Decluttering sewing cabinet and book shelves
 

I might have trouble typing this thread as I am so proud of myself. I'm about to break my arm patting myself on my back!

Yesterday I tackled the four drawer rolling Craftsman cabinet I use for sewing supplies: pins, needles, binding clips, template material, fastenings, marking pencils and pens, rulers, specialty gadgets, etc.

By emptying one drawer at a time, I was able to only place those items I use back into a drawer. The other items were categorized by donations or giveaways, trash, and specific notions in reserve for special projects. My work was worth every minute invested! Now, I can retrieve and use items I need. :-)

Although I need to do the same for another cabinet, I took a break today and briefly looked over a small part of my book collection. Sadly, I have more duplicates than I would have imagined. Also, I have outgrown some projects or never caught the passion to try some new projects. At least a dozen books will find new homes.

Just decluttering gives me piece of mind. After dinner this evening, I will sew........ Ya betcha

I don't have to accomplish everything at once. I can sew and enjoy my surroundings :-)

I am sure this makes you feel wonderful! It is something that we all need to do. I can hardly walk in my house because
I have so much fabric and sewing clutter.

You did well!

I need to do the same. Some day. Maybe.

I finally realized a number of years ago that clutter - regardless of where - just makes me very claustrophobic. I get absolutely crazed when there is clutter everywhere. That said, my sewing room is far more cluttered and has way too much stuff in general, than what I would prefer. But it does make me at least straighten up the sewing room once a project is done. And sometimes even mid-project. Get all the excess fabric at least folded/stacked after all the cutting is done; baggie/lable all the block units if it's not complete and the like. Then it's not so intimidating having to do everything at once when I want to start the next project.

This is why I only have one drawer in my sewing room and only because it came with the table. I like to have everything out where I can see it. I don't realy have or use many gadgets. Having a place for every item is the only way I can stay even a little organized. I always chuckle at the way everyone gets twisted because their sewing area gets messed up when using it, duh! Mine is in a constant state of 'being used!' But I do know where everything is.
peace

Congratulations! Let me pat you on the back - doesn't it feel good!

One step at a time gets it done. I doesn't have to be all at once. Enjoy your sewing space.

I'm in the process of designating a home to all my sewing, quilting, scrap booking, candle making, and other general crafts into the right room and place. I am VERY lucky to have 2 rooms. I'm at my end of the rope, but I refuse to admit defeat. Sooooo PROUD and HAPPY for you. Maybe there is light at the end of my tunnel!....

Oh, I had fun sewing this afternoon. Our small group is assembling blocks from 4 patches and half square triangles. I had done dozens over the last year or two from scraps so these charity quilts will be very cheery.

One of the benefits of having cleared SOME of the clutter away is that I had the opportunity to discover some items. In putting buttons together in the same spot, I finally found a box of vintage buttons from my mother who has been gone now for fifty years. My next reward after cleaning/ clearing the second rolling cart of drawers is to make a reinforced strip to hang up a display of some of these buttons. Some of the buttons from her dress coat and suits are rather unusual. Yes! I might have hit on the motivational carrot.......

Thanks for your comments :-)

Congrats! I too agree with a drawer at a time gets it done faster. Sometimes, I will bring out a stack of fabric and sort and fold as I watch a movie if I'm not in the mood to sit at the machine. As I go through, I sort into donate or share with friends (if I have a duplicate). But, with the donate pile, I make sure they don't go away until everything has been gone through.Yeah, it may take a while but it's it so worth it. Many a time, I have found the project a gadget was purchased for only to have to rebuy it later. UGH!