You know how Rachael Ray uses a scrap bowl? I use a catch all basket. Everything I use while sewing goes in the basket next to my sewing machine. I have one by my cutting table and ironing board. If I use it it goes in the basket. I know where every thing is even if I have to dig in the basket to find it. This is the only system I've found that keeps me from looking all over for my seam rippers, scissors, rotary cutters, pencils, pin cushions, tape measure, small rulers, thimbles, thread spools, anything I use for a sewing session.