• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

little acorn creations

  • Notebook
    • Swatch Project
  • Shop
  • Cart

Thoughts on my supply & tool organization

03 June 2022

My studio is a feline friendly space so I need to keep it tidy. That task is easier when I also keep it organized. The system evolves as my work and priorities shift. Today’s post shares a few thoughts about my system.

Why organize?

In addition to helping me safely share my life with a cat or two, keeping my supplies and tools organized helps me find things when I need them. I don’t want to spend hours hunting down a tool, I’d rather spend my time creating.

It’s a challenge to find the right organization system. I know myself–if it’s too detailed, I will resist using it. If things are squirreled away in unmarked bins, I’ll forget they exist. Further, while I like a consistent look to my space, I need to be wary of it looking too perfect. In that case I’ll be hesitant to use it for the irrational fear of messing it up.

What is my system?

My system depends on multiple factors including the size of what I need to store, space available, and how often I plan to use it. No, this is not a wishy-washy response. The system needs to be one that I’ll use without putting thought into it, and still allow for flexibility as those requirements change.

Most of my supplies and tools are kept together by general category; like is grouped with like. In general, that means by the type of tool, for example crochet hooks are stored together. But it can also mean by general purpose, or by brand. My crochet hooks and interchangeable knitting needle tips each have their own compartmentalized container and are sorted by size.

Yarn takes up most of my storage space. I still use the Expedit units I bought when we moved nearly 13 years ago. The specifics of how I group the yarn in each section often shifts. Right now, the bins hold items that are similar yarn weights (such as fingering/sock), materials (cotton/blends), or are design support. Some days I fantasize about storing by color family, but I’ve not made that change yet.

Label everything

It’s important however to label everything. It doesn’t need to be perfect! I now like to use washi tape or sticky notes held in place with washi tape. They’re easier to remove than a folder label.

If I don’t know what’s in a box, I’m more likely to ignore it. This also lets me rearrange boxes and not have to take time to verify if the top right box holds scissors or sewing thread.

When do I change my system?

I know to change my organization system when I stop using it. A few months ago, the need to change my system for crochet hooks and knitting needles storage became clear when I dumped a chaotic mess of circular needles and interchangeable cables into a larger “miscellaneous” bin because I ran out of space. Shortly thereafter, a wooden chest of drawers was added to my bookshelf.

The key is to be flexible and adapt when things aren’t working. For years I struggled with this part, I wanted to set it once and it would work forever.

Simply accepting that the system needs to evolve is what has reduced friction and created a more organized studio. My skills, tools, and projects change and evolve, it makes sense that my organization system may occasionally need adjusting.


I hope these basics tips and the photo gallery below helps to inspire you.

If you would like to discuss your supply and tool organization needs, please contact me. I’d love to work with you to discover a system that helps you work best with your space, supplies, and tools.

Two shelves, the top shows labeled containers with crochet hooks or knitting needles, with a container behind holding larger straight needles, and a jar with yarn scraps. Below is a wooden chest of drawers labeled with washi tape:"notions, scale", "chiaogoo", "hiya", "crochet", "3.75mm". There are some books partially visible in the image
small tool storage, knitting & crochet
two open white boxes on a rug. They are each full of different size balls of fingering weight yarns. In one they are all shades of greens, the other is for purple. There is a small bit of green washi tape on the box with green yarn.
technically a project, storing yarns by color
Labeled expedit bins with reflection of bookshelf.
expedit bins
white boxes on a wooden shelf labeled with washi tape for various supplies or tools. Labels read: "mask supplies/18" doll clothes", "Cut, mark, rip & turn", "spin a rainbow", "sewing thread & bobbins". There is a wooden shuttle laying across the top two boxes, and spools of sewing thread are next to them. This shelf is above a sewing machine and iron.
small tool storage, mostly sewing
a jar filled with pearl 8 cotton, 3 cones of wool yarn, and a container holding vintage straight knitting needles
Cones of yarn, long straight needles, pearl 8 cotton
a plastic bin with mutiple balls of yarn. They are all different colors. Some are about baseball size, some are smaller than a ball)
also technically a project, storing scraps of fingering weights.
Click on an image to open it in a new tab.

This is a 2022 update and consolidation of posts written in 2014.

Filed Under: tips Leave a Comment

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Footer

  • about
  • Statement
  • services
  • Terms & Conditions
  • errata
  • contact

© 2009–2023 little acorn creations