First things first. The winners of Week 1 and Week 2:
Week One: Complete 2018 BOM Pattern: Cindy Shelley
Week Two: Easy Binding Winder: BJ Ramey
Congratulations Ladies!!!!
This week I am sharing a few of my favorite organization tips. Here are a few of my favorite.![IMG_0846[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBA1pCrUeJm0cH7kjsUvDk9OL4PywrlL981ltmJAESKELtvT7_4T_G6dF88mv7enN4TItwzjMwsfkMTuactVJUKKeSnHUmB2lUKJ-3o1n4VM9iM1kwpAMCY5aODJMhTbLgokvwCJfFIKg/?imgmax=800 "IMG_0846[1]")
This is a Pampered Chef kitchen tool spinner. I bought two of these and put one in my studio and the other out in our RV. Nope, don’t need one in the kitchen. I have a great drawer for that.
I love this because it keeps all the tools I need and use most right at hand next to my sewing machine. I labeled each spot so I can return items to the correct cubby and keep it organized.
Another favorite organizer is a small drawer unit that sits on my sewing table.
I labeled the drawer pulls N T R, which stands for Needles for my sewing machine, Tape measures, and Rotary cutter blades. I love having these nearby but away from little fingers who like to explore my studio.
On top of this little cabinet I keep a small notebook.
In the notebook I keep track of my machine settings for the project I am working on. This page shows a Deco Rose block I am machine appliqueing.
The notations show my thread, machine stitch settings, tension, foot, throat plate, and the stabilizer I am using. I also add the date I worked on the project. This way I can pick up a project later and have all the information I need to pick up where I left off. Gotta tell ya, this has saved me more than once.
I am used to working in a small space so I have arranged my sewing space so the things I need and use all the time are handy. In the 5-drawer unit next to my machine table I have organized more tools I use a lot.
![IMG_0848[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkJ3Jue9DgGrPLoig8JSm3binVZT_d9an9zpPNpwnKGcalcFgdRT5RErrZxs2FCexcaLws1KGlLDS14TfeJNy9O17Nl1exXCt4hHnN2F-OYk46qazjoNw21twE0jh4DSguyyKqRWwd1YK/?imgmax=800 "IMG_0848[1]")
The top drawers holds extra scissors, snips, paper piecing tools, extra thread, and other “stuff.”
Notice that I keep a lot of stuff in closed cases. This is so I can grab what I need and throw it in my travel case when I am getting ready to go on the road. When I get home it goes back in the drawer it came out of and I am ready to get to work at home again.
![IMG_0850[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31i55_4dspCbCFSS5tHV-oa18fTTak3LLOYKHkmEK5BuZ9n1_Wr6qS2AvXtQy9RuOCuUalsNwM1tVtxGzREc5qQefj9AOx9NUxpHA_w1LvZli4UcS8XZl28yf3ouTyiQpHdfl4BLLpKW0/?imgmax=800 "IMG_0850[1]")
Drawer #2 keeps all my sewing machine accessories and users manuals nearby. These drawers are large but shallow, so they hold everything where it is easy to see. I have 3 Berninas so I label each box and case with the machine it goes to. It is also a good place to tuck my machine quilting gloves so they are handy when I get out my quilting foot or stitch regulator.
![IMG_0851[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyn3Q-hM0dF26omksbPr3Ad0yeZjIzxh8uDxY1Eg2mcvTRFOlYhhAh2v4DDyAiRMCvCS007L8rX9z3B8v5PyVdxzh_6-6FIjjDIdcydgOFCyOmv7IbOWumJImMAXhkHJu-1XYek3AJJOQT/?imgmax=800 "IMG_0851[1]")
I’ll save the bottom 3 drawers when we get to thread. hint hint
My best organizer in my studio is my 14’ work top with cupboards underneath.
![IMG_0858[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOEwSc36OBMDprnxCcHPV3i0AYGid5wL0AXBQ-o98AXdrhsehJGPUmNh45r-rJjADkAcRrVZZLbzdwNqJtx2gD1y9Itktmtkq8ZiTS16-J0jMJG8-4Udevtf0wXP5bpySSTxg8ruXlDqB/?imgmax=800 "IMG_0858[1]")
The drawers are labeled so I know what is in each one. I have a drawer for rulers, for embroidery machine hoops and stabilizers, specialty thread, fusible web and stuff on a roll.
Specialty rulers and templates live here. These are things I don’t use often but are too large to fit in my template tub.
This drawer holds my hoops, basting spray, stabilizers and other things I need when doing machine embroidery. Unfortunately my embroidery unit is too big to fit in this drawer so it sits up on the counter.
I use a LOT of fusible web. I keep my large rolls and small pieces in this drawer. I love having different kinds of web so I can select just the right type and size for the project I am working on. Scraps and leftovers go back in the drawer when I am done working.
This last drawer holds stuff on a roll. Freezer paper, parchment paper, pressing mats, quilting paper, and clear acetate sheets all live happily together in here.
Yes, there are more drawers, but I will save those for next week.
Finally, I have these great cubbies beneath my cutting table. The are just perfect for storing my GO! Cutter dies and mats. I keep an inventory of what I have so it is easy to go right to the size I need when I am planning a project.
Big dies are stored in those blue bins. One for narrow dies, and one for the big square dies. My large cubes are there too, although I keep the small dies for my 8" and 12” cubes on the shelf above my counter top with Big Boy keeping watch on his hamburger, and the sheep!
So that is all for today. Join me next week to see how I deal with fabric, thread, embellishments and all the other “stuff” that fills up my studio
OH, I almost forgot.
Leave a comment to be entered to win.
Share your favorite organizational tip. Or give me a few suggestions for how I can be better organized. My studio is clearly a work in progress. LOL
Here are the owners of those little fingers who love to play in g-ma’s studio. Of course they are eating popsicles and ice cream cones. This IS gramma’s house, after all!!
Be sure to visit all the other Hoppers in this second week of the Creative Spaces Blog Hop.
Here’s the list of participants and the days of the week they’ll be posting. Click the links to go to each of their blogs below and follow them, or bookmark their sites so you can check out what each has to say every week!
MONDAYS
TUESDAYS
WEDNESDAYS
- Kate Colleran of Seams Like a Dream
- Kris Poor of Poor House Quilt Designs
- Jessica Caldwell of Desert Bloom Quilting
I love your cabinets. Looks pretty good to me. I put a peg board on a wall. Covers a whole wall but it works for me. The other handy thing I found was clear pocket organizers for the back of my door. Love these 2 but you already look pretty organized.
ReplyDeleteI love how you organise your draws. Hubby`s making me a quilting unit so can store like you have but one side has a thin gap for my cutting board and rulers which I keep in wooden slots so can get at the one I want to use. I will have a draw for fabric Project Bags that kitted projects are in,so can pull out to take when go out.
ReplyDeleteYou are way more organized than I am, so I have no suggestions for you. What I need is more space, as my sewing room is also my grandchildren so bedroom when they visit. I must work around a twin bed and a set of bunk beds. Ohioholman at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteSubee, Perhaps it's time for a triple bunk! Years ago, I remember an HGTV show that mentioned storing a bed on its side (long-ways), so they could put a hinged table mounted on the wall over it. When it was time to use the bed, they'd pull it out & lay the table against the wall.
DeleteMy sewing space is a work in progress as I am moving. My new space is a lot smaller since I'll be sharing the room with my husband for his home office. I have put bookshelves in the walk-in closet. I have supplies sorted into labeled containers and stored on the bookshelves and closet shelves. I'm still working on how to keep the tools I use regularly close at hand.
ReplyDeleteNo need to give you tips on organization...I think you've got things well in hand. My mouth waters when I see your 14' cabinet with drawers - wonderful. My best organizational tools are Ziploc bags. I use them for the different types of machine needles, for my various presser feet, for fabric pieces cut out for a project, etc. I usually mark them up in the corner and then alphabetize them so I can find them easily. I buy the 'freezer' bags because they are made of heavier plastic and stand on end better.
ReplyDeleteI like office supply storage boxes, they are attractive and have label trays so I can keep my projects in a box and ready to go when working on them.
ReplyDeleteYou seem very organized, so no ideas from me. I think I could be better organized if I could just get rid of about half of my fabric stash! Never happen.
ReplyDeleteI use some plastic storage containers (on rollers) for fabric storage under my bed. rozz01(at)cox(dot)net
ReplyDeleteI love all your drawers. I have a peg board beside my machine. I need a better system for all my special rulers, though.
ReplyDeleteI have my fabric organized by color and or theme in various places. I need to get it condensed into some consistent space though. I try to put things back where I found them when I’m done so I know where to find them next time!
ReplyDeleteLove the organization
ReplyDeleteI have my fabric by color and theme (Christmas, etc.) Fun to "shop" when you can find a color you need. Sometimes your eyes will go over another piece that you would usually not use together, but when scanning, wa la!
ReplyDeleteWonderful organization! Love the spinner. 24Tangent@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI love my peg board above the sewing machine, it holds scissors, and baskets with needles, and other small objects. All within an easy reach.
ReplyDeleteI think I can take some organizational hints from you rather than give you some. :) The spinner is an excellent suggestion.
ReplyDeleteI love that you have things out of the reach of little ones. My granddaughter unexpectedly came to live with my son, her dad, and me when she was two. She had no concept of NO. It was difficult to have her in my house with my things where I was used to being by myself and could leave things handy and not have to worry about little fingers. We tried to get my things put as best as possible with my limited mobility and she sure could find things that I had no idea where anywhere near her. Thanks for sharing your storage system thus far - it's amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about the pampered chef organizer. I am using something from the stationary store, but this is better. My organization tip (which I often fail to follow), is "always put it back!". My goal is for a place for everything and everything in it's place. hard to do.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tour. I think labelling drawers is really important otherwise you can spend so much time looking for something
ReplyDeleteLove your idea for the tool holder! I have a rolling cart for my thread storage!
ReplyDeleteLove the spinner with all the various tools. Wish some one would help me organize.
ReplyDeleteLove using kitchen and hardware organizers in the sewing room! Very clever use of the tool spinner.
ReplyDeleteLove your drawers and the spinner. I could certainly use some more space. I do use trouser hangers for putting cutting boards and large rulers away in closet.
ReplyDeletewow tac73, that is a brilliant idea!!! Never thought of that. I have a couple old skirt hangers, the kind that you could hang 6 skirts on. I use them to hang small quilts. But they would also work for mats. Thanks for the tip!
DeleteI also hang some specialty rulers (a circular one) & my stencils on closable shower curtain rings (metal type, similar to a locking O-ring). I can turn it to the one I need to remove & hang back up.
DeleteI like to make the most of every inch of space I have as well. The hardware section of department stores is a great place to find containers and cabinets for organization.
ReplyDeleteI have my scraps sorted by color in bins that happen to fit perfectly in two of my wire-frame Elfa drawers.
ReplyDeleteThank you all your organizational tips. Nice to see your setup.
ReplyDeleteI love all the comments and drool over your sewing room. I have lots of the storage items but have difficulty taming the hoard. The mind is willing but the body just doesn't follow. Someday.I can dream.
ReplyDeleteI would love to be in the same room as you and watch as you sew, come up with new ideas etc. Enjoyed the tour of your sewing room and sewing supplies. Elaine
ReplyDeleteI think you have the organization thing down. Because I have limited space, I took the base from my old waterbed that had 12 drawers, stacked them up and have a thick piece of cabinet plywood for a top which I use for a cutting table and work space. The drawers are a god sent.
ReplyDeleteI keep all of my patterns organized by subject in file folders which I store in a file cabinet.
ReplyDeleteI have a cabinet with drawers, but they are long. I would love to have narrower ones to break things up more . by category.
ReplyDeleteI have a hodgepodge of boxes, bins and baskets. Lots of storage space, but none of it is organized and I am constantly trying to find things. I am not an organizer but I am hopeful some of these ideas might rub off on me.
ReplyDeleteI separate my patterne by applique, precuts, paper pieced and so on, lol. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeletecork@pa.rr.com
It's always fun at grandma's house! :) You look amazingly organized! I love the Pampered Che spinner idea! I use a lot of clear plastic scrapbooking cases - the kind that are frequently on sale at Michael's. They hold various notions and tools and fabric. They are stacked on a tall bookshelf. Thanks for the inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteI like the spinner and was wondering-is the pink flamingo behind the rippers a tool?
ReplyDeleteI use the clear plastic photo snap cases for small things and large projects with all the pieces and extra fabric in scrapbook cases until the top is complete. Then it moves to a hanger with a pool noodle over the bottom to prevent creases until it is quilted.
What a great space you have with your 14’ work top with cupboards underneath. Would love to have something like that.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely organizationally challenged. I keep purchasing things to store my stuff in, but often have trouble finding what I need! I love your studio!
ReplyDeleteI am a mixed bag. Still have all my scrapbook stuff taking up space. I need to work some out so i free up that space for a permanent ironing table. My husband built me a great cutting table with a slide out carrier, like a wooden tool carrier, for my rulers and best press. This was custom made for the gap between the two tote storing cubbies he built under the cutting table. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI definately keep something similar to a notebook. Mine is a little larger and has also become more of a journal, in addition to listing supplies and setting I also keep swatches of fabric, photos, lessons learned (this has been especially helpful as a new quilter). I document dates and times for every quilt.
ReplyDeleteWow, you are far more organized than I. Thank you for sharing your tips.
ReplyDeleteI can't offer you any suggestions! You are so well organized! I can use some of your methods to help me organize!
ReplyDeletenikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
I am not organized at all. I am always hunting for something.
ReplyDeleteI like your shallow drawer unit. I need to get one. Thank you for sharing your organizing ideas. They are really helpful. cherievidovich@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteEverything is so neat and tidy! Think of all the time you save by knowing where things are. Thanks for sharing and for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to use the Art Bin boxes with handles to help organize your projects for traveling. The box also doubles nicely as a work surface when I place a sandpaper board on top of it. I love to do EPP-English Paper Piecing, while my husband drives the car. Things don't slide around on the sandpaper board and all of my supplies in the Art Bin box underneath are within reach!
ReplyDeleteLove it. My favs,are the ergonomic rotary cutters
ReplyDeleteLove it. My favs,are the ergonomic rotary cutters
ReplyDeleteYour sewing space is very organized and shows how workable it is too. Thanks for sharing your ideas and of course the giveaway too.
ReplyDeleteI love to keep my stuff neat and tidy and organized. I fi d labeling drawers, tubs also helps. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI have a large peg board on the wall that I keep my rules, scissors and other items on, and small items in see-through plastic pouches. My fabric is stored in an 8'x14' closet with double doors that open into my sewing room. The closet has two-2 strip 4' LED light units. I have five 48"wx84"hx14"d chrome shelving units for fabric and several other units for items. The units are set up like a grocery store so I can store fabric on both sides of the 14" shelves. My fabric organized by color family and design and rolled long ways onto acid free comic boards and the boards are placed in groups in acid free magazine holders. Backing yardage is flatfolded and stored on top of the shelving units. I would love to share a photo but I am not sure how to. I recently removed the carpet and installed luxury vinyl plank tile for flooring which is great to stand on.
ReplyDeleteFor lighting, I purchased eight 4 ft. 2 strip LED light units from Costco and my husband installed them in a square pattern on the ceiling so my sewing room and closet are well lit so I can sew at night as well as in the daytime. These are just a few of my tips. Thx for sharing yours as I am still in the process of organizing.
You are so very organized. Much more so than I am. My friend has a peg board and she has her rulers on it and also quilting stencils (for hand quilting.) It's great to see at a glance what's there so she (and I, because we quilt together once a week) doesn't have to go hunting through a pile of things.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tip is drawers, but you definitely have that covered! I have 6 drawers, so most of them have lots of different things. I keep them organized by frequency needed--the one next to my machine has the best stuff, and the last one is a mess of stuff I don't need.
ReplyDeleteWell I see I need to get more organized! You've given me some great tips with marking drawers so that everything gets put back where it belongs. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these tips and examples. I would be interested in seeing how you set up your sewing in the RV.
ReplyDeleteYou have given me a few ideas that I could use in my space. I am just afraid that if I get too organized it will make it easier for the others in the house find my tools!
ReplyDeleteYou are the Queen of Organization! Love the way you have things arranged and organized. Love all of your tips! And I need to make use of them. I have used some of your tips, coming up with these on my own, but need to use more of your tips. They are a terrific. Thank you for sharing and for this great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI have some of your ideas at work, but I have moved so much lately I don't know where some of my stuff is,
ReplyDeleteI don't know whether this fits or not, but I put a piece of masking tape with the sticky side out(ends folded back) on my sewing machine near the top. I put all cut thread ends on it to keep the sewing area cleaner.
ReplyDeleteI love the hint about a notebook and entering all the pertinent info on quilt in progress. Sooo many times, I have had to figure it all out again when I go back to the WIP. Thanks! And to your response to lady re pants hanger - I too have a 6 hanger hanger. Now where did I stow that?????
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I have a great studio, but your pictures remind me I need to have a clean up day. pjrquilter at msn dot com
ReplyDeleteMe I'm just trying to talk my husband into swapping the master bedroom with my sewing room(you just sleep in the room,why do you need all that extra room....Nancy
ReplyDeleteHa-ha! That's what a quilter-friend said: she needs a bigger studio & wants a long-arm quilting frame.
DeleteI do lots of different art forms - machine embroidery, sewing (home dec & clothing), quilting (mostly by hand, machine pieced/ appliqued), knitting & art-crafts. I have fallen in love w/ the cube storage units & fabric bins. I got some chalkboard fabric to make stick-on labels, so I can change my mind.
ReplyDeleteWhich reminds me, your spinner is a good idea, but find I frequently need to re-label things, so I put Scotch Magic Tape & mark on that, so it's easy to remove when I reorganize.
I LOVE your long table - the problem w/ my sewing room is that it's too small -- only 8' x 9' (was a small bedroom), but it DOES have a deep-shelved-closet for bins of fabric (behind a pretty curtain).
I love all the organizing ideas. I have one of the small, 3 drawer units next to my machine to hold extra thread, bobbins, cleaning tools, screwdrivers, machine needles, etc. I even take it with me to retreats so I know I have what I need.
ReplyDeleteLovely. I love all the storage space you have. I wish I had a spare bedroom/sewing studio.
ReplyDeleteThanks Reeze for the great class this week. I going through the sewing room and using clear Containers on most everything. I label it on the outside but it’s nice to see through the container so I know right away that is easily that identifiable.
ReplyDeleteMy husband purchased some small plastic jars with lids for his workshop (restores cars) and he said I could have some. I store my basting pins, wonder clips, bobbins, needles, etc. They are very handy and keep these items all in one place.
ReplyDeleteqwowq some great ideas to sorting my sewing craft room will have to try the small containers as I have plenty of cupboard space. Love what your doing.
ReplyDeleteYou sure don't seem to need help with organizing. Your space looks great. My space is in transition as we are downsizing, but I will actually have more room in the new sewing/craft room. I am a fan of clear totes. I have them holding my threads, patterns, current projects, future projects, fabric. I have some of the clear stacking drawers as well. I use an old teacher's desk as my sewing table. The drawers come in really handy for supplies that are used all the time, like a variety of scissors.
ReplyDeleteYour the queen of organization. I love the 14” cabinet and would love to have those. My room is too small for that. Love reading the blog to get ideas from everyone.
ReplyDeleteHave recently moved so the reorganizing of sewing room is now ongoing. What I first thought would work doesn't see like will so more moving...
ReplyDeleteI can't give you suggestions on organizing! One thing that has worked well for me is keeping a binder in which I keep a copy of the patterns I'm currently working on, so that if somehow I misplace the actual pattern it's not a crisis, because I have a master copy in the "ongoing projects" notebook.
ReplyDeleteYour ideas are great and seem to be how I arrange my supplies. I also have drawer cabinets, which we special ordered at Lowes, ( match the floor model make your own. Any counter top, which is not supported in the center will bow. I should know since I did what you did 20 years ago, having a space in the center for baskets. When I moved, I used three drawer units. I also keep my hoops flat. They will also bow. My husband repairs sewing machine, so I have seen and played with lots of other people problems with their machines.
ReplyDeleteLove your ideas. I will need to incorporate the small storage unit with the needles, tape & rotary blades. Why didn't I think of that! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI would love to have the space and drawers like you have. Everything seems very well organized.
ReplyDeleteIt all looks great to me. I think if you are busy using it, it can not look perfect. I wish I had more room for more cabinets with drawers.Thanks for the tour and tips!
ReplyDeleteLove your 14' workspace-envious of your organization!
ReplyDelete