Don't we collect a lot? The more you sew, the more you collect.

There are the threads, before we go any further, while we are on about threads, don't be tempted to buy up cheap threads when they are on special. No use sewing with good fabric and using cheap sewing thread, it has a habit of fuzzing and breaking when you don't want it to.

For storing anything to do with your sewing, you need to be able to see what you are looking for. So containers that are clear and zip lock plastic lunch bags can get you organised very quickly.

The zip lock bags come in various sizes and you can also get the 'throwaway' storage containers in various sizes too. Check out the lunch bag aisle in your supermarket.

You can get storage drawers, the small kind, Ikea have some great ones that I use. I set up some 'temporary' shelves with these and they worked so well, they have stayed and I have added to them, one at each end, a shelf resting on them, then another two and another shelf. Work your way up until you have the storage you need.

The small drawers are ideal for storing all sorts of bits and pieces and there is room on the shelves to fit heaps of other items you want to store. If you're artistic, you can paint on front of each draw what is stored inside, or make up labels.

Don't throw away herb and spice jars when you have used the herbs, these are ideal for storing buttons, and other types of fasteners.

A cork notice board or pegboard is very handy too. I use both.

If you happen across an office filing cabinet, these are great for storing patterns and fabrics.

We all have those left over fabric pieces, keep similar color tones together in clear plastic zip lock bags, the large ones. You will be surprised at how creative you will become when you see the tonings and prints together.

Patterns are best transferred to plastic sleeves and placed in manila folders with the pattern envelope pasted to the front of the folder. paste it sideways so you can easily see what pattern as you go through the file. Don't forget to include in the plastic sleeve, what you made and the details, any alterations to the pattern etc. This is great for children's sewing, especially if you want to use the same pattern for a younger child.

With all your sewing, if you can find a way to keep your various colors together, it will be much easier to find what you want. The more organized you become with your sewing, the more you will enjoy your sewing and by being organized you could even save money, being able to find sewing notions easily will save you buying unnecessary items. The main thing is to enjoy what you are doing.

CTBaird 2006 SewMoreForU