Quilt Studio Organization

It's always a challenge to keep things tidy. Stuff piles up - new patterns, new fabric, fabric scraps, UFO projects, quilts needing binding - you know how it is!  But I feel like I'm closer to being organized than I ever have been.

In order to stay organized in my studio, I have to get organized in my mind. I've separated by studio into zones and activities. 

Zones - Cutting, Sewing, Pressing, Design Wall, Storage, Group work, Teaching, Trunkshow, and Vending.

I think I'll do a post for each zone. They each need some work - some more than others. Also I should make a deal with myself to put things away after I use them. That's how things get out of control. Fast.

So, today I'll start with Cutting. It's actually one of the easier zones and mostly picked up. 

My Cutting Station is a series of IKEA cubes mounted on a
platform with castors and toped with a wooden top. The cubes are used for fabric and notion storage and I'll deal with that later. Cutting tools - rotary cutters and scissors are in a plastic drawer set in one of the cubes. Rulers are in a couple of places - hanging on end caps of the cubes with 3M hooks, in a ruler stand made by my Dad, and hanging from an iron rod by S hooks. 

So, what needs doing? I have lots of rulers I don't use - especially specialty rulers. I keep fabric scraps on the cutting table that need to be "filed". Project totes for in-process quilts sometimes are perched on top of the cutting table.  My cutting mat needs to be smotthed out or replaced. So that's pretty clear and not too overwhelming. 

Rulers first - 

1. Do an inventory

2. Put unused and duplicates into box for sale or donation

3. Enter rulers into my excel spreadsheet

4. Think about other possible projects for single use rulers

It took me a couple of days, but I have finished the rulers - I had an inventory and some are "missing". I think they are in project totes with fabric and pattern. I got rid of about 10 rulers and updated my inventory. 

I tidied up the hanging rod and drawer that holds rulers and
templates. 

 OK, first zone done and I feel pretty good about it.

Curious about Studio organization? Let me know.