DIY Storage for Crafts and Hobbies

Those of us who sew often branch off into other hobbies because we love to create. Really, the only downside to having many interests is all the space craft and hobby supplies can take up. If you’re not organized you can waste A LOT of time digging through the craft closet to get to that one thing you need for a project. “I know that packet of handmade buttons I bought at that show two years ago is in here! Why can’t I find it???”

Over the years I’ve designed several patterns that provide storage and/or project portability. Some of them, such as the Ooh La La Bag, were created to fulfill a need I had myself, but I’ve also had suggestions from others, such as the idea that would become the Woolly, Woolly Bag, which turned out to be a big hit.

If you need to organize your hobby, find a place for all the arts and crafts supplies the kids have been using, or just want to get some spring cleaning done, here are some projects you can make yourself.

General Organization and Storage

You don’t need much fabric to make these storage buckets, boxes and bins. Either dig into your fabric stash or find some new fabric at our online store. Either way, choose the fabric you love that fits in with your home decor. No matter your hobby, these storage containers help you sort and keep track of your supplies.

Storage Solutions

Storage Solutions: Bucket Bags are a pretty and versatile alternative to boxes. The pattern includes three sizes that nest inside one another when not in use. I’m sure that won’t be problem, though!

Here’s a kit that includes pattern, fabric, and handles, if you want to jump right into making it without having to choose and cut fabric.

Organizer Duo

If you need a few more shapes to add some variety, or prefer to have storage that zips shut, Organizer Duo is for you. This set was first designed with travel in mind but they’re also very well-suited for sewing supplies and crafty things.

The organizer inserts allow you to separate and organize to your heart’s content, and did I mention they lift out?

Sofa Saddlebag

Throw your project over the arm of a couch or chair so it’s right there when you need it and out of the way when you don’t. Sofa Saddlebag is also handy for holding the TV remote!

Arts and Crafts

Organize a messy craft room!

Here are some ideas about how to organize a craft room. First on the list is to create an organizational system. Make mutliples of the patterns here as part of your storage system! Mix and match buckets and bins from Organizer Duo and Storage Solutions.

Sewing & Quilting

Use Organizer Duo or Storage Solution Bucket Bags to store fat quarters, notions, and more.

If you go to classes or retreats, this sewing machine tote lets you take your sewing machine and supplies with you in style.

My Monster Bag

If you want to take a quilt to show the girls at Quilt Guild, this is the bag for you. My Monster Bag is a huge tote that will fit a quilt, or a stack of fabric, or whatever you need. Several years ago a customer named Gina sent me a picture of her toddler grandson in the bag she made! Don’t worry, she took him out before she picked up the bag and he must surely be too big for it now.

Jewelry

Store and carry your jewelry in the Ooh La La Bag. It’s designed to keep your pieces from getting tangled when you travel but it also makes a great organizer at home.

Make and display handmade jewelry at craft fairs or other shows? A couple of these would be an alternative way to show a portion of your work within a larger display.

If you’re interested in making your own jewelry but don’t know where to start, here’s an article for beginning jewelry makers that talks about how to get started, how to stay organized, and how to keep your jewelry clean.

Knit and Crochet

You don’t want to cart your entire yarn collection and all your needles every time you take your knitting with you. Pack up what you need for your current project into an organizer bag that you can grab at a moment’s notice.

The Woolly, Woolly Bag is a knit-project bag that carries everything you need, one project at a time. What makes it awesome is that there’s a place for everything and nothing gets tangled, because wool dividers are incorporated into the bag and there are plenty of pockets to hold needles, patterns, or whatever else you need. Even if you’re knitting or crocheting at home, you can keep your project in Woolly, Woolly so you’re not constantly having to put it away and take it out.

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Hobbies can be messy and a lot of organizer containers are ugly. Make your own organizers with fabric you choose yourself and enjoy a space that’s pleasant and attractive.