I used to keep my projects in large zip lock bags hung on a clothes line. That worked great until one day I came home and apparently I had too many projects because one end of the line had pulled out of the wall and all my projects were on the ground.
Lucky for me many of the retreats I teach at give a project box when you check in. So I’ve been collecting them. If you don’t have a collection they are fairly cheep at Costco. I think you can get a set of five for about $20.
In addition to storing projects in boxes I keep a list of the status of each project. This helps me know in a glance where each project is. Once a project is cut out I add it to my list. Then I update as I progress. Here is a sample of my list minus my projects.
Inspired by the list Chelsi did for her mom Sheri, of A Quilting Life, I dolled mine up a bit.
Sheri has some great tips on keeping projects organized and moving forward. You can find them here.
How do you keep track of your projects? We’d love to hear any tips you have.
I sadly don't have any organized system for keeping track. I had to chuckle at your clothes line falling down from the weight. I was going through projects just two days ago and feeling overwhelmed at all that need quilting. And those that need further attention to even get to the completed top stage.
I think I need to start a list. I have my projects in ziplock baggies on my craft floor right now.
I don't currently have much of an organized system. I wish I did but it is such a major task. I have some shelving (Ikea?) that I've started to organize my fabric by colors on. I've had to re-fold everything to make it fit better. I have lots of assorted plastic bins that are full already and I still have lots more to put into bins. I wish I could afford to buy matching project boxes but I have too many projects! Next, I need to label the boxes instead of rummaging through them all to find something. Your idea of labeling with status updates is a good one.
I have all my projects in clear plastic boxes, which I find helps to keep the clutter in my sewing room to a minimum. I like your idea of adding a status sheet for each project. Keeping an updated list would make it easier to know which project to pull out when I have a limited amount of time. Thanks for the tip!
I like the idea of keeping a list like that. I use the same containers for my projects.
I have boxes for most of my projects, except the older ones which are stuffed in plastic bags. I don't have a definitive list though which is a great idea, it would help me keep track of everything. It would definitely help to keep a status record, I go back to a project and it can take ages to sort out exactly where I was up to before I even start stitching.