Whether you subscribe to the adage that creativity requires clutter or not, it’s better to work in an organized space than one that resembles the city dump. Follow these helpful hints of organizing your sewing room—you’ll have more fun and be more creative. Butterick 5767 Plan for easy access. It’s much more motivating to sew if you can walk into the room and do it. If you have to get a machine from a closet, drag it out and set it up, you might think twice. As much as space allows, keep things out that you use often, like the sewing machine. Use all the space you have. Once you get a good size stash of fabric, tools, patterns and other goodies, space usually becomes an issue. Use the space you have for storage on the floor and walls, as well as in closets, behind doors and under cabinetry. Butterick 5140 Keep like things together. Keep fabrics folded neatly and organized either by color or type. Group patterns by the type of item (accessories, skirts, etc.). Sort threads by color for easy retrieval. Cover some things that need it. It’s good to keep fabric and thread out of direct sunlight, so keep them in a box, drawer or cabinet to avoid fading and keep them dust-free. Keep some things in sight. Not everything needs to be tucked away—leave some things out for inspiration. Or perhaps keep your next project on the table top so you’ll be anticipating it. Tools that you use constantly can also be stored tabletop. Take advantage of storage items. Look for pieces designed for specific tool storage, like ruler racks, tool caddies, bobbin rings and rotary cutter holders. Think outside the box for storage. Look for storage options with common household pieces like baskets, bins, lazy Susans, desk organizers, magazine holders, wine racks, pant hangers, cute trash containers, over-the-door pocket shoe hangers, mugs, magnetic knife racks, etc. Silverware trays are perfect in-drawer organizers to hold small items like needles and markers. Keep project components together. When preparing projects, keep all the cut pattern pieces together with the notions, thread, and any special tools needed to create it. Whether you put them into a bin or large plastic bag, everything will be in one place when you’re ready to begin sewing. Kwik Sew 3571 Clear out clutter. It’s easy to dump things In your sewing room with the idea that you’ll deal with it later. Bad idea. If you bring purchases into the house, put them away—don’t let them pile up. Put away items after you finish a project. When you’re done with a project, put away all the components and do a little clean-up before starting the next thing on your list.
