I am working on that this morning. I need to be able to "see" things or I forget them. Like I found a set of D4patch blocks I started on last summer. In a bag crammed in the back of my drawer of fat quarters. So since I thankfully don't have tons of projects my solution is ziploc bags and a skirt hanger. I put all the pieces in a bag, label it, and put it on the hanger which is on my pegboard. I also took the fabric I am working with right now for swap blocks and put them on a hanger too. Fabric for dd's quilt is in a plastic tub on the floor. I wish I had some more plastic tubs....and shelving and while I'm at it those little board things to wrap fabric around would be nice. In the meantime I'm enjoying fondling my fabric as I try to organize a few things.

Dedicate one area for WIPs and UFOs, then no matter what they are in, you know where they all are :D:D:D

I put everything I need for one project (pattern, fabric, templates, etc.) in a 2 gallon size zip lock bag. I have a basket visible in the room with all of these bags stacked neatly in it. When I need something new to work on, there I go. When I am tired of a project or need to take a break to do something with a deadline, I pack it up and add to the basket until I can get back to it.

I like that idea, dforesee!

We're supposed to be organized?

About the board things..I went to Joannes and asked for their empty bolt boards and cut them to size. 4" wide for FQ's and 7" wide for yardage, works great and they were more than happy to give to me as she said she doesn't have to carry them to the back lol
David

I use the medium sized plastic boxes with a lid to organize my quilting projects. I put my pattern, cut the blocks and put 2 spools of thread, 4 bobbins and the tools I need. As I finsh the project I move the tools to the next box. I name my boxes by who I am sewing it for or by what project I am making. I spent some time this weekend organizing it all and as I finish the tops I will put the batting and thread for quilting in a larger bin. I am very comfident this will keep me organized and more productive. Wish me luck that it works out.

My MIL answer is to only work on one project at a time. Like that is going to happen!!!

I organize mine for about a 3-4 month period. I put the pattern and fabrics on a shelf in the sewing room closet and work from there, picking out any of the patterns I want to work on next.

Three ring notebook for patterns and photos and hand-drawn calculations.

3 x 5 cards with swatches sewn on, and fabric requirements to keep in purse for shopping and stash collection stage.

Shoe boxes to collect and sort fabrics, keep strips and blocks together.

Pizza boxes (unused) for cut pieces and assembled blocks while in progress.

White board in sewing room to keep a running list of projects and ideas. Not allowed to buy more until there is space on white board to add another. (It's a big white board.)

RST

I have some of the empty bolt boards--I'll have to cut some up and give this a try. Thanks, David!

I use the colored artbins that have a handle and stack nicely.. I put all the fabric so I wont use if another project, thread, patterns/magazine... I get them at Joannes for $7.99 with a coupon..

I use the zippered plastic bags that blankets and sheet sets come in. Since I often use sheets or other "bed clothes" as backings, I usually have a couple on hand. I put my notes/plans/patterns in the bag with the fabric :)

I use the Art Bins. You can get cubes to store the Art Bins in too.

I use the Art Bins also. I use a separate bin for each project or a family of fabric for future projects. I have patterns/books in some of the bins with the fabric - some only fabric that I know I want to use for a project but don't know what pattern. I also like the lids on these bins - they open all the way back and close securely with the two latches. You can put a label on the front of each one identifying what's inside. I also use them to carry items/material, etc. to any workshop I go to. It keeps everything together and keeps material from falling around and getting wrinkled - I love them. I buy a couple everytime I get a coupon. I'm up to about 10 now. As Scissor Queen above said - they stack so well.

My mother was also a "finish it up before you start another" kind of person. Worked for her but I have come to realize that I am wired differently. I took a class last Saturday on machine applique and when I brought it home, thought if I don't take a break with another project while I'm working on this, I'm going to go crazy.
So, I spent my snow/sew day reorganizing things in my space. Oh well, there's always the weekend!
:)

I put all WIP in clear tubs I got at Walmart. I put the fabric, pattern, special rulers, etc all in it. My everyone at home knows to stay out of them, don't move them, and are careful not to shake them up in anyway so the contents all stay nice n neat inside. I am in the process of organizing my fabric collection on recently purchased shelves and drawers.