Organizing is scary for me. Seriously! First there’s the sorting and purging, then there’s the dividing of things, then you have to figure out where to put it all. It’s like an exorcism of stuff.
During my holiday break, my new assistant Mariah and I got down to business. We culled out, cleaned up and started making some changes to our work days run more smoothly. There were two big things I kept wasting time looking for over and over that needed a simple solution: thread and small stuff.
I use a lot of little things (but I think we all do that, no?) Little stamps, little hooks, little bitties. Our first solution was to pick the ones I use the most (eye hooks, stamps, hot glue sticks), and put them into jars. We screwed the lids so that the jars hung down. Unscrew – do your project – replace. For items that need a specific set of materials every time, we put all those in one jar. It’s a method as old as time, but it works.
Then there’s thread. Sure, they make stand up ones, but I really don’t have desk space for one. I used a simple tackle box {$5 at Wal-Mart} and then just adjusted the spacers and sorted by color. I pop the bobbins into the slots with the matching color. No more unruly thread in basket – so searching for bobbin – always easy to see. Oh! And the lid snaps it shut so you can turn it upside down and everything stays put. I even made space for all the extra accoutrements that I use.
I’m hoping that these two small changes will make our days run a little smoother… but it kinda helps that I basically culled out half of my supplies to get things to a manageable state. It kinda felt like an episode of Hoaders around here for a few days. Really overwhelming, but I’m hoping that it’s worth all that work.
Signing off to go sew….
Jennifer says
I really like the mason jars hanging down, I dont think I’ve seen that before. You’ll have to let us know how the process is working once some time has gone by! Great job.
Gina @ The Shabby Creek Cottage says
Hi Jennifer,
I know the thread idea is working, I made quite a few gifts over the holidays and it was SO nice to see all of it at a quick glance 🙂
The jars are still being tested – I’ll know a little better after a couple of weeks, since I’m back to full steam working starting today!
Thanks for stopping by!
Gina
Anita says
I just love seeing the jars hanging!! I remember my dad doing that in his workshop with nails, screws, etc., when I was a child. I always thought it was the coolest thing. He would love to know other people do that too!!
Kim@Snug Harbor says
I remember my dad using the screwed jar method in his workshop when I was a kid. It’s a great space saver. He also had a peg board on the wall where he hung a lot of the tools he used most often. I wish my husband would get that organized. LOL. Love the tackle box idea.
Gina @ The Shabby Creek Cottage says
Anita & Kim: My dad did it, too! Those dads are pretty smart, huh? 😉
KiwiStyle says
Enjoying your blog from New Zealand. Happy New Year. Jane 🙂
NanaDiana says
I am with you on this- This is the year for me to purge and sort and clean out and give up and put away and organize—-whew…I’m tired just thinking about it. It looks like you have a great start already- xo Diana
Jan@southernjunkin' says
Isn’t it funny, what’s old is now new…my daddy used the mason jars in his work space! Hope the reorganization goes well!
Happy Day!!
Tidy Brown Wren says
I love the idea of keeping the bobbins with the spools so that you know the thread colors match – nobody likes an uh-oh when sewing.
Shannon says
Great ideas! I just came home to the new issue of BHG- all about organizing! I can’t wait to start 2012 off right with a nice organized life!
laxsupermom says
Organizing has been on my mind, too. Thanks for the inspiration pics!