It's been a month of cleaning and decluttering and organizing but I think my sewing room is finally back on track. A lot of looking through pain points and analyzing what has worked and what has not. I've been mounting power cords, putting up white boards and moving items based on how I use them. I hope this video helps you get your space organized for the coming year. Grab your coffee and enjoy.
Yes, thank you Karen, I am thankful for your knowledge and insight for possible issues we may have never thought of. I love watching your videos, knowing how much time it takes for you to film, edit and display pics for them. You are a blessing to me. Julie from Bristol, Wisconsin
Excellent ideas, thanks! After years of frustration over complete mess in my sewing area, i just last weekend took it all out and rethought my space and needs. Its definitely a work in progress, but the difference in the lower frustration level now has been a spring breeze in my mind! Thank you for putting into words all i was feeling/hammering out!
This may be a controversial opinion, but one thing that really helped me feel less blocked in my space is releasing myself from scraps! I don't get a lot of pleasure from scrap projects, and so scraps tend to hand round forever for me, making me feel guilty that I don't use them. So one day I decided I'm just not a scrap projects kinda guy and I donated or recycled all my scraps (fabric and yarn). Now when I finish a project I donate or recycle the scraps, and release myself from the obligation. I feel so much better and I know that some scrap lover somewhere is loving finding my bags of scraps at the charity/goodwill shop ❤️❤️❤️
We must be siblings from another mother. I only save fabric that is actual yardage. And even then, if I don’t love the yardage - OUT!!! Our charity quilts group is always asking for 2.5” strips. When I’m done with a fabric - cut it up and donate.
I'm SO glad you spoke to this. I, too, am not a scrap quilt type and my scraps overwhelm me and my space. I hate it! Yet, every time I mention wanting to throw/give the scraps away, all other quilters scream at me! I'm now going to do what you're doing...without guilt! Thanks!
@Rebecca Graves use them for stuffing for dog beds. We have someone at quilt get togethers that wants everyones scraps and makes dog beds for animal shelters.
Yes! How did you see my house? I just lost my husband 5 months ago, so I am the Queen of the Quilting Extravaganza Experience! It may be noon of 3 in the morning, but I am so excited the time just flies! I keep saying- I will organize everything as I progress from project to project! I have so much to learn!!! Thanks for every tip!
I'm a product of waste not want not. My mother was an award winning quilter. My sister is too. I inherited A TON of fabric when mom passed. It has taken me years and a very stressful move from one state to another to realize I can't keep it all. I have used your suggestions and have learned to let things go. I donated fabrics to a Liness group and goodwill. I thought it would hurt my heart but I found great pleasure in knowing things will get used, finally, and I think mom's proud of me. I quilt, I sew curtains and decorative stuff but my passion is in my antique dolls. I would by old trims and fasteners etc. And they lived in a huge bin. Was not working for my creative side. I did go the container and bookcase route. My containers are dollar store shoe boxes and they are sorted by color! Now when dressing a doll matching trims with fabrics is a dream. Sorry so long, but you've helped me tremendously! Thank you so very much.
You made my heart sing!!! There is hope for me??? Maybe not but we have some in common. I had two friends give me TONS of fabric. Problem, i treasure it all but its not getting used up fast. I am a doll lover and have many so that is my goal, to outfit dolls with my stash. This week my 42 year old sewing machine broke and is stuck doing the feather stitch only for eternity. Lol.
@@belindabrownharper4496 LOL, I feel your pain. I know with my doll clothes sewing the straight stitch is what I use most! I also sew by hand for the most part. I love it, inherited it from my grandmother. I don't know your budget but I got a great Brother sewing machine at Wal-Mart for less than $80. Maybe get one and fix the other as a back up. Best if everything.
This isn't my device. I'm a woman. I don't quilt I do clothing and home dec. I've been using dollar store shoebox for 25+ years for notions and thread. I have never found anything more useful. I did convert an old nightstand to a rolling cart that houses all of the notions I need at my machines. I have 4 machines at three stations so it's easy to move where needed. I do have to cut in the dining room, but I don't find that particularly problematic as cutting is typically completed all at once at the beginning. Fabric storage finally made its way into labeled bankers boxes until I can get some nicer ones made. I was worried about the depth, but with garment sewing, that also tends to be an upfront decision so fabric doesn't need to be constantly on display. I don't like visual clutter, so I don't use peg board or plastic containers unless they are into closed cabinets or a closet. (The plastic shoebox are on shelving in the closet.) I find that it's easier to recognize the room needs cleaning if things need to be put away.
OMG!!! I had a huge cognition while watching this video. I think I've heard you say Sewing Triangle a dozen times in different videos but it never sunk in. I'm a garment sewer. I didn't "have time" in January to actually do the declutter challenge, but I'm glad I didn't. I'll do it now that I finally realized it really is all about the Sewing Triangle. your tips and tricks and organization content help garment sewers too. Keep it coming. Life changing thank you
Excellent video. My old sons bedroom, now my quest room, became my sewing space as well. During Covid my husband and daughter work from home. She in the dining room, my husband in the basement. So the sewing room became the dumping room. I had an aisle open to my sewing machine. I have retired and so I am presently working to clear my sewing room. Your videos now only give tips they also give encouragement. Thank you.
I spent the majority of last year making a over-sized queen quilt for someone. By the time I finished it was a new year, I'd done thru 3 hospitalizations, a heart attack & surgery. Needless to say my sewing room was a wreck when I finished. I've just now been getting back to it & want to declutter & reorganize so your videos are most helpful. You sure put a positive spin on the process!
I sew and craft in an unfinished basement. I will never have an Instagram worthy area. But it flows well, I can leave a mess that only bothers me. It is warm and dry, and I do have windows. It also accommodates my pets and play area for the grandsons. I am grateful.
It sounds like a perfect set up - glad you have windows! I know it is best to be thankful for what we have and work the best with it. Our house is small so my space is more limited than some others - but it is my happy place. Karen has helped me realize we need to manage our space by acknowledging what can reasonably fit in our space. It really does feel better when we aren't overrun with too much for our space!
Warm, dry and windows sound great! If you haven't already and can afford to, painting the walls and epoxy on the floor will make all the difference. We painted the unfinished side of our basement before we listed it for sale. Really wished we had done it before that so I could have enjoyed it more.
I followed the declutter challenge this year and for me, it was life changing! I think it was the camaraderie and inspiration and the encouragement from the group that kept me motivated. I’ve always wanted to clean up my sewing room but would feel overwhelmed by all the fabric in so many different areas and annoyed and stressed with myself for purchasing so much and I judged myself so harshly that I was in “paralysis by analysis“ mode. Being part of the fb group made me realize that I’m not alone in my fabric addiction and in having UFOs and WIPs and several different types of crafts and projects. That was so freeing! And I was reminded of how generous sewers are with their time, money and energy. Everyone is a giver! I binge-watched so many of your videos; your tips, tricks, ideas and hacks are not only useful, they’re fun! You are an amazing woman and how you get so much done is impressive. Your ability to film and speak and teach is remarkable! Thank you too, for sharing your story with us, being vulnerable and keeping it real. You are a blessing!
You just summed up my entire life in two words: analysis paralysis. (I omitted the word "by" and flipped the other two so I could shorten it to two words instead of three. I think that, alone, illustrates how ridiculous my brain is... HAHAHA!) Anyway, I seriously don't think I've ever related to anything more. Now that I've pinpointed the problem, though, what do I do next? Where do I start? My sewing area, art areas, "closet room," etc. are to the point that when I finally get enough gumption to sit down to try to organize, I'm in tears in a matter of minutes and just walk away, defeated. I'm so mad at myself, feel like a complete failure, and just want to crawl under the covers and close my eyes. I ask, "Why am I the way I am?!" but there is no answer... Please help me find the next (first) step.
@@ingefallang6762 I would probably start with the one you feel like doing and only tackle one small area at a time, eg, one drawer. Perhaps spend a few minutes doing a little decluttering/organising every day before you create. There’s a really good video by Dana K White where she suggests setting a timer for whatever shorting e you have, eg 5-15 minutes and stopping when the time is up, put back anything as you go so you haven’t left more mess than you started with. Every little area completed will be an achievement. Good luck! .
I am not a beginner but your videos have to be a godsend for them. Very few creators have so many videos that cater to them while also providing little gems for the more experienced quilters. Keep up the good work. Everything you do is golden.
Hi, I am Karynne Williams and have been watching a bunch of your videos lately, and I figured out why I love them so much, your voice sounds like all three of my quilting aunties combined. I hear them giving me your tips and tricks which is very comforting. Thanks for all the great content.
Please Karen make more, of these Organisational skills tips. For example: another Part 4. Keep on this Karen as it really helps us all! Thanks your a 🌟 Star.
The call, no frills, sensible approach is why I love this channel! My sewing MOJO comes and goes. I'm a quilter, but I wouldn't say I'm an AVID quilter. I sew, but not constantly. Karen, your methods are useful for me where I am on my journey. Thank you! 😊 I have watched this particular video several times because it reminds me to be real and practical. ❤️
My immediate reaction to point #1 about comparing with those ideal looking spaces is a sigh of relief, it is tru, my space is mine…yea! No comparing. This video hits almost every point of need I have for my new space which I am setting up. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Once again Karen I think you were a web designer "in another life". I need a "triangle" for my computer, printer and flat bed scanner. While watching this video I think I solved my problem. One other thought from my early sewing days would be to have non-carpet flooring in your sewing room so you can find dropped needles and pins or keep a magnet handy to find those items to prevent another accident. Keep up the good work, Karen. You have a wonderful voice that makes me want to watch your videos every day.
After watching your video about your ironing station I purchased a rolling cart and made myself one. It is fabulous. No more wasted space from the ironing board. The bonus is the shelves below for other quilting and sewing equipment. I do take pictures of most of my projects and am on my second notebook. I also keep with them any thank you card I received if I have gifted them. It’s nice to know all our work and expense is appreciated. Love your channel❤️❤️
So true! This is especially a problem if you have a space that is so small that there is just no way everything is ever going to fit. This is my situation, currently. Even after going through all my fabric and patterns and giving away A LOT, I still have too much to fit in the room I call my studio. Now what? Very frustrating.
Karen, I love your idea about the ironing board. My old ironing board 25+years old had to be wedged to stay upright, I was motivated to find a solution. I searched for ideas for a long time, and happened to be in the hardware store, and saw a Huffy workbench that both rolls and is on wheels, with a butcherblock top. I got a wool blanket (double layered), ironing board fabric, and had hubby help me design a topper that simply fits over the top of the workbench, with the layers stapled directly onto the topper frame. It is 50"x26.5" where I now that the "luxury" of being able to iron my quilt fabric of all widths much easier. I can sit or stand with the turn of the crank. My point is that inspiration comes when you least expect it. Thanks for the great videos, I always enjoy them.
You are a life changer. I tried the declutter challenge last year and faded after a day or two. This year's challenge transformed the sewing area. It is wonderful to work in an area that has room to work. No more wasted time finding tools and fabric in this tidy area. Now I'm working through my UFOs and have finished several items. The timer was wonderful. It let me escape each day without being overwhelmed. I plan to keep doing 30 minutes of decluttering now and then to keep from falling back into chaos and carry it over to the rest of the house. I made some of your foam board dividers and plan to make more. I've given tons of stuff away to grateful people, and I'm grateful they took it. I cannot believe I kept all that stuff -- Block of the month patterns from 30 years ago that I know I will never make again. Having a FB community to share with was tons of fun. Thank you so much!
Your organizational videos are the best inspiration! I no longer feel guilty about decluttering and getting rid of old things, or things I no longer use. It feels so good to give myself permission to do that.
I love this video I love the part we're your saying make your space suit your life right now as a mum of 3 under 6 my eldest with additional needs my spare room is currently by me being made into a toy/quilting room as I got no time to sew now we can play together in the same space with obvious hazards being very mindful of 🎉
I moved my cutting table to the family room and my ironing station to the laundry room during the de clutter challenge. Makes me get up strech and move . Better for my body. I added a cd player and audio books to the sewing room. THANK YOU for the inspiration and motivation.
I’m with you. I have a wool mat for ironing on my cutting table, but most of the time I use my ironing board on the other side of the room so I get up and move often.
Of all the videos I have watched, yours is, by far, the most sensible. I didn’t realize I was ironing wrong, I had never heard of the sewing triangle, and omg, the clutter! My sewing area has been whittled down to a narrow space, but is functional, for me. Looking at it, I have the sewing triangle without realizing it. A step in the right direction! Your videos are the calming voice of reason I have needed to hear. Thank you, thank you!
The big change I made after decluttering was to move my fabric bins from the far side of the room to the shelves below my cutting station. Now I know in an instant what my inventory looks like and I am more apt to use what I have on hand. Thank you so much, Karen for all you do. You are my sewing angel 😇
I don't use see through boxes. Light can fade soft materials and whilst some would say 'I don't store things very long'. In the last 10 years I have used materials which I know I bought over 30 years ago! My motto is don't get rid of anything that you might need again. I bought a sleeve board in 1978 and didn't use it between the years of 1993 and 2010, since I've been semi-retired it has been in constant use! Thank goodness for my motto.
I took the challenge this year, and ended up getting rid of legacy pins, needles, buttons, threads, etc., that did not work for me or that I didn't need. It's great having sharp new pins and needles. In addition, I gave my collection of Curious George tins to a granddaughter who plays with them. Thanks for helping me make more space for my sewing and quilting!
Where have you been all my life? I have spent decades lusting after (and alas buying) containers…. I get a physical high in the Container Store and IKEA (and quilt shops, and yarn shops, and office supply stores… and I literally LOVE tools of all kinds…oh, and let’s not forget about paper!). Thanks to you there just may be hope for me after all.
Thank you! My gift to me for quitting smoking was to paint my sewing room white😉. I pulled everything out and started decluttering! The triangle was established before I brought anything back…1 month later it’s still working for me!
Karen, your videos are absolutely fantastic and enjoyable: competent and practical suggestions and advice, pleasant way of presenting them and all wrapped up with a great sense of humour. You are an amazing teacher. Thank you!
I got a little flow for foundation paper piecing where I had a lightbox and cutting mat on a keyboard tray of my desk in front of me, the machine on top of that, and ironing station just a twist of my chair away. It went from finicky to fun instantly.
I’m new to quilting and a devotee of your videos. I thought I didn’t have much but felt it couldn’t hurt to do your declutter challenge this year as my sewing room is also my guest room. I learnt so much especially about what I need vs what my eyes said i wanted or my artistic self thought I’d love to make! I confined my thoughts and expectations so now I have my projects for the year organized. I have a vision of what I want to do. My iPad is set up to listen to podcasts while I sew. My sewing triangle is set up. My happy place is happy! I’m ready to just get it done and have fun. Thank you Karen for your teachings and motivations. I highly recommend your declutter challenge.
I literally laughed out loud at #1 - I didn't even realize the unrealistic expectations I had for myself with my studio!! Karen you are hands down my #1 quilting resource online - your strategy and philosophy have helped me to actually MAKE my first quilt! Instead of just aspirational fabric acquisition and enjoying online tutorials for different quilting patterns! My sewing space / art studio is sooooo basic, I literally don't even have a table yet and I sew on the floor for now. Gotta start somewhere. But actually FINISHING a couple projects has been TREMENDOUSLY satisfying and motivating to keep making, and then to experiment more with different workflows, before over-buying furniture and storage that might not even work. Thanks for helping me to *actually* enjoy my hobbies! New motto: "I'm not messy, I'm making art" 🤣
After a long, busy but fun day in my sewing room, I get to sit down, grab my hand sewing and watch you work. Thanks for sharing your talent and inspiration.
I did the declutter challenge, thank you!! Now I've hit a wall. Last year my sewing machine was in a rolling bag, all of my fabric was in one plastic tote, and everything but my ruler and cutting mat in another. It was all stored in the corner in my bedroom as I don't have room for a dedicated sewing space or even cart. When sewing, my machine sat on an ottoman in my family room in front of my comfy chair, I cut and ironed at the kitchen island. Now I have an armoire I obtained from my local buy nothing group. The one drawer has all of my rulers and my design wall in it. The rest of it is jam packed with fabric that I love and have bought just in the last 5 months, but I haven' figured out how it should be organized. All of my batting is stacked in the corner next to the armoire. All of my notions are in one bin, but with no rhyme or reason. I purchased a small table with legs that unscrew which is now my new sewing surface. Up until a week ago when I would sew, the table goes up, machine on it, and fabric and gear in the rolling case. Then my 23yo machine got sick, and my sons bought my a much larger and heavier Juki. Now I have another machine to find a place for (maybe another larger rolling bag?). I also need to figure out how to organize my notions, and my fabric. I was leaning toward stacking bins with all cutty things in one, all pokey things in another, one for sticky stuff, and one for stiff stuff, and stack them all up. Now I see that isn't the right direction either. Back to square one.
I like how family help out and how our lives and their lives are prioritized and sometimes the perfect sewing room gets shafted, but never for long. I like making any rooms work, even dining table and how the family go along with it because that too will past. And we will dine where the sewing machine took over. I like using good quality Rubbermaid bins ‘Made in CanAda’ of all sizes because they hold my scraps and heavier cottons for blankets to send to the North. Thanks to Karen for her kindness and talents for sharing!!
I’m so much happier in my room after watching your videos, then doing the declutter 2022! I’ve reorganized part of my space, instead of nicknacks, my fabric is my main focus. Now I walk in and see the beautiful fabric and get inspired! Thank you Karen for your videos!
Hi Karen. I did the declutter challenge. My favorite part was the positivity, encouragement, and kinship of the Facebook group. It was so much fun seeing the before, after, and all the laughter at the in between pica and comments. I wish you would have another challenge or group something to keep this group together. We all definitely need tshirts that say, “MESS HAPPENS that’s where the fun begins.” 👩🌾💙🪡🧵
I was given a little sign " Creative Minds are rarely tidy" At the time it was given to me by a cynical person. When ever she came to visit, she always made comments about my place. home. I visited this cynical person I took my little sign with me leaving it in her disastrous creative place. Boy, sometimes the kettle calls the pot black!!
@@carolynstapley6281 wow not much of a friend in my book. I don’t like passive aggressive behavior. Never understand how making one person feel bad can make another feel good. I have a friend whose whole house is a disaster. She is one of the greatest people just messy. I tell her, “I come to see you, not your house.” She puts up with my structure which is probably uncomfortable to her. She has asked me to come stay the weekend and help her organize her quilting studio. I’m looking forward to the time together! Will it stay clean after I leave? No, but I will be making sweet memories with a great friend.
We all have different tolerances for mess and clutter. I think my husband is a hoarder. But he thinks I'm messy LOL. As long as someone is not burdened by their clutter, it's just about acceptance
End of year, my social sewing groups are taking a well earned break for those who run them. It had me do same, take a break from actual sewing. Summer is here in Australia so no snow to keep me indoors it's the vengeful mozzies that do that. So it's time to sort my rooms out. Husband's ex office is now part storage and my private TV room/computer space where larger fabric lengths are now kept. So folded them once then watched You tube video where lady used her cutting ruler 6" width to fold all her offcuts and fabric purchases. Such a neat and simple solution I redid TV room stash and they look so neat it is unbelievable. Now want to do same with rest of my fabric stash for my room is spacious but I find since I created it as a peaceful place clutter irks me. Funny really because all my life I have loved chaos, lived happily in a clean but messy house. My nursing days were on wards that were chaos and I thrived on it while others were trying to make sense of it.
I don’t sew but your work triangle example will help me with my crafting and mosaic setups. Thanks so much for the reminder that I need a workspace not a showroom. Be well
I agree with everything you say, Karen. Unlike finding ways to save steps and time during quilting, though, I purposely make every effort to move around my two sewing rooms for the exercise by making my sewing as inconvenient as possible. For example, I press all the time but my ironing table is as far from my sewing machine as possible. I don't chain piece for the reason that I have to stand up and move constantly. My quilts take longer to finish, of course. I don't mind, I'm pretty certain I put miles on my daily steps and its a good exercise program for me. I love your shows, Karen.
It's not about how many steps but more if you have to circle around a table and trip over a power cord. I too keep my iron across the room to get up and move.
I love all the common sense ideas and solutions you offer. After watching I go in my sewing room and always see a better way to make it work better for me. Thanks Karen. 🙂
It is the most reasonable video I watched about sewing room organization! Sewing triangle is s must! I liked your ironing board idea! Thank you for sharing!
I just got the point. I have a craft room. I sew,make greeting cards,knit,crochet,paint,etc. My organizing is not for just one craft. And I have a need for lots of storage. I am thankful for your video. I use many parts of your videos.
When I was doing the Decluttering Challenge I often felt like that weird little purple plushie sitting on the shelf behind you. My eyes were everywhere and it was difficult to focus on the daily topic. But, thanks to you and your great direction and encouragement, I did it! Thank you so much!
I am setting up a new workroom. It came with 2 closets and cabinets. I need to review your 21 day declutter series because you had so many gems for me.
Oh Karen! How come I've only just found you? I have a microscopic box room as a sewing room, add to that I'm a wheelchair user!!! It is an absolute shambles that I keep the door firmly shut on and sew at the kitchen table - what a waste. You have inspired me to open that door and tackle in the manner one would eat an elephant - One bite at a time. Thank you so much
My participation in your Declutter Challenge 2022 brought me that much closer to having my new studio space ready to set up my longarm quilting machine. Thanks, Karen!
Very inspirational. I used to have my sewing room ready to go in an instant. I once needed a new bag to go with an outfit I'd made for an office Christmas party. I was dressed and ready to go when I realized I didn't have anything that matched. So I raced into my sewing room and whipped out a velvet (the stretch type) drawstring bag in 20 minutes. It was a really rudimentary thing but I receive great compliment on it and my outfit. No one believed I'd made the bag moments before leaving except my friend who was waiting for me to join her on the ride over. So no, it was not beautifully lined and so on; it was just done enough to serve the purpose (no one but I would look inside anyway). My sewing room started its makeover a couple years ago but the lockdown really dispirited me. I need to get back in there and just sew again. There are still too many places I can't or don't want to go yet (weird state that I live in) but there's no problem in getting to a grocery store or a fabric store (most anything else I can order online). And since it's still winter, my sewing room is a good cozy place to be. Thanks for the pep talk. I will make sure to stop by more often for cheery news.
You are so right about how this is all put together for easy usage. I have put about five items I use whenever I sew into a zip bag kept right by my machine. It has been a game changer. I removed all the ones I rarely use and they are stored in my rolling cart. I get it. Thanks.
Hi, I would like to tell you I am not really a sewer. I do other crafts and recently decided I would start a craft business and create a space for me to work. Well, I already have the shelves up (open back for any plugs/outlets) and am about to put in a dropdown desk. This left one last thing were to put the equipment and supplies. I was having an awful time trying to figure out where everything would go. The information you gave was so helpful to me. I had to tell you how much I appreciated it!!!! Thank you so much!
I did it all along with you and it was so liberating and productive for me. I thank you very much. I even got my husband to cut my table out and recess my machine down into it for me. I found 38 pieces of marking caulk,
I joined in on the declutter you organized, just wonderful, thank you Karen 😊🌷 What I experienced after decluttering and "reset" my tiny sewing place, is more creativity. I found my lost sewing mojo, so happy 😊🌷👍
Hi Karen, Thanks for you videos,(especially this one!, although I enjoy them all. After years, and years of sewing on my dining room table, (and of course, having to put it all away…often), I finally have the luxury of a spare bedroom! (Well, most of it😂). I have taken everything out; painted, cleaned, and promised myself nothing was going back into that room unless it has a place and a purpose. My sewing triangle is set-up, although I may eventually replace the current furniture, and now I am tackling the re-organization of my fabric! I’m almost done. …super excited to get finished and start quilting again! Thanks again for the many helpful tips!😊
Thanks Karen great video🤣. I followed last year's declutter challenge with great success. The biggest challenge this year was fabric. Mine is sorted by colour so took one box at a time and refolded larger pieces and fat quarters. Everything else was sliced and diced into 2 1/2" strips and squares and5" squares. What was left became pieces for strip and crumb blocks. Rubbish fabric became stuffing. So pleased with my progess but also rediscovered fabrics sets earmarked for set purposes. I have made 3 quilt tops this week. Stashbusting winning.🤣♥️🇦🇺
Great advice. I’m more of a card maker and painter than sew-er but this was excellent info. Headed to my craft room now to declutter. Thank you so much!
I found this years declutter to be fairly simple as I had done a deep dive last year. So this year was focused on fine tuning in my new space and solving a few specific problems (like storage solutions for embroidery stabilizer) and being sure what belonged in the sewing room was there, and the long arm tools in the other room. I know it worked because as I am sewing I find myself,noting how pleasant it is to have what I need where I need it, and it has boosted my creativity!
I am so thankful I ran across your organization video. I have been struggling for 3 years to make my small workspace flow better. I refashion clothing and I have 2 large double racks of finished product as well as items in progress which takes up 1/2 of my room. My current cutting table is my dining table. When you mentioned the “triangle “ a light went off in my head! That’s what I’m missing! I will be relocating my clothing racks to a spare room next to my sewing room, bring my ironing board and a large cutting table in. Thank you so much for your video ❤️❤️🤗
I watch every single video you post and find all of them useful. I am in the process of decluttering and reorganizing. This years Motto is" Use whatcha got". Unless I absolutely LOVE it, I don't NEED it... wants and needs are very different. So I am donating and purging and planning projects. There was a reason I bought what I have and now I need and want to use it. Thanks for the inspiration Karen!
Thank you for the tip about not organizing the same way as last year. I did your first decluttering challenge and that got me through 2 years of mainly non use due to health reasons. Back then I’d started a small home business making purses. Didn’t need my big domestic quite so much so I took it down and stored it.First Covid hit then I got breast cancer and I didn’t sew for two years. Now I’m back making quilts. They make me happy, but I was split between sewing in my sewing room and FMQ at my kitchen table. Ugh. Talk about a flow killer. So I reorganized my sewing room taking down storage shelving and decluttering to make room for my big domestic. Now I’m happily FMQ and much more productive! ❤️
Wonderful videos. I’ve been working in my dining room for years. Just moved everything into spare bedroom after moving the crib out. I’m going to make a rolling ironing stand and get a cordless iron, thanks for all the tips!!
thank you so much for this video! i have been trying to fix my studio for months and months and then i will work for a little then have to spend another month fixing my room again! i didn't think of half of these tips and i think i will finally be able to finish my room and keep it useable now! thank you
I started sewing again and, specifically, quilting this last year. I've watched nearly all your videos on organization. I am happy to say that my room works well because of you and your advice. I appreciate what you've done with your channel!
The decluttering challenge was a real help to get the mess, unwanted and unnecessary stuff out. Now I am working on the organisation and watching all the videos for tips and trics. Thanks Karin, it really makes a difference
Hi Karen, I did work on organizing my sewing room as well. I played your tutorials while I was working. I have made some great strides, but I am still working on it, but that's ok. It won't happen overnight. But I donated a lot of fabric that I don't care for anymore and I closed my eyes as I tossed a few more things. I will keep at it. thank you for your wonderful videos
I discovered your channel a few days ago and I cannot stop watching your videos. Your channel is such a jewel! Watching you all the way from South Africa. 💚
I am going to do this tomorrow. while watching I thought about reorganizing according to my latest rabbit hole, and then my second favorite rabbit hole. When the holes change, I can do it again but at least I will know where everything is. Thank you for your videos on quilting, my latest rabbit hole. you are my new sewing buddy.
I've been crumb piecing and working on a bookcase quilt simultaneously while recovering from the 'roner' (because I have zero brain function right now, I chose mindless tasks), so my work area is quite the disaster area right now. I laughed out loud when you said something about not being able to find your scissors, because mine have been hiding under a stack of strips all day and I just located them. I've got sterilite totes that my fabric lives in. Scraps in ziplocs inside some totes, precuts and project pieces in others. Yardage lives on hangers inside a former tv armoire that I converted to my fabric storage and the totes stack on the shelf.Everything behind closed doors unless I'm working from them. My thread is in several locations, small spools in tiny totes on the shelf of my L shaped desk, large spools on a shelf on the wall above the ironing table home. I've got itsy bitsy handled caddies that hold everyday scissors in one, pens, pencils, emery boards and various remotes in another, markers and Sharpies in yet another. Seldom used scissors, like pinking shears, fringe snips, pocket knives are in a drawer with my sharpener. Small rulers and templates are in a wooden box on the book shelf, larger ones hang on a nail on my cutting cart. One of my favorite storage containers for orphan 2.5" squares is a Velveeta box that I dolled up with fabric scraps and mod podge. I keep my quilting safety pins (open for quick use) in a large index card box. I'm not organized all of the time, but most of it's working well, so I consider it a win. I do occasionally have to stop and tell myself it's time to clean it back up, because the mess dries up the creativity and releases the depressed demon.
It's been a month of cleaning and decluttering and organizing but I think my sewing room is finally back on track. A lot of looking through pain points and analyzing what has worked and what has not. I've been mounting power cords, putting up white boards and moving items based on how I use them. I hope this video helps you get your space organized for the coming year. Grab your coffee and enjoy.
Yes, thank you Karen, I am thankful for your knowledge and insight for possible issues we may have never thought of. I love watching your videos, knowing how much time it takes for you to film, edit and display pics for them. You are a blessing to me.
Julie from Bristol, Wisconsin
Great video. I even cleared space for us to eat at our dining room table/cutting area lol x
Excellent ideas, thanks! After years of frustration over complete mess in my sewing area, i just last weekend took it all out and rethought my space and needs. Its definitely a work in progress, but the difference in the lower frustration level now has been a spring breeze in my mind! Thank you for putting into words all i was feeling/hammering out!
AMAZING Video! Subscribed 😁
I call them "tension points".
This may be a controversial opinion, but one thing that really helped me feel less blocked in my space is releasing myself from scraps! I don't get a lot of pleasure from scrap projects, and so scraps tend to hand round forever for me, making me feel guilty that I don't use them. So one day I decided I'm just not a scrap projects kinda guy and I donated or recycled all my scraps (fabric and yarn). Now when I finish a project I donate or recycle the scraps, and release myself from the obligation. I feel so much better and I know that some scrap lover somewhere is loving finding my bags of scraps at the charity/goodwill shop ❤️❤️❤️
Good call. Release them to people that enjoy them
We must be siblings from another mother. I only save fabric that is actual yardage. And even then, if I don’t love the yardage - OUT!!! Our charity quilts group is always asking for 2.5” strips. When I’m done with a fabric - cut it up and donate.
Any suggestions for failed objects?
I'm SO glad you spoke to this. I, too, am not a scrap quilt type and my scraps overwhelm me and my space. I hate it! Yet, every time I mention wanting to throw/give the scraps away, all other quilters scream at me! I'm now going to do what you're doing...without guilt! Thanks!
@Rebecca Graves use them for stuffing for dog beds. We have someone at quilt get togethers that wants everyones scraps and makes dog beds for animal shelters.
I’m a beginner quilter and learning from RUclips. I’m so grateful I found you. Thanks so much! Oh, and I’m 71!
Yes! How did you see my house? I just lost my husband 5 months ago, so I am the Queen of the Quilting Extravaganza Experience! It may be noon of 3 in the morning, but I am so excited the time just flies! I keep saying- I will organize everything as I progress from project to project! I have so much to learn!!! Thanks for every tip!
I'm a product of waste not want not. My mother was an award winning quilter. My sister is too. I inherited A TON of fabric when mom passed. It has taken me years and a very stressful move from one state to another to realize I can't keep it all. I have used your suggestions and have learned to let things go. I donated fabrics to a Liness group and goodwill. I thought it would hurt my heart but I found great pleasure in knowing things will get used, finally, and I think mom's proud of me.
I quilt, I sew curtains and decorative stuff but my passion is in my antique dolls. I would by old trims and fasteners etc. And they lived in a huge bin. Was not working for my creative side. I did go the container and bookcase route. My containers are dollar store shoe boxes and they are sorted by color! Now when dressing a doll matching trims with fabrics is a dream.
Sorry so long, but you've helped me tremendously! Thank you so very much.
When you say it works like a dream, you know exactly what good organization is
You made my heart sing!!! There is hope for me??? Maybe not but we have some in common. I had two friends give me TONS of fabric. Problem, i treasure it all but its not getting used up fast. I am a doll lover and have many so that is my goal, to outfit dolls with my stash. This week my 42 year old sewing machine broke and is stuck doing the feather stitch only for eternity. Lol.
@@belindabrownharper4496 LOL, I feel your pain. I know with my doll clothes sewing the straight stitch is what I use most! I also sew by hand for the most part. I love it, inherited it from my grandmother. I don't know your budget but I got a great Brother sewing machine at Wal-Mart for less than $80. Maybe get one and fix the other as a back up. Best if everything.
This isn't my device. I'm a woman. I don't quilt I do clothing and home dec. I've been using dollar store shoebox for 25+ years for notions and thread. I have never found anything more useful. I did convert an old nightstand to a rolling cart that houses all of the notions I need at my machines. I have 4 machines at three stations so it's easy to move where needed. I do have to cut in the dining room, but I don't find that particularly problematic as cutting is typically completed all at once at the beginning.
Fabric storage finally made its way into labeled bankers boxes until I can get some nicer ones made. I was worried about the depth, but with garment sewing, that also tends to be an upfront decision so fabric doesn't need to be constantly on display.
I don't like visual clutter, so I don't use peg board or plastic containers unless they are into closed cabinets or a closet. (The plastic shoebox are on shelving in the closet.) I find that it's easier to recognize the room needs cleaning if things need to be put away.
Give it to your sister
*Mess Happens* is basically a life motto for me ☺️
OMG!!! I had a huge cognition while watching this video. I think I've heard you say Sewing Triangle a dozen times in different videos but it never sunk in. I'm a garment sewer. I didn't "have time" in January to actually do the declutter challenge, but I'm glad I didn't. I'll do it now that I finally realized it really is all about the Sewing Triangle. your tips and tricks and organization content help garment sewers too. Keep it coming. Life changing thank you
Glad it was helpful
I laughed out loud at the Sable award, thank you Karen I’m in ❤
Excellent video. My old sons bedroom, now my quest room, became my sewing space as well. During Covid my husband and daughter work from home. She in the dining room, my husband in the basement. So the sewing room became the dumping room. I had an aisle open to my sewing machine. I have retired and so I am presently working to clear my sewing room. Your videos now only give tips they also give encouragement. Thank you.
SEW MUCH WISDOM!!😃
I spent the majority of last year making a over-sized queen quilt for someone. By the time I finished it was a new year, I'd done thru 3 hospitalizations, a heart attack & surgery. Needless to say my sewing room was a wreck when I finished. I've just now been getting back to it & want to declutter & reorganize so your videos are most helpful. You sure put a positive spin on the process!
Take you time steady always wins
I sew and craft in an unfinished basement. I will never have an Instagram worthy area. But it flows well, I can leave a mess that only bothers me. It is warm and dry, and I do have windows. It also accommodates my pets and play area for the grandsons.
I am grateful.
It sounds like a happy place. That’s what matters! I like your positive attitude and thankful heart. 👩🌾💙👍🧵🪡
It sounds like a perfect set up - glad you have windows! I know it is best to be thankful for what we have and work the best with it. Our house is small so my space is more limited than some others - but it is my happy place. Karen has helped me realize we need to manage our space by acknowledging what can reasonably fit in our space. It really does feel better when we aren't overrun with too much for our space!
Warm, dry and windows sound great! If you haven't already and can afford to, painting the walls and epoxy on the floor will make all the difference. We painted the unfinished side of our basement before we listed it for sale. Really wished we had done it before that so I could have enjoyed it more.
🤗
I followed the declutter challenge this year and for me, it was life changing! I think it was the camaraderie and inspiration and the encouragement from the group that kept me motivated. I’ve always wanted to clean up my sewing room but would feel overwhelmed by all the fabric in so many different areas and annoyed and stressed with myself for purchasing so much and I judged myself so harshly that I was in “paralysis by analysis“ mode. Being part of the fb group made me realize that I’m not alone in my fabric addiction and in having UFOs and WIPs and several different types of crafts and projects. That was so freeing! And I was reminded of how generous sewers are with their time, money and energy. Everyone is a giver! I binge-watched so many of your videos; your tips, tricks, ideas and hacks are not only useful, they’re fun! You are an amazing woman and how you get so much done is impressive. Your ability to film and speak and teach is remarkable! Thank you too, for sharing your story with us, being vulnerable and keeping it real. You are a blessing!
You just summed up my entire life in two words: analysis paralysis. (I omitted the word "by" and flipped the other two so I could shorten it to two words instead of three. I think that, alone, illustrates how ridiculous my brain is... HAHAHA!) Anyway, I seriously don't think I've ever related to anything more. Now that I've pinpointed the problem, though, what do I do next? Where do I start? My sewing area, art areas, "closet room," etc. are to the point that when I finally get enough gumption to sit down to try to organize, I'm in tears in a matter of minutes and just walk away, defeated. I'm so mad at myself, feel like a complete failure, and just want to crawl under the covers and close my eyes. I ask, "Why am I the way I am?!" but there is no answer... Please help me find the next (first) step.
@@ingefallang6762 I would probably start with the one you feel like doing and only tackle one small area at a time, eg, one drawer. Perhaps spend a few minutes doing a little decluttering/organising every day before you create. There’s a really good video by Dana K White where she suggests setting a timer for whatever shorting e you have, eg 5-15 minutes and stopping when the time is up, put back anything as you go so you haven’t left more mess than you started with. Every little area completed will be an achievement. Good luck!
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@@joannagerson6076 Thank you Joanna!
I watch you on my computer while I'm sewing. Then later go back and watch them on my phone so I can give you a thumbs up
I am not a beginner but your videos have to be a godsend for them. Very few creators have so many videos that cater to them while also providing little gems for the more experienced quilters. Keep up the good work. Everything you do is golden.
thank you
Good to see you Karen. After the 21 day challenge was over, I found myself missing you.
Me too !
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Hi, I am Karynne Williams and have been watching a bunch of your videos lately, and I figured out why I love them so much, your voice sounds like all three of my quilting aunties combined. I hear them giving me your tips and tricks which is very comforting. Thanks for all the great content.
Thank you so much! 😎
Please Karen make more, of these Organisational skills tips. For example: another Part 4. Keep on this Karen as it really helps us all! Thanks your a 🌟 Star.
The call, no frills, sensible approach is why I love this channel! My sewing MOJO comes and goes. I'm a quilter, but I wouldn't say I'm an AVID quilter. I sew, but not constantly. Karen, your methods are useful for me where I am on my journey. Thank you! 😊 I have watched this particular video several times because it reminds me to be real and practical. ❤️
My immediate reaction to point #1 about comparing with those ideal looking spaces is a sigh of relief, it is tru, my space is mine…yea! No comparing. This video hits almost every point of need I have for my new space which I am setting up. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Once again Karen I think you were a web designer "in another life". I need a "triangle" for my computer, printer and flat bed scanner. While watching this video I think I solved my problem. One other thought from my early sewing days would be to have non-carpet flooring in your sewing room so you can find dropped needles and pins or keep a magnet handy to find those items to prevent another accident.
Keep up the good work, Karen. You have a wonderful voice that makes me want to watch your videos every day.
After watching your video about your ironing station I purchased a rolling cart and made myself one. It is fabulous. No more wasted space from the ironing board. The bonus is the shelves below for other quilting and sewing equipment. I do take pictures of most of my projects and am on my second notebook. I also keep with them any thank you card I received if I have gifted them. It’s nice to know all our work and expense is appreciated. Love your channel❤️❤️
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Our hobbies not only fill our buckets, they fill our houses. One secret of organizing is having the room to organize.
So true! This is especially a problem if you have a space that is so small that there is just no way everything is ever going to fit. This is my situation, currently. Even after going through all my fabric and patterns and giving away A LOT, I still have too much to fit in the room I call my studio. Now what? Very frustrating.
Karen, I love your idea about the ironing board. My old ironing board 25+years old had to be wedged to stay upright, I was motivated to find a solution. I searched for ideas for a long time, and happened to be in the hardware store, and saw a Huffy workbench that both rolls and is on wheels, with a butcherblock top. I got a wool blanket (double layered), ironing board fabric, and had hubby help me design a topper that simply fits over the top of the workbench, with the layers stapled directly onto the topper frame. It is 50"x26.5" where I now that the "luxury" of being able to iron my quilt fabric of all widths much easier. I can sit or stand with the turn of the crank. My point is that inspiration comes when you least expect it. Thanks for the great videos, I always enjoy them.
You are a life changer. I tried the declutter challenge last year and faded after a day or two. This year's challenge transformed the sewing area. It is wonderful to work in an area that has room to work. No more wasted time finding tools and fabric in this tidy area. Now I'm working through my UFOs and have finished several items. The timer was wonderful. It let me escape each day without being overwhelmed. I plan to keep doing 30 minutes of decluttering now and then to keep from falling back into chaos and carry it over to the rest of the house. I made some of your foam board dividers and plan to make more. I've given tons of stuff away to grateful people, and I'm grateful they took it. I cannot believe I kept all that stuff -- Block of the month patterns from 30 years ago that I know I will never make again. Having a FB community to share with was tons of fun. Thank you so much!
Thank you for saying it's ok to have a working creative space.
Finally, someone who has a practical way of looking at things that just might help me move forward. Thank You.
I really love your approach to organizing: making it more functional instead of aiming for a certain look and style. Thank you!
Your organizational videos are the best inspiration! I no longer feel guilty about decluttering and getting rid of old things, or things I no longer use. It feels so good to give myself permission to do that.
I love this video I love the part we're your saying make your space suit your life right now as a mum of 3 under 6 my eldest with additional needs my spare room is currently by me being made into a toy/quilting room as I got no time to sew now we can play together in the same space with obvious hazards being very mindful of 🎉
Your custom ironing board/cart is brilliant.
I really laughed at the search for the “ perfect” container! Been there, done that, got the T shirt… many of them! Great , great tips
It's so true about the containers! I always think "if only I had the right container!"
Unicorn containers LOL
I moved my cutting table to the family room and my ironing station to the laundry room during the de clutter challenge. Makes me get up strech and move . Better for my body. I added a cd player and audio books to the sewing room. THANK YOU for the inspiration and motivation.
I’m with you. I have a wool mat for ironing on my cutting table, but most of the time I use my ironing board on the other side of the room so I get up and move often.
Yes! I don't walk as far as you do, but I do prefer to get up to press just so I move!
Of all the videos I have watched, yours is, by far, the most sensible. I didn’t realize I was ironing wrong, I had never heard of the sewing triangle, and omg, the clutter! My sewing area has been whittled down to a narrow space, but is functional, for me. Looking at it, I have the sewing triangle without realizing it. A step in the right direction! Your videos are the calming voice of reason I have needed to hear. Thank you, thank you!
The big change I made after decluttering was to move my fabric bins from the far side of the room to the shelves below my cutting station. Now I know in an instant what my inventory looks like and I am more apt to use what I have on hand. Thank you so much, Karen for all you do. You are my sewing angel 😇
I don't use see through boxes. Light can fade soft materials and whilst some would say 'I don't store things very long'. In the last 10 years I have used materials which I know I bought over 30 years ago! My motto is don't get rid of anything that you might need again. I bought a sleeve board in 1978 and didn't use it between the years of 1993 and 2010, since I've been semi-retired it has been in constant use! Thank goodness for my motto.
So PRACTICAL, so straightforward…love it!!!
I took the challenge this year, and ended up getting rid of legacy pins, needles, buttons, threads, etc., that did not work for me or that I didn't need. It's great having sharp new pins and needles. In addition, I gave my collection of Curious George tins to a granddaughter who plays with them. Thanks for helping me make more space for my sewing and quilting!
Where have you been all my life? I have spent decades lusting after (and alas buying) containers…. I get a physical high in the Container Store and IKEA (and quilt shops, and yarn shops, and office supply stores… and I literally LOVE tools of all kinds…oh, and let’s not forget about paper!).
Thanks to you there just may be hope for me after all.
Thank you! My gift to me for quitting smoking was to paint my sewing room white😉. I pulled everything out and started decluttering! The triangle was established before I brought anything back…1 month later it’s still working for me!
Excellent
Karen, your videos are absolutely fantastic and enjoyable: competent and practical suggestions and advice, pleasant way of presenting them and all wrapped up with a great sense of humour. You are an amazing teacher. Thank you!
those “but it looks like this” photos look pretty great to me!
I got a little flow for foundation paper piecing where I had a lightbox and cutting mat on a keyboard tray of my desk in front of me, the machine on top of that, and ironing station just a twist of my chair away. It went from finicky to fun instantly.
I've learned so much from you. Common sense ideas that are blocked with other mind clutter stuff. Thanks for what you do.
I’m new to quilting and a devotee of your videos. I thought I didn’t have much but felt it couldn’t hurt to do your declutter challenge this year as my sewing room is also my guest room. I learnt so much especially about what I need vs what my eyes said i wanted or my artistic self thought I’d love to make! I confined my thoughts and expectations so now I have my projects for the year organized. I have a vision of what I want to do. My iPad is set up to listen to podcasts while I sew. My sewing triangle is set up. My happy place is happy! I’m ready to just get it done and have fun. Thank you Karen for your teachings and motivations. I highly recommend your declutter challenge.
I literally laughed out loud at #1 - I didn't even realize the unrealistic expectations I had for myself with my studio!!
Karen you are hands down my #1 quilting resource online - your strategy and philosophy have helped me to actually MAKE my first quilt! Instead of just aspirational fabric acquisition and enjoying online tutorials for different quilting patterns!
My sewing space / art studio is sooooo basic, I literally don't even have a table yet and I sew on the floor for now. Gotta start somewhere. But actually FINISHING a couple projects has been TREMENDOUSLY satisfying and motivating to keep making, and then to experiment more with different workflows, before over-buying furniture and storage that might not even work.
Thanks for helping me to *actually* enjoy my hobbies!
New motto: "I'm not messy, I'm making art" 🤣
Wonderful
After a long, busy but fun day in my sewing room, I get to sit down, grab my hand sewing and watch you work. Thanks for sharing your talent and inspiration.
I did the declutter challenge, thank you!! Now I've hit a wall. Last year my sewing machine was in a rolling bag, all of my fabric was in one plastic tote, and everything but my ruler and cutting mat in another. It was all stored in the corner in my bedroom as I don't have room for a dedicated sewing space or even cart. When sewing, my machine sat on an ottoman in my family room in front of my comfy chair, I cut and ironed at the kitchen island. Now I have an armoire I obtained from my local buy nothing group. The one drawer has all of my rulers and my design wall in it. The rest of it is jam packed with fabric that I love and have bought just in the last 5 months, but I haven' figured out how it should be organized. All of my batting is stacked in the corner next to the armoire. All of my notions are in one bin, but with no rhyme or reason. I purchased a small table with legs that unscrew which is now my new sewing surface. Up until a week ago when I would sew, the table goes up, machine on it, and fabric and gear in the rolling case. Then my 23yo machine got sick, and my sons bought my a much larger and heavier Juki. Now I have another machine to find a place for (maybe another larger rolling bag?). I also need to figure out how to organize my notions, and my fabric. I was leaning toward stacking bins with all cutty things in one, all pokey things in another, one for sticky stuff, and one for stiff stuff, and stack them all up. Now I see that isn't the right direction either. Back to square one.
A juki?!!! That sounds awesome
I like how family help out and how our lives and their lives are prioritized and sometimes the perfect sewing room gets shafted, but never for long. I like making any rooms work, even dining table and how the family go along with it because that too will past. And we will dine where the sewing machine took over. I like using good quality Rubbermaid bins ‘Made in CanAda’ of all sizes because they hold my scraps and heavier cottons for blankets to send to the North. Thanks to Karen for her kindness and talents for sharing!!
I’m so much happier in my room after watching your videos, then doing the declutter 2022! I’ve reorganized part of my space, instead of nicknacks, my fabric is my main focus. Now I walk in and see the beautiful fabric and get inspired! Thank you Karen for your videos!
Hi Karen. I did the declutter challenge. My favorite part was the positivity, encouragement, and kinship of the Facebook group. It was so much fun seeing the before, after, and all the laughter at the in between pica and comments. I wish you would have another challenge or group something to keep this group together. We all definitely need tshirts that say, “MESS HAPPENS that’s where the fun begins.” 👩🌾💙🪡🧵
I was given a little sign " Creative Minds are rarely tidy" At the time it was given to me by a cynical person. When ever she came to visit, she always made comments about my place. home. I visited this cynical person I took my little sign with me leaving it in her disastrous creative place. Boy, sometimes the kettle calls the pot black!!
@@carolynstapley6281 wow not much of a friend in my book. I don’t like passive aggressive behavior. Never understand how making one person feel bad can make another feel good. I have a friend whose whole house is a disaster. She is one of the greatest people just messy. I tell her, “I come to see you, not your house.” She puts up with my structure which is probably uncomfortable to her. She has asked me to come stay the weekend and help her organize her quilting studio. I’m looking forward to the time together! Will it stay clean after I leave? No, but I will be making sweet memories with a great friend.
We all have different tolerances for mess and clutter. I think my husband is a hoarder. But he thinks I'm messy LOL. As long as someone is not burdened by their clutter, it's just about acceptance
End of year, my social sewing groups are taking a well earned break for those who run them. It had me do same, take a break from actual sewing.
Summer is here in Australia so no snow to keep me indoors it's the vengeful mozzies that do that.
So it's time to sort my rooms out.
Husband's ex office is now part storage and my private TV room/computer space where larger fabric lengths are now kept. So folded them once then watched You tube video where lady used her cutting ruler 6" width to fold all her offcuts and fabric purchases.
Such a neat and simple solution I redid TV room stash and they look so neat it is unbelievable.
Now want to do same with rest of my fabric stash for my room is spacious but I find since I created it as a peaceful place clutter irks me.
Funny really because all my life I have loved chaos, lived happily in a clean but messy house. My nursing days were on wards that were chaos and I thrived on it while others were trying to make sense of it.
I don’t sew but your work triangle example will help me with my crafting and mosaic setups. Thanks so much for the reminder that I need a workspace not a showroom.
Be well
I agree with everything you say, Karen. Unlike finding ways to save steps and time during quilting, though, I purposely make every effort to move around my two sewing rooms for the exercise by making my sewing as inconvenient as possible. For example, I press all the time but my ironing table is as far from my sewing machine as possible. I don't chain piece for the reason that I have to stand up and move constantly. My quilts take longer to finish, of course. I don't mind, I'm pretty certain I put miles on my daily steps and its a good exercise program for me. I love your shows, Karen.
It's not about how many steps but more if you have to circle around a table and trip over a power cord. I too keep my iron across the room to get up and move.
I love all the common sense ideas and solutions you offer. After watching I go in my sewing room and always see a better way to make it work better for me. Thanks Karen. 🙂
It is the most reasonable video I watched about sewing room organization! Sewing triangle is s must!
I liked your ironing board idea!
Thank you for sharing!
I just got the point. I have a craft room. I sew,make greeting cards,knit,crochet,paint,etc. My organizing is not for just one craft. And I have a need for lots of storage. I am thankful for your video. I use many parts of your videos.
When I was doing the Decluttering Challenge I often felt like that weird little purple plushie sitting on the shelf behind you. My eyes were everywhere and it was difficult to focus on the daily topic. But, thanks to you and your great direction and encouragement, I did it! Thank you so much!
The plushie is a gall bladder!
I love your hexie jar! Seeing it filling up is very pleasing to me.
I am setting up a new workroom. It came with 2 closets and cabinets. I need to review your 21 day declutter series because you had so many gems for me.
Thanks!
Thank you 😊
I do a lot of paper crafts as well..so this is a wake up for ALL my organization..your the best Karen!!
Me too! My hubby tells me I have too many hobbies. I try really hard to stick with the “If I can see it, I’ll use it” theory.
Amen to unrealistic expectations. Brilliant realization
Oh Karen! How come I've only just found you? I have a microscopic box room as a sewing room, add to that I'm a wheelchair user!!! It is an absolute shambles that I keep the door firmly shut on and sew at the kitchen table - what a waste. You have inspired me to open that door and tackle in the manner one would eat an elephant - One bite at a time. Thank you so much
It may turn out that the kitchen table is the best place to sew. Think of your flow and what is best for you and your accessibility issues
My participation in your Declutter Challenge 2022 brought me that much closer to having my new studio space ready to set up my longarm quilting machine. Thanks, Karen!
exciting
Very inspirational. I used to have my sewing room ready to go in an instant. I once needed a new bag to go with an outfit I'd made for an office Christmas party. I was dressed and ready to go when I realized I didn't have anything that matched. So I raced into my sewing room and whipped out a velvet (the stretch type) drawstring bag in 20 minutes. It was a really rudimentary thing but I receive great compliment on it and my outfit. No one believed I'd made the bag moments before leaving except my friend who was waiting for me to join her on the ride over. So no, it was not beautifully lined and so on; it was just done enough to serve the purpose (no one but I would look inside anyway).
My sewing room started its makeover a couple years ago but the lockdown really dispirited me. I need to get back in there and just sew again. There are still too many places I can't or don't want to go yet (weird state that I live in) but there's no problem in getting to a grocery store or a fabric store (most anything else I can order online). And since it's still winter, my sewing room is a good cozy place to be.
Thanks for the pep talk. I will make sure to stop by more often for cheery news.
I have found that organization of my sewing space is a moving target thus making it a journey that never gets at an end. That’s what makes it fun!
I want to be just like you when I grow up❤️Thank you for sharing 🥰
I dont think I can ever get my sewing room organized. But your advice to empty out the room first makes perfect sense
Karen, you and your videos are such a delight! I'm always excited to see a notification pop up for your videos. Blessings to you.
You are so right about how this is all put together for easy usage. I have put about five items I use whenever I sew into a zip bag kept right by my machine. It has been a game changer. I removed all the ones I rarely use and they are stored in my rolling cart. I get it. Thanks.
Hi, I would like to tell you I am not really a sewer. I do other crafts and recently decided I would start a craft business and create a space for me to work. Well, I already have the shelves up (open back for any plugs/outlets) and am about to put in a dropdown desk. This left one last thing were to put the equipment and supplies. I was having an awful time trying to figure out where everything would go. The information you gave was so helpful to me. I had to tell you how much I appreciated it!!!! Thank you so much!
Just getting started to learn how to quilt. Have bought some materials. Thanks for helping me to organize,
I really enjoyed your declutter challenge 2022 and miss the daily chore list and video rach day. I am much more tighty these days. Thanks
I did it all along with you and it was so liberating and productive for me. I thank you very much. I even got my husband to cut my table out and recess my machine down into it for me. I found 38 pieces of marking caulk,
I always have a better attitude and LEARN from you thank you
I joined in on the declutter you organized, just wonderful, thank you Karen 😊🌷 What I experienced after decluttering and "reset" my tiny sewing place, is more creativity. I found my lost sewing mojo, so happy 😊🌷👍
Hi Karen,
Thanks for you videos,(especially this one!, although I enjoy them all.
After years, and years of sewing on my dining room table, (and of course, having to put it all away…often), I finally have the luxury of a spare bedroom! (Well, most of it😂).
I have taken everything out; painted, cleaned, and promised myself nothing was going back into that room unless it has a place and a purpose. My sewing triangle is set-up, although I may eventually replace the current furniture, and now I am tackling the re-organization of my fabric! I’m almost done. …super excited to get finished and start quilting again! Thanks again for the many helpful tips!😊
Thanks Karen great video🤣. I followed last year's declutter challenge with great success. The biggest challenge this year was fabric. Mine is sorted by colour so took one box at a time and refolded larger pieces and fat quarters. Everything else was sliced and diced into 2 1/2" strips and squares and5" squares. What was left became pieces for strip and crumb blocks. Rubbish fabric became stuffing. So pleased with my progess but also rediscovered fabrics sets earmarked for set purposes. I have made 3 quilt tops this week. Stashbusting winning.🤣♥️🇦🇺
Great advice. I’m more of a card maker and painter than sew-er but this was excellent info. Headed to my craft room now to declutter. Thank you so much!
I share these videos with my boyfriend to apply to his hobby room; he's a model railroader.
The principles still apply. I paint and sew and it is all in my art room
I found this years declutter to be fairly simple as I had done a deep dive last year. So this year was focused on fine tuning in my new space and solving a few specific problems (like storage solutions for embroidery stabilizer) and being sure what belonged in the sewing room was there, and the long arm tools in the other room. I know it worked because as I am sewing I find myself,noting how pleasant it is to have what I need where I need it, and it has boosted my creativity!
🥳🥳🥳
I am so thankful I ran across your organization video. I have been struggling for 3 years to make my small workspace flow better.
I refashion clothing and I have 2 large double racks of finished product as well as items in progress which takes up 1/2 of my room.
My current cutting table is my dining table. When you mentioned the “triangle “ a light went off in my head! That’s what I’m missing!
I will be relocating my clothing racks to a spare room next to my sewing room, bring my ironing board and a large cutting table in.
Thank you so much for your video ❤️❤️🤗
excellent
Karen, you’re a star ⭐️I’ve got stuff everywhere. It’s driving me nuts
Love that quilt behind you. Your Spence of Color is fantastic, love your videos, one of the best frankly
Thank you Karen you opened up a whole new world for me. I love your method.
The triangle idea really resonates! Absolutely helpful video. Than you so much.
So glad!
I watch every single video you post and find all of them useful. I am in the process of decluttering and reorganizing. This years Motto is" Use whatcha got". Unless I absolutely LOVE it, I don't NEED it... wants and needs are very different. So I am donating and purging and planning projects. There was a reason I bought what I have and now I need and want to use it. Thanks for the inspiration Karen!
Karen, I love your videos and tips. I've been sewing for 60 years, but I have so much to learn. Thank you💖
I just found you. I love your common sense approach to our quilting lives. Thank you, you have a new viewer!
Thank you for the tip about not organizing the same way as last year. I did your first decluttering challenge and that got me through 2 years of mainly non use due to health reasons. Back then I’d started a small home business making purses. Didn’t need my big domestic quite so much so I took it down and stored it.First Covid hit then I got breast cancer and I didn’t sew for two years. Now I’m back making quilts. They make me happy, but I was split between sewing in my sewing room and FMQ at my kitchen table. Ugh. Talk about a flow killer. So I reorganized my sewing room taking down storage shelving and decluttering to make room for my big domestic. Now I’m happily FMQ and much more productive! ❤️
I'm intrigued by the idea of foam core customized boxes. Sounds brilliant, thank you.
Wonderful videos. I’ve been working in my dining room for years. Just moved everything into spare bedroom after moving the crib out. I’m going to make a rolling ironing stand and get a cordless iron, thanks for all the tips!!
thank you so much for this video! i have been trying to fix my studio for months and months and then i will work for a little then have to spend another month fixing my room again! i didn't think of half of these tips and i think i will finally be able to finish my room and keep it useable now! thank you
I started sewing again and, specifically, quilting this last year. I've watched nearly all your videos on organization. I am happy to say that my room works well because of you and your advice. I appreciate what you've done with your channel!
Thank you
The decluttering challenge was a real help to get the mess, unwanted and unnecessary stuff out. Now I am working on the organisation and watching all the videos for tips and trics. Thanks Karin, it really makes a difference
Hi Karen, I did work on organizing my sewing room as well. I played your tutorials while I was working. I have made some great strides, but I am still working on it, but that's ok. It won't happen overnight. But I donated a lot of fabric that I don't care for anymore and I closed my eyes as I tossed a few more things. I will keep at it. thank you for your wonderful videos
I discovered your channel a few days ago and I cannot stop watching your videos. Your channel is such a jewel! Watching you all the way from South Africa. 💚
Thank you 😊
I am going to do this tomorrow. while watching I thought about reorganizing according to my latest rabbit hole, and then my second favorite rabbit hole. When the holes change, I can do it again but at least I will know where everything is. Thank you for your videos on quilting, my latest rabbit hole. you are my new sewing buddy.
I've been crumb piecing and working on a bookcase quilt simultaneously while recovering from the 'roner' (because I have zero brain function right now, I chose mindless tasks), so my work area is quite the disaster area right now. I laughed out loud when you said something about not being able to find your scissors, because mine have been hiding under a stack of strips all day and I just located them.
I've got sterilite totes that my fabric lives in. Scraps in ziplocs inside some totes, precuts and project pieces in others. Yardage lives on hangers inside a former tv armoire that I converted to my fabric storage and the totes stack on the shelf.Everything behind closed doors unless I'm working from them.
My thread is in several locations, small spools in tiny totes on the shelf of my L shaped desk, large spools on a shelf on the wall above the ironing table home. I've got itsy bitsy handled caddies that hold everyday scissors in one, pens, pencils, emery boards and various remotes in another, markers and Sharpies in yet another. Seldom used scissors, like pinking shears, fringe snips, pocket knives are in a drawer with my sharpener. Small rulers and templates are in a wooden box on the book shelf, larger ones hang on a nail on my cutting cart. One of my favorite storage containers for orphan 2.5" squares is a Velveeta box that I dolled up with fabric scraps and mod podge. I keep my quilting safety pins (open for quick use) in a large index card box.
I'm not organized all of the time, but most of it's working well, so I consider it a win. I do occasionally have to stop and tell myself it's time to clean it back up, because the mess dries up the creativity and releases the depressed demon.
I've made all these mistakes. Your 21 day challenge was great. I'm still working on it. Thanks.