Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 01-16-2006, 12:20 PM (1 of 46)
It's January and everywhere you look, they discuss either weight loss  or making a clean, fresh start. Maybe your sewing space could use a new look.What organizational tip can you offer others for keeping everything in its proper place? I hang all my scissors and rotary cutters up on a peg board. I can always find them. I have all my thread in one spot. Cones are all together in a huge covered basket. Small spools are in a drawer. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Pudge99
Date: 01-16-2006, 02:00 PM (2 of 46)
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All of my buttons are sorted by color and some by size in baby food jars. I keep these on a shelf, mounted on the wall by my cutting table, that way they can double as pattern weights. I also am working on getting like items together and labeled. Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: SharonD
Date: 01-16-2006, 02:22 PM (3 of 46)
I have all my 'small' projects in gallon ziplock bags, labeled, and in a basket. Then my larger projects (quilt tops to cut, etc.) are in clear trash bags, labeled and on the closet shelf. I never get bored with any one thing cause I can put it back and work on another 'in progress' 
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User: SharonD
Member since: 01-16-2006 Total posts: 1 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-16-2006, 02:54 PM (4 of 46)
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Hi Sharon and welcome to Sew Whats New.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: beachgirl
Date: 01-16-2006, 03:21 PM (5 of 46)
| My threads are all organized in a thread cabinet except the serger spools & they are in clear covered boxes made for them. Laces, ribbons, quilt strips, bias tapes,elastics & etc are in separate labled clear boxes. Books are on shelves grouped together as sewing, quilting & etc. Materials are by color & in drawers. The material, batting, stabilizers that are on bolts are covered & labled on shelves. Rolled or packaged stablizers are in baskets.Have scissors, rotary cutters,bias tape makers, some rulers, embroidery hoops & some cutting mats are on peg boards. At the bottom of the peg boards I have silverware drawer trays hooked onto the peg board to hold marking pens, eyelet & button hole cutters & etc. I have a ruler holder that DH made for me.My embroidery cards are in neat holders I found at JoAnn's. Forgot what they were for but not this. Ok, I'll stop but there's lots more. I am organized or I'd never get to sewing. I dearly hate searching for anything.After I'm through useing something I put it back where it belongs or I'd never find it again. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615 
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From: marl
Date: 01-16-2006, 03:55 PM (6 of 46)
| My rulers and cutting boards hang on hooks on the back of the door. One wall of my sewing room is fitted with 8 foot long shelves. On these I store books, clear plastic containers with notions like elastic, zippers etc. Buttons are sorted by colour and stored in those little plastic drawer units that you find in tool departments. Threads, needles, marking chalk and other small doodads have their own drawers in the same type of units. Things like my handy dandy seam ripper, point turner, stiletto and 6" ruler/gauge sit within easy reach on my sewing table in a mug. Scissors,cellotape,seam sealant are in a drawer right beside my work space. There is enough space on the floor under my shelves for plastic totes with fabric in them. Other fabric goes in additional tote boxes in the closet. Interfacing is stored on paper rolls which stand up in an old clothes hamper. My sewing patterns are in 9"x12" envelopes filed by brand and pattern number in banker boxes. The actual pattern envelopes are in plastic sleeves in a 3 ring binder for easy browsing. All the containers are labelled so that I can see at a glance what's in them. My sewing table and serging desk are set up at right angles to each other and share a swing arm lamp. One of the end walls is a design wall (just a piece of white felt with binder clips along the top that fit onto hooks on the wall). My cutting table which folds down to about 10 inches sits in front of the design wall when it's not in use (hardly ever). I have a small wire shelf unit that is just right for my iron and other pressing tools. There are still a few things to fine tune and I'll be watching for more ideas. |
User: marl
Member since: 12-03-2004 Total posts: 16 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-16-2006, 04:35 PM (7 of 46)
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Wow -- My fabric is stacked then shoved in shelves (I do have some on bolts I got from Hancocks lining one wall). My patterns are in three drawers. There was an order to them at one time but I'm not sure what it was. Buttons are in three boxes and trims, elastic, zippers and stuff are all mixed together in a drawer. BUT........ I only work on one project at a time and everything I need for it is in a basket on my ironing/cutting table. Everything for the next project is on a shelf waiting. A third project is being assembled. I can reach all my tools from the L between sewing machine and serger tables or from my perch at the ironing/cutting table. So I guess that while I'm not nearly as organized as the rest of you -- I am pretty organized once it comes down to actually working. Here's a tip that has saved me a lot of time and frustration. If you don't copy your patterns, just put them back in the envelope try refolding them with the number of the piece on the outside so you don't have to unfold everything to find what you are looking for. Then put all the pieces for a particular item (shirt, jacket, skirt or whatever) in a small baggie and put the baggie back in the envelope. I rarely copy patterns. I figure if I wear out the pattern I've made enough of them. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Dustbunny01
Date: 01-16-2006, 04:38 PM (8 of 46)
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I made two Organizer ruler holders (both are about 30" long and 12" wide) for each side of the window, which holds all of my rulers, rutery cutters. I bought shoe boxes for scarps of fabrics, sorted by color, I have two rolling plastic boxes that holds my fabrics.. Also sorted by color on top of the smaller rolling box, I have two 12"x12" plastic drawers, this is where I keep my Scissors, sewing thread,bobbins, sewing mahcine feet, zippers, etc. Next to the smaller rolling box is a small folding tv table I put my trash can, and right now it is also holding a quilt top and backing. My sewing center is a 1980's singer cabinet, that I bought for $40.00 I refinshed it in 2005 in Nov.. Inside of this holds my marking pins, patterns, and quilting threads, I have binders that has quilting patterns, How-tos two more plastic shoe boxes ( hinged) to the left if the sewing center is a telephone stand ( 20.00) at walmart. I took off the door and use that as my station for the serger.. in the storage I have 3 plastic shoe boxes ( higned) that holds all the serger threads. under the window, which is on the right and in the middle in-between the wall organizers and the two plastic rolling carts, holds a vertical file cabinet, on the top, I use a towel and that servers as my ironing board right now I have a on going quilt top.. 2" squares pined from one side of the window to the other.. that I am now working on. My old sewing mahcine is now sitting on the kitchen table ( Oh did I forget to tell you, that I my sewing spot is where the kitchen table should be? ) I have plans on removing a leaf of the kitchen table, and buying a small microwave cart, to put under the kitchen table and setting that up for the Kenmore.. the carts I will use for more storage space. I am one who cannot sew until my space is nice and clean and neat! DB
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User: Dustbunny01
Member since: 11-11-2005 Total posts: 159 
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From: paroper
Date: 01-17-2006, 09:21 AM (9 of 46)
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I have one of those plastic mult-drawered storage chests from the hardware store too. I keep all those little things that fall to the bottom of your storage boxes in it. I have individual and divided drawers with serger feet, machines tools, seam rippers, snaps, hooks and eyes, bow tie hooks, d-rings, drapery weights, safety pins, screw drivers, tracing wheels, and all manner of equally easy-to loose items, that I'm always needing. I used to keep all my lace in a wooden potato bin but a few years ago I found the perfect armour for my sewing room. Half of it is mirrored. I keep extra stabilizers, my Boston revolver, bead and rhinestone boxes, plastic boxes of fastners of every kind, button on cards in boxes, hot crystal applicator and lazy susan, spray adhesives, and misc other things behind the door. The other half of the chest is drawers. In the drawers I keep laces, ribbons, zippers, bindings and pipings, and elastics. It is a useful and attractive addition to the sewing room! THere is a place in my house (as with my old house) where there are 3 doors that come together closely. I have mirrors on all 3 doors giving me a 3-way mirror effect in my hall. It comes in quite handy. I've heard people complain about all the clutter in some sewing rooms. I don't mind the clutter IF it looks organized and clean. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-17-2006, 01:37 PM (10 of 46)
Wow, what good ideas you girls have. I have noticed a lot of people will roll their fabrics instead of folding them and keep all like colors together on shelves so they can see what they have. (I assume this would be behind closed doors.  )
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: beachgirl
Date: 01-17-2006, 02:13 PM (11 of 46)
| The 3 way mirrors is a great idea. Think I'll have DH make me a 3 section folding screen & put full length mirrors in the sections. Now to figure out where to put it in the best spot. |
User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: paroper
Date: 01-17-2006, 02:39 PM (12 of 46)
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A lot of homes have natural spots for them. Another idea is a wall, a door and a chevel mirror. In my old home, it was the front door and two wasll that were beside it. The hall was only 5 1/2 feet wide so it was nearly perfect. I also had a 4th door into the living room, so I actually had 4 mirrors to use there. The doors are cool though because you can adjust the angle and see the whole thing...just like a store dressing room.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: MaryW
Date: 01-17-2006, 02:55 PM (13 of 46)
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I don't know if I want to see myself 4 times!!! LOL.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: gm23237
Date: 01-19-2006, 03:27 PM (14 of 46)
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I have a wall organizer that I made that hangs right on the wall behind my sewing machine and to the right of that I have a thread rack that someone gave me years ago for Christmas. I also use those milk crates (stackable) in the closet in my sewing/computer room with fabric assorted by color and labeled so I can pull out the fabric I need easily. I also store my small vac for after sewing clean up ( my sewing room has carpet, I hope ti rip that up soon and put down wood flooring). Another friend took those milk crates and made a platform for them to sit on and wheels on the bottom so I can roll out the whole stack when I need them. I took a couple of weeks off from sewing but started again today, I made two Christmas presents ( tote bags) for next year LOL. I find it is a great time to start as I still have that Christmas feeling to get me moving. Come June and July my neighbors heardChristmas music and know I am sewing presents and crafting and need that music for inspiration. |
User: gm23237
Member since: 11-03-2003 Total posts: 145 
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From: MaryW
Date: 01-19-2006, 05:11 PM (15 of 46)
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Hey people. Post your organization thoughts and I will put them together like I did the frugal sewing tips on the homepage. Everyone gets their credit for the ones I use.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Sailorliz
Date: 01-20-2006, 03:54 PM (16 of 46)
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One of the the best things I did in my sewing room was to install a cork-board above my sewing area. I can pin patterns, instructions, notes, receipts, etc. Keeps the paperwork in one place. Another handy thing I use is a plastic plate holder that you can usually purchase at a dollar store. I use it also to hold books open for refering to while sewing. It can also be used for patterns and printed instructions from the internet. 
Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386 
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From: SandyGirl
Date: 01-20-2006, 04:14 PM (17 of 46)
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I like plastic CD holders from the Dollar Store to store fat quarters and also instructional sewing/embroidery CDs. Plastic craft boxes from the craft dept w/many small compartments hold my extra buttons and snaps, etc. (I even use these for jewelry/earring boxes that I keep in my dresser drawer.) Plastic stacking tote for fabric and the small plastic 3-drawer organizer sits on my sewing table...easy to access or move. I use fabric eyeglass holders for my rotary cutters. Add velcro if needed to close them or at least tighten up the opening. While this is not "unique", I have and love my magnetic pin cushions. One on my sewing desk, the other on the ironing board. JoAnn's has a great one even at $8. the cheapie one does not have much of a "charge". Can't beat large, clear freezer bags for flat storage of fabric and fat quarters You can write the project name, etc. on the freezer ones. Sandy |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 01-20-2006, 05:13 PM (18 of 46)
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For my cork board I covered it with an outdoor fabric & DH made a nice frame for it. In the fishing dept. at Walmart I found a neat clear plastic box that has sections you can take out & make the size you want. I have all my extra machine feet in that. In the toy department I bought a match box car garage. It's clear plastic with sections & great for a lot of sewing stuff. These are cheaper than the ones made for sewing stuff & I think better made.I also label all my boxes. I too use the freezer bags. I'm always looking for things that are made for something else to use for sewing thats better or useful. Part of the fun of sewing. The wahl mens moustach trimmer is great for getting off an embroidery boo boo. Just use it up side down. Keep the material taunt & shave the underside.If dh has one, DON'T use it,  get your own.
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User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 01-20-2006, 05:42 PM (19 of 46)
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I have a very small sewing room - more like a walk-in closet - so I have to be very organized. I had someone build me wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling shelves - sturdy ones that can hold all my sewing and quilting books and notions without bending with the weight. I bought one of those multi-bins from the hardware dept meant for the garage for screws, etc. and I sorted all my buttons by colour. I had a huge box of buttons given to me plus I had saved all my mother's old buttons so I had so many that when I needed some it was too much of an effort and time consuming to search for them until I sorted them. A larger 6 bin wooden holder from Ikea holds all my beads and beading supplies. Of course, because I also tole paint, I painted roses on it. I bought plastic boxes from the dollar store and I keep all my fabric fat quarters or pieces of fabrics - one for each colour group. Large pieces of fabric are stored in large totes. All my little scraps of fabrics that someday I will use  for a landscape quilt I have in plastic zip bags - again, each in it's own colour family. I use them too for paper piecing.My patterns are all stored in pattern boxes from Fabricland and sorted into babies/toddlers - children - crafts - adult casual and adult dress clothes. They sit on the bottom shelf so they are handy but not in the way. A ruler holder is a must if you quilt. Mine holds about 8 rulers and is so handy. The husband of one of the quilt guild member's husband made them and a lot of us bought them. Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: jenny-o
Date: 01-20-2006, 06:42 PM (20 of 46)
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My favourite organizer is my red rubber doughnut that holds my bobbins. It holds them snuggly on their sides so they won't unravel, easy to grab for travel and see all the colours at once. It holds 25 of my bobbins so having a few is nice, keeping the similar colours together. I would like my thread to be as nicely organized instead of being jumbled in a box. Jen |
User: jenny-o
Member since: 08-28-2005 Total posts: 132 |
From: blackie
Date: 01-20-2006, 07:16 PM (21 of 46)
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My biggest organizational qualities are my two mindsets: I have minimal stash and; I don't tolerate UFOs (this is my hardest "rule" to keep). It is hard not to be tempted to hoard or buy stash fabric (and of course, sometimes I do). Being broke helps! But also, I find this minimalistic attitude about stash and UFOs keeps me working at a good pace, not "avoiding" cleaning my sewing room or finishing something I don't like any more (I have literally gritted my teeth finishing something I no longer love), and keeps me feeling positive about my sewing addiction. These mindsets have also helped me become smarter about just exactly what kinds of project I start. My husband can also never accuse me of being frivolous and I don't have to hide purchases from him! Rarely when I can't bring myself to finish something and I don't have a friend who wants to finish it, I will wrap it up in ziploc with instructions if necessary and donate it to our Goodwill. I'd rather have it out of my home and think someone might pick it up who WILL finish it, than having it around forever making me feel lame. Going on to more nuts-and-bolts about organization... For a project I know I'm going to start soon I wash the fabric then hang it on hangers (often with the notions, thread, etc and pattern in a ziploc pinned to the hanger). The idea is that fabric will never touch a shelf but be converted to a FO soon. These items also stare accusingly at me if I start to think about skipping ahead to something new and exciting (another self-check). All my paperwork is in a binder. This includes my family's measurements on a worksheet I found from a book. This is super handy because the times I like to sew best is when they are NOT AROUND or ASLEEP. My "sharps" (T-pins, safety pins, any cutting tools, etc) are in smaller containers, and all in a large basket on top of a dresser and out of my children's reach. You know those t-shirts you collect or husband's pants - things you know you want to reconstruct later? I have one drawer for those things. If that drawer ever gets full - time to cull a few items. As others have written here, I am also a big fan of the magnetic pin holder. I have decided it is worth the money to regularly buy new pins and buy new rotary cutter blades. My rotary cutter is my best friend. I have a 5 gal ziploc bag where I put those "scraps" that are really too small, but I would be tempted to save. I have a friend who uses these scraps to make rugs by some crochet method (she is one of those amazingly creative and frugal women). When the bag is full, I give her my scraps. She makes great rugs, I don't feel bad about throwing out fabric, and I don't save postage-stamp sized pieces that would sit around forever unused and messy. I have a canvas box that I throw cut up fabric in if I'm in a working frenzy or too lazy to fold it up and put it away. When the box starts getting full I know it's time to do some work putting fabric away. My weakness is fabric organization. My "stash" fabrics are small, often not much more than FQs. I'm interested to hear more detail about how to store small pieces. Mine get messed up a lot. They are stacked on an open shelf and if I ever paw through them, they kind of fall apart. I love the cork board idea. That is my next planned purchase. I also want to have a long flannel piece (or large covered board) to put pieces / patterns / quilt blocks up on. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: blackie
Date: 01-20-2006, 07:26 PM (22 of 46)
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My favourite organizer is my red rubber doughnut that holds my bobbins. It holds them snuggly on their sides so they won't unravel, easy to grab for travel and see all the colours at once. It holds 25 of my bobbins so having a few is nice, keeping the similar colours together. I would like my thread to be as nicely organized instead of being jumbled in a box. Jen Mine is blue, and I love it very much as well. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: Shellymoon
Date: 01-20-2006, 10:37 PM (23 of 46)
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Clear shoe box size storage containers work well for fat quarter and other small fabric storage, especially those quilt block pieces that are already cut. They also work well to hold small projects that are "in process" you can stack them and still see what's inside. I also use them to store all my bias tape and trims--color coded of course!
Shelly Moon
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User: Shellymoon
Member since: 05-27-2001 Total posts: 240 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 01-21-2006, 08:17 AM (24 of 46)
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I use a clear plastic "recipe/cookbook" holder on my sewing table to hold the pattern and instructions I'm working on at that moment. I had my contracter (during the big reno) build floor to ceiling shelves for me on the back wall of my sewing area, they are about 5 feet wide and 12 inches deep, I store everything but fabric there. Including machines! I also have those rubbermaid rolling drawer sets tucked under my sewing table to hold interfacing, lining fabric and ribbing etc. My problem is now I have a very adventurous 14month old who has not learned yet that mummy's sewing area is sacrosanct and children are not allowed to play with her toys. (I only share buttons and zippers  ). I caught him playing with my box of bernina feet the other day  . No damage but now they live MUCH higher up.
Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: LadySloPokes
Date: 01-22-2006, 11:47 AM (25 of 46)
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Oh, to be one of you lucky ladies that has a whole room (or even a 1/2 room) to set up as your quiet sewing corner! However, I do consider myself to be a very lucky lady to have a HUGE 1940's wooden office desk set up in the eating area of our kitchen as my sewing corner. The desk top measures 3 ft by 4 ft, and it has 7 drawers for storage. The middle drawer, traditionally set up as the pen/pencil drawer, very neatly holds my pins and magnetic pin holder, fabric markers, cutting shears, pinking shears, snips, seam gauge and ripper, regular ink pens for making notes, post-it notes, and at the rear about 30 standard size spools of garment thread. I use empty prescription med containers to hold my threaded bobbins in, now being grouped by color as I'm getting more of them. The large bottom left drawer (a filing drawer that's like 2 drawers tall) holds all of my serger cones and my project binder. The upper drawer has my trims in it-I store those in ziploc bags by type of trim: rick-rack, blanket satin, quilt binding, etc. The bags help to keep things clean and in one place at the same time. I also have a bag for snaps and zippers, home decor trims, and buttons. The back of the this drawer also holds my tracing paper, wheel, fusible interfacing packages and fabric sealant. On the right side, the middle drawer holds all of my machine instruction manuals, plastic storage bags ready for use, and extra note books. The bottom drawer holds my craft fleece and quilt batting. (The top right drawer is a non-sewing related catch all drawer). On the right side of the desk top is a narrow book shelf to hold my monthly magazines, sewing books and a binder of hints/tips/patterns that I've printed out from the Internet. The top of the shelf holds my plastic pattern box (a dvd type storage container), with the patters organized by type and number. My sewing machine and serger are both on the desk top sitting on cloth placemats-easy to slide them back and forth for use without marring the wood. I also have my Joann's cutting table stored on the left side of the desk which is very convenient as it can also serve as an extra holding surface for oversized fabric when I'm sewing. My brand new embroidery machine is on a small old computer desk in our office, and I've assembled plastic containers to hold the thread, bobbins, shears, snips, embroidery scissors, and machine accessories just for my Futura in there. My fabric stash is organized in to 2 groups: holidays and everyday. My holiday fabric is in a large roller plastic bin, which fits perfectly on the floor of our bathroom linen closet, and can be accessed very easily if I get in a holiday mood. My everyday fabric is kept in a larger plastic bin under my sewing desk for easy access. I only wash my fabric right when I'm ready to use it-that way I know for a fact that it's ready to go. I always keep my fabric neatly folded up and in plastic bags just as a precaution if it's going to be "stashed" for a while. For the time being, nothing is getting added to my stash as I'm all storaged out! Guess I should start making somethin', huh? 
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198
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From: beachgirl
Date: 01-22-2006, 12:58 PM (26 of 46)
LadySloPokes, Sounds like you have a wonderful set up there. Years ago I had to use the kitchen table to sew & what a pain that was setting everything up & then putting away with items not finished. I never take my big sewing room for granted for sure. I never thought I'd ever have one. You'll have one too someday. I do really like your set up so be real proud of it.  Sure you are.
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User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: paroper
Date: 01-22-2006, 01:19 PM (27 of 46)
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When we first got married in 1973, our house had a kitchen, a bathroom and one all purpose room. We bought a wonderful kitchen maple kitchen table with pop up leaves and four chairs. The kitchen was so old that the 7 square windows lifted up and hooked in the ceiling. In the summertime, the kitchen was an inferno. My husband bought me a brand new Kenmore TOL machine and I was in Heaven. I would set it on a wooden chair in the big room and sit in the other to sew and I was on top of the world. A few years later, I managed to purchase a hassock for all my sewing things and a folding sewing machine table IT WAS GREAT! If it works for you (and believe me, when you have nothing, you can learn to be very content), then it doesn't matter what others have. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: blackie
Date: 01-22-2006, 03:17 PM (28 of 46)
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If it works for you (and believe me, when you have nothing, you can learn to be very content), then it doesn't matter what others have. That is so true. I remember my husband first learning how to set up computers. We lived in a one-room studio apartment at the time and his "home office" was literally my closet! That was the only way he could work on his computer at night and not keep his grumpy pregnant wife - in bed, ten feet away - awake! Now he's a network admin with his own server room at work, etc. But we remember those days fondly. I have a sewing room, but we sacrificed the concept of a guest bedroom for it. I never take it for granted. I'm in my own little heaven when the kids are in bed and I'm sewing and listening to the radio. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: LadySloPokes
Date: 01-23-2006, 01:23 PM (29 of 46)
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I now have a free account on photobucket.com, so here is the link to my photo album showcasing my sewing corner. Two of the pics were taken last August, then updated in October when my DSO gave me the old computer desk hutch. I hope you like! http://photobucket.com/albums/f253/LadySlopokes/? Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198
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From: plrlegal
Date: 01-23-2006, 02:29 PM (30 of 46)
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Nice sewing area Ladyslopokes. The fact that you do have a specific area for your sewing is what counts, not how big or how elaborate it is. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: beachgirl
Date: 01-23-2006, 03:03 PM (31 of 46)
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I agree with Patsy !!!
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User: beachgirl
Member since: 08-31-2004 Total posts: 615
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From: LadySloPokes
Date: 01-23-2006, 08:40 PM (32 of 46)
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I agree with Patsy !!! Thank you all very much! I am very happy with it, with many thanks going to my wonderful man how has supported and encourged me, and assisted with its set-up! 
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198
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From: jacewilson
Date: 01-24-2006, 11:21 AM (33 of 46)
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A few years ago we decided to move from our BIG house into an RV to travel fulltime after my hubby retired, so I was forced to pack everything I wanted to keep for long-term storage. I couldn't just box everything up; I had to know what I had and where to locate it so I could replenish projects to take on the road with me. So, I purchased big Rubbermaid tubs that I could seal completely. I labeled each tub with 'bottom weights', 'top weights', 'fleece', 'wools and blends', etc. Then I started cataloging my fabrics, all of which were already pre-washed or dry cleaned. As I removed the fabric from the bolt, I measured each piece and cut off a strip approx. 1" x 6". I stapled the strips to a paper upon which I noted the amount of yardage I have and the fiber content along with washability or dry cleaning requirements, AND the name of the bucket where the fabric was to be stored. The buckets are better organized than the notebook of fabric swatches, but I can browse through the notebook to choose a fabric and go directly to the bucket to retrieve it. I AM concerned about crushing and creasing, but so far a quick rinse or a tumble in the dryer has been successful in renewing the fabric.  During our travels, I discovered that I couldn't stay out of the fabric stores; it's so relaxing for ME to sit and page through pattern books and wander through the stores admiring the appearance and feel of fabrics. I later discovered that I like what I LIKE, and was inadvertently buying patterns I already had! This prompted me to catalog my patterns in much the same way as I did my fabrics. Armed with a copy machine and a legal pad, I'd copy the pattern and list it by number, manufacturer, size(s) I have, a description of 'wardrobe', 'blouses', 'men's & unisex', etc. The copies are filed in a notebook (well, TWO NOTEBOOKS, NOW!) in sections divided into the same catagories as the descriptions, and the list is maintained in Excel on my computer. I have a used pattern file I bought from a bankrupt fabric store where my patterns are filed numerically, and I can put my finger on any I want to find. I carry a printout of the list with me to avoid buying duplicates! Ideally, when I want to make something, I can page through my own pattern catalog and my swatch catalog for the amount of fabric I need, but all too often I find myself back in the fabric stores!! If there is a support group for THIS, please let me know!  The third best item I have used for organization is the plastic containers sold for HOT WHEELS CAR collections which are similar to those found in fishing tackle and tool areas. The car collector containers open on both sides and have a number of separate compartments which are perfect for storing all my sewing machine feet on one side, and my serger feet on the other. I have a separate one in which I organize needles. Talk about anal! LOL... but it works for me! I know I have to keep it up, or I'd be wasting all the time it took to organize my stashES.  JacE |
User: jacewilson
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 2 |
From: SnufflesMama
Date: 01-24-2006, 01:20 PM (34 of 46)
| I bought one of those house-plant pots that have the 5 ceramic "tubs" put together in a pyramid type shape. I have all my small hem rulers and fabric markers, thread snippers,tweezers and pokers all seperated and in each tub. I painted it with pretty flowers and it dosent take up a lot of space on my work table. Is very handy to have close - between the machine and the serger. I also have my buttons seperated in one of those things men use in the workshop for screws. Whats too big to go in there is seperated in cleaned out cheeze-whiz jars. Very handy for quilt embelishment buttons, etc.. Oh, and I charmed a wooden wine crate out of the local liquor store guy and use it for stabalizer rolls and rolled up interfacing. Has 8 sections in it! I LOVE that. |
User: SnufflesMama
Member since: 11-25-2005 Total posts: 24 |
From: SnufflesMama
Date: 01-24-2006, 01:39 PM (35 of 46)
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Wow Ladyslopokes...what a nice set up. Is it always so CLEAN? Please tell me you did that just to take the pic's....right?
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User: SnufflesMama
Member since: 11-25-2005 Total posts: 24 |
From: suesodyssey
Date: 01-24-2006, 01:48 PM (36 of 46)
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JacE...I will be in your shoes in a few months. We are awaiting our new RV, the house is sold, so just as soon as the RV arrives, we will be loading up the 5th wheel to take off. I have started getting my supplies in order. I don't have a big stash of fabric, so that isn't a problem. I do a lot of crocheting and needle work, so have a lot of that stuff. Also do machine embroidery, so am in the process of getting my patterns and disc organized and ready for travel. I have always just gone to a store when I wanted fabric or a new pattern. Most of my sewing is for my grandchildren, so I don't even keep that many patterns. My two grand daughters have different likes in styles, plus they are 5 years apart. You are really organized....don't know that I can do that. I am now trying to finish up all the little projects I have started over the last few months...making head way on that. That is the nice part about living in a small area...you are forced to finish a project before you start another one! Have lots of friend that full time and most have at least a sewing machine they travel with. We enjoy getting together and cutting and making things in the various club houses we go to. It is lots of fun to be creative with friends. Sue |
User: suesodyssey
Member since: 03-29-2005 Total posts: 86 |
From: mommgsews
Date: 01-24-2006, 02:12 PM (37 of 46)
I have spent a lot of time trying to get my sewing area organized. Some of the things that I have done include finding like items and keeping them together in the same place. duh!  I've found that as I get things more organized, it is easier to stay organized and a lot more peaceful and productive.Some specifics include; I put self stick cork inside the cabinet door above my sewing machine. I use it to hold my pattern instructions (when I use them) and a few ideas of project ideas. I lined the drawer beneath my machine with that non-slip stuff that keeps things from rolling around. The drawer holds my scissors, needles, snips, tweezers and such. For my patterns I store the pattern sleeves in a pattern file box. The sleeves do not take up the whole box so I keep an empty gallon size coffee can in the back to take up space. I move the pattern itself along with the instructions to a quart size zip top bag. (I store the zip top bags that are currently not in use in the coffee can.) I keep the patterns (in the zip bag) in a file drawer, by number. The system lets me pull out the small file box and peruse my patterns and then pull the pattern quickly when I decide which to use. My most useful organizing aids are actually habits. 1) I try to follow the "one in-one out" rule. 2) I clean up and put things away as I finish for that sewing session. I no longer wait until the entire project is finished. I really appreciate all of the wonderful ideas that everyone has shared! |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73
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From: LadySloPokes
Date: 01-24-2006, 02:46 PM (38 of 46)
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Wow Ladyslopokes...what a nice set up. Is it always so CLEAN? Please tell me you did that just to take the pic's....right? uuummmm......kinda sorta not really??? My corner is right next to the 2 entry doors into the kitchen-one from the living room and the other one from the hallway right behind me. I tend to keep everything picked up & put away so my hobby doesn't start "traveling" through the house! It also guarantees that if anything is lost or misplaced, I'm the only one I can blame!!
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 01-24-2006, 06:45 PM (39 of 46)
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Here's a good idea for those of you that sew clothing and have lots of patterns. I photocopy the front of the pattern packet and then turn the paper around, run it thru again photocopying the back of the pattern. That way, I have the front and back of each pattern on one page. I then put them in a binder, separating them by children, babies, adults, etc. When I go fabric shopping I bring it along and when I find some fabric I know exactly how much to buy. No more guessing. For the longest time I kept the binder under the seat of the car so it was always with me but after a very snowy day all the snow from our boots melted and got it wet so I had to start over. Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: Sancin
Date: 01-25-2006, 02:07 AM (40 of 46)
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I photocopy the front of the pattern packet and then turn the paper around, run it thru again photocopying the back of the pattern. That way, I have the front and back of each pattern on one page. Violet I don't even copy the front and back. I store all my patterns in big brown business envelopes. I cut off the front and back of the pattern and tape to the front of the envelope. I store my patterns in cardboard file boxes labelled with type of patterns. The boxes are stacked and are light to move. Usually when I shop, if I find fabric I like I go to the pattern books and find the pattern (if it is still available) or if I go shopping for fabric for a specific pattern I write the amt I need on my shopping list. I would think one could download thumbprints of patterns from fabric sites online. I haven't tried that but it is a thought. I also have a large collection of plastic containers storing both sewing and quilting fabrics. I used to use the big Rubbermaid containers, but found them too big and heavy to move so now use clear containers with snap tops. I have a collection of baskets that stack that I keep beside my work table that contain individual ongoing projects and all the supplies I need for the project. I currently have a dream work table and situation (will lose it if I decide to relocate). When my daughter left home she left her Ikea dresser/desk set which is, in reality, a big melamine board over 2 dressers. I keep all my supplies in the drawers that I use regularly and have clear boxes of notions and embellishments I don't use so regularly. All the plastic boxes are labelled and fit in the double wide closet of my 'spare/dogs' bedroom with my ironing board in front of the closet doors. One wall is lined with bookshelves for the many many books and magazines I have. Now all I have to do is use up all that fabric!!
*~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: sewingcybermom
Date: 01-26-2006, 11:32 PM (41 of 46)
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wow, you guys are pretty good. My sewing room is a busy place. I have about 40 costumes cut right now, all in bins according to size. I do roll my fabrics, as they are all lycras and tend to slip around when folded. My husband made me a custom counter that holds my coverstitch, serger, embroidery and blind hemmer. My industrial machine is right next to this counter. All my threads are a hands reach away. I have small drawers mounted under the counter nearest the appropriate machine with all of the corresponding stuff (bobbins, needles, etc.) I have two clocks, one eastern time and one pacific. It seems that a lot of my customers are from the West Coast and I used to call at un-Godly hours! My computer and fax/phone is across the room for easy access. I have a cutting table that folds away, (although I can't remember the last time it was folded), and I'm out of room!! Oh, I have a small pair of scissor/snips attached to each machine because I am always losing them! Here's my big tip.....I use hockey pucks for pattern weights. My son collected tons of them during the many years my daughter skated, so I have put them to great use. Most of my students use them also!!
See some of my work here:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v6...ce%20costumes/ |
User: sewingcybermom
Member since: 01-18-2006 Total posts: 58 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 01-27-2006, 08:15 AM (42 of 46)
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Here's one -- I do a lot of phone interviews for work and use a speaker phone when I interview people so I can type notes while they speak. It is in my sewing room -- a small corner of my sewing room is my home office. So when it is a friend or family member calling I can talk and sew at the same time. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: debsews
Date: 01-27-2006, 09:47 AM (43 of 46)
| I have a phone with a headset so I can chat and sew. I need to multitask! Although I have been known to sew up something the wrong way while talking! |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-27-2006, 11:39 AM (44 of 46)
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Although I have been known to sew up something the wrong way while talking! I've been known to sew up something the wrong way whether talking or not. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: debsews
Date: 01-27-2006, 12:35 PM (45 of 46)
| That post must have been an omen because I went to the sewing room and totally sewed a little blouse up wrong!!! First I messed up the collar and then put the facings on wrong side out! So I'm starting over after a little break with a Diet Rite!!! Totally wasted morning and fabric. |
User: debsews
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 254 |
From: paroper
Date: 01-27-2006, 12:41 PM (46 of 46)
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It must be in the air! I made a cute tailored jacket for my daughter last week and cut not one one but TWO pieces out wrong. First I cut the center back from the lining pattern and then I cut the top sleeve on the lining line! Both pieces were too short to be recut as the correct pattern piece. Fortunately I had overestimated the amount of fabric (fortunate because I bought all they had.) I haven't done anything like this in YEARS!!!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
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