Sunday, February 23, 2014

Organization


I finished my Anorak jacket on Saturday morning (it will be on Mood Sewing Network Monday Morning, February 24th).


I took one look at my sewing room and knew it was time for a good cleaning.  After a couple of hours of cleaning shelves, drawers and countertops it was looking better.  I have been wanting to buy some storage containers to keep all my interfacing, so a quick trip to Dollar General for several sizes.  I order several yards of interfacing in different types and keeping track of the various ones was difficult.  Not too mention when your pieces get small.  I needed a solution!

Here is what I did, placed the interfacing (Fashion Sewing Supply) in the container.  On the top, I put the fusing instructions and on the front of the box the type of interfacing


and if I had smaller amounts, I used a zipper bag

I added more storage containers for more interfacing and ribbing

Rick rack and foldover elastic



Quilting projects, this was a big need, Meredith and I both have projects going.  This leads to small pieces disappearing.  The storage container keeps all our quilt projects safe and together.  The green container holds my snaps for my press.

Here is the bottom shelf. 


I did tidy my stash, too

A short description:


The top left piece is a red wool, which I had hoped to make a new winter coat. That will wait till next year.  Under the red wool, a brown plaid wool (Mood), then a teal ponte (Fabric Mart) and a blue shirting (Mood)    The next pile is from a friend, little girl prints mostly corduroy, they will be good for a granddaughter someday.  The next stack on the top row is knits, just arrived in the sewing room from Fabric Mart and Mood.

Now the second row, the first two stacks are knits for the little guy.  Well, except for the black houndstooth, it is a leftover yardage from my dress.  The last stack is from Mood, a blouse and pants are planned.

Yep, that is my stash.

What are your storage solutions?


Oh, one more thing, don't forget to enter the giveway , the first of 6 leading up to my August anniversary.

14 comments:

  1. Anonymous9:19 AM

    Ooh, I like the idea of clear storage containers! I have one of those cube storage containers that I keep against the wall underneath my sewing table- there's still room for my knees, but it's sort of out of sight and uses space that can't be used for anything else. Fabric is rolled up in dresser drawers, and I keep my patterns and yarn in a four-drawer file cabinet that I just got from a secondhand shop. With hobbies that require so many odds and ends, it's always such a struggle to keep things organized and accessible!

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    1. It is a struggle to keep organized, yet you want to have notions, patterns and fabric on hand when inspiration strikes. You have great ideas for storage.

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  2. Great job on organizing, and I love the idea for the interfacing. I need to do that, too. I have everything together in a big bin right now. My storage solutions? Well, I used old serger thread cones to wind my elastic around. I use elastic all the time for the kids bottoms, that I like to have them on cones instead of having a huge mess of elastic. I wind the FOE onto little cardboard boards. My sewing room is a huge mess right now…again. I have it sort of cleaned last weekend! I can't get all of my stash on my shelves after the local fabric store has been liquidating. I bought a bunch of fabric that has no where to go. Thus…I have been trying to get some sewing done! I want to get some summer sewing done for the kids before the weather turns nice (whenever the heck THAT will be). I know once it warms up we will be outside as much as possible.

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    1. Stacy, I like your idea of using the serger cones. I bet you have been buying lots of fabric, bittersweet, new fabric at a great price but losing that wonderful store in your town.

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  3. That is your entire stash? I weep. I weep!

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    1. Yes, that is it. Too much fabric makes me nervous/edgy and then I sew to quickly and my garments are not the best.

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  4. Hi Lori. Just last night I pulled a piece of fabric that I got from you. I remember you telling me that you keep a small stash. I didn't think that small! In a way I envy you. Being able to keep your focus one project at a time. But aren't you ever tempted by a "someday" piece of fabric?

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    1. That is too funny you pulled out a piece of fabric from me and this topic was on my blog. I think it is a budget thing, when the girls were younger, I did not work out of the home so I just limited fabric to current projects. Now, that has changed but I still seem to keep my old habit. Plus, too much stash just makes me nervous and I sew to quickly, making sewing errors.

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  5. I am using a wide, clear storage container with 3 drawers, but I think you have a lot more interfacing than most. I love your tip for small pieces because they are so awkward. My theory about the size of your stash is that your sewing time is in proportion to your buying, unlike some of use who love to buy more than we have time to make.

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    1. I have two of those storage containers, too. I buy interfacing 5 yards at a time, so a bigger container was needed. I like your theory.

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  6. Our coffee packets at work come in boxes just the width of a pattern envelope. I covered them with fabric which fit on a wall shelf which gets them up and out of the way. I need to do a little bit of clean up in my sewing room before I start my next project.

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    1. Those would be perfect boxes and the fabric covering adds such a nice touch.

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  7. I am curious to know what you do with patterns. I also admire your contained stash. Obviously your method fuels your creativity...and is a good inspiration for me! Thank you for sharing your talents and encouragement.

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    1. I have an old desk that houses some of my patterns, the drawers are the perfect size for patterns. Then I have 2 more drawers in my cabinets for patterns. Then.... I have some pattern storage boxes for patterns I am not using right now - Halloween, doll clothes, Toddler sizes, etc.

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