Step One is setting up a system that makes starting easy.
Should I call this the creative person's guide to clearing crafting clutter? Or, organizing ideas for sewing and crafting enthusiasts who want to clean less and create more? Well, I could probably think of a half dozen titles to pain the picture. Essentially, this series of posts is all about sorting, storing, and saving your "stuff" to make your creative space a happier place!
If this idea appeals to you read on!
If this idea appeals to you read on!
First and foremost, time for true confession. The last time my own sewing space was really neat, nice, and streamlined was quite some time ago. I'm glad I kept the above photo, as it will serve as inspiration for the journey ahead.
Next disclosure, I am not naturally organized when it comes to managing material possessions. Writing, designing, teaching, managing deadlines . . . it's safe to say my organizational skills shine in those venues, but all at the expense of struggling to keep my workspace under control both during and after a project deadline.
Although I am not naturally organized, I am resourceful, creative, and determined! Armed with those positive thoughts, it's time for a sewing space overhaul.
So, how to get organized? Ahh yes, living in the information age, "self help" is only a click away. Books, videos, & groups abound with systems for achieving clutter control and organizational utopia. I've read books by Marie Kondo, Dana K. White, Cassandra Aarssen, Peter Walsh, and others in the realm of decluttering experts. I have picked up a few tips and ideas, but in the end I haven't found anyone who is a true fabric fanatic, maker, creator, and crafter that understands the mindset of those of us who are passionate and admittedly obsessive about our hobby. And, in all my research, I certainly don't know any specific material (no pun intended) written for those of us who create as both a vocation and avocation.
Many decluttering experts tout the benefits of minimalism. I don't want to be a minimilist! I just want to streamline my valuable materials and tools, purge and pare down, and make it easier to walk into my designated space and feel free to create with joy! Oh, and I would also like to know where my favorite scissors are, that pattern I bought three months ago, the spool of black bobbin thread I need right now, etc., etc., etc.
Most of what I read and researched depressed me or overwhelmed me. I came away with the distinct belief that I needed a simplified system that would work without making me feel guilty for. I'm writing this series of blog posts because I think some of you are kindred spirits and if this works for me it may work for you too. If all is well in your sewing world, neat, pretty, and perfectly organized, then get back to your neat and pretty space and stop reading! You don't need this! If however, you need some help in the area of streamlining your sewing space, then stick with me.
The streamlining, sorting, storing, and saving your "stuff" to make your creative space a happier place begins now! I invite you to join me!
Next disclosure, I am not naturally organized when it comes to managing material possessions. Writing, designing, teaching, managing deadlines . . . it's safe to say my organizational skills shine in those venues, but all at the expense of struggling to keep my workspace under control both during and after a project deadline.
Although I am not naturally organized, I am resourceful, creative, and determined! Armed with those positive thoughts, it's time for a sewing space overhaul.
So, how to get organized? Ahh yes, living in the information age, "self help" is only a click away. Books, videos, & groups abound with systems for achieving clutter control and organizational utopia. I've read books by Marie Kondo, Dana K. White, Cassandra Aarssen, Peter Walsh, and others in the realm of decluttering experts. I have picked up a few tips and ideas, but in the end I haven't found anyone who is a true fabric fanatic, maker, creator, and crafter that understands the mindset of those of us who are passionate and admittedly obsessive about our hobby. And, in all my research, I certainly don't know any specific material (no pun intended) written for those of us who create as both a vocation and avocation.
Many decluttering experts tout the benefits of minimalism. I don't want to be a minimilist! I just want to streamline my valuable materials and tools, purge and pare down, and make it easier to walk into my designated space and feel free to create with joy! Oh, and I would also like to know where my favorite scissors are, that pattern I bought three months ago, the spool of black bobbin thread I need right now, etc., etc., etc.
Most of what I read and researched depressed me or overwhelmed me. I came away with the distinct belief that I needed a simplified system that would work without making me feel guilty for. I'm writing this series of blog posts because I think some of you are kindred spirits and if this works for me it may work for you too. If all is well in your sewing world, neat, pretty, and perfectly organized, then get back to your neat and pretty space and stop reading! You don't need this! If however, you need some help in the area of streamlining your sewing space, then stick with me.
The streamlining, sorting, storing, and saving your "stuff" to make your creative space a happier place begins now! I invite you to join me!
Step One - Prep
Start with Big Categories
Start with Big Categories
After a lot of thought, I came up with four distinct categories that everything I own can fit into as I sort through stuff. Here they are:
Keep: Simple enough, these are things that I won't and don't want to part with. They will need to eventually be put away in a place that is accessible. Of course, they'll need to be organized but more about that later.
Delete: Give away or get rid of by re-cycling or re-selling. Again, I'll share more ideas for both these options as the blog posts progress.
Decide Later: Decision fatigue and emotional attachment is the #1 enemy you'll face in this process. Decide later means you don't know right now. Give yourself the gift of deciding later, once you've made some real and tangible progress.
Ditch: Easy peasy, this is obvious trash for the trash bag.
Keep: Simple enough, these are things that I won't and don't want to part with. They will need to eventually be put away in a place that is accessible. Of course, they'll need to be organized but more about that later.
Delete: Give away or get rid of by re-cycling or re-selling. Again, I'll share more ideas for both these options as the blog posts progress.
Decide Later: Decision fatigue and emotional attachment is the #1 enemy you'll face in this process. Decide later means you don't know right now. Give yourself the gift of deciding later, once you've made some real and tangible progress.
Ditch: Easy peasy, this is obvious trash for the trash bag.
Print or write these categories on paper and attach to containers. Now, on the subject of containers, you may need more as you go along and you may need larger ones. I suggest staring small, using empty boxes or totes you already have. Avoid going out and buying a bunch of pricey, empty totes that you may not end up needing and will just end up as more clutter. Office supply stores sell white cardboard banker boxes and moving boxes that can be easily folded up or re-cycled when you no longer need them. these work well for temporary storage while you get things sorted out.
I would opt for something decent looking so you can stack them somewhere as you sort and leave them undisturbed as you make your way through the sorting and purging process. Yes, you'll need designated space to sort and store as you go along, so find room to stack your containers and designate a place to spread out while in the process of sorting. For me, I plan to do only a little at a time so I'm spreading a sheet on the bed and will only tackle what I can get done without leaving it out. If you have a spare bed in a spare room or a table you can work on, that would be great.
I would opt for something decent looking so you can stack them somewhere as you sort and leave them undisturbed as you make your way through the sorting and purging process. Yes, you'll need designated space to sort and store as you go along, so find room to stack your containers and designate a place to spread out while in the process of sorting. For me, I plan to do only a little at a time so I'm spreading a sheet on the bed and will only tackle what I can get done without leaving it out. If you have a spare bed in a spare room or a table you can work on, that would be great.
Add Subcategories &
A System for Keeping Like Items Tidy
A System for Keeping Like Items Tidy
The goal with streamlining is to simplify, so you'll so some micro sorting as you go along. As you encounter stray spools of thread, patterns, fat quarters, scissors, notions, and anything else you can fit into a sub category and small package, put them in zipper bags and label them. If you already have a place where they should live permanently then go ahead and take them there.
Print three more subcategories for your Delete container:
Print three more subcategories for your Delete container:
- Give Away
- Sell
- Re-Cycle
Okay! That's a great start! The next post will take you further into this journey. Stay tuned!
Note that the opinions expressed are my own. I have gleaned some ideas for various sources. I'll reference them as I go along so you can look them up if you so desire.
I'd love to read your comments! Share your struggles and challenges. Or, if you're already in good shape, feel free to share your tips and success stories for streamlining and organizing with your fellow stitching friends.
Note that the opinions expressed are my own. I have gleaned some ideas for various sources. I'll reference them as I go along so you can look them up if you so desire.
I'd love to read your comments! Share your struggles and challenges. Or, if you're already in good shape, feel free to share your tips and success stories for streamlining and organizing with your fellow stitching friends.
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