How Much Fabric Do I Need?

How much fabric do I need is a loaded question.  If you are suffering from an incurable case of Stash Fever, then the only cure is to take two aspirin and continue purchasing fabric until the fever subsides.

 

As a seasoned Fabrivore, I am constantly hunting and gathering fabrics.  I use the I-See-It-I-Like-It-I-Buy-It method of fabric consumption.

The problem with this method of fabric buying begs the age-old question, “How much fabric do I need?”

When I see a fabric I love, I may or may not know what I plan to do with it. I may, in my mind think, “This would make a great long-sleeve top.”

But, I have not chosen a pattern for said fabric. I may even want to hybridize two or three patterns in order to get what I want.
 
Because of my cart-before-the-horse method of purchasing fabric, I’ve devised a system for How Much Fabric I Should Buy.

So, here’s a very sloppy system for fabric yardage estimations.

I-Love-It-I-Gotta-Have-It-But-Have-No-Idea-What-I-Will-Make-With-It Fabric – Buy 1/2 Yard

This-Would-Make-A-Cute-Skirt Fabric - Buy 2 Yards

Perfect-For-A-Long-Sleeved-Shirt Fabric -  Buy 2.5 Yards

I-Need-Another-Sleeveless-Top-Because-It-Is-So-Stinkin’-Hot-In-Texas Fabric – Buy 1.5 Yards

Ideal-For-An-Apron Fabric – Buy 1 Yard (this one gets interesting because I sometimes use those 1/2 yard “I have no idea” pieces to mix and match.)

So, here are a few fabrics I picked up this week at a sale.

Fabrics #1-3 and 6-7 I plan to use for hostess aprons.  I bought 1/2 yard of each.

Fabric #2 is a voile by Amy Butler.  I think I want to make a long sleeved shirt.  A lightweight fabric like voile is perfect for Texas’ season transitions.

Fabric #3 I want to make another shirt from a pattern I am currently working on and hope to turn into pdf pattern for my Etsy store (someday).

Fabric #4 falls into the I-Love-It-I-Gotta-Have-It category.  This will probably find it’s way into an apron some day.
 
Fabric #5 is a black and white version of Fabric #4.  I think this could make either a cute apron or a cute top or maybe even a cute (lined) skirt.  I bought 2.5 yards because I have not idea what I plan to do with with, but I know I will do something.


And that, my friends, is the only known cure for Stash Fever.