What are we organizing 2026
 

I sure do miss Rryder who was always a fabulous inspiration for organizing! My biggest challenge is scraps from projects, I have far too many! I have made an effort to turn my scraps to potato chip sizes of 2.5 x 4.5 or 2 x 4 and 2.5 x 2.5 squares, everything at least 1.75 wide for Pineapple blocks. So far so good, even if I spend 30 minutes before work cutting then down it really puts a dent in the pile!
I would love to spend more time organizing more of my fabric, I do have the comic boards for it and seeing what you have is much easier when it’s wrapped.
What are you organizing?

I haven't had a lot of success with cutting things down to standard sizes, but when I invested in those plastic boxes (slightly larger than shoeboxes) my fabric chaos was significantly reduced. Pretty much anything smaller than a F8 goes in those, and they're mostly organized by colour, although I have a couple of boxes dedicated to orphan blocks, multicoloured prints, etc. When I build quilts, I usually start with a colour idea so that system works pretty well for me.

Yesterday I decided I needed one box to keep my thread cones in (instead of having them in various bags and boxes scattered around the house). It's a small help but a step in the right direction because I do so much better if I know there is a proper place for things (and there's room in that place for those things ;-)).

I miss rryder, too... :-(

I did a total organization a year ago when we had the new flooring put in upstairs. Now I'm mostly on a mission to keep it organized. I cut my scraps into 2 1/2, 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 inch square and some 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 rectangles and now I do scraps as I go. It really does make it easier to use things up. I've used a lot of the 2 1/2" squares on my current project!

I have decided to move one of my under table shelving units. I changed my mind about where I wanted one of my machines to now its in the way. Minor move though.

I also scored some Artbin containers at an estate sale for $5 each. I'm figuring out now what fabrics need to go in those

Another one chiming in to say I miss you Rryder!

With my year of being legally blind now a year over, I need to work on still more condensing than organizing. I pretty much have what I want in terms of organization but I still have more stuff than I have dedicated space.

Still don't have my (used non-computerized) long arm set up, that's becoming more and more a priority, but by this point in my life I've learned to ignore the unquilted tops. Only there are so many tubs of them now! Once it is set up, that will be the key for a new push. Ok, things I could be doing now but haven't had the motivation. When I bought the set-up, she was ending the quilting portion (still keeping sewing) of her life and included so many pantographs and rulers and things that I still don't know what all is in there. Only that it does fit nicely in the cabinets she included in the purchase :)

Iceblossom, when I acquired my sit down long arm, it just sat. It sat for many months while I pondered the question, "You have it, but now what do I do with it?" I decided to play one day with some muslin sandwiches and just meandered, made loops, flowers, boxes whatever came into my head. Think of my long arm like a giant free motion machine with no speed control except me, because that's what it really is. Next i purchased 1 yard of large print fabric, sandwiched it and began outlining and moving from one area to the next without ending the thread. I had no plans for what I was doing. This gave me the security to relax and experiment with speed and motion. If I ended up burning the piece when done, so be it. I was learning. I had so much fun and end up using that completed piece as a cover for the long arm head. Is it perfect? Heck NO but I learned so much. I'm still learning what works for me and what doesn't but I feel confident enough now to no be intimidated. Practicing on the large print fabric free hand may work for you as well and thought I would mention my process. If you are like me and need accountability, then I'll be looking for your report on how well you did by the end of 2026. LOL Just kidding :-)

Attachment 653974
I have been cleaning out and organizing my quilting and crafting space. I set everything up after we moved a few years ago, and have rearranged a few times. I think I finally have it how I want it. The above photo is walking into the area right of my large table.
Attachment 653975
This is my cutting area and yarn storage under it. The tall armoire is storage for bolts of fabric.
Attachment 653976
To the right is my heavy-duty sewing machine. Straight on is my Cricut, heat press, and vinyl storage in bins under the desk.
Attachment 653977
I am set up in our day light basement
I had to put down something on the concrete floors, it was bothering my knees and ankles. I bought carpet tiles, that little bit of padding has made a huge difference. I store all my fabric in bins with covers due to dust/allergies. I have it organized by designer, batiks, ect. The shoebox size totes are fabric that I have bought, but am still shopping for coordinates. I like using metal shelving for storing the bins. I hang my rulers on the ends of the shelving units. Also my ironing station is in the corner.
Attachment 653978
My space is about 15'x15'. I feel very fortunate to have a dedicated sewing area. All my tables, sewing machine table are raised, saves on the back. I just did a big cleaning, sorting, and purging after Christmas. I feel ready to start a new quilt soon.

Attachment 653979
The first post would only allow 5 photos. This photo shows the taller metal shelving unit. I purposely have the bottom shelf about 5" from the floor, like many of us quilters I enjoy other forms of crafts
I bought some scrapbook paper bins for storing scrapbook supplies under each unit, I have six in all, two under the yarn shelf, two under the ironing station, and two under the tall fabric shelf. I also use those bins for storing my rolls of cricket vinyl. On the shelf I have two of the paper bins for thread storage. I finally feel organized and settled in thise new space. And of course Bert my cat had to get in on the action, he loves to hang out with me when I am sewing.

As I entered my sewing room this afternoon, I came to an unbelievable realization, "If I don't finish all my beautiful projects, no one will finish them & my children will throw them away when I pass. (There goes all the work I have put into them & also all the money.) Since I am going to be 80 years old this year, I think I better get going.


First on the list is organize & clean a little better. (One if my problems is, I can't work in a mess, or at least I should say, start in a mess.) Secondly, I need to list what needs to be completely. Checking off a visual list will probably help me be motivated.


Better get off the computer (looking for new projects) and start organizing.

I was sitting at my sewing table today just looking around my sewing room. I could picture the whole floor falling away and everything with it, except me and my sewing table. Instant redo. Ha. I think I need to rearrange the big pieces of furniture but i don't remember if there are electric plugs behind most of the full shelves. I will have to empty the bottom parts to be sure. Lots of fun went into making my chaos so now I have to pay the piper. My girls can afford to buy the machine they want and build their own stash if they ever get interested in sewing so no need thinking I should keep all this for them. Like most of us I am old and should know better to leave a mess like this.

I just spent about 5 minutes deleting bookmarked sites and a few quilt patterns that I KNOW I no longer need. Feels good for a short amount of work. Yup, another day I will review saved recipes, and dive deeper into saved quilt patterns.