Quilting

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Inspiration: Charly & Wilbur mini quilt

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Charly_Wilbur mini quilt inspirationI often hear there’s a g-l-u-t of quilting books on the market, like that’s a bad thing. The thinking, I imagine, is it’s all been covered. The basics have, yes, however each author brings their own perspective to the process. Lara Buccella, blogger at BuzzinBumble, and author of Crafted Applique: New Possibilities, shares a new way to approach applique. Crafted.

When you see Charly and Wilbur, wind in their ears on a romp in a red wagon, you are looking at an example of crafted applique. Lara made it as part of a swap with blogger Ruth Bourke. Her creation is inspiring.

Click the link to learn what Ruth has to say about the mug rug exchange and Lara’s book.

{Image credit: Sew Mama Sew}

Comments

  2. Hi Scarlett! This is very late, but I had not seen this post before and want to say thank you for your wonderful write up. It’s so kind of you to have posted about my book. You might like knowing the the Charly & Wilbur mini quilt just won best pet themed quilt in the Pets on Quilt Show at Lilypad Quilting this month. Ruth and I were tickled pink!

  3. Hi Lara. Thanks so much for stopping by Craft Gossip and for the kind words. After this post, I actually purchased your book. It’s within arms reach as I type. I love it. I have all the supplies gathered, ready to go. I’m normally a piecer so cannot wait to try your method of applique.–Warmly, Scarlett

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