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Get Sew Organized March Challenge: Workspace

by Cathy Ellsaesser, posted on

photo of cluttered cutting table  as example for workspace organization

Does this look familiar? Can’t use your cutting table because of all the clutter on it? If so, the “Get Sew Organized” March challenge is for you. Let’s do some workspace organization!

The dictionary defines “workspace” as “space used or required for one’s work, as in an office or home.” For the purposes for the March challenge, workspace is that flat space where you design, cut, pin, hoop, iron, etc.

So what can you do to keep your workspace, well, workable? Well, here are a few ideas.

Scissors Keeper

If you were at February Sew Fun, you might remember the scissor keeper I showed. I have to admit, when I first got the sample, I really wondered why I’d want that. Now, though, I can’t do without it. I love how it doesn’t tip over, no matter how many scissors I put in it. Plus, I can always find a pair of scissors now in my sewing room!

Photo of Scissor keeper for Workspace organization Get Sew Organized challege.

Plastic Rainbow Thimble Craft Container

rainbow thimble holding scissors, and paintbrushes for workspace organization

If you need a roomier container for those items you want to get off your workspace, you might try this pretty rainbow-colored thimble. It is ideal for storing sewing, crafting and office accessories. This is a great novelty gift and storage solution for sewing and craft enthusiasts

Caddies R Us

The best way to keep a clean workspace is to organize those things you need at the cutting table, counter top, ironing board, etc. close at hand, but not on the surface of the workspace. So one way to do that is to invest in some clamp – on caddies that clamp on the table but don’t sit on it.

Craft Caddy for Table

I have three of these craft caddies. I clip one to my sewing cabinet, and two on my cutting table. There is a spring-loaded clip that opens to 1.5 inches and a cup holder. Frankly this is why I got these in the first place, to hold a can of soda or a glass of water — no spills! The caddy also has two small compartments that you can put scissors, your seam ripper (I always need that handy), extra needles, whatever.

Photo of craft caddy  for Workspace organization Get Sew Organized challege.

Table Tidy System

This Table Tidy System is the bomb! I found out about it when I was looking for notions to help us with our workspace organization. Although I don’t have it yet, you can bet I will soon.

This fabulous modular system starts with the main caddy to which you can add double and single pockets to expand as required. The frame is chrome finished solid steel frame and effortlessly clips to the table/craft desk (edge thickness: min 0.59″/max 2.36″). It features removable and hand washable fabric and a reinforced base.

The Main Caddy pocket is 4.72″ x 11.81″ x 7.68″. Double (4.72″ x 7.28″ x 3.94) and single (4.72″ x 3.54″ x 3.94″) pockets are available to add on if you want. You must have the main caddy to use the double and single pockets. Add as many pockets as you need!

The Gypsy Quilter Sip and Snip Clamp

Need a caddy that has multiple functions. Then take a look at sensational Sip & Snip Clamp. One is simply not enough! Clamp this handy cup and accessory holder to your tabletop to keep your drink and sewing tools close by without taking up valuable space on your sewing table. What’s more, the handy removable bag keeps your work area free of scraps and clippings.

The rubber sleeved clamp installs easily and protects all work surfaces – including wood. The rust-proof metal frame holds coffee mugs, cups, bottles and even spray starch – which means you need one for your sewing area AND one for your ironing station.

Oh Sew Organized Stash N Store

Organized is even in the name of this product! You’ve probably seen these on our notions walls or at at Sew Fun. My sister gave me one of these and sort of like the scissor keeper, I wasn’t sure I was interested in it. Oh, but I love it, too!

There are two sizes of the Stash and Store and many color options. They are perfect for keeping your sewing and crafting notions within arm’s reach, easily visible and ready to go. Store marking tools, scissors, stilettos, rulers, pressing tools, even brushes and small rotary cutters, in an easy-to-grab upright position.

The Stash n Store’s silicone pockets are smooth, have a sturdy grip, and are simple to clean. Simply pull off the silicone layer, give it a rinse, and pop it back in place. Also, the beautiful design offers a small and large spaces for a great fit for any notion.

These are a great addition to our workspace organization efforts.

Cutting Mats

Photo of three Quilters Select cutting mats of different sizes

Once you have completed your workspace organization challenge, reward yourself with a new cutting mat! Won’t a beautiful Quilter’s Select (QS) mat look great (and work great) on your organized workspace. I’ve added a coupon the the bottom of this blog for 30% off our QS mats of any size.

Show Us Your Workspace Organization

So pick up some of these great workspace organization aids at your local Rocky Mountain Sewing and Vacuum store and get started on this month’s “Get Sew Organized” challenge.

We’d love to see a before and after picture of your efforts organizing your workspace. So post one or more pictures here in the comments below, on our Facebook page, or on Instagram. Please use BOTH the hashtags #RMSVworkspacechallenge and #RMSVGetSewOrganized when you post on Instagram. That way, we can find you when you post, and enter your name in the drawing for the $100 gift card to be awarded April 2 after the Workspace Organization challenge closes.

All photos must be posted by April 1, 2020 for the March Workspace Challenge. And remember, if you use of the the products we have in the stores for this challenge, and include that product in your picture, your name will be entered twice for the drawing.

Please post to only one of the venues. For example, there is no need to post the same pictures to both Facebook and this blog.

Multiple pictures are most welcome! You’ll have to post more than one comment on both Facebook and in the comment section of this blog in order to post more than one picture. If you struggle getting your pictures posted, feel free to email them to me and I’ll post them for you. (rockymountain.blogger@gmail.com)

For all details on the 2020 Get Sew Organized challenge, checkout my previous blog.

Coupon

In addition to the 30% off coupon for the Quilter’s Select mats, I’ve also added a 30% off coupon for any of the notions mentioned in this blog. So Get Sew Organized, and join the workspace organization challenge for March.

Coupon for 30% off Quilters Select cutting mats
coupon for 30% off Workspace Organization notions

Notions Available Online

All notions available for the Get Sew Organized monthly challenges to date are available online under Products/Sewing Notions/Cathy’s Blog Shop. Products are discounted 30% off, and we’re offering free shipping for a limited time.

Please note, some items may be out of stock, and have to be ordered from our distributors. Someone from the store will let you know if this is the case.

Comments

Cathy Ellsaesser

Great! Thanks so much for posting! Your name has been entered twice for the drawing to be held April 2 for the $50 gift card. (Of course, you’ll have to wait until we’re open again to claim it if you win.)

Sara Hardy-Wilcox

I picked this up at the arvada store.

Cathy Ellsaesser

Your table looks “sew” organized. Great Work! I like the idea of using the water bottle ice cube trays! Of course, the Stash N Store works great for those things as well! Isn’t that rainbow thimble cute!
Thanks so much for participating. Drawing will be April 2.

Jan Heimbecher

My cutting table had become buried under “stuff” that needed to be organized. I put my rulers in a ruler holder and smaller rulers in the thimble craft container. Larger scissors are in the scissor holder and smaller scissors are in the stash n store holder plus seam rippers. My rotary cutters are in the pink container. The white containers on top of the cart are skinny ice cube makers for water bottles. They work great for markers, pens, scissors and other notions.

Cathy Ellsaesser

I got those from Jo-Ann’s in the purse craft section. They had a few different colors — red, pink, black in addition to the silver and gold. I checked online at the Jo-Ann’s site but didn’t see them in colors other than gold and silver. I did find them at Sassafras Lane Designs.

Hope you can find the color you’re looking for there.

Leslee

I’m trying to find the colored magnetic snap that you had on the larger backpack at February Sew Fun. Did you just paint one? If not where did you get it? It was a pinkish purple color.

Thanks