Don't know how great of a tip this is, but since I usually have a few projects going at once, odd how they all finish around the same time, I keep them in gift bags with everything I need, the pattern, pieces, the tread I'm using, backing if I have it, and any special quilting pattern sheets. Then I have a seperate basket with needles, extra thread and bobbins, scissors, thimble, chalk, anything that I need. Then when I want to work on something, I just grab the bag and the basket and I know I'll have everything I need!