Question:
I have just realized that I'm never going to sew all of the fabric that I have in my stash. (It's a hard realization to come to.) I've got fabrics from the 1970s on ...
Is there anything specific I should know about selling older fabrics? (I've sold plenty of new fabric.)
And how does one keep that acquisitive urge under control????
EleanordeW
Ebay Auctions * SYI Auctions * My iOffer Store

Answer:
My only hope...don't go to the store! http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_smile.gif
Because if I go, something is coming home with me.
But then I discovered shopping on the net. Dangerous too.
I purchased a bunch of blues (late 80's) to "someday" make a blue quilt.
I purchased a bunch of 50's reproductions to "someday" make a quilt.
etc.
I have had these fabrics about 15 years +
I don't think these quilts are getting made.
And some I purchased just because I love the print. No project in mind. http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_smile.gif
I have such a hard time cutting loose with "stuff".
I have been cleaning a bit. And I like the way it looks! Makes me want to do lots and move this stuff out. (how often have I said this? http://community.here.com/infopop/em...on_biggrin.gif)
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Answer:
I think that at some point in your life you just decide to stop accumulating stuff whether it be fabrics or something else. I'm not sure if you can force it! http://community.here.com/infopop/em.../icon_wink.gif
For many years I collected feedsacks and bark cloth always planning on doing something with them. I never paid more than $1 for a sack or $20 for a set of drapes. Then after I started on ebay and saw the prices they both could bring I decided I would rather have the money because I knew in my heart I was never going to sew anything from them. In the end I sold all the feedsacks but did keep just a few pieces of the barkcloth - mostly the fabric pieces that had never been sewn into anything. I've never regretted selling them.
I don't tend to accumulate newer fabrics just older stuff. Once in a great while I will still buy something I can't resist at the fabric store. But usually all I have to do is remind myself about the unfinished projects I already have at home and that's enough to keep me from buying it.
Now, if I'm at the thrift store and they have fabric that's a different story. I will often buy it because they usually price it $1 or $2 no matter how big the piece. So if it's something I can think of even the remotest possible use for I will buy it just cause it's so darn cheap! http://community.here.com/infopop/em...icon_smile.gif
I haven't had that much experience selling fabrics from the 70s through today. I have sold just a couple 70s fabrics that were definitely 70s prints (neon bright florals, etc) and they did OK since the "retro" stuff is collectible. I've done so-so with the other modern fabrics I've listed. I guess it kind of depends on if there is something "different" about the fabric. For instance, I had a few yards of a pre-quilted fabric that was bright yellow with bright green frogs and it did especially well because I had two people who both collected frog stuff bidding against each other.
There's just so much fabric out there it always helps if you can find a marketable "angle" for any particular piece.
Answer:
Yup. Different is good. I do well with anything that can be classified as a novelty print.
Those 80's ugly neons and abstracts aren't popular (yet - you just wait, their day will come...and we'll be ready!)
But the 1960's and 1970's do well for me. You can check my current items. I usually try to 'sell' the fabric by recommending usage or relating it to something that the younger sewers will get (think Nick at Night) - The Brady Bunch, etc.
--K
Directions for life: Sew, eBay, Eat, Sleep -- Repeat daily.
--Pins-n-Needles