Why is this man in my sewing room? It is my husband, who I finagled into putting together a new storage unit for me. I got the idea on Instagram from @hurricanereesequilty stitches (now that's a handle). It is a toy storage unit from IKEA called Trofast. It cost just less than $100 including the bins. It is meant to be a storage unit for kids' Legos, blocks, or other toys with a gazillion small parts. I've never bought anything at IKEA, and I tell you, it's a procedure. Anyway, I ordered it, stood in a long line, picked it up, managed to get it in my car by myself, got it home, and persuaded that nice husband of mine to assemble it.
I am going to use it for storing ongoing current sew-along projects. The unit is about 5 feet tall and has ten storage bins.
I am not finished organizing it, but you see some of my labeled bins. It's pretty great to be able to just pull out one of your current projects and take your next step with it.
My only disappointment was in the depth of the bins. I wish they were just a bit deeper. I had to get creative with my fabric folding to arrange everything nicely. They do have deeper bins, and I could get a few of those for projects that have a lot of fabric. My Red Sampler project, for instance, did not all fit into one bin, so I had to spill over to a second one.
Anyway, if you are in search of a way to organize your sew-along projects, this could fit the bill. I always have several things going on at once, so this is a great way to keep them front and center.
Hope you all had a great weekend. My dad seemed in fine form. He asked me "Do I seem disabled to you?" I told him "disabled" wasn't really the word I'd use to describe him. To me, he seems more "fragile". His balance is terrible, and a fall could be the end of him. In my mind, I compare him to an egg. If he were to fall, it would be a disaster. His skin is so thin, and prone to bruising. If he cuts himself, he bleeds profusely, even if it's a minor wound. He is the most precious, valuable, delicate thing, and I'd do anything to protect him. So, yes, "fragile" is the word I'd use to describe him, at almost 96 years of age. Not his mind though. My gosh, he is sharp as a tack. What a blessing.
If the bins begin to fall off the slides, try adding the lids to the bins. The lid helps them keep their shape. I used 3 similar units and put my big board (ironing) on the top. I mixed in several deep bins that hold spray starch and such.
Posted by: Rebecca Ball | April 25, 2022 at 05:10 AM
Very clever and useful Nicole!
Posted by: Kerry | April 25, 2022 at 06:13 AM
This looks like a great way to store current works in progress all neat and tidy and at your fingertips. I think it is so wonderful that you spend every weekend with your dad. You will cherish those moments for ever. My dad is 93 and is just now starting to forget things. I don't live close enough to see him all the time, but he is just a phone call away.
Posted by: CarolE | April 25, 2022 at 06:30 AM
Hi Nicole. My darling Dad died aged 82, 4 1/2 years ago, and I miss him every day. My Mum is just adrift without him, and at 85 is now fragile. What a lovely word to describe her precious and uncertain state.
Thank you for your snippets of life with your dad; and I know that you know, every moment shared with him is a gift.
Posted by: Terena | April 25, 2022 at 09:06 AM
You are so lucky to still have your dad with you. And, he's fortunate to have his caring family to look after him. 'Fragile' is a good word to describe someone at that age. Your IKEA experience is exactly what I've heard...but the end product is worth the time & effort spent! Happy sewing this week!
Posted by: Jan | April 25, 2022 at 10:20 AM
truly a blessing...also a blessing that he still enjoys reading. he may need iron supplement. that has made a huge difference for me. I would bleed profusely at the slightest cut.
the balance thing is so worrisome. I just don't know that there is anything you can do for that at 96 yrs old. :(
Posted by: Ina | April 25, 2022 at 11:21 AM
I love the unit and will look for something similar. I know it's difficult sometimes with your dad but you are right- love him lots! We made two cross country trips last December to spend time with my 95 yo mother-in-law in her last days and it was so worth it. She had fallen, and was no longer able to use the phone, but knew we were there.
Posted by: sue s | April 26, 2022 at 06:58 AM