It's that time of year when everything begins to feel a little.. overwhelming. Gifts stack up, projects are started, shelves are never clear.
It's time, my friend.
A new year means a new opportunity to get organized and stay (mostly) organized.
And of course this Quilt Planner and Goal Tracker will help with each of the following tips! Download it HERE
Even as a child I loved sorting things, organizing almost became a hobby (much to the chagrin of my parents who had their stuff constantly reorganized!).
I love the feeling of tidiness, it's like a breath of fresh air. And it almost always leads to more creativity and freedom.
If you've struggled to stay organized, you're not alone! Even I struggle, especially after the holidays when it feels like a mountain of things to do.
So without further ado.. here are some of the best tips that have helped me organize my quilting fabric and supplies.
1. Sort Fabric and Quilting Supplies by Type
Group your supplies by the type of item they are, such as fabric, thread, batting, and tools. This can help you quickly find what you need when you're working on a quilt.
Grouping similar colors is also useful, when you're looking for that perfect shade of blue, or white (only a quilter would understand that).
2. Use Storage Containers or Bins for Quilting Fabric and Supplies
Invest in storage containers, such as bins or boxes, to keep your supplies organized. Label the containers so you know what's inside.
If you have a large collection of fabric, consider using bins to keep it organized. You can sort the fabric by color, pattern, etc.
My friend Shereece at Sew Hooked on Quilting uses large bags to sort ongoing projects and then places them in bins which, is literally brilliant. If you try that, let me know how it goes!
I'm so guilty of putting so much into storage containers and then pulling everything out for a specific piece of fabric.. only to never put everything back in!
I've since learned to take a few moments to reorganize.. as I go. Which saves future Jess a lot of trouble.
3. Use storage racks or shelves
If you have a lot of supplies, consider using storage racks or shelves to keep everything organized. This can be especially helpful if you have a dedicated quilting space.
There are lot of affordable options for modular shelving that can be put into closets or behind doors. Even under your tables, etc.
Smaller spaces may have to get creative, but there are ways to effectively keep things organized, but it takes some effort and little creativity (which is what you're good at! You're a quilter!).
5. Use Drawer Organizers for Small Notions
If you have a lot of small supplies, such as needles or pins, consider using drawer organizers to keep everything in its place.
5 comments
I also use large scrapbook bins for “kitting” my projects but I label the bin. They’re not as cute to stack in open shelving but vert helpful!
I love your ideas for organizing a sewing room. I take it one step further. I label each box/basket (or use a letter from the alphabet) and then use one page for each box to which I attach a swatch of fabric from each box. If a box is notions, etc, I have a corresponding page listing some of the notions. I have done this for the past 30 years and helps me alot. Good luck and happy new year. (please disregard my previous incomplete comment).
I love your ideas, and my sewing room is somewhat like yours. I number or letter each box; then I take a 6″ × 9″ 3-ring binder, and pin a swatch of each fabric
I use larger scrapbook totes to keep my kitted up quilting projects. They stack and k have an idea of how many I have.
I have the same little fabric bins as you do, for fabric. so easy to organize!