Craft Stuff Storage Problems

We live in a one-bedroom apartment.  We have extremely limited space in general and a tiny amount of storage.  We also have a lot of stuff.  And, as you can tell, I have various hobbies that require materials.  (My hubby also has his fair share of hobbies, it's not just me!)

I have been working on a plan to re-organize my closet and my crafting materials.  (This includes: fabric, sewing machine, yarn, scrapbooking stuff, more yarn, Christmas decorations, clothes Catherine has outgrown, sports equipment, shoes, and more.)  Right now my closet literally depresses me.  (And, yes, I am using "literally" correctly.)  As you might imagine this is not something that I can do in an afternoon with my wonderful toddler's help!  My current line of thinking is to make the closet purely storage in back and actually hang my clothes in the front (my hubby hung a new rod for me!) and have all crafting supplies organized on shelves in the hallway.

I really want it to be perfect and have been looking through various magazines, online photos, Pinterest, and other people's blogs to see how they make a functional and organized closet and (separate) craft storage area.  I came across this awesome craft closet by Lina at Fancy Frugal Life--I wish I had a closet where something like this would work!  I really love what she's done with it.

  

Since I don't have an extra closet--or one that would be the right size anyways--here is a cabinet that looks like a nice piece of furniture, but it holds tons of stuff!  Just look at all of the cubbies and storage spaces.  There is even a small table that folds down.  How convenient is that?  Sadly, this is not cheap.  It's roughly $1500--although it does include lots of the bins.  I would love to have this, but it just isn't in the budget. (Actually, it's not even close to being in the budget!)

I have already purchased some nice canvass bins.  (Similar to these.)  I have been waiting to see one of the shelves that holds these nicely go on sale--or on Craigslist, or Freecyle, or even *gasp* out on trash day.  (Used items are a great way to save money, but I highly recommend thoroughly disinfecting them.  I usually do it twice.)  UPDATE: I did purchase a cheap shelf to help tame my yarn stash.  I still will be on the lookout for a bigger and better quality shelf though!

I have a bit of fabric as well.  Currently it is all together in a giant black garbage bag.  Fancy, huh?  It's altogether a terrible setup.  (As I was reminded recently when I made some practice shorts and a lined skirt out of material from my stash.)  I gotta say, I like the way that Teresa has organized her massive stash.  I love the fact that she can find what she needs quickly.  It also is being protected from bugs and dust and whatever else.

I am sure that there are tons of people out there in my situation: small space and lots of crafting (and other) stuff.  What do you do?

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