Folding Fabric... How I Organized My Sewing Room Closet

Okay, I'm stepping on the bandwagon and organizing MY sewing room too. This is a shelf that needs lots of TLC, as you can see.

My fabric closet is a nightmare. I can't even step inside. The fabric is piled practically to the ceiling. This may take months to organize...

Sooo, as suggested, I purchased a 24" X 5" Lip Edge Ruler to help fold fabric. While at Walmarts, I found a ruler for about $10, but decided to use the coupon at Hobby Lobby.

The ruler at Hobby Lobby was $14.99, but with the coupon, I paid $9.

I refolded several bolts of fabric.

This is already proving to be a SPACE SAVER!

Well, I have a long ways to go, but at least I got SOME fabric organized.

As the saying goes, A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP!

I'll keep you posted on my progress!

PS) I bought more fabric from the dollar store this week -- so far, I've made 2 pairs of Capri's, 1 slacks, and 3 skirts.  

UPDATE: 2026   

Why Organizing Fabric Matters

One of the biggest challenges for any sewer is managing a growing fabric collection. Fabric can quickly take over closets, shelves, and sewing rooms if it isn't organized. I discovered that simply refolding fabric onto uniform-sized boards or rulers makes it easier to see what I already own and prevents me from purchasing duplicates.

Over the years, I have learned that organized fabric is more likely to get used. When fabric is hidden in piles, it's easy to forget what colors, prints, and materials are available. Once folded and stacked neatly, I can quickly find what I need for doll clothes, quilts, crafts, or clothing projects. 

Tips for Organizing a Fabric Stash

• Sort fabric by color, theme, or fabric type.
• Keep small scraps in clear bins for future projects.
• Label specialty fabrics such as flannel, denim, fleece, or holiday prints.
• Store frequently used fabrics where they are easy to reach.
• Consider keeping a notebook or photo inventory of larger fabric pieces.

Looking Back

It's funny to look at these photos today because this was only the beginning of my fabric organization journey. Like many sewers, I always seemed to bring home more fabric than I could possibly use. Still, every piece represented a future project waiting to happen.

Whether you sew doll clothes, quilts, home décor, or garments, an organized sewing space makes creating much more enjoyable.

Folding Fabric II: Organizing a Large Fabric Stash One Shelf at a Time

Country Fried Steaks: Classic Southern Country Fried Steak with Cream Gravy

~ Simple country fried steak recipe ~

Few comfort food meals are more satisfying than homemade country fried steak with rich cream gravy. This simple recipe uses cube steak coated in a crispy seasoned crust, then pan-fried until golden brown. Finish it with homemade pepper gravy, and you've got a classic Southern meal that's perfect with mashed potatoes, green beans, biscuits, or corn on the cob.

dipping cube steak into flour

Take a package of beef cube steaks, salt and pepper, and coat each steak in flour.

First adding egg to milk

Then dip each floured steak into a bowl of 1 egg and 1 cup of milk. COAT each steak AGAIN in flour. Now they're ready for pan frying!

pan frying the breaded steaks in oil 

Have an iron skillet ready with hot grease.

Simple and quick. Serve with your favorite side dishes.

~

GRAVY
After the steaks are removed from the pan, pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of oil, keeping as many as possible of the browned bits in the pan.

Heat the oil over medium heat until hot. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons flour (use the left-over flour from the chicken fried steak recipe) in the hot oil.

Stir with a wooden spoon, quickly, to brown the flour. Gradually stir in 3/4 cup milk and 3/4 cup water, mixed together, stirring constantly with the wooden spoon and mashing out any lumps.

Lower heat, and gravy will begin to thicken. Continue cooking and stirring a few minutes until gravy reaches desired thickness.

Homemade Cream Gravy

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons pan drippings (leave the browned bits in the skillet)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• ¾ cup milk
• ¾ cup water
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. After removing the country fried steaks, pour off all but about 2 tablespoons of the grease, leaving the browned bits in the pan.
2. Heat the grease over medium heat.
3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until lightly browned.
4. In a measuring cup, combine the milk and water.
5. Slowly pour the liquid into the skillet while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
6. Continue stirring until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately over the country fried steaks.

Affordable Clothes: Easy Sewing Pattern for a Simple Elastic Waist Skirt (Beginner Friendly)

A beginner-friendly sewing pattern I've used for years.

One of the easiest ways to stretch a clothing budget is to learn a few basic sewing skills. Over the years I've made countless skirts and pants using this simple pattern because it's quick, easy to sew, and comfortable to wear. If you're just learning to sew or want an inexpensive project that comes together fast, an elastic-waist skirt is a great place to start.

I've had several friends show an interest in making their own skirts and slacks. This is a pattern that I've been using for years. I've purchased about 4 of these patterns all together. The last two, I've worn out. The two most recent are for myself and Pamela.

I love this pattern. No frills, no fuss, quick and easy!

One piece of fabric became multiple sewing projects.

The full skirt consists of 1 pattern. You place it on a fold --- Cut an identical piece again and sew both sides together. Hem the bottom, sew over the top for elastic and you're finished! I use a serger on all my clothes, so once I run it through the machines, I'm finished in less than 20 min -- this includes hemming and elastic!

~

The picture above is the skirt I made for Pamela today. I used a really fabulous fabric (cotton/polyester blend - brown with mini pink polka dots) that I had found on the DOLLAR TABLE at Walmarts. I purchased 3 yards.

For $3, I made 1 full sized skirt, 1 pair of slacks, and had enough fabric for Pamela to make doll clothes for her 18" dolls.

Finished elastic-waist skirt.

You just can't beat a dollar an outfit!

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Pattern

Some sewing patterns are beautiful but take an entire weekend to complete. This one has remained one of my favorites because it's simple enough for beginners while still producing a comfortable everyday skirt.

A few reasons I love it:

• Easy elastic waistband—no zipper required.
• Uses very little fabric.
• Great for beginners.
• Perfect for everyday wear.
• Can be dressed up or kept casual depending on the fabric.

One of my favorite money-saving tips is to always check the clearance fabric table. You never know when you'll find a beautiful fabric at a fraction of the regular price. That little bargain can turn into several handmade projects for just a few dollars.

STOCK-ING UP: How to Make Homemade Chicken Stock from Leftover Bones

Roasted Duck 

One of the easiest ways to stretch your grocery budget is to make homemade stock from leftover chicken or turkey bones. Not only does it reduce food waste, but it also creates a rich, flavorful base for soups, stews, gravies, and casseroles. It's a simple homesteading skill that generations before us considered second nature—and one that's still worth learning today.

A Few Tips for Making Homemade Stock

Making homemade stock is surprisingly simple.

• Save cooked chicken, turkey, or duck bones in the freezer until you have enough for a large pot.
• Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and a few herbs if you have them on hand.
• Cover with water and simmer gently for several hours to extract as much flavor as possible.
• Strain the stock, cool it quickly, and refrigerate or freeze it for future meals.

Once you start making homemade stock, it's hard to go back to bouillon cubes. The flavor is richer, and it's a great way to make the most of ingredients you already have.

Tonight, I cooked Chinese and roasted a duck with orange glaze. After the meal, my stepson asked for the duck carcass. He wanted to freeze it to save later for stock. I couldn't believe it as my mother was just blogging about her homemade stock.

Well, I'm inspired. I'll purchase a whole chicken this weekend. I made homemade chicken vegetable soup the other day and had used bouillon cubes. I can only wonder how good it would have tasted with homemade stock!

Chicken stir fry from leftovers 

Free Things to Do in Austin: Mount Bonnell, Austin Nature Center, Zilker Botanical Garden & Whole Foods

Austin is full of attractions that don't require spending a fortune. On this particular day, we visited several of our favorite spots, including Mount Bonnell, the Austin Nature Center, Zilker Botanical Garden, and Whole Foods Market. Between scenic overlooks, native Texas wildlife, beautiful gardens, and great food, it turned into one of those simple family outings that reminded us why we enjoy living in Central Texas.

Planning an Austin Day Trip

One of the things I love most about Austin is how many interesting places can be enjoyed in a single day. Scenic overlooks, hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, historic buildings, botanical gardens, and great local food are all within a short drive of one another.

Although this visit took place in 2008, many of these destinations continue to be favorites for both visitors and longtime residents. If you're planning a trip to Austin, they're well worth adding to your itinerary.

Stop 1: Mount Bonnell – Scenic views of the Colorado River

Stop 2: Austin Nature Center – Native Texas wildlife and hands-on exhibits

Stop 3: Zilker Botanical Garden – Beautiful gardens and historic buildings

Stop 4: Whole Foods Market – Lunch and local specialties

We spent the day taking advantage of some Austin area attractions. It had been several years since we'd climbed Mt Bonnell, so we paid Bonnell another visit.

Stopped to admire the beetle at Mount Bonnell 

 

Long stairs up to see the view on Mount Bonnell

Long stairways leading to the lookout.

Gorgeous view of Austin skyline and the river

Overlooking the Colorado River.

Colorado River, Austin Texas 

Colorado River

Lizard Mount Bonnell 

Austin Skyline

Austin skyline.

resting after the long climb Mount Bonnell 

Austin Nature Center

The Austin Nature center is one of our favorite hangouts. The museum and mini zoo is free for the public.

Watch for snakes in Austin Texas 

 

Inside Austin Nature Center 

Toad at Austin Nature Center

viewing wildlife at the Austin Nature Center

Many native animals to see -- wildcats, coyotes, foxes, birds...

Fox at the nature center

aquafer

My favorite area is their hands-on classroom located in the visitor center. Lots of fossils, bones, rocks, microscopes, and interesting gadgets to hold in your hands and examine.

skeletons at the Austin Nature Center 

Giant Desert Centipede Austin Texas

Austin Texas native bugs

wildlife poop identification Austin Nature Center 

Under the bridge - Austin jogging trails

Walking some of the jogging trails near the Nature Center.

Colorado River 

Austin Botanical Garden 

We next visited the Austin Botanical Garden - located right beside the Nature Center. One of Austin's best kept secrets. This park is also free to the public.

One of the first one-room school houses in Austin- Travis County.

Historic one-room Travis County schoolhouse.

Austin Botanical Garden 

Austin Texas Bamboo

Bamboo trail - Austin Botanical Garden 

escalator at Whole Foods

For lunch, we went to WHOLE FOODS. When I was doing marketing research for Splenda, I'll never forget what the research scientists (from New York) said about this store. They called it the DISNEY LAND of grocery stores.

Austin's first Whole Foods 

This is one of the most organized and cleanest grocery stores you'll ever see. Everything is fresh and organic. The place will spoil you rotten --- it makes the Super Wal-Mart produce section look like something from a third world country.

Deli at Whole Foods Austin

Several deli's and mini cafe's are spread throughout the store. We decided to eat BARBECUE!

The meat is non antibiotic, no hormones, and the livestock is raised on PURE GRAINS. Nothing but the best. The food is a little more expensive, but WELL WORTH the price.

Variety of desserts at Whole Foods Austin, Texas 

We sampled delicious scones, vegan cheesecake (cream made from nuts) and vegan sour cream! WOW!

Chocolate tower - Whole Foods - Austin Texas

We picked up fresh tomatoes, garlic, Pomegranates, and Mango's. We had to cut our day short as I had to head for work tonight, but after looking at today's events, I think we had a FULL DAY!