Need Ides for storing those things you always use, then lose
 

You know the tools and what-nots I'm talking about...seam rippers, little, green scissors, seam gauges, the "good" pair of eyeglasses...the list goes on and on. I have them in my hands one minute and then, ...pooufff!... like magic, they disappear. How do you keep those small items that you use regularly at hand, without them getting lost under quilt fabrics and sleeping cats?

~ Cindy

When/if I put them away, they all go in the top drawer of my sewing table. Kind of a jumble but the drawer isn't that big, plus they are usually on top of everything else. Otherwise, they are sitting on the cutting table. Door to sewing room is closed when not in use so the dogs can't misplace things on me.

One drawer of my storage unit has a number of little "bins" in it. They fill Up a oit half of the entire drawer. All of the small implements go into the small bins. The remainder of the drawer is filled with cutting tools. Since we once had three houses, I have at least five rotary cutters. And since I inherited three different sewing rooms, I have three sets of pinking shears, a number of dressmaker shears, assortment of curved and applique scissors. My problem is template rulers. Never can find the correct one without a search.

I have my do-dads..in a silverware drawer insert. Keeps stuff handy and still can find it when I need it..that is when I actually get it in place when being lazy!!

I use a big soup cup that was going to the goodwill since we never used it. It deep enough to hold seam ripper, scissors, my cleaning brushes, anything else that I need at the machine. Works great and does not take up a lot of space.

I have a lot of table space in my sewing room so I just put a little green plastic tray (the kind you can buy at office supply stores) on top of the table and that's where all my "smalls" go. Works great! And my scissors are hung on the wall. I just put nails in the wall behind my sewing table and hang them all there. That way the tips don't get dull from the scissors standing on them.

I found myself a small tool box at a hardware store. I paid $10.00 for it but it was worth it. ANd it is clear. Has slots for threaders, seamrippers, the little tools. I love it. it's about 12" long and 6" deep. It's the perfect size to keep near the machines. My scissors fit in the bottom along with my bodnik. My cleaning accessories fit in it also. I put a small magnet in one slot to keep stray pins or screws. Small magnifying glass. Perfect! Love mine. Looks like the mini me to my larger one. Throw in couple marking pins/pencils. Small ruler. Worth the $10.00 to me.

I have them distributed all over the house, especially at the ironing board, my spot for watching TV and by the sewing machine. Guess what? I still have to hunt for them!

Oh, well, it gives me a little exercise every time I sew.

I have assorted diameter PVC pipe cut into assorted lengths, glued together with PVC glue, standing on end, attached to a block of wood. I dropped a piece of batting in bottom of each. Just measured the things I paned to keep there. Sits on left side of machine. When I go to class or retreat I just grab it and have all my little stuff.

I use this thing :
http://www.amazon.com/Everything-Mar...verything+mary

It holds all my frequently used items… small screwdriver, cleaning brush, stiletto, big and small scissors, different feet, tweezers, seam rippers, pins, measuring tape… etc etc etc.