In the crafting world, OCD is more likely to refer to “obsessive crafting disorder” than “obsessive compulsive disorder.” The more I talk to other crafters about their craft rooms and organization systems, the more apparent it becomes that we are not an orderly bunch. No quilter I know can keep her fabric sorted by color or yardage, and no knitter can find a place to stash her multiplying mountain of yarn. Every crafter could use some additional storage or a few helpful tools to make her crafting space a little easier to use, so today I put together a list of 13 products to help you organize your craft room. Some of them are storage containers or organizers, and others are tools that will make crafting easier and more convenient.
Storage Bins and Boxes
ArtBin Store-In-Drawer Cabinet: This drawer unit is perfect for storing small items like spools of thread, pins, stickers, markers, buttons, and other notions. Stack several of them to make a tower or mount it to the wall for easy access.
ArtBin Double Deep Super Satchel: There’s nothing better than storage that travels well. This versatile organizer has hard sides to make it stackable, but also features secure latches and a handle to make it portable. The container includes customizable dividers so you can easily organize the contents depending on what you need to tote or store. This organizer is ideal for crafting retreats, classes, or guild meetings.
JanetBasket Chocolate Swirl Large Aluminum Frame Basket: This basket is pretty enough to keep outside the closet, but easily collapses to hide away if you aren’t using it. Sturdy aluminum handles and a zipper pouch make this canvas basket ideal for traveling.
Basket Liner: Any crafty decorator knows that wicker baskets make stylish organizers, but wicker can be problematic for many crafting supplies. Loose splinters of wood can snag fabrics and yarns, while smaller crafting supplies can fall through the gaps in the weave. Convert existing wicker baskets to convenient storage containers using a pretty basket liner. This simple fabric liner has an elastic top with a drawstring so it can easily adapt to baskets that are slightly larger or smaller.
Cases and Cozies
Rotary Cutter C
ase: Although most rotary cutters come with retractable blades for safety, it’s still a smart idea to keep rotary cutters protected. Tuck your rotary cutter into this simple case so that you don’t accidentally cut anything with the bare blade. Keep extra blades in the attached plastic box.
Mesh Roll-Up Crochet Hook Case: Keep track of crochet hooks with a convenient roll-up case. Eight pockets help to organize crochet hooks by size, and one larger pocket fits scissors and other tools. A simple tie keeps the roll together when you aren’t using it.
Helpful Tools to Keep On Hand
Clip-On All-Purpose Light: Use this handy clip-on lamp if you don’t have adequate lighting in your crafting space. The bendable neck concentrates light on your project and the clip keeps the lamp in place while you work.
Visual Mate Magnifier Lamp: This tool goes one step further than the regular magnifying glass or lamp by combining the two in one handy device. Because this magnifying lamp plugs into a wall outlet, you never need to worry about the batteries running out. Keep it next to your craft table for whenever you need a close-up look.
Lite Tools Combo Pack: These battery-operated light tools are ideal for traveling. If you find that you need extra lighting for precise tasks like ripping seams or threading needles, keep a set of these tools on your craft table and toss another set into your bag when you craft outside your home. The set includes a separate needle threader, seam ripper, and snag fixer.
MagniView Magnifier: Even the simplest craft projects can required work with small details that are hard to see. Always have a magnifying glass handy to ease the frustration of detailed work.
Adhesive Lint Roller: A lint roller is the key to keeping your craft room clean and neat. You can use a lint roller to remove loose threads and lint from a finished sewing project or from fabrics that have been in storage. A lint roller can also be used to quickly clean small threads or scraps of paper from your craft table and chair.
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