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(Budget Decorator)

For most quilters,  organizing WIPs (Works in Progress) and UFO (Unfinished Objects) is a huge dilema.  It's exciting coming home with a new project pattern or fabric purchase.  But suddenly, life takes over and that pattern or fabric becomes an orphan in the waste land, ortherwise known as your closet or chest of drawers. Keeping track of the pattern instructions, fabric, templates, and other small items for each project often involves a time wasting game of hide and seek. 

While  we can't help you with the number of WIPs or UFOs, but, we can offer some ways to keep those project families together.

Angie at GnomeAngel is a big fan of stackable storage systems:

"I have all my scraps, yardage and fabric collections in clear storage boxes. This allows me to see what’s in there and stack them on top of each other and fit way more than I should into my room. I’m also a fan of portable storage – this means I can move my works in progress around the house with me and take advantage of spending time with my family while I work.

I’m sure you’ve probably got some Tupperware containers in your house. I love having a variety of smaller shaped containers in my sewing space, they’re great for storing things like From Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates, spare machine needles, threads, bobbins and notions. The great thing is you no longer have to pay Tupperware prices to get these types of containers, there’s heaps of container sets on the market that offer a variety of shapes and sizes.

See more of Angie's tips for organizing your WIPs at GnomeAngel.

MsMidge stores blocks and templates for her year-long WIP until needed in a zip-up binder filled with clear sheet protector pages.  The zip-style binder keeps all of the elements from falling out in the event that the binder is dropped.

Whether your budget is small or large, we found a variety of options that just might be the perfect fit for you. Regardless of which system you select as the best option for you, it is always important (whether it's an envelope, notebook, box or drawer) to add a project or pattern name label for easy retrieval for down the road. 

Clean and Clutter Free Options:

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1.Easy fold mailing boxes. They come in a variety of depths and sizes.  Go in with a couple of quilt buddies and save you a bundle. Papermart

2.Need more room for your WIP?  Tab Tuck boxes offer more space. Papermart

3.Make your own custom project zip folders. Crazymomquilts

4.Large 12" x15 1/2" Clasp envelope.  Staples

5.Clear, slim and easy to stack Tellfresh Pastry boxes. Decor

6.Ikea Alex cabinets (left) placed on a table for easy access. Heartandhandmadeuk

7.Create a streamline look using Ikea Alex cabinets under a long counter along wall. JennSkiFicker

8.Scrapbook portable 12" x 12" project cases. Iris

9.6-Drawer craft storage. Iris

10.Pant hangers and zip-loc bag system. PaperLust

Visually Stimulating Options:

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1.Colorful poly zip envelopes (14 7/16" x 9 3/4"). Apecenvelope

2.Snap closure poly envelopes. Amazon

3.Extra large envelopes measuring up to 18" x 24". Lion

4.Colorful Stockholm collection box storage. ContainerStore

5.8-Drawer storage on wheels.  Deep and spacious size drawers (36 1/2" x 15 3/4" x 12").Office Depot

Just joined our year of organizing?  Click here for other TQS Organization blogs.