Filling patterns

One of my 2011 resolutions is to rearrange my sewing patterns (not that many to begin with) into some sort of a working system. 

When I started sewing and quilting about 2 years back, I compiled a number of free tutorials available on the net or copied down from crafting books from the library, thinking that I'll try each and every one of them soon. I have tried many and discarded many as well and bookmarked some  for future projects, but they are all over the place.. Every time I need a pattern, I'll be going through the whole lot as I do not label them or have a proper cabinet or box to store them in. 

Here's how my sewing patterns have evolved:

1. they appeared as measurement only, every time I'd have to measure and cut my fabric

2. big paper templates - loose pieces under the table or chair and everywhere 

3. paper templates (fold in half) - most used patterns have been laminated stored in clear plastic sleeves without labellings 

I found this superb portable storage solution at Tokyu Hands, it looks like the boring steel accordion-like filing cabinets you find in most offices, but it comes in various funky colours and did I mention it is portable? *grin*

At the moment I just insert all my patterns into different slots in one file. I hope to further improve by separating them according to categories i.e big bags, medium sized bags, clutch and purses, etc. If you have lots more you could have one different colour folder for each category.. yummm!!!  

To get more inspiration on how to organise your sewing library, read The Domestic Diva. 

How do you store your patterns..?? 

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NUTS about thread

How much thread do you have in your sewing room..?? Do you think I've gone overborad if I have this much.. *giggles nervously*

I just hate the idea of being out of THAT particular thread in the middle of my sewing.. and besides I might just need THAT particular shade sometime soon.. ehem..

Tell me I'm not alone in this obsession.. 

So, how do you store all those threads, I hear you ask.. well I shade code them and put them in ziplock bags..

How do you store them?

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All in one pouch

Being in Japan, our daily expenses are paid in cash. We use credit card for big purchase, travel and hotel booking only. I don't have a cheque book here *gulp* Carrying and managing cash is tricky and stretching it to last takes a lot of practice and strong self-control accompanied by powerful mantras *grin*

I made this all in one pouch to store cash and book banks all in one place. It has 3 zippered compartments which I labelled bank for bank books and resits, food for well..food and etc for petrol, bus fare for Sofea, maintenance fee and etc. The pattern is inspired by my old pouch bought from 100yen shop a while ago. I used canvas remnants from Odekake bag (read about my odekake bag here) for the front and scrap fabric I bought from flea market donkey years ago for the back.  

How do you manage your monthly expenses??

Any tips and tricks??

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Jom Jahit - Sew Along

It had been quite a while since I had last sewn anything for myself.. I am almost always rushing to finish a commision.. But today, I had the most 'fun' day, creating and designing and making something for me.. This is what I made, a travel sewing case using scrap fabrics *happy*

I was thrilled to find TiniHani's sew-along here. I've always wanted to make a 'roll' for my sewing stuff especially to be used when we travel. I got my inspiration out of a Japanese craft book and adjusted to meet my needs. My travel sewing case has 3 pockets, thread holding line, pincushion and felt needle holder.

Next , This is how I do it - Travel sew case 

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Mini Pouch

Hi, my name is MyBotanG, and I am addicted to making chisai, small, petit, mini pouches...

I made my first strawberry print mini pouch to put my make-up items

They were so cute and easy to make that I just had to make more..

Do you have any confession to make..??

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Card Holders

How do you organise your cards in your wallet?? These are not credit cards I'm talking about, but rather point cards given by every shop no matter how big or small that somes in various sizes making it that much harder to organise.
I'm forever fumbling at the checkout lines for the right cards from the stack I have. So, I've made these - PLASTIC CARD HOLDERS



And these card holders with zippered compartments for coins and notes.



How do you organise your cards?

Don't you just LOVEEEEEE mushrooms?? This is Happy Channel by Cosmo I got from Nippori. Pin It