ORGANIZING MY SEWING ACCESSORIES

Sometimes I just need to get things cleared up so I can move forward. My sewing needles have gotten out of control! I will try to get a a needle free and my hand gets attacked for a hidden point coming from beneath. Then there is the tangles monstrosity of thread that covers my cluster of needles like a sticky spider web. fighting to get a needle free is something I want to avoid no include in every day practice.
It finally dawned on me to use a glass bottle that a friend had given to me several years ago. It's lid a cork works perfectly to keep needles with thread in place and untangled. The glass bottle holds assorted needles that I can easily grab from the wide mouth or from the collection stuck at either end of the cork top.
My bottle had become functional, my needles have become organized. I just wish I could do this with all of my work accessories.

Timing

I am working on the new packaging of my Disaster Kit. I want to make a few different mock-ups with sizes and colors. I came to the conclusion(with help from my supporters: Joe, Kristina & Maria)and that I would like to hold a focus group to go over all the aspects. I still question a few things that may go in the kit and have too many choices for packaging. Plus, I figure this will help get the word out.
I figured I would enlist the help of a few mommies I know and have them lead a group of their other mommy friends (mommy groups) and discuss:
*Price point for buying as a baby shower gift
*Included items usefulness
*Disposable verses cloth for some items
*Labeled boxed versus printed on box
*List of items inside box versus on rear of box
*Would you buy this as a gift or for self?

Any other suggestions for questions?

I want the focus groups to include new mommies, seasoned toddler mommies and mommies to be. I was thinking of asking friends to host this group here in the Bay Area, and a few around the nation. The Group would need to recorder so I could gather the information- but I wouldn't be there.

I need to come up with a gift for mommies who participate. I would limit the groups- especially since I would be asking friends to host in their home.

Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, the title. I have to sew a few items and my boys are busy being boys who won't need my attention. My toddler tries to sit on my lap when I sew- and that doesn't work! Outside it is rainy and the wind is so strong I'm sure it could pick up my kids. So trying to contain them means I need to be with them at all times. I already tried to use the restroom today (alone that is) and as soon as I shut the door it sounded as if a riot had ensued. How am I going to get in my 3 projects today? I can't stop thinking long enough to start acting- or stop managing kids.



Anymore suggestions?

Project

Was sewing with the machine they gave me as a replacement to the one that was broken. It seems to be a refurbished model- this is day 3 of using it and already the plastic bobbin door is broken making it incredible hard to sew with fabric coming towards you.
The handle to carry the machine was stuck and I had to use 2 different tools to coax it out and it still doesn't go up and down like it should. It's just to stiff.
So, I figure I'll just use it until a massive piece breaks- take it back and then upgrade. Until then I sew in frustration.
Towards the end of a project E, came out his room, awake from his nap and started talking about watching a show. Then sat down on the couch and laid his head on a pillow to ask me : "when you are done with your Lizzy's Busy Baby Project will you make a Lizzy's Busy Baby Project for me and Daddy?" The rest of the conversation goes as such:

I then went back and made a bib, organic french terry bib with organic fabric accents. moments later J. woke up and that was the end of sewing for the day, maybe round 2 after the boys go to bed.

Tired

Spent most of last night firing off emails to companies to get the ball rolling on manufacturing my product- I use the 'manufacturing' in a very liberal sense since I am the one putting it together. I should really get started on the sewing- I only need to make 1,000 organic blankets and washcloths. That should be no problem. Cut, sew, add tag-should just FOREVER to complete.
Now, I am waiting for responses,calls something. And am not sewing--hmmm that might be an issue!
I need to make a few things to send off this week- 2 go-go kits, 1 Bosom Buddy.
Shipping so far this week includes items to bloggers, an item to my mother in law, and a baby gift.
I need to order more M&D toys today- replenish the puzzle stock and add a few more.
I'm sending an order with my husband next week,sure hope she orders items I have in stock.
And post my first contest. I hope that goes well!
We shall see.

A Gripe and A Cheer

A Gripe:
Working throughout each day in momentary snippets to try and gain success in my small business. From ideas, to emails, boutique sales attempts, creating ads, gathering items for shipment, sewing, drawing, photographing, collaborating, thinking, thinking, thinking.
All I needed was a few moments to order some organic fabric samples for a new bib design. Even that 15 minute task was bullied and took longer than it needed to because of the family. I love them but really can't I get a break to do something I need to do? Yikes! I need a balance but I don't know how or what it would look like.

A Cheer:
My sewing machine broke. Right before I could finish my gifts, my machine broke. Luckily, sewing for my store was mostly done (just 3 custom bibs left) and it stopped. The timing was off- can't sew if the needle doesn't pick up the bottom thread! This machine isn't top of the line but it suits me for the moment. I bought it a few months ago so I could have a trustworthy machine to make these new creations of mine. Eventually, I want them to be manufactured locally with the same quality fabrics that I use now. But, I can't get to that mass production piece if I can't even make 1!
My machine wouldn't be back for 2 weeks. 2 weeks- 2 weeks to go back and forth to my moms house to make the custom bibs and the Christmas gifts for my little lovelies. Really Eco-friendly! 15 minutes drive both ways- for 1 hour of sewing before having to turn back around and get the kids. Lets not even get into when I have to take the kids!
But today...still 1.5 weeks, not including weekend, to go before getting my sewing machine back, fixed, I got a call and ...my machine is officially broken. It is a dud. They are returning my sewing machine to me with special paperwork for a new machine on them. Merry Christmas! It call only get better, if they call me tomorrow so I can get the new machine it would be great! If, I have to wait until the 29th then obviously, I will be exactly where I was before! For now I give out a little cheer for a new machine!!!!
Yeah for the ability to sew during nap time!