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Member since 7/23/07
Posts: 7276
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Posted on: 7/25/09 10:59 AM ET
I am still tidying up my house. *sigh* I did stop and do some sewing yesterday, as the point of this exercise was to have a usable sewing room, but I get stuck on small things.

My kitchen table is now somewhat visible, but as it is my laptop "station" it gets crowded with computer stuff that I can't seem ot organize well enough to suit me. I have my computer, camera, ipod, mp3 player (need 2 for various reasons) etc. all here with their various cords that plug in either to the wall or to the computer or both.

The laptop case sits usually on the floor or sometimes gets its own chair and, when I am not using them, the cords sometimes go into it. Then when I take photos of sewing projects for example, I have to haul out all the cords, paw through them and find the one I want. The ipod being white helps some, but I do have speakers that also use white, so they can get tangled, too. It is like sorting Christmas lights only more frustrating!

Any ideas or tips? I am thinking one of those desktop organizers this might work?
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http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
  
Member since 10/27/05
Posts: 5976
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Posted on: 7/25/09 11:25 AM ET
In reply to tourist
You could color code the cords to match the units. Use different colored tape. When finished, tie wrap and throw them all in the same box.

  
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 10072
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Posted on: 7/25/09 11:35 AM ET
In reply to tourist
I use a label maker to mark the cords.

I have many that I do not use, and put those in their own baggy and then into a storage/craft cart drawer. My favorite cart has drawers that are removable cases.

This is the one I have.

To keep the cords tidy while in use, I use Velcro straps - many electronic products already have a similar strap.

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OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 6/24/07
Posts: 4408
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Posted on: 7/25/09 3:24 PM ET
I like the idea of velcro straps - thanks, its set me thinking along sewing project lines. My current low tech solution to umpteen cords and where they go is having them labelled with a letter which matches the letter next to the socket they go in - (otherwise I get in a mess every time I have to unplug the broadband box because of a storm), and clothes pegs to hold them on or near the gadget they belong with when unplugged. Now I'm definitely going to notch this up with a velcro-tidy.
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http://patternpandemonium.wordpress.com/
  
Member since 11/26/06
Posts: 2701
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Posted on: 7/25/09 5:06 PM ET
I know what you mean. They are EVERYWHERE! I've been using twist ties to control the excess cords...like some charger cords don't need to be unwound much at all to be used but I like the velcro idea, too. I have a cute hinged box that I store all of the cords, camera batteries, chargers, etc. in that I keep on our kitchen desk. Much more pleasant than the birds nest of wires I was quickly developing (AND I know where to find them all now, too)!

Eve
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People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it - Chinese proverb
  
Member since 1/1/06
Posts: 1409
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Posted on: 7/25/09 5:49 PM ET
For things which plug into the mains, I stick a white sticker on the plug which says in small writing what it powers. This is handy if its always plugged in as you can see which item is which without tracing the cables - mine say thing like TV, DVD, Sky (satellite TV) or Sewing Machine, desk lamp, overlocker.
On cables which go between the item and the PC I put a label around the cable and stick it back to itself these say things like camera, sat nav etc.
I have had a few people laugh, but I know what the cables are for so stuff them!!
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Sewing in Nottingham, England
http://ruthieksews1.blogspot.com/
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Member since 7/23/07
Posts: 7276
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Posted on: 7/25/09 6:35 PM ET
In reply to RuthieSews
Ok - here is my quickie solution for the ones that go from device to computer. There are more, but this is a start.

The cup was a gift from some special yoga students and so nice to have it out all the time now. This is a perfect use for tiny bits of favourite fabrics. The green print is just a tube and it actually works almost as well as the velcro ones.

Ruthie - I will have to use your suggestion for stickers as I now have 3 sm's and 2 sergers all plugged in to a power strip. I'll also label the foot pedals for them because I'm always switching machines then wondering why they won't go :D

Here and here


ETA - I couldn't find the cord to attach the camera to the computer. It was one of the ones wrapped up and put away! Irony, or what? It is now put away properly again.
-- Edited on 7/25/09 6:42 PM --
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http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
  
Member since 4/23/02
Posts: 2678
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Posted on: 7/25/09 7:18 PM ET
Have you seen theseez cables

let me know what you think these are great..
  
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