I’ve really enjoyed sewing with Fresh Cottons lately…I’m currently working on my third quilt with this line and keep thinking of so many additional projects I want to make with these gorgeous fabrics. The quilt above is one I recently sewed for Joanna Figueroa. It’s her newly released pattern called “Paper Roses.” One of the things I loved about this pattern is that it only calls for one charm pack…and with some background and border fabrics you can make a nice sized quilt.
These photos of “Paper Roses” are courtesy of Joanna Figueroa (she shared the photos on this post along with some interesting insights into the fabrics–it’s just fascinating to me to read about the variety of things that inspire designers as they design such beautiful fabrics and patterns).
And now for a fun spring giveaway…Jenny at SewFabulous Quilt Shop is offering a $25 gift certificate to one of my readers. You can visit her shop here…and her blog here. Hmmm…let’s see…to enter leave a comment on this post about your favorite spring cleaning hint for sewing rooms/supplies…I’m hoping to clean my sewing room this week during spring break so any ideas would be greatly appreciated. I’ll keep the comments open until Friday and announce the winner next week. Oh…and I’ll be back on the first with our Roundabout Schnibble parade! Have a great day!
Kim says
Gosh, I usually organize things often so I don't have a big mess. I like to have all my stuff in bins or storage drawers so I can keep them organized.
Carol says
I love the Fresh Cottons fabric too. I also have the Paper Roses pattern, it's a good one. I organize in my sewing room with baskets. I love baskets.
Nedra says
How did you know that I really need to organize my sewing room also? I think the best thing for me is to keep things in their own container or bin, rather than leave them out on my table. I always think I will get to them right away, and that usually doesn't happen. If they are stacked in order, and placed on a shelf, they don't collect dust!
Clair says
I like to organize my fabrics into shapes and coordinating colors. That way it's easy to find what I want and prettier to look at.
SoozeM says
Love the paper roses pattern, very yummy! My best tip for spring cleaning a sewing area is just to sew faster. You see the more you sew, the more fabric you use up, and the less there is to try and put away, and sewing is sooo much more fun than actual cleaning! A win-win solution if you ask me!
Tracey J says
Well, all I can say is that it goes much more slowly with an almost one-year old unpacking everything that I pack! 🙂
Beautiful quilts.
As always.
Rae Ann says
Love the "Paper Roses"! The fabric line is gorgeous as well.
I love going into my quilt room when it is clean. It helps me to feel more productive. If I don't have time to reorganize everything … just a simple dusting and vacumming and opening a window for fresh air make me excited to get back to work!
s'me says
zippy wallets are the best thing I ever bought. I keep all my HSTs in there, ready for a day when I can get the board out and iron them, my blocks in them with the right coloured thread, ready for when I have time and am all ready go to with a quilt top.
Gorgeous quilt by the way.
Tylynn says
My very anal but fun organizational idea is to put things in the rainbow colors. I am slightly OCD about ROY G. BIV
Simone de Klerk says
What a lovely webshop, 'sewfabulous'. I put it with my favorites!
Spring cleaning hint ~ open your windows and maybe doors let the fresh air in and that way you will get the energy and inspiration to clean you sewing room. Good luck!
Allyson says
Paper Roses is a beauty. I really like that pattern.
My biggest tip for keeping up clean appearances is cupboards with doors on them! It's the equivelant of shoving things under the bed before company comes. In all honesty, most of my cupboards in my sewing room are actually pretty well organized, but in a pinch, I have no problem stuffing things in there to clean off the table.
luvtoquilt says
My sewing room is my favorite place to be, so I like to keep it organized. I use baskets and bins that are clearly labeled so I don't lose track of things. Of course, the best way to keep a quilt room organized is to finish projects and move them out, before starting on new things — difficult when all these fabulous new fabrics come out and we just have to try them on something new!
Nell says
I've got my MIL saving coffee jars for me to keep embellishments/buttons/ricrac etc in. I also buy old chocolate/biscuit tins from the op shop and use them to store individual WIP. I also have a BIG basket to stash all the scraps in 🙂
Dawn says
OOh I love the new pattern Paper Roses….and Joanna's fabrics are adorable. For my hint, arrange all fabric according to color and size in a clear container. Also arrange buttons,braids and cottons together for easy access.If you need help with the spring clean I would be glad to help and chat some… he he..
Hugs Dawn x x x
Sherri says
I love the Paper Roses quilt, it is darling done in the Fresh Cottons fabric, I have some scrapbooking paper that reminds me of that fabric!! Love it!!! My Spring cleaning hint is I like to clean all of my rulers really well, and go through all of my stash for anything that I think I can live without to donate to Kat (she makes and donates lap quilts all over the country, she made over 1000 last year!!) I also keep most of my fabric in clear plaastic containers, FQs fit perfectly in the clear shoe boxes!! Also, and this is my greatest tip/advice…if you have windows in your sewingroom, go to Lowes, or Home Depot, they have this film that you can put onto your windows that blocks UV rays and not only does it help keep your fabric from fading, it also helps keep your room cool while not blocking your view!! My sewingroom was in a room with windows on the east side and it was almost unbearably hot in that room even with the air conditioner on and after putting the fil on the window I could sit right in front of the window with the blinds up and sew all day!!! Before that I would only sew at night!!! It is AWESOME!!!!
Chocolate Cat says
Boxes, and more boxes, the prettier the better help me organise my sewing space. I enjoy sorting when I have something to put my goodies into!
Kim D. says
Beautiful Quilt!! How exciting to sew projects for Joanna.
I just bought a new dresser to store my threads, supplies and some UFO's. I'm excited to have more storage. My new plan is to clear off my table and cutting surface before I pull out a new project. Hopefully this will keep me clutter free and organized.
Thanks for the great giveaway.
Tozz says
Love the colours of the fabrics and the quilt looks gorgeous 🙂 I like to have all my fabric colour co-ordinated and to keep my scraps all in boxes so that I dont have far to search for that particular colour when I am doing applique things. Thanks for the chance to win this fabulous prize.
Jeannette says
Love the quilts…. I really like to fold and organize by color for solids or style for fabrics, dust everything…you know the bunnies that even hide in the containers we have.
Mary @ Neat and Tidy says
I started using olive oil and white vinegar to polish my wood furniture just a couple weeks ago. It's something I saw on the web – three parts oil to one part vinegar. My antiques never looked better!
Thanks for this giveaway 😀
Karen says
I don't have a sewing room but if I did I would love to have my fabrics on an open shelves so I could see them all the time. I like to think then that they would continually inspire me.
Thank you so much for the giveaway.
My layer cake of Fresh Cottons arrived today! Now what to make with it. Decisions, decisions.
Deb says
I think my favorite tip would be to clean up as you go instead of letting the mess accumulate. I've started collecting all my leftover scraps in a bag during any of my projects just to keep a little organization going while the quilting is done. I can always separate them later and put in appropriate bins. I love this fabric line and would enjoy winning your giveaway.
Jantine says
Not sure I have any addition to those before me. I have plastic containers with a project each, with precut strips and squares and with fabrics, mostly sorted color wise.
I find that if you have a bit of time it is wise spending it preparing projects, putting things together, precut etc. gives me lots of sewing time extra since I can sit with my machine for 15 minutes with a project ready to go and do lots in those small amounts of time!
And Label your boxes/containers or whatever you put your stuff in!!!
Candy says
I'm also a fan of bins/baskets. Also, don't hoard all those itty bitty scraps for "future use". If a scrap is smaller than 5" square, dump it. I don't keep strips unless they are 2.5" wide and at least 6" long.
Suzie says
I normally get my sewing room organized before I start a project, it helps me to stay on top of things!
barb's creations says
My secret to organizing my sewing room is to label everything clearly and to put things back in their proper places as soon as possible after finishing with them.I also love using woven baskets to store my fabric and projects in,much more pleasing to the eyes 🙂 Barb.
carmel says
to find a good place to hide all the scraps that add up
and to try to clean around the sewing area when done sewing..
but its all easy to say and hard to do
thanks!!
Shelley says
I keep a basket to throw fabrics and patterns into that I have discovered have been on my shelf way too long and give these as gifts or donations or prizes over the next year/ I sprinkle lemon scented powdered laundry soap on my carpets, leave overnight, then vac in the morning to freshen my carpeting! Love the fresh lemon smell!
Carol says
WOW! That whole quilt with one charm pack and background…that's amazing. I love it!
Thelma says
I don't think I've seen a picture of your sewing room, I'll need to go back through your posts to see if you've blogged about it. I love seeing other folks sewing rooms. My suggestion is to have a place for everything. Use bins, baskets, plastic drawer organizers, binders, whatever works for you. If you have a place for everything, the whole room stays neater.
I really like Paper Roses, I'll need to see about getting that pattern.
Stephanie says
Very pretty. I saw it over on Fresh Figs. Here's my cleaning tips for your sewing room: put on your favorite music (I love Van Halen), light a wonderfully scented candle (I love Vanilla Lime), and definitely buy something new and pretty for storage or just because. Those always help me get the cleaning done.
Quilt Hollow says
Fantastic giveaway! (have you been to mine as well?…hint) :0)
As for cleaning sewing room they all need good dusting with all that lint and threads so I just use leftover scrap batting to wipe everything down. Batting collects it all and is easy enough to toss out…besides I have plenty on hand. I'll send ya some! Hee!!
Jackie says
The quilt is just beautiful. But organizing a sewing room now that is not so beautiful and can be a challenge. Right now, I think the best thing to do is to sort… projects currently working on, ones you would like to work on, ones you will never get to and then just divide and conquer. Really no easy way. Oh an a garbage bag can be helpful if there is too much junk. But don't throw away your fabric!
Strlady says
I loved that quilt when I saw the Paper Rose pattern recently over at Joanna's blog. It's so pretty!
Cleaning? What's that? lol! My tip is to pick up the stray blocks you might have on the floor before the cleaning lady arrives! 🙂
Karen says
Clutter is my enemy and I am constantly trying to conquer it. I recently purchased some shoe box sized plastic storage boxes and folded all my (smaller than a yard) fabric and sorted it by color. I did keep the fabrics that were intended for a specific project separate. I also bought these cute little plastic boxes from Staples. The lids snap in place via the handles which swing up to catch the lid. One box for safety pins, one box for presser feet, one box for do-dads, one box for glass head pins, etc. They come in enough colors to keep my room looking tidy and colorful.
Thimbleanna says
That quilt is beautiful Sherri! I love pinwheels of any type. Hmmm. Let's see…sewing room spring cleaning??? Throw half of it out — you'll never use it and you need to make room for new fabric lines LOL!!!
Alicia says
My spring cleaning tip is to not wait until the husband gets so annoyed with the mess that he starts to growl.
Schnibble is finished! Cannot wait for the parade!
Ida13 says
My sewing room is on the kitchen table.:):):) Sometimes in the livingroom, so I really need to put everything back on shelves end in boxes. Thanks for the chance.
Dianne says
spring cleaning advise? my husband would laugh at this because he's convinced that I don't have any experience in this area! i try to keep my current projects in containers, and then put them away when I'm not working on them. but…that doesn't always happen 😉
Cindy says
I do like to keep a clean, neat sewing room. Being organized is a pet peeve of mine. I keep a micro-fiber cloth at hand to even pick up dust on my computer screen. And it's also great for the little screens on our sewing machines.
I like organizing my books/manuals as well; by category – for example – tablerunners, kitchen accessories…etc.
Terriaw says
I love your latest Fresh Cottons quilt! Those photos are gorgeous. Such great results with a small amount of supplies. Cool idea for a giveaway. My biggest tip for spring cleaning is to use the vacuum attachment and go around the trim where the wall meets the floor – threads love to collect there, especially if the room is carpeted. Also, wash the windows to let the spring/summer sun shine in!
Gwyneth says
i have a billion of those pretty storage boxes from IKEA. they save the day.
Marsha says
I am with a lot of other people here. Sort your fabric by color and get some cute baskets to store them in. Maybe build some shelves to neatly put the baskets and bobbins and anything else sewing related on. Have fun with the cleaning.
Cindy says
With all the quilt shows in Spring – I need to make room for new fabric. Around the first of April, I go through each piece of fabric and donate a couple of bags to charity. Makes a little room on the shelf!
Anita in Florida says
Set your timer for 1 hour! You'll be amazed at how much you can do in that time. Works for ANY cleaning/organizing project.
Love your quilt and the giveaway is fabulous…count me in please, thanks.
BTW I lost my comment earlier (I think) just delete this if the other shows up.
Deanna says
I am a post holiday organizer rather than a spring organizer, but the best thing I did for myself this year was make a VERY HONEST list of works-in-progress. It was longish…and that was rough, but it helped me see where I was. I posted the list in a visible place and am crossing items off as I go. I have completed 7 so far and am really happy!
Sewn With Grace says
My goal in cleaning up my studio today is to get things off the floor. The room is so much cleaner (looking) when the floor is bare. Then I can mop it with my favorite Meyer's lemon verbena cleaner and dream of flowers…
Cara says
I wish I had a great tip…my sewing space is a disaster. I go with the a little organization is better then none.
Ariane says
I love the paper roses pattern. Very nice and the fabric is amazing. When I'm done doing a project, I like to put the coordinating scraps in zip-lock bags then those bags all go in a basket. This is a great way to find the matching pieces in case you want to make a pincushion or mini quilt with the left over scraps.
Erin says
I have a closet full of my fabrics, etc, and I find that hanging fabrics on hangers makes them easy to browse!
Rita says
Paper Roses looks like a must have pattern. I clean my sewing room after each project so I can start clean with a new project. Every year or so I sort through my closet and donate the things I don't use.
Deanne says
Spring Cleaning my sewing area means cleaning off the horizontal surfaces – putting fabrics into the appropriate container (I have FQs and smaller fabric amounts sorted by color into plastic bins and yardage into storage boxes), and bundling all planned projects and WIP into their own container complete with pattern leaflet/magazine/book.
Danielle says
Use up your left over batting scraps for dusting… works great!
Crafty Maine Mom says
I have purchased 13×13 containers from the container store. These hold each of my ongoing projects. All other fabric is folded by color and amount. No easy tips just a lot of organizing.
Nicole says
Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway! My favorite tip is to re-use those zippered clear bags that you get when you buy sheets or blankets. Use them to store scraps or your latest projects…they are portable, don't take up much space, and make your projects easy to find!
Janet says
I don't spring clean my sewing room. I only clean it up when quilting friends are coming over (pride can be a good motivator :0) I sure like the look of the Fresh Cotton line – I haven't seen it in the LQSs yet.
Karla says
Last year a quilting teacher gave us a great tip……use one of those decorative metal hangers on the wall for plates to organize your latest patterns….a good way to keep them visible and remind you of projects you want to start next.!
badlandsquilts says
Love the quilt! Thanks for the giveaway!
Fran Kingston-Dill says
I love to re-orginize my fabric. I always find a piece I forgot about and it like getting it new all over again.
Sequana says
My threads were everywhere until I organized by using soda straws to put over the thread rack spindles – now I can keep at least 3 spools on one spindle.
I have three racks already, so this has tripled my storage.
Also with a spool that is "low thread" I run it on a bobbin to get it out of the way.
Jingle says
PURGE! That is my favorite way to get a fresh view of my stash!
Wendy says
Spring Cleaning? Hmmm…. in the sewing room that usually means re-organizing and re-prioritizing WIPs and UFOs. It means putting my magazines back where they belong, and probably refolding some of my stash, then putting it into new arrangements. Then there will be room for some Fresh Cottons!
TIP: When I buy new sandals or shoes, I save those silicone packs they come with and toss them in with the stash to keep everything fresh and dry.
mythreepaynes says
Having a really good clean out is such a wonderful thing! When it is finished I always have such a light and happy feeling, and am ready to start wonderful new projects.
I start in one corner of the room and work my way around, moving everything and cleaning every surface. Then once everything is clean, I'll do whatever sorting, rearranging and organizing that I need to do. Don't try to do every single thing if your time is limited. Take one section at a time so it doesn't feel overwhelming, and because to clean, you have to make a bigger mess for a while!
mythreepaynes says
Having a really good clean out is such a wonderful thing! When it is finished I always have such a light and happy feeling, and am ready to start wonderful new projects.
I start in one corner of the room and work my way around, moving everything and cleaning every surface. Then once everything is clean, I'll do whatever sorting, rearranging and organizing that I need to do. Don't try to do every single thing if your time is limited. Take one section at a time so it doesn't feel overwhelming, and because to clean, you have to make a bigger mess for a while!
allsewnup says
WOW!! This quilt is gorgeous. I like the twist on the pinwheel.
I like to pull things together bag & tag them for a particular project. That way I know exactly what fabrics I want to use and not go through the process of hunting through my bins and boxes.
Carolyn
Happy Cottage Quilter says
Beautiful quilt Sherri! Spring cleaning in the sewing area is always lots of vacuuming. I also use the attachment to vacuum the inner workings of my sewing machine. So much dust and lint catch inside there. Thanks for such a great giveaway. And thanks for entering me.
Lisa says
I like to tidy the sewing space after each project so I keep it up as I go and I often keep the scraps from a project together so they're coordinated for the next project already! Also, I bought a magnetic dish at an auto part place for less than $5 that has a very strong magnet. I use this to pick up pins and needles on the carpeted floor before I vacuum.
RC says
I like to keep all my bindings together in one place so that I don't have to go searching under piles of fabric for it when my quilt comes home. I also like to organize all my sewing utensils (seam rippers, rotary cutters, water soluble pens, etc) in a basket so they aren't rolling all over my cutting table.
Needled Mom says
I just finished spring cleaning in my sewing room and I have to say that the best invention ever are see through boxes. I also keep a pair of long kitchen tongs at the sewing machine to reach behind the table and retrieve items that slip down there. It beats pulling the entire table out.
call me crazy says
What a beautiful quilt! I love the name too. 🙂 Spring cleaning~ I like to use baskets too. And I have one small bookshelf with on-going projects. If I cut out projects, & store them in the scrapbooking totes from Michael's, I can put the bulk of the fabrics in the cupboard. 😉
Stina says
That is a gorgeous quilt!!!! :o) One charm .. that is good..:o)
Now for the miracle cleaning tip!!! And it works ..but is hard to live up to!!!
* ALWAYS PICK UP AFTER YOU!!! Dont leave naything on the cutting or sewing table.. not ever..;o)
Dont you agree.. but I know I cant live up to it!!! ;o)
free indeed says
I've started to sort things in my sewing room. I find my 'problem' area is pulling fabrics from the stash, using what I need and piling them on the desk beside my machine to put away later…well that pile is has grown to three deep, and is nearly toppling over…I need to start a 'put it away' before the next project begins rule!
Luv 2 Kreate says
The best tip I have is to just keep it put away as you go 🙂
Have a spot for EVERYTHING!
Nichole says
I remember a tip from Sew Mama Sew a while back – set the timer for 5 min. and clean up for that amount of time each day at the end of sewing. Even though the whole thing isn't cleaned/organized in one day, it will eventually get there and can stay that way, too. I like this because it isn't too overwhelming! Thanks for the great giveaway.
Deanna says
i always have a friend of mine help me! she sews in my home with me on a regular basis and also leaves her machine at my house so we generally have "spring cleaning" days regularly!
**nicke... says
my favorite cleaning tool for my sewing is my lint roller. you know the sticky paper that you use to get animal hair off of you. well, it works great for thread and sewing lint. it is my very very favorite!
Helen says
My favorite spring organizing task is to look at the fabric I've accumulated and organize it into colors or projects. It's like shopping all over again when I find fabrics I love but had forgotten about.
James says
Sherri, Happy Easter and Thanks for sharing! Love reading your Blog! My Hint: "I keep a small vac (like you clean your car with)handy and can easily zip over my main quilting area after each project."
Love,Linda
jldouglas@wispwest.net
Loris says
This spring's effort in cleaning has been to finish the projects at the end of my cutting table and to at least think about limiting the number of cat beds and toys on it!
My favorite tip came from Bonnie Hunter (I think) and that is to fold up fabric (less than 2 yards) into equal width sizes and place neatly in my cupboard…in like colors. Next, I'm going to follow her tip to cut scraps in certain sizes and place them in bins.
Gnomemade says
Spring Cleaning – exactly what I need to do! I started yesterday by trying to get a handle on all the fuzzies that have accumulated in my sewing machine – found that q-tips work wonders for collecting lots of lint!
an encourager says
I loooooove that quilt and fabric!!
an encourager says
Oh.. and for spring cleaning the sewing room…. I just did mine and brought in lots of baskets, cute bags, trays that I love but have been idly sitting around, and the 3"-high cardboard boxes that the market uses for cans of soda or soups, etc. They are perfect for holding and storing blocks and unfinished projects. They are neatly arranged on the shelf of my sewing room closet, ready to grab for completing the projects as time opens up. If you label the ends with a felt marker, you will know which project is waiting for you in each container. Works for moi! Good luck! 🙂
Ruth B says
I love cleaning my sewing room! I discover things I forgot I had and it is like Christmas all over again. I like to take down my stash and re-fold and re-sort my fabrics. I put my projects into bins so they are all ready to go when I am ready to stitch them. I take my "less than favorite" fabrics and put them in a big bin to put away in a closet for when I just the right color or pattern. Great fun…I do it more than once a year!
Just JaiCi's Crafts says
I clean my sewing "space" once a week. I put everything into it's bin (properly labeled) and sweep and wipe down my table-tops. This way when BIG spring cleaning comes, it's not that big a deal!!
Anne's Quilteri says
I love the new pattern Paper Roses. For my hint, arrange all fabric according to color and size in a clear container.
Holly says
My sewing room needs some good cleaning and organizing too. Best advice I have is when you just have a few minutes on your hands, head in there and tidy up. Then when you have a big chunk of time to spend, you won't spend it cleaning instead of creating.
Jeannette says
Baskets and boxes are my organistional tools. In my studio I have a series of plastice boxes and drawers all named for storage according to size or colour. I do love that pattern please count me in the draw
mendi_brown says
I always try to clean up around my sewing machine while I'm filling a bobbin… like taking the trash out of your car when you fill up your tank.
Petit Debutant says
Swiffers! They are so good for easy quick dusting especially for those hard to reach places or places with a lot of knickknacks.
nrnoodle says
I try to go thru each one of my plastic totes of fabric twice a year for two reasons. To get rid of things I don't think I will use. I also look for projects I may have forgotten about. I usually end up with a few found lost loves and a bag of sewing stuff to pass on to my friends.
Caryn says
My spring cleaning project was to organize fat quarters and other fabrics into plastic bags/containers with note cards indicating what I was going to make with them. Then I opened a sticky on my desktop (I have a mac) and listed them under "Sewing to do." Now, when I finished a dress the other day it got wiped off the list. Next is a coin stack quilt I did the hard parts for last fall and just need to find a back for and quilt.
LOVE TO STITCH BEE TREE DESIGNS says
Those fabrics are beautiful. My cleaning suggestion, along with all the baskets, totes, cute boxes grab a couple of empty laundry baskets, and boxes of every size of ziplock bags for sorting items into. Make sure to temporarily label one of the laundry baskets or an empty box as "donate"! There's always someone who will take extra patterns, UFO's, scraps, unwanted fabrics etc off your hands. Group similiar items in ziplock bags for storage or donation.
Always Sewing says
Those fabrics are beautiful. along with all the baskets, totes, cute boxes I make sure to make labels so I know what goes in each place with a quick glance.
Tiffaney says
The fresh cotton is such a perfect fabric for the Paper Roses pattern. The best thing that I have for cleaning & organizing my sewing room is my handy label maker. Everything gets labels and put into plastic totes.
Susan says
Beautiful fabrics and pattern!
I'm not real great at organizing, but I just did some sorting of my papercrafting supplies. The best thing I did was designate 2 photo storage boxes for my cardstock and patterned paper scraps. It's so easy to clean up now that I have a definite place to put my scraps. So I'm thinking that would transfer easily to quilting: have somewhere specific for scraps. And I know you probably already do that! LOL But that's my tip.
Meg says
I have a tendency to alternate among a few different projects at the same time. My tip for keeping all of their parts (patterns, notes, fabric, special rulers, etc.) together is to use wide, shallow storage containers–this allows me to lay the blocks flat (less ironing–yes!), without taking up a ton of room.
Cris A says
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Tips on cleaning the sewing area, ha ha ha! Oh, were you serious? If you saw my "area" you wouldn't any advice from me! I'm excited to hear everyone elses advice though!
Regena@QuiltnQuiltthings says
It always feels good in your sewing room after it's been cleaned and put in order. I don't have a tip but I wanted to tell you my Schnibs # 7 is done and posted on my blog.
Thanks
Regena
Kissthis says
Well it's Autumn here, but I find the thing that keeps my sewing room most organised is using the 2/3 inch thick file boxes to store projects in. They are big enough to take enough fabric for a queen sized quilt, great for keeping all your blocks in one place, and if you do need to stop half way through piecing a quilt top, everything is safely in it's box, it can't fall out, or be mistaken for a different project or a bag of scraps.
sincerely yours says
I'm new to your blog and have to say it's beautiful! Love your quilts, photos, hints and inspiration…yummy! I don't have an official sewing room so it's important to clean as I go. I do have an old un-used dresser (not to mention some cupboard and closet space also) for storing fabrics, patterns, thread, etc. I'd love to be entered into your change at a give-away.
Emma in Vancouver, WA
Trisha says
I like to put my projects in unused pizza boxes. They stack nice and are big enough for bigger blocks too. Have fun spring cleaning. If you are like me, when you get done you are going to want to quilt even more.
Robyn *Ü* says
I don't have any tips as my area is a wreck too. Maybe you could just buy more fabric, stack it in front of the mess and then who will know? 🙂
Peggy says
I store my scraps in see through plastic boxes by colour and my fabric the same way. My fat quarters are stacked in a ceiling to floor wooden cd holder by colour. I love the fresh cottons.
I Love Baby Quilts! says
I bought an IKEA Bergsbo cabinet for all my fabric. Works great!
Carol in E TN says
Organization is the key and you might as well clean while organizing!!! Now if only I would do it myself!
Maureen says
I like to keep the fabric and pattern
for a project together in a basket or
plastic bin. That way, I don't lose things. And if I am collecting for a project, I can just add it to the basket and not lose it. I like to use big jars to store thread. I like to keep all my patterns in a basket. I love the paper roses, I think I will add that on my to-do list!
The Fam says
I'm new to sewing, but I find myself constantly vacuuming under the table because there are SO many thread pieces. Using a strip of packaging tape right by the machine usually picks them up befor they're on the floor.
shannoncarman at yahoo dot com
Darlene says
The Paper Roses quilt is beautiful, Sherri.
Cleaning & organizing a sewing room – hmmmm – I think cleaning up the scraps & stuffus after you finish a project works quite well for me. If you're working on more than one project then I'd suggest that each project have it's own container and out only when you're working on it. Does that make sense.
bulldogs says
Hi There!! MY sewing room is my VERY favorite place to be! It is pink and all of my decorations have been given to me by friends! I love that. My spring cleaning tip is to go through patterns and magazines that I have collected over the winter months. I take out articles and patterns that I want to make/use and put them in a sheet protector in a binder. I give the rest of the magazines to my friends to see if they want any articles. I have two bulldogs, Annabelle and Zoey, who like to "help" me, so it makes for a great time! Shannon Linde 🙂 SHANNON.LINDE@YAHOO.COM
Jenny says
Im doing a bit of spring cleaning too and my husband just installed 2 shelves very high up in the closet…very impractical for everyday use, but i have some things up there that i rarely use but cant bare to part with…so its nice to get it if needs be, but alos to have it way out of the way@ good luck! also, ive donated some fabric to project linus…that helped clean things up a bit too!
Avon says
My spring cleaning hint is to get the granddaughters over for a clean and sew. They learn to sew something new and many hands make the clean up go fast!:}
Cathy says
As I work on quilting projects, a lot of things come out of the closet and never get put away. I'm in the process of putting everything back where it belongs, and it makes the room look much cleaner and neater. Of course, that won't last long!
Rachel says
What a beautiful quilt! Love that pattern… and the fabric is just gorgeous!
Hmmm… Spring Cleaning. I should, perhaps, just read all 113 of the comments ahead of my because my sewing room most definitely needs a good cleaning.
I think what I am going to do (when I get around to it) is to remove absolutely everything from the room and then only put back what fits neatly in the available space.
QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI says
Hi Sherry–the quilts are lovely–great job!!!
The two things I like in my sewing room are 1. I have a ceramic tooth brush by my sewing machine and it holds all my markers and pencils–so they are always handy–2 I have a small clothes brush handy for brushing off my ironing board and olfa mats—works great!!!
Hugs, Di
amy smart says
Love the Paper Roses pattern! Looks like one I need to get next!
I am also in dire need of a Spring Clean in my sewing room, so I'm loving all the tips. My tip: a vacuum with great suction to get all that linty-dust! 🙂
reddoorquilting says
I like to use the small totes to keep projects I am working on easy to see. Also easy to dust and organize. I just sent my latest Schnibbel to you. It is on my blog at Little Red Hen- Edith. Thanks for all the inspiration.
Pam in Texas says
I need to be spring cleaning my sewing room right now instead of blogging! My best spring cleaning tip was to organize my thread.
I was lucky enough to find an old wooden card catalog from a library that had gone digital. It is wonderful as a thread cabinet. 50 drawers and they are all full!
Becky S. says
I like to use Swiffer dusters in my sewing area–they are great for cleaning up strings and lint!
sunny says
I suggest that you just throw a giant quilt over all the clutter! I actually have several clear plastic storage boxes, and I try to put things away and organize after I finish each project. Good luck!
sigrid says
Throwing open the windows and allowing the fresh air in together with the fabrics you are using who could ask for more…but if you're having a reorg which includes moving furniture around on carpet and you are left with indentations put a couple of icecubes in the dent and leave to melt and then dry. Depending on how bad it is you may have to do this more than once but the moisture and then leaving to dry will then give the spring back to your carpet.
The One and Only says
Well we just moved so I'm trying to condense all my crafting stuff (lots of paper crafts, moving into sewing crafts OH MY) but what I did was since we have a large walk-in closet, I took a portion of the closet and added more shelves. I have some clear containers, some cute color coordinated boxes (labeld of course) and still trying to get through the last ten or so tubs of crap-oh-la…..since I'm just picking up the sewing/quilting bug, I haven't really hoarded too much fabric YET!! I need to get my act together, then I can go CRAZY!!!
Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie says
I have all my fat quarters color coordinated and projects in clear containers, at your finger tips in a glance. All my buttons and trims or in glass jars to find fast. My only problem is I have excess that is over flowing into plastic containers out of sight.
Love this pattern.
Sølvi's blog says
Hi I like to sort all my scraps by width, no matter if it's a square or a strip, they all go into the same box. And while you are in the sewing room, clean out all the dust bunnies from your sewingmachine , and change the needle.
And of cause I would love to be in the giveaway. Solvi in Norway
婉婷婉婷 says
若對自己誠實，日積月累，就無法對別人不忠了。........................................
cakegirl says
Clean my sewing room – what does that mean? Just kidding! I do try to clean as I ago or it gets overwhelming. Please enter me in the giveaway.
Jo says
I don't have any strategies for cleaning….except…once you're in the mood, stick with it at all costs. The mood might not strick again.
Lynne says
Lots and lots and lots of shoe boxes and biscuit tins and chocolate tins and a big paper bag right next to me for offcuts and bits of thread etc as I go.
But even if my sewing room is tidy, I always look a complete mess. My clothes are always covered with lots of little bits of thread. I need to get one of those rollers you have if you have a long haired dog to roller myself before leaving the house!
Marcia says
Staying organized with our quilting hobby is an ongoing trial. We have years of "real scraps" organized into labeled plastic storage boxes by color. "Never cut" fabric is organized into separate bins. We buy fabric for projects, not speculation. Each type of notion is organized into a labeled plastic shoe box. We attempt to keep these rolled around cardboards. These are all stacked in the hall closet.
Our Spring cleaning project was to put in progress projects into boot boxes to reduce the messiness. My sister contributed the boxes.
Marianne says
Be ruthless. If you don't love it, get rid of it. Works for me in my tiny sewing room.
Gran says
Spring Cleaning – what is that!????
I get boxes from Costco that have sides that are about 3 inches high and put each project in one, stick a piece of masking tape on the out side, and with a permanent marker, label what it is, And find a place to stash it. That way every project is put away until I get to it and it is not being buried on my table. Been there done that and it is overwhelming.
Megan says
I don't have a dedicated room for sewing. My bedroom is also my sewing room and so I have to keep everything neat and orderly. Since I have such a small storage area (my closet shelf) I keep all my fabrics folded and stacked on the shelf or in baskets. And all little things (patterns, thread, etc.) in bins on the shelf. It keeps things organized so there's no need for a big overhaul.
Patty says
OH NO! Do you mean we have to clean our sewing rooms too??
Most of my "cleaning of the sewing room" involves moving fabric from one place to another when trying to find a piece I know I have somewhere!
Elisabeth says
I recently went through fabric made a pile of what I didn't like and knew I would never use. It wasn't much but even that little bit freed up a lot of space and it was noticeable. The other thing I did is make quilts for my nieces following the rule that it had to come from what I had- completely! I used lots of fabric that I've had for a long time, even a couple big pieces of backing fabric, and I even pieced batting with a zig zag stitch to use up a lot of my leftover batting. I felt so thrifty doing this, and the quilts turned out adorable, and no guilt about spending money, plus I made space! I made a general rule that this year I was going to use what I had and not buy fabric unless I had to to finish a project up that I already mostly had the supplies for. So far all I've bought this year is white fabric and one piece of backing fabric. Ok, maybe a stray fat quarter here and there, but those don't really count, right?! I'm about to make quilts for my two youngest sons using that rule as well- has to be 90% from what I already have!!
I LOVE the new pattern. I also said that I wouldn't buy any new patterns but for Fig Tree I may have to make an exception as this is gorgeous. I've got lots of charm packs to use up too!
Oh, and the Fresh Cottons is pretty hard to resist too!!
Elisabeth
Mom of two says
I like to put my quilting magazines in "seasonal" stacks. It helps me find the "got to do project" later on.
Shiree says
who does spring cleaning!!! I like to keep things nice and organised all year round, that way I can find things when I need them, …. welll it works sometimes!@#$%^!!
Di~ says
I guess I'd have to say getting my teenage son to do work during Spring Break is the best tip I have right now. Thank you for a neat giveaway! Thanks also for all your wonderful quilt creations!
Mary on Lake Pulaski says
For my spring cleaning of the sewing room, I like to go through and pull out those things that really don't sit right with my idea of appealing and move it on to someone/somewhere else.
Carrie P. says
One charm pack. That is so neat.
My tip for cleaning your sewing room is take one section of the room at a time. For instance, straighten all your fabric stash first. Then move on to your cutting table if it is full of stuff and so on. Kind of like you would do in your house, one room at a time.
Aaron and Consuelo says
Because I don't have a big space to store my fabric and stuff I like to use big zip lock bags to separate my projects. Everything goes into a big trunk so I find zip lock bags save space. Good luck.
SheilaC says
I save the big clear zipper bags that home goods usually come in (sheets, curtains, etc)
They are great for storing fabrics or on-going projects in. They stay clean, but I can see what they are at a glance.
SheilaC