I have a small tray that fits under the extension table of my Elna and I put, tweezers, seam ripper, marker, screwdriver, lint brush and seam gage in it. It works out fine for me and oh yes nipper scissors. lol can't live with out them.

I use an old frisbee! :)

I use a picnic utensil holder. Has six openings. I keep scissors, rotory cutters, pens, pencils, rulers. I used to have a clear lucite one; the one I use now is a heavy metal one. Has a handle that falls down behind when not in use, but convenient if you want to move it.

I use one of those rotating supply holders from the office supply store and some of the tiny waste baskets from Ikea. My son made me some wooden ruler holders which I love. Like the ones you see in the catalogs.

I too have made this handy mug organizer, and now cannot imagine my sewing life without it, great tool! I t makes it so easy for me to replace tools in their proper place.

I use a letter holder for some things that is at the back of the table things that I don't use much then next to the machine I use an outside or party silverware holder that holds my scissors, seam rippper...then when I go to class or quilt group I have a round pot holder sewed in half with a collar like and I slide my scissors and seam ripper in there and it can double for an quick pin cushion and if you have somewhere on your machine you can hang it.

I picked up a medium sized lidded jar (minus the lid now) for holding scissors, skinny rulers, pencils and tall things. My Bernina has a storage space for bobbins, lint brush, extra needles, etc. Works for me.

I use an old plastic thingie that was for storing TV remotes. Since it has sections, it makes it nice for scissors, rotary cutter, small rulers, stiletto, marking pens...you get the idea. :-)

I found a revolving Pampered Chef Kitchen Utensil Holder at Salvation Army still in the box for $9.99. It holds my large scissors, markers, 12" rulers, rotary cutter, TV remote, and anything else I use frequently. I also have a 36-drawer unit for bobbins, pins, extra thread, all the little things that get lost when you need them. My seam ripper has a place of honor in the middle of my pin cushion which also keeps my small scissors within reach.

I do........I use a 6 hole muffin pan and 9 oz. plastic cups. It works wonderfully.... little scissors and rippers in one, my PPing rulers in another, clips in another.....pencils and glue stick in yet another.....they are always right at hand.......read about it in an email and thought I would try it......works for me.

I have a large flat dividied plastic tray at each machine and several Swiffer containers with the clear plastic lids as well as a large coffee cup. Now the trick it to figure out which place I put stuff!

I have a Longaberger basket that I keep all of my essentials in. In it is zip lock that holds all of those "I use once in a while but want to keep close" items. This same basket acts as my traveling bag when I take my quilting away from home. I just add a long extension cord and I am good to go. What I do works for me, but I am always looking for good ideas from the board members.

I'm in the process of making one of those for taking to classes and workshops. My machine at home is flush mounted so that doesn't work but space always seems to be limited at classes.

must go to Joanne's later today and buy that organizer!

What a great idea! I'm all about recycling and repurposing so this is a perfect idea. Guess I need to buy some cookies!

I have a partitioned tool box with a flip top cover. I keep everything in there all the time so when I'm going to work sessions I never forget anything. You can get these at Sears, Home Depot, or anywhere where you can buy a tool box. It is low and flat and fits in my oversize suitcase into which I put all my other sewing stuff.

My thread is organized by color and by designer in a large rectangle "cookie tin." I have two of those - one for small size thread spools and the larger one. This works for me.

I have a metal plate | dish rack that I have all my larger rulers (not sure about that organizer - it gets in my way too often) and a small "to do paper | envelope" type rack for the small rulers.

Baskets. I have the round old basket (my grandmothers) for embroidery thread; other baskets store scraps such as selveges, one for triangles...scissors are on a freebie neck "fabric chain" which when I am not using, I have hooked to two knobs on my sewing machine table. Several Pin Cushions that keep getting knocked off.

I use the clear magazine stack up holders for patterns, magazines, and printed articles, etc.

But NEVER organized.

Anything about sewing that has organizer in the same sentence is an oxymoron.
Phyllis

I've often looked at those but never thought to incorporate it into my sewing. What a great ideal!

Because I'm always thinking about more efficient ways to do things, I have a two-fold system for work space gadgets. There are the things I use all the time-ripper, scissors, stilletto, spare snip of fabric as a leader and pincushion. Then there are all the others-more scissors, machine feet, bits of fabric with a needle stuck through them to remind me I'm changing up needles, chalkoner, small ruler, etc.
I didn't want the seldom used to get in the way of my reaching for the often used but I didn't have any really good system for separating them. And I didn't want something tall that I'd have to stop and peer into each time I was looking for something.
I've been teaching my 11 yr old granddaughter to crochet and she presented me with a "pride and joy" present, a heavy yarn crocheted pot holder about 6 inches square with gorgeous purples, blues and pinks. I knew it was too thick to use as a pot holder but I wanted her to know I cherished it. Then it struck me to use it right next to my machine as a pad on which to place the often used items. I can lay them out straight so they're easy to access and they won't roll or slip off the table because of the weave on the pot holder. And everytime I look at it, I smile and think of how proud she is.
Right beside my "pride and joy" mat is a long, clear plastic rectangle with bright green rubber on the bottom that I found for about $4 at Home goods. It's a simple open box about half the width of a silver ware tray and that's where everything else goes. It makes for very fast retrieval and when I'm in a sloppy mood, I can just toss things into it and save sorting for later.
I always try to think like Steve Jobs....how can i get from turning on my machine to actually sewing in about 3 moves. It really helps to cut through the clutter.

I need something that will keep the kitty from batting my pin cushions around. I give her empty spools to play with, but she wants the good stuff.

This is a really cool site with handy ideas for around the house.
http://twistedsifter.com/2013/01/50-...fy-your-world/

Several years ago my GF made me some "stuff" holders out of ceramic pots. I may have to dig for the shorty
screwdriver but I know where it is. Also a bigger pot holds sissors and cutters. However both of my stilettos
have jumped ship so I guess its a trip to the quilt shop today. Its a dirty jb but someone has to do it.

Amen, Sister! Just is not going to happen, at least not in my house!

She won't bat around the magnetic tool tray pin holders from HF. The first time it hits the floor and makes a good noise will be the last time she knocks it off.

I had one of those Pampered Chef roundabouts that were used in the kitchen for utensils. I now have enough drawer space in my kitchen and no longer needed it, so that is what I have setting by my sewing machine. It holds lots of things, including scissors, pens, etc.

Umm, I have this thing for chocolates; the kind that come in the nifty trays. I'm sure I'm the only one out there who has this thing, but; if someone does share it - I find the trays really wonderful for little odds and ends. Buttons, beads, screws - small bits.

I am also fond of taping things like machine needles to side of the machine. If the needle is there, obviously it is still usable but not the right size for my last project. (I need all the "obviously" help I can get. This year has been one, long hunt and rescue mission.) And then there are the snaps and hooks and other such effluvia that seem to follow certain projects. Taping them to the machine is also helpful.

Besides, any excuse to eat chocolates is a good one. I am sticking to that story. Right?

P

I use a silverware tray. I like the divided compartments.

i use an old picnic basket set i got at a thrift store... it has a standing utensil kit that's perfect for scissors, glasses, seam rippers n razors. the napkin tray holds pin cushion, safty pins n stuff and the basket itself is full of rolls of fabric ready to fling a quick "tack n whack" at moments notice

i can agree with that! all my best intentions still don't erase that look of horror on hunny's face when he peeks in my lair

My sewing desk has three drawers on the right of the "L" shape and two large ones on the left. I further divided it up with boxes to organize the drawers into sections. Then there is a store bought white shelving unit that I placed on the corner of the L. I bought three fabric drawers to sit inside and to hold larger sewing things I use all the time. It has proven to work out great for me. I hate thing sitting out, so I only have out what I need at the time and the drawers being organized, they are easily found when I need them.

Before I had this set up I used a nice wooden sewing box. The lid closed tightly, so no dust on my tools. I live in high desert, so this is an everyday reality for me.

I have a basket near my machine. I keep seam rippers, tweezers, beeswax, chopsticks for pushing out corners and a few other notions.

I use a silverware holder, I got at dollar store. Works great for me.

Had to google that and WOW that is really cool! All that storage and light makes me jealous so where did you get yours?

I could be better organized, but I have 2 tiered, square silverware holders for my pens, scissors, pencils, scissors, etc. plus I have a small basket beside my sewing machine where I throw spools of thread and bobbins that I am using, particularly if I'm doing several projects at once. Plus I put my walking foot in there as well so I know where it is. Since my sewing table is a small craft table I also have a small drawer where I put my pens for making labels, etc. Periodically I go through the basket and "unclutter" it so I have room for the next projects thread, etc.

I have a wooden rolling cart with seven drawers sitting right next to my sewing counter. Inside are many different ways of organizing, including baby wipe containers clipped together, and wooden cross sections. I like it because I can leave a drawer open while using the items and put them right back where they belong so I don't misplace them.
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Do you still have the pattern for the "thing" that holds the mug? Sounds like it would be a good seller at our quiltique at our quilt show in June.

I use a big cut glass ashtray for pins that I remove as I sew, empty bobbing, bobbin garters, seam ripper, and attachments I am using. I no longer smoke but love glass ashtrays.

I use a plastic shoe box with a lid. All the day to day stuff goes in there and then when I have to go, I snap on the lid and I am ready to go.

I just threw away an oreo container!!! I just might have to go get it out of the trash!!!
You have a neat idea.