Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

Free pattern: Traffic signs for little boys and much more

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Wow! You can download these boy friendly street sign patterns at Ottobre Design. Get the pattern for a chimpanzee, friendly robots coloring pages and a dog sewing card too. So worth a trip over there as they have girl friendly patterns too. Click HERE to see the index of free patterns.

Image credit: Ottobre Design

Ed. note 8/02/2012: I’ve gotten a few comments where readers are lamenting my labeling these street sign patterns as boy friendly, saying girls love them too. Sure, I’ll give you that some will at that age, but I’d say more boys will like them, as in poll results would show. Generalizations exist because there is some truth to them. I chose the wording because most of what’s in the blogosphere in the way of sewing for kids is very girl friendly. Cannot little boys have something of their own without being accused of excluding girls? I lament this double standard.

Ed. note 1/20/2013: The traffic signs download is no longer available. 

Comments

  1. Yes, there’s truth to generalizations, but that’s not a reason to reinforce gender stereotypes, even subtly. Why not simply present things like this without comment on who they’re “meant for” and let parents decide for themselves whether their child — boy or girl — would like them?

  2. I think people need to learn not to type everything they think. I appreciate you labeling it BOY as it is HARD to find BOY stuff and I am always google searching and find nothing. Why does everyone want to turn everything into some sort of prejudice.

    If you posted a girlie pink dress with lace no one would say a dam thing. Even though there are boys out there that like pink dresses with lace on it. I know a few. Bottom line is its still girlie.

  3. Exactly my point, had it been something girlie and I called that to everyone’s attention, nary a word would be uttered.
    Viva la difference + when there is cross-interest…that’s okay too!
    Scarlett

  4. Limitations are limitations, no matter how convenient they may make it to search for things. I vote for using descriptive words like “frilly” or “delicate” in place of “girly”. Words like “durable” or “simple” could often be used to describe things currently marketed to boys. “embellished” could apply to either gender.

    What does it matter to the tutorial if you’re appliqueing a gun or a flower? Let’s try thinking of our children as a collection of their interests as opposed to a collection of their anatomy.

Have you read?

Storage Solutions for Threads, Rulers and Quilting Notions (Without Turning Your Sewing Room Into Chaos)

If you’ve ever spent ten minutes looking for your seam ripper… only to find three of them later in the same drawer…

You are officially a quilter.

Notions multiply. Threads roll. Rulers slide behind furniture. And suddenly your “creative space” feels more like a scavenger hunt.

The good news? Organising quilting notions doesn’t require a studio makeover. It just requires a few smart systems.

Let’s talk practical storage — the kind that works for hobby quilters in real homes.

Why Notion Storage Actually Matters

Organisation isn’t about perfection.

It’s about:

  • Saving time
     • Protecting tools
     • Reducing frustration
     • Extending the life of your supplies

Bent rulers, dusty thread, dull rotary blades — these are often storage issues, not product failures.

A little structure keeps your tools working better for longer.

Thread Storage: Keep It Clean & Protected

Thread doesn’t love:

  • Dust
     • Direct sunlight
     • Extreme humidity

Over time, exposure can weaken fibres and fade colours.

Best thread storage options:

Clear plastic thread boxes
 Stackable containers
 Drawer inserts
 Wall racks (away from windows)

If you have a growing thread collection, separating neutrals from colours can make project prep faster.

Specialty quilting retailers like Fat Quarter Shop offer thread storage containers designed specifically to hold standard spool sizes, which prevents tipping and tangling.

Ruler Storage: Prevent Warping & Chipping

Quilting rulers are acrylic — and acrylic scratches and chips.

Avoid:

  • Stacking them loosely
     • Storing them near heat
     • Sliding them under heavy items

Better options:

Vertical ruler racks
 Wall-mounted holders
 Magazine-style file organisers
 Dedicated shelf slots

Keeping rulers upright prevents edge damage and keeps grid lines visible and readable.

Rotary Cutters & Scissors: Safety First

Blades should always be stored:

  • Closed
     • Covered
     • Away from fabric

Loose rotary cutters in drawers can dull quickly and become dangerous.

Consider:

Tool caddies
 Magnetic strips
 Dedicated sewing trays

Replace blades regularly and store extras in labelled containers.

Small Notions: The Drawer Trap

Pins. Clips. Seam rippers. Needle packs. Chalk.

These tiny tools disappear easily.

Solutions that actually work:

Clear divided containers
 Craft tackle boxes
 Small labelled bins
 Magnetic dishes for pins

If you constantly rebuy small tools, it’s usually a visibility problem — not a usage problem.

Batting Storage: Keep It Lofty

Batting compresses if stored tightly.

Avoid vacuum sealing unless long-term storage is necessary.

Better options:

Rolled storage
 Breathable bins
 Shelf stacking (not crushed)

Store away from moisture to prevent fibre damage.

Portable Storage for Hobby Quilters

If your sewing space doubles as a dining table or spare room, portability matters.

Rolling carts
 Stackable bins
 Handled totes
 Foldaway caddies

These allow you to set up and pack down without chaos.

You don’t need a dedicated sewing room to feel organised.

Label Everything (Future You Will Thank You)

Clear labelling:

  • Saves time
     • Prevents overbuying
     • Keeps projects moving

Simple adhesive labels or printed tags work beautifully.

When Storage Improves Quilting Results

Organisation isn’t just aesthetic.

It:

  • Reduces tool damage
     • Makes accurate tools easier to access
     • Encourages regular needle changes
     • Keeps thread dust-free

A tidy system often leads to smoother quilting sessions.

The Bottom Line for Hobby Quilters

You don’t need custom cabinetry.

Start with:

  • Clear thread storage
     • Upright ruler storage
     • Divided containers for small tools
     • A safe place for rotary cutters

Build slowly. Upgrade as your collection grows.

Quilting should feel calming — not cluttered.

This article is part of our Ultimate Guide to Quilting Notions for Hobby Quilters, where we focus on tools that improve your quilting experience without overwhelming you.

Next in the series:
 Lighting for Quilters: Reduce Eye Strain & Improve Accuracy