Now that I have my Sweet 16 and have moved my Grace frame out of my workshop, I'm using the fantastic Ikea Raskog cart to store all the Handi Quilter accessories. I've kept to my system of Snapware containers to house all the small machine parts. In each section of the snap 'n stack I keep extra feet, bobbins, needles, the TOWA tension gauge, and cleaning tools. I have one for each sewing machine and I've labelled the outside with my P-touch so I don't get mixed up. My newest organizing idea is to store partially filled bobbins in small zip-top bags. I write the manufacturer and colour number of the thread on the outside so I can easily find the match. I initially used my label maker to add that info but the labels don't stick well to the bags so I switched to using a Sharpie instead. I find it easier to store the bobbins for the Sweet with the machine accessories rather than with the thread spools as I do for my other machine bobbins.
The snapware fits perfectly in the top basket of the Raskog and I have room for another in the future if needed. Right now I throw in my test sandwiches, current thread spools, and my Machingers quilting gloves when I'm done for the day. The second basket has the basket insert and I've got all my longarm rulers neatly organized in it.
The bottom basket is perfect for keeping my large snapware container of thread. I also have my laminated tension guide from Superior so I can quickly see which bobbin thread tension setting I should have. This storage system has worked out so well for me. I can have all the accessories I need right at my machine and just pull the cart next to me to grab what I want to use.
I am so excited to hear more about working with the Sweet 16. I am curious as to why you would switch from a long arm to a sit down. So many would love/prefer to have a long arm if they could. For me, I keep thinking a long arm would be so much easier. I will never have the money for one (nor the space right now), but I still dream. I enjoy fmq, but it is hard to do well.
Posted by: Karen | April 20, 2015 at 05:55 PM