Monday, August 4, 2014

Organizing

Organization is something that I really have to work at. It just isn't one of my gifts. But I would like to share a few things that helps me to be a little more organized in my sewing area.


I think we all collect a healthy assortment of patterns as we make our way through this quilting adventure. Not only do I have patterns that I've purchased at the LQS, but I have also downloaded patterns from my computer. So what to do with all of these dreams in the making.

I came across this file folder which has worked really well for my collection. Comes in very handy for paper patterns.

Of course it is fun to use pretty folders.

Who said we had to use plain old office manila folders?

Perfect for storing individual patterns as well.

Another great tool for organizing. I like going vertical as it frees up work space.

I found this storage unit at Target on clearance. It's also handy to carry if you need certain notions for a class.

My collection of scissors grows. And everyone in my household knows that if they use my fabric scissors......... well, they might walk the plank! I try to keep my craft scissors and fabric scissors separated. I found the little green garden holder and the jumbo pencil cup at the office supply store.

Whenever I find these magazine organizers at the thrift stores, I swoop them up.  It's a great way to have them organized. These plastic magazine holders can be pretty dirty, but I've found that I can put them in the bottom rack of the dishwasher, and they come out good as new :-)

For years I have cut out patterns from magazines, or downloaded and printed them off of the computer. I like putting them in a clear sleeve and into a notebook which is a wonderful way to store them. It's fun to take out the notebook and browse through for creative ideas.

A slotted wooden ruler holder is a great idea, but I really did not have a good place to set one up. So instead I just put a nice long nail (thanks dear hubby) into the wall and hang my acrylic rulers in an out of the way place. Most rulers have a hole to accommodate such a feat.

I'd love to hear your organizing tips as well!

Have a great quilting day!

10 comments:

Val's Quilting Studio said...

Looks like you are making great progress. I especially like the "notebook" idea.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

My purchased patterns are put into an expandable accordion type file alphabetically.

Ivory Spring said...

Jocelyn,

You need to come over and organize my stuff! You did such a great job.
Thanks for stopping by and entering my giveaway. I always love hearing from you. Hope you are having a good summer.

Val said...

You look very very organized to me! I cannot wait until I get in to my farmhouse so I can do some of that organizing!

margaret said...

I so agree we collect so many patterns etc of things we would one day like to do. Anything from the computer I keep in a file on the computer but also back it up on a memory stick but do not print it off until I decide to make it. Magazines if there is a lot in I want to one day try I keep otherwise like you i tear the one I want out and put into a file, I will never get through a quarter of what I want to do though as every day I see something else I would like to try!

Betty said...

I love the organization. I cannot stand things all over the place as they are now due to remodeling. After this is done I will be organizing.

Tanna said...

You are WAY more organized than I am!! I really like that stacked organizer from Target. Ah, I need you here to prod me along... think I'm going to read a few more blogs... LOL! blessings ~ tanna

My name is Riet said...

I love what you did with all your patterns.most of my patterns are in office maps. I Some times go through them and immediately want to start a new quilt. But I need to finish a few first. ;))

donna said...

I love how you organized your patterns. Mine are all in a wire basket. Looks like you have been a bust gal.
Hugs
donna

Mary Casey said...

I keep a sticky roller on a cup sitting by , or on, my cutting board for cleaning up threads, snippits,etc.