Marcy P

I have also felt overwhelmed with my "stuff" - I too am a collector, following my mother's motto, "I may need that someday." I am currently in the process of purging my stash, seeing the transition from apparel fabric, to home décor and now quilting cottons. I don't know that I have an answer for you, but I do wonder why this is the area that you have trouble with. Does the fabric or sewing connect you to someone, so you feel disloyal or like you're letting them down by letting go? I had to think long and hard about why I was holding on and had to work through the feelings before I could make much progress. But I am making progress - slowly, but it's still progress. There have been some helpful comments in this thread, like KLO reminding you that it took time to collect, so it will take time to disperse. And I think Lots2do is right - be kind to yourself. Good luck to you, hope to hear an update.

jmoore

I would go at your purging or declutter process a little at a time... I recently read an article on organizing your closet (I think it was in Real Simple magazine) and it suggested you make a date with your closet... that way you are in the mindset and it even suggested you invite a friend to go through it with you... the article had some really neat ideas on how to handle your items and how to make the process easier or more enjoyable. just a thought....

jamsbuying

Wishing you good luck with your decluttering and the hard decisions! I have the same problem with boxes of old family papers I use for genealogy research! I just cannot bring myself to get rid of....so many notebooks full of organized info and so many files still to go through.

roserips

I am right there with you. I inherited part of my mom's stash. Thank God it wasn't all of it! I am trying to sort through and regain control. Part of my solution was to provide fabric for a 4H club. I have become a resource leader and have eight youth in the club. I know it would make my mom happy to see her fabric being used to provide a learning experience for these children. I borrowed a book from the library to get control. "Spark Joy" by marie kondo. I have just started reading it but I am going to declutter and organize with her techniques only it will be Fabric, Books, and paterns, Machines, Notions and thread or Komono, and last but not least Sentimental items. This should be and interesting journey since the first sort is what will spark joy in my life, then where will it live so I can keep my space clean. I would love a support group for getting through this process. Any takers?

Judith1005

OMG, that is a lot of Fabric.

My new catch phrase, I will NOT horde fabric!! I too get antsy if I have too much clutter around me. And have been sharing and PIF any fabric that I know I can't use. I'm in a little slump right now. But, I'm not willing to just get rid of all my fabric. This is one expensive hobby. Great suggestions though.

That is just mind boggling. But, good fortune for your church. I see a lot of charity quilts and much fabric to share!

romanojg

I've seen some big stashes on here but that is the largest. I don't know how you would ever find anything or know what you had. Hopefully the church will find good use for it. If nothing else, hold a yard sale and advertise the fabric and I'm sure it'll sell.

Karamarie

I agree with romanojg. Sell some of the fabric at a yard sale advertising the fabric and then the money you receive for the sale, use it to buy batting and thread, etc. to make some quilts for charity. I don't know if your church makes quilts so if not give it to a church that does - just a thought.

AllyStitches

My gosh, you're right, that would put me in a state of wandering and pacing and not knowing what to do!!!

AllyStitches

I want to thank you ALL for your responses. I've been really busy at work, but making progress in my sewing room, too!

I moved a shelf into the closet today, and decluttered a few things from it as well. I have some things that I'll find new homes for, and some things that I'm going to hang onto for a while yet. I gave 2 big bags away, and hopefully by the end of the week, I'll have the room mostly cleared out. Then I can start going through the Rubbermaid containers.

zozee

Bravo! You are accomplishing your goals! Two big bags gone! Must feel good.