Dido

When I cut pieces for blocks, I store all the pieces for one block in a sandwich bag (the kind that just folds in - since it's cheaper than the ziplocs). I then keep all the sandwich baggies in either a drawer or a tote bag. When I work on a block I put it back in the baggie until the block is assembled, and then I put it with the finished blocks in the tote. That way, I can pull out a project, work on one block and, whether I finish it or not, everything for that block stays together.

I too use zip lock bags. I use the sandwich or quart size for each color as I cut it for the blocks; then as the blocks are assembled, I use the gallon storage bags, labels with washable markers, to ID the block and the project. I have one plastic tote/bucket, that I use for WIP, including thread, bobbins, scissors, needles and pattern. It is very easy to pick the tote up and move around from room to room with the tote. I have to admit, I usually only have 2-3 WIP at a time. I'd love to have more, since I occassionally get bored with the current project. But finances and working full time prohibit have too much going at the same time.

another idea is Pizza boxes - if you ask at your local pizza place, they might give you some, or they might charge you a minimal fee for them - you can write on the box what is inside, or use labels.

I often use paper plates to do intermediate sorting and then put in plastic bags. Also, while they are not see thru, pizza boxes sometimes work well.

I use the bags that comforters and baby blankets come in and also pizza boxes work great.

I just reorganized my sewing room. Went to Wal-Mart & got clear boxes of different sizes w/ lids, put labels on what was in the box & put on shelf. Now it is easy to see what I have & where it is.

I store each project in a basket, the different cut pieces are in sandwich bags that have what they are written on the outside. Forinstance if a pattern has 3 X 4 rectangles and 4 x 4 - 1/2 triangles those are in separate bags. That way a quick glance at the pattern tells me what each thing is and I can sew quickly!

I use the plastic bags the sheets and pillow cases come in, the smaller pillowcase plastic is great for smaller projects, the larger sheet plastic works great from near finished, and of course the finished getting ready to quilt, I store in old pillow cases. Only problem with the pillowcases, out of site out of mind, and mine is so bad I forget what is in there lol...

Rita

Wow you all have great ideas as for me my sewing/spare room is a tea-total mess. I was real proud that I cleaned up enough to walk to the sewing machine and then I was without DH all weekend and Katie=bar-the-door I sewed all weekend finished one lap quilt top and half of another, however my room it a HOT MESS again. I crave organization but can't apply it. Maybe ya'll will rub off on me.
:lol:
Karen