Something else I learned teaching second grade:
ORGANIZE MATERIALS BY TASK, NOT BY CATEGORY OF SUPPLIES.
In lower elementary grades, many teachers utilize learning stations. Small groups of students move from station to station and complete a task independently while the teacher works with small groups. A helpful resource book said that supply containers should be labelled with verbs, not nouns; and should be placed for ease of access. I spent a week one summer completely reorganizing my supplies/materials into "verbs" scattered strategically around the room. It worked-- and cut down on interruptions and traffic jams!
With my return to sewing in the past few weeks, I need to replenish sewing supplies and reorganize my storage spaces. I will have wicker baskets labelled with verbs like: drafting, fitting, cutting, machine sewing , handsewing, embroidery, ironing, research, journaling. I will need duplicates of some supplies like pins or scissors, but I know I will gain time for completing a task instead of gathering and putting away supplies.
Example: Under one end of the guestroom bed is "Cutting". My folding cutting board, table leg extenders, cutting mat, and large measuring tools slide under the bed. A sweater box has fabrics ready to be cut out. I also have a lidded box under there with my good cutting scissors, pattern weights, quilting pens, disappearing ink pen, and any other new cutting gadgets I can't live without. By the back door is a lovely old picnic basket for new fabrics arriving by UPS to wait for prewashing.
Just like at school, I can grab a basket and head to the correct work surface to complete a task. |
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I've done this with my cutting and hand sewing supplies. I'd done it without making a conscious decision. I'm glad you pointed it out- your theory makes a lot of sense!
4/21/05 4:59 PM
I do this too, but you just made me realize that I need to set up a box for handsewing!
4/21/05 7:33 PM
Thank you! Just what I needed! I've been re-organizing, and this is going to work beautifully! Will save me a lot of steps. Why didn't I think of it?
5/10/05 2:31 AM
i've found for me that i need see through containers so i don't forget about some of the supplies i have. additionally i group my supplies separately from my tools. then it's easier for me to restock something i'm getting low on. that's interesting about labeling with verbs. makes such good sense. i'm going to do that.
5/13/05 10:08 PM
Brilliant! With your permission, I'm going to suggest this tip to members of my "Organization 101" sewing list. Thank you so much.
5/25/05 7:49 AM
I find that simply dropping or throwing everything where ever it may land, be it floor, table, or my body, and then vacuuming it all up when you're finished, saves a ton of time over organizing.
10/17/06 4:24 PM
I am reorganizing my studio and I will consider this as I put things away and design new spaces. I think it's a good concept. Thanks.
9/9/07 0:54 AM