Welcome to Week Three of the Creative Spaces Blog Hop - and the organizational post. Sigh.....I've been half-dreading this one. While I appreciate drool over awesome before and after pictures, and have serious envy when browsing amazingly organized dream studios, I can't say that organization is my strong suit.
Just so you know, folks that REALLY know me have already spewed coffee all over their computer screens. Because that is an understatement. I'm probably best known for my ability to create towering, teetering piles, which I swear up and down are my version of organized.
However.....I am TRYING to get better. Here's my take on what makes for quality effective organization (with the exception of fabrics, which we will talk about next week):
Closed and contained
These are the the drawers under my sewing cabinet (front and back). So that explains the closed, right? So what do I mean about contained? So glad you asked!
Here's a peek into the top drawer next to the sewing machine. This is my version of "contained" in that these frequently used tools and supplies are organized into their own little bins. Because they are in the drawer, they are out of sight when not being used, but easily accessible. The key here? When something is pulled from a bin, putting it back IN THE SAME BIN is essential! And when new supplies are purchased, they go in the appropriate bin (marking tools with marking tools, tape measures with other tape measures. Easy to say - not difficult to do, but it does take practice (at least for me!).
Like with Like
And then, of course, sometimes just keeping like with like works effectively. Here's a peek at my die cuts - all in a drawer together, with the labels facing up so I can easily and quickly identify which one I need. Why yes, I DO have a die cutting problem. I LOVE die cuts (did you enter to win the Crafter's Edge set on Cherry's blog???).
Closed, Contained, Like with Like
What's the ultimate? Closed, contained, like with like.....just look at my second drawer under the sewing table. Teeny tiny little supplies (think sewing machine needles, hand needles, pins, bobbins) are easily grouped and organized.
Just look at the sewing machine needle tin - I'm able to stock sewing machine needles (and take advantage of sales), and quickly locate the correct size needle when I need it! You'll also notice that these adorable tins also have little labels that make it easy to identify what is in each tin - total perfection!
Easily Accessible
So not every supply can go into a closed storage solution - I know that. For those things that you want or need close at hand AND out in the open, again organization is key. You've heard it before - but it still stands true - a place for everything and everything in it's place. I'm crushing on my rotating table top organizer. Yes, it IS intended for scrapbooking and paper crafts, but look at how awesomely it adapts to a quilter's needs. There's a handy cubby for practically every tool - including my tv remote.
And then there's the (somewhat obvious) out in the open organizers - pincushions and cups...or is that just me? The cups, I mean? Just look at Eugene - so proud to be holding court over the rest of the pincushions. He takes full advantage of being the tallest pincushion! And then there's Gladys, smiling smugly because she's corralling all of my pens and pencils.
For me, this organized chaos works. I can find what I'm looking for, and with limited open storage, cleanup and dusting is quicker - which leaves more time for quilting!
Be sure to check out the other awesome blogs this week and see what fabulous organizational tips the designers have in store for you!
Oh- and little something extra for you. While you are organizing your sewing space, head over to Missouri Star's blog and grab this adorable printable for your sewing space (Thank you Meg of Missouri Star for sharing this terrific printable).
Many thanks to one of our sponsors, Warm Company. And one lucky winner will win this package of 80/20 batting. Winner will be chosen at random from all entries this week. And there is a bonus mystery prize from my "fabulous fabric prize shelf" in the studio, chosen from all comments on the blog this week.Comments and giveaway for this post have closed. Thank you. Please see other blog posts for additional opportunities to enter giveaways.
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Thanks for sharing the quilting passion with me. Happy stitching!
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Creative Spaces Blog Hop Week 3
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