Client Show & Tell: Tips on Organizing Ribbon and Fabric in Sewing Room

It’s time for some more show & tell from another client!

After showing me her slightly jumbled drawer of ribbons at her sewing table and sharing with me her idea to hang them on a rod to make it easier to see them and use them, we started analyzing the space and brainstorming.

On a previous visit we had moved her sewing fabrics into a nearby closet to free up space in the sewing table area.  There was room left for the ribbons to be stored in the closet, too, but the rod idea just wasn’t sitting right with me.  Here’s why:

PROBLEM:  It would still be a lot of work to remove empty ribbon spool and replace a new spool of fabric ribbon.  Potentially, this system wouldn’t last long because of the extra work.

Anyone that’s ever worked with me knows that if a system isn’t ultra easy, then I try to figure out a better way to organize it.  It may take some time for the solution to come to me, but it usually does if we stay in action doing other things and give that idea some space to breathe.

SOLUTION:  The shelf in the closet was definitely the location to store the ribbons.  Instead of inserting a wooden dowel rod through all the ribbon, I came up with another idea…line the ribbon up on the shelf and attach the strip of wood to the shelf, in front of the ribbon, and another one behind the ribbon.  This prevents the ribbon from rolling frontwards or backwards when it is standing on its side.

Here’s how we did it:

Since there was plenty of space on the shelf to do more rows, the goal was to create a couple of rows to store the ribbon.

Instead of using the round wooden dowels, I found some flat square ones at a nearby lumber store.  They would be easier to hammer a small nail through (without rolling around or cracking) and appears more visually pleasing.

There are two rows available to store ribbon in her fabric and ribbon closet.  And if needed, she can store more ribbon behind those rows.

Leftover ribbon pieces from previous sewing projects were placed in a clear container at the far right end of the ribbon shelf.  She can quickly identify her ribbon and grab the one she needs for her next sewing project.  And easily replace it.

Tips on Organizing Fabric in A Sewing Room:

I mentioned that on a previous visit, we cleared her sewing table area of fabric, so that she could really enjoy and focus on sewing or monogramming her creations.   She had decorative baskets inside the cubbies, so we labeled them by the type of project materials inside.  Projects in the baskets are higher priority.

We cleared books that were on these closet shelves and used clear sweater storage containers, which she already had on hand, to sort and organize her variety of fabrics.

We also moved her “new baby gift” items for monogramming into the closet.

I have this fetish of turning everything on its side, like I taught you in this space saving t-shirt video.  Sometimes I don’t even realize I’m doing it!

By turning the sections of fabric on their sides and allowing the sweater organizer to serve as “walls” or “dividers” to hold them in place, she will be able to select her fabric with ease.

To put the final touch on this sewing room closet, I recommended that she paint the wooden dowels to match her shelving.

You can customize and organize your very own ribbon & fabric closet.  And you don’t have to turn the fabric on its side.  Stacks work just as well.

I really, really enjoy working with wonderful women like this lady. 

She’s very trusting of what I’m doing and is open to my suggestions!  Plus, she’s a really smart cookie who knows what she wants.  I’m happy to help her get it.

Thanks to this lady who allowed me into her home and life.  (And who let me take pictures to show to you!)

Do you have a creative streak that involves sewing machines, fabric, and ribbon?  Or do you know someone who enjoys sewing?  If so, then I’d love for you to share this with them!  These tips on organizing the sewing room may spark some ideas for organizing their space.  (Trust me, they’ll thank you for sharing these ideas with them.)

Leave me a comment below and tell me what YOU think.  I love hearing from you.