Marti, I'm not sure the heat in the attic is the best place to put it...you better bring it to my house for safe keeping...
*snicker*....
I'm sure someone will have some good suggestions...
Lisa

Marti, I think a month or so in the attic will be just fine. I don't think heat effects fabric like moisture does and the attic is much better for storage then a basement especially if it is safely stored in totes, IMHO.

Never store fabric in plastic, a hot attic or a damp basement.....all hard on fabric. After saying this, I don't think a month in the attic will harm it, but no rubber totes....place them in pillowcases...rubber/plastic cannot breath...things sweat and mildew and mold inside them.

Won't they get really dusty if they're just in pillowcases - and atticky smelling? wish I had somewhere else to put stuff, but we're putting down new flooring this summer & the only floor space will be the kitchen.

If your attic is properly ventilated you shouldn't have any problems with smell or dust and you are only storing a short time. I agree with Sandra not to use plastic totes. Open boxes covered with blankets would work okay.

Where I live our air is dry and all kinds of treasures are stored in attics for years with no damage. I would use an attic before a basement any day. The wood in our's is clean and looks brand new just like it was 40 yrs ago.
Jean

Okay, now I have a question! I know that so many of us use those plastic totes to store fabrics in their sewing rooms as I do. Should we NOT be doing that? Or is it just the climate control that is the issue??

I have just finally organized all my fabrics into totes and store them under my quilting frame that had dead space anyway and I was so thrilled with the idea. I sure hope that I have not made a mistake.

The problem with plastic/rubber, etc is that it does NOT allow the fabrics sealed in it, to breath....and, this is not good for fabrics. Containers would probably be okay, if there was no top on them...leave those off and cover with some acidfree tissue paper...or a scrap piece of fabric...to keep out the dust. The problems arise when you seal them into plastic containers.

Some of my fabric is in plastic totes - more than half of it. Some of the totes are pretty full, and the lid doesn't fully snap down. Some of my totes are opened so often that mold, etc. wouldn't have a chance. I've heard somewhere that a good idea is to poke a tiny airhole in a plastic tote lid, maybe with a nail, etc. to allow some air in. I haven't done that, but haven't had a problem, but my fabric and sewing room is in a spare bedroom, pretty much climate-controlled. If they were in long-term storage, then I'd worry, I guess. Just not a good idea to store them on wood. What about empty suitcases?

I use Rubbermaid boxes with tops. I have the fabric folded with the fold up, sorted by color. Since I pull the boxes out when picking fabric there is always a lot of fresh air. I will continue to use the boxes with tight fitting lids if for no other reason than I know, personally, that the contents are safe from airborne dirt. Boxes with loose fitting lids do not offer as much protection.

You can use archival storage boxes and even pizza boxes....anything but plastic I, personally, use wicker boxes that are lined with fabric...and, I place an additional piece of fabric over the top of the contents, and tuck it in. This keeps my fabric clean and allows it to breath, with no danger from moisture causing mildew, etc.

I love my plastic totes for storing my fabric and I am in them all the time so they get lots of air. A few of my totes have an air vent you can open on the lid. I also store fabric in a trunk. I just would be leary about the plastic in a hot attic.
Jean

The air vent would be a nice idea - where did you find those?

I have my stash in Rubbermaid totes, too, in a closet. The lids are far from airtight and they are opened frequently. Some of that stuff has been in there for YEARS and it's fine - not faded or discolored and still has a nice "hand" to it.

Marti, do you have a closet or something you can put your stash in? Maybe the pantry in your kitchen? ggg

Donna

Wish I did Donna, but my "pantry" is my laundry room. I'll just try to work fast & get it back down.

If you are not sealing them in plastic totes, but are using fabric wraps, or cardboard boxes, do check on them every few days, because mice can get in, and they will eat the carboard, and the fabric, and make nests in it faster than you can scream 'EXTERMINATOR!' Same for squirrels.

Marti in Mexico

Scraphappy, my totes with vented lids are Rubbermaid Fresh Tops 6.5 gal. I have had mine for a few years but they are great so hope you can find some.
Jean

Thanks, Love2sew! I'll check around for some.