If you have a lot of supplies, are involved in more than one type of rugmaking or have multiple projects started and find that you have supplies scattered around your home, it’s time to get organized. Start by gathering all of your supplies together and place “like” items together. Items can be sorted by the type of rugs you make, project or by the type of item. For example, gather up all of your knitting needles and keep them in one place or gather all supplies for locker hooking in one place and all supplies for braiding in another.

Plan to have the most frequently used items the easiest to access, either right next to your workspace or just a few steps away. Items that are rarely used can be placed in labeled totes or boxes or placed in a closet. Keeping supplies easily accessible and easy to put away will help keep you organized.

Consider using bookshelves, dressers, armoires, walls and closets for storage. Install shelving appropriately spaced for what will be stored on the shelves.

Using clear totes, helps to visually see what’s in the totes without having to open them. Clearly label all containers that you can’t see inside without opening or store items so that they stick out of the box or container. I keep sewing patterns standing up in a shoe box and crochet hooks in a coffee mug. When I open the closet, I can easily see where the patterns and crochet hooks are because they are taller than the containers they are stored in.

Sort fabric by project, color, weight or content. For example, keep wool separate from cotton fabrics or if you have purchased fabric for a specific project, keep it all together in one tote. Store fabric so you can easily see what you have. I layer fabric in clear appropriate size totes and place on shelves at eye level. Items like blue jeans can be folded and stacked on shelves.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to be organized. Creatively repurposing household items can go along way and can help “hide” or decoratively store craft supplies. Using decorative containers to store items works well, especially when your workspace is out in the open such as a living or dining room.
Vases can be used for holding knitting needles.
Candy, Canning, Cookie and Recycled Food Jars, Coffee Cans and Shoe Boxes covered with contact paper, or china and ceramic dishes can be used for storing smaller items like crochet hooks, thread, scissors, locker hooking supplies and sewing notions.
Large Baskets and Pottery containers can be used for storing yarn and balls of fabric ready to braid.
A Ring Binder with plastic sleeves will hold pictures and patterns.
Recycled plastic food containers can be placed in drawers to keep smaller items easy to find and organized.
Tool, lunch and pencil boxes can be used to keep smaller items like scissors and safety pins handy that you regularly use.

Organizing your supplies in one space and having frequently used items easily accessible will allow you to spend more time working on your projects.