When I purged piles of magazines in 2024, I saved lots of patterns. Now I have to realistically decide the question of do I really want to do them. I'm turning 75 and deciding how I want to spend my golden years. I don't want my daughter burdened with all my sewing stuff she won't use. I've been gifting trims and gadgets to younger sewers. I feel lighter, they get to enjoy them and my daughter will thank me.
So true! My son will use my supplies so why not start giving them to him now, a bit at a time. Less overwhelming, he can start using them now and I can enjoy seeing what he does with them. ❤
Made a critical mistake today! I went into "organizing" rather than "decluttering"! When Karen mentioned this in an earlier post, I thought it was a brilliant distinction. But today, I slipped into "organizing" and began to get frustrated. Luckily I remembered to return to "decluttering" and all is well. Organizing can happen in February!
Thank You for all the ideas, Karen. Several years ago, I went thru lots of things that had been "given" to me (the Laura sews she'll take my stuff collection") and donated many patterns and other things. I used to make my daughter's figure skating costumes. When I got to those patterns I was literally sitting on the floor sobbing at the idea of getting rid of them, so I decided to keep them. Then a couple of years later she and her daughters started skating again and we needed those patterns! Now they are out of print. My message - it's ok to keep something that your gut tells you to keep while ruthlessly decluttering elsewhere
I have some patterns that my late mother used to make both large quilts and small quilted projects for me and other family members. I’ll probably never make a quilt from those patterns, but they hold memories, and the patterns are stored in a large plastic box that I would have in my sewing room anyway , so they aren’t taking up any extra space. When I inherited a small cabinet that my grandmother used for her sewing supplies, I found a little girl’s dress pattern in a drawer. I think I remember wearing a dress made from that pattern, and that would have been over 60 years ago. I think some things are meant to be saved, and I agree that we’ll know what those things are.
I had a pattern for a jumper with quilted accents that I had for years, never used it. Last year during the declutter challenge I pulled it, but left it on my cutting table. A couple months later a friend was visiting and saw it and said that was just the sort of thing her mother would wear. She took it home and we were both happy.
Ok. I’ll do it. I’ll be in the first to make a comment. Just get it done. This is OUR YEAR everyone !! Let’s do this ! Thanks Karen. You have inspired me in so many ways. 🌞
the real challenge for me is actually getting around to USING all my patterns. sewing, knitting, yes, I DO want to make them. ALL of them. so, I've randomly selected one, and am finally getting around to it.
Although I am a fairly new quilter, I have discovered that I love designing my own quilts as well. I might use a picture or other pattern as a starting point, and then I go from there.
On Day 3, I got rid of quilting magazines but I added to my pattern collection by ripping out patterns from the magazines before I recycled them! 😅 Side note: I keep my patterns in a large 3-ring binder with clear sleeves, binder envelopes (the clear ones with velcro closures), and dividers. I have a section with patterns I've already made (with date, fabric used, who I made it for, etc), sections for each season, holidays, sewing crafts, etc. If I print a pattern, I use my 3-hole punch and put it in the appropriate section. If it's a purchased pattern in a clear zipper envelope, I put it in the appropriate clear sleeve. Now I just have to go thru that binder and eliminate some of these patterns for today's challenge!
I’m so new to Quilting, I don’t have a lot of patterns. Having said this, Karen has inspired me to apply this task in other areas of my house. Thanks Karen!
The few patterns I have re stored on the shelf with books and magazines, no need to purge unless they outgrow shelf. My years of doing these challenges are paying off. Thank you Karen
This has been so easy, this year. Despite having cleared my space each January I still had a good time sorting. By yesterday, the whole room is sorted, spotless, someone could actually sleep on the spare bed 😅. I'd prepared 5 projects, before Christmas, so my space will stay tidy for weeks
This one really got me! I have cookbooks I keep for just one recipe. I have website design books from classes I took 25 YEARS ago! Some of the web books are still "keepers", but others are just "doorstops". If I go through all those books for the "web recipes" and sort them by "navigation", "photo layouts", or "tricks", it makes it easier to store and use. It will also free up space and maybe allow you to get rid of a filing cabinet of paper that you no longer need. You can also scan your favorite patterns into your computer, which most scanners will make into a PDF file and there are online sites that will merge the pages into a single document. This will make your quilt patterns easier to store, search for, share, and ORGANIZE. I'm really excited about this particular day! It's amazing how a quilter like you can help a cook, a historian, or a website designer, declutter their office or kitchen. You didn't realize you were doing all that did you? Keep up the good work -- and from one Karen to another-- THANK YOU.
I, too, with the recipes. I just copied and put into a binder along with my ‘most used’ and favorites. Good quilting. ( I also used plastic sleeves in the binder with dividers.
I bought my first pattern in November. I started scrappy and really enjoy it. I have a half dozen free patterns I have printed and do plan to try them. I have only been quilting a couple of years and plan to use the patterns to challenge me.
I have found my tastes and interests have changed over the years. There are patterns that look lovely but I look at the techniques used and ask myself if I still want to do that. Sometimes it's time for someone else to have the opportunity to make it if I'm just not getting to it. Good advice Karen!
Truth, I'm still working on books! I want to be very methodical about the books to keep so am really taking my time with them. Capacity and ease of maintenance is the game for me these days so not feeling the need nor want of heavy books. Only those that actually inspire me are welcome to stay. This is my third year participating in the Declutter Challenge - it has really made a difference! Thank you, Karen! Love reading the posts of others; it's great to think we are connected!
I have several pdf patterns on my computer at work and the thumbnails are way over on the side of my monitor. I have realized how many times I glance at them every time I feel stressed which helps! Thanks for helping me realize just because I don’t open them and have already printed them - they are valuable!
I’ve only been quilting for a couple of years so I am still learning what type of patterns I enjoy. I also have a lot to learn and want to save some patterns that will be a skill stretch for me in the future. Funny that today (day 4) I went through a bunch of quilting, sewing and craft patterns I had saved and got rid of quite a few. Now that this is the task for Day 5 I will force myself to go through the rest of the loose patterns and magazine tear-outs that I have piled up to look at “later”. Looks like “tomorrow” has arrived! Looking forward to purging more paper. I have only a few patterns saved only electronically, I tend to print them out so I can browse them when I am looking for inspiration while in my craft room.
This one is a tough one to get through. I keep thinking of my scrap piles, think that i can use this or that pattern for the scraps. I love your idea for decluttering the patterns. I have so many pictures and screenshots of idea's thinking in the past of getting rid of magazines but saving 1 or 2 ideas from each magazine. First time decluttering. Thanks so much!
THis was a real opener for me. And though I didn't really get rid of pattern, I realized all the things he I still want to make. So instead of getting rid of paterns, I made a spreadsheet of what I already have and why I want to make it! I put put it front and center.on my.bulletin board so I can easily choose the next one. I figure I'll have everything made by 2050! LOL! But even more importantly, I hope this keeps me from buying even more. I've promised myself that if something absolutely wonderful comes up, I'll have to get rid of one before I ge a new one.
I keep my patterns with the fabric to make them. Once I've done the project I keep it if I want to make it in another color way or get rid of it if I don't want to make it again. So this is an easy day.
As a new quilter, your decluttering series is a fantastic path forward on how to avoid inevitable clutter as stashes and supplies grow. I'm compiling a handy checklist for my sewing space! Quilters are a generous lot and have given me many older magazine issues for inspiration. That's clutter in the making! At 70 years old, I know that I'll never make most of the patterns, so I page through and remove a page or three of helpful or interesting information. Then, I recycle since some of these magazines are years old.
This is a hard one for me. I know I need to get rid of some but I say to myself, maybe someday I will want to make that. Back in the drawer it goes. 5 patterns, I can commit to get rid of 5.🤪
I have a file drawer. I made a file for jelly rolls, layer cakes, 5 inch squares and yardage Easy peasy. And I tossed ones that o looked at and said. Girl, what were you thinking! Thanks for the motivation
I purged a giant pile today. Patterns, books and more. Our guild meeting is this weekend so hopefully some quilters there will benefit from my decluttering. Some items may sell in FB Thank you Karen for your videos!
Patterns is a toughie. I’m usually too cheap to buy them, and now I realize those that I have bought I haven’t even used them-NONE of them!!! Then the ones that are free, while simply on my phone, they are really draining my mojo cuz it feels like they’re just sitting there reminding me of how little time I have and how many quilts/projects I want to make. So I’ve gone thru and deleted about half and it feels like a weight has been lifted!! This is a category I will have to do EVERY year for sure. ❤
I scan quilt designs and pictures only into my computer. I use these for inspiration then work out the math, size,colors from there. Haven’t followed pattern instructions for years now. I do have ONE book of 1000 blocks with calculations. So it can be used on any quilt!
These challenges have helped organize my brain in ways I didn't know I needed. One of the pdf folders I created is called "Charity" and it's where I put most of the free patterns I've downloaded. They tend to be quick, simple and use a lot of my stash. After a complex top, it's fun to pick something fast and fun, and I know where to find it. Thank you, Karen!
I purged patterns a few months ago. I’ve been following your declutter challenge for years now, so for the most part, I follow it all year long. There will definitely be some purging coming up. I need to motivate myself to get rid of tools.
It's really good for me to put my eyes on all my magazines, books, and patterns. Just like in my pantry, if I am accustomed to shopping my shelves before buying, I'll do myself a great service. I think a new rule is to put the kibash on PDFs.
Some time ago I went through all my plastic boxes full of supplies, mainly cross stitch stuff, and made an inventory of which box contained what. I numbered the boxes and typed the list out on my laptop. That way I can look on the laptop where a piece of fabric or a kit is, without going through all the boxes. I also sorted out the no longer wanted items and donated them. It works really well that way.
My third year and totally different process because I just moved into a new house where storage is not the same… Having no time beforehand to declutter before packing, Now is the time. Grateful for the process path! Also, I am working on EPP project involving Lucy Boston crosses as well… thanks for mentioning your project. I appreciate you.
I’ve pulled patterns out of magazines for a couple of years, it was time to go through and evaluate as I has 2 lever arch folders full. I managed to get rid of half and so I wasn’t tempted I put the rejects straight into the outside recycling bin just before it was collected… no going back now!
I just started quilting in 2024, so I don’t have a lot of anything. I have done some other sewing and lots of cross stitch. Most of my patterns are PDF’s and I have them organized in folders by designer. I have 1 large notebook and one small notebook with patterns for Cross Stitch and quilting. I’m going to see what I get done this year and then decide whether to keep all the downloads. Many of the quilt patterns are free from Fat Quarter Shop. I like that they have videos to help.
I love collecting the pdf’s of free patterns from Fat Quarter Shop, RUclips channels, and fabric manufacturers. I file mine in the computer by source and then by sew along name and year or holiday. There are so many free patterns that I haven’t bought a pattern in several years, and I haven’t bought more than a handful of patterns during the entire 15 or so years that I’ve been quilting.
When Karen spoke about books the other day ( im still on day 1 almost day 2) I found the excellent help for me was to wear gloves when touching things that memories will come up with. Patterns i will need to do for quilting and clothing. Keep going everyone 😀👍🩷! You doing it!
Hey everyone. So far I'm not struggling with this year's challenge. Three years ago I did books, patterns and magazines - no longer subscribe to any magazines. I have brought in very few patterns since then. Now, when we get to fabric again...
I have more garment patterns than quilt patterns and cleaned those out last summer. But the tip to organize our digital patterns was great. I’m new to quilting and haven’t downloaded many from other folks but have several of my own designs that needed better notes and explanations about the math for yardage, etc. I deleted some that even I couldn't figure out. If they are “keepers” I suspect I will dream them up and create them again. And now the rest are in high level folders by size since that is my first decision for making something. Baby/Child, Throw, Twin, etc.
Lots of good tips and info. They will all come in handy when I unpack my house this summer. Most of my sewing room is packed up. Moving on to my cardmaking supplies.
This is my true trouble area. It’s so overwhelming. I need to just grab a small stack at a time and just deals with that stack. Then wait for another time to do more. I know I will never make all of them. So time to pick my very favorites and say goodbye to the rest of
I have an embarrassing number of purchased patterns. They reside in a four stacking drawers. I have dividers that separate them into categories, appliqué, table runners/toppers, wall hangings, quilts, sewing room, bags and baskets,etc. I also made a list of all of them in an Excel file that I can sort by title or designer.
I haven't bought many patterns but have been given a lot of patterns. I'll get to them finally thus yesr. About 3 years ago I discovered the series of 3 Yard Quilts books and I love those. They have helped me when buying fabric and then choosing a pattern. They have solved the age old question of how much fabric do you buy when you see fabrics you love.
I did that to my closet last year. Ripped out old shelves, patch and repainted. Added free standing chrome shelves. Put me behind my declutter challenge by 3 weeks. But then I picked it up and finished. Well worth it!
I recently had to move out of my sewing space to put in new carpet. At that time, I got rid of patterns/books I was no longer interested in. The challenge for me are the patterns/guides/etc. on my computer! I have a folder with all my quilting pdf's but they're all over the place! Some are organized by source, like which RUclipsr/designer I purchased from. Others are according to type, e.g. EPP, FPP, appliqué, and yet others are by 'free' or 'paid for'. Ugh! This'll take me a while to get through but I'll continue, a little bit at a time. Thanks for the challenge, Karen!
I loved making the scrapbuster quilt I found online in 2023 and printed out. Loved the challenge, loved the piecing. Will NEVER make it again! Too many points to match, too many times ripping out seams. It's in my "to be quilted" pile that I mean to add to my declutter project by mid-year...but first.....
Patterns are the hardest thing to part with as some go back decades ❤ I have clothing patterns as well as crafting and quilting patterns. Knitting and crochet patterns. Lately I have been drawn to quilt books for the love of the book❤ Maybe I could just add another book shelf😂
My binders of patterns have expanded in 2024. I now need to go back through them and decide which ones I really want to make. As a newbie quilter, I wanted to learn everything! Time to be more selective/realistic.
Got rid of many patterns last year, so thought I would not find many to donate. Surprise surprise found more. My room is starting to look less overwhelming. Thanks Karen. 😅
Going through paper patterns is easy - but the online ‘saved’ ones, downloaded pdfs etc are more challenging. Facebook, Pinterest, electronic downloads on tablet and computer - < sigh> this will take a while. Need a better system for all these saved items
Karen, you look fabulous today. Hair is frosted, blouse is good choice of color, pattern & material. This vid struck me right away, don't know why but you look fab. What was subject again? 😮😮
Thank you for calling out the repeat for different crafts! I also have cross-stitch, embroidery, sashiko (are those 3=1?), sewing, knitting, crochet, et all ... Take care - Europe
I have been keeping up on your declutter challenges, its been easy as its my 3rd year. But this one got me...i have 7 3 inch binders full of magazine patterns ive torn and saved. Ive dobne a few, but being serious about sorting through them and maybe scanning into the computer after reducing immensely. So much space to be saved. Thank you
A second question to follow up after the initial sort is "will I make it?" I want to make a lot of the quilts that i have patterns for, but I realize that I don't have the time capacity to make them all unless i live until I am 150, so I don't buy any more patterns. Last year I limited myself to 50 paper patterns (that is still a lot) of quilts i wanted to make. That doesn't even count all the electronic patterns. I have only gotten to one of them as family members who have never requested a quilt before now want one and none of those patterns fit them. The same rationale goes to fabric purchases. Unless i know of a specific project that i don't have fabric for in my stash, then I don't purchase it. I now "shop my stash" as much as possible because I don't have the capacity to store any more.
I was keeping some patterns to remember the details ( size, designer etc) about quilts I had made. I discovered this great free app called My Quilts that lets you upload pictures of your quilts plus all the info about it. Now I can toss all those old patterns!
It took me 7.5 minutes to sort through my patterns. I thought it would take longer, so I actually set a timer. Long ago my mother taught me that “three moves equals a fire.” I had to move three times last year. I got rid of a lot of stuff. Still, I found five patterns to put in the Got to Go bag. Tomorrow morning, they will go.
Yesterday books and magazines wasn't hard. I'd done a big purge last year. Patterns will be a different story, though, as I've pulled some patterns out of magazines to put in my file and binder with plastic sleeves. But the binder is getting full, so I'll need to spend some time purging both binder and file folder. And computer files! Oof Dah! I think this day is going to take me more than a day!
I am new to quilting but not to card making and scrapbooking; my studio serves many purposes. Oh am I feeling challenged already going through 3 groups of crafty materials! Organizing my PDF patterns - I can do that! They are not thoughtfully organized and I just got a new computer. So thanks for this easy task lol!
I am completely overwhelmed in just these first few days. I have way too much stuff (patterns, books and magazines) and more. Today, 30 minutes on the pattern piles, and then some sewing.
I have my digital patterns in a “quilting” folder that has three subfolders for quilt patterns, quilt books, and projects (mostly bags, but anything that’s not an actual quilt).
Pretty quick day for me as I make it a habit to revisit my patterns & cull on a regular basis. I did, however, put a brand new pattern in my "free" box. I bought it (rare for me to buy any pattern) a couple months back and decided today I dont want to make it.
My problem is I truly want to make all of the patterns I have. I just want to make too many. I usually don’t make the same patterns twice but I do have a couple that I seem to enjoy making more than once so those are keepers. A couple of declutters ago, I gave away a large number of patterns. I do have several that are very complicated and I am still on the fence about them.
OMG! I have so many patterns! My hard copies are organized, but my digital patterns are so out of control that it will take me months to go through and organize them. I will do it though because it has become a frustration to look at them. Thanks for your help
I did this (partially) last week. What i have found is that people ask me for "that bag you made me 5 years ago" or "my friend lost her crochet bag i gave her. Can you remake it?" Thus, I ended up saving patterns that I haven't made in a while but people seem to want again and again. I almost need a file thatsays, "repeated use patterns"!
I have stopped buying patterns since I usually design my own ( yes they are clunky but they make me HAPPY) I also do a lot of free on line patterns for donation... ( JGDQ block patterns being one of them ) ... My interest and skills have changed so my style of quilting has changed so I only keep the sentimental patterns or patterns I am working on. I donated what I had to younger new quilters.
Hi Karen ... Thanks for doing this every year! Your videos really helped me a lotto keep the clutter at bay in my sewing room and the rest of the house for the last couple of years. Happily following along again this year :) ....I spotted the tube you use to hang your mini vacuum in this video ... Is that a diy solution or something you purchased ? I'd love to shamelessly copy you ;)
That’s a 3-D printed solution to keep it ready but not take up any counter space. Copying has less mental load than thinking up things on your own. I do it all the time.
Luckily this day was super easy for me. I keep all my finished patterns in a small clear tote for easy access. Any patterns in use are with thier current project. :) I dont have many patterns so theres bothing for me to go through this year. Next year might differ though :)
I spent 3 hours going through my patterns. The online ones were easy. But I have embroidery and cross stitch patterns from some time ago. I was harsh and threw a lot out, but I still have a pile of patterns I WANT to make. I now have to put them back into the plastic protectors in binders. Is it 'cheating' to organise them into cushions, Christmas, small projects etc as I go? But that is for tomorrow and now I'm having a nice cup of tea.
Also designing quilt & fabric choices is bbyyy far my favorite part of any sewing project. I don't see the point in buying quilt patterns since I have more in my mind than I have room for. See design is my thing! Buying pre-cuts is my true addiction. What an issue, right?
I had started the decluttering of pattern and to my dismay a few of the patterns are no longer available. So, be sure bout not wanting to keep a pattern. It may no longer be available
Patterns are my bugaboo! I have way too many. Every year, I give away or just get rid of some, but every year I buy more. They really are not hogging too much space on the shelf, but there are just so many. Like QALs that i printed off and have NEVER even started! Yet I do not get rid of them. And to top it off, i keep printing them!! I think i have a serious disconnect between collecting and actually doing! I have friends who sew most of the day, but I don't have as much time to sew because i help with grandchildren, work a very part-time job, and have commitments at church. Whenever do I think I can get all these quilts made? This is an area that I need to really look at the amount of money, printing and time I spend on this.
I can relate! I have started sorting by project type, I e. Quilts, decor, small projects. Binders for printouts and shoe boxes for pattern packets. Then when I feel like making a small project, I only have to go through one bin or binder.
Oy oy oy. I started my exploration into quilting in 2021. I have a lot of PDFs. However, as someone with over 900 knitted socks PDF patterns, I’m pretty confident that the 200 or so quilting patterns I have aren’t going anywhere. I have my printed patterns in a file box currently. The box is 12” deep and only 2” is used.
As I "declutter" paper patterns, continue to delete quilting emails, unsubscribe, my brain is saying "WHAT ABOUT???" All the files, folders, usb drives, external drive, jpg pics in folders, -- AND, so many Pinterest categories, and then the Facebook Groups, RUclipss, and Instagram. What am I doing to myself???? I need a 12 step program.
I am pretty good about going through my Pinterest saves and delete pins I am longer interested in. I also look through my free patterns that are PDFS and delete ones that no longer interest me. I very, very, very rarely buy a pattern. And I very rarely follow a written pattern, I frequently fly by thecseat of my pants😅
I have a ton of garment patterns. Mostly, these patterns are for little girls dresses that everyone in my family has pretty much outgrown, even the great nieces. I probably won't be around when they have their own kids one day. These patterns will probably be needing to find their way to new homes. It's a little bittersweet as some of them are like new, never even been used and I really wanted to make them at the time that I bought the patterns. I bought a lot of them when one of my nieces was little and she turned out to not be a "dress girl", LOL. I just never really got the chance to use them.
If you really enjoy making little girl dresses and have in stock everything required, maybe consider going ahead and making them and donating to a Women and Children Shelter, or a needy family in your church, or a neighbour’s little girl. I believe any of them would be thrilled. ❤
This is my big one. I have my you tube library, hard copies in 3 3” wide binders that include counted cross stitch, crochet/ knit and quilting. Then I forgot Pinterest. Oh dear I am tossing but need to go back over yet again. When I was putting patterns back where they belonged I made a mess just stuffing into book. Then I moved a huge group of I have done these patterns into the files where they belong. Even forgot about some stuffed into a small shelf. WIP I am afraid
I have only been quilting for 3 years, so I don't have an excessive stash of fabric, and I have never purchased a pattern. My question to all of you is: Am I the only one who searches online to find a pattern that is appropriate for the known use? And have found free patterns to make it?
This is off the 'declutter' topic, but I have a question. I have a grandson getting married in a few months and I want to make a quilt for his wedding. Problem is is that they live in the hot south. Is a quilt a reasonable gift for that climate?
Yes it is appropriate to have a quilt in the hot south. Maybe a light weight one with thin batting. I live in the southern USA and some family do as well. We use our quilts to cuddle up on the couch and watch tv or at night when temperatures drop. Quilts can make pretty wall hangings too.
Absolutely!!! My husband sleeps hot. But needs a blanket over him to sleep. So my mom made us a quilt, and instead of batting, she used preshrunk muslin. It still has the 3layers that qualify it as a quilt. But is very light weight and drapey. It is our favorite quilt 😊
I lived in the Caribbean for a few years, very hot and humid. We only used a thin sheet to cover us, but a quilt was used to make the bed look good duringthe day. Also, if they have air conditioning, most definitely need a quilt.
When I purged piles of magazines in 2024, I saved lots of patterns. Now I have to realistically decide the question of do I really want to do them. I'm turning 75 and deciding how I want to spend my golden years. I don't want my daughter burdened with all my sewing stuff she won't use. I've been gifting trims and gadgets to younger sewers. I feel lighter, they get to enjoy them and my daughter will thank me.
So true! My son will use my supplies so why not start giving them to him now, a bit at a time. Less overwhelming, he can start using them now and I can enjoy seeing what he does with them. ❤
Made a critical mistake today! I went into "organizing" rather than "decluttering"! When Karen mentioned this in an earlier post, I thought it was a brilliant distinction. But today, I slipped into "organizing" and began to get frustrated. Luckily I remembered to return to "decluttering" and all is well. Organizing can happen in February!
Great catch Rosanne! 👍
It's easy to do.
Thank You for all the ideas, Karen.
Several years ago, I went thru lots of things that had been "given" to me (the Laura sews she'll take my stuff collection") and donated many patterns and other things.
I used to make my daughter's figure skating costumes. When I got to those patterns I was literally sitting on the floor sobbing at the idea of getting rid of them, so I decided to keep them. Then a couple of years later she and her daughters started skating again and we needed those patterns! Now they are out of print.
My message - it's ok to keep something that your gut tells you to keep while ruthlessly decluttering elsewhere
I have some patterns that my late mother used to make both large quilts and small quilted projects for me and other family members. I’ll probably never make a quilt from those patterns, but they hold memories, and the patterns are stored in a large plastic box that I would have in my sewing room anyway , so they aren’t taking up any extra space. When I inherited a small cabinet that my grandmother used for her sewing supplies, I found a little girl’s dress pattern in a drawer. I think I remember wearing a dress made from that pattern, and that would have been over 60 years ago. I think some things are meant to be saved, and I agree that we’ll know what those things are.
I had a pattern for a jumper with quilted accents that I had for years, never used it. Last year during the declutter challenge I pulled it, but left it on my cutting table. A couple months later a friend was visiting and saw it and said that was just the sort of thing her mother would wear. She took it home and we were both happy.
Great win-win
Ok. I’ll do it. I’ll be in the first to make a comment. Just get it done. This is OUR YEAR everyone !! Let’s do this ! Thanks Karen. You have inspired me in so many ways. 🌞
the real challenge for me is actually getting around to USING all my patterns. sewing, knitting, yes, I DO want to make them. ALL of them. so, I've randomly selected one, and am finally getting around to it.
I’m in that boat
Although I am a fairly new quilter, I have discovered that I love designing my own quilts as well. I might use a picture or other pattern as a starting point, and then I go from there.
On Day 3, I got rid of quilting magazines but I added to my pattern collection by ripping out patterns from the magazines before I recycled them! 😅
Side note: I keep my patterns in a large 3-ring binder with clear sleeves, binder envelopes (the clear ones with velcro closures), and dividers. I have a section with patterns I've already made (with date, fabric used, who I made it for, etc), sections for each season, holidays, sewing crafts, etc. If I print a pattern, I use my 3-hole punch and put it in the appropriate section. If it's a purchased pattern in a clear zipper envelope, I put it in the appropriate clear sleeve.
Now I just have to go thru that binder and eliminate some of these patterns for today's challenge!
I’m so new to Quilting, I don’t have a lot of patterns. Having said this, Karen has inspired me to apply this task in other areas of my house. Thanks Karen!
That's fantastic! The decluttering process can be applied to so many areas of the home.
@JustGetitDoneQuilts love following you on You Tube! I've learned so much
The few patterns I have re stored on the shelf with books and magazines, no need to purge unless they outgrow shelf. My years of doing these challenges are paying off. Thank you Karen
This has been so easy, this year. Despite having cleared my space each January I still had a good time sorting. By yesterday, the whole room is sorted, spotless, someone could actually sleep on the spare bed 😅. I'd prepared 5 projects, before Christmas, so my space will stay tidy for weeks
This one really got me! I have cookbooks I keep for just one recipe. I have website design books from classes I took 25 YEARS ago! Some of the web books are still "keepers", but others are just "doorstops". If I go through all those books for the "web recipes" and sort them by "navigation", "photo layouts", or "tricks", it makes it easier to store and use. It will also free up space and maybe allow you to get rid of a filing cabinet of paper that you no longer need. You can also scan your favorite patterns into your computer, which most scanners will make into a PDF file and there are online sites that will merge the pages into a single document. This will make your quilt patterns easier to store, search for, share, and ORGANIZE. I'm really excited about this particular day! It's amazing how a quilter like you can help a cook, a historian, or a website designer, declutter their office or kitchen. You didn't realize you were doing all that did you? Keep up the good work -- and from one Karen to another-- THANK YOU.
I, too, with the recipes. I just copied and put into a binder along with my ‘most used’ and favorites. Good quilting. ( I also used plastic sleeves in the binder with dividers.
I’m the same with cookbooks. I need to take care of that too.
I’m not going to keep any pattern I don’t LOVE.
I bought my first pattern in November. I started scrappy and really enjoy it. I have a half dozen free patterns I have printed and do plan to try them. I have only been quilting a couple of years and plan to use the patterns to challenge me.
This was an easy, restful day. Having purged my patterns last year, I can sit, put up my feet, and breathe a sigh of relief.
I have found my tastes and interests have changed over the years. There are patterns that look lovely but I look at the techniques used and ask myself if I still want to do that. Sometimes it's time for someone else to have the opportunity to make it if I'm just not getting to it. Good advice Karen!
Truth, I'm still working on books! I want to be very methodical about the books to keep so am really taking my time with them. Capacity and ease of maintenance is the game for me these days so not feeling the need nor want of heavy books. Only those that actually inspire me are welcome to stay. This is my third year participating in the Declutter Challenge - it has really made a difference! Thank you, Karen! Love reading the posts of others; it's great to think we are connected!
I have several pdf patterns on my computer at work and the thumbnails are way over on the side of my monitor. I have realized how many times I glance at them every time I feel stressed which helps! Thanks for helping me realize just because I don’t open them and have already printed them - they are valuable!
I’ve only been quilting for a couple of years so I am still learning what type of patterns I enjoy. I also have a lot to learn and want to save some patterns that will be a skill stretch for me in the future.
Funny that today (day 4) I went through a bunch of quilting, sewing and craft patterns I had saved and got rid of quite a few. Now that this is the task for Day 5 I will force myself to go through the rest of the loose patterns and magazine tear-outs that I have piled up to look at “later”. Looks like “tomorrow” has arrived! Looking forward to purging more paper.
I have only a few patterns saved only electronically, I tend to print them out so I can browse them when I am looking for inspiration while in my craft room.
This one is a tough one to get through. I keep thinking of my scrap piles, think that i can use this or that pattern for the scraps. I love your idea for decluttering the patterns. I have so many pictures and screenshots of idea's thinking in the past of getting rid of magazines but saving 1 or 2 ideas from each magazine. First time decluttering. Thanks so much!
THis was a real opener for me. And though I didn't really get rid of pattern, I realized all the things he I still want to make. So instead of getting rid of paterns, I made a spreadsheet of what I already have and why I want to make it! I put put it front and center.on my.bulletin board so I can easily choose the next one. I figure I'll have everything made by 2050! LOL!
But even more importantly, I hope this keeps me from buying even more. I've promised myself that if something absolutely wonderful comes up, I'll have to get rid of one before I ge a new one.
That's a very pretty quilt block Karen. It will make a beautiful quilt. Your choice and combination of colors is lovely.
I keep my patterns with the fabric to make them. Once I've done the project I keep it if I want to make it in another color way or get rid of it if I don't want to make it again. So this is an easy day.
As a new quilter, your decluttering series is a fantastic path forward on how to avoid inevitable clutter as stashes and supplies grow. I'm compiling a handy checklist for my sewing space! Quilters are a generous lot and have given me many older magazine issues for inspiration. That's clutter in the making! At 70 years old, I know that I'll never make most of the patterns, so I page through and remove a page or three of helpful or interesting information. Then, I recycle since some of these magazines are years old.
This is a hard one for me. I know I need to get rid of some but I say to myself, maybe someday I will want to make that. Back in the drawer it goes. 5 patterns, I can commit to get rid of 5.🤪
I have a file drawer. I made a file for jelly rolls, layer cakes, 5 inch squares and yardage Easy peasy. And I tossed ones that o looked at and said. Girl, what were you thinking! Thanks for the motivation
I purged a giant pile today. Patterns, books and more. Our guild meeting is this weekend so hopefully some quilters there will benefit from my decluttering.
Some items may sell in FB
Thank you Karen for your videos!
Patterns is a toughie. I’m usually too cheap to buy them, and now I realize those that I have bought I haven’t even used them-NONE of them!!! Then the ones that are free, while simply on my phone, they are really draining my mojo cuz it feels like they’re just sitting there reminding me of how little time I have and how many quilts/projects I want to make. So I’ve gone thru and deleted about half and it feels like a weight has been lifted!! This is a category I will have to do EVERY year for sure. ❤
I scan quilt designs and pictures only into my computer. I use these for inspiration then work out the math, size,colors from there. Haven’t followed pattern instructions for years now. I do have ONE book of 1000 blocks with calculations. So it can be used on any quilt!
These challenges have helped organize my brain in ways I didn't know I needed. One of the pdf folders I created is called "Charity" and it's where I put most of the free patterns I've downloaded. They tend to be quick, simple and use a lot of my stash. After a complex top, it's fun to pick something fast and fun, and I know where to find it. Thank you, Karen!
I purged patterns a few months ago. I’ve been following your declutter challenge for years now, so for the most part, I follow it all year long. There will definitely be some purging coming up. I need to motivate myself to get rid of tools.
My challenge is scissors. I can't seem to get rid of scissors.
@ I definitely have a weakness for scissors. I have several pairs that are ancient, and need sharpening.
It's really good for me to put my eyes on all my magazines, books, and patterns. Just like in my pantry, if I am accustomed to shopping my shelves before buying, I'll do myself a great service. I think a new rule is to put the kibash on PDFs.
Some time ago I went through all my plastic boxes full of supplies, mainly cross stitch stuff, and made an inventory of which box contained what. I numbered the boxes and typed the list out on my laptop. That way I can look on the laptop where a piece of fabric or a kit is, without going through all the boxes. I also sorted out the no longer wanted items and donated them. It works really well that way.
My third year and totally different process because I just moved into a new house where storage is not the same… Having no time beforehand to declutter before packing, Now is the time. Grateful for the process path! Also, I am working on EPP project involving Lucy Boston crosses as well… thanks for mentioning your project. I appreciate you.
I’ve pulled patterns out of magazines for a couple of years, it was time to go through and evaluate as I has 2 lever arch folders full. I managed to get rid of half and so I wasn’t tempted I put the rejects straight into the outside recycling bin just before it was collected… no going back now!
Thank you Karen !!
I just started quilting in 2024, so I don’t have a lot of anything. I have done some other sewing and lots of cross stitch. Most of my patterns are PDF’s and I have them organized in folders by designer. I have 1 large notebook and one small notebook with patterns for Cross Stitch and quilting. I’m going to see what I get done this year and then decide whether to keep all the downloads. Many of the quilt patterns are free from Fat Quarter Shop. I like that they have videos to help.
I love collecting the pdf’s of free patterns from Fat Quarter Shop, RUclips channels, and fabric manufacturers. I file mine in the computer by source and then by sew along name and year or holiday. There are so many free patterns that I haven’t bought a pattern in several years, and I haven’t bought more than a handful of patterns during the entire 15 or so years that I’ve been quilting.
When Karen spoke about books the other day ( im still on day 1 almost day 2) I found the excellent help for me was to wear gloves when touching things that memories will come up with. Patterns i will need to do for quilting and clothing. Keep going everyone 😀👍🩷! You doing it!
Hey everyone. So far I'm not struggling with this year's challenge. Three years ago I did books, patterns and magazines - no longer subscribe to any magazines. I have brought in very few patterns since then. Now, when we get to fabric again...
I have more garment patterns than quilt patterns and cleaned those out last summer. But the tip to organize our digital patterns was great. I’m new to quilting and haven’t downloaded many from other folks but have several of my own designs that needed better notes and explanations about the math for yardage, etc. I deleted some that even I couldn't figure out. If they are “keepers” I suspect I will dream them up and create them again. And now the rest are in high level folders by size since that is my first decision for making something. Baby/Child, Throw, Twin, etc.
Lots of good tips and info. They will all come in handy when I unpack my house this summer. Most of my sewing room is packed up. Moving on to my cardmaking supplies.
I think is going to be a hard day. I have a lot of patterns on my iPad and in my sewing room oh well I better get going 😂
This is my 3rd year and it definitely gets easier - for books patterns+ magazines-
This is my true trouble area. It’s so overwhelming. I need to just grab a small stack at a time and just deals with that stack. Then wait for another time to do more. I know I will never make all of them. So time to pick my very favorites and say goodbye to the rest of
That’s right focus on the ones you want to make.
I have an embarrassing number of purchased patterns. They reside in a four stacking drawers. I have dividers that separate them into categories, appliqué, table runners/toppers, wall hangings, quilts, sewing room, bags and baskets,etc. I also made a list of all of them in an Excel file that I can sort by title or designer.
I haven't bought many patterns but have been given a lot of patterns. I'll get to them finally thus yesr. About 3 years ago I discovered the series of 3 Yard Quilts books and I love those. They have helped me when buying fabric and then choosing a pattern. They have solved the age old question of how much fabric do you buy when you see fabrics you love.
Ok - I just painted my sewing room. Getting everything organized
I did that to my closet last year. Ripped out old shelves, patch and repainted. Added free standing chrome shelves. Put me behind my declutter challenge by 3 weeks. But then I picked it up and finished. Well worth it!
I recently had to move out of my sewing space to put in new carpet. At that time, I got rid of patterns/books I was no longer interested in. The challenge for me are the patterns/guides/etc. on my computer! I have a folder with all my quilting pdf's but they're all over the place! Some are organized by source, like which RUclipsr/designer I purchased from. Others are according to type, e.g. EPP, FPP, appliqué, and yet others are by 'free' or 'paid for'. Ugh! This'll take me a while to get through but I'll continue, a little bit at a time. Thanks for the challenge, Karen!
I loved making the scrapbuster quilt I found online in 2023 and printed out. Loved the challenge, loved the piecing. Will NEVER make it again! Too many points to match, too many times ripping out seams. It's in my "to be quilted" pile that I mean to add to my declutter project by mid-year...but first.....
I got rid of all of my excess sewing patterns as part of last year's challenge. My knitting patterns are next!
Patterns are the hardest thing to part with as some go back decades ❤ I have clothing patterns as well as crafting and quilting patterns. Knitting and crochet patterns. Lately I have been drawn to quilt books for the love of the book❤ Maybe I could just add another book shelf😂
It's so hard to let go of patterns. I've put them in binders to help me.
I have 4 binders with patterns in page protectors……
I did that today
My binders of patterns have expanded in 2024. I now need to go back through them and decide which ones I really want to make. As a newbie quilter, I wanted to learn everything! Time to be more selective/realistic.
Got rid of many patterns last year, so thought I would not find many to donate. Surprise surprise found more. My room is starting to look less overwhelming. Thanks Karen. 😅
It's an onion...we just keep pulling back the layers
Going through paper patterns is easy - but the online ‘saved’ ones, downloaded pdfs etc are more challenging. Facebook, Pinterest, electronic downloads on tablet and computer - < sigh> this will take a while. Need a better system for all these saved items
This is a hard one! I love patterns. It’s hard to convince myself that I can’t possibly make them all!
I think the point is, if you love them, keep them. You'll be ruthless somewhere else where you don't care as much.
Handling them all each year can work as inspiration and learning about yourself. 🩷
I feel the same way.
Thanks, Karen.
Karen, you look fabulous today. Hair is frosted, blouse is good choice of color, pattern & material. This vid struck me right away, don't know why but you look fab. What was subject again? 😮😮
Sounds like a “Squirrel” moment! I noticed, too!😂🐿️
@@CindyVanHoy Right girl!
Thank you for calling out the repeat for different crafts!
I also have cross-stitch, embroidery, sashiko (are those 3=1?), sewing, knitting, crochet, et all ...
Take care - Europe
Oh my I need to declutter the scrapbooking books they take up more space than my quilting patterns and books.
I have been keeping up on your declutter challenges, its been easy as its my 3rd year. But this one got me...i have 7 3 inch binders full of magazine patterns ive torn and saved. Ive dobne a few, but being serious about sorting through them and maybe scanning into the computer after reducing immensely. So much space to be saved. Thank you
After five years of decluttering with you, I finally attacked books and patterns yesterday. It took me all day; however, it was freeing!
Wow! I'm so glad you found the time. It's wonderful you can let those go.
Just hitting the hard stuff right off the bat!🎉
A second question to follow up after the initial sort is "will I make it?" I want to make a lot of the quilts that i have patterns for, but I realize that I don't have the time capacity to make them all unless i live until I am 150, so I don't buy any more patterns. Last year I limited myself to 50 paper patterns (that is still a lot) of quilts i wanted to make. That doesn't even count all the electronic patterns. I have only gotten to one of them as family members who have never requested a quilt before now want one and none of those patterns fit them.
The same rationale goes to fabric purchases. Unless i know of a specific project that i don't have fabric for in my stash, then I don't purchase it. I now "shop my stash" as much as possible because I don't have the capacity to store any more.
I was keeping some patterns to remember the details ( size, designer etc) about quilts I had made. I discovered this great free app called My Quilts that lets you upload pictures of your quilts plus all the info about it. Now I can toss all those old patterns!
It took me 7.5 minutes to sort through my patterns. I thought it would take longer, so I actually set a timer. Long ago my mother taught me that “three moves equals a fire.” I had to move three times last year. I got rid of a lot of stuff. Still, I found five patterns to put in the Got to Go bag. Tomorrow morning, they will go.
Yesterday books and magazines wasn't hard. I'd done a big purge last year. Patterns will be a different story, though, as I've pulled some patterns out of magazines to put in my file and binder with plastic sleeves. But the binder is getting full, so I'll need to spend some time purging both binder and file folder. And computer files! Oof Dah! I think this day is going to take me more than a day!
But they're so pretty!
thx
I am new to quilting but not to card making and scrapbooking; my studio serves many purposes. Oh am I feeling challenged already going through 3 groups of crafty materials! Organizing my PDF patterns - I can do that! They are not thoughtfully organized and I just got a new computer. So thanks for this easy task lol!
Thank you
I am completely overwhelmed in just these first few days. I have way too much stuff (patterns, books and magazines) and more. Today, 30 minutes on the pattern piles, and then some sewing.
You can do it!
I have my digital patterns in a “quilting” folder that has three subfolders for quilt patterns, quilt books, and projects (mostly bags, but anything that’s not an actual quilt).
Pretty quick day for me as I make it a habit to revisit my patterns & cull on a regular basis. I did, however, put a brand new pattern in my "free" box. I bought it (rare for me to buy any pattern) a couple months back and decided today I dont want to make it.
What is the pattern behi d you and are you going to video this? It looks interesting 😊
My problem is I truly want to make all of the patterns I have. I just want to make too many. I usually don’t make the same patterns twice but I do have a couple that I seem to enjoy making more than once so those are keepers. A couple of declutters ago, I gave away a large number of patterns. I do have several that are very complicated and I am still on the fence about them.
OMG! I have so many patterns! My hard copies are organized, but my digital patterns are so out of control that it will take me months to go through and organize them. I will do it though because it has become a frustration to look at them. Thanks for your help
I did this (partially) last week. What i have found is that people ask me for "that bag you made me 5 years ago" or "my friend lost her crochet bag i gave her. Can you remake it?" Thus, I ended up saving patterns that I haven't made in a while but people seem to want again and again. I almost need a file thatsays, "repeated use patterns"!
I have stopped buying patterns since I usually design my own ( yes they are clunky but they make me HAPPY) I also do a lot of free on line patterns for donation... ( JGDQ block patterns being one of them ) ... My interest and skills have changed so my style of quilting has changed so I only keep the sentimental patterns or patterns I am working on. I donated what I had to younger new quilters.
Hi Karen ... Thanks for doing this every year! Your videos really helped me a lotto keep the clutter at bay in my sewing room and the rest of the house for the last couple of years. Happily following along again this year :) ....I spotted the tube you use to hang your mini vacuum in this video ... Is that a diy solution or something you purchased ? I'd love to shamelessly copy you ;)
That’s a 3-D printed solution to keep it ready but not take up any counter space. Copying has less mental load than thinking up things on your own. I do it all the time.
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Brilliant! Thanks Karen :) I'll check if I can find a file for that
Luckily this day was super easy for me. I keep all my finished patterns in a small clear tote for easy access. Any patterns in use are with thier current project. :) I dont have many patterns so theres bothing for me to go through this year. Next year might differ though :)
I spent 3 hours going through my patterns. The online ones were easy. But I have embroidery and cross stitch patterns from some time ago. I was harsh and threw a lot out, but I still have a pile of patterns I WANT to make. I now have to put them back into the plastic protectors in binders. Is it 'cheating' to organise them into cushions, Christmas, small projects etc as I go? But that is for tomorrow and now I'm having a nice cup of tea.
Also designing quilt & fabric choices is bbyyy far my favorite part of any sewing project. I don't see the point in buying quilt patterns since I have more in my mind than I have room for. See design is my thing! Buying pre-cuts is my true addiction. What an issue, right?
I had started the decluttering of pattern and to my dismay a few of the patterns are no longer available. So, be sure bout not wanting to keep a pattern. It may no longer be available
What is the quilt pattern shown during your intro? It’s two shades of blue. Thanks.
something I am working on
@ thanks. Can’t wait to see the pattern. I need more ideas like yours. Take care.
Patterns are my bugaboo! I have way too many. Every year, I give away or just get rid of some, but every year I buy more. They really are not hogging too much space on the shelf, but there are just so many. Like QALs that i printed off and have NEVER even started! Yet I do not get rid of them. And to top it off, i keep printing them!! I think i have a serious disconnect between collecting and actually doing! I have friends who sew most of the day, but I don't have as much time to sew because i help with grandchildren, work a very part-time job, and have commitments at church. Whenever do I think I can get all these quilts made? This is an area that I need to really look at the amount of money, printing and time I spend on this.
I can relate! I have started sorting by project type, I e. Quilts, decor, small projects. Binders for printouts and shoe boxes for pattern packets. Then when I feel like making a small project, I only have to go through one bin or binder.
Oy oy oy. I started my exploration into quilting in 2021. I have a lot of PDFs. However, as someone with over 900 knitted socks PDF patterns, I’m pretty confident that the 200 or so quilting patterns I have aren’t going anywhere. I have my printed patterns in a file box currently. The box is 12” deep and only 2” is used.
As I "declutter" paper patterns, continue to delete quilting emails, unsubscribe, my brain is saying "WHAT ABOUT???" All the files, folders, usb drives, external drive, jpg pics in folders, -- AND, so many Pinterest categories, and then the Facebook Groups, RUclipss, and Instagram. What am I doing to myself???? I need a 12 step program.
We have a stash sale every year, so my decluttered items will go in the stash sale box.
I wish for a new quilter to share patterns with!
Books and patterns are my biggest problem areas
So many patterns hard to decide.
I am pretty good about going through my Pinterest saves and delete pins I am longer interested in. I also look through my free patterns that are PDFS and delete ones that no longer interest me. I very, very, very rarely buy a pattern. And I very rarely follow a written pattern, I frequently fly by thecseat of my pants😅
I have a ton of garment patterns. Mostly, these patterns are for little girls dresses that everyone in my family has pretty much outgrown, even the great nieces. I probably won't be around when they have their own kids one day. These patterns will probably be needing to find their way to new homes. It's a little bittersweet as some of them are like new, never even been used and I really wanted to make them at the time that I bought the patterns. I bought a lot of them when one of my nieces was little and she turned out to not be a "dress girl", LOL. I just never really got the chance to use them.
If you really enjoy making little girl dresses and have in stock everything required, maybe consider going ahead and making them and donating to a Women and Children Shelter, or a needy family in your church, or a neighbour’s little girl. I believe any of them would be thrilled. ❤
This is an easy one for me. I don’t buy lots of patterns.
I know I need to downsize my patterns, I am keeping all my stripology patterns. I also make bags so that will be a difficult area.
This is my big one. I have my you tube library, hard copies in 3 3” wide binders that include counted cross stitch, crochet/ knit and quilting. Then I forgot Pinterest. Oh dear I am tossing but need to go back over yet again. When I was putting patterns back where they belonged I made a mess just stuffing into book. Then I moved a huge group of I have done these patterns into the files where they belong. Even forgot about some stuffed into a small shelf. WIP I am afraid
I have only been quilting for 3 years, so I don't have an excessive stash of fabric, and I have never purchased a pattern. My question to all of you is: Am I the only one who searches online to find a pattern that is appropriate for the known use? And have found free patterns to make it?
❤
Where did you purchase the clear containers on your shelves?
This is off the 'declutter' topic, but I have a question. I have a grandson getting married in a few months and I want to make a quilt for his wedding. Problem is is that they live in the hot south. Is a quilt a reasonable gift for that climate?
Yes it is appropriate to have a quilt in the hot south. Maybe a light weight one with thin batting. I live in the southern USA and some family do as well. We use our quilts to cuddle up on the couch and watch tv or at night when temperatures drop. Quilts can make pretty wall hangings too.
Absolutely!!! My husband sleeps hot. But needs a blanket over him to sleep. So my mom made us a quilt, and instead of batting, she used preshrunk muslin. It still has the 3layers that qualify it as a quilt. But is very light weight and drapey. It is our favorite quilt 😊
I lived in the Caribbean for a few years, very hot and humid. We only used a thin sheet to cover us, but a quilt was used to make the bed look good duringthe day. Also, if they have air conditioning, most definitely need a quilt.
Thanks for the replies !!
This is the most important day for me.😂