So glad to have you pop by on the Girl Friday Sews blog hop! My offering for you today is a pencil case! (And a giveaway – keep reading!).
Why yes, it is a paper pieced pattern, how did you guess?! Well the paper piecing part was pretty much a given for me, but why a pencil case? Cue backstory.
Once upon a time I was an organised person. Things stayed where I put them and I knew where everything belonged. Then I had children. Now I never know where anything is, nothing is ever tidy and I am not organised.
So much so, I don’t even have a designated work area. I have the computer desk in one corner of the house (currently inhabited by crayons, kid shoes, bubble bath and a classic good vs bad Lego battle going on across my desk), then there’s my sewing desk in the other corner of the house which is covered with scraps, wips, notes, and copious amounts of pins that my daughter will not leave in the pincushions. I am not organised.
And then there’s the place that everything else ends up. The top of the fridge. Why the top of the fridge? Because my children cannot reach up there. Scissors live there after the great haircutting incident of 2012, pens live there after the great lino-drawing-in-a-rented-property incident, glue lives there after… well there haven’t been any great incidents. Yet. It’s a precaution. But you get the picture. I need a bit of organisation. So this blog hop is ideal for me! I will be following with great interest!
As for my contribution - I’m starting small. With all the loose pencils that live on top of my fridge. Because whenever we do homework, the one colour pencil that is desperately wanted has likely fallen down the back of the fridge or has been placed in the bin after it’s fallen on my head one too many times. So when Heidi suggested this blog hop, first idea that came to mind to save what’s left of my sanity - a pencil case.
Look! I am already putting it to good use! Ahhh tidy pencils. One less thing to fall on my head when I open the fridge.
So, there you have it! Ready to make one of your own? First things first. You’ll need to download the free pattern (available here) for the pencils and pick out some fabric for some fun paper piecing. Yay paper piecing! For mine, I used some Architextures for the background, Color Weave/Sketch for the pencils themselves and the inside of the pencil case is a great text print from Summersville.
You can find a few paper piecing tutorials here on my blog if you’re a bit stuck on the actual paper piecing part. Biggest tip I can offer you – use large pieces of fabric than you think. It’s way easier to trim back fabric than it is to unpick teeny paper piecing stitches and redo it.
Once your block’s made – you’re ready to turn it into a fab pencilcase!
Fiona from Finding Fifth has done a fabulous tutorial on making a zip pouch which can you can find here. Rather than reinvent the wheel so to speak – I’d recommend her tutorial for putting it altogether. Fiona’s tutorial is about making a QAYG pouch so obviously not all of it is relevant for this particular project – however she has fantastic photos of how to put the zip in and sew it all up. Check out from “Zipper Preparation” onwards – great tips on making zip buffers as well as putting it altogether.
To make a pencil case like mine, supplies are as follows:
You need two rectangles measuring 10” x 6” for the outside (one of those will be your paper pieced block - pattern here in case you missed it!) and two lining rectangles measuring 10” x 6” plus a zip (I used an 11” one). I did not add batting to mine as I didn’t feel it was needed for a pencil case. But that’s my personal thought!
Too easy! Sew it altogether and fill with pencils and rejoice that the pencils are all reunited in one happy space together. Make sure to take a pic to add to the Girl Friday Sews blog hop group on Flickr!
And check out the list of awesomeness that is coming up on the blog hop! You don’t want to miss out on some of these fab projects!
And now what you’ve been waiting for – the giveaway! Thanks to Heidi from Fabric Mutt for the fabulous blog hop, and the great sponsor Pink Chalk Fabrics, there’s a $25 gift certificate on offer!
How do you win? Simple!
Can’t think of something to say? Just tell me your favourite organisational tool – a calendar? A basket? A maid? What is it? I need help ideas! Ideas, people!!!
Happy sewing and organising! 
?Lucky me? I hope! since I'm the first to post a comment. It's a lovely pencil pattern especially for a pencil case, I'm going to work on this one quickly because there is a need... lol
ReplyDeleteAs for my organization, which seems to be constantly slipping with so many other people in the home, is the OHIO method. An acronym that stands for "only handle it once". It takes some time, but once it's in your hand take care of it, don't set it down to take care of it later. Cuz later doeesnl;t come and then you got stacks of "little fires" to take care of everywhere.
Good luck and it will be interesting to see what other suggest. Jane
I love using baskets as "organizing" tools, but it is really just because they are portable and can be shoved into the shower on a moment's notice :-) Thanks for the great giveaway chance and the wonderful tutorial - I really want to try to make this case!
ReplyDeleteMy crazy (according to my husband, and I kind of agree with him) organising rule is never to leave a place without taking something with you to repatriate to its appropriate place. Sounds mad but you get a lot sorted without noticing you're doing it. Thanks for the pattern and giveaway, cheers Mel
ReplyDeleteforgot to add that your fabric used for the pencils was perfect! Here's a link of a blog that I follow that is an inspiration on organizing. Very fresh and pretty at the same time as functional. Hope you like it. Jane (again)
ReplyDeletehttp://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com
I also have a ton of sewn pouches around my work space and in my sewing studio to keep organized. I love your paper-pieced version so much! Those pencils are very fun. :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous. I did my first zipper the other day on an Ipad pouch. I'm not scared of them anymore!
ReplyDeleteSeveral plastic tubs for storing (hiding) fabric. Another plastic tub - we are talking large here - for all the "gunna" finishes. For the actual project I'm working on I have those A4 press stud wallets and I keep the pattern and the bits in there. When the item is made I reuse the wallet for the next project - luckily Officeworks sells them in packs of 3- then I can have 3 or 6 or 9 things on the go!!! Mind you me giving you organising tips is a bit like the blind leading the blind...
ReplyDeleteOnce I finish a project I put everything back in place before I start a new project. Otherwise my sewing area would be a disaster.
ReplyDeleteSeriously awesome pencil case, I definitely think I need to add this to my never-ending list of 'to do' projects. My go to organisational tool is my iphone calendar that links up to my outlook calendar - organising all of my work and play appointments and birthday reminders!
ReplyDeleteI love your fabrics, perfect for a pencil case. My organisational tip is to store like things together, near where you need them and lots of containers! Now if I could just get the kids to put things back where they got them from!.... :)
ReplyDeleteGreat pattern Kristy! I always think that organisation needs to be tackled pretty well constantly- a quick whip around at the end of the day, putting things away, helps immensely!
ReplyDeleteOoo I love those pencils! I wil definitely be making one of these penci cases! I have a tin that I (try) to keep pens in. I keep it in the kitchen so I know where I can always find a pen. Whether it is working or not is another story!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great pattern - thanks Kristy. I am pretty organised when it comes to most things - but not to my sewing stuff so I am looking forward to reading all the great ideas in this blog hop!
ReplyDeleteVery cute pattern! I wouldn't say I'm all that organised but I do have a nice recycled box I use to keep recycled cotton bud containers in. These containers have all my bits and pieces I need for sewing in them. Having them all in one box means that when I need to unpack and pack up my sewing machine to quilt I only have to pick up one thing and move it and then all my bits and pieces are within reach and easy to put away again when I'm done!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool pattern! I am not organised...other than keeping a calendar in the kitchen where I write down everything!
ReplyDeletelove the pencils i have a pen on a piece of string tied to the table where we have the phone so there is a pen when you need it other wise!!!!!!
ReplyDeletelove your pencil pouch!! I love the colors and fabrics you used. Thanks so much for the pattern!! I use a lot of bins and buckets to help organize and keep similar things together, like my pens and pencils in one bucket, my frequently used tools like scissors, seam ripper and gauge together. Having a designated place to put things is really helpful so you can put something away and be done instead of shuffling an item from here to there. You are a great story teller!! It sounds like you need to put a couple of bins and or buckets on the top of your frig and you will be golden!!
ReplyDeleteHaha, the top of our fridge has the rice cooker on it! That's what happens when bench space is at a premium and the fridge is belly button height ;)
ReplyDeleteLol, our fridge is the dumping ground for things we want to keep away from the kids too! Great tutorial.
ReplyDeleteMy children are taller than me me now so the top of the fridge is no good!
ReplyDeleteI love, love this pencil case - thanks!
Lovely pencil case, really inpiring. Thanks for sharing and the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteLove the pencil case. Awesome pattern and all your fabric choices are perfect. Was just saying to a friend that I find it hard to make things for her 9 yr old boy - but this would be perfect for his drawing kit. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love the pencil case and will definitely be making one. I have loads of different size pouches that I store a lot of sewing bits in, jam jars for pens and rotary cutters, baskets( thank goodness for Ikea) for all the bits of fabric and several sets of stacked plastic drawers to hold all my stash. My sewing room still looks like a bomb has hit it though!
ReplyDeleteFirst I like the pattern. I substitute your top fridge with top shelfs where the decorations used to be. not many tools in our house, I like all those storage bags and toy bins we got from Ikea. I like their storage ideas and I'm happy to get inspired with this blog hop.
ReplyDeleteI love your pattern. Thanks so much for sharing. The best organizational tool is having a husband who is obsessive compulsive. No, I won't share him. Thanks for the chance to win the gift certificate.
ReplyDeletebelieve me, you don't want any organisational tips from me! Chaos rules in this house too!
ReplyDeleteFirst, the pencil case is so cute. Second, I use a lot of baskets. And third, I have been ridding myself and our home of items we don't need or use or like anymore. It is very liberating and saves a huge amount of time because we are not always working/living around the stuff. GET RID OF THE CLUTTER! Yes, that's it.
ReplyDeleteI love being organized but, sadly, it rarely happens or stays! Lol! Great pencil case.
ReplyDeleteCute pencil case! I haven't tried any paper piecing yet, but am reading up on it and would like to give it a go when i have more time to sew. Thank you for the tutorial and patterns! Thank you for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThat is just so cute!! I've done a little paper piecing,not much. But haven't had any problems with it so far. Thanks for the giveaway....I find closets a great cleaner upper..lol. Just don't open that door!!!!!
ReplyDeleteFor me organization is all about lists! For sewing room organization I like clear plastic shoe boxes -- lots of them!
ReplyDeleteI love everything you wrote, from the good vs. bad lego war to placing items high and out of reach of the kids, good idea about the glue, my kids got ahold of some and put it on the couch. I will be making your pencil case, right now our coloring pencils are hiding and out of reach if the kids want one they can pick only one color at a time, otherwise I have a good vs. bad coloring pencil war going on.
ReplyDeleteHaha, a maid would be great! I'm trying to stay organised with a day planner and dedicating certain areas to specific things. After a while they always end up all over the place, though. I'm so much better at keeping a proper workplace in perfect order than my home but I am getting better at it. Guess the moving helped my sense of order.
ReplyDeleteSnickering over the great incidents as only people without kids can - mixture of "I still get away" and "dreading the day". ;)
I'm not the most organized person, never have been. One thing I do like to use to at least organized the patterns I have is to but them in see through plastic sleeves. I keep them all in the same place and that way I can sift through them to find what I need.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
This is so cute! I will have to try it. Thanks for the chance! My favorite tool is my baskets for fabric scraps- I separate them by color.
ReplyDeleteCute pencil case. I look forward to making one.
ReplyDeleteFor organizing fabric I like using stackable plastic bins - larger ones for fabric sorted by color or theme, middle size for particular project or class and smaller for precut scrap units like 2 1/2" squares.
thanks for sharing
Thanks for the chance to win the cute cute pencil case! I have two very important organizational things. 1) My calendar. I write linky dates, all appointments, workouts, and work schedules on the same calendar. I can't make an appointment without it.
ReplyDeleteI also love plastic pop together shelves with storage boxes with lids. If my bins are overflowing, I need to get stash busting ideas.
Adorable Pencil case! If I make one I'll have to put some really "girly" stuff on the outside so that my DH would never dream of opening it to hide my quilt markers and favorite gel pens (he is a major pen stealer!). I hide my sewing shears too.
ReplyDeleteI love baskets for quick cleanup and sometimes temporary sorted/storage/decoration and plastic bins for more permanent storage. Once things are sorted the best storage option is kind of fun to figure out, but I tend to get stuck in the midst of the sorting stage.
That's a great looking pencil holder! My granddaughter would love one for her crayons for in the car. hulseybg at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteGreat pencil case. Love it. I have a large calender that i can write on for appts, etc This really helps to keep me organised. Thanks for sharing and for the opportunity on the draw.
ReplyDeletebonnielarson58@gmail.com
I think it is too late for your sanity, that went a long time ago :)
ReplyDeleteLove your paper-pieced pencils, is there no end to your paper-piecing genius ??
My organisational tip - underbed storage boxes, they hide an awful lot of stuff!
Love the pencil case.....I'll try one once I'm home.
ReplyDeleteI stay organised with lists on a write on wipe off notice board.
I love your paper piecing projects!
ReplyDeleteUse a lot of baskets/totes/bins, etc....
Cute pencil pouch! I don't have children at home anymore, but I like to make sure everything has a place and I try to put everything where it belongs before I go to bed at night. This worked when the children were home too. Thanks for the pattern.
ReplyDeleteCute pencil pouch. I use baskets to organize patterns and wood boxes for my thread. I also use 3 ring binders and plastic sleeves to organize any patterns I tear out of magazines or print from the internet.
ReplyDeleteShawn
This is a super cute pencil pouch! I think I'm going to have to make one. Thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristy,
ReplyDeleteI really really like your pencil pattern. Thank you soooo much!!! I am downloading it right away and plan to make a block on Sunday....other WIP needs finishing first ;-)
Organizing? My way is not to let guests in the sewing room: yesterday someone said "wow, you DO need a cleaning lady" LOL
ipatchandquilt
Cute pencil case. As to organizing, I don't have any good suggestions except that I use white boards to quickly jot down ideas, patterns, shopping lists, etc.
ReplyDeleteLove the pencil pattern. I store a lot of my scraps in plastic shoe size boxes so I can see thru them.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really fun pencil case pattern.
ReplyDeleteSo the organization thing is really not my specialty. I try, but do not always succeed. Gallon zip-top bags come in handy for organizing my scraps by color and other quilty projects. I keep have a drawer of arts and craps (as my 2 year old nephew calls it) for my nephews to play with when they visit, everything they need stays in there with the lunch box of crayons sitting next to it.
I don't have a maid, but boy if I did, they would certainly be my favorite!
ReplyDeleteI have a yearly planner in which I keep track of events. I tried using my iPod, but the screen is so tiny and I have to click on each page to see what's there or scroll through long lists of dates. It's rather useless. So I'm back to good old fashioned paper.
ReplyDeleteYour pencil pouch is so pretty. In order to not let things get out of control I get rid of excess things throughout the year. I do have a scrap drawer that my scraps go into but lately that's getting out of control.
ReplyDeleteWell thank you!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite organization tool is a 6" square shallow ziploc/glad (either works) plastic container. I put it behind my sewing machine and it holds a small glass that I keep scissors, seam rippers and tweezers in, a little glass jam jar for a thread catcher, and a few spools of thread that I'm using for whatever project I'm doing. Keeps it all in one place and is less tempting of a toy for the kitties ;)
This is really a cute pouch for pencils!! I do try to store things in clear plastic bins, even shoe box size. It helps, but my sewing world is slowly taking over several rooms!
ReplyDeleteSusie
Super cool pattern, thank you! I have never sewn pouches, bags, etc., and really want to try my hand at it.
ReplyDeleteI only recently (as in last week!) had my DH set up a sewing area for me in the Study/man cave. It's great to be able to have my sewing stuff out but I have to keep it tidy because it's visible through the glass inset on the door leading from our main hallway. I bought a bunch of cheapie plastic baskets at the discount shop and I have one for the project I'm working on at the time--and only that project is out on the desk. My other WIPs are in baskets in my upstairs closet, and I have baskets for scraps, selvages, strings, etc. Before I had the desk set up I would have to take my stuff down whenever my college age daughter was home from school and wanted her room back. The baskets were perfect for that and I'm trying to stay as organized. That's easier said than done with teenagers around, but I'm trying!
Love the pencil case. We have a calendar on the fridge that helps keep me organized. My husband and I also have an app on the iphone where our calendars are linked so we can keep up with appointments that are not family related. Thank you for this opportunity :) Angela tx.angela.gibson@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteSince it's tax-time, one thing I try to do is keep up with filing--anything that can be deducted goes into a file as it arrives, then I pull it out and enter it all at once into the software.
ReplyDeleteI keep a trash can right where I open the mail. the mail seems to be where most of the trash in my house comes from!
ReplyDeleteReally love this pouch! With 3 teenagers who are very involved in sports and social activities, I use one of the large calendars where there is a column for each person in the house (as well as one for "bills") so I can write down events as they come up. And I have another calendar near the computer for me where I write down the craft projects and Bee blocks that I need to get done each month so I can cross them off as I go.
ReplyDeleteI have lots of bins and containers. At least like things are together. Thanks for participating in the hop.
ReplyDeleteThat's a fab design. My storage solution? Boxes, and more boxes, and I've found post-it notes that are sticky on the whole of the back, perfect for labels, unil I can get organised with chalkboard labels
ReplyDeleteA note book where I record things that I wouldn't otherwise be able to remember. Very sweet pattern. I'm going to make it when I find the time...
ReplyDeleteA calendar on my phone is what saves my day. When my husband or daughter are involved, I simply send them an email invite which automatically adds it to their calendar. Google calendar works like a dream!
ReplyDeleteLovely pencil case, and thanks for the giveaway too! I'd be lost without my phone, it has my calendar, shopping list, many other lists to do with quilting and sewing ideas, bookmarks for web pages, my email and not to mention the phone function! :o)
ReplyDeleteThat is so cute Kristy! What a great paper piecing idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great pencil case..thanks for sharing! My favorite tool for organizing is my Brother label maker...easy to find things when they are labeled!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice not to have to hide the sissors anymore. Of course my husband still says I hide them just cause he can't find them in the drawer where they are supposed to be. 3bakergirlsgo@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteLove the pencil pattern (and case)! And yes, a maid is the BEST organizational method (because I and others I know clean the house furiously before they arrive, so they don't see how we REALLY live). ;)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pencil case!I think baskets are one of the greatest organizational tools, particularly gorgeous baskets made from fabric.
ReplyDeletefeatheredneststudio [at] gmail [dot] com
I love your PP pencils; great design. I, too, used to be organized!! Now instead of blaming it on having children I blame it on growing older! lol I absolutely know that it's imperative to have a calendar and know that you have to fill it out and keep it updated. I've not used them but I've heard that some of the calendar apps are good and you can have notifications to keep you on your toes.
ReplyDeleteYour PP pencils are awesome!! To keep organized I use my cell phone note pad and calendar. At work I use the Microsoft Office sheduler. Thanks for the chance!!
ReplyDeleteI love pouches like these! It's the easiest (and safest way) to keep things organized with kids!
ReplyDeleteLove your paper piecing! So much fun for a pouch.
ReplyDeletehaha - you're so funny! I can totally relate to being organised once upon a time (though my goal for this year is to organise the entire house - I think it's now a reasonable goal to have since three of my children are now school aged! I think it will actually take me the entire year.). We have a few things on the top of our fridge too!
ReplyDeleteI love this project. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteI cannot live without my Outlook Calendar. I use the reminders ALL the time. It's great because I can set things coming up like a quilt along I want to check out, any family appointments, birthdays so they come up each year so I won't forget, even sometimes I set a reminder to tell me to get away from my computer or sewing room and go start supper. LOL Best of all, I have them color coded too so a quick glance tells me each day whether I have a giveaway I've entered that should have the winner posted that day, a family appt I may have forgotten about, what I am making for dinner that night or almost anything, with each group having thier own color on my outlook calendar. I would die if I didn't have that. Ok, maybe I wouldn't die, but I would certainly be lost. LOL
Adorable pencil case! MYKONOS love those cardboard magazine holders for desks. I found some in Target's dollar bin recently and they enabled me to finally clean up the homework/craft desk. Woot!
ReplyDeleteA calendar, diary & lots of to-do lists are the things that keep me on track. Thanks for the chance to win, your pouch is adorable!
ReplyDeleteMy kids are 22 and 20 and they are as messy as ever. I like nice looking baskets, boxes and tins that fit on the closet shelves or in drawers. Then there is always the zip-lock plastic bags.
ReplyDeleteYour pencil case is soooo Awesome!!! What a grrrrreat job!!
ReplyDeleteDont have a favorite organizational trick....wishin I did lol
My aha moment came when I heard overheard someone say "you can't organize clutter!" So, the first thing that has to be done is get rid of the clutter (however you define it). It made the whole process of getting organized so much easier.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tutorial and giveaway opportunity.
My favorite organizational tool is a planner from Franklin Planner that shows a week at a time. Since my obligations are not hourly, unlike the set-up of most planners, I appreciate that I can list things I hope to accomplish during the week, under categories I determine myself. There are daily boxes to note any appointments, etc., but it really functions as a weekly To Do list, and a record of what I've done. There's also a monthly calendar, so I can see what's up in a more macro way. Checking things off lists really motivates me, and this planner is set up in a way that makes so much sense to me. Sitting down at the beginning of the week and listing what must be done, what I hope to do, and then updating during the week helps me prioritize and--who am I kidding--simply remember what I should be doing.
ReplyDeletePerfect fabrics for a pencil case!
ReplyDeleteLove the case! Beautiful. Favorite organization tool = pencil+paper. Give me those two items and I'll whip out "to do" lists out the wazoo ;)
ReplyDeleteMy word another gorgeous pattern to add to my list. Organisation? Heck the whole house is in chaos right now, much of it is boxed and labelled in the loft!
ReplyDeleteLove your pencil case! I've been wanting to try paper piecing, so will have to add this project to my to-do list. My fav organising tool is definitely my diary - don't have to stress about remembering everything if I've written it down in my diary, I stay on top of things...mostly!
ReplyDeleteI love your fabric choices! The pencils look so colourful and fun:)
ReplyDeleteThat pencil case is fab. I got sick of sorting glue, textas, pencils, scissors into boxes so now they all live in one large box that comes out at homework and craft time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win. That is a beautiful case :) I have lists for organizing and baskets, baskets, baskets.
ReplyDeleteAdorable! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI need a pencil case... And a Lego case... And a car case.... And a child case. Oh I can't just put them in a case to contain their mess? Darn. But at least the first 3 will work I hope. I like the sound of a maid but I find the biggest help is don't sweat the small stuff. So the toys arn't sorted by style and colour, they usually arn't even by child but they still play with all of them no matter whose toy box they end up in.
ReplyDeleteI love planners! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteI love to use my day planner to keep my days organized. Cute pencil case!
ReplyDeleteI love paper piecing. Great pattern!
ReplyDeleteLOL - we keep dog toys and treats on top of the fridge. And yes, I too have had plenty of things fall on my head when I open up the freezer door. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the pencil case and that you know exactly what should be in that case. My must-have organizational tool is a teacher's planner book (can be found at any teacher's store). I just got used to thinking this way when I taught school that it is less work for my brain than anything else. There is plenty of room for various areas of my life and each day of the week.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite organizationl tool is me. Never let something cross my desk twice saves me tons of time.
ReplyDeletePutting a basket on top of the fridge saves things falling off.......ask me how I know ;-)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pencil case I love it... Never tried anything like piecing small shapes so looking forward to trying, thanks. I am loving reading everyone's tips for storage I intend making some little baskets to store essential sewing items in.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win! I love the fabric you used in the pencil case.
ReplyDeleteoh wow, thanks for the fab pattern! the way you describe your house, the disorganisation, is just like mine... except we have no kids! Nope, not my lego.. hubby's
ReplyDeleteThe top of your fridge sounds like the top of our microwave! The pencil case is gorgeous, love the fabric. I am notorious messy - the only thing that works is having frequent parties or friends round for dinner as it forces me to tidy!
ReplyDeleteFabulous pencil case! Your choice of fabric is great! thanks!
ReplyDeleteGreat tutorial! Can't wait to make one. And what's better than a little pencil case for keeping the smallest of things in perfect order?!? Nothing I say! :-)
ReplyDeleteReally beautiful pencil case
ReplyDeleteI really like the match of letters in side and colorfull pencils on top :)
Wow, that pencil case is inspiring. The things I find the hardest to keep even semi organized are kids toys. I got a bunch of clear plastic bins with lids for them. They stack on the shelves and the kid who doesn't read yet can still find what he wants (and where to put it away!). As long as there aren't toys everywhere the rest of the house actually isn't so bad.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite new organizing tool is my expedite bookcase in my sewing room. I bolted up nearly 400 fabrics on mini-bolts (not my whole stash but a start...lol!) and now I have these lovely, organized fabrics to pull from. That's step one...now I have the whole rest of the room to go! pbstrand@msn.com
ReplyDeleteThank you for this tutorial, love the pencils!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tutorial. As for organizing, I confess, I need help. but I find that if I invite friends or family over often, it compels me to keep the house clean! And I like big plastic tubs for storing (hiding?) toys and clutter.
ReplyDeleteBest organizing tool? I am not organized now, and I never was. Now with 3 kids, it's almost hopeless. With the 2 1/2 year old, we have an " incident" almost daily, if not more. It's 8am and we've already had a climbing on chair to reach mantle incident, and red marker to arms, and nearby surfaces incident. It's a good thing he's cute.
ReplyDeleteBest organizing tool? I am not organized now, and I never was. Now with 3 kids, it's almost hopeless. With the 2 1/2 year old, we have an " incident" almost daily, if not more. It's 8am and we've already had a climbing on chair to reach mantle incident, and red marker to arms, and nearby surfaces incident. It's a good thing he's cute.
ReplyDeleteSo not organized! But, I do use a calendar and if it were not for that I'd be continually double booked!
ReplyDeleteI have a lazy Susan type organizer on top of my sewing table. its jam packed with notions and tools for easy grabbing!
ReplyDeleteI have a lazy Susan type organizer on top of my sewing table. its jam packed with notions and tools for easy grabbing!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite organization tool is my online calendar. I never misplace it. It doesn't get hidden under something on my desk. It keeps me on track and helps me avoid double-booking. I can access it from any computer. Love, love, love it! -- soparkaveataoldotcom
ReplyDeleteMy favorite tool is my calendar. :) And lists. And notes. They are my memory!
ReplyDelete