rryder

I do some of each. I spent 3 days last week only doing reorganization, no sewing at all, because I decided I wanted to make my PQ1500s sewing station lower to suit my height. That entailed building a small table for it to sit on, and then moving everything else around in my area. I was able to do a lot of decluttering as well since I ended up with more storage space than I'd had before.

Most of the time, though I just try to stay on top of things as I work. Since I'm usually working on multiple projects at a time there is always stuff from the active projects laying around looking like clutter LOL! Anything that has turned into a UFO gets its own box and all the fabric, threads, embellishments, etc.that go with it get put in there and stashed under my small cutting table/ironing area.

Because my space is so small (not quite 8 1/2 feet square), and I have 3 machines set up in it as well as an ironing/cutting area I try to corral all the active thread spools, bobbins, etc. in one place so they aren't constantly getting knocked on the floor. I use lots of different colors of thread in most of my projects and I find that old checkbook boxes are just the right size to hold my current palette of threads and associated bobbins for the duration of whatever project(s) I'm working on. When I'm done with a project, the threads all go back into their thread storage boxes which are located under one of my sewing tables unless they're being used for another on-going project--then they stay in the checkbook box on top of whatever table has room for them.

I keep on top of scraps by sorting pieces that are crumb quilt sized into one box, things too small for crumb quilts go in another box to be used for collage, and anything smaller than a 10" square gets cut into 2, 3.5 and 5" squares and put into my "precut" drawer. The collage and crumb quilt sized stuff gets put away as soon as it appears. Scraps that will be turned into precuts are set aside in another room where my large cutting table/ mat is located until I'm finished with whatever project I'm working on, then I use my Sizzix to make my precuts. I find that I'm able to concentrate better and get more done if I keep the clutter under control.

Rob

DOTTYMO

Thank you everyone. I will organise for one day and sew the next. I just want to do both at the same time.

Deb watkins

I needed to get my room 'cleaned', so spent last night there. I took out all of the fabric from my storage cabinet, re-folded some of it, and took a good look at the stacks on the cutting table. I did the deed.....and actually put aside several folds of fabric that no longer appeal to me. I also sorted my pattern drawer, which contained free patterns printed from Quilters Cache, or other free pattern sites, came across some 'orphan' blocks and various other 'pieces'. These will be donated at the charity table at the local guild. I have a huge bag of scraps that will be used for dog beds. And alas, I found a couple UFO's that I had apparently 'tucked' away. In putting everything back in a very organized manner, (a touch of OCD here) I realized that I do not need to purchase any more fabric. Haha.... It took several hours to do this, but I can honestly say that I am inspired to finish projects found, and look forward to working on new quilts!

mjhaess

Sew as you go...Organize a little and sew a little..That way you get both done....

KalamaQuilts

Hey Dotty! How goes the battle?

QuiltnLady1

I try to keep a neat - sure. As soon as I get it clean I start another project and pull out fabric left and right until I have the ones I want. I put them back in a haphazard way so I have space to work, so after I finish the project I have a big mess again. DSIL thinks I am OCD, but only when I am actively organizing.

CMQUILTER

I can't stand searching for things so I try to keep things reasonably under control. Putting things away in stages as each step is completed and after each project helps to keep the mess managable. I used to have a larger stash but learned that many times my stash didn't contain the right color, amount or type of fabric needed and ended up having to go out and purchase the right stuff. I try not to purchase fabric unless I have a project in mind. I've been working on reducing the stash volume for four years. I have emptied several bin drawers and still made a few fabric purchases and still have space. It feels good to have less clutter and more quilts completed.

DOTTYMO

Great, I'm procrastinating on both fronts. I'm sure it's more than being lazy. I am just short of motivation although I do want to do it.

ruskin

Although I try to keep it tidy because it's just off my kitchen (I can cook and sew at the same time! lol), I generally do a tidy up at the end of each project.

mamagrande

Mine is semi-organized, it means i know where everything's at. Anyway, I clean and straighten up before I start a project, (I also do this before I start dinner) Sometimes if i need to something quickly I will set up a sewing table in the living room and sew with my featherweight..but that is not often, it is more productive to sew in my room.

Yes,I do need a clean working area.