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Thursday, September 16, 2010

Sew and Tell: fabric swatch book

If you’re reading this blog, there’s a pretty good chance, like me, you have boxes and boxes of fabric. Every time I need some fabric, I pull out all the boxes, search for the scrap that I need and then put all the boxes back. Here’s my solution.


I’ve made myself a fabric swatch book. Now when I need fabric for a project, I’ll pull out my fabric swatch book and decide what fabric(s) I’m going to use beforehand.


On some of the cards, I’ve included 2 or 3 swatches in coordinating fabrics.

As I buy more fabric (somebody please stop me…), I’ll just add more cards. 


This project is linked to
Visit thecsiproject.com
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19 comments :

  1. InesSeptember 16, 2010 at 10:33 AM

    Very nice! A fab idea. Greetings from Germany, ines

    ReplyDelete
  2. Katie OlthoffSeptember 18, 2010 at 2:03 PM

    Cute idea! Would be even better if you separated them based on which box they're in so you don't have to pull them ALL out!

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  3. Ann @ makethebestofthingsSeptember 18, 2010 at 9:24 PM

    Excellent idea. Do you KNOW how much fabric I have? This would certainly organize my designing and shopping.

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  4. CherylSeptember 19, 2010 at 2:49 PM

    great idea. I have two bins of fabric and this would be wonderful to have. that way I won't buy more of what I already have....even though it's fun to buy more fabric and add to the collection. : )

    ReplyDelete
  5. AllieMakes!September 20, 2010 at 5:43 PM

    Brilliant! I've just taken over the extra room with fabric storage... This is WAY smarter!
    You should come link this up at Making It With Allie!
    Allie
    AllieMakes.Blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. JillSeptember 22, 2010 at 9:05 AM

    This is soo brilliant! It's getting bookmarked on the to do list!! My boxes of fabric are a mess because i dig so much! This is a perfect project for me now because I have a cricut with a cartridge that cuts tags! I think I might make notes on the back about how much of each fabric I have too (so that I don't end up disappointed when I go to make something and find out I only have a tiny bit of it!)

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  7. UnknownSeptember 23, 2010 at 5:29 AM

    Brilliant Idea! I will be highlighting this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com today.

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  8. LeiSeptember 23, 2010 at 1:19 PM

    This is a wonderful idea!!!

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  9. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2010 at 11:07 AM

    Wouldn't it take less time to just look through the fabric pile? You can't get the drape or elasticity out of a card...

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  10. TranquilityKnotsDecember 17, 2010 at 7:42 AM

    Genius!
    My fabric shelf and boxes and piles are so crazy now, I cannot find anything. Will definitely make one for myself. Well, I might inprove your system a little bit, by writing down some notes on the back of the card, like which shelf, which box that fabric is in, and what Jill said, how much do I have. Then I just need to label all my boxes and I will be all set. Thanks for this great idea.

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  11. creativebebeDecember 23, 2010 at 9:58 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  12. creativebebeDecember 23, 2010 at 10:00 AM

    love this idea! i have the punch for the tag so i can do this....after christmas! like a couple of the other commenting gals, i will use the back to write down the fabric info. what a great way to coordinate fabrics for projects! so so so in love with your solution. and i will save them as i use up my fabric to recycle as ATC art, gift tags, etc... i will link to your post on my blog when i get to this! :)
    thank you for sharing!

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  13. Flagstaff Odds 'N EndsFebruary 7, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    Love it! Just wanted to add a couple ideas. Number your boxes and then put that number on the card. Also add how much of the fabric you have, this would help me alot. My favorite part of this is I can take it with me to the fabric shop, yes I have bought the same fabric twice, so far only twice! It is also a great way to match fabrics.

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  14. Mandy and ChrisJuly 15, 2011 at 7:11 AM

    Thank you!! Where did you buy the cards?

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  15. CarolynJuly 15, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    The little cards are merchandise tags. You can get them at stationery supply stores. I got mine at Staples. Thanks for all your comments everyone.

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  16. AdminJune 28, 2014 at 10:16 AM

    How do attach them to the tags?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CarolynJuly 2, 2014 at 6:41 PM

      I actually just used permanent glue stick. Worked like a charm! Thanks for visiting.

      Delete
  17. UnknownAugust 6, 2014 at 6:18 AM

    When you say 'permanent glue stick,' are you referring to Elmer's glue stick? Or is a glue stick for crafts, office supplies, etc? TIA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CarolynAugust 6, 2014 at 6:33 PM

      Hi Kristi, I used a glue stick that was labeled "permanent". I believe it was Scotch Brand. :)

      Delete

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