tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post3605449686861363827..comments2024-03-05T00:22:14.856-05:00Comments on Selvage Blog: Elfa drawers for fabric stash? Need advice.Selvage Quilterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02830455480591075005noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-85199341480536005052010-09-24T12:48:42.501-04:002010-09-24T12:48:42.501-04:00There are no worthy imitations of the elfa brand. ...There are no worthy imitations of the elfa brand. I have had fabric in a system of elfa drawers for years and they have held up wonderfully. I use the plastic liners on the bottoms (it reduces the lines from the weight of the fabric pushing it into the wire of the basket).margothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02664272411781317350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-54359141895519415292010-09-13T07:41:39.999-04:002010-09-13T07:41:39.999-04:00I use & have used the Ikea version with the wo...I use & have used the Ikea version with the wood on top for about 10 years as a dresser. I have moved them 3 times & with all of that weight, those locations, the moves, etc. no problems. I have always planned to use them for fabric, but I have yet to pony up to a closet remodel that includes a dresser...The Calico Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06319271181930512880noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-46200457133226901112010-09-11T18:38:48.905-04:002010-09-11T18:38:48.905-04:00I can't speak for weight concerns, but I keep ...I can't speak for weight concerns, but I keep my yarn in drawers like this and I really like it. No problems with moisture or dust (so far). Unless there is an air current that is blowing dust from the side, having a solid top should keep most dust out, I'd think.<br /><br />I wonder if it would be an issue for small scraps of fabric to fall out the bottom of the drawers?Danahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10570826875121421559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-49118869688615933172010-09-11T11:04:24.099-04:002010-09-11T11:04:24.099-04:00I use these boxes: http://www.reallyusefulproducts...I use these boxes: http://www.reallyusefulproducts.co.uk/uk/html/onlineshop/rub/tTower1x4l_3x9l.php<br />They also stack up well without the supporting tower and are great for separating projects and fabrics.Gillianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11181226675607829330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-17048125691142167942010-09-10T15:33:18.142-04:002010-09-10T15:33:18.142-04:00The Elfa units are the best; do not confuse them w...The Elfa units are the best; do not confuse them with the cheap imitations from other places. Totally different quality. I've had them for YEARS and love them. Also, if you decide to go with them and you'd like to consider buying them used, I have TONS of extras here that I'll sell for a really reduced amount. I'm at organza@optonline.net. (moved my studio to different space so didn't need as many)Debbie Littlejohnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06920365815015271949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-62406610129851268112010-09-10T08:27:53.932-04:002010-09-10T08:27:53.932-04:00I have 2 of these units stacked on top of each oth...I have 2 of these units stacked on top of each other and have all my fabrics grouped into colours. Makes it really easy to see what I have! But also allows male folk to see how much fabric you have too!!!Daisy Julzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17400618230951170201noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-18472317986662260972010-09-10T04:04:19.625-04:002010-09-10T04:04:19.625-04:00I've been using the Elfa system for a few year...I've been using the Elfa system for a few years, the drawers are stuffed with fabric and I have had no problems. I think I have 24 drawers, the eleven inch ones. I didn't buy the drawers like you pictured, I bought the ones you can't see through, I had to label them. Alex Anderson uses Elfa so I checked them out. I like them very much. <br /><br />One thing though, Elfa goes on sale once a year (I think it's only once) at the Container Store. I think the sale is in January. Elfa is 20% or 30% off then, a very nice discount.JoAnne in southern Californiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03148803029813063934noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-9646810392114281522010-09-09T22:53:49.994-04:002010-09-09T22:53:49.994-04:00I don't have ELFA baskets, but I do have a gen...I don't have ELFA baskets, but I do have a genuine ELFA shelf, and it is very strong and sturdy. I've had it for about 20 years, and moved it from house to house, and it is still going strong. I would definitely get the ELFA brand if it fits in your budget.LN in TXhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11251834252431703626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-61107771195470282762010-09-09T17:09:47.740-04:002010-09-09T17:09:47.740-04:00I'm using them for my fabric right now and the...I'm using them for my fabric right now and they work really well. It's nice to be able to see what's in the drawers without having to pull them out too much.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-58606725966269078812010-09-09T16:29:05.403-04:002010-09-09T16:29:05.403-04:00I have the same sort of thing from Ikea. They are ...I have the same sort of thing from Ikea. They are stacked at least 9 high (no casters on those stacks!) and have never had an issue with sagging/leaning/too heavy etc. I like the visibility that they give and recently saw a picture of a sewing studio (some big name quilter whose name escapes me)where these shelves were used along one wall and topped with a solid surface giving her tons of work space. I think if you spend the $ up front for good quality you will be happier in the long run. Good luck!Diannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08285581918856735064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-76687671115678296582010-09-09T15:39:15.906-04:002010-09-09T15:39:15.906-04:00I have similar baskets from Ikea slightly larger I...I have similar baskets from Ikea slightly larger I think, and have been using them for the last 10 years. No problems to report, they hold loads and I love them!Trudihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06105739423187659152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-46690427686095096092010-09-09T09:55:29.771-04:002010-09-09T09:55:29.771-04:00Wow, so many good comments! Thanks for all the inp...Wow, so many good comments! Thanks for all the input. The baskets that are not so deep sound better. The 11" deep ones would be pretty heavy. This really helps.Selvage Quilterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02830455480591075005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-75558288289688027372010-09-09T09:43:11.825-04:002010-09-09T09:43:11.825-04:00Hi Karen,
I don't have this brand of basket sh...Hi Karen,<br />I don't have this brand of basket shelving, but I store my fabrics in the same thing. I've had them stored for over 8 years this way in my sewing room, but not in the closet. They aren't in direct light and nothing has ever faded. I fold my large fabric pieces like they come off the bolt and then fold them once more lengthwise (selvage-to-selvage direction). I then place my 6" X 12" ruler on one end of the fabric and continually wrap the fabric around the ruler and then pull the ruler out. Now it is a nice size and when you want to cut some of the fabric you can unfold a section and cut without unfolding the entire piece. I stack my fabric in the basket so that when you pull out the basket and look into the basket you only see the top of each color sort of like how you only see a small portion of a bolt of fabric, or how you would place papers in a file cabinet. That way at-a-glance you can see all the fabrics in the basket. If you stacked them on top of each other you would have to take it all out to see what you had in the middle and bottom. My husband painted a large piece of wood to set on top of the basket units which gives me a place for pincushions, a lamp, and some baskets of things. It is not sturdy enough on the wood to use for anything like cutting because the wood is just sitting on top and not anchored to the unit. I first began using the basket unit after I saw a few well-known quilt teachers/authors using them. I have one or 2 colors families in each basket. Like I have one basket for blues, one basket for pinks and purples, etc. I wouldn't use any other system as it is so easy to see and use.Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06187456682218408410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-79896776710765831762010-09-09T09:42:48.786-04:002010-09-09T09:42:48.786-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Daryl @ Patchouli Moon Studiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06187456682218408410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-30604036884021998502010-09-09T09:28:29.310-04:002010-09-09T09:28:29.310-04:00i vote no.... i have 6 sets and over the years the...i vote no.... i have 6 sets and over the years they have begun to sag.. some have even broke due to the weight of fabric... i'm forced now to have each one that still works only half full... if i could go back i never would have bought them!Julie @ Jaybird Quiltshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07862285003347896342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-85955772253173162842010-09-09T09:19:31.507-04:002010-09-09T09:19:31.507-04:00I have had the Home Depot version of these for fiv...I have had the Home Depot version of these for five years. I have no sag or lean problem and they are stuffed with fabric. The top shelf is full of completed quilts (each in its own bag because my 19 pound cat considers it a perfect place to nap).Mickieraehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07980857751711764346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-48649057879417880762010-09-09T09:06:50.631-04:002010-09-09T09:06:50.631-04:00I have the elfa version and love it! And if you g...I have the elfa version and love it! And if you get the shorter basket they aren't too heavy. And if you lay the folded fabric on end you can see it all. I say go for the real thing!mascanlonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08265744683449278774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-23363737850325430982010-09-09T08:31:14.850-04:002010-09-09T08:31:14.850-04:00I'm a plastic bin person myself, but that'...I'm a plastic bin person myself, but that's because my sewing room is in my unfinished basement. No water (ever) or excessive bugs; I just feel more comfortable knowing fabric I've prewashed stays clean. That said, only you can say how dusty your sewing space gets. They certainly look servicable enough.FlourishingPalmshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13191140553844000267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-32168352897582927262010-09-09T08:14:02.036-04:002010-09-09T08:14:02.036-04:00Hi Karen, I met you at Jackie's earlier this s...Hi Karen, I met you at Jackie's earlier this summer. I bought some shelves similar to these at Home Depot and got casters so I could wheel them around. They are in my sewing room closet with UFO's and kits that I haven't made yet. Quite full :) Haven't had them too long yet but I love how they look! They hold a lot.<br />mariaegerard@gmail.comMariahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08417974258283610624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-21783097995727939202010-09-09T08:11:56.056-04:002010-09-09T08:11:56.056-04:00I have these drawers and have successfully loaded ...I have these drawers and have successfully loaded them with fabric. I do not have wheels, so they are in tucked into the corner of my closet. I used the top three shallow bins for my fat quarters and the larger bottom bin for my folded yardage. Hopefully, they won't warp and collapse as others have mentioned. Mine were free from a friend so if it doesn't work out in the long run, I'm not out anything. Good Luck!Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18022305045898511195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-44888812495594401692010-09-09T07:33:25.507-04:002010-09-09T07:33:25.507-04:00Elfa drawers are fine for fabric storage BUT I wou...Elfa drawers are fine for fabric storage BUT I would not use 11" in drawers, you can get more 3" drawers instead. Never had a problem with weight... my frames are very solid and I have used them for various projects for over 20 years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-28042339541294527992010-09-09T07:27:48.345-04:002010-09-09T07:27:48.345-04:00I have the ones from Lowe's and I love them. ...I have the ones from Lowe's and I love them. They are more than 10 years old and I have them filled to the brim...the really deep ones I keep Christmas fabric, batiks and plaids together. I also use them in my closet for my clothes. I have never had an issue with weight...they are wonderful in my sewing room as I have counter tops on the top so I'm utilizing all my available space!Anita in Floridahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07018410300551445233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-84759380204337004342010-09-09T05:54:35.999-04:002010-09-09T05:54:35.999-04:00I also have the Ikea ones but have the solid plast...I also have the Ikea ones but have the solid plastic ones. They work a treat particularly for fat quarters and small bits. I have actually just moved my metreage(sorry yardage)into a cupboard easier to look at than tucked away in a drawer. Down under (here in the land of oz) so I assume elsewhere Ikea have changed from the silver colour that they used to be to white they have also rectified some of the design flaws of older units - I know because I now own both types and the newer ones are MUCH better.<br />Have fun decidingSuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12595967763165696837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-19734526083680257242010-09-09T04:18:25.622-04:002010-09-09T04:18:25.622-04:00I have similar IKEA ones and the corners & loo...I have similar IKEA ones and the corners & loose threads poke through. Liners might help but next time round I'm going for bookshelves with doors. Not too deep and all on display once the doors are opened, all out of sight once closed.Suehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09276676085194609759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8963026736416502396.post-54409668159055067542010-09-09T04:13:49.978-04:002010-09-09T04:13:49.978-04:00I have bins like this I have had for over 10 years...I have bins like this I have had for over 10 years with fabrics in them and they work wonderfully. They were made for quilters. If these are higher quality bins I say go for it. The cheap ones at big box stores are not made for weight. mine have special clips on them will send you pictures if you want. I actually bought them from the same company as Nancy Martin when I saw them in her books I knew thats what I wanted. <br />Kathieantique quilterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15379983489980682690noreply@blogger.com