6 tips I've learned for organizing my work space

When I first started sewing bags a couple of years ago, I was working out of my dining room. I hated having to put everything away at the end of every work day, so I eventually moved down into our storage room. There at least I could leave my ironing board up, my sewing machine out, and my projects half finished! Then a little more than a year ago, my husband upgraded me to my current space, our former excersize room. Now that it is finished, I feel less embarrassed to share with you a couple of tricks I've learned over this time, on how to organize my space, supplies and projects...

1. One of my problems was always forgetting to turn things off. I can't tell you how many times I've left my iron on, or walked away with my sewing machine lights still burning. So I configured my space and cords (of which there are many!) so that they could all be plugged into one surge protector. I checked with my electrician friend, and he assured me that this a perfectly safe:)  This way, when I start to work, or finish work, I just flip one switch, and everything turns off! There is also another reason I did this...last summer, while I was working, our house got struck by lightening. Fortunately all of my equipment was fine, but I don't want to take any risks. Now I have only ONE plug to unplug durning a bad storm. Ahhh, easy peace of mind :)



Now I have only ONE plug to unplug durning a bad storm. Ahhh, easy peace of mind :)



I have yet to figure out a chic way to hide all of my cords...any ideas?!?!

2. I also have all of my supplies stored in this hideous, bright red, professional tool box.

I camoflauged it by hiding it under my ironing table, but it is still an eye sore.

My soulution? A shower curtain, attached with a tension rod.



I also made myself a

floor mat cover out of the same shower curtain to

cover my ugly, industrial rubber floor mat.

Much cuter, I must say!



3. I got a great idea for storing my piles and piles of fabric. I made little mini fabric bolts out of foam core board. It is like a mini fabric store on my cutting table. I keep as many of my prints and textures as I can on there, with an extra cabinet of solids or pieces which are way too big for the bolts in my closet.  Here is a link to the tutorial where I found the idea...thanks!

4. After trying a tackle box for my small parts, I came up with the economical and cute idea of using different size mason jars. I love the way this looks!



                              



5. I never had enough room on my ironing board for all of my pieces, so I had the idea of transforming a tabletop into my ironing board. I layered a baby crib mattress, bath towel, and Insulated interfacing. Then to make it look better, I topped it all off with a really cute vintage sheet, cut down to size. This is the table I work at 90% of the time, and it works great for me!  

                     

              *disclaimer- The steam on your iron WILL RUIN the table top,even with all of the layers. So PLEASE don't try this on a

table you plan to turn back into a table. Capiche??? Good :)

6. Pegboard. Who knew?? I took a scrap of my Dad's old peg board, painted it blue and Voila, I have a place to keep my tools within easy reach, while adding a punch of color to my room at the same time! This would be a great addition to any craft room, and can be customized a gazillion different ways with different hooks, shelves, colors etc. Have fun with it!

So there it is, a few lessons I've learned from my mistakes! If my studio were tidy-er, I would share some more, but I guess that will have to wait until another day!

 I hope someone else can take some of these tips and find their own creative way to spruce up their work space. I would love to see pictures ;)

Red Letter Words Winner

..and the winner is....

  Shirley of Mimi's corner! 

I entered the responses at random.org and I got #18, which was you, Shirley!

 Please email me at
contact at gathered-sown dot com
 with your contact info, so I can get you your new candle!

 Congratulations!

Guest Blogger- Megan at Beautiful Bits of Grace

As I announced yesterday, I am excited to introduce you all to my friend Megan at Beautiful Bits of Grace. She is a busy girl: Mom, blogger, crafter, photographer, pintrest addict.  Everytime I check in on her, she is doing something new, and doing it well! If you get a minute, check out her etsy shop. Full of beautiful items she created. I love her flowers. So pretty, and oh, so girly!


Take it away, Megan!



Hi, my name is Megan and I publish a little blog named Beautiful Bits of Grace where you can find me writing about the everyday beautifullness of this life, motherhood, photography and whatever my latest project may be thanks to the oh so addictive Pinterest. 

I "met" Angie in the summer when I was lucky enough to win one of her adorable bags through a giveaway. I was also privileged to work with her on a giveaway together.

She actually invited me to guest post for her a few months ago and I was so flattered and honored! I had every intention of writing a guest post right away for her. The only problem was that I struggle with two things. Procrastination and perfection. I wanted my post to be just right and I didn't want to give Angie anything less. So I procrastinated....for months.Too be honest,  I didn't think any post I would write would be good enough and I was constantly comparing my blog and myself to others. It is something that I definately struggle with and have prayed about.  Comparing myself to others around me. That constant trying to keep up with everyone, everything. Trying to find approval from people instead of being confident in my God given purpose.  

via

Then this morning as I sat down to read my my bible as I had promised God I would so many times {and failed}, I prayed and I asked God to help me, help me to stop trying to live up to the expectations I had placed on myself because of comparison.  I opened my bible to this verse:

The sun has one kind of beauty, the moon has another beauty and the stars have another. And each star is different in it's beauty!

1 Corinthians 14:33 

This verse spoke volumes to me! It reminded me that we are all created differently and each of us has a God given talent or ability. We are all unique and beautiful in that uniqueness. Sometimes we just need a gentle reminder and some loving encouragement. We may think that what we have to offer isn't good enough or right but it may be exactly what someone needed to read. If you decide to stop by and visit my blog be sure and say hi! 

Giveaway and guest post

I am still watching for your inspirational entries to win this beautiful Red Letter Words Candle...

I will be picking the winner at random on Thursday at noon.
Check out this post to see how you can enter to win. 


And if you share my contest on Facebook or Twitter, please add an extra comment for each, these can be two bonus entries ;)
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Tomorrow I am excited to share with you all a guest post from my blogging friend Megan from Beautiful Bits of Grace. I met Megan this past summer when she won one of my purses! It's been great getting to know her through emails and blog posts. I love looking in on her blog to get inspired and to just ooh and ahh over the beautiful pics of her gorgeous little children!

I've been writing lately about being more transparent with my faith, and I admire Megan for the posts she does on her faith and how she is working every day to live it out loud. I admire her for that!

It will be a busy week. I'll see you all very soon!


Angie

RedLetterWords Giveaway!

Following up my post from earlier this week, I really want to get better about wearing my faith on my sleeve. I want to put my money where my mouth is.

That is one thing that I've admired about Dee from Red Letter Words. From the first time I discovered her beautiful work it was apparant that each piece that she creates is to bring glory to God.  (as well as a beautiful statement for your home!)  I love what she says about her self.
She "believes in the power of the Word, that God qualifies the called, that our gifts and talents should be shared, and that there is a time and a purpose for everything."  

Wow.

After lusting after her prints for close to a year, I am excited to have the opportunity to give a piece of RedLetterWords to one of my readers!





This handpoured soy candle with a powerful message is sure to make a bold statement in any room of your home.

There are 3 ways to enter.....
Leave a comment below telling me your favorite RedLetterWords product.

Leave an additional comment if you like Gathered & Sown on Facebook.

Leave an additional comment with your favorite bible verse and what it means to you.

Each comment will be one entry. Thanks for stopping and best of luck!

{contest is open to continental US readers only...sorry!}