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Quilt Studio Tips

Are you organized?

September 17, 2014July 29, 2020 13 comments

Some people thrive in chaos. They can live with stuff helter skelter about the house- counters piled with things, surfaces covered with the congestion created by daily life- mail, receipts, keys, yesterday’s lunch remains still not out of the lunch box…

I hate that. I like order and structure and a place for everything and everything in it’s place. A lesson my father used to impart to me. I remember his tools in our basement- each had their place on the pegboard and he had old baby food jars screwed into the ceiling each holding their own size nail or screw. He knew where everything was.

The problem is, I don’t always put everything in it’s place, or even have a place for everything and so chaos ensues. Just before I went on my last trip, I had a small cleaning frenzy and did manage to clean up some of the piles.

It had gotten bad! DSCN2084

And now, since I cannot sew for a few days (or at least, I am supposed to keep this finger elevated which does make sewing challenging), I decided to look around and plan some more organization. So when I get back into a work zone, I won’t make as big a mess.

Or at least, that is the goal!

 

DSCN2087

First up, my desk.

Here it is now, actually all cleaned up for you, but without a place to file some stuff (it is a good thing you can’t see under the desk!).

Usually, when I go to sit down at the desk, there is no place to work or even a place to put the computer down.

I think I want to make a pocket to hang on the wall next to the desk for mail. That would be a good place to start. What do the organizers say? Touch things once- then throw out, file….

Any suggestions? Are any of you really organized?

 

 

 

 

DSCN2090Next up will be what to do with scraps. I decided I am going to come up with a better system for scraps and for making some scrap quilts. I have a cool plan for sharing some scrap quilt tutorials.

I will post more about that plan soon.

 

In the meantime, it has taken forever to write this as I am used to typing with 2 hands and many fingers- not hunt and peck with one or two! So off to plan, ice, elevate….

Send me any organization tips you have- my small desk space and I need help!

happy quilting,

Kate

p.s. Don’t forget to visit our Etsy store to get started on your holiday shopping. Only 98 days until Christmas!

p.p.s. I understand there is another big Craftsy sale starting tomorrow so watch for my link. It will save you $$$$!!!!

About Kate

About Kate

Hi! I'm Kate Colleran, a designer who creates quilt patterns, fabric and surface designs. I lecture and teach about quilting. Welcome to my online home!

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Scrap Organization- AKA- an intervention

13 comments

  1. Joy C. says:
    September 30, 2014 at 8:03 am

    I signed up for your Craftsy class and I am loving it! My son is having fun thinking about all the possible ways for variations in the quilt tops. Thank you for a great class…since it was on sale I jumped at the chance to get it off my Craftsy wishlist.

    Reply
  2. Sue Allen Clayton says:
    September 17, 2014 at 7:41 pm

    My space was more organized when my office was in a different room than my sewing room. Now I share the space and the room always feels messy. I was looking for organizational tips. A “helpful” family member told me that I had too much stuff for such a small space, which I think is the crux of the problem for most of us. Good luck with the organizing and I hope your finger feels better soon.

    Reply
    1. Kate Colleran says:
      September 18, 2014 at 7:52 am

      Thanks Sue- I agree there is too much stuff! But what stuff do I get rid of? We will see how it goes!

      Reply
  3. Kathleen says:
    September 17, 2014 at 5:29 pm

    That first paragraph? All. Me.
    And ouch! What on earth did you do to your poor finger???

    Reply
    1. Kate Colleran says:
      September 18, 2014 at 7:53 am

      Kathleen, I had a little minor surgery on Monday. Can’t wait to take off this huge bandage!

      I must admit I got distracted by a new quilt design and my clean up did not go very far!

      Reply
  4. J_morton12 says:
    September 17, 2014 at 3:30 pm

    My friend did your Craftsy class and loved, loved, loved it. Awesome there is a sale. Thanks for the heads up. Everyone must be SO excited that they could just stamp their foot hard and do a little dance, right where they are. My, my, imagine all those quilters dancing and do-see-doe-ing. What a sight to see.Thanks again.

    Reply
    1. Kate Colleran says:
      September 18, 2014 at 7:54 am

      I am so glad your friend enjoyed my Crafsty class! Thank you for sharing that!

      Reply
  5. Henry says:
    September 17, 2014 at 3:26 pm

    My wife loves your site and your things on Etsy. Keep up the good work, miss!

    Reply
    1. Kate Colleran says:
      September 18, 2014 at 7:54 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  6. mildred says:
    September 17, 2014 at 3:24 pm

    Hope all that tidying up is not the cause of your finger injury!

    Reply
    1. Kate Colleran says:
      September 18, 2014 at 7:55 am

      No- just a little minor surgery. Though the tidying up did not get far!

      Reply
  7. Mary says:
    September 17, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    Grrrrrrrrreat post. Good luck with that finger. Looks painful.

    Reply
    1. Kate Colleran says:
      September 18, 2014 at 7:56 am

      Thanks Mary!

      Reply

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