Marcy J.

I am having a difficult time making decisions regarding what to keep as far as my scraps, blocks that I practiced on, patterns I thought I would sometimes make and probably never will considering my age. If I lived another five years, there is no way I will ever sew all or some of them. I am not a fan of scrappy quilts. Even when I try to go scrappy, I find myself being a controlled quilter - colors and prints have to match, etc. I would like your advice. I need to get rid of some of my clutter. I sew in a room that is also my computer room.

suern3

One recommendation for clearing out our homes that sticks with me, is to keep only those things that bring you joy. So as you go through your sewing room feel free to pass along those items that you know you honestly won't use. Sometimes the things we hold on to are actually causing pressure or stress on us, as it sounds like may be your case. You don't need to feel like you have to make scrappy quilts if that is not the type that you enjoy. Our tastes change over time and there is nothing wrong with that.

Tartan

Try getting a tote and fill it with things you are tired of or don’t think you will use. Put the lid on and let it sit for a while and if you don’t have to look through it again, donate the contents to a charity shop.

QuiltE

I've done the same with other things in my home.
Three things to add to the box/tote ...
1. Date you have filled it.
2. Ideally include a disposal date (whether to charity, garbage, quilt guild, or whatever!)
3. A general title as to what is inside, so you don't tempt yourself to go through it later. Depending on your quantities, you may have three boxes: Fabric, Patterns, Orphanage! That way if you need to find something, you only need to open the one box and not be tempted with what hides inside the others!!!!

It's stuff that only you can truly do yourself, as others have different ideas as to what is important. Don't be too hard on yourself as we all have "stuff" that we can't make decisions about!

Good Luck!!!!

cashs_mom

That's an excellent idea! I'm not too keen on "if you haven't used it in a year, toss it" I've had things in my sewing room for 20 years that I suddenly need and would have to go buy a whole package again just to get a few pieces that I need. I like the tote idea.

RonieM

Instead of trying to figure out what to dispose of, why not decide what to keep?

You could pick out several patterns of quilts or projects you feel inspired to make. Go shopping in your stash for fabrics for each quilt, and then "kit" them up - either in bags or totes. Include everything needed to make the quilt or project - specialty rulers, fusibles, batting, etc.

Then let everything else go. Just another option to consider.

SHELTIE'SMAMA

Even to keep stuff from coming into the house I ask myself would I pay to move it? Doesn't totally solve " that would be nice to have" problem but keeps it to a much more manageable level. I can be such a sucker for cutesy that I don't really needsey.

amyjo

My sister came from Minnesota and cleaned up my stash I gave her the trunk of her car full of fabric for what she did got about 60 quilts kitted up to sew not counting my fleece. We had a good week visit and she helped me make two lone star wall hangings We haven’t visited like that in many years bc she lived in Nevada for 30 years

thepolyparrot

If there was a "Like" button on this board, I'd be smashing it for every post on this thread!

Love the idea of binning things "temporarily" and I also love the idea of kitting the quilts I will realistically make and binning everything else.

Love the sister assist, too.

All these ideas are good.

Watson

Instead of thinking "Get rid of stuff.", maybe try thinking that there is someone out there that would love it more than you do.
Most quilt guilds have outreach programmes to finish tops for charity or neighbourhood programmes where non-quilters can learn to quilt. These always need donations of fabric, patterns, etc.
Make it a Good Samaritan project to help out these places and reward yourself with a less cluttered room, while you're at it.

Watson