A New Approach to Organizing My Sewing Nook
I had always known my sewing nook needed some tidying and better organization, but it wasn’t until I sat down on the weekend to sew a pair of pants that I realized just how dysfunctional my setup was. This was my first time sewing in my new place, so I couldn’t fix the mess until I knew what needed to go where. Once I figured it out, I knew the solution would be at Kmart.
Most of my paper craft and yarn storage already comes from Kmart, so I decided to stick with the brand for this project. I settled on the smooth and shiny clear tub range because of the variety of sizes, their stack-ability, and the clear plastic, which makes it easy to see what is inside for easy access.
The instant I looked at the $8 5L tub, I knew it would be great for storing thread. It makes a much easier and prettier storage option than the awkward hand-me-down plastic compartment box I was using. There is plenty of room left for more thread – which is inevitable, because buying sewing supplies is as much of a hobby as actually using them. At the other end, I have bias binding gadgets.
Practical Storage Solutions
I purchased two more of these long boxes and have used one for zippers and elastic and the other for scissors, tailor’s pencils and markers and any other things I might need immediately as I sew. It was also easy to imagine what the $10 11L size tub could be used for, and my first thought was to give a dedicated home to my stash of interfacing and cotton batting. This means I will no longer be wondering where it is, what type I have or be digging through a box of fabric to find it.
That same box of fabric was in dire need of sorting, and so the 11L size boxes were also perfect for storing fat quarters (50 x 55cm piece of fabric), instead of getting them all mixed up with large fabric scraps – it was always so hard to find them and see what I had. One tub has fat quarters from Australia, a couple of rulers and some pattern weights, while the other has fat quarters and smaller cuts of fabric from Japan – these are extra special, so I like to keep them together.
This means my tub of large fabric scraps contains just that, so I know that if I want to make something with a particular fabric I’ve used before, I know where to find it easily.
Smaller Items, Smarter Storage
I also got the $5 4L smooth and shiny plastic tub and it is the perfect size to hold tiny fabric scraps and threads. I was using a fabric storage pouch I made myself previously, but it kept filling up quickly and overflowing. The 4L tub makes it easy to chuck bits in as I go, and the lid means they’re kept contained until the box is full and I can recycle them as stuffing.
Another thing I love about these smooth and shiny clear tubs is that they easily stack on top of each other and can be configured to have stacks of different combinations. At the moment I have two 5L tubs on top of the 11L tub, but two 4L tubs can also fit on top of the 11L tub. Two 11L tubs also fit nicely on the $7 52L storage tub on wheels and makes a lovely display of fabric to keep me inspired.
Versatile Uses Beyond Sewing
The storage possibilities for these tubs are endless, and I can see them in pantries, under the sink cabinets, bathroom shelves, on desks and more. Other ways the 4L tub has been used by customers include dog leads and toys, toddler’s plates and bibs, toy cars and fruit in the fridge.
The 5L tub has been used to store skincare products in the fridge, baby and water bottles, and gloves and beanies. Storage options customers have tried for the 11L tub include paperwork, chocolate, recycling, clothes, medicine, Christmas decorations, fish tank accessories, and even for starting seeds.
