Wednesday, January 25, 2012

For every shape there is a plastic container made for them...

I should have bought stock in plastic containers years ago. Sadly I am now retired and $$$ is tight. Yet I continue to find the PERFECT containers for cut units.
Below are 1 1/2" Companion Angle triangles. They fit so perfectly in these smaller bins. Then these little bins can be carried and/or stored in larger project containers.


I was on a 1 1/2" cutting binge and quickly filled this smallish container with neutrals and some grays.


This container size has been a staple in my cutting room. It is the same size as the one with the 1 1/2" strips. These are 2 1/2" squares. Some are really golden oldies. This size used to be my favorite size unit. Then I decided I really prefer smaller blocks and moved on. Yet these 2 1/2" squares are still handy to have and to use. I did have to add more neutrals as that section was sadly depleted over time. The only complaint I have with this container is that if it falls the latch WILL come open.

 I always label the container. These are removable stickers if I need to repurpose the container.


Aren't they cute?????


 There is a method to my madness. I get so much sewing done because I try to not make a move that is not efficient. For example, pressing should be done in "lots" to make the best use of my time.


I do not move the iron across the units. I lift it and move to the next area. Up and down, up and down and soon my little pieces are all crisp and straight.


I love scrappy but my eye wanted a little more control in my pink stars. So before assembling I did a bit of sorting. And since I had kept like with like it was a simple step to do.


Not all the stars are pictured here. I finished them up this morning but this picture was taken yesterday.
I really like the subtle ones but DH says they should not be used as they are too subtle. We will wait until there is more of the quilt on the wall before I decide if they stay or go.


I could not resist making ONE little gray star.


Here is my first cabinet (I have two of these). I really like to use magnets and magnetic baskets on these cabinets. I have scissors hanging on the sides and more baskets to catch stray fabric pieces.


Here is the top drawer. All neutrals...all stuffed to the gills. But all of them are in my Scrap User System in one size or another. I do try to be fair and when I get them out to cut I will cut some of all the sizes I use. I will come in here on a cold snowy day and fire up the iron and go through the entire drawer. Such satisfaction. Life is good!


 Drawer #2 has blues on the left and greens on the right. But somehow they seem to migrate together at times. It depends on what I am searching for. A bluish green or a greenish blue??????


Drawer #3 is a special drawer. It has the CHOCOLATE there on the left and some special cat fabric. I have TWO huge containers of cat fabric. I cannot get to them because they are on the bottom of a stack of containers. This was the first type of fabric I ever started collecting. And I am ashamed to say that the last time I was in the attic I found a medium sized container full of more quilting fabric. Why was it up there? There is cat fabric in it too. I left it up there. I have enough to play with down here thank you!


And here is the bottom drawer. Bolts of fabric fit in these drawers as if they were designed for them. Precious old fabric in here.  See the neutral with the deep pink stripe?? I have had that forever! I am slowly using up my stash. I sure cannot take it with me when I go.
And a whole bolt of that clear stuff for embroidery machines. It is all sealed up but I do wonder if it has a shelf life. It dissolves away in water. Oh! I think it is called Solvy!


I swapped out the washed batik swap this last week. It only took me a couple hours to count, sort, swap, package and then put them in tote bags for the trip to the PO. They love me there. Job Security!

I bought 4 of these totes in the clearance aisle at Walmart one year. Only a $1 each! They are beach totes but work great for lugging parcels or groceries.

I hope you are all having a great day!
XOXOOXO Subee

9 comments:

Janet O. said...

You never cease to amaze me! If retirement means $$$ is tight, it is a good thing you have such a stash to keep you going! : )

QuiltinLibraryLady said...

You are one organized lady!! Do you have any idea how many plastic containers you own? My eye was caught by the purple, lime green and turquoise ones in the one picture....and by your pretty pink & black iron. I've never seen one like it.

Kathleen said...

I love these glimpses into your stash, Subee... keep 'em comin!

GittaS said...

What are you ordenlich! With me everything is flying in a large basket.
The idea I think with the platikschalen super!
LG
Gitta

Valspierssews said...

I love all your little boxes. Everything fits so nicely. You certainly seem efficient.

pcflamingo said...

You are my inspiration! I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for those little organizer baskets for the companion angle pieces. They are just the right size, aren't they?

regan said...

I can't get over how organized you keep everything! I love it!

antique quilter said...

LOve your pink stars....ok had to laugh out loud when I read about the plastic containers for everything! I love containers for my projects!!!!!
good tip on the bags....will watch for those!
what fun it would be to poke around your sewing room!
Kathie

Teresa in Music City said...

Oh Subee! How clever and organized you are! You are inspiring me to be more vigilant in my own organization =^..^=