No doubt about it—quilters are creative people. In addition to making wonderful quilts, they are very creative in finding common household items that can help keep them organized in their quilting studio. Here are some of my favorites:
I keep a plastic desk drawer divider next to my sewing machine. It contains scissors, sewing feet, threads, seam rippers, needles and anything else I might need while sewing. It keeps things handy and organized, and can easily be moved next to my comfy chair when I am doing handwork.
I also use a similar silverware drawer divider in a drawer near my cutting table. It keeps scissors, rotary cutters, and other small items organized in the drawer.
My coworker, Gailen, keeps several wastebaskets in her studio—one by the sewing machine, one by the cutting table and a small one on the surface where she is working. That’s a great way to deal with all the trash we produce in the studio. I also find that hanging a bag on the door knob of my sewing cabinet is really handy for those clipped threads, empty spools, and so on. It’s not very pretty but can just be thrown away when full—an especially good thing if you put bent pins and broken needles in it.
Another coworker, Lynn, uses a file folder holder/organizer to keep her rulers handy. They are visible and take up far less space than if stored flat.
I am sure all of you have good ideas of how to stay neat and organized. Please share them with us.
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6 Comments
Great ideas! Instead of non-chalantly putting "dead" needles or pins in the trash, I save small containers like pill bottles or Tic-tac candy boxes and put the sharp items in these. This reduces the risk of getting stuck for any one who may handle my trash.
I tell my students to do that too!
Recycle those magnetic business cards to easily pick up loose pins and sewing needles. Glue the magnet to a small strip of wood or thick cardboard to form a handle. When when cleaning up your sewing area, just pass your magnet over your work area to catch those stray pins. (Don’t forget the floor too.) Keep one with your sewing machine and a second one with your mending kit.
Patti Ryan
Designer and Editor
Totally-Creative.com
I love plastic storage bins…clear but with color lids. They are so much fun right now at Walmart since it is stock-the-college-dorm time. Fun colors!
Could you tell us more about your sewing cabinet? I am getting ready to buy one, but I really like yours. I see it has a hinged section on the side and one at the rear of the machine.
Great ideas…thanks a bunch!