Great timing for this post. A couple of months ago, I looked at my sewing room and had lost the joy of quilting. It had become a chore due to the piles of fabric, UFO's and general clutter. (We own an embroidery business and those supplies have invaded my space as well. ) The thought of bringing order back to this mess was overwhelming so, I posted to this forum for advice. The overwhelming majority said 'one step at a time... clean a few minutes each day'. Taking these perls of wisdom to heart, I can say I am 'feeling the love' again. I purchased some rugged tote containers, sorted most of my fabric by color and some specialty categories, labeled the containers and have them shelved in my sewing room. Granted, I can't see my fabrics but, I sure do love the orderly look of the room. I pulled all of the tote bags I have and organized my UFO's in those and they are nicely organized in my closet and out of sight. (that's my next personal challenge... just sent 4 tops to long armer this past week... I am on a 'finish it' tirade!)
My sewing paradise is not perfect by a perfectionist standard and I still have to organize my cutting table and sewing table but, by and large, it is clean and organized and I really love it!!! I went in this morning to iron work clothes and didn't have to step around or over anything... it was heaven. Then I wondered to myself, how did I let it get into such a horrible state??? I haven't answered that question yet but, I do know that I want to keep it orderly... not perfect.... but orderly so I am not buying duplicates of rulers, patterns, fabrics. I will save time and money by doing so and will have to make a conscious effort to clean and organize as I go. I enjoy it so much better when all is in order and I can find what I need... but, that's just me. The clutter is sort of like noise and quilting is my refuge. I need to nurture the space. It was such a joy to be able to take my vaccum cleaner in there last night.... That may not seem like a victory to some but, it was just another step in reclaiming my quilting oasis. I am eager to hop in there and re-energize some of those UFO's in my closet.