Currently Stitching: Quilt Studio Storage Reset
I want to talk about a problem I'm sure many of you also deal with. The continual and never ending fabric that needs to be purchased. Despite the piles that we all have at home... They're sorted, stuffed, folded, and tucked in baggies and bins. And yet, at the same time, they're spilling all over my sewing room.
I am starting to feel a little stuck in productivity because it's such a mess in here.
This was my previous sewing studio. I also never had quite enough room for everything in this space either. I still have some of the fabrics in the this photo #noshameinmygame#maybeasmidgenofshame
Which leads me to today. I am facing these numerous piles of fabric that I continue to purchase. Whatever system I had before this point has fallen by the way side and it's now a lawless free for all. I am going to attempt to get things as under control as I can, with the storage space that I have. As I do this, and share the process, let's all agree not to wear our judgey pants.
I bought this pile last summer and most of it is still sitting in a stack in the closet **face palm** I purchased all these beautiful fabrics with the intention of turning them into backings, mostly for baby quilts! They're all so stinking cute!
Does anyone else find themselves standing in a quilt shop in total fear that the fabric they've just found will never be seen again? Whether it's discontinued or sold out? Or both! That happens to me quite a bit. And there are some fabrics and kits that I look back at and wish I had bought them. Or my mom or one of my friends bought them and I am extremely jealous that they have it and I don't.
Here is another pile I came home with not too long ago. It was all in the sale area of the store and I could not help myself. I found these shades to be particularly rich and unique. So many lines carry the same blues, greens and yellows. I really liked these tones. Plus the cross hatching is bright but does not disrupt the colors. I am thinking of using them for background fabric or for a rainbow quilt. Who really knows how it's going to end up.
As you can see in the tower above, I absolutely annihilated my fabric fund (again) this past week. I feel like I just came across so many things that inspired me. I've been so good this summer, and then all of a sudden, I splurged and bought everything. Now the problem is finding a place for everything so I can find it when I'm ready to use it!
I started out by purchasing this tote for like a dollar, and I put all my scraps in it. I keep a large green jar on my cutting table to store scraps until they're ready to be used or processed. Then I put them in bags and shove them wherever I can find space. I cleared them out of the closed, desk, and tables and they're now shoved into this pink bin. It will join the box of scraps I have tucked away in my bedroom closet.
Next, I got all the fabric, thread, and tools up off the floor and folded, or organized on to shelves! I know this probably still looks kind of bad, but it really is so much better than it was before. Nothing is wadded up, and all of the kits are bagged and labeled with all necessary materials and instructions! I took the time to sort fabrics in to theme or color family, which will make planning projects so much easier. The floor section needs a little work yet, it's mostly odds and ends tools and notions, plus my backup machine.
I got my tools in their places on the peg board and in their containers. There are always some that don't fit, so I put them in a binder, sorting them with those clear sleeves. It will be very nice to be able to find things again! I hate when a project is delayed because I'm scrambling through clutter to find tools.
I realized, I don't think I've shown off my tool wall before. If you're wondering, it really was not very expensive to make. I used a white 4 x 8 peg board and a piece of decorative moulding. I had some left over stain in the basement to give it that extra touch. Then I ordered the hooks, baskets, and cups online and got it set up. It's created so much extra space in my studio, it's amazing! I would highly recommend it!
I recently invested in this thread organizer. I have so much thread now because of embroidery. I mounted it on the back of the door with command strips. It is so nice to look at all the colors and not have to dig around in search of the right color.
Lastly, I got this troublesome nook taken care of! It was three or four feet tall, with stacks of fabrics, notes, tools, and whatever else I could balance on top. I left a few things out, including some gifts that need wrapped and a few items for sale. The rolling white cabinet is packed full of scraps and then doubles as table top storage. I decided to leave out my catch-all basket for bobbins, notes, business cards, or whatever other small items I might need later. A friend of mine made it for me and it's so helpful and cheery!
Once everything was off the floors and the surfaces were cleared, I gave it a thorough dusting and vacuuming. VOILA! Isn't it amazing?! I feel like I can breathe again! I am going to be able to get so much more accomplished in this space. As an added bonus, I just had my machine serviced! It's been oiled and adjusted and is ready for business!
If you're dealing with an overloaded mess like I was, it's your turn to get after it! If I can do it, you can do it! If you need to buy a tote or some shelves, DO IT! I feel so at peace now that I can work in this space! And I want that for you too! Good luck as you work through your organization process!
Send pictures on instagram or on my contact me page so I can see your progress and projects! I would love to know how you all stay organized!