5 Tips to Curate a Functional Fabric Stash

[@pmclaughlin4111]

As a bit more zaftig and a bit taller-I have come up with a rule of thumb for how much to buy -because I am bigger, I have to estimate on the more generous size and I end up with less tight layouts than when I sew for my much smaller teenage daughter and as I buy I consider if the fabric I am buying will accomodate waste reduction First: Figure out how long you generally like things For example:I am currently into tunics and my favored length is 33" (which includes hem allowance)-So front 33"+back 33" plus 40" for 2 sleeves=3 yards for 45" fabric Because I am larger, things like crotch curves go farther across the folded fabric leaving big chunks of odd shapes My favorite pants pattern takes 2 3/4 yards but if I buy 3 1/2, even if the fabric has a nap, I can make a skirt or shorts going in the other direction at the same time. I need 2 yards for a t-shirt in general but if I get 2 1/2 , I can make a shirt for my teenage daughter by interlaying the pieces and cutting at the same time. I also discovered the sock pattern from Ellie and Mac and a glove pattern from So Sew Easy which have been game changers that get cut at the same time from all the odd shapes leftover

[@TomKatStitchery]

This is so good! Getting the most out of yardage is so rewarding!

[@bottle-capjack1778]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I really needed this today. I have been getting so overwhelmed/ discouraged lately that I haven’t been sewing at all. Every tip hits home and I plan to follow in hopes to get back on track and enjoy my hobby again.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad!

[@cecilehoare3053]

I've been following many of your tips since I started following your channel. Close to 12 years ago when our son went off to university I commandeered his room and bought units similar to the IKEA shelves many use. I took all my fabrics out of my rubbermaid bins and put them on the shelves and love it! I put all the same weights of fabrics together and same seasons of fabrics together in their weights. This way I can see where I am lacking without really having to dig through anything. When we moved I had shelves in another room that went into the now larger sewing room and I store my project fabrics on there with fabrics I know exactly what I'm making and what pattern goes with them. I got smart though, I tuck the pattern number side out of the fabric so I can still see the pattern in case I need it for something else before I get to that piece of fabric. Now to figure out something better for patterns! lol

[@texasproud8822]

Cecile I Love your ideas.

[@TomKatStitchery]

This is a fabulous idea!

[@kathygann7632]

The old Fabricland had a bumper sticker that says “The one who dies with the most fabric wins.” People see it and say “You win!” I agree about getting your colors done. I used to spend so much time tailoring complicated pieces and never got many compliments. They were all summer colors and I’m a winter. When I changed my makeup and made things in my winter colors, I got compliments every day.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’ve had the same experience since having my colors done!

[@amierikke6225]

I recently had my colors done by Color Guru and used your link. I’ve stoped coloring my hair about a year ago and I’m turning silver from auburn in my hair coloring and Color Guru’s color recommendations are so good! It’s helped me transform my mindset on what looks good on me. I’m a Moonlit Summer. The consultation with my face image in the center of silver and then in golds was an eye opener.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Wasn’t that so eye opening to see?

[@libbymcculla2650]

This was great-makes sense to have a good stash. Great to have a summary of how much fabric required to make what-I just need to figure out a way to get my fabric where I can easily see it .So helpful!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed it!

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

Thank you so much for this video! I find fabric shopping very stressful - I hate random shopping and the possible waste, whilst at the same time wanting fabric to hand when the urge to sew something new strikes. Thank you again! Hope your plumbing problems are solved speedily.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I completely agree!

[@thaisoneon]

I sooo want to get my colours done by your daughter’s analyst but I’m holding off because her swatches are too small to be useful. What you say about reading the card overall for prints is very true. The digital swatches may have their place as well, but to me they’re a very very poor substitute for physical swatches on fabric or paper. As the host of the Everyday Style School podcast said herself on the relevant episode, she has a double monitor system and colours are very different on each of them. While it’s true we can pick up paint swatches, I think it’s wrong for the color guru to expect hardware and paint stores to plug the gaps in her colour analysis business. I fervently hope that the colour guru will update her product to include individual swatches in addition to the overview swatch.

[@spatch1000]

It really is a personal preference as to whether you like fabric sample colors or a card. Had my colors done eons ago (like about 20 years) and received the book fabric sample version. Had my colors redone with definite changes in my aging skin coloring (more pale) and silver grey hair and this time got the card. And there were differences in tones of colors for what now looks flattering. I find I prefer the card for a few reasons....no flipping through a sample book to check colors, see them all at once, can see coordinating complimentary colors easier and especially because the card takes up less room in my purse. Do think having your best colors identified helps. One tip, you can wear a lot more colors if you make sure the color near your face is the one recommended and then place another not in your palate on the bottom,

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m sure it’s personal preference, but I’ve not found the card to be hard to use or limiting.

[@stonecrestquilt]

@@spatch1000 Maybe she could split the difference and offer a 1” swatch to those of us will aging eyeballs. We could laminate the 1” swatches, hole punch it and keep it on a key ring or something. The color cards are too small to be useful forever bc our eyes don’t work as well later in life. I love the point you made on getting a color analysis as we age a bit. Had not thought about that, thank you!:)

[@ShirleyJarrett]

So helpful, sometimes the fabric storage & collecting is overwelming. Thanks for the tips, now to do some organizing.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad you enjoyed this one!

[@kebmccarron]

So true, the hobby of collecting fabric and its sister hobby of collecting patterns!

[@TomKatStitchery]

It definitely is!

[@nancyhurt7145]

These were all good tips today. I tried the Trello app after listening to Kim on Dorothys Daughter, thinking that would be the cats meow! After listing so many projects and fabrics and patterns on there, I've never looked at it again. Guess it wasn't my style of organizing even though it was a fabulous app. I have cabinets for my knits, wools, denims, leather, linings, and quilting fabrics, so I'm really quite organized by sight. Patterns I organized like Mimi G in one of her videos which works perfectly for me. All of my pattern envelopes are in a big binder under categories and the patterns are stored by company in large yellow envelopes in file cabinets by number.. I can look through my pattern book and select the matching envelope within minutes. Your yardage was spot on. It takes a few years of sewing to get all of this processed in our minds! As always, I love your chats and posts and call you my friend!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I store my patterns the same way and also love that system. You are spot on that different organization methods work for different people!

[@manhurter]

Knowing your style while shopping a sale really helps. Personally I don't like wearing very bright bold colours or prints but I think the fabric is beautiful. So I have to tell myself that yes it's pretty but you'd never wear something in that colour or print so just appreciate the pretty for just that.

[@kathygann7632]

I used to really dislike the bright bold jewel tones, and really preferred soft muted colors so that’s what I sewed. Then had my colors done and I’m a winter and should be wearing those bright awful colors. I just didn’t believe them, so I took my card of colors and only tried on bright jewel tones, the ones I hated, and they made me glow whereas the summer colors I loved made me look like mud.

[@TomKatStitchery]

It’s so helpful to know your style and what you like!

[@robinlandtroop2774]

About 40 yrs ago I had my colors done. What I was told is notice the base of the color. Summer and winter are blue based, spring and fall are yellow based. I was colored as summer but can wear almost all winter colors fine. So it makes sense to me that you came up fall with one person but spring with another.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’ve heard the same thing and when I look at the two different color cards they are very similar so it does makes sense!

[@annadinkledine1254]

I've been waiting for that affiliate code! I just ordered my colors today after I watched this video. You're still raving about getting your colors done after a good bit of time has passed, so I figured it would be worth the money. :)

[@TomKatStitchery]

It was so worth the money!

[@pennysews009]

The sisterhood of fabric addiction, welcomes new sewists. I started stashing in 1978.

[@suek7086]

Collecting fabrics, patterns, and sewing are three separate hobbies. I tend to obsess about the first two.

[@jankfisher]

Excellent topic and presentation.

[@spatch1000]

I actually have some fabrics that I personally bought that long ago in my collection. So now, I can proudly say I own vintage fabrics!!

[@TomKatStitchery]

It’s good to belong to the sisterhood!

[@juliej6638]

Really, really useful, Whitney, and great timing as I am planning my next season's sewing and fabric shopping.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@libbybennett3067]

Thanks for your great tips. I have had my colours done by the colour Guru. Just waiting for my cards in the mail. The first lot went missing so they have sent me a new lot.

[@TomKatStitchery]

That’s so exciting!

[@sannes7647]

Oh my goodness, you got some awesome fabric. My favorite is the blue linen piece with the okra color here and there, can’t wait to see some of the projects sewn up. Keep your chin up with the water leak issues.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m in love with that piece as well!

[@AusetsStitchedTreasures]

I agree about having your colours done. As much as I love purple, I can appear drained in various shades of it. After spending most of my life in some sort of uniform: school, military, corporate world,: I'm now in a different place in my life where I am re-connecting to my essence and I want to dress for it. I have tons of fabric (I really should just stop buying and shop my stash) and I am starting to develop my wardrobe, but I'd like to define my style. I'm signing up for the Signature Class today. Thank you, Whitney for such great advice!

[@TomKatStitchery]

That signature style class is so good! Have fun with it!

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

Great tips Whitney! I really like how you’ve stored your fabric. That’s next on my list of sewing room organization!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@melaniesingh7208]

Really good video. I was tempted by bright cotton prints at Joanne’s. And now I realize there is very little I can do with 100% cotton.

[@TomKatStitchery]

It’s so easy to get sucked into the pretty prints!

[@anitawilliams4978]

Thanks Whitney, this was a really useful vlog. I’m taking part in a challenge called “sewhatihave” to use fabric I already own for the next 3 months but your tips are useful going forward x

[@TomKatStitchery]

That’s a great idea!

[@victoriahannah1633]

Thank you for these tips. I’m just getting back into to my sewing room. Right now I’ve been working on redoing a pants pattern and doing a muslin. #1 I did not like . My bad I should have taken some new measurements as I have lost some inches in different places. So working on #2. I will be needing fabric and these tips will help a lot. I too am a February birthday so I’ll be looking at those sites.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad you enjoyed these!

[@grammykcutter6374]

Great Tips

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@cindyszoke6204]

Love this... Very helpful ... Love that Lipstick colour on you.. very pretty

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you so much!

[@sharonchamberlain9031]

Excellent! I've kinda been wondering how much fabric I need to buy,for maybe a tee shirt and skirt or dress. I'm about the same size and height as you are, so this was very informative and helpful!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad!

[@cynthiatennant9896]

Great video 🤗

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@samanthaschasteen7903]

Thank you for this video! this was SO helpful, especially tip #3!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad!

[@melindabanning4497]

I like your ideas and I can still use them even though I don't buy new fabrics. So far I have only shopped at thrift stores but I am finding some beautiful fabrics. I have one the says made exclusively for Jo-Ann's. But my issue is how do know a fabric is made of or come close to knowing. I have a beautiful pinkish peach the is kind of heavy but is drappy. I know you can do the match test to see what is synthetic or cotton but there are so many new fabrics out there... 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@TomKatStitchery]

I have a burn test video that might help. Different natural fibers smell and burn differently so you can get idea of what contains poly or what is rayon etc. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHmplZaHqJ6LrdU

[@melindabanning4497]

@@TomKatStitchery thank you!

[@brendamyers7672]

Thank you for promoting the importance of getting color analysis done. I just got my results from Color Guru. I am surprised which colors are my best colors. Also, the jewelry tone information from Color Guru is very helpful.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad you've enjoyed your color analysis experience as much as I have. I have just found it so helpful!

[@audreywring1920]

Very interesting. I have a limited fabric stash, I am a planner so fabrics for next spring/ summer have been bought and sorted. Two metres covers most woven tops mainly print fabric. Two and a half metres of plain fabric for bottoms. Patterns can be adjusted near the time but I have a rough idea. For me It just stops the impulsive buy and random make.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I agree. I have definitely tried to limit the fabric buying to just stuff I know I’ll use soon!

[@sandimichaels2324]

This was very helpful. Thank you, Thank you. Have a great Labor Day weekend to you and your family. Lake holiday until Thanksgiving.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@1950steele]

Are you familiar with “Joy Bernhardt” KZbin channel? She is a sewer and a quilter. Her fabric stash is unbelievable.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I am familiar with Joy! Her stash is unbelievable!

[@debbiebridges5121]

I truly need my colors done because with out it you can get lost. Thank you!

[@TomKatStitchery]

It’s definitely easy to get overwhelmed.

[@texasproud8822]

Great information but I wish you made house calls.

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂

[@sharonrimsza7960]

I highly recommend getting your colors done. This is nothing new but the results are the same. I actually had my colors done over 35 years ago. It is fabulous to know. I am a Spring. No longer a spring chicken…hah!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I completely agree! It was such a good investment for me!

[@evalucilledixon3879]

Great guide to follow. Thank you, Whitney. ~ L

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@sonyahuffman5761]

Hi. Love your channel!!! You mentioned Christy’s color consultation….what is her link? Thx Sonya

[@TomKatStitchery]

Christie is with Fashion Translated (www.fashiontranslated.com/). You often have to get on a waiting list for her color spots, but they do open up quite frequently!

[@margaretgorski7947]

On camera, the coppery spring is you!!!!! Just holding the card by your face would light you up. Get more of those bright/light colors.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I agree!

[@peggychance8728]

Thank you for this -so helpful. I had no idea Stylemaker sent a birthday coupon but guess what showed up this morning! So excited and time to treat myself. I know you have mentioned their solid knits for tees before but, of course, I can’t seem to find it. Is there something you recommend for just a solid tee shirt style top?

[@TomKatStitchery]

This cotton/spandex: stylemakerfabrics.com/products/mid-weight-cotton-jersey-knit-solid-white and this cotton/modal are my favorites for t-shirts: stylemakerfabrics.com/products/cotton-modal-jersey-knit-solid-white

[@juleejames9977]

Thanks! Very helpful -

[@TomKatStitchery]

My pleasure!

[@rosh6378]

Thank you 😊

[@TomKatStitchery]

My pleasure!

[@hoosierhandmade22]

Hello! I live in Southern Indiana, can you share the fabric stores you visit in Bloomington and Evansville? Would love to find new places to shop! Thank you!!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Sure! University of Sewing is in Bloomington (it’s attached to The Tailored Fit alteration shop) and Let’s Sew is in Evansville

[@hoosierhandmade22]

@@TomKatStitchery thank you!

[@pennymcdonald1723]

Great tips. I Marie Kondo-ed my fabrics a few months ago. It made such a difference. On a different topic, what are your thoughts on set-in sleeves versus sleeves sewn flat method? I always sew mine in the round (because that's how my mother taught me) and I have a friend who always sews flat.

[@denisedorsey2889]

I seem to remember Whitney saying that she usually sews sleeves flat. I’m glad you asked though, because I just follow the pattern instructions. I’m still learning and you know what they say - learn the rules before you break them, lol. I have such a challenge with set in sleeves, but I am getting better.

[@victoriahannah1633]

@@denisedorsey2889 Those sleeves give me a fit also. I’ve been on a break from sewing due to surgery but I’m getting back into it and I’ve told myself you will be doing a top soon with sleeves.

[@kathygann7632]

Once I learned how to sew sleeves flat, I never went back. It’s been about 50 years.

[@denisedorsey2889]

@@kathygann7632 Kathy, do you have to make any adjustments to the sleeve when you sew them flat? Are you still easing in, just flat?

[@victoriahannah1633]

@@kathygann7632 yes I want to learn this also. Right now I’m revising my pants pattern and going to make some pants. I am new to sewing but I have made a few shorts, pants, and even a couple of blouses with sleeves.

[@elizabetha2446]

Thank you for your great fabric buying tips. Do you have any suggestions for a fabric and source for making myself white tee shirts? I would like the fabric to be opaque and not slinky so an ITY won''t work. Am I looking for cotton /lycra, rayon/lycra, poly/lycra, cotton poly? There are so many fabric combinations. I will also be doing machine embroidery and using Heat Transfer Vinyl to embellish the tees. Also, do you have a reliable source for the fabric I need? Thanks so much. I really appreciate all the time you put in to making your videos for us.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I think a good cotton/spandex or rayon/spandex will be the best. The rayon blend will be more drapey. StyleMaker and Minerva have great options for both!

[@karenprovost2035]

Hi Whitney, I decided to check out Style Maker Fabrics after your glowing review. I signed up for receiving emails but I’m wondering if they ever send out coupon codes? My cart is sizable!!!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Every now and again she does a sale. She does, however, send out coupons for your birthday month that I always use!

[@karenprovost2035]

Some companies give you a discount code when you first sign up to receive emails. Thank you for your quick response. Thanks too for all you do on your channel, so much good content. I guess I better go check out, you are so right, their fabrics are beautiful.

[@karenprovost2035]

Hi Whitney, I just had to tell you, I just received my first order from Stylemaker fabrics. You were 100% right, their fabrics are gorgeous and EXACTLY as pictured on the website. Thank you again!

[@TomKatStitchery]

@@karenprovost2035 aren’t they dreamy?!! I have never been disappointed by my orders!

[@MassonLifestyle]

LOL, fabric collecting and pattern collecting.... two mutually exclusive hobbies. Yes trying not to collect fabric. Two bins full of fabric, trying not to do that anymore. Just because I want to use certain patterns but the fabric can't be used ie. bias cut items with a pattern, diagonal prints, or too big prints. so trying not to do that anymore. If I don't have a use for it trying my best not to purchase fabric. I gotta tell you ITS hard. Its really hard.

[@TomKatStitchery]

It is hard, but such a good thing!

[@158269squeak]

We all have a minimum of 3 hobbies in this one hobby of sewing

[@TomKatStitchery]

Definitely!

[@manhurter]

If anyone can help I'd appreciate it. I wanted to buy some patterns from "something delightful" as they are having a sale at the moment. So I'm a beginner seamstress and based on their size options in a dress pattern I'm looking at my bust and hip fall in both categories of their printed patterns. For example I'm a size 12 for my bust but a size 16 for my hips. Does that mean I have to buy both size ranges to possibly make a dress ?

[@spatch1000]

A lot of us have similar problems with sizing falling into two ranges on separate patterns. Several solutions, not the only ones ...if you buy digital patterns, there are many that you can print out two sizes on one layer (that's the name they give for each size on a print at home multi-size pattern) and cancel seeing all the other size layers. Then you can trace the lines of the correct top size and then trace the lines of the correct hip size. You probably will need to smooth out the transition from one size area to the other. If you have bought a tissue pattern with a separate bodice, you can in most cases increase the hip by measuring what the hip size on the actual pattern tissue and then adding what you need on the side. Again smoothing out the line from the waist. Trial and error will help you discover how to handle the issue. Sure there are a number of different ways to handle the problem and KZbinrs really has some great videos with fitting tips. Best of luck and welcome to the sewing world.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I also highly suggest checking the finished measurements on the commercial patterns. I measure into the size 18 for the something delightful lines, but actually sew a size 14 because they put in so much ease.

[@manhurter]

​@@spatch1000 Thanks for these tips. KZbin didn't notify me on your response. Really appreciate the help. I'll use the sizing up soon God's willing. My sewing machine kinda scares me but I'll push on.

[@manhurter]

@@TomKatStitchery Thanks for these tips Whitney. I'll measure the pattern pieces . I just learnt about ease. This will help so much. Thank you

[@fri5481]

💗

[@TomKatStitchery]

❤️❤️❤️

[@debbiebridges5121]

Thank you! Do you label the fabric and how much fabric you have?

[@denisedorsey2889]

I definitely have to do that!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I should do that, but I don’t 😬.

[@anessaharris9947]

😀

[@TomKatStitchery]

❤️❤️❤️

[@carolclaibornemumey8919]

Oh no!

[@TomKatStitchery]

❤️

[@stonecrestquilt]

I had actually decided to gets my boobs done but maybe getting my color done will give me that “lift” I’m searching for hehehehehe!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I am dying!!! Hahaha!!! This comment made my day!

[@melaniesingh7208]

Hahaha fabric collecting and pattern collecting two different beasts from sewing.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Totally different hobbies 😂