Organising your sewing space

To start with we have something you may be familiar with, which is the pattydoo Utensilo container. I find this can be the perfect solution for things that are lying around on my sewing table.

The smaller variation of Utensilo can also be fitted with curtain rings and then hung from hooks.

In the pattydoo sewing room we have sewing shelves, which I've found not just useful, as everything is organised and visible, but also a nice decorative feature for the room. Our shelves were kindly sponsored by Angie from Pfalzvilla.

Now 63 spools of thread and all types of sewing accessories have a place to be and they look good whilst there!

These handmade shelf modules can be hung together separately and are offered with wooden poles, drawers and shelves suitable for all sorts of sewing essentials.

I also really love the drawers that Angie and her team have developed specifically for rolls e.g., of ribbon or trimmings. When it comes to little things, such as buttons or small sewing accessories, I find small spice or jam jars are very handy...

... as are open trays with compartments, like the one below. Then when the bits are neatly divided, such that they are easier to find, you'll see that you feel ok not throwing small things away. You never know when you might need that small red buckle or old silver button to provide the perfect finish on a project...

Keeping track of patterns can also be tricky. I've found subject folders to be a wonderful solution. With the tabbed sections it's easy to keep track of where everything is and to ensure all the relevant pieces are kept together. Our scissors, weights, tape measures etc. are always put back at the end of the day into a cutlery tray in the drawer under the cutting table.

Subject folder from Tiger or Amazon

To keep track of all these boxes and drawers I also find an embossed label printer is essential. This is not just a good way to make long lasting labels, but they also give the boxes a nice vintage DIY look at the same time.

Dymo label maker on Amazon | Neon label tape from Amazon

Open boxes in different sizes are always very useful. Not just for cords and ribbons, but also for storage of partially completed projects... I find I'm always more likely to get back to a project if all the parts are clearly stored together and easy to access.

There are of course also some things that I don't use very often and I tend to store these things in see through boxes with lids, this way they don't get dusty, but they are still visible, so I don't have to search through everything to find what I'm looking for.

White plastic Variera boxes from IKEA

Transparent Samla boxes, available in different sizes from IKEA

And, finally, there is also the small matter of fabric storage... this I will write about on another occasion. By which I mean I'll write about it once I've managed to bring my own fabric stash in order! As we've recently moved into a new office things still require a little more organisation, but I'll show you photos of our sewing space very soon.

I also have something else special to show you... our hand made fox clock! He's not directly related to organisation, but he does help keep me in check when I'm deep in a sewing project and lose track of time. Our lovely graphic designer, Melanie, gave him to me.