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January 12, 2011

Inside The Polka Dot Linen Closet

I am embarrassed to show you the inside of the Polka Dot Linen Closet.  This is before I cleaned it up, I just had to do something!

You all know what it is like, you pull out one piece of fabric and a whole pile falls.

Are you ready???


Oh, I am feeling creative!
I cannot take credit for this idea, I saw it on a blog and I would love to give credit, just claim your idea and I will put your link.

I used comic book backing boards like this, take note of the size and weight.  I ordered them on the internet and I do not remember what site it was, but there are many.

There was 100 boards to a package and I think they were around $12.00.  When I first received them I did not think they were much sturdier than card stock, but they are.  It works perfect for 45" fabric you just fold it once.

Here is my vintage Fabrics, love them!


Roses

This is my lace, I love lace, but I had no idea I had this much!



And whats a Polka Dot Closet without polka dots?

I just love polka dots!

The surprising thing about this project is it did not free up a lot of room in my closet.  It did give me the opportunity to edit my fabric and take a big bag to the Goodwill.  This took a lot of time, I worked on it over 3 days off and on, I bet it took 6-8 hours.

It feels so great to have it done, It sure will be fun the next time I do a sewing project!

In full disclosure I have to tell you I am a neat freak, my house is usually spotless, just don't look in my closets or drawers!

Is anyone else like this where everything is neat, but your closets and drawers are a mess?

Ok, I feel better now that my dirty little secret is out of the closet!
Carol

I am linking up with
In My Own Style Tips & Tricks
Metamorphis Monday At  BNOTP
Songbird "Gitter Done".  Because it was about time I got my closet done!



at

52 comments:

  1. MariJanuary 12, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    HELLO CAROL :)

    OHHH WOW HOW WONDERFUL IT TURNED OUT!!!
    LOVE ALL YOUR PRETTY FABRICS :)
    I CONFESS TO HAVING THE AILMENT!!! IM A CLEAN FREAK!! BUT DOING THE CLOSETS JUST PUTS ME INTO A STATE OF SHOCK...SO I JUST TURN AWAY AND LEAVE IT FOR ANOTHER DAY THAT NEVER COMES.....GIGGLES!!!
    BUT I DID CLEAN OUT ALL MY CLOSETS BEFORE THANKSGIVING!! AND IM BEING REALLY STRICT ON MYSELF AND DOING MY BEST TO KEEP THEM ALL NICE AND NEAT :)

    XO~MARI

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  2. DebbiedoosJanuary 12, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    World of difference! That thing was a hot mess.

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  3. Rebecca NelsonJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    Hey girly...how you be? Thank you so much for visiting me! I am sooo happy to be on my way to being WELL AGAIN! I nevah-evah wanna be sick again. Now...if my cough will GO AWAY I'll be good!

    Now...you must know this...fabric and lace is my weakness and seeing yours makes me swoooooon!

    Love to you~

    Rebecca

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  4. MichelleJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:15 PM

    It looks great Carol! I'm very much the same way...I can't stand having a messy house, but the closets (and attic and basement) tend to get pretty messy. :)

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  5. Sissie's Shabby CottageJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    I cannot believe how neat and tidy your fabrics look! Oh, I am so envious because right now mine is an absolute mess. I am always shoveling it around form one place to the other and cannot find what I'm looking for without making a mess!
    Thanks for the tip using the board.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  6. Catlyn Berry (Cizz)January 12, 2011 at 6:22 PM

    Oh goodness! You have put me to shame! My mess is worse than yours WAS! The boards are a wonderful idea and after see how organized and neat your stash is I have to get busy with mine!

    Hugs'
    Catlyn

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  7. PEACHESJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    Love this post! I just love seeing the inside of people's closets. What a collection you have. My Goodness! Oh, the roses...I shall swoon!

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  8. CreateologyJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    I love how you have organized your fabrics...sideways instead of stacked. How nice to pull out just the ONE you want. Well done! Happy and productive sewing...

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  9. AnonymousJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    I love the way you stored your pretty fabrics. It looks great and I am sure it will be a lot easier to keep it neat than it is when they are stacked. I think I too will borrow the idea! Thank you for passing it along.

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  10. ConnieJanuary 12, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    That looks great compared to what mine looks like - even the "Before" pix, sugar! I've got to straighten/clean/organize the shelves but I've taken 2 months to "think" on it. Sigh...
    xoxo,
    Connie

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  11. SusanJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:01 PM

    Your fabric closet is awesome!! I will have to keep this in mind when I get into my craft room in my new house!!

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  12. Stacy's Shabby ShoppeJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:39 PM

    Super great job Carol ~ it looks wonderful now! What a lot of hard work, but it's always worth it in the end! ~Stacy~

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  13. LaJanuary 12, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    Look at all those pretty colors! NICE!

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  14. Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage DesignsJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    Carol ~
    Ohhhh my goodness !!!
    Your closet looks amazing now !
    You go girl !!!

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  15. DeniseJanuary 12, 2011 at 8:55 PM

    Thank you for your good wishes.I feel wonderful.Wow,do you sew alot of clothes? If I lived in your town I would be at Goodwill in the AM.It's all beautiful.

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  16. ~Lavender Dreamer~January 12, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    OH MY! I never thought about doing my fabric like that! Mine is in stacks...but it's hard to pull a piece from the bottom! I'll take a before photo...and try to change mine around! Stay warm tonight! At least we don't have to worry about ice or snow...just wind! ♥

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  17. UnknownJanuary 12, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Beautiful job, Carol & lovely fabrics.

    Have a lovely winters eve ~
    TTFN ~
    Hugs, Marydon

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  18. Lisa MacomberJanuary 12, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    oh oh, can I come shopping in your closet?

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  19. KimMalkJanuary 12, 2011 at 10:06 PM

    Wow, what a difference. It looks like it's own little boutique.

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  20. KimMalkJanuary 12, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    Hi Carol, I hope I don't wear out my comment welcome. Have you ever starched silk? I saw a piece from the '50s today, I was considering putting it on my wall--any experience with that?

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  21. GARAGE SALE GALJanuary 12, 2011 at 11:06 PM

    Looks wonderful and you do have so many Pretty fabrics and lace! I'll try to remember that idea when I finally get my craftroom!
    Warmly,
    deb

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  22. SheilaghJanuary 13, 2011 at 2:11 AM

    Oh wow that looks like heaven:)

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  23. KimJanuary 13, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    WOW! I think you could open up your own store there girl! So impressed with the difference and you must love how organized it is now. Great job!!!
    xoxo,
    Kim

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  24. GinaJanuary 13, 2011 at 8:18 AM

    Wow, perfectly organized! You wouldn't even have to close the doors.

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  25. SaritaJanuary 13, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Wow, you have some beautiful fabrics! I'm kind of the opposite ... when I clean, I start with the drawers and closets and organize then move outwards. It drove my mom crazy as a kid. All she wanted was for me to make my room look neat - and throw everything in the closet if I had to!
    Can't wait to see what you make with everything!

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  26. anniegJanuary 13, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    First of all, I want every single fabric in your closet, please and thank you! Carol, what a fabulous idea. I can't tell you how many times I've gone for a piece of fabric and ended up with the entire stack in my lap. Come do my closet.

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  27. UnknownJanuary 13, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    What a transformation! I am a neat freak too but my closets scare me. The drawers in our home are pretty good, but the closets...nope. What is up with that? Wish I could twinkle my nose and have them organized. Not happening. LOL
    Roselle

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  28. {oc cottage}January 13, 2011 at 10:07 PM

    That must be what heaven will look like!!! ;}


    m ^..^

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  29. gail@My Repurposed LifeJanuary 13, 2011 at 10:15 PM

    wow! carol, it's soooo pretty! I love that you can really see all the fabric now. Isn't it sad that you didn't gain much space!
    I was just telling a friend today that my sister isn't all that neat in her house, but I could always count on her cabinets and closets being neat as a pin. I'm the total opposite. Open a closet around here? you better be ready to duck!
    great job!
    gail

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  30. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2011 at 11:57 PM

    My name is Shannon and I'm a fabric buying holic. At least you make stuff to sell. Right now I'm kind of hoarding mine. Every now and then I make something or need fabric, then I'm too lazy to put it away. I have a similiar system to your "after" but I pulled out fabrics to use during Christmas that are in piles on the guest bed waitng to be folding again.

    Sorry to say once you get things neat, it doesn't always stay that way. Better luck to you!

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  31. DebbieJanuary 14, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    Raising my hand sheepishly to answer the last question.

    Yes, ME. I'm just exactly like that. I love the new organized look. It just makes you feel more creative, doesn't it?

    I'm a fabric freak so I was oggling it all, especially all the polka dots.

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  32. DeborahJanuary 14, 2011 at 7:45 AM

    Hi Carol, I love it that you share your techniques for doing things. I have been wary of using my dremel to punch holes in metal. Do you use a metal drill bit? Great job on the closet organization. Such pretty fabrics!

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  33. Linda @ Itsy Bits And PiecesJanuary 14, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    Well, this is sure inspiring, Carol! Such pretty fabrics all right at hand...and looks so pretty, too! Thanks for entering my giveaway~ good luck!

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  34. Bring Pretty BackJanuary 14, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    Carol, WOW! Talk about a transformation!
    Great job!
    Have a pretty day!
    Kristin

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  35. Allyson PecilunasJanuary 14, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    Carol, all of your fabrics look so organized and ready to use! I bet you are feeling very relieved and creative it looks awesome! Thanks so much for stopping over and commenting and becoming a follower. I appreciate it. I am now your newest follower.. I am so sorry that you had to deal with that verification word thingy I had no idea it was even on! I hate that!! It is off now. Thanks I will ask if I have any questions it sure is confusing at first. Have a great weekend

    ~Allyson~

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  36. MarianneJanuary 15, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Oh all of that fabric organizes like that is downright drool worthy. Love how it looks, the closet is a feature in itself now. Must make your hands itching to get some of that fabric out again and start the creative fun.
    Thanks for linking up!!!

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  37. Tee January 15, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    Wow! Beautiful Material! And you did a great job putting it all back! And I agree, the closet is now a feature too!

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  38. KoleinJanuary 16, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    This is so beautiful. It makes me want to do the same thing in my closet!!!!

    Right now, my closets and drawers are starting to be neater than the rest of the house. But I'm playing at Marianne's for Gitter Done and things are looking up!!

    Glad to have "met" you!

    ~Kolein

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  39. AnonymousJanuary 16, 2011 at 2:21 PM

    I like things neat and tidy too. I can work much better that way. That's why it's driving me crazy that my studio/craft room is humble jumble. I am looking for new shelving. But I am determined to find it cheap at a yard sale/consignment type place. So it's going to take a while. It was fun looking at all your pretty fabric Carol.

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  40. Allison ShopsJanuary 16, 2011 at 10:29 PM

    I like things to be organized too. Just makes you feel better! The colors and patterns are so pretty. Nice selection.
    Hope you'll come see the picture wall I helped DD2 create for her home.

    Allison
    Atticmag

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  41. foreverdecoratingJanuary 16, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    My hubbys grandma and Aunt are neat except in closets and basements. I think your closet came out wonderfully organized and this is something that I learned...comic book cardboard is a good thing. Thanks for sharing.

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  42. dee deeJanuary 16, 2011 at 11:19 PM

    Carol,
    Thanks for stopping by to visit and for following my blog! I have enjoyed scrolling through your blog this evening and have loved so many of your wonderful projects! Your closet turned out fantastic, so very organized! It would make me want to jump right into using some of that excellent fabric! Following you right back!
    Dee Dee

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  43. Kim @ A Brush of WhimsyJanuary 17, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    Everything looks beautiful! I LOVE polka dots, too! :)

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  44. laxsupermomJanuary 18, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    I love this idea! It looks so pretty organized that way. My fabric stash could use an overhaul, too.

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  45. Julie @ Inspired By YouJanuary 19, 2011 at 2:32 PM

    I so need to organize my fabrics now! Looks so nice.

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  46. The Decorative DreamerJanuary 20, 2011 at 10:52 PM

    I love this idea with the cardboard! I just had to pop over here tonight to check it out too. I love being able to see everything too. It's so much easier to decide what to use. Thanks for sharing this!

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  47. Rona GregoryMay 17, 2011 at 9:54 PM

    Oh Carol! I have just read your entire blog... well back as far as September 2010! You have such fantastic ideas! You sound so much like me in as much as you're creative brain never switches off and you love making pretty things from stuff that no-one wants anymore! I have just tried to tidy my studio over the last few days and have all my painting and art stuff neatly done. Today my Lovely Man bought me two tall bookcases in the sale (I had my eye on them for weeks) anyhow I was going to put my fabrics in baskets or simply fold and pile. But like you say, pull one the whole lot comes out however careful you are! I am definitely going to get some card!! Thank you for the tip xx

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  48. Ginger LemonAugust 5, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    The boards are a great idea! I love polka dots too :)

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  49. UnknownOctober 30, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Great tip and fab storage! I've wanted to do something like this with foam core board, but those boards you used look heavy and sturdy... what a great idea!

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  50. InMyOwnStyleOctober 31, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    This is a great tip. I will be featuring it on my blog post today.

    Thanks for linking up to the party.
    My best- Diane

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  51. Connie@Connie Nikiforoff DesignsOctober 31, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    I'm like you...a neat freak. But also my closets are often a bit of a mess. Outta sight/outta mind...haha!

    If I could get our kids to get ALL their stuff out of the closets in the rooms that used to be their bedrooms, then I'd have more room for the things I need now. On the other hand, if we move, then most likely some of the things I say I need, will be gone. Isn't that the fun of moving! LOL!

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  52. screendoorgirl3July 30, 2012 at 10:01 PM

    Wow! You have a fabric closet? My idol..Great blog, found you on Pinterest.. Thanks, Jodi (aka Screendoorgirl 3)

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