I'm working on re-designing the room where I keep my sewing paraphernalia (some people might call it the "dining room"), and I'm in the process of looking for some sort of cabinet to store my off-duty machines & projects/notions/tools/etc. I'd love to hear how everyone has their things organized (IF you do!)--particularly how you store/sort the costuming-specific supplies mundane tailors don't have to deal with (boning, grommet setters, hemp cord, ropes &c).
This week I sat down and made a list of all the things I need to organize/find homes for, which was really helpful. I sort of "knew" everything, but seeing it all laid out is going to make it easier to plan storage for!
It's a bit messy, but you get the idea.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubileel/5487380828/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jubileel/5487380828/)
My guess is that you probably have a lot more than I do, but this is how I've been keeping my stuff:
-Sewing machine sits on top of small-ish desk, which contains two shelves. One shelf holds small plastic mini drawer set, which contains grommets, bias tape, hand needles, elastic, and other misc items. The other shelf held my stays while I was working on them, but otherwise just has spare fabric for current projects, a sample of test-stitches of my sewing machine, and the manuals for my serger and machine.
-To the left of my sewing table is a set of plastic drawers - two large drawers with all my patterns in them, one small drawer with most of my ribbons, and one small drawer (which I actually took out a few months ago since it was overflowing) with my buttons. On top of the drawer unit, I have two containers of my thread spools, my scissors case, and a cup filled with pens and pencils for marking fabric/notes.
-To the right of my sewing table is another set of plastic drawers, on top of which sits my serger. The bottom drawer had my fabrics originally intended for my 17th c gown, but once I started that, I filled it with the rest of my ribbons. The middle drawer had extraneous fabrics that didn't fit in my fabric tub. The top drawer had even more ribbon, plus all my serger spools.
-Next to the serger is my dress form. Next to the dress form, I have my bookshelves, which contain normal books, plus all my costuming books. On top of the book shelf is the drawer I took out that has all the buttons in it, as well as all my pearls and other jewelry-making supplies.
-In my garb closet, I have a giant overflowing plastic tub filled with all my extraneous fabrics and scraps, as well as a home dec bolt.
-Hiding behind my keyboard (which leans against the wall in the corner), I have a package of cable ties. And in another corner, I keep my plastic bin of all of my yarn for crochet projects. My iron (with mini ironing board) sits on top of my dresser, along with some jewelry, mitts, fans, and my sketches.
Okay, so it's really terribly messy in this photo, but this is what my sewing corner looked like about a week ago, with my quilting on the floor, and my stuff half packed for my move.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v723/bgirl781/P1000414.jpg)
I just got a plastic chest of drawers (I think it originally came from Wal-Mart or someplace similar) to keep my sewing stuff in. It's similar to the one in Lady Rebecca's picture, but much larger. We got three to use for our clothes as a temporary measure in 2005, and are still using them: they're fairly sturdy, light enough to move while full (just tape the drawers closed), and inexpensive. Plus, you don't have to worry about damaging them.
After I've cut them out, I like to keep pattern pieces in ziploc baggies, labeled with sharpie. Other than that, and my magnetic pin cushion, I'm woefully disorganized. It's a problem. I'll be watching this thread with interest.
Hm... Maybe I should fess up on my storage...
I have masses.
Not everything fits in it!
I'll get some pix together later...
my dream organizing piece is the Scrapbox. I wish I could get one!
[url]http://theoriginalscrapbox.com[url]
Those are very nice, and great if you don't have a dedicated room for your sewing, or too much stuff. My main issue would be with the size of the sewing table: nothing like large enough for a wedding gown, a large quilt, or curtains!
I have a set of shelves in the closet where several of these reside. Neat things from the container store.
(http://images.containerstore.com/catalogimages/15652/15652.jpg)
Buttons, machine needles, beading needles, crafting needles, hooks & eyes, odds & ends.
The sewing room has double doors, si I leave one shut and hang two of these over the door for thread storage.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/412WJ8MpHhL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
I just did a major rearrange on my sewing room. Here is what I did since I have my fingers in about everything costume wise.
I started with the plastic drawers that go in tackle boxes. They are usually cheaper than the craft dividers, but do get them for special cases. Also i purchased a label maker. worth it's weight in gold.
"Drawer"1: I have all my coats and Clark thread organized by color and function. IE upholstery, regular, embroidery, metallic, invisible
Drawer 2: I have my Geimineheart thread. It doesn't fit well in it, so I'm looking for a better option for it. Sharing this is my sewing machine feet. I have them labled in individual compartments. And I have packages of hand and sewing needles, in labled section.
Drawer 3: Is the jewelry drawer. I have some jewelry pieces I keep here, and any bagged eye beads I have. I would recommend having a proper bead type organizer if you want to keep them out of baggies, or you have a lot. I also keep my beading tools in this drawer.
Drawer 4: Is my paint and small tools spot. I have my floral white, my soldering gun, my pop cicle sticks, and my glue sticks in it. All labled. I also keep my good paint brushes in this drawer.
I also got clear plastic tubs that I have labled. "Large tools" I keep my wire cutters, rotary cutters, things like that in there. Another is small craft stuff. Anything small that I use that I don't want to loose. I just scavenged yard sales, and good will stores for tubs, tackle boxes, and containers that I can use for SPECIFIC purpose. I then have them organized on shelves, so I know where everything is. All is labled and this way I know what I'm looking for.
I am a firm beliver in label it and have it where you can see it to find it. I swear I have 3 patterns I need badly that have been swallowed up in my room while I have been doing my current show.
Stasia, WOW!!! And even more amazing: they have a dealer near me (unlike a certain much-lauded Danish furniture store. >:( LOL)! I know where I'm going next weekend!
Quote from: Stasiakatt on March 28, 2011, 06:01:47 AM
my dream organizing piece is the Scrapbox. I wish I could get one!
[url]http://theoriginalscrapbox.com[url]
Quote from: stonebiscuit on March 27, 2011, 08:58:00 PM
I just got a plastic chest of drawers (I think it originally came from Wal-Mart or someplace similar) to keep my sewing stuff in. It's similar to the one in Lady Rebecca's picture, but much larger. We got three to use for our clothes as a temporary measure in 2005, and are still using them: they're fairly sturdy, light enough to move while full (just tape the drawers closed), and inexpensive. Plus, you don't have to worry about damaging them.
After I've cut them out, I like to keep pattern pieces in ziploc baggies, labeled with sharpie. Other than that, and my magnetic pin cushion, I'm woefully disorganized. It's a problem. I'll be watching this thread with interest.
This sounds just like my room; plastic drawers and Ziplocks. I place the pattern envelope facing out to see what the pattern is.
I did buy a big, plastic tool box from Home depot for a sewing kit. the removable compartments on the top hold pins and needles.
I was actually recomended getting the magazine style boxes from the comic book store, and store patterns in either ziplocs there, or use the magazine bags & boards.
I use the regular size comic book bags and boards for my vintage patterns.
Since the boxes have lids on them, they protect the paper of the pattern from light.
I keep my machines out but have all my notions in plastic bins in bookcases. I also take advantage of Closetmaid 9 cube organizers and Ikea wire drawer units. I've attached cup hooks to the sides of the bookcases to hold scissors and rulers.
Here's more, if you're interested: http://dressdiary.blogspot.com/p/sewing-room-design.html
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IpZgksLQA_c/TPvUjbSwNbI/AAAAAAAAXT0/f7MAQbV4lDs/s200/Sewing%20Room%20021.JPG)
My sewing room is also referred to by others as the dining room. I often wonder why they call it that since we never eat in there. ???
I have a smallish cabinet in which I have my stacked dividers of various notions, patterns, iron, drafting paper, etc. On top are my sewing machine and serger. Next to that is a dresser that contains my various fabric (that I am most likely to use) sorted by color and weight. The rest of my fabric lives in rubbermaid containers on the enclosed porch. Between the dresser and the kids homework desk is my dressform, ironing board and collapsed cutting table.
Artemisia, I love your sewing room! It looks so neat and organized and bright!
Its beautiful! Pretty AND organized!
Quote from: Artemisia on March 28, 2011, 11:55:14 AM
I keep my machines out but have all my notions in plastic bins in bookcases. I also take advantage of Closetmaid 9 cube organizers and Ikea wire drawer units. I've attached cup hooks to the sides of the bookcases to hold scissors and rulers.
Here's more, if you're interested: http://dressdiary.blogspot.com/p/sewing-room-design.html
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_IpZgksLQA_c/TPvUjbSwNbI/AAAAAAAAXT0/f7MAQbV4lDs/s200/Sewing%20Room%20021.JPG)
Totally jealous of your sewing room! Beautiful!!!
Thanks guys! The bright yellow walls make me happy.
It's still a work in progress as I'm adding more shelving, artwork, and moving things around as I actually work in it to make it work for me.
Oooo, let me share my new pattern organization method with you.
I gather all patterns and sort them by time period. I use name badges to label each fabric bin.
I have each of these bins:
Renaissance Era: 15th and 16th century
Early Modern: 17th and 18th century
Victorian and Steampunk: 19th century
Modern Era and Vintage: 20th century (crazy how we can now label it, huh?)
21st century Dresses (no official name for this century yet)
Faire Costumes (basic pirate and wenchy stuff)
21st century Tops
21st century Bottoms
Crafts
(http://i54.tinypic.com/11mb1ux.jpg)
wow that makes my zippy bags and baskets look really messy lol.
I have a system that seems to work but what it is I havent the slightest clue. To anyone else it looks like a mess but it works for me.
Oh I am so happy this thread is here!
Our sewing room is an absolute disaster and I've been trying to get my mom to organize it so we can find and you know...use the stuff we have. Oh and it would also be nice not to worry about my room instantly combusting if there is ever a fire. :D
I was thinking about using a large bookshelf for flat folds so that we could actually see all the fabric cause if it ain't right there more of it will be bought without a thought. The only real worry I had was sun damage but I realized that because of where the room is there really is never any sun in it. Any thoughts on this? Right now everything is pretty much in its Joanne's bag sitting on the floor making it utterly impossible t get two feet into the room.
Artemisia, absolutely beautiful, it really looks like something out of a magazine!
Hey, it's all about what works. I've changed my pattern system several times until I found what works for me.
I had the same problem Becky. I kept buying and buying...it became expensive therapy. Now I keep all my fabric out on the bookshelf. It is out of direct sunlight. So far I haven't had a problem with fading. I've sorted the fabric in color groups. It makes it so easy to know what I have on hand. I also have other fabric in the cubicle bins, sorted by type. Those are mostly utility fabrics...you know, the canvas, muslin, broadcloth and white linen we seem to need by the gross yard. :)
(http://i56.tinypic.com/34694jn.jpg) (http://i56.tinypic.com/219d8l.jpg)
My fabric obsession has calmed down. Yes, it has simply turned into a pattern obsession but at least those are $0.99 on a sale day. :)
Here's a great site I found to help organize all the little things. She has some really great ideas. http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/search/label/organizing
You shall find no photos of my "sewing" room here. As, like others, it's known as the dining room table.
But this is the most amazing sewing room I've ever seen. I think this was posted here BC (before crash), but I had it bookmarked because when I grow up... I want one of these.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/athomesewing/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/athomesewing/)
That is jaw droppingly amazing! *pointing to Sorcha's link*
Here I thought my sewing space was coming together nicely (... uhhh, I'm not worthy!! LOL). I will post pics when I have all the bits and bobs finished up.
I have 2 desks in my sewing room made of counter top and old file cabinets at each end. I had intended to use one for my computer with a small area to press on and the other as a narrow cutting surface until my 6 yr old son decided one of them would make a great art table. I have to sewing cabinets 1 from Walmart and the other from Joann's I have my embroidery machine on 1 and my regular sewing machine and serger on the other. I'm using an old changing table as a shelf for my embroidery thread, a small set of plastic draws with remnant pieces of interface, stabilizers, and pattern tracing fabric. The pull out draw where the diaper pail would be at houses my bolt of interfacing, easy pattern, and 4 plastic cases of serger thread cones. I have an old small 3 draw dresser with scraps in it along with several plastic drawers and bins with other fabric in it some cut and some not. We got lucky when we bought this home last year the garb closet had a small cedar closet inside so my bolts of fabric are stored inside. I also have a book shelf that has boxes of patterns and all my sewing book. I will post pics when I have some free time. Been working lots of hours this week.
Oh and the label maker is definitely handy I also have one and love it.
I re-purpose the plastic containers that you can buy gum in to hold pins, bobbins, buttons and any other small items that will fit inside. I will try to post some photos tonight when I get home from work.
VICTORY! Huzzah and cheers!
After searching and plotting for *ages,* I've found the perfect storage piece for my machines, project bins, and notions!
(http://www.cwuf.com/sites/all/files/imagecache/product_full/mama%20jewell.jpg)
Ours is an aged cherry finish, not the white, and it's currently wrapped in plastic in the middle of the dining sewing prep room, waiting for me to fix some damaged wallpaper before I move it into position. But this baby will hold 2 machines, a future serger, and at least three flat Sterlite project bins... and the upper section will hold a lot of my sewing books.
I am SO excited! Finally, I can get all my stuff up off the floor and put away like a civilized person.
**
The shop where we bought this also had the most beautiful carved low chest that looks just like period storage chests. Drool! Alas, I could not think of a place in my home for it.
I love this....what a great thread.
When my brother moved out I got his old room for my sewing room. It is huge and a perfect space. Problem is...that I just threw everything in there. Then I had a spell of anti-creativity and did nothing in there...except for add more junk to the mess. Now I am inspired and really want to sew, but I walk in there, look at the mess and walk out. So I have been plotting my attack on the disaster....and this thread is giving me soooo many great ideas.
Time to send my sewing room to rehab.
I will tell you the best thing for only seeing the disaster. bites of time, and bins.
Set 3 bins, they can be bags, actual bins, or boxes. One is for garbage, One for recyles, one for blessings
Go into the room and for 5,10,15 minutes, (Set a timer or you will loose yourself in the stuff) and start tossing. If it is something you want to keep, set in a spot for 'Keep'. If garbage, in the bin it goes, if it can go in the recycle bin- there it goes. In the 'bless' this is for fabric you just don't like, or something you know you will never use, or something you never quite finished and you feel it is just taking up space. Those are for you to bless other seamstresses with. It will go to charity, or go to one of the fabric/pattern trades here. Once you are done with your time walk away. Each time it is getting a little better. It took me a month to do the redo on my sewing room, and trust me that felt daunting to me, but dont' let the mass of things over whelm you, just by going in baby steps you will soon have a nice organized and tidy sewing room.
My absolute, alltime favorite thing I ever did for organizing my sewing stuff was establish a system of project bins! I bought three (now it's five :-\) flat, clear Sterlite bins (http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProduct.html?id=586&ProductCategory=179§ion=1), and started storing everything for a particular project in there together: fabric, notions, pattern, etc. Such an improvement!! Now even if the room is a disaster, I can grab the bin and be ready to work, and not have to wade through everything to find all the supplies I need--because I know, frex, that the corset pattern, fabric, binding, and boning will all be in the same box together. Maybe even the thread!
Yesterday on Pattern Review's Sewing Spaces forum, I saw a post where somebody had some of those big plastic drawer units, and she used the drawers for the same purpose--each drawer represented a single project. This is a great solution for people with actual organized sewing rooms, but I needed something more portable--the project I'm currently working on can be open in the dining room; those I'm just sort of working on are closed & stacked in there; and long-term projects are packed away in my office upstairs.
LadyStich and Gem those are wonderful ideas and tips and I am going to put them to use. I am SO not an organized person and you have no idea how exciting it is to hear ideas that I know will make life easier. At least in the sewing room.
I spent two hours in there yesterday. Re-organized my patterns into smaller bins by theme (elizabethan, tudor, italian, fantasy, halloween etc). Got all my garb sorted out and put into a dresser or hung up. Which I love!! It's like I have my own little dressing area to one side of my sewing room. Still need a mirror though so I don't have tromps up stairs to my room when trying stuff on. Bought stuff to put up a rod with a shelf above it for my longer dresses. The clothes rack I have in there just isn't tall enough for most of my dresses. Also bought stuff to make a hangy thing for all my ribbon. Lowe's was my friend last night!
Thanks again for all the advice, ideas and encouragment.
I am giving up my small desk for the PP, since his office is becoming the fuzzlet's room. The promise is that I will get a nice bookcase, of the same size to organize things on. My thinking is by giving up the desk, which I only use as a flat surface on sit things anyway, I can game a bigger thing to organize bins into. Nice labled, organized, bins. :) Hey if I can't repurpose a ferret cage I can make do with a book case. :)
Stitch, one thing to look out for is the *depth* of the bookcases. Many of them are only 12" deep, which is not really deep enough to store things besides books (crafty stuff, anyway). I have a wall of Sauder Heritage Hill bookcases (http://www.computer-desk-superstore.com/sauder-heritage-hill-collection-102792.html) in my office, and I love them, but the closed storage could be a smidge roomier! What seemed like a better solution than basic bookcases were those cube cubby units, like these (http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/CLX010109_032_1_0-de-12404506.jpg). We found a great one at Big Lots (http://www.biglots.com/browseItem/bookcases-towers/415) back in January. The shelves are 15.5" deep.
Agree with you on the flat surfaces, though! My new hutch isn't even unpacked yet, and I'm already stacking stuff on it!
On project organization:
We set up project bags: PIGS (Projects in Grocery Sacks!). Each project has all the fabrics and notions and the project file with all the patterns, case notes and copies of fabric bills, customer accounts, customer contract detailing exactly what the project is and the delivery date.
We also note these on the computer calendar and it BONGS at ua when we have customer appointments. It tells us where they are, too (London or Kent), since we work in two bases. It tells us which week who is where, like this week we were both here in Kent working together for two days and seeing a customer. Next week we have to be in London, so I'll make a note of which projects I need to take to work on... The week after, we're back here, and at some point we need to fit in a trip to Bexley... And another to Norfolk to fit a kilt!
Kate, what kind of computer calendar are you using? I've been looking for one that BONGS at me!! I'm really good at setting up calendars, but rubbish at actually looking at them ever again. I've tried the calendar with Thunderbird (email client), and I like it... *when* I remember to check it!
I have been eyeing the , I think they are called, Bobby book cases at Ikea. They are made to put bins in or even have doors. That way when fuzzlet get's bigger I can put glass doors on it, and he/she can't get into it. Just look at the pretty colors like I did when I was little.
If I can keep 1-2 pound ferrets out of sewing stuff , on can hope, I can keep a kiddo out.
On a simular note, The PP has gotten into making props. Much of our stuff is crossing from fabric stuff to hardware stuff. I also need ideas on how to organize the 'hard' workshop as well as my 'soft' workshop. ;D He is always in my paints, and I'm always stealing his wire cutters.
kate: I tried the Pigs, and have found it seems too messy to me. I have them projects hanging in order of completion, but it feels "messy" to me. I have started doing the covered bin idea of gems, which has helped me from having stuff walk off. (IE the PP borrowing the wire cutters I need for my boning.)
Quote from: gem on May 04, 2011, 04:29:13 PM
Kate, what kind of computer calendar are you using? I've been looking for one that BONGS at me!! I'm really good at setting up calendars, but rubbish at actually looking at them ever again. I've tried the calendar with Thunderbird (email client), and I like it... *when* I remember to check it!
We use a gamail one for work. I also have the iCal that came on the iMac I use. Both can be set to give alarms and reminders at intervals to suit you.
Ooooo, looky what I found:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001DKIPS/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=sewingorg-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0001DKIPS
It kind of reminds me of an IKEA hack that someone did. They hinged 2 bookcases together, and hand them on wheels, and a trunk latch to 'lock' it closed. On the inside there was a hinged table that could fold out, that they could sew on. That way when they were done sewing they put the machine up on it's shelf, fold the table back in, pull the halves together, latch it shut, and roll it back into it's cornor. All the sewing stuff is contained, and out of little hands.
Here is the link: http://www.ikeahackers.net/2009/08/craft-pod-that-hides-sewing-machine.html (http://www.ikeahackers.net/2009/08/craft-pod-that-hides-sewing-machine.html)
That's brilliant!
I didn't even know of this website. Got some surfing to do now. :)
I have a friend who has one of the Sauder craft armoires. She's a Creative Memories scrapbook consultant and a seamstress who's on cast at Scarborough, and IIRC she really likes the armoire. I'm a big fan of Sauder, on the whole.
I'm so excited! I finally got my step cupboard in place! This isn't exactly how the permanent storage is going to be set up; I just flung some stuff in there to demonstrate how much space it has! (Now, just need to figure out what to do with the Janet Arnold books!) You can see the sewing machine on one side and the big Rubbermaid bin at the bottom. The purple drawer unit I just picked up today at JoAnn for $12. It's the same size as the plastic Sterlite units--but it's PRETTY! I can't believe all my books are going to fit!
(http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/4707019/396610219.jpg)
(Milord just walked in the door; will come back and post another pic of the cabinet closed later tonight.)
I spent 4 hours Saturday evening organizing, boxing up scraps for the quilt guild, and making my room ready for the next round of projects... Baby Dresses ;D ;D ;D
Then the PP dropped a bomb shell on me. He wanted to know if I wanted the room that was his office, instead of giving it to the baby. That way I had more room to sew, he could still keep his computer desk in there, and ALL the craft/prop/ sewing stuff was in one room, instead of scattered about the house. The baby had the room that was already girly. He said it would be a better use of space, and besides I already had my sewing stuff boxed up. Great idea... still had some issue.
I lost serious shelf space, but I also gained a functional closet. It also means going through all the boxes that had been hiding in that closet, but I think it will be worth it. Though I have a feeling he may loose some of his desk space me me ;D He did 'give me' the room, right.....