I use a sticky roller lint remover to clean up little bits of thread; a nylon scrubby to clean adhesive from my teflon ironing sheet; and an old metal crochet hook to pull things through - like when threading my machine or putting on a zipper - I pull the zipper pull out of the way of my stitches.

Hi--This is a great forum! I've been reading posts for a couple of weeks, and have learned lots of good things. I just registered now so I could add my ideas to this post.

I use a tie holder with 11 little wood pegs to hang my scissors on.

I found an old cassette tape holder at Goodwill, spray painted it white, and use it to hold thin spools of ribbon.

My cutting table is a 30x50 desk that really didn't function well as a desk (basically just 4 legs with a top and a small drawer), but it works great for cutting fabric.

Wow! How neat! I love this site!

I have used coffee filters in the same way.

Wow! What a great idea!

I use the bed raiser things to raise my up cutting table. Much better on the back. I also use a small wood shelf that I bought at Michaels that has pegs for hanging things under neath. I hang scissors, cutters, and templates (use fine ribbon) over my cutting table. put pincushion, thimbles, small stuff on the shelf. my cutting table is a cheapo computer desk that my dh cut a piece of plywood bigger that my self healing mat for the top, and I put my different rulers for cutting on the keyboard shelf, that retracts under the table.

I use cornstarch to make my own spray starch, instead of buying, a HUGE savings.



Could you please share with us how you do this? Saving money = more money to spend at Houston Quilt Festival!!! I'm also almost out of spray starch....

Thanks!

My sewing room is in my basement, so when I needed a second pincushion, I went over to the the kids toy area and grabbed a Furby. Makes a great pin cushion,stands on the table and is small.(the kids are older, they don't mind)

I discovered that my sewing machine with the expanded base fits perfectly on the keyboard shelf of an old corner computer desk I dont use anymore. Its like having a custom sewing table.

I use a glass next to my machine to hold cut threads, and squares of batting to hold threads by the longarm. When they are covered, I chuck them. (can you tell I have a thread problem!!)

I use a plastic magazine holder to house my cutting rulers and patterns I intend to use "one of these days."

I use a parmeasan cheese shaker jar for cones of thread, but I butt it up to the back of my machine. The cover keeps it from jumping. Use the center hole to guide the thread out. Great to have on hand even if you use it just for bobbins.

My favorite old coffee mug recently cracked, now it holds small rulers, marking pencils and my turner which happens to be a small aluminum knitting needle.

I use the spice rubs that come in tins and when labels are removed and they are cleaned they make great holders for bobbins, machine feet.

A thrift store find was a silver plate bread basket (wire type) Holds small scraps next to machine on sewing table, bottom is nice so doesn't scratch cabinet, and colors showing through wires are pretty.

Bamboo cutting board to raise portable up to right level in machine table, also doubles as pressing surface with an old t shirt cover for iron on transfers.

Nylon netting strip sewn down thru center and gathered and tied off makes a great tool for grabbing loose threads off floors, carpet.

Zip loks for small templates storage

Vintage small china saucers to hold pins, bobbins, presser foot when using walking foot, etc' right at the side of the machine.

The metal mesh pencil and stuff holders holders used for office stuff, are narrow enough to sit on my window sill, holds scissors, more rulers, ball points etc.

Old tea tin for holding pkgs of machine needles. Mine is tall enough to hold those packs that are about 5 inches high

Those little silica packets used to absorb moisture are great when storing anything that might rust like machine feet, needles, pins etc, I never toss those out.

My DH says Iam a packrat, but I love to re-purpose stuff and am always looking for ways.

LOVED all your suggestions!

I use:
- a sliverware try in the drawers to organize small supplies
- a 2"x3" ziplock bag I found first at the candy-making store and then in jewelry supplies that I put the spool of thread and matching bobbin in, so I don't have to guess which bobbin goes with which thread!
- a soft artist's paintbrush to clean the bobbin area
- zip lock freezer bags (gallon size are great) for WIP
- painter's tape (all widths) for quilting lines
- sandpaper to hold fabric steady when I trace templates, or write a label
- pop top vitamin bottle to hold old needles
- frezzer paper as a stabilizer for applique and machine embroidery
- pipe cleaner to put through the cone of large thread to attach its correct bobbin
- dryer sheets to clean the iron

I am working on a quilt with 9 different block designs. I precut all the fabric, and put the fabric for each block in a zipperlock freezer bag, then labeled the bag with masking tape "Block 1", etc. for whatever block it was for. When I've sewn the blocks, I remove the tape and the bag is reusable. I hang finished blocks with pant hangers from the department store, and cover them with a plastic grocery bag (with the open end on the bottom, cut a small hole in the top to slip over the hanger) to keep them from the dust, light, etc.

Great info as usual

I use a hanging shoe storage panel,purchased at a discount store for 3 bucks, to store gizmos and gadgets. The pockets are clear, the backing is lightweight and it has grommets at the top for hanging.

I also b uy the makeup brush kits from the dollar store for sewing. These allot me enough brushes to put some in my travel bag for sewing group and have soem a tthe two different sewing stations. And, they come in a variety of sizes.

My LQS sells re-sharpened rotary blades for $2 when you turn your old one in. They are done on a special machine and not by them. I got one recently but have not used it yet, but figured it was worth a try. I will use it next.

I saw an idea for thread and small scraps for bird lovers. Put in a hanging basket and the birds take them for nests. I have been putting mine in a plastic bag hanging by the cutting table to remind me and will do that in the spring.

Another paper that is really all purpose is that awful paper you sit on on the Dr.'s table. If you know the staff at the office ask them if they have any short rolls or maybe one that was soiled when they got it. It is thin enought to use for tracing and stiff enough to hold up for designing and patterns. Helps if the nurse is a quilter too.

I use the very small pony tail holders that are purchased at Family Dollar for $1.00 for 300 to put around my bobbins to hold the thread. I also purchase my rotary blades at Harbor Freight. They are $1.99 for 2 blades and work great. They are in the carpet department.

Here is one of the recipes,. You can Google many more.http://frugalliving.about.com/od/col...ray_Starch.htm

I purchased a magnetic car dish to put my pins so they don't get lost. Keep it far away from computerized machine. I also use Tic Tac containers to use as bobbin holder while I am binding a quilt. Don't loose the bobbin in the quilt. I use pizza boxes and any empty container that will work for holding pieces or blocks. Sure like this idea of sharing.

Kate in Anchorage shared about using parchment paper for an applique sheet and/or pressing -- thank you. That makes such perfect sense I wonder why I never thought of that before!

Years ago I got an orange peeler as a give-away gift at a Tupperware party and have kept it in my box of notions -- it looks like a crochet hook but flat on one end. Good for pushing out points, etc -- now I also have a pair of chopsticks for the same use.

LOVE this board!!

Harbor Freignts Carpet cutter blades are cheaper...

I use lots of the items mention here. Just one comes to mind that I didn't see. Our LQS also sells candy.(very handy!) I use the plastic trays that bulk assortments come in for storage. Buttons, beads, crystals and lots more are easy to find and they stack nicely. 3 stack nicely in a big cookie tin. I have also seen these trays in other stores selling mixed nuts around the holidays. I love that the lid snaps on tightly.

Another great paper is Masking Paper, comes in different widths and is great for patterns. Find it a auto supply stores.
I'll bet good old Harbor Freight has it too!! I will check.

I use alot of cookie cutters for my designs on top of quilt!

LOVING this question. I don't have a lot, but my favorite thing is an old drafting table that I got from work when they sold off some old furniture. It's a GREAT cutting table...I put it on those lift thingys, and it has 2 drawers as well! :) I'm loving reading all of these ideas, and since my room is completely empty right now (just got new floor and paint), I can't WAIT to try some of these ideas when I'm reorganizing and putting my room back together! :) THANKS to all for the wonderful ideas!

Would you mind sharing with me your recipe for spray starch using corn starch? If it's an "old family secret" just say so and I'll understand. Thanks. Judy

I've bookmarked this thread and will use a lot of the ideas! These are great!

I use the larger binder clips to sort and store leftover fabric strips

Un-bent paperclips (the large, plastic-coated ones) as hooks for my rulers and other tools that can hung. I hang these from cup hooks inserted into the wall.

I'm using furniture from my mom's house as my sewing and cutting tables (mom's desk is my sewing table, and I use the 3 drawers to store scissors and cutters, pins, and other notions.

I have a thread rack that I picked up at a moving sale for my better thread (the cheap stuff is in a drawer)

I use a queen-size flannel sheet taped to a piece of pegboard as my design wall (the entire sheet set was 15.00)

gallon-sized ziplocks for all sorts of things.

Oh, I am just loving these great tips from everyone! I am in the process of re-purposing my computer-reading room to incorporate my sewing machine so I am really appreciating the space saving tips. Please keep them coming.

Now that's one I've never heard before. Great, I'll try it.

I hope these qualify:
I use a receipe card box for all of my quilting books. I write the title, author and then file them. I can keep better track of them, especially if I loan one out.
I have a supply of lint rollers for rag quilts. They pick up all the loose threads faster than I can.
I also have a mid-size mirror that I hang by my quilting frame. When I want to check the stitches on the back, I slide it under the quilt and can see how they look.

Freezer paper is great for all kinds of patterns. I use it to make my own patterns from clothing that I love but are no longer good...or preserving purchased patterns that are getting tattered.
I use clothespins and/or skirt markers instead of pins to hold pieces together for sewing, unless they are very finicky. Much easier.
Have a 3/8" piece of medium density foam (I think it's packing from a computer box) under my sewing machine, that keeps it from "walking" (and as it extends out a few inches on the right, it's just in the right spot to work as a pincushion too).

Just Google Spray Starch. there are many different recipes.

No Harbor Freight within 100miles...I'll check the shipping but have wondered if the quality is the same...thanks

I have read thru this entire thread and have gleaned some great ideas! I used to use that rubber shelf liner under the foot pedal on my machine, but have found that using an old mouse pad from my office works better on my slippery tile floor!

Great idea. I have been looking to buy a cone holder but it was 29.00. Thanks you just saved me money to buy more material. Gail

I use dryer sheets in my fabric stash. I cut in half and put in between my fabric. That way it has a nice fresh smell when I use it.