All about that stash

A couple of days ago I asked the Stashbusters group how to estimate the amount of fabric used in a quilt.   I've been "busting stash" for several years now but I want to start tracking to make sure I"m not purchasing more than I'm using.

This is my fabric stash.  It took a long time to downsize to an amount that works well for me.   I have a bin under the long arm with 17 tops to quilt and another dozen UFO's and about 15 quilt kits that I need to work through eventually in storage. 

Sam thinks it's quite a bit of fabric.  I doubt he'd believe me if I told him by quilter's standards this is not much fabric at all!


I was thankful to get several replies to my question, most of them offering formulas to calculate the actual amount of fabric used by the number of pieces used in each size.  One suggestion was so simple that I believe it's going to be quite easy to implement.

Estimate by simply weighing fabric purchased (fabric in) and weigh quilt tops/backing before I quilt them (fabric out).  She also advised that 4 yards of fabric weighs approximately 1 pound.  I've been weighing my food regularly for the last year so my little scale is always within easy reach! 


My local quilt shop was having a pre-inventory, end of the year sale this week.  Clearance fabrics were reduced an additional 60% off .  I was able to purchase 24 yards for just over $100.  Great deal, right?


My goal begins tomorrow, the first day of 2021.  I decided to put the concept of weighing fabric to the test with my latest purchase. 

 

110 ounces = 6.87 pounds     4 yards per pound = 24 yards.  
Close enough!

I figure as long as I'm using a consistent way to measure fabric IN vs. OUT,  I'll know pretty quick if I'm shopping more than I'm quilting.  





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