Organizing UFOs?
 

For the second time in two months, I've ended up using a piece of fabric that was earmarked for a UFO. In order to prevent this from happening again, I would like some ideas on how folks organize their UFOs to keep everything together and separate from other projects. I have been keeping them stacked on a shelf, but when I'm looking for a particular fabric, will sometimes forget what the stacks are for. I'm thinking about buying totes, but they take up storage space. Just intrested in how others handle this dilemma. I know I will several UFOs going at a time, and/or put a project away that I've become frustrated with. Suggestions, anyone?

I put mine in tote bags apart from my other stash. When it bugs me to see them I work to finish them

I put larger UFO's in their separate plastic box I get for Walmart [$5 with 2 snaps that lock about a 12x12 size]
I also use the plastic containers that have zippers that you get sheets, etc in. These are all on one side of my double sewing closet that have those large sliding doors [I use the doors for my design walls.]

Depending on the project I use large zip lock bags. You can buy really really big ones and most grocery stores. Sometimes... I separate components of a UFO into smaller zip bags or small boxes, but they all go into one zip lock that contains all of it. I even use a piece of copy paper to list the contents.. and put it face up so I can read it. That part has saved me from buying additional supply's because I forgot I had one for the project. If I use a backing or batting out of the bag I cross it off .

I used to have piles and did the same thing. I bought some of the reusable cloth/mesh grocery bags and put each project in a separate bag. They are cheap enough at $1.00 or so, and I don't have to worry about the fabric not being able to "breathe." (I heard that storing in closed plastic bags wasn't a good idea...)

I lay the bags back on the shelf, but I suppose you could hang them if you want.

I place mine into gallon, 1.5 or 2 gallon ziplock bags. Making them up like kits. It keeps all the pieces together and I can put the pattern in with it, even if it's a copy of the first page from a book with needed info. written on it. I can stack them on shelves, in totes, etc. without fear of pilferring the fabric that is in a sealed bag but can still see what each package is. You can even tape the top if you think you might still pull out pieces. The bags even prevent any pieces that might already be cut out from escaping. And you will have the peace of mind to know that at any given time you can grab a bag and sit down with it ready to go.

Tricia

My UFO's are stored in plastic boxes with all the fabric need to finish it, front and back If it takes a special thread that goes in the box too with the pattern. If I am collecting fabric for a future planned project I keep it in my fabric cabinet stacked together with pattern and tied with Christmas ribbon, If I run out of room for my project boxes, I know I have got to finish something! LOL Each of my grand's have there own project box in there

Simple answer---- where ever they fit in my limited stuffed storage.

I have a large pizza box for orphan blocks, extra left over blocks. Once or twice a year when the mood strikes me I will go to it and do something from contents.

I put small pieces in baggies, then put withrest of project so I do not loose them/

I've found bags slip & slide & get lost so Ufos in boxes labeled. Shoe boxes work very well.

Future projects in labeled boxes, stacked around my sewing room.

Scraps ha ve their own homes by sizes.

After holidays, I want to totally reorganize my sewing studio, I have way to much wasted space.

I also use the gallon size ziplock bags. I don't zip all the way shut so they can breathe a little.

I use the big zip lock bags and put all the fabric that goes with that project, mark the title of the quilt on the bag or piece of paper, and store on a shelf.

All great ideas, thank you!

Thank you for the wonderful ideas, everyone. I knew I could count on ya'll to come up with good solutions.

I put them in the plastic cases with handles at Joann or a lady I know has these paper boxes that were made for a tour company and they are prefect to put a project in. I think I have 10 of them and hope to buy more this year. Some big projects are in larger plastic tubs

This is exactly what i do.

I use the jumbo zip lock bags.

I use baskets that will nest inside each other so you can stack them and they take up minimal space

http://www.target.com/p/itso-small-t...+storage+boxes

I keep mine in individual zipper bags that new blankets and pillows come in.

I use big gift boxes, giant ziplock bags, and big striped zipper bags. Tie a luggage label or tape a notepad page on and write what's in it and what is needed and throw the pattern in, as well as thread and whatever else you need for that project. When I go out - I cruise past my boxes and bags and see what I need for each project and jot it on my shopping list.

If you worry about sealing fabric in zipped plastic bags, use a hole punch in a few places on the bag. You can zip the top so nothing escapes, and the little holes are too small for anything to fit through.

I keep mine in those boxes that you get reams of paper in. I have one for classes i have taken and one for other UFOs. a

I use large Snapware boxes. They all stack together so I can just pick the one I need. Finished tops get hung on a hanger meant for multiple pairs of pants, (with the yardage for the backing if I have it.) I seem to have several tops that need to be quilted, but I'm waiting for the inspiration for the quilting portion.

I have a designated area/shelf where I put all my ufo's. If I can, I'll stack all the smaller pieces and wrap them in the largest piece of fabric that's to be used. Can't pull out fabric if you can't see it. As of yet, I haven't had the problem of borrowing from one project to complete another. That may be because there's no room in my fabric cabinet to store ufo's! I have been known to keep some blocks in storage bags (like many others here). The 2 1/2 gallon size is great for larger blocks, and gallon size for smaller left over pieces.


Oh, I almost forgot to note that I tuck a picture of the quilt inside the bag too for quick reference!

I've got UFOs stored in one of those zippered plastic bags from the bed in a bag. I doubt that it is airtight with the cloth zipper. IMHO, I think the problem with storing in plastic is if the environment is humid. The contents could mildew. We've got a central unit that is either running on AC or heat, so I think my fabric is safe.

I too used the large ziplocs to keep the tidbits and pieces leftover from the UFOs. But I've already been guilty of using up yardage that was pinpointed for binding. Yikes.

some go in large Ziplocks and my most current-yes I am GOING to work on them- projects go in Iris scrapbooking boxes. I get them in Michaels on sale..usually for about $4 each. I found them at Costco recently in a bundle in an assortment of colors. I have started making a copy of the pattern (just for my own use and shredded when finished) so I don't have to store the whole book or have to search madly when I want to start up on that project again.

I put mine in plastic project boxes. Keep everything together and easy to organize...

[QUOTE=Belfrybat;6453107]For the second time in two months, I've ended up using a piece of fabric that was earmarked for a UFO.

I've done this several times with the backing - meant to be on a particular quilt and ended up on another project.

I bought coated quilt hangers from Nancy's Notions - my tops hang in the closet on these and all the parts of the project including the backing (lol) are in a 2 gallon ziplock bag attached to the hanger with binder clips. Keeps everything together - just wish I could find time to finish some of them.

Deb

I use plastic ziploc bags and plastic boxes. I have way too many UFOs. A friend said when she got to that point she wrote each one on a slip of paper, put them in a container, and drew them out one at a time. Then she wrote them down on a Master List in the order she drew them. She then started in and worked on them in order. It kept her focused, made her realize how many she had, and made her get to ones that she had forgotten about or had lost interest in.

I think this will be my goal for the new year!

I use the acid free boxes from Joann's or Michael's. I label each box so I know what project is in it. When I'm ready to work on a specific project I can just pull the whole box out and everything is there -- including a copy of the pattern. I like the boxes as they stack nicely.

I somehow have amassed a large supply of tote bags. I keep UFOs in these and stack them in my sewing room. Each January, I make a new list of all unfinished projects and assembled kits and mark off the ones I finish throughout the year. I keep all these lists in a notebook for future reference, and for reassurance that, YES, I am accomplishing something!

Make some draw string muslin bags, big enough to fit the whole project. You can pin a card to the outside stating what project it is.

UFOs and "kits" I have earmarked for a project go in individual plastic shoe boxes that I buy at the dollar store. I have about 20 or so of them. I put the pattern in with it. That way I don't lose the parts or forget what it's for.

At Sam's and BJ's, they cut the tops and one side out of boxes leaving a 2" lip on the cut out side. These boxes are available to grab for carrying out your purchases. I find they make excellent storage for the large ziplock baggies that I have stored projects in. They are just the right size for the baggies to stand up in and will hold 6 or 8 depending how full they are stuffed. The lip keeps them from sliding out of the box. The box and bags fit right on top of my cabinet and I can see what is in it and pull out the one I want, or pull down the whole box.

I intend to start a box for my odds and ends like zippers, ribbons, elastics, etc. that are currently using up drawer space.

i found some trick or treat bags after halloween for .25 they work great and it is halloween all year here

I used to put mine in containers - and I discovered that a lot of them were forgotten. Then I found an antique ladder and now my UFO's are hung on the rungs in plain sight.... so when I have the urge to get a top finished they are all in full view. I found I have finished more of them by having them close at hand!!!

Pizza boxes for me...from beginning to end of project.

I use the Rubbermaid (I think) boxes that are meant to take a 9x13 cake or cupcakes. I started using these when I travel to retreats. 6 of them (I think it's 6) fit into the GIANT boat tote from Land's End. When the project out grows that box, then I tend to also use the reusable grocery totes. I agree with everyone, if you don't want to accidently use that yardage, you MUST isolate it from your stash.

I am much more careful to label mine with pieces of paper pinned on that tells me what I am saving it for. My extra fabric for binding that I might need (if binding short) is stored with the binding on the roll or pinned to the quilt top.

I have been lucky to find project boxes at Costco on two occasions. They are 14 X 14 and about 3-4 inches deep. Sold in sets of 5 for $18.99. They hold a whole quilt kit or in process quilts. Easy storage.

Before and for excess, big ziplocks are the way to go. They hold the pattern and all the material. I have way too many.

I also make use of those plastic zipper bags that sheets, etc. come in. However, I do take my 1/8' hole punch and punch several holes along the side so the fabric can breathe. I can then store in drawers, or on the shelf. I have way too many UFO's. Come Jan, 2014! lol.

I use the zippered bags from bedding purchases and try to isolate the group of fabrics and pattern in a separate bin for long term items.

Plastic shoe boxes are great for those quick, mindless sewing projects when you want a break with instant reward. I roll together the measured pieces for burp pads and store in view on my bookcase.

Scrapbooking boxes stack nicely and contain everything for a quilt design; shopping list; work-in-progress.

My favorite tip is having something ready to grab and go to work on when the mood strikes. Even a few minutes pressing units; trimming units to size;! or planning the next phase of the UFO adds satisfaction and progress