My Portable Embroidery Organizer

Not that I needed another 'organizer' for my stuff! BUT . . .

I saw a free pattern on Sew Can She web site last month and decided to give it a try. The cut-out handles really sold me on this project! A bonus - the pleated pockets are large enough for my phone. AND the interior with its 6 interior pockets, is the perfect size for fat quarters. It's also easy to close with the magnetic snaps.

I choose some Japanese fabrics from my stash. These had been gifted to me many years ago by an elderly lady, whom I visited frequently. In fact, I inherited most of her sewing and quilting stash when she passed away. This sewing organizer will always remind me of Nina.

As I'm not one to follow all the rules (good or bad????)! I did change the type of stabilizer from a medium weight fusible interfacing to some Peltex (fusible one side) that I had on hand. I did not use the flex foam stabilizer (bought some to try but didn't). In any case, the sides were a bit thick. I did manage to sew the binding on by machine on the straight parts but hand sewing, using the wonder clips, finished the organizer.

I decided to do some free-motion embellishment on the fabrics. For the pockets I used Totally Stable and a variegated thread by Superior Threads. I think it added to the project.

I also used these neat wonder quilter's clips to hold the binding in place while it was stitched on.

 

I like the cut-out handles and they are so easy to do.

Magnetic closure

Lots of pockets: 6 inside and 6 outside.

I'm pleased with the result and not sorry that I used the heavier stabilizer.

• Check out Sew Can She for lots of free patterns and tutorials.
• DIY Sewing Organizers  
• Sewing Patterns to Organize Your Life
• 50 + Sewing Organizer Patterns at All Free Sewing

Enjoy!!

Studio Storage Solutions

Well, September has started out with a bang! Hurricane Dorian reached the South Shore of Nova Scotia yesterday. There were high winds and lots of rain. We were among the lucky few who had power so I spent the day in my studio.

The studio is still in transition. However, I will eventually share lots of photos of my 'Happy Place'. Today, I'm sharing a few inexpensive storage solutions that I am using.

Baskets

Cloth bin with rope handle from the Dollar Shop

Rope Baskets (also from the Dollar Shop)
Burlap Shopping Bag

A bucket from my sewing machine. Easy and quick to make! I do need more of these.

This rope basket sits behind my machine. It holds a single spool of Sulky Sliver Metallic thread that is threaded to the sewing machine. Having metallic threads further away from the machine allows it to unwind easily with less tangling.    

Ice cube tray with cover holds bobbins. Snap on lids is a way to transport bobbins for workshops.

Vinyl tote bag holds large plastic rulers on the side of my large cutting table.

3M hooks under my cutting table holds embroidery hoops

I have 3 of these owl Christmas Stocking holders that cost me $2.00 each at the Superstore last January. They sit on the half wall next to my sewing machine stations. They are metal so magnets can be used on them.

Woven wire basket

The blue paper recycling bin is extra tall and holds lots of stuff on rolls.

Stacking drawers hold lots of small things such as threads, floss . . .

I like visiting the Dollar shops, Value Village etc. It's not necessary to spend an arm and a leg on storage for your special space.

Did I mention the plastic scrap board boxes from Michael's. More about these later.

• For an earlier post about storage solutions, check HERE
• Pinterest Boards of Keile Haley -  lots of interesting things Also check out her web site Do You Sew
• Free patterns for armchair caddy and sewing organizers 

Check out my Instagram page for photos 

Enjoy!!

Your Sewing Space

Guest speaker, at the January meeting of the Cabot Quilt Guild, used the book, Creating Your Perfect Quilting Space by Lois L. Hallock, as the basis for her talk. As an Occupational Therapist, she was quite willing to give us some valuable pointers on making our sewing rooms work for us. Through interaction with the audience she found out the type of activities quilters perform and the type of pains and injuries that occur. Sitting, standing, sewing, cutting, and ironing were some of the activities mentioned. Many members confessed to suffering from back, neck, shoulder, wrist, hand and finger pain. Proper lighting was also an important consideration.

Here are some common sense points she made:

1. Have a good chair that fits you - she gave some pointers for sitting / working properly
2. Get up and stretch at least every 20 minutes
3. Your arms should be at elbow height when in use
4. Have your work area set up to avoid a lot of reaching and stretching
5. Cutting tables and ironing boards need to be at the right height - blocks can be purchased to raise tables.

I realize that you are going to say that all this is common sense - it is! BUT how many of you may need to rethink at least one thing in your work space? When I got home that evening, I had a look around my room. I was satisfied with the room except that it isn't near big enough. However, the brain must have been working overtime while I slept that night. The next day I moved one of my machines further to the left of the table to give me more space to the right as I am right handed. Again, why didn't I think of that before now! I also purchased a steno chair with variable height. The one I have doesn't go low enough to use comfortably with one of my machines. It's great for working at the work table.

Check these out:
Sewing Room Organization, more here
Organization and Tools for a sewing room
Organizing Tips for a small sewing room - check out the related articles and videos

Happy Birthday Joan

Today is my sister's birthday. She was the receipent of a Pisci Fantasticus. For me, it is often difficult to know what to get that special person. However, I do know that people love receiving gifts you make yourself. Sometimes that gift may be something baked in your kitchen, stitched by hand or by sewing machine. I found a few things that might be suitable for a sister, mom, aunt, granny or friend.

Here is a nice reversible placemat or centerpiece mat for a dessert or candy. A clutch purse that's simple to make would be perfect for a special sister. Check out a travel shoe bag and cosmetic bag. For the person who sews (or for yourself), here is an armchair sewing organizer. For those who live far away, why not make a felt cake (yes, you read it correctly). I just had to include this one. Sorry Joan, you get a real chocolate cake when you get home on Monday!! A kimono needle roll looks interesting, also this water bottle tote. Tea anyone! Find out about the insulated tea cozy, oven mitt and table runner. There, these projects should get you motivated.