Help!  Or the post where she reveals the disaster that is her sewing room...

19/06/2012

8 Comments

 
When we first started blogging, I wrote this post about my fantasy sewing space. I've also dabbled in a few organisational posts like this one about embroidery threads and this one about storing the little bitty - bits that are associated with sewing and craft.

Ok... true confession time.  I now have my own purpose built sewing room but my potentially beautiful sewing space is a disaster!

Want to see the evidence? Here are a few snapshots from my sewing room today...
and they're just the beginning. Check out my shelves!
I want an organised space, but I really, really need your help!  Please hit me with your hints for sewing room organisation.  I really want to reclaim my space!

How do you store your
  • Big pieces of fabric?
  • Little scrappy pieces?
  • Thread and bobbins?
  • Patterns, books and magazines?
  • Bits and pieces?


I'm looking forward to hearing from you - bring on the organisation tips!

Caroline

 


Comments

simplesimonandco link
19/06/2012 05:41

I use one of those big IKEA shelves (I can't think of the name, but the one with all the cubby holes and baskets...) to store fabric. I fold the fabric on the top 8 cubbies (by color because I am OCD) and the bottom 8 bins have baskets that have scraps in them (sorted by color).

It's not always clean (practically never) but at least I try. And it's easy to get back into the system when I have a "clean out" day.

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Caroline link
20/06/2012 13:54

Those Ikea shelves are great aren't they? I love the idea of using baskets to store different colours...

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Cindy link
20/06/2012 08:22

Organized sewing room? Isn't that an oxymoron?lol

Ummm...I have a milk crate that I keep books, magazines, and such in. And my pattern tracings are kept in manila folders in a plastic tote/file organizer. I recently bought 2 more as I had run out of room in the 1 I was using. Zippers, ribbons, binding and such are kept in individual clear plastic totes. And larger scraps of fabric that are useable but less than a yard are kept in clear plastic totes also. I have smaller scraps (big enough for pocket bags or waistband linings) in clear plastic bags. My actual fabric yardage is on the shelf in my sewing room closet, a chest of drawers in that same closet, and a vanity/dresser that is in my sewing room also.

For all that organization, there's still random baskets of fabric in our bedroom, pattern pieces in piles, and pins and needles in odd places. But I'll use the excuse that our house is still tore up from the massive flooring project so I haven't had time to put everything back in it's rightful place. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

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Caroline link
20/06/2012 13:56

I think clear storage is a great idea. Most of my storage is opaque, so I have to rip everything apart to find anything. I waste so much time (and make so much mess) with trying to find stuff!

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Karen link
21/06/2012 06:09

I have an Ikea style shelf too and when they are organised they look great but remember you see it all when it's not!!
Also I worry about fade - I want to have it all behind closed doors but currently don't.
For thread I love these boxes from Spotlight (scroll down a little)
http://and-so-i-sew.blogspot.com.au/2009/03/big-tidy-up.html
and my bobbins are in small bobbin boxes that hold I think 20 bobbins.
Patterns are all in plastic tubs stacked on top of each other and patterns I have traced are in A4 envelopes and stacked in a box so I can flick through to find the one I want.
I write the info on the front.
You can see one of them here:
http://and-so-i-sew.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/kcwc-day-four.html

I'll be watching this post with interest Caroline as I always welcome storage tips!

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abby link
21/06/2012 18:21

Hi ladies, couldn't find your contact email on your blog. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Award! Here's my post if you'd like to check it out:
http://www.thingsforboys.com/2012/06/sunshine-award.html

Don’t feel bad if you can’t post about it. No one wants this award to turn into a chain letter. I just wanted to let my readers know that I think you are awesome! Abby xx

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cas link
23/06/2012 19:54

Hi Caroline,
I don't own a 'space', rather have invaded the dining room. As such, I have cleared out the buffet & ditched lots of crockery that was enver used. Now i store my 'small' amount of fabric (& worry about when the addiction over grows for later) I keep my thread & bobbins in little clip lock bags so I know which colour bobbin is supposed to go with the right thread :) They then live in a little tin which is cute enough to live on top of the buffet. My patterns & books live on the book shelf as my study is in the same room so easily accessible. I do have some plastic tubs quietly tucked near the couch which isnt ideal but like said I have no 'space'. My knitting stuff lives in an antique cupboard which was destined to be sold on ebay, but is now housing my iron, iron board, yarn & other boxes stuffed with bits. So as you can see, it's scattered every where, but mostly away! I look forward to seeing some photos of before & after & also what tips you decided to take upon. Cheers

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Melissa link
30/07/2012 05:54

I did a tour of my sewing room <a href="http://www.mellysews.com/2012/02/my-sewing-space.html">here</a>. I have the same IKEA shelf others have mentioned.

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