Fabric Folding and Organization

Seems like there are a few folks out there looking and needing to set up a great sewing area and get it organized.  You know who you are...I'll get you my pretties!

I have visions of greatness in a sewing room, but alas, my house does not allow.  So I have 'made do' with an otherwise useless corner.  While I would love to have a room dedicated solely to my crafty cravings, this little space actually works quite well. 

So set aside any misconceptions that you need alot of space!  You don't!  You just need a little corner to call your own that is functional.  What I have learned is that I love having everything within minor reach!  Call it cramped, but it really does work!

In the spirit of "Full Disclosure", I am not always tidy.  Oh, the shock!!  When I am working on a project, or several at a time, I have stuff everywhere!  Here's what my table looks like this morning:

Fabric and crap everywhere!  As you start to grow your "Stash", you will need a place to put it.  Preferably one that makes for easy access, quick pickings and does not require you to go thru mountains of messed up, haphazardly thrown together piles in search of the perfect piece!

Recently, my MIL taught me how to fold and store fabric for optimum space savings and selection.  We can all thank her for this little clip:

Once you have your pieces folded, you can organize them by colors, prints, families, or however you choose:

Larger pieces (yards or more) you can fold and store flat in another area if you like.

Did you notice the scrapbook type containers?  They keep your UFO work flat, you can store unused fabric in that same project/family all in one handy spot and then stack them for another day!

Storage always being an issue, think "up and down". Simple shelving keeps things handy as well as baskets. I like to use one basket for small scraps which might be useful for applique pieces and another for larger cuts that are simply too small to fold yet might be useful later. I don't throw out much fabric...ya just never know!  See what I house my fusibles etc. in? Mmmhmmm, an upturned hard top sewing cover. Why not???

All this is under my cutting table.  Not pretty, but whatever!

All those tools...where to put them?  You may remember the simple drawers I use.  You can purchase these at any big box store.  They come in very handy.  If you are fortunate enough to have a little table space, leave the wheels off and they slide right under!

You can put an organizer tray right in there and things start to come together.  Even better...TINS!  Never throw one of them away!  They make for awesome little organizers without rummaging around for things!  Great for the 'pack and go' weekend trips also.

My SIL got me reusable zip ties for Christmas, I found they work great for rolling up fusibles and such.  Gosh those rolls and cuts just always get in the way!  You can also paper clip them together. 

Marking tools...no problem!  I got this little cardboard pencil holder one for a dollar!  I keep fabric markers in one slot, regular pens in another and then little cutting tools in another.  A pint or quart jar would work great!  Betcha ya have some of those laying around, huh?

Notice my "Good Scissors" are not housed here.  They get put up safely!!

You know I don't "do" cute.  Does it work?  Yes.  Problem Solved.

Someday...My MILs Stash... 
She keeps hers in a large wardrobe and in containers.  She can just pull them out by color/family and pick and choose!  My stash is nothing compared to hers!  And if you want to see her entire sewing room (which she told me not to do), click HERE.

Now if you want to see a Picture Perfect room check out Sew Many Ways...this is a blog my MIL follows...wipe the drool ladies!!! 

And yeah, I feel inferior now too!

Now that ya'll have some space to plan, what can I do ya next? 

Do you know Pig Pen went to work and told the guys about Nigerian Goats????  It's a viscious cycle of fun!