Organizing is an ongoing project for me. I finally bought some acid free plastic boxes to use for specific projects. All the fabric, tools (specialty rulers)and pattern needed for a quilt are stored in that box (which is labeled) that way I don't use the fabric for a different project and when I decide to work on a certain project I don't have to search for what I need.

Thank you Ikea and this forum for all the shelves, storage containers and ideas! I've found the best thing I can do is leave the door open, and eventually it bugs me enough that I HAVE to go in and clean up. That, or invite someone for a visit. We had my sister & brother in law from Australia over Christmas (which was wonderful!) but it forced me to clean up my quilt room (AND forced us to get the bathroom remodel done, and a number of projects, too!). I usually put on a movie and work while listening/watching it. If I wake up early (sometimes its 2 or 3 a.m.) then I head in there -- its a great project for early, early morning, as its something I can do without making noise.

I'm going to put a basket by the door for bags and loose fabric. When full have to put away. No Shopping till done. Weekly not daily. If some needs washed -put in laundry.

try one color or theme a day

I too have encroached into the guest room. Several years ago my husband remodeled the GR to accommodate my Bailey to sit in a table. We took out the bed and now are thinking of putting one back in since the Grand kids sleep over several times a month. As for keeping both rooms clean, I can not abide a messy work room. I will mess it up while sewing but at the end of the day I pick up things off the floor and tidy up the cutting table. After a project is done I clean and vacuum for the next project.

I'm very late coming to this thread. About a year ago, we dismantled our guest room and it became my dedicated sewing room. Might as well put the room to good use as we hardly if ever have guests anymore. The only time mine looks presentable is when I'm not working on a thing! Once I start pulling out fabrics for a new project, all bets are off. I do clean and do a major straightening up after every project. I have clear plastic project boxes but still looks like a mess. Actually, I don't think I have it in me to be neat and tidy when I'm trying to accomplish a project!

I am at the point when I finish a quilt and all I have is a few scraps they get donated. I have enough fabric to make quilts and I actually enjoy cutting fabric to do that not using scraps

OK, so I just posted that my room vomited fabric...does that give you an idea what mine looks like? In the middle of Christmas skirts that take a million different fabrics.....lol

Aren't sewing rooms supposed to be messy? Your room looks like it is a busy one and you have finished lots of projects.

every time you go into your sewing area organize a little at a time and you will be amazed don't just drop stuff put it away have a place for rulers