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@@noraburrows7585 After you click on the link that Pat provided, read through the section "Grandma's Kitchen 2 and Gratitude & Grace" and you'll find the 'Read more' link for info to sign up.
Thank you for today's post, Pat! Listening to you was like hearing Me talk to Myself!! From start... 'to be honest, I really LIKE the new fabric', all the way to the end...'I just don't gravitate to pick the older fabric, except the fun novelty prints" (which I love, too)!!! I can do so much better in my space usage. I'm committed now!! You made my day, time to get busy!
I started this new year decluttering my sewing and craft space. I did a big declutter and organizing-I spent about a week, and I’m very glad I did it. It helped me also see all the patterns and fabric I already own; kind of like shopping in my own home. I started a big project list. My closet was a big task; and I reorganized and put in a new shelving unit, so now the closet looks so much better and I can find what I need. Happy decluttering to you, and I hope it goes well. Take breaks when you need it!
Hi Pat! I totally loved this video! I am in the purging mode, too. My room is only 9 x 10, but I love it. Looking around in here some knickknacks were my Gram's and are not sewing related that can be moved out. First, I need to clear out the bedroom where the kids stay when visiting (which is only once or twice a year). I also need to donate a lot of books! Thanks for the nudge to get started :)
My sewing room is very small. We moved to our current home at a time where I could hardly walk. In fact all I could do was sit and point where boxes had to go. I have a lot of things in the lower level of our home. After two knee replacements, I hope to be able to move things and reorganize. Funny, I have been finding unfinished projects in bins - so far ten of them that I completed. 😊
This is making me think of what I really use. Recently moved and I thought we downsized but we didn’t downsize enough. Now I’m going to do what you are doing. Thanks for your advice and suggestions. It really helped. ❤
Pat, I hear you loud and clear. We live in a bi-level and I have the smallest room for my sewing room. I have a lot of fabric that I don’t use. I’m afraid to give it up because I might need it “someday” but it’s time. Our tastes change over the years and what I used to like I don’t like anymore. I’ve been quilting for 38 years. I need to do a huge, huge tidy up. Wish me luck.
I will be moving before June and am in a mindset of organizing and letting go of things in my whole house. Tackling some area everyday while also taking time to sew and long arm quilt. Busy, busy, busy 😅. Best of luck to you with your projects 🎉❤😊
I love the new arrangement of your sewing studio and the plants behind you especially the pink flowery plant! I do need to determine which fabrics I will never use and donate to a quilting group. My hometown church makes quilts for CASA and I may contact someone there to find out if they would be interested. I love new fabric lines and always want to buy more but always feel like I need to use what I have first. Your video has inspired me to let go of some fabrics I know I will never use. Thank you!!
Pat, I am in the same place. What do I love. What fabric do I love. What will make me want to go into my sewing space and not feel overwhelmed. I just started go through some stuff and writing down projects by year I THINK I will do the project. Once everything is on the list. I will go through again and give away stuff. I know fabrics, projects that won't bring me joy at the moment will bring someone great joy. So it will either go as an unfinished project or I will sew it up and donate.
Hi Pat, watched your video. Looking into your dining room the long wall that has the two racks with the table between them, would make a great place to add shelves just like the ones in the hall. It would add lots of space for all the beautiful quilts you've created, so neat and colorful.
Go Pat go! I also get in the “big tidy up” mode at least once a year and it always feels so good. Totally agree with you - when you’re feeling it, that’s the time to work!
We are so on the same page!.... I have one entire bedroom with fabric ( some from a friend who went into a care center) and it prevents this bedroom from being used for visitors. Then I have my sewing room that is jammed packed.... so i have been sorting all fabric and deciding what to keep and what to give away. It is a slow process, but necessary. I asked my daughter if she wanted all of my sewing stuff whenever I pass away and she said NOPE.... I will be selling or giving it all away... So, I am trying to help the process now. Keep us going as this process is slow but steady...
I hear you! Yes, I have been, for several years now, trying to let stuff go that I don't like, need or isn't useful...tons of old business paper work..In November, I had someone from the church come and go through several bins of Christmas decorations and tins, plates, etc. to use for their Advent tea and bazarr . That was freeing. That said, I work at keeping my sewing/craft room neat. I actually don't have a lot of fabric, I am way down. I need some! I have a goal to use scraps, my favorite anyway. I have several quilt tops waiting to be quilted and bound, but, 2024 was not the year for it...I need to hurry a little, I just turned 84!
I am in the same boat. Hubby is retiring next year and we are moving after 30+ years in this house. We have to make decisions on every piece slowly. Glad we have time
Yep! I usually declutter in my sewing room and in our home right after Christmas when cleaning up the holiday decorations around the house, and the mess created from holiday sewing in my sewing room The last 3 years I have been clearing out Christmas decorations down to my favorite things. We have gone from 10 big bins to five this year. I have been decorating methodically, setting out my most favorites, picking areas where they especially fit in the spaces around the house. There is always something I don’t want to use any longer and it goes to a charity shop or someone else. I work the same way in the sewing room. It does help to refresh every so often, doesn’t it?
I’ve done the same thing. We moved two years ago and had a serious declutter session with all my Christmas decorations. Trashed broken items I had been keeping to “fix” someday, and donated a bunch.
I can totally relate ! every couple years I get a big itch to declutter the whole house. Take different piles to different places and it’s a great feeling of a fresh new start in the same location feel ya feel ya feel ya Miss Pat.
The endless downsizing! As with most quilters, I have more projects than I can ever finish. Your realization that you love sewing with new fabrics and fabric lines put into words what I feel, too. I guess that is why I have so many projects. New fabric collections inspire me! I will join you in your downsizing! On another note.... as you gave us the tour of your many projects, you took us thru your dining room. Your ginger plant caught me eye, especially the light above it. Is that a grow light? Would you be so kind as to provide information about it? My children gave me a Meyer lemon tree for Christmas! It needs 6 hours of direct sunlight which I do not have. Your light seems slim, not taking up much room. Perhaps it would solve my problem, too. Thank you for your daily, well... threes days a week...inspiration!
After almost 2 years I am enjoying making quilt tops again! I donated lots of fabrics and other quilting supplies I just didn't use. It was freeing to rid of the stuff. Now I have what I use and I love spending time in my sewing room and even better, I enjoy creating again. Good Luck with your tackle Tuesday even if it takes a few extra days.
I did a big fabric purge a couple years ago... Also books and patterns. It was so freeing.. like a huge weight was lifted. Last year I moved out 15 old UFO. It was amazing. So I started this year with 8 quilts to machine quilt and 6 quilts to bind. It's been amazing for me, very freeing... Like letting go of emotional baggage. Lol.
Inspiring! My fabric choices have changed over the years and I have cleaned out multiple times and usually do more after each project. After a move and moving my mom in ( combining 3 large sewing rooms into 2 smaller) I'm still trying to find a better arrangement. After today's discussion, I really need to do more "cleaning out" and keep "what brings me joy." Thank you Pat for the inspiration.
Yes, I’m absolutely in that decluttering space right now… but it’s a little bit on hold. We’re swapping my living room and sewing room. Basically the sewing room will become a media room with a spare bed, and the living room will become a combo sewing and craft space. But, I won’t get the sewing stuff decluttered until I know just how much space I have to work with in the new area. I have the urge to do it now, but…. I’ll just have to wait.
I’ve been on a decluttering program for a couple of years and it’s winding down. However, it hasn’t hit my sewing room. I really want to be able to let some of the fabric go. I’m going to look at it and think about what I really like, how I want to sew/quilt going forward. Thank you for the inspiration.
Oh my goodness!!! This definitely resonates with me. My sewing room is a small bedroom and I have a cutting/storage table, 2 rolling carts with fabric and everything else. My sewing machine is on a custom table my husband built for me. Plus I have an eight foot longarm frame for my Grace Q’nique machine. To say it is cramped would be a huge understatement. I’m not sure I know where to start but thank you for the gentle push💕
I am so pumped to get going in my sewing room. My sewing area is the “formal” living room in my 20 something year old house. It has French doors on 1 wall, huge wall of windows and book case built ins on the other wall. Plus it’s an oddly shaped room! Anyways I know where I’m starting- in all the clear shoeboxes (35 of them). I have fabric that’s so old it’s probably going to be fashionable again!! But I never look in those boxes for fabric. I’m not a “scrappy” sort of person and I’ve held onto these fabrics just in case the process hits me. It hadn’t so they are going out to donation or given away. Phew! I feel better just thinking of this project! Now to turn off the tv and get off the couch!! Reading all of the comments has given me the push I desperately needed!
Ive been (slowly) working on purging the things I no longer love in all areas of my house, so I found today’s video very relatable. I’ve realized that for me, too much “stuff” feels suffocating. It’s very freeing to let things go onto a new home!
I attended my first 'trunk show' in mid-November 2024 at my local quilt shop featuring Heather Briggs of My Quilty Life and saw her lovely patterns, fabric lines, quilts made in her fabric lines--and what is coming soon this year. She is the sweetest person and very talented. I learned about her past- this beautiful pattern designer and fabric designer for Moda is a licensed building architect! WOW. She said she would be in her pink hard hat at construction sites and men would ask her 'Where is your boss?" and was shocked she was the boss! This woman who could design buildings was not treated well in a 'man's occupation." She took her talent for designing buildings and turned it into a new field--creating beautiful patterns for quilts. Her story is much more extensive, but from architect to pattern designer--to fabric designer for Moda is a huge thing. Getting a sneak peek at her new fabric line and pattern excites me for the next large project. Her fabrics are feminine, with soft colors, yet interchange from one of her lines to the next. I got to see her Flower Shop quilt. Another little tidbit about Heather, she likes to round the corners on her quilted items.
I retired and moved 5 years ago. I decluttered and reorganized. I brought crafting tools and supplies that I thought I would continue doing into my retirement. I havnt touched donand after 5 years and watching them gather dust they are gone. My primary focus is sewing and longarming.
Oh Pat, I definitely agree with you. I drool over new fabric lines...but I have so much fabric in my stash that I feel guilty when I think about buying more. So I've grounded myself lol. Seriously I'm working hard to just use fabric that I have when I want to start a new project (like Tula's 100 Days). I loved the fabric when I bought it. If I don't love it any more then I need to pass it on, or make donation quilts. Your Oh My Stars pattern makes a pretty quilt, and it's easy and a fast sew. I like the view with your pretty flowers behind you when you chat.
Yes, time to simplify. The older I get, the less I need. On a personal note, your hair looks great! Look forward to your videos. Also, love those bookcases for your quilts.
Pat I hear you, it come to a point in life when what we thought we needed become excessive. I’ve already started decluttering, but not with the sewing things . I’ve made a promise to myself use what I have, that will be hard to handle. Pat your morning setup looked amazing, thanks for sharing. 👍❤️😊
Anxious for your pare down, Been paring down my house for a year now, hoping to see it from your perspective, yes donating plain Jane fabric and florals to a sewing group and other charities who make quilts for donation in my community. Yes I am keeping my novelty fabric and super special ones like A henry, Tula, Tim holtz, Marcia derse, S Apter, JW Frisch…. They r my loves. Tks for sharing this and inspiring us all.
I decluttered my entire house. My sewing room was the last. O.MG. I rehomed bags and bags and bags of stuff from my sewing room. Still have way too much. But for now I feel good about what I did . I found new homes for everything. Now I have so much more room. Still will get more stuff gone, just later.
What a great reminder of how grateful I am of the abundance of fabric … and you’re so right- time to let go of those that I usually skip over when choosing fabrics for a project…
I am excited for you in using a smaller intimate space for some of your videos. The flowers/plants behind you are so pretty and it feels like we are sharing a cup of coffee across the table. The new studio layout is so versatile, I can see how much you will enjoy it.
Hello Pat, Yes, I am right there with you. I started a declutter project last year triggered by my sister signing up for a retirement place. I witnessed what she is still going through and I thought there is no way I am going to postpone my declutter process. You and I are close in age, no children and I would say on the same page from watching your videos. My declutter process has brought to light the fact that I don’t like clutter anymore. My next project is my fabric/sewing projects. Like you, I see the new fabric coming out and want to sew with that and my “stash” stays my stash. Thanks for the inspiration!
Organizing and reducing the amount of fabrics I have is a necessary project for the year. We’re not moving, but I am taking a small bedroom for my dedicated sewing area and I don’t want it to be messy with too much stuff. Just keep what I love and will use. I have a dear friend with memory issues and her daughters have no idea what to do with all of her fabric. It is a huge job for them. I don’t want to do that to my family.
I am decluttering too! You have incourage me to redesign my sewing room. I got a new big sewing machine and i'm trying to fit it in the same space with my accuquilt. Ugh what a challenge. I have fabric I'm Done with, but I'm having a hard time knowing what to do with it. I don't have any people to sew with except on line. I thought about cutting the fabric into 2 1/2 inch squares but then I'm still saving it. If I just get rid of it it would free me up. Thanks for helping me through this process.
I’m in the same place, I have been going through my fabric, cutting down scraps, some boxes of fabric that was given to me Was not in my sewing room Received Few years ago never went through it so those are empty now. Have bag for donation and some thrown away. Starting to look great
Pat - thanks for the motivation! I AM MOVING, and need to majorly declutter. We are going from 1800 sq ft to 800 sq ft. 😮 I am having a very tough time paring down fabric, and love your idea of thinking about which fabrics I gravitate towards. I’m off to start working with that idea in mind.
It's something that we all need to do from time to time. Last year I donated about 50 yards of material to the local library when they had their craft and fabric sale I felt really good that I was passing things along to someone else that could use it plus it was benefiting the local library.
I donated seven large trash bags of fabric along with some quilt tops I didn't want to finish last year. It was very freeing. I've tried to only purchase fabric to use for backgrounds for what I already have. I'm pretty happy with my downsizing so far. I can definitely see myself doing it again. Very helpful video!
Recently moved to a lovely, much smaller house. I've been downsizing for three years!!! It's almost to the point where I can breathe and have some creative fun!
I've been sewing mission quilts with Lutheran World Relief for 26 years. My extra fabric or fabric that no longer interests me for my personal sewing makes it into quilts. We also get donations of fabric from my guilds and my friends who are downsizing. My group has made 1800 quilts in 26 years. On a personal note, we are clearing out our attic this year. I am not looking forward to that but it needs to be done. Otherwise, our children will have a lot to do down the line. Happy Sewing and Quilting Friends in the Sloan Zone!
I do this type of "purging" yearly and totally understand being in that mode. To me a cluttered home = a cluttered mind and cluttered life. I feel "lighter" after doing it. Anything I'm not using can be used by someone else, so why not pass it on? You're going to feel fantastic when it's done! The process itself can create a bit of a "mess" when you're sorting through things etc., but I just remind myself of what I want the outcome to be.
I’ve just moved into a new studio space so have all the room I need (for the first time in over a decade)… but I’m definitely focused on declutterring and getting to the place where everything has a home. Wishing you luck on the journey - you’ll do great! I’m getting ruthless about old fabric as well - donating to our local Project Linus chapter.
Reading about you all giving away fabric, for whatever reason, has kind of removed the guilt I feel about doing just that. Fabric is expensive and to just give it away doesn't seem right. But, it's new owner will love it as much as I did when I bought it. My tastes have changed over the past 25 years and I love this hobby. I want to use fabric that gives me joy. Thank you, Pat, for bringing up this subject. Gig from California
Hi yes, I am at that same place. Iplan to share my stash with my younger quilting buddies. I have realized I have collected more projects than I could ever finish in my lifetime! So i will keep just the ones I really love and give away the rest. No need to hoard "Stuff"even if it is stuff I loved. They deserve to see daylight!
Thank you!!! As I just packed more fabric than I could never use in my remaining life, I’ve been trying to decide what things will look like after this long distance move. The number of boxes with fabric was embarrassing, humbling and eye-opening. I have a colors and styles of fabric that make me happy. I have several patterns that make me happy. The rest? Opening an Etsy shop and/or selling on EBay is in my future. The truck finishes loading today. Onward!
With a new year, I feel the same way to examine what can be improved in upcoming year. Keeping fabrice organized in baskets is a good idea I think. You have really improved your space and love the Babylock...The flowering cyclamen behind you is a great idea for Spring...and hope you will have some tulips or daffodils when they come into season. Spring is such a great season to celebrate as well as the other three...LOL Decorating with wall hangings, and door panels as well as hanging quilts is such a great idea. Changing out the color theme is great also and you have enough quilts to do that. Blue for postXmas after red for Xmas. I love your videos.
I totally understand you Pat! I decluttered during the months prior to retiring and then was gifted the sewing room contents of my friend's MIL. So I "decluttered" that before adding it to my stuff. The house always feels a bit lighter when I give away stuff.
About tidying up for more space, is there room to move ginger plant to living room where you had Christmas tree set up? Would give more space in dining room to move around :).
Pat, thank you for your transparency! I have spent so many years building up a stash and I just don't use it like I thought I would! I'm inspired to pare that down and start focusing on what I really want to make and keep. I just filled a big bin of baby and child quilts to take to Project Linus! Maybe they could also use some of my fabric stash...I'll ask them. Thanks again--great video!
People ask me why I keep more of the things I make (some quilts but many knitted and crocheted items). I realized that I just really enjoy, and need, the process of creating things. I like sending the finished items off to 'live out their destiny ' rather than languishing in my closet.
My decluttering happens every August, shortly before a church sale that benefits a local food pantry. Even my crusty old thread and random scraps has been snatched up within an hour of the sale opening--and notions go even faster! So, that is definitely when I start rethinking my space, though I keep a little box handy to put things in as I think about it over the year. If I need it at some point, I will take it out, but if I don't, it's already in the donate box.
What you doing is called Swedish death cleaning. The Swedish practice of döstädning ("death cleaning"), a simple living ethic and aesthetic with the primary focus of not burdening your heirs with your belongings, is a permanent form of household organization which also focuses on keeping only strongly valued possessions. So many people have clung to things until they have to be in nursing care or pass away, & children just get rid of all the prized possessions. I once met a lady who loved china, had 3 hutches of china in her cramped dining room. She told me that she couldn't have the china patterns she wanted because half of the china she had was passed down from her long-gone relatives. I gave her permission (I had just met her) to dispose of the unwanted china as the prior owners weren't there to complain. She felt so relieved. I don't know what she did with all that china. A friend of mine recently lost her 84 year old mother-in-law, who was an avid 60 year long history of making quilts. She passed with no instructions as what to do with her 4 rooms of fabric stash & sewing machines. Her guild came in to assist and got rid large quantities of dry rotted fabric. I advised her on what brands & collections that could be valuable, as the deceased only purchased quilt shop fabrics. Also left at least 6 sewing machines & a long arm. My friend is keeping the long arm to learn quilting & is going to learn start patchwork piecing. She has a ready made stash. I also advised her if there was a Juki, to keep it for piecing.
I think as crafters we tend to keep things that we may need someday and then never get back to it. Or we try a new craft and have to get all the supplies but then go back to our favorite. My MIL has been giving me old yarn projects that were from her MIL and they are musty and dusty and not anything I’d work on. I’ve just been thanking her and then throwing them away. If she had given them on to me 20 years ago I may have been able to finish them or pass them on but they are not in good shape. Fabric and yarn, if not properly stored, can become unusable. My goal going forward is to either use what I have and pass on what I’m not using or don’t love anymore, so someone else can enjoy it.
I am doing that right now. I am planing .on selling my house and I want to get rid of alot if stuff. Hoping to sew enouph so I wont have as much to pack. I am going through my whole house. It takes time but I do not want to move what I no longer use
Yes! I am at the point where I want to toss it all in a big heap!!!! I have too many projects on hand and think I could farm out many items and still have too much left to do! I have hundreds of patterns I like, fabric I have rescued from stores closing or sales I couldn't resist! I have fabric still from making clothes for our daughters who are now in their 40's. I have been taking the fabrics left from sewing for them and use it now as backing for inside of pillows when I quilt the front. That way there is an old memory on the inside. I have to find a better way to keep things together because I'm doing a UFO challenge x2 this year. One UFO is a monthly pillow, I have the front sheet of instructions but not the second sheet. I did have it in my hand just a week ago and now cannot find that second sheet of instructions! I think I can figure it out though. I'm tired of not being able to find things I want and having loads of little fabric scraps left! I must reduce my fabric stash!!!! Thanks for thinking of this for us!!!!! I'm IN!
I think destashing would help me feel better. I haven’t wanted to sew for months now. I just get overwhelmed when I walk in sewing room. I just feel so guilty for having so much I can’t give it away. I need help.
My process for 2025 is to decrease fabric purchases. I was buying faster than I was quilting. So this year I will be starting out by completing projects already started and using what I already have. I have been collecting and hoarding my fabric for six years this month. Now to use and enjoy the fabrics I have. And maybe actually keep a few projects instead of gifting.
Me too! Only I started collecting and hoarding 12 years ago! I have so much I can’t even find specific fabric I know I have. Plus, I’ll be moving long distance soon, so I may have to sell or donate some.😢
Hello Sloan Zone Quilty friends. I have two more sandwiches to FMQ, THEN i will be able to do my clean up. I have so much fabric to sort. I'm overwhelmed with leftover pieces and 2 1/2" squares that I have to donate lots to our quilt guild!
I will be majorly downsizing soon. Going to retire in the spring and move a 1700 sq ft home into a small park model manufactured home. I’m very excited to move just not going thru all this stuff. I would LIKE to back up a garbage trailer and just start pitching from the open doors! But guess I can’t do that. And actually have to go thru things. Thank you for the inspiration!
Your lighting is great today. Are you using your big light you mentioned wanting to no longer use? I've been waiting for months for our daughter to finish moving her things from her old bedroom and huge closet. I'm going to turn it into my sewing room. She moved out in July.....am I being impatient? 😂😂
You have so many beautiful quilts and fabrics, but I can see how overwhelming it must be to have so many quilty/ business items all over your downstairs. You and Greg never have a break from work because you are surrounded by it everywhere. I love closing my sewing room and longarm room doors closed so I don’t see the creative mess I have created.
I’m working on London Town also. I completed the Dresden block and it was a challenge. I had never seen one before either. It turned out ok not perfect but this quilt is for me as a memory of my trips to London. I changed my quilt up a bit by deleting all but 1 British flag and the ship. I ‘m added tea cups in the other flag spots and I also made a red phone booth using the double decker bus pattern as inspiration. I added a teapot in place of the ship. I’m trying to add other icons of London ad I think of them.
@ My Uncle and I went to London several years ago so I’m making this quilt/throw for him! He has health issues now and I thought this would bring back memories, it has for me! I too, want to add the phone booth, maybe a tea cup thank you, I have made all blocks up to the Dresden! Though it might be a challenge I’m determined to do every block and add the before mentioned!! If I don’t run out of background fabric!😂 it has been fun so far after I stopped pull my hair out and realized it’s mine do the best I can! No homemade quilt is perfect according to my quilt club group!! Thank you for responding!!
Which site of yours do we visit to enter for the"you know what? " it keeps taking me to sign up for tik toc. 😮😮 I've been watching you for quite some time. Don't know why i was unsubscribed. Wierd.
![Lp. Точка Невозврата #2 СТАРИНА ВРЕМЯ [Смотрящий] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rBEcp1Ebl54/mqdefault.jpg)
![Lp. Точка Невозврата #2 СТАРИНА ВРЕМЯ [Смотрящий] • Майнкрафт](/img/tr.png)
::Flower Shop kit - international where FQS ships … You can get it for 25% off with code FLOWERSHOP25 for being one of my community!
-Buy at shrsl.com/4sizq enter for one at www.ilovetomakequilts.com/2024/12/grandma-kitchen-kickoff-and-jan-quilt-tour--1.html
Where on the website do we enter? I don’t see anything on the site about Flowershop kit.
@@noraburrows7585 I went to several...it keeps taking me to tik toc. Nope.
@@noraburrows7585 After you click on the link that Pat provided, read through the section "Grandma's Kitchen 2 and Gratitude & Grace" and you'll find the 'Read more' link for info to sign up.
Thank you for today's post, Pat! Listening to you was like hearing Me talk to Myself!! From start... 'to be honest, I really LIKE the new fabric', all the way to the end...'I just don't gravitate to pick the older fabric, except the fun novelty prints" (which I love, too)!!! I can do so much better in my space usage. I'm committed now!! You made my day, time to get busy!
I love your hair like that!🤩
Thank you for the reminder to purge & reorganize. I'm inspired to get my space better organized too.
I started this new year decluttering my sewing and craft space. I did a big declutter and organizing-I spent about a week, and I’m very glad I did it. It helped me also see all the patterns and fabric I already own; kind of like shopping in my own home. I started a big project list.
My closet was a big task; and I reorganized and put in a new shelving unit, so now the closet looks so much better and I can find what I need.
Happy decluttering to you, and I hope it goes well. Take breaks when you need it!
Hi Pat! I totally loved this video! I am in the purging mode, too. My room is only 9 x 10, but I love it. Looking around in here some knickknacks were my Gram's and are not sewing related that can be moved out. First, I need to clear out the bedroom where the kids stay when visiting (which is only once or twice a year). I also need to donate a lot of books! Thanks for the nudge to get started :)
I’m thinking just like you.thanks for honestly sharing how you want to cull your extra fabric.
My sewing room is very small. We moved to our current home at a time where I could hardly walk. In fact all I could do was sit and point where boxes had to go. I have a lot of things in the lower level of our home. After two knee replacements, I hope to be able to move things and reorganize. Funny, I have been finding unfinished projects in bins - so far ten of them that I completed. 😊
This is making me think of what I really use. Recently moved and I thought we downsized but we didn’t downsize enough. Now I’m going to do what you are doing. Thanks for your advice and suggestions. It really helped. ❤
Pat, I hear you loud and clear. We live in a bi-level and I have the smallest room for my sewing room. I have a lot of fabric that I don’t use. I’m afraid to give it up because I might need it “someday” but it’s time. Our tastes change over the years and what I used to like I don’t like anymore. I’ve been quilting for 38 years. I need to do a huge, huge tidy up. Wish me luck.
I am with you ... Been watching Dana K White on clear out craft rooms . So glad you're doing this .
I will be moving before June and am in a mindset of organizing and letting go of things in my whole house. Tackling some area everyday while also taking time to sew and long arm quilt. Busy, busy, busy 😅. Best of luck to you with your projects 🎉❤😊
I love the new arrangement of your sewing studio and the plants behind you especially the pink flowery plant! I do need to determine which fabrics I will never use and donate to a quilting group. My hometown church makes quilts for CASA and I may contact someone there to find out if they would be interested. I love new fabric lines and always want to buy more but always feel like I need to use what I have first. Your video has inspired me to let go of some fabrics I know I will never use. Thank you!!
Pat, I am in the same place. What do I love. What fabric do I love. What will make me want to go into my sewing space and not feel overwhelmed. I just started go through some stuff and writing down projects by year I THINK I will do the project. Once everything is on the list. I will go through again and give away stuff. I know fabrics, projects that won't bring me joy at the moment will bring someone great joy. So it will either go as an unfinished project or I will sew it up and donate.
Hi Pat, watched your video. Looking into your dining room the long wall that has the two racks with the table between them, would make a great place to add shelves just like the ones in the hall. It would add lots of space for all the beautiful quilts you've created, so neat and colorful.
Go Pat go! I also get in the “big tidy up” mode at least once a year and it always feels so good. Totally agree with you - when you’re feeling it, that’s the time to work!
We are so on the same page!.... I have one entire bedroom with fabric ( some from a friend who went into a care center) and it prevents this bedroom from being used for visitors. Then I have my sewing room that is jammed packed.... so i have been sorting all fabric and deciding what to keep and what to give away. It is a slow process, but necessary. I asked my daughter if she wanted all of my sewing stuff whenever I pass away and she said NOPE.... I will be selling or giving it all away... So, I am trying to help the process now.
Keep us going as this process is slow but steady...
I hear you! Yes, I have been, for several years now, trying to let stuff go that I don't like, need or isn't useful...tons of old business paper work..In November, I had someone from the church come and go through several bins of Christmas decorations and tins, plates, etc. to use for their Advent tea and bazarr . That was freeing. That said, I work at keeping my sewing/craft room neat. I actually don't have a lot of fabric, I am way down. I need some! I have a goal to use scraps, my favorite anyway. I have several quilt tops waiting to be quilted and bound, but, 2024 was not the year for it...I need to hurry a little, I just turned 84!
I've been thinking the same thing. Move on those fabrics & quilty things I haven't used for a year or more. Thanks for the motivation!!
I am in the same boat. Hubby is retiring next year and we are moving after 30+ years in this house. We have to make decisions on every piece slowly. Glad we have time
Yep! I usually declutter in my sewing room and in our home right after Christmas when cleaning up the holiday decorations around the house, and the mess created from holiday sewing in my sewing room The last 3 years I have been clearing out Christmas decorations down to my favorite things. We have gone from 10 big bins to five this year. I have been decorating methodically, setting out my most favorites, picking areas where they especially fit in the spaces around the house. There is always something I don’t want to use any longer and it goes to a charity shop or someone else.
I work the same way in the sewing room. It does help to refresh every so often, doesn’t it?
I’ve done the same thing. We moved two years ago and had a serious declutter session with all my Christmas decorations. Trashed broken items I had been keeping to “fix” someday, and donated a bunch.
I can totally relate ! every couple years I get a big itch to declutter the whole house. Take different piles to different places and it’s a great feeling of a fresh new start in the same location feel ya feel ya feel ya Miss Pat.
The endless downsizing! As with most quilters, I have more projects than I can ever finish. Your realization that you love sewing with new fabrics and fabric lines put into words what I feel, too. I guess that is why I have so many projects. New fabric collections inspire me! I will join you in your downsizing!
On another note.... as you gave us the tour of your many projects, you took us thru your dining room. Your ginger plant caught me eye, especially the light above it. Is that a grow light? Would you be so kind as to provide information about it? My children gave me a Meyer lemon tree for Christmas! It needs 6 hours of direct sunlight which I do not have. Your light seems slim, not taking up much room. Perhaps it would solve my problem, too. Thank you for your daily, well... threes days a week...inspiration!
Pat, this color is absolutely fabulous on you!
After almost 2 years I am enjoying making quilt tops again! I donated lots of fabrics and other quilting supplies I just didn't use. It was freeing to rid of the stuff. Now I have what I use and I love spending time in my sewing room and even better, I enjoy creating again. Good Luck with your tackle Tuesday even if it takes a few extra days.
I did a big fabric purge a couple years ago... Also books and patterns. It was so freeing.. like a huge weight was lifted. Last year I moved out 15 old UFO. It was amazing. So I started this year with 8 quilts to machine quilt and 6 quilts to bind. It's been amazing for me, very freeing... Like letting go of emotional baggage. Lol.
Congratulations!! That’s not easy to do!
Inspiring! My fabric choices have changed over the years and I have cleaned out multiple times and usually do more after each project. After a move and moving my mom in ( combining 3 large sewing rooms into 2 smaller) I'm still trying to find a better arrangement. After today's discussion, I really need to do more "cleaning out" and keep "what brings me joy." Thank you Pat for the inspiration.
Yes, I’m absolutely in that decluttering space right now… but it’s a little bit on hold. We’re swapping my living room and sewing room. Basically the sewing room will become a media room with a spare bed, and the living room will become a combo sewing and craft space. But, I won’t get the sewing stuff decluttered until I know just how much space I have to work with in the new area. I have the urge to do it now, but…. I’ll just have to wait.
I’ve been on a decluttering program for a couple of years and it’s winding down. However, it hasn’t hit my sewing room. I really want to be able to let some of the fabric go. I’m going to look at it and think about what I really like, how I want to sew/quilt going forward. Thank you for the inspiration.
Oh my goodness!!! This definitely resonates with me. My sewing room is a small bedroom and I have a cutting/storage table, 2 rolling carts with fabric and everything else. My sewing machine is on a custom table my husband built for me. Plus I have an eight foot longarm frame for my Grace Q’nique machine. To say it is cramped would be a huge understatement. I’m not sure I know where to start but thank you for the gentle push💕
I am so pumped to get going in my sewing room. My sewing area is the “formal” living room in my 20 something year old house. It has French doors on 1 wall, huge wall of windows and book case built ins on the other wall. Plus it’s an oddly shaped room! Anyways I know where I’m starting- in all the clear shoeboxes (35 of them). I have fabric that’s so old it’s probably going to be fashionable again!! But I never look in those boxes for fabric. I’m not a “scrappy” sort of person and I’ve held onto these fabrics just in case the process hits me. It hadn’t so they are going out to donation or given away. Phew! I feel better just thinking of this project! Now to turn off the tv and get off the couch!! Reading all of the comments has given me the push I desperately needed!
Ive been (slowly) working on purging the things I no longer love in all areas of my house, so I found today’s video very relatable. I’ve realized that for me, too much “stuff” feels suffocating. It’s very freeing to let things go onto a new home!
I attended my first 'trunk show' in mid-November 2024 at my local quilt shop featuring Heather Briggs of My Quilty Life and saw her lovely patterns, fabric lines, quilts made in her fabric lines--and what is coming soon this year. She is the sweetest person and very talented.
I learned about her past- this beautiful pattern designer and fabric designer for Moda is a licensed building architect! WOW. She said she would be in her pink hard hat at construction sites and men would ask her 'Where is your boss?" and was shocked she was the boss! This woman who could design buildings was not treated well in a 'man's occupation."
She took her talent for designing buildings and turned it into a new field--creating beautiful patterns for quilts. Her story is much more extensive, but from architect to pattern designer--to fabric designer for Moda is a huge thing. Getting a sneak peek at her new fabric line and pattern excites me for the next large project. Her fabrics are feminine, with soft colors, yet interchange from one of her lines to the next. I got to see her Flower Shop quilt. Another little tidbit about Heather, she likes to round the corners on her quilted items.
I retired and moved 5 years ago. I decluttered and reorganized. I brought crafting tools and supplies that I thought I would continue doing into my retirement. I havnt touched donand after 5 years and watching them gather dust they are gone. My primary focus is sewing and longarming.
Oh Pat, I definitely agree with you. I drool over new fabric lines...but I have so much fabric in my stash that I feel guilty when I think about buying more. So I've grounded myself lol. Seriously I'm working hard to just use fabric that I have when I want to start a new project (like Tula's 100 Days). I loved the fabric when I bought it. If I don't love it any more then I need to pass it on, or make donation quilts. Your Oh My Stars pattern makes a pretty quilt, and it's easy and a fast sew.
I like the view with your pretty flowers behind you when you chat.
Red is your color! You look radiant today in your cozy corner . Love your hair today too!
Yes, time to simplify. The older I get, the less I need. On a personal note, your hair looks great! Look forward to your videos. Also, love those bookcases for your quilts.
Pat I hear you, it come to a point in life when what we thought we needed become excessive. I’ve already started decluttering, but not with the sewing things . I’ve made a promise to myself use what I have, that will be hard to handle. Pat your morning setup looked amazing, thanks for sharing. 👍❤️😊
Anxious for your pare down, Been paring down my house for a year now, hoping to see it from your perspective, yes donating plain Jane fabric and florals to a sewing group and other charities who make quilts for donation in my community. Yes I am keeping my novelty fabric and super special ones like A henry, Tula, Tim holtz, Marcia derse, S Apter, JW Frisch…. They r my loves. Tks for sharing this and inspiring us all.
I decluttered my entire house. My sewing room was the last. O.MG. I rehomed bags and bags and bags of stuff from my sewing room. Still have way too much. But for now I feel good about what I did . I found new homes for everything. Now I have so much more room. Still will get more stuff gone, just later.
What a great reminder of how grateful I am of the abundance of fabric … and you’re so right- time to let go of those that I usually skip over when choosing fabrics for a project…
I am excited for you in using a smaller intimate space for some of your videos. The flowers/plants behind you are so pretty and it feels like we are sharing a cup of coffee across the table. The new studio layout is so versatile, I can see how much you will enjoy it.
Hello Pat,
Yes, I am right there with you. I started a declutter project last year triggered by my sister signing up for a retirement place. I witnessed what she is still going through and I thought there is no way I am going to postpone my declutter process.
You and I are close in age, no children and I would say on the same page from watching your videos. My declutter process has brought to light the fact that I don’t like clutter anymore. My next project is my fabric/sewing projects. Like you, I see the new fabric coming out and want to sew with that and my “stash” stays my stash.
Thanks for the inspiration!
Pat that color looks so good on you. Hugs
I am on that same road, purging and organization. Keep saying 1 more week but still going.
Organizing and reducing the amount of fabrics I have is a necessary project for the year. We’re not moving, but I am taking a small bedroom for my dedicated sewing area and I don’t want it to be messy with too much stuff. Just keep what I love and will use.
I have a dear friend with memory issues and her daughters have no idea what to do with all of her fabric. It is a huge job for them. I don’t want to do that to my family.
I am decluttering too! You have incourage me to redesign my sewing room. I got a new big sewing machine and i'm trying to fit it in the same space with my accuquilt. Ugh what a challenge. I have fabric I'm Done with, but I'm having a hard time knowing what to do with it. I don't have any people to sew with except on line. I thought about cutting the fabric into 2 1/2 inch squares but then I'm still saving it. If I just get rid of it it would free me up. Thanks for helping me through this process.
I’m in the same place, I have been going through my fabric, cutting down scraps, some boxes of fabric that was given to me Was not in my sewing room
Received Few years ago never went through it so those are empty now. Have bag for donation and some thrown away. Starting to look great
Pat - thanks for the motivation! I AM MOVING, and need to majorly declutter. We are going from 1800 sq ft to 800 sq ft. 😮 I am having a very tough time paring down fabric, and love your idea of thinking about which fabrics I gravitate towards. I’m off to start working with that idea in mind.
Right there with you!
It's something that we all need to do from time to time. Last year I donated about 50 yards of material to the local library when they had their craft and fabric sale
I felt really good that I was passing things along to someone else that could use it plus it was benefiting the local library.
I donated seven large trash bags of fabric along with some quilt tops I didn't want to finish last year. It was very freeing. I've tried to only purchase fabric to use for backgrounds for what I already have. I'm pretty happy with my downsizing so far. I can definitely see myself doing it again. Very helpful video!
Recently moved to a lovely, much smaller house. I've been downsizing for three years!!! It's almost to the point where I can breathe and have some creative fun!
I've been sewing mission quilts with Lutheran World Relief for 26 years. My extra fabric or fabric that no longer interests me for my personal sewing makes it into quilts. We also get donations of fabric from my guilds and my friends who are downsizing. My group has made 1800 quilts in 26 years. On a personal note, we are clearing out our attic this year. I am not looking forward to that but it needs to be done. Otherwise, our children will have a lot to do down the line. Happy Sewing and Quilting Friends in the Sloan Zone!
I’m moving to a new home so going through much of the same thought processes. Hopefully, my plans will work as well as yours.
I do this type of "purging" yearly and totally understand being in that mode. To me a cluttered home = a cluttered mind and cluttered life. I feel "lighter" after doing it. Anything I'm not using can be used by someone else, so why not pass it on? You're going to feel fantastic when it's done! The process itself can create a bit of a "mess" when you're sorting through things etc., but I just remind myself of what I want the outcome to be.
I’ve just moved into a new studio space so have all the room I need (for the first time in over a decade)… but I’m definitely focused on declutterring and getting to the place where everything has a home. Wishing you luck on the journey - you’ll do great! I’m getting ruthless about old fabric as well - donating to our local Project Linus chapter.
That color shirt looks great on you. Goes great with your glasses, too.
Reading about you all giving away fabric, for whatever reason, has kind of removed the guilt I feel about doing just that. Fabric is expensive and to just give it away doesn't seem right. But, it's new owner will love it as much as I did when I bought it. My tastes have changed over the past 25 years and I love this hobby. I want to use fabric that gives me joy. Thank you, Pat, for bringing up this subject. Gig from California
I do a good cleaning declutter yearly! I hope you show some of that, love seeing before and afters 😊
That flower shop is so pretty. Declutter is something I want to do. My little 7x9 room has storage too. 😂
I found treasured photos in my pattern file cabinet yesterday. Life is good. Keep it up, we'll get through it all before Spring takes us outside.
Hi yes, I am at that same place. Iplan to share my stash with my younger quilting buddies. I have realized I have collected more projects than I could ever finish in my lifetime! So i will keep just the ones I really love and give away the rest. No need to hoard "Stuff"even if it is stuff I loved. They deserve to see daylight!
I have been going through my sewing room also...at this point I feel organized and ready to go 😊
Your plants look so healthy and are beautifully displayed! They make a nice background for you :)
Your hair length looks great on you
Now I’m motivated to tidy up😊
Thank you!!! As I just packed more fabric than I could never use in my remaining life, I’ve been trying to decide what things will look like after this long distance move. The number of boxes with fabric was embarrassing, humbling and eye-opening.
I have a colors and styles of fabric that make me happy. I have several patterns that make me happy. The rest? Opening an Etsy shop and/or selling on EBay is in my future.
The truck finishes loading today. Onward!
I'm right there with you. I sew with new fabric. I need to donate the fabric I'm not motivated by. Love your videos. You're my morning coffee buddy.
With a new year, I feel the same way to examine what can be improved in upcoming year. Keeping fabrice organized in baskets
is a good idea I think. You have really improved your space and love the Babylock...The flowering cyclamen behind you is
a great idea for Spring...and hope you will have some tulips or daffodils when they come into season. Spring is such a great
season to celebrate as well as the other three...LOL Decorating with wall hangings, and door panels as well as hanging quilts is such a great idea. Changing out the color theme is great also and you have enough quilts to do that. Blue for postXmas after red
for Xmas. I love your videos.
I also am thinking your way, I want to work with you new fabrics. Been cleaning and down sizing some.
I have a Janome memory craft,love it
Beautiful fabric!
I totally understand you Pat! I decluttered during the months prior to retiring and then was gifted the sewing room contents of my friend's MIL. So I "decluttered" that before adding it to my stuff. The house always feels a bit lighter when I give away stuff.
Good morning Pat 😊
About tidying up for more space, is there room to move ginger plant to living room where you had Christmas tree set up? Would give more space in dining room to move around :).
Pat, thank you for your transparency! I have spent so many years building up a stash and I just don't use it like I thought I would! I'm inspired to pare that down and start focusing on what I really want to make and keep. I just filled a big bin of baby and child quilts to take to Project Linus! Maybe they could also use some of my fabric stash...I'll ask them. Thanks again--great video!
People ask me why I keep more of the things I make (some quilts but many knitted and crocheted items). I realized that I just really enjoy, and need, the process of creating things. I like sending the finished items off to 'live out their destiny ' rather than languishing in my closet.
My decluttering happens every August, shortly before a church sale that benefits a local food pantry. Even my crusty old thread and random scraps has been snatched up within an hour of the sale opening--and notions go even faster! So, that is definitely when I start rethinking my space, though I keep a little box handy to put things in as I think about it over the year. If I need it at some point, I will take it out, but if I don't, it's already in the donate box.
Yes I am working on down sizing. I need to pass on fabric and notions bc nephew will just dump everything if anything happens to us .
You are amazing. I am reorganizing my stash❤
What you doing is called Swedish death cleaning. The Swedish practice of döstädning ("death cleaning"), a simple living ethic and aesthetic with the primary focus of not burdening your heirs with your belongings, is a permanent form of household organization which also focuses on keeping only strongly valued possessions.
So many people have clung to things until they have to be in nursing care or pass away, & children just get rid of all the prized possessions. I once met a lady who loved china, had 3 hutches of china in her cramped dining room. She told me that she couldn't have the china patterns she wanted because half of the china she had was passed down from her long-gone relatives. I gave her permission (I had just met her) to dispose of the unwanted china as the prior owners weren't there to complain. She felt so relieved. I don't know what she did with all that china.
A friend of mine recently lost her 84 year old mother-in-law, who was an avid 60 year long history of making quilts. She passed with no instructions as what to do with her 4 rooms of fabric stash & sewing machines. Her guild came in to assist and got rid large quantities of dry rotted fabric. I advised her on what brands & collections that could be valuable, as the deceased only purchased quilt shop fabrics. Also left at least 6 sewing machines & a long arm. My friend is keeping the long arm to learn quilting & is going to learn start patchwork piecing. She has a ready made stash. I also advised her if there was a Juki, to keep it for piecing.
I have a Janome Professional M7 . I do have a small Brother Project Runway model for if I go to a class. Love Janome brand which used to be New Home.
I have that Janome Continental M7 as well, bought it in 2018. My husband built into a cabinet love it.
Hi
I’ve been cleaning out too Pat.
I think as crafters we tend to keep things that we may need someday and then never get back to it. Or we try a new craft and have to get all the supplies but then go back to our favorite. My MIL has been giving me old yarn projects that were from her MIL and they are musty and dusty and not anything I’d work on. I’ve just been thanking her and then throwing them away. If she had given them on to me 20 years ago I may have been able to finish them or pass them on but they are not in good shape. Fabric and yarn, if not properly stored, can become unusable. My goal going forward is to either use what I have and pass on what I’m not using or don’t love anymore, so someone else can enjoy it.
I also gravitate to newer fabric
My mindset is in "Spring Cleaning" mode. Going through everything
I am doing that right now. I am planing .on selling my house and I want to get rid of alot if stuff. Hoping to sew enouph so I wont have as much to pack. I am going through my whole house. It takes time but I do not want to move what I no longer use
Yes! I am at the point where I want to toss it all in a big heap!!!! I have too many projects on hand and think I could farm out many items and still have too much left to do! I have hundreds of patterns I like, fabric I have rescued from stores closing or sales I couldn't resist! I have fabric still from making clothes for our daughters who are now in their 40's. I have been taking the fabrics left from sewing for them and use it now as backing for inside of pillows when I quilt the front. That way there is an old memory on the inside. I have to find a better way to keep things together because I'm doing a UFO challenge x2 this year. One UFO is a monthly pillow, I have the front sheet of instructions but not the second sheet. I did have it in my hand just a week ago and now cannot find that second sheet of instructions! I think I can figure it out though. I'm tired of not being able to find things I want and having loads of little fabric scraps left! I must reduce my fabric stash!!!! Thanks for thinking of this for us!!!!! I'm IN!
Could not find the name of the ladies that you mentioned painted your Red Featherweight. Love it.
I think destashing would help me feel better. I haven’t wanted to sew for months now. I just get overwhelmed when I walk in sewing room. I just feel so guilty for having so much I can’t give it away. I need help.
My process for 2025 is to decrease fabric purchases. I was buying faster than I was quilting. So this year I will be starting out by completing projects already started and using what I already have. I have been collecting and hoarding my fabric for six years this month. Now to use and enjoy the fabrics I have. And maybe actually keep a few projects instead of gifting.
Me too! Only I started collecting and hoarding 12 years ago! I have so much I can’t even find specific fabric I know I have. Plus, I’ll be moving long distance soon, so I may have to sell or donate some.😢
Hello Sloan Zone Quilty friends. I have two more sandwiches to FMQ, THEN i will be able to do my clean up. I have so much fabric to sort. I'm overwhelmed with leftover pieces and 2 1/2" squares that I have to donate lots to our quilt guild!
I will be majorly downsizing soon. Going to retire in the spring and move a 1700 sq ft home into a small park model manufactured home. I’m very excited to move just not going thru all this stuff. I would LIKE to back up a garbage trailer and just start pitching from the open doors! But guess I can’t do that. And actually have to go thru things. Thank you for the inspiration!
Morning! Cold here!
Your lighting is great today. Are you using your big light you mentioned wanting to no longer use? I've been waiting for months for our daughter to finish moving her things from her old bedroom and huge closet. I'm going to turn it into my sewing room. She moved out in July.....am I being impatient? 😂😂
You have so many beautiful quilts and fabrics, but I can see how overwhelming it must be to have so many quilty/ business items all over your downstairs. You and Greg never have a break from work because you are surrounded by it everywhere. I love closing my sewing room and longarm room doors closed so I don’t see the creative mess I have created.
Good Morning
Did you video Dresden plate on London Town Sampler?
@@maryannday6846 That’s where I am… hoping for some guidance as I haven’t done one of those before!
I’m working on London Town also. I completed the Dresden block and it was a challenge. I had never seen one before either. It turned out ok not perfect but this quilt is for me as a memory of my trips to London. I changed my quilt up a bit by deleting all but 1 British flag and the ship. I ‘m added tea cups in the other flag spots and I also made a red phone booth using the double decker bus pattern as inspiration. I added a teapot in place of the ship. I’m trying to add other icons of London ad I think of them.
@ My Uncle and I went to London several years ago so I’m making this quilt/throw for him! He has health issues now and I thought this would bring back memories, it has for me! I too, want to add the phone booth, maybe a tea cup thank you, I have made all blocks up to the Dresden! Though it might be a challenge I’m determined to do every block and add the before mentioned!! If I don’t run out of background fabric!😂 it has been fun so far after I stopped pull my hair out and realized it’s mine do the best I can! No homemade quilt is perfect according to my quilt club group!! Thank you for responding!!
Which site of yours do we visit to enter for the"you know what? " it keeps taking me to sign up for tik toc. 😮😮 I've been watching you for quite some time. Don't know why i was unsubscribed. Wierd.
I love to make quilts is the site