Organization post, take 2

I promise I’ll be back into blogging before too long! In the meantime, I received a very nice email from Allison of Within a Quarter Inch asking if I’d like to be a guest blogger. She’s talking about organization – everything from fabric to rulers to tools to the little gadgets that we (think we) can’t live without. Hop on over to her blog to read my contribution about fabric organization.

4 comments

Thank you. I read every word of that post – now I actually have a stash (and about thirty yards of fabric to wash and dry) it’s good to have some hints re folding! I notice you don’t pre-wash – your thoughts?

Sandi says:

January 16, 2012 at 8:51 am

Oh, yes, the Great Pre-washing Debate! I recognize the advantages of pre-washing: determining and treating colorfastness, shrinkage, and removing chemical that can cause skin and respiratory problems for some people. I also recognize the advantages of NOT pre-washing: convenience, crisper fabric to work with, chemicals preserving the fabrics during storage. If I were just starting out, if I had a much smaller stash, or if I purchased fabric for projects instead of stash, I might consider pre-washing, but because I have accumulated so much fabric there is no way I’d start now. I’ve never had a problem with colors bleeding (I throw a couple of Shout Color Catchers in the wash the first few of times I wash it). I don’t have a problem with the chemicals. Shrinkage is a non-issue (except with flannel – I always pre-wash flannel before using it). I’m happy with not pre-washing, but it’s definitely a personal choice.

Check out these two Skill Builder posts for more details:
http://greycatquilts.blogspot.com/2011/04/pmgc-skill-builders-series-part-5.html
https://piecemealquilts.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/skill-builder-series-part-5a-fabric-preparation/

You probably saw our tip about using vodka water in a spray bottle for ironing fabric, but just in case, I’ll repeat it. Combine 3 parts water and 1 part vodka (the small 16 ounce spray bottles work well – pour in about 1/2 cup vodka, or fill the bottle about 1/4 of the way, then top it off with water). Shake vigorously. If you like scented spray, add a couple of drops of essential oil to the vodka BEFORE adding the water and shake to emulsify, then add the water and shake again. The vodka water helps create a smooth, crisp surface when you iron the fabric.

I saw on craft gossip a link to your post about your organizing. I LOVE it. I posted a comment on the actual post but I didn’t know if you would see it. You did an awesome job.