatch.

"Fabric is soothing and also exciting"

[Carla Martin]

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!

[karenlisa]

very good idea's thanks

[jimi]

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

[Pam]

Gee...do you think they could come over to my house and organize my fabric? Glad to know that you collect fabric too :-)

[BeachMama]

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.

[Sally Keisling]

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!

[Lynne]

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

[betty cvetkovich]

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.

[Lotta]

Do you keep a binder with all the swatches in it as well?

[Bhavs]

Such a neat way to keep fabric inventory!

[Norma y Martha]

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

[Jeremi Jackson]

Hi Martha,
Wonderful idea. Much nicer than a pile in a basket!
Jeremi

[Lori]

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.

[Leah from North Carolina]

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.

[Mary Jo Piazza]

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.

[kathy y lenhardt]

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