For those who are visual learners I have a fool proof method for keeping my slightly used sewing machine and surger needles organized. I have a small 3' X 5" binder .near my machine.....small enough to not take up much space and too large to loose amid clutter. :) Example: *When I have finished using a new denim needle for a small project like top stitching a skirt I head up a new page in my binder labeled Denim top stitching. *I cut a small square of denim used in the project, staple it to the page, put the needle through the fabric and write down what it was used for. *For other needles, I write down the type and number of the needle and its use along with a square of fabric used in the project. *I start at the front of the binder for sewing machine needles and flip it to the back for surger needles. Having the fabric on the page is a very quick and visual reminder. The amount of usage is quickly determined and how many more times the same needle can be used over again. Have taught this over and over again. When I meet former students of 20 / 30 years ago many tell me they are still using this system. We all have different ways to learn and may need to try out a few methods before we have that EUREKA moment. Viva la differance! Good tips Johanna
What a great system! I have a needle case where I can store needles I have used but not used up, shall we say, but there's no easy way to know how MUCH one was used, or on what.
I saw on Pinterest where instead of using nails for the threads, someone hot glued golf tees inside the box. They are so cheap here if you find them at garage sales. Sometimes free.
I switch needles a lot (quilting, sewing zipper pouches, clothes) so my tip to stay organized is 2-fold. First, if it came out of a little container, I keep that container in the top organize section of my machine where my thread and presser feet are so I know that’s the current needle. And second, when I remove a needle and it still has life left, I keep an inch or two of thread still inserted in the needle and put it back in the container it belongs. So when I pull out that container I know which needles are new and which one has been used. It eliminates the need for a second place to store the used needles, they just go back to its slot with some thread. I also have an aspirin bottle I put the old needles in, and when it gets full (which takes a very long time) I duct tape the top closed before disposing of the bottle in the trash.
You’re such a creative problem solver, I love the DIY spool system. I’m very happy that I found your content 😍 tack! So happy that I found your channel😊 tack!
Hi from England. I keep track of sewing needles by putting a pin in the needle packet where I have taken one from. So I always know which needle I am using. If I think that there is life in a needle when I have finished using it I mark the shank with nail varnish then I remove the pin and put the needle back and put the pin where my next needle is removed from. It works for me and very little thinking! Thanks for doing these videos.
As-salam alaykom, Thank you Sister for your helpful advice! We have found that the 5 tiered hangers are excellent for storing patterns, they are in packs of 3. We are One.
Hi Johanna. Delighted to say I received your Coverstitch book today and am thrilled with it. You have the knack of explaining everything in a simple, easy to understand way. I hope to get much more from my machine now. Thank you.
I use Velcro strips to store my used needles. You can use the hook or the loop side, but I prefer the loop side. I also place a loop circle on my machine to hold my regular needle when I temporarily replace it for something special
I keep my needles in a notebook which contains clear vinyl pockets meant to hold trading cards. Partially used needles always go back in original pack but only in far right slot.
I have a Skadis pegboard as well, and I love it! I want to add a couple more trays to it to add a little more storage. It's amazing how much stuff it will hold. I bought an Oragami craft craft 2 summers ago, and it has been fantastic for organizing my small space. I invested in a set of neutral color thread from Bluprint in 1200 yard lengths. I sewed almost everything for a year with the first spool of that thread I tried out, and I'm sold on it now. I can use something else for a colorful topstitch, but mostly, I plan to sew with what's in that set. So that cuts down on having tons of different threads and saves a lot of money over time.
I didn't do the vertical thread thing because it makes the color so hard to see. I lay them down in plastic drawer divider boxes, sorted by color. The less used special types (carpet/buttonhole, glow-in-the-dark, invisible nylon, etc.) Are toward the back. I keep the thread treatment in this drawer too, and bobbins in a bobbin ring rests on top of it all.
I am using several things already that you have shown. I do have a plastic box for pressure feet. I have about 15 feet for one of my machine. I was lucky enough to find one that was deep enough to hold my free motion feet, walking foot and ruffler attachment. Found it in the automotive section at a Walmart here in Texas. I just installed a pegboard for my embroidery hoops and different thread holders and placement rulerers. That is really go to be helpful for me. After watching you the other day I started thinking about what I could do. Still thinking about other things to do. Thank you.
I've started writing the remaining length on the card of cording, ribbon, elastic, or whatever (or affixing a tiny tag if I've just bundled it) and labeling loose zippers with their length (safety pinned on). Saves me so much time finding out I can't use something!
Thank you! I use the plastic boxes that salad greens come in for sewing-what-evers. They stack nicely, are see thru, and can be labeled with a paper slipped inside. My used sewing machine needles go back into an old case with a line or x drawn on it.
This is what i did, then I discovered that you can get bulk 'golf tees' the long ones and then just create a grid in your drawer of storage box and glue them in place...if they are tall enough you can even store any bobbins that are for a particular thread spool either sitting on top or depending on the brand of thread store it underneath the spool
I do something similar with my needles, but instead of using a magnetic strip, I had a pin cushion with the different numbers so I could keep used needles. The downside to this system is that it's really hard to differentiate between the types of needles. So what I began doing was I put my used needles back into the plastic needle case, but I use a sharpie marker in a bright color and mark the clear plastic over where the needle lies. This way I don't have to struggle to figure out if my size 90 needle is a machine embroidery, denim, ballpoint, etc. I just find the box with the type of needle I need and can immediately know if any have been used previously.
I like your idea to use along with mine. When I put a new needle in my machine, I toss that little plastic case in the notions dish/bowl we always have beside our machines. It's handy for your tip, plus I always know what size/type of needle is in my machine.
@@bevann8624 , you are right. I keep a wooden box of pins by my machine, and I need to place the needle pack in there until I change the needle for the next project. I’ve tried doing something like this in the past, but just haven’t made a habit out of it like I should. Thank you for the reminder!
We got some peg board and accessories from a closing store that I hope to install in my crafting space soon. I also have a small set of plastic drawers (large enough to fit standard size paper in) that I keep things like template plastic, marking tools, etc. Each drawer is labeled with the contents as well as containers within. I really like the idea of separating the buttons.....and I will make this my next project
I have a lot of sewing patterns. I sit the up in an open plastic shoe box divided by size and some are for stretch fabric and woven. I use your notebook idea for quilting instructions. I have another 3 ring binder for pictures I can use for templates. My needles are stored like yours. I have to get at my supplies at a glance also. Thank you for your ideas.
Thanks for the tips. This is great timing because I'm currently moving into a brand new sewing studio space. It's a bit daunting because I have no point of reference for where I want things to go. I just have to make a decision and start in. I can already tell that I'll use some of your ideas to get the ball rolling. I certainly wish I could find one of those racks on which you keep your block patterns. That thing is fabulous! Come to think of it, I should probably just get in there and start sewing and then what's going to work will become clear. That would make it way more fun! But your organization ideas will definitely serve me in the long run.
For labels I use colored masking tape and a sharpie. I like lettering so the fonts are varied and creative in themselves. I like using wrapped tin cans for lots of items -- scissors, gauges, pins, seam rippers, etc. I cover boxes with pretty shelf paper and store larger items. I find when the boxes are different colors or wrapped in different designed paper I remember what is in them easier, I don't really need to label them. For fabric that doesn't fit on my open shelves I put in transparent bins so I can see the fabrics and find what I need easier.
I have covered boxes with fabric like you did and I really: enjoy the aesthetic of it. My elastic is on cardboard and on a cube Kleenex box covered in metallic pink fabric can’t it looks pretty cute. Like I wouldn’t want it in a drawer.
I have an industrial sewing machine desk, it has a metal horizontal rod that supports the feet of the desk.I installed a swallow shelf that houses a few small baskets with sewing supplies so they dont clutter my desk. I also repurposed my old cork board by making a fabric cover with *pockets* for it. It now holds my ruler and scissors.
I especially like your solution for storing sewing machine needles. I keep mine in a tin and have to go through everything before finding the correct needles which is such an irritation!
Thanks for the ideas. Would attaching a magnetic strip inside each box be helpful? Then you know that needle belongs with those other types and sizes of needles?
I keep buttons in a parts cabinet from the hardware store. The drawers are clear, so if I sort by color labels are only needed for a few specialized things. I use another one for jewelry findings and hardware like d rings, swivel clips, etc. Stacking bead containers for colored plastic snap fasteners.
👍🏻 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thanks for sharing all your lovely tips. ❤️ everyone ‼️ First time I heard someone pronouncing ikea names correctly 😃 (I think 😉 , sounded convincing) Have to go back and watch all your other video’s....... 👋🏻👋🏻
Happy to hear you enjoyed my video! And being Swedish helps with the Ikea pronunciation 😊 It's cool to see how this company has gotten such global presence and still sticks with Swedish names
I have a magnetic spot for my used needles but always had to get out the magnifying glass when I wanted to know what was what. NOW I will mark my magnetic strip!! Thank you.
my space is small, has to serve many functions, most items are on just the sturdy cheap black resin shelving that have curtains to cover everything, easier on the eyes that way lol, my sewing table is a cheap folding table with a 2 ft wide door attached on top to give me the length i need for a couple of the machines & computers for studying
Thanks for all your tips! Could I suggest another tip? For my thread I sort in a thread rack: white at the top, black at the bottom. (white, yellow, peach, red, brown, green, blue, purple, black). Then from left to right I organize by intensity of color: more muted on the left, brighter on the right. On the rightmose and leftmost pegs, I put the bobbins for that row. I can find colors a lot better now. Sometimes you want "blue" but realize a grey might be better, or a purple might be better. It's easier to compare for me, this way. Also, I can see gaps and overages -- I didn't have any very dark gray! I have 10 white/cream!
It’s like you said, the sewing things got to be too numerous for my current space. I have never put such an effort into making sure every thing has a container or a place it belongs. Now I can pretty quickly reorganize before and after a project even if i do more than one in a day. I also keep my projects that are cut out and waiting to be put together in a ziplock bag and in one bin. It really helps keep me from feeling overwhelmed to be able to know how many things I have to do and if they aren’t finished for some reason what I need to get everything done. This way it doesn’t get crazy like it used to. I am currently working on trying to organize my fabric. I am not feeling the sort by color method. I wish I had some options, and someone to help me it all!
Anyone can help you, even someone who isn't especially talented at organizing or knowledgeable about sewing. It's surprising what ideas a fresh pair of eyes will see. And even if the other person just keeps you company while you sort through things, it helps keep you from getting discouraged and giving up.
I have enough fabric to start a store! I always sort by type and weight of fabric so when I am planning to make a winter dress I pull out warm or heavier fabrics. Colorful prints or lighter weight cottons, etc are stored together. Then slinky silks are another area. You get the idea. I sew for my grandchildren and sometimes use a fabric that is too juvenile for an adult so they have their own section. I also insert a small remnant of a fabric in the pattern envelope to remind me what I made with it. I try to remember to take a photo of garments I make for my daughters and grands, but sometimes they leave the house before I get around to it.
Here’s the machine needle system that has evolved for me: When I remove a new needle, I take it from the left side of the packet and make a needle “tag”. It’s a short piece of scotch tape with one end folded under for easy removal. I write the type and number of needle on that and stick it onto the machine on the left end so it’s out of the way. Then when I change the needle (unless it’s ready for the trash), that label goes on the front of the packet and the needle goes back in on the left side. If for some reason I want a new needle in the same size, the first needle can be skipped. Left =used and I don’t struggle to read size numbers. Occasionally I don’t bother to replace a needle into the packet but just adhere it in the side of the machine under its tag.
Hi love your video's I have noticed in your pattern magazines you have those patterns which are several patterns on top of one another in different colours. Please could you explain what is the best way to use these as I have always steered clear of them as they look very confusing. Many thanks and keep up the good work
I've just made over my sewing room and in the next few months I need to tackle organisation; but it's so difficult!!! I find that what works for now, won't be useful next week... Does my heading...
It’s often called “oak tag” which may help with your search. I’ve seen it on amazon, etsy and eBay, too called “Manila pattern paper”. www.goldstartool.com/manila-pattern-paper-48-wide.htm
For labels I use colored masking tape and a sharpie. I like lettering so the fonts are varied and creative in themselves. I like using wrapped tin cans for lots of items -- scissors, gauges, pins, seam rippers, etc. I cover boxes with pretty shelf paper and store larger items. I find when the boxes are different colors or wrapped in different designed paper I remember what is in them easier, I don't really need to label them. For fabric that doesn't fit on my open shelves I put in transparent bins so I can see the fabrics and find what I need easier.
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For those who are visual learners I have a fool proof method for keeping my slightly used sewing machine and surger needles organized.
I have a small 3' X 5" binder .near my machine.....small enough to not take up much space and too large to loose amid clutter. :)
Example:
*When I have finished using a new denim needle for a small project like top stitching a skirt I head up a new page in my binder labeled Denim top stitching.
*I cut a small square of denim used in the project, staple it to the page, put the needle through the fabric and write down what it was used for.
*For other needles, I write down the type and number of the needle and its use along with a square of fabric used in the project.
*I start at the front of the binder for sewing machine needles and flip it to the back for surger needles.
Having the fabric on the page is a very quick and visual reminder. The amount of usage is quickly determined and how many more times the same needle can be used over again.
Have taught this over and over again. When I meet former students of 20 / 30 years ago many tell me they are still using this system.
We all have different ways to learn and may need to try out a few methods before we have that EUREKA moment. Viva la differance!
Good tips Johanna
V. Practical... Nice ideas...
Video also
Nice... Innovative...
What a great system! I have a needle case where I can store needles I have used but not used up, shall we say, but there's no easy way to know how MUCH one was used, or on what.
I saw on Pinterest where instead of using nails for the threads, someone hot glued golf tees inside the box. They are so cheap here if you find them at garage sales. Sometimes free.
Matrix Mom thanks, I like that idea.
Love the idea of magnetic tape for storing needles still in use. Thank you!
I switch needles a lot (quilting, sewing zipper pouches, clothes) so my tip to stay organized is 2-fold. First, if it came out of a little container, I keep that container in the top organize section of my machine where my thread and presser feet are so I know that’s the current needle. And second, when I remove a needle and it still has life left, I keep an inch or two of thread still inserted in the needle and put it back in the container it belongs. So when I pull out that container I know which needles are new and which one has been used. It eliminates the need for a second place to store the used needles, they just go back to its slot with some thread. I also have an aspirin bottle I put the old needles in, and when it gets full (which takes a very long time) I duct tape the top closed before disposing of the bottle in the trash.
You’re such a creative problem solver, I love the DIY spool system. I’m very happy that I found your content 😍 tack!
So happy that I found your channel😊 tack!
Hi from England. I keep track of sewing needles by putting a pin in the needle packet where I have taken one from. So I always know which needle I am using. If I think that there is life in a needle when I have finished using it I mark the shank with nail varnish then I remove the pin and put the needle back and put the pin where my next needle is removed from. It works for me and very little thinking! Thanks for doing these videos.
Love the nail idea for my spools!
As-salam alaykom, Thank you Sister for your helpful advice! We have found that the 5 tiered hangers are excellent for storing patterns, they are in packs of 3. We are One.
the best sewing supplies organisation!!! love it! thank you for sharing
I absolutely LOVE my pegboard! 💕. The magnetic strip for used needles is brilliant! 👍🏼. Thank you for sharing your ideas! 💕👍🏼
I group all my threads together by colour and put them in Féria Rocher clear chocolate boxes
Hi Johanna. Delighted to say I received your Coverstitch book today and am thrilled with it. You have the knack of explaining everything in a simple, easy to understand way. I hope to get much more from my machine now. Thank you.
I use Velcro strips to store my used needles. You can use the hook or the loop side, but I prefer the loop side. I also place a loop circle on my machine to hold my regular needle when I temporarily replace it for something special
I made a pincushion with different sections where I wrote the different kinds of needles and sizes on. That's where I keep the already used needles.
I keep my needles in a notebook which contains clear vinyl pockets meant to hold trading cards.
Partially used needles always go back in original pack but only in far right slot.
I am having so much trouble with this! Thank you for your tips!
I love the needle box idea especially the magnet strip in the front. Thank you for sharing.
I have a Skadis pegboard as well, and I love it! I want to add a couple more trays to it to add a little more storage. It's amazing how much stuff it will hold. I bought an Oragami craft craft 2 summers ago, and it has been fantastic for organizing my small space. I invested in a set of neutral color thread from Bluprint in 1200 yard lengths. I sewed almost everything for a year with the first spool of that thread I tried out, and I'm sold on it now. I can use something else for a colorful topstitch, but mostly, I plan to sew with what's in that set. So that cuts down on having tons of different threads and saves a lot of money over time.
I didn't do the vertical thread thing because it makes the color so hard to see. I lay them down in plastic drawer divider boxes, sorted by color. The less used special types (carpet/buttonhole, glow-in-the-dark, invisible nylon, etc.) Are toward the back. I keep the thread treatment in this drawer too, and bobbins in a bobbin ring rests on top of it all.
I am using several things already that you have shown. I do have a plastic box for pressure feet. I have about 15 feet for one of my machine. I was lucky enough to find one that was deep enough to hold my free motion feet, walking foot and ruffler attachment. Found it in the automotive section at a Walmart here in Texas. I just installed a pegboard for my embroidery hoops and different thread holders and placement rulerers. That is really go to be helpful for me. After watching you the other day I started thinking about what I could do. Still thinking about other things to do. Thank you.
I've started writing the remaining length on the card of cording, ribbon, elastic, or whatever (or affixing a tiny tag if I've just bundled it) and labeling loose zippers with their length (safety pinned on). Saves me so much time finding out I can't use something!
Thank you! I use the plastic boxes that salad greens come in for sewing-what-evers. They stack nicely, are see thru, and can be labeled with a paper slipped inside. My used sewing machine needles go back into an old case with a line or x drawn on it.
In place of the nails you could drill little holes and cut pieces of dowels the same size and tap in the holes could probably glue the dowels in place
This is what i did, then I discovered that you can get bulk 'golf tees' the long ones and then just create a grid in your drawer of storage box and glue them in place...if they are tall enough you can even store any bobbins that are for a particular thread spool either sitting on top or depending on the brand of thread store it underneath the spool
I do the same. Dowels in a :piece of Wood, or a slat etc. Greetings from Germany
I do something similar with my needles, but instead of using a magnetic strip, I had a pin cushion with the different numbers so I could keep used needles. The downside to this system is that it's really hard to differentiate between the types of needles. So what I began doing was I put my used needles back into the plastic needle case, but I use a sharpie marker in a bright color and mark the clear plastic over where the needle lies. This way I don't have to struggle to figure out if my size 90 needle is a machine embroidery, denim, ballpoint, etc. I just find the box with the type of needle I need and can immediately know if any have been used previously.
I like your idea to use along with mine. When I put a new needle in my machine, I toss that little plastic case in the notions dish/bowl we always have beside our machines. It's handy for your tip, plus I always know what size/type of needle is in my machine.
@@bevann8624 , you are right. I keep a wooden box of pins by my machine, and I need to place the needle pack in there until I change the needle for the next project. I’ve tried doing something like this in the past, but just haven’t made a habit out of it like I should. Thank you for the reminder!
I like your idea!
Awesome as always, thx
I laminate my PDF patterns, cut & place in a binder
Wonderful organization tips! Thank you. 😃
Great tips and fabulous to hear someone pronounce the IKEA products correctly 😊
Great tips! I want to go to Ikea now and check the peg board 😄👍
Might want to price at Lowe’s as well.
We got some peg board and accessories from a closing store that I hope to install in my crafting space soon. I also have a small set of plastic drawers (large enough to fit standard size paper in) that I keep things like template plastic, marking tools, etc. Each drawer is labeled with the contents as well as containers within. I really like the idea of separating the buttons.....and I will make this my next project
I have a lot of sewing patterns. I sit the up in an open plastic shoe box divided by size and some are for stretch fabric and woven. I use your notebook idea for quilting instructions. I have another 3 ring binder for pictures I can use for templates. My needles are stored like yours. I have to get at my supplies at a glance also. Thank you for your ideas.
Very nice tips! You have such a wonderful, inspiring sewing space! No wonder you have awesome results emerging from it!! 😉😉😍
Thanks for the tips. This is great timing because I'm currently moving into a brand new sewing studio space. It's a bit daunting because I have no point of reference for where I want things to go. I just have to make a decision and start in. I can already tell that I'll use some of your ideas to get the ball rolling. I certainly wish I could find one of those racks on which you keep your block patterns. That thing is fabulous! Come to think of it, I should probably just get in there and start sewing and then what's going to work will become clear. That would make it way more fun! But your organization ideas will definitely serve me in the long run.
For labels I use colored masking tape and a sharpie. I like lettering so the fonts are varied and creative in themselves.
I like using wrapped tin cans for lots of items -- scissors, gauges, pins, seam rippers, etc. I cover boxes with pretty shelf paper and store larger items. I find when the boxes are different colors or wrapped in different designed paper I remember what is in them easier, I don't really need to label them. For fabric that doesn't fit on my open shelves I put in transparent bins so I can see the fabrics and find what I need easier.
I have covered boxes with fabric like you did and I really: enjoy the aesthetic of it. My elastic is on cardboard and on a cube Kleenex box covered in metallic pink fabric can’t it looks pretty cute. Like I wouldn’t want it in a drawer.
Fantastic Tips and Ideas thank you so very much (smiles)
Hi Johanna!! Loved all your tips.. 💜💜🧵🧵
I have an industrial sewing machine desk, it has a metal horizontal rod that supports the feet of the desk.I installed a swallow shelf that houses a few small baskets with sewing supplies so they dont clutter my desk. I also repurposed my old cork board by making a fabric cover with *pockets* for it. It now holds my ruler and scissors.
Thanks for the thread tips! I have quilting thread, embroidery thread & general sewing thread. It drives me crazy keeping them apart in a small space!
I especially like your solution for storing sewing machine needles. I keep mine in a tin and have to go through everything before finding the correct needles which is such an irritation!
Thanks for the ideas. Would attaching a magnetic strip inside each box be helpful? Then you know that needle belongs with those other types and sizes of needles?
I keep buttons in a parts cabinet from the hardware store. The drawers are clear, so if I sort by color labels are only needed for a few specialized things. I use another one for jewelry findings and hardware like d rings, swivel clips, etc. Stacking bead containers for colored plastic snap fasteners.
👍🏻 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks for sharing all your lovely tips. ❤️ everyone ‼️
First time I heard someone pronouncing ikea names correctly 😃 (I think 😉 , sounded convincing)
Have to go back and watch all your other video’s.......
👋🏻👋🏻
Happy to hear you enjoyed my video! And being Swedish helps with the Ikea pronunciation 😊 It's cool to see how this company has gotten such global presence and still sticks with Swedish names
I use the plastic containers for floss to keep buttons and of course I have floss in several containers too.
I have a magnetic spot for my used needles but always had to get out the magnifying glass when I wanted to know what was what. NOW I will mark my magnetic strip!! Thank you.
I use an old prescription bottle for used needles. They can be thrown away without worry that someone will be harmed.
my space is small, has to serve many functions, most items are on just the sturdy cheap black resin shelving that have curtains to cover everything, easier on the eyes that way lol, my sewing table is a cheap folding table with a 2 ft wide door attached on top to give me the length i need for a couple of the machines & computers for studying
Thank you
3:56 a system for hanging patterns, and an alternative
Thanks for all your tips! Could I suggest another tip? For my thread I sort in a thread rack: white at the top, black at the bottom. (white, yellow, peach, red, brown, green, blue, purple, black). Then from left to right I organize by intensity of color: more muted on the left, brighter on the right. On the rightmose and leftmost pegs, I put the bobbins for that row. I can find colors a lot better now. Sometimes you want "blue" but realize a grey might be better, or a purple might be better. It's easier to compare for me, this way. Also, I can see gaps and overages -- I didn't have any very dark gray! I have 10 white/cream!
Thank you for good tips, I really needed ❤️
Thank you great tips.😀
Super useful, thank you!
It’s like you said, the sewing things got to be too numerous for my current space. I have never put such an effort into making sure every thing has a container or a place it belongs. Now I can pretty quickly reorganize before and after a project even if i do more than one in a day. I also keep my projects that are cut out and waiting to be put together in a ziplock bag and in one bin. It really helps keep me from feeling overwhelmed to be able to know how many things I have to do and if they aren’t finished for some reason what I need to get everything done. This way it doesn’t get crazy like it used to. I am currently working on trying to organize my fabric. I am not feeling the sort by color method. I wish I had some options, and someone to help me it all!
Anyone can help you, even someone who isn't especially talented at organizing or knowledgeable about sewing. It's surprising what ideas a fresh pair of eyes will see. And even if the other person just keeps you company while you sort through things, it helps keep you from getting discouraged and giving up.
I have enough fabric to start a store! I always sort by type and weight of fabric so when I am planning to make a winter dress I pull out warm or heavier fabrics. Colorful prints or lighter weight cottons, etc are stored together. Then slinky silks are another area. You get the idea. I sew for my grandchildren and sometimes use a fabric that is too juvenile for an adult so they have their own section. I also insert a small remnant of a fabric in the pattern envelope to remind me what I made with it. I try to remember to take a photo of garments I make for my daughters and grands, but sometimes they leave the house before I get around to it.
I had thought myself organized....but now I am thinking of giving it all away as I am frustrated trying to find things.
Here’s the machine needle system that has evolved for me: When I remove a new needle, I take it from the left side of the packet and make a needle “tag”. It’s a short piece of scotch tape with one end folded under for easy removal. I write the type and number of needle on that and stick it onto the machine on the left end so it’s out of the way. Then when I change the needle (unless it’s ready for the trash), that label goes on the front of the packet and the needle goes back in on the left side. If for some reason I want a new needle in the same size, the first needle can be skipped. Left =used and I don’t struggle to read size numbers. Occasionally I don’t bother to replace a needle into the packet but just adhere it in the side of the machine under its tag.
Hi love your video's I have noticed in your pattern magazines you have those patterns which are several patterns on top of one another in different colours. Please could you explain what is the best way to use these as I have always steered clear of them as they look very confusing. Many thanks and keep up the good work
I've just made over my sewing room and in the next few months I need to tackle organisation; but it's so difficult!!! I find that what works for now, won't be useful next week... Does my heading...
True
We have to keep organising..
Always we need to find solutions for ourselves....
Workable organising tips..
Where do you find the stiff paper for transferring patterns to keep? I’ve searched everywhere. Thanks for these great videos.
It’s often called “oak tag” which may help with your search. I’ve seen it on amazon, etsy and eBay, too called “Manila pattern paper”. www.goldstartool.com/manila-pattern-paper-48-wide.htm
Could you just share your pattern for the cute blouse you are wearing?
very useful, tnx
I miss IKEA.
Organize is spelled with a z.
Only in the US. S is correct in the UK.
From one Peggy to another, Thank you, I was not aware of that fact. My sincere apologies to the presenter. 🙋🏻♀️
For labels I use colored masking tape and a sharpie. I like lettering so the fonts are varied and creative in themselves.
I like using wrapped tin cans for lots of items -- scissors, gauges, pins, seam rippers, etc. I cover boxes with pretty shelf paper and store larger items. I find when the boxes are different colors or wrapped in different designed paper I remember what is in them easier, I don't really need to label them. For fabric that doesn't fit on my open shelves I put in transparent bins so I can see the fabrics and find what I need easier.