Karen is the winner of the planner! Thank you everyone for playing. I so enjoyed reading the organizational tips! I hope to employ several going forward in the New Year. π
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I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! It’s been quiet around here. I’m working on a second book so I’ve been terribly busy behind the scenes. I’ll be finishing up this week and I very much looking forward to getting back to a balanced work life.
As you can imagine, my devotion to nothing else but book writing, coupled with the season, is urging me to ORGANIZE.
Soon.
Soon.
Speaking of getting organized, I’ve got a present for one of you. (Actually I have 3 presents to hand out, such is the backlog of blogs, but we will do 1 present for today.)
Are you familiar with the Quilter’s Planner? The planner is created by Stephanie Palmer of Late Night Quilter. I had the pleasure of meeting Stephanie while filming my episode of Quilt It! for QNNtv. She’s such a lovely girl!
She sent me 2 planners, one for me and one for you. And a planner is just what I need. Each week has a quilt pattern. (I love the pattern for this week!)
And there are places to make quilty to do lists, personal to do lists, and work to do lists. Very helpful for the quilter moonlighting as an average person.
Amy says
Thanks for the chance to win the planner – what a great way to separate and plan goals for each area of importance in your life. I like to have basic steps to complete each day so I don't get overwhelmed with the big picture on everything.
Barbara Ensor says
Zip lock gallon and two gallon size bags are my best organizational tool and tip.
Grandma says
I need this planner! I am organized in the first steps of buying the fabric and any tools I need and then place all together. After that I get paralyzed with the cutting.
My tip that helps me is the placing of all fabric, thread, loaded bobbins, pattern and tools together.
[email protected]
Dana says
I would love this planner. My tip is to use clear plastic storage boxes to reserve fabric for specific projects so you don't accidentally use it somewhere else!
Kate E. says
Oh! I'd love to have a planner specifically focusing on quilting. I have so many WIPs that sometimes I get overwhelmed with what to do. I'd like to have 2016 be the year where I actually finish some quilts!
Michele Jones says
I would love this. My organizational tip is to use the 12×12 scrapbook containers to out your blocks in and store them.
kimberlier says
Congrats on your second book! That's awesome! I don't really have any organizational tips because I'm naturally disorganized! That's why I hope to win this planner. Thanks for the chance to win!
Renee says
My best organizing tip is to read Marie Kondo's book!
Renee says
My best organizing tip is to read Marie Kondo's book!
Allie and Me design says
I would love to win this great organizer β€οΈ Thank you for this chance!
actually I'm only writing a "To Sew List" and cross out things I've finished…
so I realy need this! *lol*
Dearest greetings, Gesine
kathy says
I would love to win this planner.Thank you for a chance to win. Normally I use a generic planner to keep all of my information in one spot. Then I keep a journal with ideas and projects. It would be great to have it all in one place.
Melissa Lavin says
Thanks for the chance to win- been eyeing this for a while! My best organization tip is get rid of stuff you dont use. Seems simple- but really the less clutter you have the less you have to organize!
Heather says
I asked for this for Christmas but didn't get it. π my latest organizational suggestion is that I've been using wonder clips to keep my pieces organized. I clip groups of ten or pieces that go together. They are a great tool!
Cara says
My organizational tip: The book "Getting Things Done," by David Allen. Changed my life.
Excited about the giveaway! Thank you!
Cara says
My organizational tip: The book "Getting Things Done," by David Allen. Changed my life.
Excited about the giveaway! Thank you!
Shelly says
Wow, this planner would help me organize myself with all the quilting I've been promising my family!! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Briawna says
My best quilting organizational tip is clear project boxes. I use them for each quilt I'm making and list the fabrics and pattern on the outside. I can work on multiple projects at once and not lose pieces. I also wrap backing fabrics around a comic book board and label it with the quilt I want to use it for. I'd love to win this planner and get my sewing life more organized. Thanks for the chance to win!
Lee Ann L. says
I would love to try this planner. Thank you for a chance to win!
Unknown says
I've been trying to only buy things I really need and not want to reduce clutter. I also try and spend 5 min a day in each room picking up/ cleaning to keep it organized.
The planer would be so awesome to win!!!
Suzanne Daniels says
I have seen these popping up all over Instagram and have been intrigued by them. I am woefully disorganised, I finally got all my fabric put into boxes organised by color, but everytime I go to sew, it feels like I am constantly looking for something π
Jo-Anne says
I've been reading a lot about bullet journaling lately. I've been admiring this planner for ages!
Cassandra says
Thanks for the chance to win! My tip is more about getting things done than organization…. Never stand staring at the kettle waiting for it to boil. Use those few minutes to stack the dishwasher, wipe the benches, put clean dishes away or sort the mail. Make it a habit, you will be surprised how much you can actually get done!
Jennifer Lowe says
Thank you for the awesome giveaway! My tip is to put "to do" items right on your calendar if they are time sensitive, rather than making a giant list of everything jumbled together or hoping you can remember it all. Check your calendar first thing in the morning and you have your plan for the day!
Shayna says
Does a non quilting tip count? I have little baskets from the dollar store in the basement where I do laundry. One each for socks and underwear for my husband and I and one combo basket for my toddler. Makes it so much easier to pop little things in as you go and sort at the end rather than rewashing socks that hit the unfinished basement floor over again!
Caroline Mounier-Vehier Frey says
New country new home new routine! Merci'
Lori says
Hmmm … an organizational tip, I am trying to downsize all of the families "things" even my sewing area! With all of the new toys our little guy got this Christmas I am feeling a little squished in my home and I don't function well that way. So we are getting rid of things we don't use and need and maybe that will help us all feel a little less claustrophobic. π By the way, this planner looks amazing!
Sara Walker says
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! My organizational tip is: oh please I need this planner, I am the most disorganized person ever!
Steven and Ginger says
I store my boys scouting cards with their merit badges in a binder in baseball card plastic pages, then when I am ready to sew on badges I grab the binder and everything is right there. This quilty planner looks very fun!
Andrea York says
This looks like an awesome planner-just what I need to get those UFO's done. Hmmm an organizational tip….I have most fabric organized by collection. I keep an index card with each collection items listed on the card. Helps me know what I have so far for each planned project.
Marci Girl says
I use the app Do! On my phone for my daily to do lists, it is easy and works pretty well though I'd love to win a planner!
Kate E. says
Oh! I'd love to have a planner specifically focusing on quilting. I have so many WIPs that sometimes I get overwhelmed with what to do. I'd like to have 2016 be the year where I actually finish some quilts!
Karen N says
I don't really have any tips. I'm in need of them myself! I guess I just force myself to finish the last project before beginning another one. It feels so much better to have something completed.
Andee Andriole says
I use a planner for work maybe this will keep me on track from a quilting perspective.
Slice of Pi says
I'd love to win this to send to a friend! I started "spring cleaning" this morning! I decided to follow three rules: do I use it, do I love it, do I need it. If the answer is no to any of those, then it's getting donated. I'm not even wasting time trying to sell. Purge, purge, purge! π
Bec says
For each swap I'm in, I store everything for it in a clear scrapbook case, including a printout of the email from my swap mama. That way, when it's time to put my parcel together all my extras are with my main items. I also make lists, lots of lists. I would love this planner. Thanks for the chance.
Karin says
I used all my Amazon boxes to sort my WIPs. Now they are separate instead of heaped together on my card table.
Bobbi D. says
I have clear little boxes for my ongoing projects. Any box will do, so if my clear ones are being used, then a regular one is good too. I really want to make some of those clear vinyl pouches soon. Thanks for the chance.
Kelly Elliott says
Thank you both Rebecca and Stephanie just what we all need at the beginning of the year. My favourite organising tip for our WIPs is actually reuse the packaging for pillow slips and sheets because they are clear and usually have a card you can turn over and label I can see what project I want with the satisfaction of not adding to waste. Happy New Year for you and your family.
Kathryn says
I try to remember that when I buy fabric for a quilt, to put either the pattern or my notes on a self-made design in with it so that all is ready to go.
Gail Sherron says
Oh I love this planner! May need to buy me one. My favorite tip is to set aside 10 minutes each day (when possible) to soothe your soul! Makes a difference for me!
Erin Barry says
That would be so lovely – thanks for the opportunity!! My latest organisational tip that I have taken on board has been 'touch it once'- if you see something you can file, action, do and can do it then and there, just do it. Action that 2 minute email, rather than opening it, reading it and saying I'll action it later. Eliminate some of the double handling! π
Sharni Crossett says
I just need this in my life!! Enough said!!
Karen Caves says
I would love to win a copy of this planner. At this point, we have one family planner by the month on the fridge, that just keeps me updated on our family obligations. I would be great to get more goal oriented with a personal planner.
Spetzie at att dot net
greeneggs says
This looks like a great planner. I don't have a lot of organisational tips. I guess keeping lists is the thing I find works most consistently for me.
Brooke @ little b quilts says
Oh my goodness…I totally want that planner!!! If I don't win I might have to use some Christmas money ? I am all about storage baskets/fabric boxes for grouping things in my sewing room and the rest of the house
Hilary says
What an awesome looking planner! I need this in my life now that I have a billion things to plan and do lol
Lisa Stacey says
I would love a planner! I am in serious need of organising my life and this is going to be my year! staceysrus at hotmail dot com
Crickets Corner says
My best tip is that if you use something to take the two seconds and put it back when you are done with it. That way it's always where it should be and you save time looking for it the next time you need it. It also keeps clutter to a minimum. Thanks for the giveaway! Rina
Rochelle aka Bella Quilts says
Such a nice giveaway. I'm not an organizer but here is one thing that helps when I select fabric for a project. I bag it and the pattern (and if I'm really good, the backing and binding) together so that I have it all. I also measure larger scraps of batting, write the measurements down on a piece of paper and staple it to the piece of batting. Lastly, I tie up folded binding with a piece of selvage and include a slip of paper that says how long it is.
Heidi Staples says
Such a genius planner!!
farah says
I would love to win this! My best organizational tool is my label maker!
Pam Clark says
Thank you for the chance to win this awesome planner. Its just perfect. I made a sewing mat that goes under your sewing machine with pockets all across the bottom for storage. Man, its awesome. All your sewing tools right in front of you with easy access. I free motion quilted it also so its something you can personalize or give as a gift to anyone that sews.
CathyK says
What a fantastic planner! Thank you for the chance to win this gem.
Vicki H says
I like to use clear plastic shoe boxes so I can see what I have.
GranChris says
Organization, well I love clear plastic boxes and baskets. When my kids were young they each had a laundry basket at the bottom of the stairs with their name on it. In went their junk. I take that approach to everything in my house.
Sherry Walley says
I think this planner is great. Thank you for the chance to win it.
alicuz quilts says
I am a list writer. A planner just for quilting would simplify my life by keepin all quilts notes and lists in one place. Thanks for the chance.
Sarah@123quilt says
Thanks for the chance to win! I desperately need some good organizing tips. I usually just make lots and lots of lists. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.
Donna W says
This planner looks fantastic! For patterns, books and notions, I have spreadsheets so that I know what I have. One for books, one for patterns, and one for notions – especially rulers.
Jenn says
Would love to have the planner… I am going to be a grandma this year and want to get the baby quilt finished before the baby arrives. A planner might help make that happen.
Sue says
I would love to win this planner. I am a list maker from way back and this looks right up my alley.
Swedish Scrapper says
This planner looks so well thought out! I'd love to win a copy. I need all the help I can get, eh? I'm international, but would be happy to pay shipping if my name comes out of the hat!
Michelle says
I am so excited about this planner! I'm a list girl. I make them. I check things off. I add things to the next list if they didn't get done. Writing things down helps cement them in my brain, especially at 3 am when I wake up telling myself to remember to do something tomorrow.
MoniqueB says
I had hoped to get a planner for xmas but it was not to be. Maybe this time it will be kismet. I have recently begun using the Command Clear Wire Utensil hooks to hang my scissors and small rulers and templates on the wall where I can easily see them.
Allison CB says
Awesome planner! I love zip loc bags for storing fabrics!
Nancy says
I added a command clip to my sewing machine so i can always find my scissors. Thanks for a chance to organize my life.
Peaches1003 says
I'd love to win this. My best organisational tip is to make a list (see, I need a planner) else I just forget stuff. Oh and I always make the school lunches the night before. Everything seems to go wrong if I don't
Mary Ann says
I framed a piece of fabric in a thrift store frame behind glass. It hangs in our kitchen as a pretty dry erase board. Sometimes we use it for meal planning or to do lists. Other times just nice notes to each other. An organization tip that includes fabric almost deserves bonus points right? π
krislovesfabric says
I would love to win this and try to blog more consistently through it's organization. I have discovered that I am much more likely to grab a WIP and work on it if I package it as a to-go bundle in a zip bag or a plastic container.
Mary Ann says
I framed a piece of fabric in a thrift store frame behind glass. It hangs in our kitchen as a pretty dry erase board. Sometimes we use it for meal planning or to do lists. Other times just nice notes to each other. An organization tip that includes fabric almost deserves bonus points right? π
trudys_person says
Thank you for the great giveaway! I keep my thread in fishing tackle boxes. The ones I have are tall enough to accommodated Aurifil spools, and have movable dividers. The thread is in rainbow order, and is easy to see.
Linda Fleming says
I've just borrowed the book "the life-changing magic of tidying up" by Marie Kondo from the local library – I don't think she has a chapter on organizing quilting supplies though!
Elsa says
I sure could use a planner ~ I'm not the most organized person and something like this would help.
Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Jen Beatty says
When I buy precuts, I always buy coordinating fabric for the binding. After I get home I wrap the two together so no misplacing the binding.
Gill says
Great giveaway – is this open to internationals???
joolz says
OMG!!!! Pick me! Pick me!!!!! (with the requisite throwing of hands in the air, jumping up and down and shrieking!
[email protected]
joolz says
Oh, my tip….. I'm pretty disciplined when I quilt as my whole condo is only 535 square feet. So… I don't have a lot of room for UFO's. I make sure I finish the top and back, all squared up and ready to go, make the binding and also the label before I move on to my next project. Doesn't always happen, but by doing this I have a lot less UFO's
[email protected]
Michelle K. says
I use an old train case that I found in an antique store to hold all of my tools. Everything in 1 easy to transport case!
cjmont says
my tip is to make your binding when you finish cutting the pieces. so many quilts sit around waiting for binding. thanks for the giveaway.
Debbie Darlington says
I've enjoyed reading everyone's hints/tips! Who knew entering a give-a-away could be so educational?
Alison Bradley says
What a great giveaway! My tip would be to set large goals and smaller goals for how to get there. Whenever I only do big goals, I get too overwhelmed. I love being able to check off smaller goals, which eventually help me get where I want to go. Happy quilting everyone!
alison (dot) louise (at) gmail (dot) com
Alison Bradley says
What a great giveaway! My tip would be to set large goals and smaller goals for how to get there. Whenever I only do big goals, I get too overwhelmed. I love being able to check off smaller goals, which eventually help me get where I want to go. Happy quilting everyone!
alison (dot) louise (at) gmail (dot) com
Janie says
I need a planner! I like the layout. My organization tip. Make it a new years resolution to finish up the UFO's. I finished up my last years UFO's in April very exciting beings I had 9 quilt tops to finish! Thank you for the giveaway.
Texas Quilting Gal says
I've been eyeing this cool planner! I'm not a great organizer which is why I want this planner. But I did put up a small white board in my room to keep track of projects & deadlines.
Judy H says
Bullet journaling and breaking down projects into steps.
julie rhoads says
i LOVE planners and this would be the perfect addition! As for organizing, I've been eyeing the wide drawers from ikea to lay pieced blocks in to prevent warping. Just a tip!