We recently presented at the Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild in Mauldin, SC. We met some incredibly talented women who face the same problem many of us do.

They are creatives who love their hobbies but struggle with keeping all the necessary tools, supplies, etc. in order.

Here are three steps we shared to help them reach their organizational goals so they can focus on doing what they love!

Step 1: Evaluate your space

Assess your space: Before you can declutter and reorganize, it's important to take stock of your current workspace. This step will help you identify the items that are essential to keep and those you no longer need.
Identify your needs: Think about the types of projects you typically work on and the tools and supplies that are necessary. This will help you determine how to best organize your space to suit your unique needs.

Ask yourself three key questions: As you evaluate your space, ask yourself: What’s working well in this space? What’s not working for me in this space? What areas cause me the most frustration/stress and why?

**Visualize your ideal quilting space:** Consider factors such as the layout, colors, lighting, and overall ambiance. Look for inspiration in quilting magazines, on Pinterest, or even in other quilters' spaces.

Make a list of essential elements your ideal space must have. This could include storage solutions, furniture, lighting, and organizational tools.

Step 2: Declutter your space

Sort and decide: Start by sorting your quilting supplies into categories such as fabric, tools, patterns, and unfinished projects. As you sort, decide which items to keep, donate, or discard.

Let go of anything that no longer serves you: Sort through your quilting tools and notions, keeping only the items you regularly use and that are in good condition. Dispose of any broken or worn-out tools.

Drop off your donations: Donate unwanted supplies to other quilters or a local quilting guild. ReCraft Greenville, South Carolina’s first creative reuse center, accepts fabric, batting, etc. Thrift stores like Miracle Hill also resell supplies.

Decluttering tips

Grab some unscented garbage bags or cardboard boxes for donations and empty bins or shoeboxes for sorting.
Put on your favorite playlist, podcast, or audiobook before you get started. Set a timer for 20 minutes at a time to stay focused.
Pick one side of your room to start on and work your way to the other side, without skipping sections.
As you work through items, take out anything that is damaged or you haven’t used in six months to a year.
If you’re getting stuck, set those items aside in a box labeled “decide on ______” with a date for 3 months from now and come back to it on that day!

Step 3: Organize your space

Space plan: It can be helpful to sketch a rough layout of your quilting space, including the placement of furniture, storage units, and work areas. Consider how you will move around while quilting.

Create zones for efficiency: Set up specific areas within your workspace for each task - cutting, pressing, piecing, etc. This can help you move more efficiently through your work and prevent wasted time and energy.

Shop for supplies: Be realistic about your budget and the available space. Determine what changes are feasible within these constraints. ALWAYS measure before purchasing any supplies.

Set aside at least 4 hours: Organizing takes time. Give yourself plenty of time to plan your layout, sort, and label. This is a process that often takes longer than expected.

Label everything: Even if you think you’ll remember where and what everything is, use labels to mark bins, drawers, and containers so you can quickly find what you need. Labeling also helps maintain the organization system over time.

Maintain: Periodically go through your fabric, thread, patterns, and tools to declutter and reorganize as needed. Set aside 15 minutes each month to assess your space and make any necessary adjustments.

Organizing tips

Put your most frequently used items in the most accessible places: drawers, eye level on a shelf, etc. Put lighter and less frequently accessed items high and heavy items lower to keep the space ergonomic.
For efficiency, keep all current project supplies together in a bin or tote bag.
Use s-hooks or over-the-door hooks to hang the bag off a wire shelf in the closet for quick access.
Use mesh zipper bags to subdivide craft supplies and file them in a drawer or bin.
Think about utilizing vertical space (installing shelves, hooks, etc.) to keep things off the floor and tidy.

Check out our list of our favorite organizing supplies here.

Sew Organized: Decluttering and Organizing Tips for Quilters

Last-Minute, Clutter-Free Mother's Day Gift Ideas

The Art of Decluttering: How Becky Transformed Her Space and Rediscovered Her Passion