Comments on How to Organize a Sewing Area

* Store photocopies, patterns and ideas, etc in lever arch files * Fabric, folded into fat quarter sizes stacked in color blocks sitting neatly in shallow plastic trays * Craft items stored in see through plastic, supermarket 'cake tray tops' * Buttons are in see-through jars. I collect a variety of containers for future use. All stacked neatly and labeled on shelving in wardrobe style cupboards. Large plastic bins fit in the bottom of the wardrobes to store felt, calico, ribbing, etc. When finished for the day, tidy the work area, put away and then close the doors.

I have a large bulletin board in my laundry/sewing room. When sewing a dress, the cut pieces are pinned to it along with the direction sheets. Many of my sewing items are also pinned to this bulletin board saving valuable table space.

The way I do my pattern storage is to place pieces of the pattern into a gallon plastic baggie, with the pattern wallet cut and in front. Then, with my extensive inventory of Sharpies, I color code the tops of the baggies into categories that make sense to me, such as craft, dress, casual, mens, costumes (adult), costumes (child), child dress, etc. etc. Then, on top of that, I write a very brief description, such as velvet Renaissance dress, and add a Y for yes, I've made adjustments, or N, for the pattern is unchanged. For very large pieces, I note that on the wallet, and note where they are separately. I have the most darling fairy costume for a small child. I cut up the wallet and insert everything into the plastic baggie. Then I color the top with a bright light pink (child costume) and write: Sm fem fairy dress on top. There is a large pattern that is too big to fit into the baggie comfortably, and I decide to hang it, so I note on the wallet that its hanging. I file it, and Voil! Sounds complicated, but if you do it, you see it's really easy.

The way I do my pattern storage is to place pieces of the pattern into a gallon plastic baggie, with the pattern wallet cut and in front. Then, with my extensive inventory of Sharpies, I color code the tops of the baggies into categories that make sense to me, such as craft, dress, casual, mens, costumes (adult), costumes (child), child dress, etc. etc. Then, on top of that, I write a very brief description, such as velvet Renaissance dress, and add a Y for yes, I've made adjustments, or N, for the pattern is unchanged. For very large pieces, I note that on the wallet, and note where they are separately. I have the most darling fairy costume for a small child. I cut up the wallet and insert everything into the plastic baggie. Then I color the top with a bright light pink (child costume) and write: Sm fem fairy dress on top. There is a large pattern that is too big to fit into the baggie comfortably, and I decide to hang it, so I note on the wallet that its hanging. I file it, and Voil! Sounds complicated, but if you do it, you see it's really easy.

I have a large bulletin board in my laundry/sewing room. When sewing a dress, the cut pieces are pinned to it along with the direction sheets. Many of my sewing items are also pinned to this bulletin board saving valuable table space.

I often have times when I need to take my tools and go to work on a job. I found that a fishing tackle box works great for this. There are plenty of compartments for tools and notions I may need at a job site. Not to mention they are all neatly organized when working at home.

I often have times when I need to take my tools and go to work on a job. I found that a fishing tackle box works great for this. There are plenty of compartments for tools and notions I may need at a job site. Not to mention they are all neatly organized when working at home.

Keep a hardbound book or a portfolio with a calendar and time zones, measurement conversions, etc, for all clients. As soon as the call comes in, reach for this book. Date it at the top of page. List the name, phone number, original wish list, details, sizes, etc. Be sure to write down any quotes or estimates you give out. Always go back through the book during slow times to call back previous clients for further work, or call back people that were not ready to commit to a job but may be ready later.

I keep a journal of what I make for who and the price charged (if any). I put a sample of the material used on the page and a description or picture of what was made. For example: I just made potpourri bags for a friend. I put small pieces of material from the various bags, plus samples of the ribbon used for drawstrings with each sample. I wrote down who it is for and the date they were made.

Label all your containers. Use labels on the shelves of your storage area with arrows so you will know what is behind the first set of containers. I always use small containers in front, medium in the middle, etc.

If you have lots of clients, an easy way to remember which pattern and fabric they chose is to use flashcards with the number of the pattern and attach a sample of the fabric, with clients name and telephone number, measurements and specific information.

Use the zipper plastic bags that bedspreads and blankets come in to store fabric. They hold a lot of fabric and you can readily see what is in your stash. You can stack them too. Small bags of this type also work.

I bought a little plastic storage unit, the kind you can get from Target for $4-$6. It has 3 small drawers, is stackable, and holds lots of things within easy reach. All right on top of my sewing desk! Now, when I need the fray-check, small scissors, seam-ripper, etc., they are never farther than an arm's reach away!

I keep my fabrics dust-free and organized in covered plastic bins, sorted into categories. Fabrics for professional clothing, interfacing, granddaughter projects, whites, linings, knits for T-shirts, sweater fabrics, etc. I have a special bin for small pieces of scraps that will be useful for small projects or for embroidery pattern stitch-out checks. One for craft fabrics, and one for home decorating (where I also include ropes, fringe, or other specialties to decor). I have a special bin for scraps that are large enough and suitable for making doll clothes for any of my six granddaughters. When I want to make a project, I can easily shop in my supply to find a needed fabric, without going through piles or drawers of fabric. Sorting could also be by color or fabric type (especially good for quilters), whichever works best for your needs and shopping style.

I take a large piece of cardboard and fold it in the middle and put my patterns (that I don't want creases in) inside this cardboard. Then I take a skirt hanger that clips onto a skirt or pants and clip it onto the open top of the folded over cardboard. Then I hang it in the closet.

Recently I purchased a computer cabinet that stands tall and has two doors on the front. This makes an ideal sewing cabinet. When it's closed, I store the sewing machine on the upper desk shelf and when I sew, I place it on the pull out keyboard shelf. There are numerous shelves, which I use for all my sewing supplies, fabric, iron and the such. I also purchased one of those small plastic containers with drawers and placed it on one of the shelves for my small supplies such as, safety pins, straight pins, elastic, lace and so on. It works great and everything is very organized and ready to go whenever the sewing bug hits me! There's no time wasted.

Use the zipper plastic bags that bedspreads and blankets come in to store fabric. They hold a lot of fabric and you can readily see what is in your stash. You can stack them too. Small bags of this type also work.

I keep a journal of what I make for who and the price charged (if any). I put a sample of the material used on the page and a description or picture of what was made. For example: I just made potpourri bags for a friend. I put small pieces of material from the various bags, plus samples of the ribbon used for drawstrings with each sample. I wrote down who it is for and the date they were made.

If you have lots of clients, an easy way to remember which pattern and fabric they chose is to use flashcards with the number of the pattern and attach a sample of the fabric, with clients name and telephone number, measurements and specific information.

I keep my fabrics dust-free and organized in covered plastic bins, sorted into categories. Fabrics for professional clothing, interfacing, granddaughter projects, whites, linings, knits for T-shirts, sweater fabrics, etc. I have a special bin for small pieces of scraps that will be useful for small projects or for embroidery pattern stitch-out checks. One for craft fabrics, and one for home decorating (where I also include ropes, fringe, or other specialties to decor). I have a special bin for scraps that are large enough and suitable for making doll clothes for any of my six granddaughters. When I want to make a project, I can easily shop in my supply to find a needed fabric, without going through piles or drawers of fabric. Sorting could also be by color or fabric type (especially good for quilters), whichever works best for your needs and shopping style.