So Many Buttons!

When one has room for everything, it can easily be displayed. Sometimes, though we have no idea how to arrange those special items that are hidden away from view.

After arranging my tables and things in my quilting space, I also thought I’d share with you how I like to display my buttons.

My Button Jars

I really don’t know what it is--but one thing we know is that we like to collect things. One such collection for me.... is that I like buttons. So when it was time to sort through my boxes, after having some things in storage, I found these jars; and they have worked perfectly for storing and displaying my button collection. And, when I want to look through the jar, all I do is pour them out into a box lid and find what I want to use. It is also a great way to play with them, even my granddaughter loves to play with them and sort them out into different categories.

In the future, I may sort them out into separate colors, if I feel that I need a quick method to locate only one particular color. A perfect container to use for this method would be to use a parts storage cabinet. (IE: a multi-drawer design with small see-through, pull-out drawers, as shown below.)

Mastercraft 60-Drawer Plastic Parts Cabinet

Hang in there, and happy crafting!!

 

 

 

 

Thread Storage

After arranging my tables and things in my quilting space, I also changed some things that will help me find things, such as: THREAD

I had received a wooden sewing basket many years ago and even when it sat in my room, it still needed something to hold and keep secret. Since I didn’t really want to store needles, and supplies anymore that aren’t great for little fingers to get into, I came up with a great idea.

I love to be organized and sometimes it seems hard to get that all that stuff to fit into the spaces available for them. And since I wanted to reorganize my plastic storage drawers, I was able to—organize my spools of thread—so the color I want is available at a glance.

Here is what I did with my thread:

LEFT SIDE

 

RIGHT SIDE

 

Hang in there, and happy crafting!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Organizing My Sewing Room

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

Instead of making year-long resolutions, I thought to be more obtainable, for me; I'd start with one month and see how it goes. 

For example, if getting in shape was a resolution, that one is very hard to even start with when the weather is so cold that is makes it difficult to get outdoors or drive to an exercise facility.  It would be better to start that one when I can go for walks down the road again.... perhaps in March or April.

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My two objectives for January 2013 would be—to de-clutter the main areas of the house, and organize my office files—to be able to successfully prepare for the tax season.

I have also enjoyed improving my blogs; and adding necessary posts to provide better direction for anyone visiting—to know what I’ve planned to do with them. 

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SO, WHY WAIT....

On the final day of 2012, I got the inspiration to reorganize my sewing room. So, that evening, I got started on re-arranging my furniture and hauling books upstairs. After New's Year Day, I would get back to finishing that area. And, then would proceed with the other main areas of the house, as time permitted.

 

Here... I’d like to share two photos of my sewing room’s new look:

Photo 1:  Cutting Area

My cutting table has leg extensions to bring it to a proper height. Also, on the table is a special holder for my rotary rulers and a lamp for evening lighting. Then, under the table, just enough space for my three storage units for miscellaneous storage of—batting, threads, cutting tools, etc. These are covered with a special tablecloth to add a decorative touch.

Cutting Area

 

Photo 2: Sewing/Pressing Area

I’ve always liked my sewing area in an L-shaped figuration. So, here it is. There is lots of room for my machine and on my left a portable pressing board for quick pressing of pieces while I sew. I can always move the pressing board to my cutting table, if I so desire.  And, if I need my ironing board there is plenty of room in front of the bookshelves.

Sewing/Pressing Area

 

Also, the bookshelf that was brought upstairs now holds my 100% cotton fabrics. I couldn't put my storage cabinet upstairs because of the slanted ceilings, so did not like the fabrics in my plastic storage containers. I find if the fabrics are on a shelf they are easy to take off and replace back on the stack.


Hang in there, and happy crafting!!
Darlee