January 16, 2008
This week we continue with our January "Get Organized" theme. January is a great time to pick up containers, organizers, and almost everything you need to tighten up your process - and it's on sale! It's nice to get things in order- even if it's just a corner or closet that is out of control.
Happy organizing!
Chris
Contain It!
There are a couple of ways we like to corral the little things.
The tilt bins are from Home Depot. What a find they were. You can find them in either the electrical department or the 'organization' section. I really like that they are only about 3 or 5" deep so you can see everything really easily. Also, the bins can be removed so I go get the bin I need, keep it on the table as I am using the contents and then put it back when all is ready to be cleaned up. They slide together so they stack tightly. Each row costs about $15.00. Recently, I have only found the larger bins. Too bad, I like the 3 x 3's too cause they are perfect for the smaller quantities of stuff like 3/8" rings and cord locks.
Note from Sandy: I also notice Chris has the reorder information right at her fingertips by keeping the label in the box!
I have a several project oriented boxes,also from Home Depot. Because I have smaller quantities than Chris, they work for me. I have one for button making, one for roman shade supplies, and one for the small quantity of screws, mending plates and hinge plates that I use.
Welt Storage
Chris stores her welt cord up high and out of the way. She used scrap wood and chunks of 3/8" rod or drapery rods. You can also see in the picture a roll of 12" heavy Pellon (Skirtex) that she uses in the skirts of less weight roman shades.
Lastly, realizing that there is much more storage potential going from floor to ceiling than in standing fabric in cans or under the table- Chris devised a rack for storing fabric waiting to be sewn.
You can see that by resting pvc poles on the wooden shelves instead of cut-outs, she has lots of options for how many and how big the bolts are that can be stored there. By extending the wooden supports out past the shelves she also has a spot where everything has its place.
Happy Organizing!
Chris and Sandy
Tips from Chris
Hi Chris,
I have couple of "sticky" questions-
Do you use glue to attach trim to cornice boards and pillows?
Amber
Always and Never!
I always use glue to attach trim to cornice boards. I don't like the burns or drips from a hot glue gun. Rowley fringe adhesive and Aleene's glue are my favorites. Rowley's fringe adhesive is available to professional workrooms only while Aleene's is widely available in craft and fabric stores. The Aleene's bottle is smaller, kinder to the hands, and offers more control of flow. So sometimes Rowley glue ends up in Aleene's bottle.
I never glue trim on a pillow face. Many of the trims we sew on are hundreds of dollars a yard. Once trim has been glued on many options are off the table. Trim cannot be repositioned or removed. Clients cannot change their minds about the trim selection. With custom work I believe there is a reasonable expectation that trim could be moved or removed.
Chris