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!