How to Organize Your Sewing Supplies, Part 1

It's finally spring around here and I'm doing my annual spring cleaning. In  my sewing area, this means tidying up and organizating any sewing supplies and materials that have migrated over the past few months. Buttons kept in odd locations. Scissors left on the table just because it's easier to leave them there. Fabric that ends up piled instead of stored properly. All of these things need to be put away and organized properly.
Everyone has their own unique was of organizing a sewing room. But there are a few tips that can make the process easier and help you to find what you need when you need it.

1. Keep buttons in clear jars according to color so you can find them in short order. Also consider organizing fabrics and thread by type and color. I also use binders and expanding folders to hold patterns and magazines that relate to sewing. It's better than keeping all these things scattered around the room. I also like to keep those little pieces that came with the sewing machine in little plastic bags so nothing gets lost.
2. Fabrics are best stored out of direct sunlight to prevent fading and other damage. But don't seal them in plastic containers or you could allow mold or mildew to grow. Instead, choose something that allows air to circulate, such as a cabinet. Or consider hanging them on dowels or towel rods, but keep them out of the sun.
3. If you have an old entertainment unit that you're not using, considering converting to hold your sewing supplies and fabrics. Most of them already have drawers and cabinets, so very little has to be done to use it for sewing materials. Also consider plastic drawer units on rollers. These are versatile and handy to have around.
4. Try to put everything back in its place at the end of the day. Put all your sewing notions and supplies in their bins or cases and make sure everything has a regular storage space. This makes things easier to find the next time.
5. If you like to hang things, invest in some brackets for the walls. You can hang whatever you need for however long you need to hang it. This work especially well if you like to store sewing materials in tote bags.
6. Keep a tray or basket on your work table to hold the items you're currently using. This way, if you stop mid-project, these items will be readily accessible the next time you sit down.

There are many other things you can do to keep your work space organized. Use a method that works for you and try not to be constantly changing everything or you'll never remember where you put anything!

OLFA 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter Review

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a little slow to try new products. I like the old fashioned way of doing thing. Slow but reliable, the old fashioned way gets it done every time. But I received an OLFA 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter for my birthday this year, and I love it. The slow snipping with scissors is a thing of the past for me now. Instead, I use my new toy.

This product features a blade constructed from the highest quality tungsten steel, so it never fails to do the job. Its precise cuts are perfect for cutting out many pieces needed for sewing, especially if those pieces have straight edges. But I've also used my OLFA rotary cutter for curved edges. It cuts through multiple layers of fabric and can also be used on leather and vinyl, which did indeed impress me. I've also used it for things other than sewing. All in all, I love this product. It lets me fly through projects as a speed I've never enjoyed.

The best thing about this neat little tool? I also received a selection of blades. I have a straight blade, but I also have a pinking blade, a scallop blade, and a wave blade. Perfect for most projects. And there are other blades I can add as well. I highly recommend this product to novice and experienced crafters alike.

Items Will Be Listed for Sale

Welcome to Aislin's Designs! This site will serve as inventory for pre-made items and a catalogue of custom items. Pre-Made items that are being sold will be listed for sale here. If you're interested in purchasing an item or have any questions about the items listed, please contact me at the e-mail address to the right.

Items can be shipped to most locations in the world, so let me know what country you're in and I will get you a shipping quote. Due to the various sizes and weights of the items, there is not one standard shipping rate. All items are shipping by regular mail, so take this into account when ordering.

All purchases must be paid for using Paypal. An invoice will be sent do the e-mail address of your choosing. Please indicate your Paypal e-mail address when expressing your desire to purchase an item. Shipping charges will be disclosed before the invoice is sent. Items will be shipped once full payment is cleared and received.