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.
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!
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 sewing room used to be where I went for calm, clarity and creativity, but my toddler likes to think otherwise 😆 I've given her a creative space with a chair, desk, markers, paper, pencils, buttons, yarn, ribbon and some scrap fabrics (everything I use to craft with), but she's 2 and has basically taken over the room 🤷🏻♀️ In a few years, she'll be in school and I'll miss our craft time together, so I'm not complaining at all. It's just the phase of life I'm in 💜
I hear you on that! Some days I have the patience to craft with a kiddo, other days it all waits until after they are asleep! In our house, I also try really hard to have spaces, even in a particular room, that are just for me. But keeping it that way is such a battle!!
My declutter trick is to arrange fabric in clear plastic tub (s) in rows, folded around foam board to make them the same size. This way they're neat and I can easily see what I have. No more digging, no more stacks falling over, and I can access one fabric without disturbing the rest.
How do you know how much fabric is on each bd? I have mine in tubs by yardage. That’s probably dumb, but if I want to make a top, I look in my 2 yd. tubs, a skirt-2 to 3 yd tubs, etc. i also have my knits separate from woven, Halloween separate froM Christmas, etc! THATS WHY I HAVE TOO MANY TUBS! Lol. I need help!
@@vickyls8132 that's a nice approach with this sort by yardage bins. I may have to try your system. I couldn't find anything. my sewing room looked like the scene of a 12 camel pile up. So last week I tackled the textile disasters and sorted them by color categories. I strategically folded the goods to be long and narrow and placed them in a deep shelving unit. I can tell the approximate yardage by how fat the fold is and I attached a written label indicating yardage on a piece of masking tape or a Post-It note and straight pen. Once grouped, I realized I had a lot of certain colors and hardly any of others. out of sight out of mind, so back to the fabric store I go picking up another piece of that same spring Green. So I discovered I had a whole whole lot of green ✂️💚🌳☘️🌄🐢🐸🍏📗
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!
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.
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 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.
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❤️❤️
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, 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.
Have you been in my sewing room? You are right on. After going through your Declutter challenge I discovered a plug in my wall that I didn’t know i had because of all the piles of fabric on the floor in front of it. Now, I don’t have to use a drop cord to plug in my extra light for my cutting board and sewing machine. And i have put my rulers and cutting tools on my cutting table instead of on a dresser, that i thought would look nice and out of the way. I was always getting up and down, waisting precious time. (Give Mando a squeeze from me. Our neighbors dog had to be put down last week. I’m going to miss Blue) Be safe and keep warm from Florida.
I had gone through a period of losing my "sew-jo" & the Declutter Challenge has really broken the "log jam"--thank you Karen! It feels like I am back on track & moving forward again.
@@eileenball3336 I'm so sorry--it is horrible--isn't it? Karen has a great video about getting your SewJo back. What really helped me was forcing myself to clean out the old so I could bring in the new. Good Luck
@@sewquilty thanks for your response, part of my problem is that I used to be an extremely avid sewer but 25 years ago I changed jobs to work full-time and my sewing became non-existent due to lack of time. Although I retired almost 10 years ago, all I did was talk about getting back into sewing, but I think it was a lack of confidence due to the break. Good news though, I now finally have my own room, which is great cos you can so an hour or so, leave it without having to tidy up. I've made a couple of little things so, after all this time, I think I'm back and I'm happy that you are too. Not sure where you are, but hello from Derbyshire, UK 😀
As for the boxes in boxes issue, I certainly know what you mean. Although it is not something I actually fight. The big boxes work better in my space (no shelves, just hiding under the counter in piles) than a tower of lots of little boxes would work for me. The big boxes all have very detailed inventories on the outside, so I know which I want to dig in. When I am doing a project, I get out the tools and supplies I will need for it, and put them in a project bag. That all fits in one cupboard, so that it is easy to access when I have time to work on it. The cupboard is kind of nice too, because I can't have too many projects going without finishing some of the old ones and making room. 😅 I have no idea if this would work for someone else, but it works for me and my eclectic taste in craft projects.
I have the same Bernina foot organizer. I can't believe that anyone that sews regularly actually designed that. I've knocked it over more times than I care to count. The doors are now off. and the next step is to put a couple of holes in it to mount it securely to the wall.
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! ❤️
Off the subject, but your haircut is really cute in this video. I’m not even using my sewing room at this time. Got a puppy for Christmas (10 months now and I’m still)nuts. I haven’t seen my sewing room in seven months. Great ideas thank you.
Am late to watching your organizational videos, but I’m so looking forward to getting back into my upstairs studio (hip replacement surgery soon) that I will start my return off with a revamp of my space and getting back to a standing situation once again! I have spent most of my years at the sewing machine standing. It’s only because of a bum hip that I had to shift to sitting down at the machine over the last year or so. Sitting is such an alien position and still hard on the hip, but I cannot stand for long periods of time till I get my repair. So maybe some of you out there might prefer standing. It’s more efficient to move from machine to ironing board to cutting table, especially doing FFPs.
I'm just getting to the point of putting everything where it's going to live (for now ) in my sewing room that's taken a year to make , and this video has come at the perfect time for me to think about why im putting things where I am , thank you Karen you always know exactly how to make us think out side the storage box .
Another great video! Thanks to your declutter challenge I have started looking at tubs in my basement. As I look at the contents I take a picture and send to my daughter-in-law who is a crafter and ask her if she wants it. So far I have emptied three large tubs and only kept items that fit in two shoebox size containers. My daughter-in-law has a small box of items going to her, one larger box to be taken to Salvation Army and a bag of trash.
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
Excellent advice and encouragement. The containers...oh, baby, do I have containers. I struggle with the I might need these. While I may indeed use them at some point, right now I have to store them which causes another problem. Where and for how long. I found your number one the most interesting. Other images of the perfectly decorated studio. Wow. I am pretty sure I resemble that quest. Okay...I do resemble that. Very interesting and most helpful too. Thank you, Karen. Now I've some work to do.
Don't forget the un=used space behind your sewing room door if you have one... one of those clear shoe holder over the door thingamabobs...are awesome for storing hard to store/awkward items!
These tips are so helpful! I just got a sewing room and Im repurposing my home furniture to accommodate my fabrics and notions, tools, etc, and what Ive found is that I need to use most of my space to store fabric. I know you have a video on storing/sorting/using scraps but what about those of us who have a lot of uncut material? Would you sort by Color? Project? Precut? Do you have a video on this already?
All excellent ideas, I’m basically where I want everything. To wrap things up I’ve asked my husband to make a fixture to hold my bobbins that fit perfectly in my sewing table, one for quilting threads and a for polyester threads that will be it. Now I just have to practice, practice, and more practice. Thanks for sharing 👍❤️😊
Love your videos, still decluttering. I have a unfinished space in my basement, but have learned a lot about keeping STUFF I don’t need. I feel lighter. Thank you for all your good ideas.
CORDLESS IRONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need one now! I use a small iron - what is the best and hottest? And I like auto turn off!!!! You made my day - week- year - life! Thank you!.
Wow Karen, you packed a lot of information in this video! It’s helped to clarify what some of the pitfalls are and how to function best in our space - so we can ‘get in the zone’ for enjoyment and productivity- and there’s a lot for me to digest but I want to thank you for taking the time to do this series as it ‘s big on value and has been very helpful! I hope you have a wonderful 2022.
One more sleep until I move. If husband and helpers did as asked, all my quilt stuff will be in one corner of the garage. I will unpack the rest and then watch all the videos in this challenge before I choose my quilt space. Can't wait. Even found the corflute to make custom boxes, drawer dividers.
😀Hi there Karen loving all you're amazing organisation videos hints and advice. I do hope that all your Family & Friends are all keeping well ❤❤❤😃😃😃 I am always looking for inspiration & I always know that you will have the best answers. Loads a love Jan in the UK XOXO 🇬🇧
Great ideas, love you channel. I have one question, if you should empty your studio out when it needs an overhaul and reorganization, where do you put everything while your organizing? I have a lot and no where to put it while I'm taking care of business. I don't know how to start. Thanks for sharing! You have a wonderful channel.
When I purchase a precut (I.E. Layer cake or Jelly roll) I usually purchase at least a yard or more of coordinating fabric from that collection. My question is how do you organize your fabrics to keep the precut and coordinating fabric together or kept track of?
I just learned that there are battery powered light bulbs. You put a battery in the bulb and put the bulb in a lamp and you can have the lamp where there is no outlet. Haven't tried it yet but I intend to.
Does your hubby have a youtube channel on 3D printing? Asking for a 14 yr old teen who'd love to make some functional "stuff" for his parents :). Also, I fight the paper monster, little pieces for little notes, but don't want to put up my every thought on a chalk board, so bought a 7.99 LED notepad thingy on amazon, it's like a magna doodle for adults. :) No more little pieces of paper, or anyone finding random thoughts on paper (anyone meaning me) and thinking "what the heck does THIS mean!" LOL! Thanks for the tips!
Great video as always! It doesn’t seem that long ago that you were almost at 200k subscribers and look your are now almost at 300k! Any celebration plans?
I’m so done with buying containers. I have neighbors with garages full of organized containers who end up buying what they want to use today because going into the garage and shifting containers is too inconvenient. Sometimes you just need to decide what you really use and admit that no matter how much you paid for it, you should donate it, not buy a container for it.
My biggest question is....why do people need so much stuff? We all have limited space. So why does every single spot need to have something in it? I suppose if you sew, quilt,craft as your job then you may need more supplies on hand. But for us average Jills and Joes we don't need that much stuff. I used to have a fairly decent size sewing room with a ginormous sewing/cutting table. I didn't need all that space. My husband says go big or go home. But I don't need big because I don't need a lot of stuff. I don't mean to be rude but I just don't understand. I'm not perfect. My space is a mess as I'm working. But when I'm done for the day I tidy. I pick up threads and scraps. I fold neatly the fabrics I'm using for the current projects. But I don't keep a big stash because it never all gets used. Then you organize the same stuff over and over. So you spend more time putting stuff away than you do being creative. So why have so much stuff???
I admit that I have the attention span of a flea. This video caused confusion in that 'mistake' wasn't emphasized at the beginning of each segment. Also, not everyone has an iPad, or i anything for that matter, nor do we all have 3D printers. I appreciate your effort and know that none of us are perfect. Just know that my husband and I enjoy 99.99999% of your videos.
Hi, thank you for your videos. A little bit of music goes a long way. Talking over music makes it difficult for some of us to hear the information. On the spectrum, hard of hearing, English as a second language, etc. If you have a little music before and after you're speaking that's really nice. But not talking over a continuous soundtrack is the best for us. Thanks for considering switching the format to less music.
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
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.
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! .
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.
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.
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’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.
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 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.
I am very slow to buy a storage solution. I use a lot of baggies 8n different sizes, cardboard boxes of different sizes and types drug home or taken from the packaging of anyone of a number of things, and simply metal or plastic containers originating an all walks of life. Before I actually buy something, I want a test run on items I feel little or no emotion about jettisoning. Once I find a size, shape, or dimension I like, then I'll buy except by then, often the volume or types of things have also shifted. When I move out of the baggie in a box solution, I want something which has no extra space and keeps my goodies accessible in accordance with how often I'm likely to access it. - For those foam board drawer organizers, I often drop a combination of small cardboard boxes, cookie trays from a package of cookies, office drawer or kitchen drawer organizers, and so on into shallow drawers with a firm organization set up. For deeper drawers, I will sometimes do similar with box bottoms cut from cardboard boxes or some electric combination of storage items from other worlds. For example for my "puddle of pens" not organized by set, for years I used an old metal schooo lunch box I got with no handle but a great clasp. I could put it on its side on a shelf, lay it flat on shelf or in drawer, or toss it in a tote or box.
Eh yeh…it’s all fine and dandy until the creativity begins…the chaos reruns…but it’s okay. I did the challenge and I would call it a success…really cleared out a lot of unnecessary stuff but life goes on lol
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
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 😊🌷👍
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!
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.
My year started off with a 'donation' from a deceased quilter. Turns out quilting was less than 1/2 of what she left. I kept precious little and shared the rest. But the books & magazines got me to purge mine and the combined boxes will go to a guild sale. Then I went looking for a particular layer cake sized scrap (which apparently doesn't exit anymore) but that got me to 'file' several months worth of scraps. While I was at it, I incorporated the original scrap drawer into the new system by color, since I never looked in there anymore. I tackled several other drawers while I was at it & purged some more. I filled several pet beds and tossed garbage too. I found things that got separated as well as machine attachments & bobbins for my Grandmother's machine and a treadle in my collection. All this while working on the annual AQS challenge quilt for 2 different guilds I belong too - with deadlines! Thanks to your declutter videos I was able to take a kit I won, toss the pattern and keep the fabric, except one piece with NO guilty feelings. Thanks for that!
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.
Wow!! Okay, this year I have got to implement these tips when I organize again. No wonder I've been having such a bad time. My problem is I don't have Just a sewing room, I have way too many hobbies 😅
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!
Surprisingly, I found that a harmonic ordered space invites you to work. Sometimes the temptation is: “I leave everything out, so I’ll be quicker tomorrow to finish my job. It isn’t so. Looking at a chaotic space won’t invite you to work there again. :-) (I’m Monica, youtube account is that of my husband Corrado. :-) I’m italian and I write from a mountain village between Parma and Florence)
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.🤣♥️🇦🇺
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.
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 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 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,
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 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. 🙂
I can't make a triangle given the rectangular nature of my room. My sewing corner is on one wall and my desk is on the other wall. What is the organizing principle for a rectangular space? Any ideas?
Now... What to do with my DDIL's 2 sewing machines, 2 giant Rubbermaid tubs, 2 boxes and 1 very large garbage bag of projects waiting for the next time she visits. (The last time was 3 months ago). With a toddler, I understand why she can't work at home, but I kind of hate going into my sewing room because I can't snap my fingers and bend time and space to make it disappear when she's not here.
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 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
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 sewing room used to be where I went for calm, clarity and creativity, but my toddler likes to think otherwise 😆 I've given her a creative space with a chair, desk, markers, paper, pencils, buttons, yarn, ribbon and some scrap fabrics (everything I use to craft with), but she's 2 and has basically taken over the room 🤷🏻♀️ In a few years, she'll be in school and I'll miss our craft time together, so I'm not complaining at all. It's just the phase of life I'm in 💜
very true, but somedays it's hard
I hear you on that! Some days I have the patience to craft with a kiddo, other days it all waits until after they are asleep! In our house, I also try really hard to have spaces, even in a particular room, that are just for me. But keeping it that way is such a battle!!
My declutter trick is to arrange fabric in clear plastic tub (s) in rows, folded around foam board to make them the same size. This way they're neat and I can easily see what I have. No more digging, no more stacks falling over, and I can access one fabric without disturbing the rest.
What size tub?
Sounds amazing. Photo please?
You posted a great strategy that I've got to try.
How do you know how much fabric is on each bd? I have mine in tubs by yardage. That’s probably dumb, but if I want to make a top, I look in my 2 yd. tubs, a skirt-2 to 3 yd tubs, etc. i also have my knits separate from woven, Halloween separate froM Christmas, etc! THATS WHY I HAVE TOO MANY TUBS! Lol. I need help!
@@vickyls8132 that's a nice approach with this sort by yardage bins. I may have to try your system. I couldn't find anything. my sewing room looked like the scene of a 12 camel pile up. So last week I tackled the textile disasters and sorted them by color categories. I strategically folded the goods to be long and narrow and placed them in a deep shelving unit. I can tell the approximate yardage by how fat the fold is and I attached a written label indicating yardage on a piece of masking tape or a Post-It note and straight pen. Once grouped, I realized I had a lot of certain colors and hardly any of others. out of sight out of mind, so back to the fabric store I go picking up another piece of that same spring Green. So I discovered I had a whole whole lot of green ✂️💚🌳☘️🌄🐢🐸🍏📗
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!
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.
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 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
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❤️❤️
👍
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’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, 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! 😎
Have you been in my sewing room? You are right on. After going through your Declutter challenge I discovered a plug in my wall that I didn’t know i had because of all the piles of fabric on the floor in front of it. Now, I don’t have to use a drop cord to plug in my extra light for my cutting board and sewing machine. And i have put my rulers and cutting tools on my cutting table instead of on a dresser, that i thought would look nice and out of the way. I was always getting up and down, waisting precious time. (Give Mando a squeeze from me. Our neighbors dog had to be put down last week. I’m going to miss Blue) Be safe and keep warm from Florida.
I had gone through a period of losing my "sew-jo" & the Declutter Challenge has really broken the "log jam"--thank you Karen! It feels like I am back on track & moving forward again.
So glad to hear
Sew-jo, I love that, I've lost mine too
@@eileenball3336 I'm so sorry--it is horrible--isn't it? Karen has a great video about getting your SewJo back. What really helped me was forcing myself to clean out the old so I could bring in the new. Good Luck
@@sewquilty thanks for your response, part of my problem is that I used to be an extremely avid sewer but 25 years ago I changed jobs to work full-time and my sewing became non-existent due to lack of time. Although I retired almost 10 years ago, all I did was talk about getting back into sewing, but I think it was a lack of confidence due to the break. Good news though, I now finally have my own room, which is great cos you can so an hour or so, leave it without having to tidy up. I've made a couple of little things so, after all this time, I think I'm back and I'm happy that you are too. Not sure where you are, but hello from Derbyshire, UK 😀
As for the boxes in boxes issue, I certainly know what you mean. Although it is not something I actually fight. The big boxes work better in my space (no shelves, just hiding under the counter in piles) than a tower of lots of little boxes would work for me. The big boxes all have very detailed inventories on the outside, so I know which I want to dig in.
When I am doing a project, I get out the tools and supplies I will need for it, and put them in a project bag. That all fits in one cupboard, so that it is easy to access when I have time to work on it. The cupboard is kind of nice too, because I can't have too many projects going without finishing some of the old ones and making room. 😅
I have no idea if this would work for someone else, but it works for me and my eclectic taste in craft projects.
I love your hexie jar! Seeing it filling up is very pleasing to me.
I dont think I can ever get my sewing room organized. But your advice to empty out the room first makes perfect sense
I have the same Bernina foot organizer. I can't believe that anyone that sews regularly actually designed that. I've knocked it over more times than I care to count. The doors are now off. and the next step is to put a couple of holes in it to mount it securely to the wall.
I always have a better attitude and LEARN from you thank you
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! ❤️
Off the subject, but your haircut is really cute in this video. I’m not even using my sewing room at this time.
Got a puppy for Christmas (10 months now and I’m still)nuts. I haven’t seen my sewing room in seven months. Great ideas thank you.
Am late to watching your organizational videos, but I’m so looking forward to getting back into my upstairs studio (hip replacement surgery soon) that I will start my return off with a revamp of my space and getting back to a standing situation once again! I have spent most of my years at the sewing machine standing. It’s only because of a bum hip that I had to shift to sitting down at the machine over the last year or so. Sitting is such an alien position and still hard on the hip, but I cannot stand for long periods of time till I get my repair. So maybe some of you out there might prefer standing. It’s more efficient to move from machine to ironing board to cutting table, especially doing FFPs.
I'm just getting to the point of putting everything where it's going to live (for now ) in my sewing room that's taken a year to make , and this video has come at the perfect time for me to think about why im putting things where I am , thank you Karen you always know exactly how to make us think out side the storage box .
Another great video! Thanks to your declutter challenge I have started looking at tubs in my basement. As I look at the contents I take a picture and send to my daughter-in-law who is a crafter and ask her if she wants it. So far I have emptied three large tubs and only kept items that fit in two shoebox size containers. My daughter-in-law has a small box of items going to her, one larger box to be taken to Salvation Army and a bag of trash.
Thank you 😊
I so enjoy your videos. It’s nice to see I’m not alone with my sew room struggles
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
Thanks to you I've created zones, reorganized, purged and hopefully I'll be able to accomplish more. Thanks!!!
👍 two thumbs up 👍
I keep coming back to watch this video over and over. Thank you Karen for all the great tips.
Your videos are so helpful and inspire me. TFS
Excellent advice and encouragement. The containers...oh, baby, do I have containers. I struggle with the I might need these. While I may indeed use them at some point, right now I have to store them which causes another problem. Where and for how long. I found your number one the most interesting. Other images of the perfectly decorated studio. Wow. I am pretty sure I resemble that quest. Okay...I do resemble that. Very interesting and most helpful too. Thank you, Karen. Now I've some work to do.
Don't forget the un=used space behind your sewing room door if you have one... one of those clear shoe holder over the door thingamabobs...are awesome for storing hard to store/awkward items!
Hey Karen - great to see you!!! Looking forward to being able to get sewing soon and just needed some inspiration from my RUclips friends.
These tips are so helpful! I just got a sewing room and Im repurposing my home furniture to accommodate my fabrics and notions, tools, etc, and what Ive found is that I need to use most of my space to store fabric. I know you have a video on storing/sorting/using scraps but what about those of us who have a lot of uncut material? Would you sort by Color? Project? Precut? Do you have a video on this already?
All excellent ideas, I’m basically where I want everything. To wrap things up I’ve asked my husband to make a fixture to hold my bobbins that fit perfectly in my sewing table, one for quilting threads and a for polyester threads that will be it. Now I just have to practice, practice, and more practice.
Thanks for sharing 👍❤️😊
Love your videos, still decluttering. I have a unfinished space in my basement, but have learned a lot about keeping STUFF I don’t need. I feel lighter. Thank you for all your good ideas.
CORDLESS IRONS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need one now! I use a small iron - what is the best and hottest? And I like auto turn off!!!! You made my day - week- year - life! Thank you!.
Wow Karen, you packed a lot of information in this video! It’s helped to clarify what some of the pitfalls are and how to function best in our space - so we can ‘get in the zone’ for enjoyment and productivity- and there’s a lot for me to digest but I want to thank you for taking the time to do this series as it ‘s big on value and has been very helpful! I hope you have a wonderful 2022.
I’ll do this challenge for my craft room when my shoulder heals. My sewing area is pretty organized.
One more sleep until I move. If husband and helpers did as asked, all my quilt stuff will be in one corner of the garage. I will unpack the rest and then watch all the videos in this challenge before I choose my quilt space. Can't wait. Even found the corflute to make custom boxes, drawer dividers.
😀Hi there Karen loving all you're amazing organisation videos hints and advice. I do hope that all your Family & Friends are all keeping well ❤❤❤😃😃😃
I am always looking for inspiration & I always know that you will have the best answers. Loads a love Jan in the UK XOXO 🇬🇧
Thank you!
This is great! Thank you so much for making this video.
Great ideas, love you channel. I have one question, if you should empty your studio out when it needs an overhaul and reorganization, where do you put everything while your organizing? I have a lot and no where to put it while I'm taking care of business. I don't know how to start. Thanks for sharing! You have a wonderful channel.
I did not say to do that. I said TV shows do that. We don’t have that luxury
I know but wouldn't it be wonderful. Just to take a few steps and not bump into wall. 😄
Great ideas
Love that new quilt behind you! Are you doing a tutorial on it?
See PoppyPrint
When I purchase a precut (I.E. Layer cake or Jelly roll) I usually purchase at least a yard or more of coordinating fabric from that collection. My question is how do you organize your fabrics to keep the precut and coordinating fabric together or kept track of?
Maybe tuck a picture of the feature fabric into the ribbon/paper band of your precut bundle, as a reminder, then store the yardage as normal.?
Try sewing in the living space of a tiny bungalow, using the sewing machine, and cutting out on a camping table. But I do it....
I just learned that there are battery powered light bulbs. You put a battery in the bulb and put the bulb in a lamp and you can have the lamp where there is no outlet. Haven't tried it yet but I intend to.
Does your hubby have a youtube channel on 3D printing? Asking for a 14 yr old teen who'd love to make some functional "stuff" for his parents :). Also, I fight the paper monster, little pieces for little notes, but don't want to put up my every thought on a chalk board, so bought a 7.99 LED notepad thingy on amazon, it's like a magna doodle for adults. :) No more little pieces of paper, or anyone finding random thoughts on paper (anyone meaning me) and thinking "what the heck does THIS mean!" LOL! Thanks for the tips!
Great video as always! It doesn’t seem that long ago that you were almost at 200k subscribers and look your are now almost at 300k! Any celebration plans?
Im hoping that my husband makes me another plaque for Valentine's day
Good info
Great video!
Dang ... where is that container store lol. So many options!
Lol "magical container that will fix all craft room problems". Where is it sold? Is there a 1/2 price coupon? I can see the sales pitch coming. LOL
I’m so done with buying containers. I have neighbors with garages full of organized containers who end up buying what they want to use today because going into the garage and shifting containers is too inconvenient. Sometimes you just need to decide what you really use and admit that no matter how much you paid for it, you should donate it, not buy a container for it.
I agree. Those rubbermaid containers are a trap.
How do you know I’m struggling with this
Every time I declutter, I get rid of half of the stuff - then what's left doesn't fit back into the space it came from!
My biggest question is....why do people need so much stuff? We all have limited space. So why does every single spot need to have something in it? I suppose if you sew, quilt,craft as your job then you may need more supplies on hand. But for us average Jills and Joes we don't need that much stuff. I used to have a fairly decent size sewing room with a ginormous sewing/cutting table. I didn't need all that space. My husband says go big or go home. But I don't need big because I don't need a lot of stuff. I don't mean to be rude but I just don't understand. I'm not perfect. My space is a mess as I'm working. But when I'm done for the day I tidy. I pick up threads and scraps. I fold neatly the fabrics I'm using for the current projects. But I don't keep a big stash because it never all gets used. Then you organize the same stuff over and over. So you spend more time putting stuff away than you do being creative. So why have so much stuff???
Good for you. You have control and filter that most do not have.
I do want to say I love your videos 😊 I just finished my Ugly Quilt. It's still ugly but it's warm I backed it with fleece. ❤️
I admit that I have the attention span of a flea. This video caused confusion in that 'mistake' wasn't emphasized at the beginning of each segment. Also, not everyone has an iPad, or i anything for that matter, nor do we all have 3D printers. I appreciate your effort and know that none of us are perfect. Just know that my husband and I enjoy 99.99999% of your videos.
Hi, thank you for your videos. A little bit of music goes a long way. Talking over music makes it difficult for some of us to hear the information. On the spectrum, hard of hearing, English as a second language, etc. If you have a little music before and after you're speaking that's really nice. But not talking over a continuous soundtrack is the best for us. Thanks for considering switching the format to less music.
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'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
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!
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.
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.
I really laughed at the search for the “ perfect” container! Been there, done that, got the T shirt… many of them! Great , great tips
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’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.
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 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!
I am very slow to buy a storage solution. I use a lot of baggies 8n different sizes, cardboard boxes of different sizes and types drug home or taken from the packaging of anyone of a number of things, and simply metal or plastic containers originating an all walks of life. Before I actually buy something, I want a test run on items I feel little or no emotion about jettisoning. Once I find a size, shape, or dimension I like, then I'll buy except by then, often the volume or types of things have also shifted. When I move out of the baggie in a box solution, I want something which has no extra space and keeps my goodies accessible in accordance with how often I'm likely to access it. - For those foam board drawer organizers, I often drop a combination of small cardboard boxes, cookie trays from a package of cookies, office drawer or kitchen drawer organizers, and so on into shallow drawers with a firm organization set up. For deeper drawers, I will sometimes do similar with box bottoms cut from cardboard boxes or some electric combination of storage items from other worlds. For example for my "puddle of pens" not organized by set, for years I used an old metal schooo lunch box I got with no handle but a great clasp. I could put it on its side on a shelf, lay it flat on shelf or in drawer, or toss it in a tote or box.
Eh yeh…it’s all fine and dandy until the creativity begins…the chaos reruns…but it’s okay. I did the challenge and I would call it a success…really cleared out a lot of unnecessary stuff but life goes on lol
I’m a beginner quilter and learning from RUclips. I’m so grateful I found you. Thanks so much! Oh, and I’m 71!
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
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.
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 😊🌷👍
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!
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.
*Mess Happens* is basically a life motto for me ☺️
My year started off with a 'donation' from a deceased quilter. Turns out quilting was less than 1/2 of what she left. I kept precious little and shared the rest. But the books & magazines got me to purge mine and the combined boxes will go to a guild sale. Then I went looking for a particular layer cake sized scrap (which apparently doesn't exit anymore) but that got me to 'file' several months worth of scraps. While I was at it, I incorporated the original scrap drawer into the new system by color, since I never looked in there anymore. I tackled several other drawers while I was at it & purged some more. I filled several pet beds and tossed garbage too. I found things that got separated as well as machine attachments & bobbins for my Grandmother's machine and a treadle in my collection. All this while working on the annual AQS challenge quilt for 2 different guilds I belong too - with deadlines! Thanks to your declutter videos I was able to take a kit I won, toss the pattern and keep the fabric, except one piece with NO guilty feelings. Thanks for that!
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.
🤗
Wow!! Okay, this year I have got to implement these tips when I organize again. No wonder I've been having such a bad time. My problem is I don't have Just a sewing room, I have way too many hobbies 😅
I want to be just like you when I grow up❤️Thank you for sharing 🥰
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!
Surprisingly, I found that a harmonic ordered space invites you to work. Sometimes the temptation is: “I leave everything out, so I’ll be quicker tomorrow to finish my job. It isn’t so. Looking at a chaotic space won’t invite you to work there again. :-) (I’m Monica, youtube account is that of my husband Corrado. :-) I’m italian and I write from a mountain village between Parma and Florence)
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.🤣♥️🇦🇺
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.
Ha ha ha ha!! 'Mess happens'...that needs to be a bumper sticker...story of my life!!!
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
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 really love your approach to organizing: making it more functional instead of aiming for a certain look and style. Thank you!
Love you, but I'm totally hating the background music noise. Please go back to just your voice with no annoying background music!!! 🙏
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 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,
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 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. 🙂
I can't make a triangle given the rectangular nature of my room. My sewing corner is on one wall and my desk is on the other wall. What is the organizing principle for a rectangular space? Any ideas?
Now... What to do with my DDIL's 2 sewing machines, 2 giant Rubbermaid tubs, 2 boxes and 1 very large garbage bag of projects waiting for the next time she visits. (The last time was 3 months ago). With a toddler, I understand why she can't work at home, but I kind of hate going into my sewing room because I can't snap my fingers and bend time and space to make it disappear when she's not here.