The goal in any fabric organizing system is to have the fabrics available to see without moving them around, to have the fabrics contained so they don’t fall all over the place when securing what you need, and to have the space be reasonably attractive.
It appears that regardless of how you get them, most fabrics will need to be refolded to be organized efficiently. Even fat quarters are folded in a plethora of ways depending on the store that sells them. While you can purchase plastic templates for doing this, I suggest you create templates that are suitable for your particular spaces.
Pieces larger than on yard can effectively be stacked on shelves. Most shelving in closets or bookcases is 10” to 12” deep, making it perfect for one fourth of your fabric width. I would make a template for it 1” less than its depth, about 6”-9”wide for smaller yardage and 12-15”” wide for larger yardage. This width can be adjusted to the width of your shelves so you can maximize the number of stacks in the space. Be sure to allow room for the fabric itself and “breathing” room between stacks. If you buy it on the bolt, you can leave it on that and save a shelf or space just for bolts.
For maximum visibility on the shelf, leave the fabric folded with the selvages together so it is about 20”-22” wide and wrap it around the width of the template. Place the selvage edges on the bottom edge of the template so only the selvage half of the fabric will actually be on the template as you wrap. Using a flat surface makes the process easier as you can keep the fabric straight while you are wrapping.
When the fabric is completely wrapped, fold the half of the fabric not on the template over the fabric that is on the template bringing the edges even. Place the fabric on the shelf with the selvage end against the back or wall. You will have a nice round, folded edge on the front that allows you to identify and see more of the fabric. You can leave the template in place or pull it out and use it for the next fabric.
Similar templates can be made for containers that hold fabric pieces smaller than one yard. Measure the height and width of the container leaving space for the fabric around it. Wrap the fabric so that you have one last fold for the edge you will see. This may take some trial and error at first but allows you to see more of each fabric placed in the container.
No doubt many of you out there have huge fabric “collections” and this strategy may be too time consuming to consider. Depending on your satisfaction level with your system, you may not want to try this, you may want to begin this system with new pieces or you can start with one area and gradually do more. We each have systems and preferences that work best for us.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Great Product: Windex Outdoor Multi-Purpose
It isn't a new product but it is new to me. Windex Outdoor is a great product for washing the outside of your windows with your garden hose. You attach the ready to use bottle to your hose, turn on the water and spray. One setting is for clear water, the other takes the solution from the bottle and sprays it. For stubborn spots, they recommend scrubbing, but I did not need it.
I am recommending this product even thought I have a newer home with the tilt-in double pane windows that can be cleaned on both sides from inside the house. I have had 2 problems doing this: First, some of my windows are blocked with furniture making it cumbersome to get to them. Second, I do not have screens on my windows so some debris that would be stopped by the screens lands on the window panes or trim. I have not enjoyed cleaning that stuff before I can clean the window. (I realize there are pros and cons to screens but I will save that for another posting.)
There were 13 large windows, 2 sliding door sets and a front door panel that I cleaned and there was still some solution left in the container. I paid about $8 including tax for the quart container. It took me less than 30 minutes to do all of them. It would have taken much longer if I had done it from the inside and they were very clean. Because my windows attract everything from spider webs full of bugs and pollen to oily fumes from vehicles going up and down the street, it always took several cleanings with paper towels when I did it from the inside of the house. No more. This product has convinced me that it saves time, money and energy. In fact, I might even consider cleaning them more than twice a year!
My final recommendation is to clean when the sun is not directly on the windows or in the hottest part of the day. You want the solution to stay wet and set a few seconds before you rinse it off. I realize having a 2 story home may make reaching the upper windows with a hose more difficult, but you can't go wrong for the ground floor or if you have a ranch style home. This product can also be used on patio furniture and siding.
I am recommending this product even thought I have a newer home with the tilt-in double pane windows that can be cleaned on both sides from inside the house. I have had 2 problems doing this: First, some of my windows are blocked with furniture making it cumbersome to get to them. Second, I do not have screens on my windows so some debris that would be stopped by the screens lands on the window panes or trim. I have not enjoyed cleaning that stuff before I can clean the window. (I realize there are pros and cons to screens but I will save that for another posting.)
There were 13 large windows, 2 sliding door sets and a front door panel that I cleaned and there was still some solution left in the container. I paid about $8 including tax for the quart container. It took me less than 30 minutes to do all of them. It would have taken much longer if I had done it from the inside and they were very clean. Because my windows attract everything from spider webs full of bugs and pollen to oily fumes from vehicles going up and down the street, it always took several cleanings with paper towels when I did it from the inside of the house. No more. This product has convinced me that it saves time, money and energy. In fact, I might even consider cleaning them more than twice a year!
My final recommendation is to clean when the sun is not directly on the windows or in the hottest part of the day. You want the solution to stay wet and set a few seconds before you rinse it off. I realize having a 2 story home may make reaching the upper windows with a hose more difficult, but you can't go wrong for the ground floor or if you have a ranch style home. This product can also be used on patio furniture and siding.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Your Home--A Resort!
If you have toured a Model Home or vacationed at a Time Share or Vacation Home, you understand how simplicity gives a feeling of relaxation, calm and peace. Realtors know buyers want to see open spaces free of clutter because it has an inviting presence. The rule, “less is more” definitely applies to all of these living spaces.
It is possible to make your home that place of tranquility by keeping it simple.
It is possible to make your home that place of tranquility by keeping it simple.
- Remove objects that you no longer use or like.
- Eliminate items that are duplicates, in disrepair or soiled.
- Keep visible loose items in attractive containers.
If you are stuck on what to do, ask a family member, friend or even a professional organizer for ideas and strategies to make your home more like a resort. You will be glad you did.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Covers for Wire Shelving
Most new homes and those with closet rennovations have the ventilated wire shelving installed. I am sure they have advantages over wood shelving but we are very familiar with their disadvantages. The most frequent complaint I hear (and personally experience) is the inconvenience of no solid surface for placing small or irregular shaped items. There are solutions which I have summarized below.
1. Fabric covers. Not my favorite. Unless you purchase heavy fabric backed vinyl and cut it to fit, this option is not much better than nothing.
2. Plexiglass or acrylic sheets. Depending on the thickness the cost can be prohibitive. In order to have a good fit, it must be purchased and cut to order at a glass company. Call for information and estimates before you get your hopes up.
3. Roll out plastic. Depending on the thickness, this is not much better than fabric. I do not recommend the stick on variety as it leaves a residue on the underside of the shelf.
4 Shelfanator covers. These are thinner than acrylic but very supportive, come in different depths and can be cut with a knife to fit. I learned about these through another organizer and they can be purchased at some local hardware stores. If purchased from Ebay, they can be very cost effective. You can check them out at this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhFPetAz1LE
5 Wood. Thin sections of plywood or its equivalent can be cut to fit. These leave unattractive edges but are usually more affordable than the plexiglass depending on the thickness of each.
The remaining solution is to use flat bottom containers for items you place on the shelves. To date, that has been my choice but I am leaning towards the Shelfanator. After the organizer, Terri Stephens, posted her recommendation for them on our organizing chat group, these items on Ebay began to disappear quickly. If you think you might like them, I would go to Ebay first.
1. Fabric covers. Not my favorite. Unless you purchase heavy fabric backed vinyl and cut it to fit, this option is not much better than nothing.
2. Plexiglass or acrylic sheets. Depending on the thickness the cost can be prohibitive. In order to have a good fit, it must be purchased and cut to order at a glass company. Call for information and estimates before you get your hopes up.
3. Roll out plastic. Depending on the thickness, this is not much better than fabric. I do not recommend the stick on variety as it leaves a residue on the underside of the shelf.
4 Shelfanator covers. These are thinner than acrylic but very supportive, come in different depths and can be cut with a knife to fit. I learned about these through another organizer and they can be purchased at some local hardware stores. If purchased from Ebay, they can be very cost effective. You can check them out at this link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhFPetAz1LE
5 Wood. Thin sections of plywood or its equivalent can be cut to fit. These leave unattractive edges but are usually more affordable than the plexiglass depending on the thickness of each.
The remaining solution is to use flat bottom containers for items you place on the shelves. To date, that has been my choice but I am leaning towards the Shelfanator. After the organizer, Terri Stephens, posted her recommendation for them on our organizing chat group, these items on Ebay began to disappear quickly. If you think you might like them, I would go to Ebay first.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The Perfect Purse Dilemma
I am not a purse expert but I have had lots of trial and error with them, mostly error. I obviously like having everything organized and convenient in my life including my purse.
First, it must be large enough for everything I may need without everything going to the bottom and becoming lost as in a Bermuda Triangle. It must have pockets for keeping everything contained and easy to find, and it must be lightweight even with all my stuff.
Most of those with lots of built in pockets are made from brightly colored fabrics that become tiring (or out of style God forbid), worn on the handles and not a good fit for a versatile wardrobe. If you should decide to own more than one (and they are not inexpensive) you have to move everything from all those pockets into another set of pockets. Not fun. The non-fabric versions I have tried are just plain ugly. I am no fashionista but I just don’t like ugly.
Enter the purse organizer, an insert with pockets of its own that can be moved from purse to purse (Purseket is the brand I used). It comes in different sizes to fit individual needs. But it adds cost and weight to the purse and is not easily moved from purse to purse when full.
Finally there is the basic purse with some pockets that has changeable covers. These are upscale (meaning expensive) versions of the button bags of the early 1980’s that made a brief resurgence in the last year or so. The larger version can hold the insert organizer which will be necessary as everything you own would otherwise fall into the abyss at the bottom. And of course, it is heavy. The smaller version just won’t hold everything.
Alas, I am still experimenting. When I find the perfect purse, I will let you know.
First, it must be large enough for everything I may need without everything going to the bottom and becoming lost as in a Bermuda Triangle. It must have pockets for keeping everything contained and easy to find, and it must be lightweight even with all my stuff.
Most of those with lots of built in pockets are made from brightly colored fabrics that become tiring (or out of style God forbid), worn on the handles and not a good fit for a versatile wardrobe. If you should decide to own more than one (and they are not inexpensive) you have to move everything from all those pockets into another set of pockets. Not fun. The non-fabric versions I have tried are just plain ugly. I am no fashionista but I just don’t like ugly.
Enter the purse organizer, an insert with pockets of its own that can be moved from purse to purse (Purseket is the brand I used). It comes in different sizes to fit individual needs. But it adds cost and weight to the purse and is not easily moved from purse to purse when full.
Finally there is the basic purse with some pockets that has changeable covers. These are upscale (meaning expensive) versions of the button bags of the early 1980’s that made a brief resurgence in the last year or so. The larger version can hold the insert organizer which will be necessary as everything you own would otherwise fall into the abyss at the bottom. And of course, it is heavy. The smaller version just won’t hold everything.
Alas, I am still experimenting. When I find the perfect purse, I will let you know.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Which Stuff is Important?
One way to answer this is to consider what you would take with you in an emergency. After a natural disaster or devastating loss of homes, we have all heard the voices repeat that all that matters is that the family was safe. But as we see images of them sifting through ruined belongings, we know their loss is great.
Things are important to us; however, we should be able to prioritize our things and make choices when spaces become cluttered.
I challenge you to look around and make a list of what you should absolutely grab if you only had 15 minutes to get your belongings out of the house (furniture would not be listed). Of course, you should already have the emergency box with important papers ready to go.
Some stuff is just stuff and living without it makes cleaning easier and accentuates the importance of the items that are left.
Things are important to us; however, we should be able to prioritize our things and make choices when spaces become cluttered.
I challenge you to look around and make a list of what you should absolutely grab if you only had 15 minutes to get your belongings out of the house (furniture would not be listed). Of course, you should already have the emergency box with important papers ready to go.
Some stuff is just stuff and living without it makes cleaning easier and accentuates the importance of the items that are left.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Motivation to Organize
In education we were told if we kept doing the same old things, we would get the same old results. In other words, we needed to try something new to get different results. I think the same thing applies in organizing.
To get yourself motivated, begin stimulating your brain with new activities in other areas first. Instead of watching the same television shows, watch something different. Even if you don’t like it, your mind will be stimulated in critical thinking.
You can try a new food product or recipe, go to a different grocery store or in reverse down the isles of your favorite store and drive a new route to work. Then start thinking about what needs organizing in your home. You may have some fresh ideas that will get you moving.
You may be surprised at the motivation you have once your brain is engaged in new patterns of thinking. Carol Miller, a quilter, gave me the inspiration for this and I must say it works. Give it a try for at least a week and let me know what happens.
To get yourself motivated, begin stimulating your brain with new activities in other areas first. Instead of watching the same television shows, watch something different. Even if you don’t like it, your mind will be stimulated in critical thinking.
You can try a new food product or recipe, go to a different grocery store or in reverse down the isles of your favorite store and drive a new route to work. Then start thinking about what needs organizing in your home. You may have some fresh ideas that will get you moving.
You may be surprised at the motivation you have once your brain is engaged in new patterns of thinking. Carol Miller, a quilter, gave me the inspiration for this and I must say it works. Give it a try for at least a week and let me know what happens.
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