CHALLENGE 2: Let's cut some swatches

Okay, so we've inventoried our patterns and fabric stash.

Now, let's make some swatches of all of our fabric and group them together.  If you've never done, I keep it pretty simple.  Cut a 3"x4" swatch of each fabric you have.  I pin them together with a large safety pin.  My blouse/top fabrics are pinned together, my suitings are pinned together, etc.  Do whatever works for you!  We're still getting organized--next challenge will focus our efforts even more!
Note:  I know that some of you are off and running already in your sewing.  Feel free to begin posting if you are completing garments.  Don't feel you need to wait until April to post.  Have fun!  

Here are my swatches...

Have fun!!

Challenge #1: Sew ReInvented Audrey

A few months ago - I organized my sewing space. And, much to my own surprise - it's still organized. Currently, I'm using a 3-drawer plastic organizer that holds my fabric (inside the drawers), notions and patterns (on top in fabric covered shoe boxes).

Sew ReInvented Audrey - Organized Fabric, Pattern & Notions

Patterns - all patterns are organized by Pattern company and number (Vogue 1st, all others alphabetical). I haven't really tried many patterns, so I'm going to try more patterns before I decide to get rid of any that I have.

Fabric - all fabrics are folded up inside the drawers. I use 3x5 index cards and double sided tape to keep an accurate list of what's inside each drawer. The cards list the color and type, amount (yardage), size, and whether or not it's been pre-treated (i.e. Purple Knit 2 yds (60) <P>). I don't put new fabric in the storage container unless I mark it. If I take fabric out, I mark it when I put it back in.


Here's my fabric:

Knits: Double - 2 colors, 4 yds (60), Crepe - 1 color, 2 yds (52)
Tweed: 2 colors, 4 yds (60)
Cotton: 3 colors, 8 1/2 yds (45), 1 print, 1 yd (60)
Polyester backed Satin: 3 colors, 4 yds (60)
Suiting: 2 colors, 6 yds (45), 3 yds (60)
Crepe Georgette: 1 color, 3 yds (58)
Brocade: 1 color, 1 1/2 yds (52)
Shirting: 1 color, 2 yds
Vinyl (leather look skirt): 1 color, 1 yd

**I bought practically 20 yds of fabric on Black Friday with the intention of sewing more of my own clothes in 2013.

I'm also posting this on my blog along with additional pictures.

Needles Up,
ReInvented Audrey



New Spring/Summer patterns

Happy New Year ladies!!!

I haven't finished organizing my fabric yet, There's just always so much to do. I did purchase a few patterns for my wardrobe and thought that I should share!

My fabric stash is organized...

My fabric stash is organized--it took an hour or so, but I sorted through it and rearranged my closet.

I keep my patterns in plastic storage drawers.  I'm still working through purging my stock.

CHALLENGE 1: Let's get organized

Hi Sewers,

As 2012 ends, let's take some steps to prepare for the project ahead....

1. Inventory all of your fabric and pattern stashes.

2. Store your patterns in categories and work out how you'll organize them.

3. Organize your fabrics, too.  How will you store it? This is a great time to work out storage issues.  The next challenge will focus more on this detail.

4. Purge your stash of any patterns and fabric you KNOW you won't use (donate them to other sewers, thrift stores, or kids learning to sew)

5. Share with the group how you did.  How much fabric do you have (for slacks, skirts, dresses, suiting)?

That's it for now.  Complete the challenge by Saturday, January 5, 2013