Clutter Organization

Okay fellow sewers and crafters we all know that our work spaces are never neat and tidy while we are working. That's just the way it is.  I have been in this shop for the last two years and I was finally determined to empty ALL the boxes and go through everything, sort, organize and toss. It took me about 3 weeks of working around getting work done and everyday family life but I finally did it. I took a few before or after photos. 


It will always be a work in progress but at least everything has been found. For example, an embroidered baby quilt that I was supposed to quilt and bind for my mother-in-law was lost (misplaced) from my move here two years ago. I was so afraid it got tossed out with some other stuff. I was relieved to find it in a tote of scrap batting that I decided to go through and organize. I was so elated I finished and delivered it right away. My mother-in-law had forgotten about it but she was thrilled since she will be expecting her 2nd great grandbaby next year.


I also sorted through projects that I have cut out and started and put it all in one place so I will tackle them one at a time, hopefully soon. They were just stacked up in a pile of shirt boxes but in all my cleaning and decluttering I accumulated some empty plastic storage boxes. I put a project in each of those boxes and now they are stacked neatly and ready for me. 

My awesome storage cupboards and drawers that came with this place were a disaster. Yet again, I found things that I forgot I had and finally got like things all put together. Added bonus, the counter was actually cleaned off and I took a picture fast because I knew it wouldn't last long. I still have a few drawers to go through but I'll get to them another day. 


In one cupboard I have all my ribbon and other sort of odds and ends. I found the idea of putting the ribbon spools on a rod and expanded it to using a tension rod. The holes in the spools were a tight fit but they went on the rod with a little persuasion. You have to remove the rubber ends on the curtain rod first.

In another cupboard I finally organized all my patterns. I used cardboard boxes that fit on the shelves with the flaps folded in and put the patterns in upright so I can flip through them pretty quickly. I also put them into categories for quicker look up and then by number order. When I put them in by number order I didn't pay any attention to the brand of pattern just the number. That way when I have a stray pattern piece I can easily find it's envelope. SHHHH, Don't tell anybody but the Flat Rate Medium boxes from the post office are perfect for this organization. I had fun making the labels on the computer too.

In another cupboard I have those food storage containers with all sorts of odds and ends. There's one for overall buckles that I scrounge off of old ones. There is one for belt buckles, d-rings, and other stuff. I also have some full of beads, those small pre-made ribbon bows, and still more stuff. I like them because they stack so nicely and you can see what's in them.


Did I mention you could now see my counter. Although, today I have a few things on it but they get done today so they won't be there long. I have gone a whole two days now with a clean counter. I think something might freeze over. 


I came up with a ton of other creative organization in my shop over these last few weeks but I'll have to share those for another day. Right now I have to get back to work.