Sewing While Renovating

My sewing has come to a standstill thanks to dust, displaced clothing, and random furniture!

I bought my house in 2002 - it's a Cape Cod Bungalow built in 1943. Every year, I've done some updating; some minor (painting) and some not-to-minor (adding and moving kitchen cabinets). But last week, I began my most extensive renovation...gutting most of the second floor to expand the master bedroom.

The original room was about 15' x 10' - tucked into the sloped roof; in the hallway, the dormer ceiling was low...6'5". It was claustrophobic. I wanted to duck whenever I stepped on the top stair.

I worked with my contractor on finalizing a design that I had envisioned since I moved in. Move the knee-wall back, move the door, raise the ceiling, and expand the hall closet.

This is what it looks like after week one! The room is HUGE - 16' x 15' !! 

But that insulation? It's everywhere. Even with plastic sheets covering the doors. My daily routine is this: get home from work. Remove coat. Swiffer. Change Swiffer pad. Repeat. Repeat. Vacuum. Dust. Change water in cats' water bowl. 

The other consequence of renovating a 72 year old home? Lots of vintage ceiling lights (that I'm replacing with recessed LED lights). According to my contractor, these all need to be rewired. One was so bad, that they clipped the wires so no one could hang it.

Isn't that blue on dreamy? The one next to it is identical, but pink! Too bad I don't need them. When I get a chance, I will probably sell them to someone who appreciates their unique qualities!

Around this time, I'm usually dreaming up Christmas gift ideas - something that I can make. Not now. But I can handle that!

Bernina Feet Storage

Last week, Bernina posted a picture on their FB page of an organized accessory box. I shared this picture and got some positive responses -- so I thought I'd write about it.

I keep most of the feet for my Bernina 240 in a plastic case with dividers (just like this one) stowed away in a drawer. I don't use the plastic accessory box that came with it. But there are several feet that I use a lot; those feet were taking up space in the area next to my machine (and I kept knocking them off).

My solution was to remove the foot "shelf" from the accessory box and stick it to the underside of my Horn Cabinet. I used the 3M Picture Hanging Strips (like velcro). BTW, I think that there are coupons on their website!

Now I have easy-access to my feet!

Finding My Way

In the mid-90s, when I rediscovered sewing, there was no Pinterest; heck, we barely had internet. A few years later, when I really got into sewing, I was online, but there wasn't the volume of content like there is now; and it wasn't easy to find. As a result, I saved and printed A LOT of sewing patterns, tutorials, and tips. I've learned a lot over the past 15 years; the problem is that my collection of online crap is consuming my sewing room. I am generation paper. Yes, I like paper. Or at least I did. Then Pinterest came along...and Evernote...then my iPad. I've gone digital. But I still have piles of patterns scattered around my house. Most have homes in mislabeled file folders.

Yesterday, I began my purge. Whenever I travel longer distances (like my almost 6 hour drive to see my family at Christmas), I get a weirdly preoccupied with car accidents. I began to think about what would happen if I was in one and my family had to go to my house to find things. It's ridiculous and irrational because compared to most people, I'm about an eight out of ten on the organizational scale. Nonetheless, my mind wanders; as I drive, I get the trash bug. Then I turn into my mother...who rarely saved anything. We're both Virgos.

On New Year's Day, I began. I tore through two file cabinets - I started with more financial stuff like car insurance forms...that dated back to 2008. Then I moved on to work-related files like my teaching evaluations... (this is embarrassing) from 1995. BTW, I was an awesome teacher back then! Next came the decorating magazines. Sure, stenciling is cool again, but I'm thinking that sponge painting will never make a comeback. I probably tossed 30 magazines. My recycling guys are going to hate me. Then I moved on to the Buns of Steel VHS tapes, then some college stuff (I'm 50, so that should give you an idea of what I found). It was mildly entertaining. I dug out my Central Michigan student ID from 1984, then my Penn State ID from 1986. I found wedding invitations for lots of friends including one who divorced that guy, married another guy, divorced him, and is now with another guy. I did learn some important things while doing this. Specifically, my cats are 11 years old, not 12 like I thought.

When I got done and the dust settled, I had emptied two storage containers and two small file cabinets. My friend decided that she wanted to repurpose the file cabinets, so those were out the door later in the afternoon.

I saved the most difficult for last....sewing-related items. I did a lot of self-talk. I did a lot of thinking. I convinced myself that everything I needed was online. I pin A LOT; it all can be found on Pinterest.

I began slowly. I found myself putting more and more printed patterns into the recycling bin. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. Why? The patterns were awful. Some were poorly designed while others lacked any sense of detail. Some didn't even have pictures! Blasphemy! Plus, in the grand scheme of things, I'm a fairly talented sewer - if I need something, I can figure it out on my own or do a quick search online. I think my break-through moment was when I realized that I've turned into the sewer that I'm supposed to be. I've tried a lot; I know what I like. And that means that I don't need clothing patterns. I don't need basic tote bag patterns. I don't need stuff for kids. I like funky quilts not traditional ones. And…I sew practical things. I design my own patterns because I need something to function. After my self-analysis, I asked myself one simple question, "Will I ever make this?" The answer, in most cases, was "no."

I'm done for now; I feel a lot more settled. My back is sore, but it was worth it. And it's now easier to find what I really need and what's really important! YAY! Time to get to work designing my next pattern!

My Mess

Some of my friends are under the impression that my sewing room is neat and organized all the time. I am a Virgo...so, yes, I am usually organized and tidy. When I'm in design mode, however, that is not the case.

Here's the mess I woke up to this morning. Yesterday I was working on my smartphone wallet pattern. I went to bed late (for me...which is 10:30 pm!), thinking about how I was going to translate the design elements to the written word (for the pattern). I did manage to pick up the fabric that was on the floor and throw it in a pile.

 



At least I remembered to unplug my iron! Yes, this is my idea of a mess. I did clean it up before I started sewing this morning.

Hanging My Design Wall

I have three Fons and Porter Quilt Design Walls...yes, I like to design more than I like to piece! I sometimes struggle to get quilts done. Consequently, I use them quite a bit.

My main problem is that, although I love these design walls, the grommets at the top are all spaced a little differently; this has made hanging them a little difficult.

Originally, I hung up some Command Adhesive hooks and put up with unevenness. This weekend I decided that I had had enough. I removed the hooks and put up clothespins. Here's what I did:

 I got some of these picture hanging strips.

I took out the medium strips and cut four sets of them in half. To do this, I stuck them together and cut using sharp scissors.

I stuck one side to the clothespin. 

I marked eight points on the wall - level and evenly distributed. I then stuck the clothespins to the wall.

And here's one of my quilts "stuck" to my quilt design wall. 

Once I got the quilt top all pieces, I removed the design wall and hung the quilt by the clothespins.



Works like a charm! And I haven't damaged my plaster walls!

Not So Pinterest Perfect!

OK, I love Pinterest, but when I see all the pictures of lovely (and large) sewing rooms I have to laugh. The spaces a perfectly organized with everything neatly stored in labeled containers. When my friends see my sewing room, they usually comment on how neat it is, too. But really? My sewing room isn't always that wonderful looking...like right now. 

So if you are feeling a little less than Pinterest Perfect, I'm with you. I have been busy with my full-time (paying) job and haven't been able to sew. That, however, hasn't stopped the piles from growing. That's what I do...when I don't have time to clean and sort, I pile. And here's what it looks like. I've got project ideas, works in progress, fabric (cuddle...from Shannon Fabrics - ready to be made into a pouf!), rulers that I took to a class... So why am I writing this? It's my first free weekend in a long time. I've got work to do!

Sewing Clan

Hanging On By A Thread

When I closed my sewing studio in May 2012, my regulars understood why. But we all mourned a bit. The location had become a bit of a hang out for us with the classes becoming more than classes. Thanks to wonderful weather and busy schedules, we managed to make it through the Summer; but when Fall rolled around we pined for the good 'ole days.

So a few months ago we decided to start meeting in the local library - once a month - on Sundays. It was a chance to catch-up, chat, and get some insights on our sewing. We started with five and, within a few months, the group has almost doubled in size, with friends inviting friends. We started calling ourselves, "Hanging On By A Thread." And yes, we even have a logo!

What I like about it is that it's informal; there's no meeting, no agenda, no to-do list. Intuitively, we know what to bring - I bring ironing and cutting boards, irons, and extension cords while others bring snacks, more cutting boards and extension cords, and new projects. And we never seem to be missing anything. We even have a Facebook Group where we post comments and pictures. And our meeting yesterday turned into a Pampered Chef party!

Trigger Tote!

When I opened my studio, I wanted it to be a hangout - a social place where people with different jobs and backgrounds could come together. And I think we succeeded. So when I look at that picture above, I am so thankful for everyone who helped me and supported me. Because if it wasn't for those three exhausting years, I would have never met any of my wonderful friends who are hanging on by a thread!

Organization Tip Two: Don't Buy It

I am slowly clearing my house of clutter - the most entertaining items were found in the totes from my college days...back in the mid-1980s. I can't believe I've packed and unpacked this stuff in all my cross-country moves. I wrote some awesome papers in college, but do I really need them? Really, the pinnacle of my college experience is my bound copy of my master's thesis from Penn State. OK, and the paper I wrote for my Communication Theory class where I used Star Trek as a metaphor. Other than that, they can all be trashed. If haven't referenced them in the ten years I've lived in my house, I doubt I'll reference them in the next ten years.

All this purging got me thinking about what I buy. Which got me thinking about what I want and what I need. Lately, I've seen lots of Pins on sewing room organization. Some are ridiculous, some impractical, but a few have been really creative and useful. One of the most eye-opening was from Jacquie at Tall Grass Prairie Studio. She wrote one of my favorite books and is one of my favorite modern quilters. I was shocked (and inspired) when I read that her studio is 9' x 10'. When I first looked at the pictures, it seemed like the room was full of fabric. But upon closer examination, that didn't seem to be the case. 

I've never understood the adage, "she who dies with the most fabric wins." First of all, I don't believe that sewing and quilting is a competition; secondly, owning a lot of fabric means shopping for a lot of fabric. Shopping for a lot of fabric means time spent shopping. I'd rather sew.

The thing that I've learned about fabric (as with clothing) is that it goes in and out of style. What's in this year will be out in a few years. My mom made me a quilt in the mid 1990s that I cherish - it's all hand pieced and hand-quilted. The fabric screams 1990s - which is another reason I love it. I know exactly where I was when she gave it to me. But I would NEVER use that fabric in another quilt. It's too dated.

During my three years as a studio owner, countless boxes of stinky fabric found their way through the doors. The owners were downsizing, went into a nursing home, or died. And I mean BOXES! I donated most of it to our local Mennonite community who made quilts for the homeless. So yes, I couldn't GIVE IT AWAY. Most of my sewing friends saw boxes of dated, ugly fabric. I saw boxes of money ...wasted.

So here's my tip: Only buy what you need to work on a current or planned project. OK, and if it's an incredible deal. So rather than ask yourself, "Do I really need this?" (because the answer to that will always be "YES!"), ask yourself, "Will I use this in the next two months?" And be realistic. If you aren't sure, put it down. If you utter the words, "probably" or "I might" or "I think" put it down. Buy what you need at that particular time to get started on a quilt or to begin your plan for a project. 

Here's the thing...fabric isn't like bread during the Great Depression. It isn't a limited commodity. It will always be here. And if you wait, I'm sure that something else will pop up. Really. It will and it will be just as "perfect" as the fabric that you didn't buy.

Organization Tip One: Throw It Away

When my sewing friends come to my house, they always comment on how organized my little sewing room is. So I thought I'd share with you some of my organization tips. Keep in mind that I'm a mix of practical and creative, so I like cute colorful things as long as they serve a purpose. I'm also fairly frugal (cheap?) and realistic, which means that I'm good at talking myself out of purchases.

Here's the Tip of the Day: When in doubt, throw it out.

My favorite organizational aid is the trash can. I used to save and collect things (it was ridiculous) but I've trained myself to think like my friend Maria. Maria reads a magazine, tears out what she needs, files the idea, and throws the rest of the magazine away. I learned from her. Then I took it to the next level. I stopped tearing things out. And you want to know why? I never looked at them. Really. Never. I have cute little boxes adorned with neat little labels with matching lids ... all covered in dust. So now I use Pinterest. And when I'm reading Better Homes and Gardens and am tempted to tear, I think, "Will I really use/do this?" If the answer is yes, I use Evernote on my Droid. I take a picture of the idea and catalog it on my phone. Then I recycle the magazine.

I don't save many fabric scraps because I never used them. I have rules like nothing smaller than 2" x 2". It keeps me sane and focused. Clutter weighs down my creative spirit. I know this and, when tempted to save, I ask myself, "Will this little piece of fabric help me be more creative or will it clog up my space (mind)?" I have a arsenal of small project ideas and I only save things that I could use for a particular project. If I can't think of anything, I toss it. And guess what? It hasn't killed me!

This approach isn't for everyone. You also have to be (1) incredibly honest with yourself, (2) disciplined enough to let go of something, and (3) accepting of the fact that you might regret your decision later. If you feel horrible about getting rid of things then donate it to a youth center, the Girl Scouts, or a senior center.

But I can promise that if you start throwing things away, you'll spend less time searching and more time sewing. And that's what it's all about!

Embroidery Thread Chart

I can never keep track of my embroidery thread. I keep telling myself that I remember what I have....but I end up with duplicates. So here's a little trick...

Find chart of your favorite brands (like this one from Isacord or this one from Sulky or these from Robison Anton) and print it (in color...obviously). 

Laminate it or slide it into sheet protectors. Then use a dry erase marker or overhead transparency marker to mark down what you have. When you run out, just erase it! You'll want to be careful of dry erase markers - the ink rubs off with little effort.

Banker Box Update

I've finished up my Bankers Box conversion! I found some beige plastic switch plate covers that are the same color of the boxes/patterns. I only paid 67 cents at our local Do It Center!!

I used Loctite Super Glue Gel Control and just glued them right on! They are 4" up from the bottom and 5 1/2" in from each side. Just write on the covers with a dry-erase marker and erase when needed!

Here is the final product!

Sewing Room: Banker Boxes

I am in the process of getting my new sewing space organized. Here is my simple method: get things situated to the best of your ability, then simply use the area. Once you do that, pay attention to what tools you use, where you put those tools, and what you need close by. 

I'm in a small space (about 10' x 11'), so I ended up using part of my basement as a cutting area. I also stored rarely used items down there. My sewing room houses my sewing machine (in a Horn Cabinet), my 4' x 3' ironing table, my laptop, and all my fabric, thread, and books.

Because my sewing room is on the first floor, it needs to look presentable. I like things to look good - I like symmetry and order. My first order of business was converting some Bankers Boxes into cute storage:

SUPPLIES:

Mod Podge

Paint brush (I used a cheap, throw-away one...not foam...I wear those out)

Banker Box

Delta Ceramcoat All-Purpose Sealer

White Spray Paint (for priming)

Pink Spray Paint (for box top)

Old sewing patterns

Small trash cans (or something to put the boxes on as they dry)

 

1. Prime and spray paint the printed area of the box and lid. If you skip this step, the lettering will show through once you glue the patterns on. One thing I didn't do that I wish I did: prime and paint the box bottom. I have wire shelving and whenever I sit down and look up, I see the ugly writing on the bottom!

Brush some sealer over the lettering on the box and let this dry. This seals the cardboard and helps the white spray paint stick.

Spray white spray paint over the part you sealed. Let dry.

2. Mod Podge the patterns on the box. I did this with reckless abandon. It wrinkled. It tore. I put two layers in some areas to add more print from the pattern.

I wrapped it around the top of the box and into the inside. I did the same for the bottom.

Let dry.

3. Spray paint the lids in a color of your choice. I am not a good spray painter! It's a bit blotchy which I think is from not shaking the can enough. I will probably clear-coat this to even things out.

Let dry.

4. Add a label -- which I haven't done yet. I change what's in these boxes, so I want a label that is removable. I've looked for cute options and found this one from Sew May Ways. It's made from pipe straps. She also made some from switch plates. Her sewing room is amazing...it's also the size of my house!

I used one pattern to cover two boxes. If you want more coverage, use the pattern directions that are made from paper. 

Isn't Mod Podge wonderful!?

Sewing Machine Cabinet

After three years of running a sewing studio (while working a full-time teaching job), I closed up shop and moved home.  But I was left with a tough decision: do I keep or sell a few of my cutting and sewing tables? I measured and measured and configured but nothing worked. They were 81" x 36" = too big for my little 10' x 11" sewing room.

I finally made the tough decision to sell all my tables and chairs (and miscellaneous stuff) and buy myself a HORN sewing machine cabinet and drawer unit. 

To keep my sewing room consistent with the rest of my house, I selected the Beech finish. And as much as I loved the cabinet, the ugly shiny brass nobs - ick - were a different story. So while it was being shipped, I dug around and found some brushed nickel nobs left over from my kitchen reno!

I purchased the cabinet from my local dealer (about 40 miles away). Their pricing was fantastic and, here's the kicker, they volunteered to put it together for me!

Thankfully people were fighting for my studio tables (they are pretty darn awesome!), so getting rid of them was easy. Getting the cabinet home from the dealer...well...that was a different story. It's big and heavy and I drive a Toyota Corolla. My guy has a Subaru. And my friends have cute little cars -- but thankfully one volunteered her husband's Jeep Cherokee. And after some measuring, we determined that it would fit. 

It's home now and I'm getting things set up. I cannot believe how much the little sewing drawer unit holds! I also decided to keep the hinged drop leaf up permanently and put some storage units under it.


I'll be posting more pictures soon. Right now, I am happy with how my sewing room is progressing. Everything from my studio will be home this weekend, then I'll spend a week sorting and organizing. Then it's on to sewing! Want to learn more about this cabinet? Watch the video...and you might be tempted!

Studio Space: Magazine Storage

Most of us have a lot of magazines that we can't seem to part with. So here's what I did to make mine look neat and unified.

I purchased these magazine holders at various garage sales over the past several years. They are all a little different, so I made labels using MS Publisher and used spray glue to adhere the labels to the outside of the magazine holders.

I printed several copies so I can make new ones as I need them.

This is just a small sampling of my collection!

Sewing Spaces: Pressing & Ironing

I love my big ironing boards and so do the people who sew in my studio. And they aren't that difficult to make!

Here's what you need:

1. Particle Board: this works because it doesn't have a grain. The grain will raise when heat/steam is applied so don't use anything with a grain. Some wood like plywood will warp when steam is applied. I had mine cut to 36" x 48" at the store.
2. Batting: I used Warm and Natural and Bump (which isn't easy to find - it's a heavy interlining that is used in drapes. I managed to find some at Calico Corners). If you can't find any, use two layers of Warm & Natural.
3. Fabric: I used cotton quilting fabric.
4. Staples and a Staple Gun: Here's some great info on stapling.
5. Scissors

Then I followed the directions from Martha Stewart! 

I put these on two Six Cube Organizers from Closetmaid (purchased on sale at Target). These are the perfect height - 36" - Using L brackets, I screwed the top to the organizers. I left enough space between the organizers to stick some of my cardboard Banker's Boxes. To cover my mess, I made and installed some curtains on rods.

I purchased six baskets that hold scraps of fabric. Eventually I'll get around to labeling them.

The ironing boards did warp a bit but not enough to matter. They also smelled like chemicals for the first few months of use. 

I've had these for three years and they get used A LOT. I've changed the fabric covers only once. As much as I like the pink, I'll go back to tan tones because they hide the stains better.

Sewing Spaces: Project Boards

When I was designing my sewing space, I knew I wanted some project boards. My main problem was the expense and limited size of regular bulletin boards. I came across an article on Homasote Bulletin Boards and found my solution.

Homasote is about 1" thick and is made from recycled paper that's pressed into big sheets. I went to my local lumber yard (an old-fashioned lumber yard - my local big-box didn't have it). I don't remember how much it cost, but it was fairly inexpensive - like maybe $15 for a 4' x 8' panel. I had them cut it into two panels...then we tried to fit it into my Corolla...and well, the nice man cut those sheets into four final panels that were 2' x 4'. And I wouldn't recommend that you cut this at home. When they cut it at the lumber yard, the lines are straight and the dust stays there. I've paid as little as $2 per cut and in some instances it's free.

Using a staple gun and some muscle, I covered mine in some plain watermelon colored fabric. It was incredibly easy. When I screwed them into the wall in the public area of my studio, I covered the screw heads with some small buttons (with hot glue). The ones in my backroom are just screwed to the wall.

Here is a great tutorial on making bulletin boards from Homasote. Have fun with this! They are lightweight and easy to work with.

Sewing Spaces: Tables

Many of you sew on the dining room table or some temporary table, so I can't help you much with that. But if you have an old (or new table) that you'd like to spruce up, why not try the 1970s classic: Mod Podge.

When I started to assemble my studio, I didn't have much money, so I made my own tables with hollow core doors and IKEA Vika Kaj adjustable table legs.

By making tables myself, I could ensure that they were at the correct height and could handle the weight of the machines. I quickly learned that hollow core doors (like many folding tables) bounce when the machine vibrates. So I glued a piece of particle board to the top. The tables no longer bounced but I had a new problem: rough edges.

The solution came to me when I was handed a box of old patterns. I bought myself several containers of Mod Podge and immediately went to work gluing them to the table tops.

Nothing particularly difficult here - I primed the tables first, then ripped up the patterns; I dumped the Mod Podge on the tables and took my roller and spread it around.

Next, I patted the patterns on the tables, pulled them down over the edge, and glued them to the underside of the wood.

I didn't care if they tore or wrinkled. I overlapped them, some are wrong side up. I was in a big hurry (I was opening my studio in three days!), so my focus was to simply get the job done.

Once the Mod Podge dried, I did a light sanding to work down the wrinkles. I applied one more coat. The final coat was water-based polyurethane. 

Add some stickers!

I recommend using real Mod Podge and polyurethane. These tables take a lot of wear and tear and they've held up; I think that's due to the quality of the products. And, unlike with some home-made products, the finish hasn't yellowed or cracked at all.


I get a lot of comments on the tables; my next project will be to cover a dresser that's in the studio!


Tomorrow it's on to cheap project boards! 

Sewing Spaces: Go Mobile

This week we'll explore our sewing spaces. Up until a few years ago, I sewed in my old, unfinished basement and then in a bedroom that I converted into a sewing room. The basement was gross, dark, cold, and damp and the sewing room was cramped. Neither was ideal, but I made it work. 

I realized that when I enjoyed my space (the converted bedroom), I enjoyed sewing more. I truly believe when we love where we sew, we love to sew. But often, it's difficult to find a space. I'm lucky to have the room that I have. 

Go Mobile:

In 2009, I moved to an actual studio where I sew and teach lessons. It's about 1000 square feet. Sounds like a dream until you realize that I share this space with everyone who walks through the door. So like many of you, I have to be mobile with my projects.

It took me about two years to figure out what worked for me. I've rearranged a lot, but there are two items that help me keep me sane and organized: a laundry basket and Hefty Jumbo Zip Bags.

Packing up for a class.

The Laundry Basket: I put this near my machine and when I need to pack up, I throw my fabric/scraps, pattern, etc in and toss it on a table in my back room. There is nothing pretty about it - I lightly fold fabric and just fling. I've gotten past being a neat and orderly - it wasn't working for me (it was nice to let go!). If I sewed at home, I'd make sure my laundry basket fit under a bed or in a closet. If your bed is too low, you may want to try bed risers and lift it a bit. Then you have an excuse to make a cute new bed skirt!

Projects in Hefty Jumbo Bags

Hefty Jumbo Zip Bags: If I have a project with lots of pieces, I put them in a Hefty Jumbo Zip Bag and label it using a Sharpie marker. This gets tossed in the Laundry Basket with all my other stuff. When I'm not working on the project, I use some big thumbtacks and tack it to my project bulletin board. And, as you can see, I'm not too orderly. I'm lucky that they make it that far; so, yes, I don't put pressure on myself to make everything look perfect. My goal is to be able to find things... not win an award for the most pleasant looking sewing space.

For the rest of the week, I'll be sharing ideas with you! Tomorrow you'll see my tables!

Organizing Your Sewing Space

If your sewing space is like mine, it's a little cluttered. I'm a visual person, so if I don't see something I forget about it. I also hate clutter. I hate to look at it. I hate the feeling I get when I look at it. So I like to keep things closed up and put away. That creates a huge problem for me - I need to see things but I put them away!

Sorting extra stuff.

To help me with this conundrum, I sort and label. Some things are stored in banker's boxes. I use a Sharpie to write the name of the contents on the outside of the box. Eventually, I'll print colorful labels and glue (spray glue) them to the box...so it looks a little better.

More fabric.

Here is a work in progress. These containers store my cotton quilting fabric. I realized that, because they were stacked, I didn't like pulling the bottom one out. I eventually moved the containers to some shelving so they weren't sitting on top of each other. As you can see, they are all labeled.

I then moved my IKEA Antonius drawers under the table. These are a great price and work wonderfully. The table is skirted, so sun and dust don't ruin my fabric. I don't have any fabric stored out in the open. I like the look of fabric folded on shelves, but I don't use fabric fast enough to store it like that - the sun will fade the folded ends of fabric.

And I don't neatly fold this fabric. I'm too lazy and usually in a big hurry. So yes, this is what it really looks like!

One of my favorite books for organizing is Organizing Solutions for Every Quilter. It's a great book even if you don't quilt!

Thread Storage

I've seen lots of pictures of cute and colorful sewing rooms with sassy thread displays and often wondered if I was a thread hoarder. I have at least 10 spools of various shades of light pink and probably five more of fuchsia ... in addition to the millions of other spools that are scattered around my studio. Do these people even sew? Because there is no way I could begin to fit my thread it cute little glass containers.

My mother, who sewed professionally, didn't have a lot of thread (she stuck with the basics), but what she did have was hung on a brown pegboard that was next to her machine in her sewing room. When I first started sewing, that's what I did. I spent time sorting and hanging and color-coding and re-organizing and it looked colorful and fun. Plus my thread was within arm's reach - and I love ergonomics. Then about a year or so later, I took my machine in to be serviced and got a lecture on dust. 

It seems that when I hung my thread on a peg board, all the dust from my sewing room collected on the spools. That dust was depositing itself into my machine. Not a good thing. So I learned that I needed to keep my thread away from dust, heat, and humidity. So I started paying attention to how others stored their thread. When I took an embroidery class, I noticed thread stored in a small plastic Sterliite drawer unit. I bought some of those and did exactly that. Problem solved.

Here is the area next to my sewing machine. Most of my thread is in the Storage Drawer Cart. I used some spray glue to adhere pieces of fabric on the front to make it look a little neater.

But then I had lots of new thread that I wasn't using yet - thread that I stocked up on when it went on sale. So one morning during breakfast, I put on my thinking cap and asked myself, "What container is free, unbreakable, and transparent?" And the answer was staring right back at me: peanut butter jars. 

So I've sorted my thread into colors, labeled and stuck them into the drawers in my drawer cart.

 

Here are the jars in the drawers.




Right now this works for me. Because my studio is a public area, I keep my own thread hidden away. If this was my home studio, I'd probably have these hung on a wall somewhere.


It reminds me of my dad's workroom with babyfood jars hung from the ceiling (the lids were screwed in the floor joists and the jars twisted on). I think it would look amazing to have the lids of my peanut butter containers screwed into a painted piece of wood (framed, too), then have the jars screwed into the lids. Hung on the wall? It would look like a piece of art!