Often I get questions about the stash reports and the two most often asked questions are:
- How do I count what’s in my stash? and
- How do I figure how much I’ve used each week?
First, do you think I really want to know what’s in my stash? 🙂
Stash at the end of 2012
No, I do not want to know and honestly, I couldn’t even venture a guess.
Stash 2 at the end of 2012
Judging from just the bolts of fabric and hoping to use at least 200 yards per year, I have at least 30 years of fabric and I don’t think I have 30 years of quilting left in me.
All I do is track how much comes in and how much goes out each week. This is the “form” I use. This is today’s report.
Used this Week: 6 yards
Used year to Date: 194.75 yards
Added this Week: 23 yards
Added Year to Date: 71.75 yards
Net Used for 2012: 123.00 yards
On the blog, as I do each week’s report, I go ahead and do the draft of next week’s report. This week was #50 so I created a post entitled “Stash Report – Week 51, 2012” and I copied and pasted the above info in there. Next week, I’ll change the numbers, add the link box, post the blog entry and then make one for the next week entitled “Stash Report – Week 52, 2012” and copy and paste the info from next week into that draft post. That way I never have to start from scratch, go back and find the last week’s report to get the numbers.
As far as tracking fabric used, I’m mostly working off an EQ file and I use the EQ numbers from “fabric required” for the project. I’m a sloppy cutter. My scraps go to my aunt so I’m not real picky about getting every last usable piece from each strip so I probably use more than is reported but I’m getting pretty close to correct numbers.
If you’re not using a pattern that gives yardage or you’re not using EQ, roughly calculate how many 4″ squares, 3″ squares, 2″ x 4″ rectangles, etc. that you’re using and figure it from there. This is a chart that I keep posted in several places around my sewing room that I find helpful.
When adding fabric, simply include the amount of fabric purchased.
Lastly, there’s no commitment. Post when you wish and don’t feel bad when you don’t. I don’t keep track of who’s posting and who isn’t. I do it for my own accountability.
CJ Tinkle says
Thanks for the explanation Judy! I think I’ll try and join in for 2013. I don’t have nearly as much fabric as you (thank heavens! LOL) so I won’t feel guilty if I buy more 🙂
Vicky says
I think I’ll get back to reporting next year, if I don’t get as much flack as I did in 2011! I figure the more I use, the less I have to move when I retire!
julie says
First of all, love your shelving, it is just perfect for your stash. My stash is mostly little tiny scraps!! But I think you may have me beat as far as sheer volume, what a fun time I would playing in your fabric!! Have a great Christmas!!
marion morgan says
Judy, you moved last year so surely you know how hard it is to move all that fabric not to mention all the “stuff” that goes along to make a great quilt-pins, thread etc. Well, I moved this past few months and it opened my eyes. I gave my Guild a great deal of fabric for their special projects and sent more off to places that appreciated crafty items. I am now consciously trying not to rebuild, but use what I have. Like you I could make quilts well after I get to heaven (if I do) and never use up everything. I look at it that it will go to someone who will appreciate it (not thrown away). I’ll leave guiltless and happy with my purchases.
Angie in SoCal says
I am always learning things reading your blog, Judy. I’m going to start making a draft post from now on. Thanks! I count the fabric I use by measuring what I take out of the stash – because if it’s going into a project it’s not going back in there – either used up or scraps. Big pieces? Maybe. But it’s easy for me to see how much I’ve used by counting the fat quarters, yards, etc. And again, let me thank you for doing this. It does keep me motivated to do some busting and I’ve enjoyed it all year long. I’m planning to do it in 2013.
Denise :) says
This was the first year I’ve ‘reported’ stash — it was a great exercise and very illuminating. I enjoyed it and will continue in 2013, if you continue hosting! Thanks, Judy! 🙂
Carolyn says
I no longer feel guilty about the amount of fabric I have! you are the QUEEN! LOL I just wish I had that much fabric!
Robin says
Oh I wish I had half of your stash but then again I can’t find anything in my stash at the moment and don’t have the room for it either as it is taking over my closet. Come January- there will be some serious organizing going on in that sewing room!!
Raine says
Wow! I love your stash! I can think of a ton of things I could sew with that stash! I am a quilter ( wanna- be) I say that as I have not quilted for long, really have a tiny stash, and don’t get to work on things as much as I would like to. I would be so much more inspired if I had the stash you do! Beautiful!
Linda Steller says
I too could never count my stash, and I have no desire to go there. However, Judy, I think you and I are the same age, and I hope I’m still sewing and quilting when I’m in my 80s. Maybe we can use our stashes up!
Sheryl says
It’s a good thing I didn’t see that multi-color swirly, circley stuff on the bolt when I was there or I would have sneaked it into Wanda’s car!
Dar in MO says
I too am going to continue busting my stash in 2013. I didn’t use near enough this year, so next year I’m going to get serious about using more. On the good side, I didn’t buy too much either. Thanks for hosting this each year.
pdudgeon says
since i’ve got plans to bust my stash in a big way by turning it into quilts, i will probably start reporting again. And yes, i’ll count my stash as i cut it for a quilt because it is being used, and i have a good record of finishing quilts that have been started.
Here’s my “before” report:
finished bed-sized quilts: 25
quilts to bind: 1
tops to be quilted: 30
# of quilts planned to be made from designated stash: 50
(or roughly 500 yards)
bins of scraps and squares: 3
extra special material not bespoken: @ 30 yards