Quilt Notes: Behind the Scenes + Small Space Storage Solutions...

As it is Quilt Lab: Quilter's Creative Home Founder's Month here at Build a Quilt, I thought it was the perfect time to share a peek behind the scenes and give you some ideas to help you make your quilting life easier. This week I have been thinking of how Build A Quilt has been built. Build A Quilt wouldn't be here if it weren't for all of you and the support you bring to this community, but today I am talking about how BAQ was physically built, the studio itself. And the one person without whom I would not have been able to build the studio, film the videos, and who is my personal sounding board, is Dave, my husband of 44 years and best friend for 50 years. He is the steady presence who makes the behind‑the‑scenes magic possible. Today's main topic, Storage in Small Spaces, is his idea. He remembers when I was using the kitchen table and countertops and thought that some of my solutions for storage back then might help some of you, now. So, let me introduce you to the man himself, and then share some of my favorite Small Space tips.

Sometimes I forget that most of you only see the finished videos and tidy studio shots—not the person behind the camera or the person that builds the units and displays. Dave is the one building shelves, adjusting lights, holding the camera steady, and making sure I don’t trip over a tripod leg ( and you all know that is a real possibility for me). He’s the reason this space works as well as it does, and I thought it was time you got to see a little of the magic he brings to the studio. Join me on 3/25/26 for our 6pm LIVE on the YouTube channel and meet Dave in person. Send in your questions for the LIVE to support@sewincommon.com by 3/24/26. Dave and I cannot wait to spend time with you all.

While I was working on Block 23 of the 24 Block Challenge this week, I found a list of ideas that I had asked Dave to make several months ago. These were ideas that he thought would make good future blogs and videos. The one that stood out to me was about storage and space. I got to thinking about how many of you are working in small or shared spaces—kitchen tables, spare corners, little nooks that have to do double duty. That inspired me to pull together some of my favorite small‑space fabric storage ideas, the ones that keep my own studio functional and uncluttered even when things get busy. Whether you’re brand new to quilting or deep into your stash, these simple solutions can make a big difference.

Trofast - IKEA

Having a small space does not mean that you cannot have a cart or a static storage unit in your space. It just means that you need to find a solution with a smaller footprint that can be tucked away (rolling cart) or that will only take up a tiny bit of space while giving you what every quilter needs, storage options.

The photo to the left has been one of my favorite pieces from IKEA for some time - The Trofast and Trofast bins. This little unit has a footprint of roughly 14x18 inches. It is perfect for storing under a table, in a corner or I place mine in a small closet unit. I have two Trofast wire basket bins, but there are several types of bins in many colors and sizes to fit your needs. And knowing where to find these smaller units is the key. They are exactly where you might think, they are in the children's section. That's right, the children's section can be your best friend when you're looking for small space solutions.

Small Space Storage

Small units can be deceiving, you might look at the Trofast or a rolling cart and think that's it, that's all I can do is put fabric and tools in these bins. When in reality, adding smaller storage bins within the larger unit helps you to subdivide all of the items that you need to store. From lacy pink plastic baskets from the Dollar Tree, to small clear acrylic bins that are meant for the refrigerator and larger bucket bins, you can create a storage haven for your small space. And my best tip for small or large spaces, Labels. Labels are what keep you organized and allow you to be efficient with your time. A label tells you where something belongs and where it is lives when you need to find it. Whether they be sticky labels printed from a computer, a handheld label printer, a Cricut cutting machine or handwritten and taped on, labels are key to using any space to its fullest.

I have created a FREE downloadable checklist (Large/Small Space Storage) in the Free Patterns and Information Library, in the Library Hub on the website that will give you ideas and hopefully inspire you. Then in the Quilt Lab area, I will be posting a full video on Storage and Space this week.

Storage and having everything tucked into a single space really allows for a smoother flow when you're ready to quilt. And that's why here at Build A Quilt we created the Quilt Lab: Quilters Creative Home membership. A comfortable community of quilters, where we can learn together, and quilt together all in one space. It is a full 12 months of Free downloadable patterns, our special SkillBuilder Block series, videos, member only items and quilter's forum for mingling with your fellow quilters. March is Founder's Month and we would love for you to join us. Because it is Founder's Month, thru 3/31/26 we are offering a promo code- FOUNDER15, which will deduct 15% off of the first year's membership. We would love for you to join us. Find all of the details and a short video on the website homepage. https://www.mybuildaquilt.com

If you did not catch last week's blog, you can find it or any past blogs on the BLOG tab at the website. Please enjoy.

Until next time my quilting friends,

Quilt Life Beautiful,

Diana