May as well go ahead and get started

Yesterday, I listened to Fat Quarter Shop’s livestream while I worked on projects in my studio. Kimberly Jolly was previewing her quilting projects for 2024. She went over her master notebook of all quilt projects and showed how she organizes the bits of each project into its own bin or basket. I stopped what I was doing and took notes once I realized she was going over several QALs coming in 2024.

A quick scan of the bookcase revealed an unused 3-ring binder with cute dividers I could repurpose for my own master notebook. I figured I may as well go ahead and get started. I chose to divide my projects into the following categories: 2024 QAL, Charity, CraftLAB, Personal and UFOs. I found a free quilt planner page online that I’m using to record the details for each project. I printed out available pattern notes for various projects and included them behind the appropriate project planning pages. Charity includes current WIPs specifically for charity, along with frequently used patterns and any receiving charitable organization’s specific guidelines. CraftLAB contains current projects and frequently used patterns/notes for kids I teach. Current includes personal WIPs that I’m actively working on. UFOs will include stagnant WIPs and tops that need to be quilted. Now that I’ve rounded up all the WIPs and UFOs, the next step will be to make a list of everything, including current status and next steps for each project.

After combing through all my fabric and notions bins for potential donations to the SQTM yard sale, it’s time to streamline some of the storage options and shift certain items to locations in my studio that just make more sense. Art Bin satchels are my preferred system for containing small tools, general craft supplies and corralling individual WIPs. Right now, I also keep my precuts in double deep Art Bin satchels. Ever since Joann replaced Art Bin brand containers with its own private label satchels, Art Bin containers have been hard to find locally. I need all the ones I currently have to store WIPs. Sadie and I went shopping today at Home Depot and Joann’s for clear storage containers with latching lids that will fit on the top shelf of my sewing room closet. Guess I’m going to have to shift the precuts, craft tools and supplies around first to free up the containers needed to start reorganizing the WIPs. Might also want to quickly finish up 2 quilt tops so I can have those satchels, as well!