After finishing a top for Fabric Cafe I have to skip sewing for a bit. I need my brain to switch gears and decide what I will do next, as well as cleaning my machine and doing a bit of general cleaning and organizing.

Ironing Board

My hubby made a 24″ x 52″ rectangle ironing board that sits on top of a wire shelving unit. I have it loosely covered with a sheet and some muslin which protects the board itself. I can then just throw the muslin and sheet in the washing machine every once in a while.

I frequently use Mary Ellen’s Best Spray. I found that no matter h ow carefully I use it, there can be over spray on anything on the ironing board and sometimes on the wall behind it. I had hubby mount a cheap curtain rod behind my ironing board and I hang a folded sheet which serves two purposes. One, it protects the wall from any accidental spray. And two, it prevents anything from falling behind the ironing board. Since the board is on shelves it would be hard to recover anything that fell behind. .

Another benefit of the hanging sheet & curtain rod is that it comes in handy to hold things.  I have some scissors hanging behind an old name tag.  It is also a good place to clip or pin a pattern.

Cutting Table

Every so often I’ll wash my cutting mat. I have a spray bottle of 1/2 white vinegar & 1/2 cool water. After it sits for a while  I’ll use a microfiber cloth and wipe it down.

If you Google washing your cutting mat, there are several recommendations that suggest giving your mat a bath with cool water and vinegar and possibly adding a little dish soap. I haven’t done that, but if you do make sure you dry it flat and out of the sun to prevent warping.

Sewing Machine

I’ve read that it is recommended to clean/oil your sewing machine after 8 hours of sewing. I find it hard to keep track of the actual hours I’m stitching as often my time also includes cutting & ironing.

My machine has an extra large bobbin.  Generally I do a cleaning/oiling after each bobbin is empty. But after sewing one or two tops for Fabric Cafe I also do a general cleaning.

My cleaning routine includes wiping my machine & table to capture all the loose threads that accumulated. Then I may change the needle. After removing the bobbin & needle plate I use a disposable mascara wand to fish out all the lint it can reach from both the top and bottom areas. Following my machine’s instructions I will oil the bobbin track. If needed I will wind a few bobbins with the thread I usually use to piece. Everything is returned to normal & if I have a specific project to start on I’ll add the thread, bobbin & needle which is needed.

Sewing Tools

Rotary Cutters – I have several of these in different sizes. If needed, I’ll change one or more blades. But this time I just removed the blade & cleaned the lint underneath. After I’m done I returned the blade and I will usually add a drop of sewing machine oil behind it. The gray cutter has recent old blade & is used for paper/cardboard.

Rulers – All rulers were replaced in their appropriate stand.

Iron – Especially if I’ve done some applique, I will clean the sole of the iron. This time just a bit of wipe down with a damp cloth.

Miscellaneous – Pins & Clips are returned to their respective locations. Markers & pencils are collected. Thread Catchers are emptied. General straightening & dusting on a few small tables.

Fabric Piles and Scraps

I haven’t mastered a method of organizing my scraps and, yes, I have a lot! But this wasn’t the week to tackle that. I just took the smaller scraps & put in a box.

I reviewed the yardage I had next to the cutting table. I re-shelved some and identified some I wanted to keep out.

Because of Carol’s Christmas in July I did a bit of “shopping” my stash & auditioning Christmas Fabric. I’m looking for a gold for the bells.

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UFO Projects Review

Now I’m ready to think – “What’s Next?” Maybe it will be ironing/cutting the backing & binding for my latest Quilt of Valor? There are several small projects crying out to finish. But I think quilting a quilt for a neighbor child that was supposed to be for last Christmas but looking like it could be for his September birthday will be under my needle next.

Some of my UFOs: (left to right) dinosaur quilt to be quilted/labeled/ bound; backing needing to be cut for QOV; Toweling; three quilts needing labels & binding.

I’m not sure if my room got cleaned or totally messed up! But it’s a Work in Progress and I’m ready to do some sewing!

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Hope you are making progress on whatever you are stitching this week!

Happy Stitching!

Quilt Mouse