Sewing Organization
My biggest organization issue is keeping things put away. I thought the new sewing room would solve the problem but I've discovered that the more room I have, the bigger the mess I can make. I need to have a LOT more self discipline to keep my fabric picked up and put away. I have what I consider the perfect storage system... I just get to involved in my project to stop and clean as I go.
I have more than one sewing machine (I'd have one of each one on the market if I could) and I'm always looking for the correct foot for the machine I am using at the moment. Some machines are interchangeable but why mess with testing the issue if I can avoid it! One of my solutions is to have plastic storage dishes marked for each machine but I'd love to find the time to make an organizer for each and every machine... maybe embroider the machine name on the organizer... inside and out so that I could hang them in the office and find the correct organizer at a glance. I have the organizer shown here that I use when I am going to a class.
- Creating a Sewing Room with Storage on a Budget -- Photo tour of my sewing room.
- Sew a Sewing Machine Accessory Organizer-- Full free directions for the organizer shown here.
- Free Directions to Sew a Custom Sewing Machine Cover or Serger Cover-- Protect your investment when you aren't using your machine.
Comments
I use plastic fishing tackle boxes, large and small in which to store my sewing machine feet and accessories. Larger ones have a handle and you can see what is in each compartment in both sizes. Look for depth you need and movable dividers so it will accommodate different sizes of feet.
I use the stackable baby wipe containers for my machine tools and accessories. Then I write the info on the front of each one. That way, I have a cleaning kit for each, and all of the stuff in one easy place. And since baby wipes come in different types (scented, unscented, etc.) and the package colors are different, it makes finding the container easier too. Since the lids are made to fit fairly tight, they also stay shut when they fall off the table. Handling large projects under the machine can sometimes shove stuff right off the table, and it is nice to be able to carry on instead of stopping to pick it all up.
They make child sized tubular hangers that you could use instead of cutting down the regular size one.
Debbie, I liked the tour of your sewing room and your suggestions for making it happen. I have two suggestions that have been very helpful in my tight sewing space. First, I use a hardware parts cabinet to store all my machine feet, tools and extra equipment. It hangs on the wall next to my machine so it doesn’t take up table top space. Second, I’ve also hung a peg board on the wall in front of my machine to hold scissors, sewing gauges and tapes, seam rippers etc. I can also hang the pattern directions up for easy access. Be sure to leave a small space between the pegboard and the wall so that you can use hooks without damaging the wall.