Work in Progress Storage
 

I am currently using some clear vinyl (with mesh insert) project bags, but they are about $6 a piece and I have 12+ projects. I like to put the fabric all together after I've received it, and these bags are perfect. What do you guys use? Any suggestions for inexpensive places to get bags or other solutions? Thanks!

I should note, I am a quilter and use these for quilting.

I use Ziploc bags or the store brand because they come in various sizes and then I put all the separate pieces in a small plastic box or if its a small quilt sometimes a larger Ziploc bag. theyre cheap enough I don't feel guilty about writing on them I can write piece sizes on the bags so I know what ive cut. I can even put the backing and leftover
fabric in the box in case I need it before I finish and I don't mistakenly use something in another quilt in case I need it.
Carla m

There are 1 gallon bags that zip and hold an entire project I think maybe 5 to a box at the store where nothing costs more than $1.00. I use them for all the cuts that are ready to be pieced..I make my own ''kit''.

How about making your own bags? A lot of people use pizza boxes, others have used the styrofoam trays that are from meat, cheese, etc., from your local market, others have used plastic containers that come with lids.

Don't know what the mesh is about but I use Ziploc also. I use the generic too. There are some bags out there that are big enough to put bedspreads in. I can't find my box. Anyway I save the silica packs you get in some medication bottles and put those in to absorb any moisture. Some of my hexies are in Ziplocs as take along while waiting in drs. offices. Then I have the project boxes that are the sizes of pizza boxes and are labeled. You can buy silica packets on line. they often are found in boxes of new shoes.

If I can't write on the bag I just stick a note paper or index sheet, post it note or whatever is handy. Masking tape on the outside works too.

First of all, I place all my cut pieces flat on an inexpensive paper plate with the piece ID written on the outer edge of the plate. I can then stack them and put them into a clean produce-size plastic bag and when returning to the project, I'm able to take out from the stack only those pieces needed at that time.

I use the 2 gallon zip lock bags. I think they come in a box of 4 or 5 for about 4 or 5 dollars, so about $1 each. I can usually fit fabric and pattern for up to a king size top in each one. Throws can go in a gallon zip lock.

I do love the idea of the paper plates as a way to separate the pieces you are working on, but I usually use the 1 gallon bags, a paper clip and a postit note to tell me what the parts are. I do some paper piecing and most of it is Judy Niemeyer. She is the champion of using different bags for different parts of a project.

now this is a great price!

i like this idea, too

[QUOTE=Jo Belmont;7199107]First of all, I place all my cut pieces flat on an inexpensive paper plate with the piece ID written on the outer edge of the plate. I can then stack them and put them into a clean produce-size plastic bag and when returning to the project, I'm able to take out from the stack only those pieces needed at that time.

I use inexpensive generic coffee filters if the pieces fit closely enough. Then I put the each project together in one bag, box, or just folded together in my cabinet. Now I even put a post-it with what the project is or the pattern ... especially important if it is just the fabric. [I once found fabric for a project but without a note or pattern. So, it became part of my stash.]

I've used coffee filters at sew-ins for holding cut threads and such.

I use the ziploc style bags for things I've cut out but if I've started piecing sections I use pizza boxes so they can stay flat. Most local pizza shops will sell them for $1 or $2 each. It's also not hard to make your own project bags and there lots of free patterns. Once you have the basics down you can make them any size even adding a zipper isn't all that hard.

I make bags out of orphan blocks and masking tape outside for a short description, so that I don't have to open the bag to know what is in it.
these bags can always be used for something else if I don't need them: grocery shopping etc

Thanks for the tips so far. This is great!
[HR][/HR]Where do you get these boxes? Excuse my naivety, but I cannot picture them.

[HR][/HR]Great idea! I will check this out today when I'm out.

[HR][/HR]tessagin, the bags look like this:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]519955[/ATTACH]

It is kind of odd, but they do the trick...they are just more expensive than I'd like. I like them because they are semi clear so I can put my picture/pattern in the front and still see whats in it. It is a 12" x 16" made by Alvin. These are $4.19 as an Amazon addon item :(. http://www.amazon.com/Vinyl-Mesh-Bag...dp/B000HFWGL4/

[HR][/HR] I have made simple stitched bags before, but they end up taking more time/money than the quick zip solutions. I do use them when I am traveling because they look nice. :)

[HR][/HR]Thanks for the great ideas as always! What other solutions do you guys use?

Quilt in a Day has great project bags. I stock up when there is a sale.

I tend to used gallon and sandwich ziplocs in combination with some type of basket/box. I store my fabrics on the comic boards and like to keep the uncut extra with the cut pieces...usually that works in some of the larger shoe/boot boxes. But those are only for current projects that I know will be done pretty quickly.

Exactly! I posted above mistakenly-1 gal, wwhen I meant 2 gal size. If you have a "everything's a Dollar store in your area, a box costs a dollar. Everything costs a dollar as the name says...from food items to ---well, you name it!
My error above--we all know of the 1 gal zip lock bags, and boy was I wrong. The brand is Boulder Twin Lock & 10 of them in a box!! Sorry about my memory lapse.

I have always saved the plastic zipper bags that sheets, draperies, etc come in. I use them for traveling, when we moved, quilt storage & projects.

I use ziploc bags for piece storage, but for a whole project, I prefer the ArtBin satchels (usually bought them when they were 1/2 price at JoAnns) or clear totes for a larger project.

I have also bought the project bags from OldMade quilts (http://oldmadequilts.com/products/vinyl-bags.html). They work well.

Cookie trays from the grocery turned upside down are great. I grab them from the church kitchen after coffee hour. I never buy cookies myself. The bottom (now the top) is black, but the rest is clear. A big block (or stack of blocks) fits nicely.

Don't know where I got so many, but I use the zippered bags that sheets or curtains come in. I leave one side unzipped for air, in case those fibers want to breathe...

I get the big ziploc type from Dollar Tree in the laundry section. The XXL (or XXXL) will hold a king size. The actual storage area is approx 17x21, excluding the handle area. It will hold my whole project with the yardage. Only one in package for $1.

I've also used old cotton pillow cases, with a safety pin and index card if needed. Usually for those projects that may take a while to finish...
But I do love those big ziploc bags! :)

I've been reorganizing my sewing room, and have found some great plastic containers at the thrift store and at the dollar store. Some only hold about a gallon size, and some are about half of a laundry basket. I like having them in solid containers, and I'm only paying $.50 to $2.00 each.

My projects are stored in 12" x 12" plastic hinged boxes that I get at hobby stores. They stack well. My expertise is starting a project and leaving it, so these keep things clean and organized for a good, long time. Which I seem to need!! (ADD or procrastination...take your pick!) :D

I do the same; I have them is all kinds of sizes.

I use plastic hinged storage boxes, called "scrapbook case," that are 14" square and 3 inches deep. They hold the whole project and stack well. I get them at Hobby Lobby in the scrapbook section. They retail for $9 but Hobby Lobby often has sales on them, anywhere from 1/2 off to $3 each.

I began using these about a year ago, first found them in sets of 5 at Costco...now find them in singles at JoAnns. Holds every thing plus pattern and notes .. :). I label the corners and when Project is finished I find a UFO to replenish the container. Lol.

Judy in Phx, AZ

I also use these and seem to have an abundance in all sizes. My favorite for blocks or project fabric pieces is the 2 and 2.5 gallon zip lock bags. I have a lot and reuse them. Many more planned projects and ufos, and I will soon run out!

Plastic shoe boxes from the dollar store. $1 each. I have at least 20 and stack them 3 high on shelves. I use them to keep all the fabrics for a project together as well as organizing other sewing notions.

I use ziplock bags and the bags curtains and bedding comes in. As a side note....I go to the local hardware store to purchase mesh and plastic for bags....makes bag very budget friendly!

I also use the Ziploc 2-gallon bags for projects/UFO's. I am able to keep all fabric, cut pieces (in smaller bags together), and patterns/books together. I purchase the freezer bags (they are stronger and hold up to multiple uses; and, I usually purchase the larger boxes when WalMart has a large display in the fall.

Smaller projects are in 1-gallon bags for easy transports to doctor appointments, oil changes, etc.

I use pillowcases from the thrift shop.

I use zip log bags of various sizes. The largest is 2 gallon. I use lots of plastic bags of various sizes to separate components. I usually put index cards with specific information inside each bag rather than writing on the bag. By so doing I can use the bags over and over. I keep bags not currently in use in a basket where I can easily get to them.

I repurpose gift bags and the bags you get at Bob Evans Restaurant when you take home leftovers. I paper clip or staple a pic of the project on the outside. They have handles, so easy to take with you!

I, too, use the 2.5 gal size of zipper bags. I also use any size of zipper bags that I need for storing my pieces, etc. Notes keep me straight.

I like the boxes that swiffer mopping pads come in. They ar green with a clear lid that fits tight. Also use plastic baskets, zip lock bags, plastic cookie or donut boxes, pizza boxes, bedding bags with zippers, and flat trays that will stack neatly. I like to recycle so try to use stuff that would otherwise be thrown away.

I use bags for my "kits" (I make up my own) that are clear and have zippers. Blankets came in them or sets of sheets. I collect them from friends when I can. Next I use all sizes of baggies and mark them with post-it notes placed inside the baggie and stuck to the side of the bag. (Write your sizes on the side with the sticky part so you can see it. Works for me!

I use jumbo bags. Ziploc and other companies make that size. They are sometimes a little hard to find, but they are larger than the gallon bags and most projects will "rattle" around in them. Using paper plates to separate pieces sounds like a good idea. froggyintexas