Funnily enough, these videos have been inspiring me to clear out a non-sewing glory hole which is my dollshouse and miniatures workshop and display area. It had become a chaotic dumping ground, full of items I had fallen out of love with, things I hadn't used in decades, things I will never use because my tastes have changed, general junk and rubbish and so on. I could hear your voice in my head telling me 'well if you haven't used it in 15 years, it's time for it to go!'. So I have filled a box for donation, thrown out a lot of rubbish, listed several items for sale on ebay and FB, and have made some inroads on the clutter. Still lots to do but it's a great start - thanks!
I did a hot spot today and then spent the day making a fleece and cotton throw blanket for my granddaughter. It’s my second project completed during this challenge, I feel great about all I’ve accomplished so far. Thank you Karen for your Inspiration!
Oh, thank goodness! I've been itching to work through my buttons and today is going to be perfect for that. I admit it, I'm a hoarder of buttons! Love all colors, shapes, designs and especially vintage buttons! So, today they will be examined and probably returned back to the jars and bottles that contain them but what fun to just indulge in the variety of them. Hope everyone enjoys their day catching up or just slow-going with whatever strikes your fancy. Thanks, Karen!
I have been making fabric postcards. I ❤ it! Lots of hand stitching but found I get so into it I definitely need the timer so I take a break and stand up, stretch, eat/ drink. Enjoy your label stitching Karen 🩷
Working on my current hot spot a little every day, plus glancing at the daily suggestions. Today I should be able to finish clearing my closet but the fabric boxes/bags will have to go in the pile of to-be-sorted until the closet is clean - vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing needed. I need to order some shelf liner - paint would be better, but not mid-winter. Also need to order a battery-operated light for overhead in the closet. Will take a break and sew up another block on my mixed orphan block/batik squares quilt. 4 down, 6 to go. Oh, and get my ruler caddy ready to hang up.
I recently purchased a puck light that is motion sensitive. It has a metal plate that you put a two sided sticker on which it then can stick to the wall or you can also put a screw through the middle hole and then the puck light has magnets so it sticks to the plate. It is also rechargeable and the charge is said to last 6 months. Comes 2 to a package and found it at Costco. All my closets have pull chain lights and one broke inside the base so the light was always on…just unscrewed the bulb and am using this puck light. 😉👍🏻
One of the things I have always appreciated most about you is your understanding of self-care-what we can do and what we can’t do and the ability to know the difference. I am enjoying participating in this project and I’m pretty proud of myself for pacing myself! Than you! 🪡❤️🪡❤️
I need to work on my notions today as I took yesterday off for a medical procedure, but I'm still tired from that. I think I'll just work on walker bags with my quilting group and no guilt. Thank you for reminding me this is a process, not a marathon. Otherwise I think I would have thrown in the towel and given up. I've truly been enjoying my clutter-free sewing table.
@SpeakTruthBeKind I don't know of a specific pattern. It's fairly simple. The back and the front are two fat quarters squared up together, as they are not all created equal. Mine are usually 17-18" wide by 20" long. The pockets are cut at 14" by the matching width of your front and back pieces. Fold them in half and I like to topstitch along the fold to give it more body. Find the center of the back on both long sides, mark 1.5" above and below that mark. Lay the back face up.place the pockets on each end. Cut four ties (we use shoelaces) at least 10" long. Pin or clip the ties on the marks at each side with the end of the shoelace or knot inside of the piece. Place the front fabric face down and pin or clip all around.sew together with a 1/4" seam leaving a 4-5" opening for turning. Clip the corners. Turn right side out and press, turning in the seam allowance of the opening. Topstitch around closing your opening. We divide the big pockets with stitching at approximately 4" from each side seam so they basically have 3 pockets on each side and the ties go around the bar of a walker or wheelchair. Hints: watch directional fabric cuts. Make sure to pin the pockets on with the raw edges matching the front and back raw edges. I also reinforce stitching at the pocket divisions and at the ties when I'm doing the final topstitch. I hope this makes sense. I know the veterans sure love them as well as our local nursing home.
Great, thanks Karen, just what I needed. I can go back and work on a couple of things that I would like to get out of the way. I can see light at the end of the tunnel.
I caught up on pins/needles and notions! Cuttings tools still need a good look through, but that will have to wait. I did a thorough sorting of all my needles by type, and 1/3 of inherited ones were rusty... Thanks so much for organizing this challenge.
I had to continue through tools, just inherited mom's sewing room, so duplicates and triplicates of everything. Made a nice package for the local quilt guild giveaway table. Thanks for extra time.
I'm still trying to find the floor. Each day, I do the challenge, and each day, I work a little more on the garbage and the squatters. I didn't sew for the whole year that I broke one, then both feet. But boy, I sure did pile stuff.
I have watched the videos daily, but didn't actually start the work till day six , I think. But since this is year four for me, my studio is in tip top shape hahaha. Last year I actually did the challenge four times throughout the year. I absolutely love your work Karen. So this year has been a lot less taxing and less overwhelming. Yesterday I actually decluttered my fabrics. I was in the mood so I just went for it. I didn't take time to play with them, didn't overthink it. I just bagged them up and then immediately put them in the car and took them to a friend who makes NICU quilts. And boy did I feel great.
I found some quilts I started years ago, before I knew the techniques, so I’m going to finish the tops and use them to practice new patterns at the Longarm. They will be good for the trailer. I actually didn’t do too badly on matching points etc. on blocks that really were too difficult for my skill level at the time.
Ive started the declutter challenge in my home. Will get to my sewing studio later. It's been great. Did the laundry, kitchen, dining and my bedroom. Last will be bathroom and then my sewing room
I tackled my notions and my hot spot yesterday. I reclaimed my cutting area (my catch-all area ). and I am so glad. My room looks so clean and organized! Now I need to get a label maker to help me remember where I put everything! #declutter challenge
Unfortunately, I'm not able to do the challenge this year with everyone because I am attempting to finish a quilt for my niece's birthday (which is today, actually), and all my sewing room time is being spent on that until it is finished. I've been trying to do five minutes of just cleaning out trash and squatters at the end of my sewing sessions though, and I plan to go through the whole challenge early in the spring, once I have a few more time-sensitive projects off my plate. I love that you do this!
I had a knee replacement 5 weeks ago so I’m a little slow But I bought a new table to use it for cutting and my son is putting it together. This recovery is no joke Lol Carmen
I've had both of mine done and it was so worth it. PT and exercises are so important! You'll get it done. And before you know it, you'll be better than ever!
I've had both knees done. The first 2 weeks are the worst. After a year you'll be so glad you got it done. That might be hard to imagine at the moment. Rest, ice, elevate, and move. You've got this!
I’m waiting on my second knee later this year. PT is soooo important! Keep up with that and you will be sewing again soon. First things first. God bless your recovery ❤️🩹
I need to do more than just the basics in my kitchen-so, some cleaning, etc. for about an hour. Then out of the house for some errands and grocery shopping. Maybe I’ll read a book for a while this afternoon.
Today, I cleaned the house. So, I took the day off from decluttering. So tomorrow, 1perhaps I'll tackle something in my sewing space. I wasn't aware that you did beading. I've done that also for years. I had some of it in a boutique years ago. However, got to be too much like a job.😅
Your challenge is doing more effect than you might expect. I'm a hoarder and presently "remaking" my laundry room/bathroom/pantry since my washing machine needed to be replaced. I was so depressed by the enormity of chaos in that room but your challenge is a BIG help in doing mine. I do as you do, spot by spot, culling each area, does it need to be stored here? redefining a space and organize it. . ** YOU'RE MY BEST COACH EVER ** and would you believe it ?; I love doing it! and it will effect me in other areas of my house. When I'll need a boost, I'll re-watch a video . Thank you, thank you, the best gift to start 2025.
Assigning every item a home and returning it home after every craft/sewing session will help a lot. When you bring new items into the sewing space instead of depositing them into the counter put them away. If you don't have the time or energy to put them away immediately put them near where they belong so you can put them away next time you're in that area. Also remember to give yourself 5-10 minutes after every sewing session to clean up and put things away. I hope these tips help 🙂
Notions is taking a little longer for me because I've never really organized them before. Ugh! I think I'm going to need to add some drawers to my sewing room.
Thank you for your videos. Very helpful. Several times I have heard you mention "slow sewing". I am assuming this might mean hand sewing but not positive. Just curious, what all do you consider slow sewing? Do you have special notions, projects or places that are special for slow sewing? I searched on your videos for "slow sewing" but nothing particular came up. If there is a video could you link it. Thank you
Full moon ….the Wolf Moon ….🌕 is ruling . Not sure what this means but I can’t see Mars just below and realize it’s only another 25 degrees colder than it is in Saskatchewan.
I have a laptop to the right of my sewing machine so I can use it for embroidery software (and mindless scrolling!😅). It just seems to be in the way. I really don't know where else to put it. Any ideas??
How about one of those stands to get it up off the table? Lots of variety depending on your situation. I’ve got one that mounts on a sturdy pole and you can move it up out of the way when you need the space below for more important things (snacks!?), and lower it when you need it close for “research” (scrolling).
@@Jhalcoj seconding the stand idea! some stands come with small shelves/cubbies if you need the storage space, which could be perfect for storing more supplies (IF you also need the storage space, that is!)
Funnily enough, these videos have been inspiring me to clear out a non-sewing glory hole which is my dollshouse and miniatures workshop and display area. It had become a chaotic dumping ground, full of items I had fallen out of love with, things I hadn't used in decades, things I will never use because my tastes have changed, general junk and rubbish and so on. I could hear your voice in my head telling me 'well if you haven't used it in 15 years, it's time for it to go!'. So I have filled a box for donation, thrown out a lot of rubbish, listed several items for sale on ebay and FB, and have made some inroads on the clutter. Still lots to do but it's a great start - thanks!
I use the timer everyday, sometimes sewing or my house declutter. Love the timer concept. ❤
I did a hot spot today and then spent the day making a fleece and cotton throw blanket for my granddaughter. It’s my second project completed during this challenge, I feel great about all I’ve accomplished so far. Thank you Karen for your Inspiration!
Oh, thank goodness! I've been itching to work through my buttons and today is going to be perfect for that. I admit it, I'm a hoarder of buttons! Love all colors, shapes, designs and especially vintage buttons! So, today they will be examined and probably returned back to the jars and bottles that contain them but what fun to just indulge in the variety of them. Hope everyone enjoys their day catching up or just slow-going with whatever strikes your fancy. Thanks, Karen!
I’m going to gather quilt projects for an upcoming retreat at the beginning of February on today’s free day. Thank you Karen for all you do 😊
Love your attitude and great advice and suggestions. Thank you Karen. 🙏
I have been making fabric postcards. I ❤ it! Lots of hand stitching but found I get so into it I definitely need the timer so I take a break and stand up, stretch, eat/ drink. Enjoy your label stitching Karen 🩷
Working on my current hot spot a little every day, plus glancing at the daily suggestions. Today I should be able to finish clearing my closet but the fabric boxes/bags will have to go in the pile of to-be-sorted until the closet is clean - vacuuming, dusting, scrubbing needed. I need to order some shelf liner - paint would be better, but not mid-winter. Also need to order a battery-operated light for overhead in the closet. Will take a break and sew up another block on my mixed orphan block/batik squares quilt. 4 down, 6 to go. Oh, and get my ruler caddy ready to hang up.
I recently purchased a puck light that is motion sensitive. It has a metal plate that you put a two sided sticker on which it then can stick to the wall or you can also put a screw through the middle hole and then the puck light has magnets so it sticks to the plate. It is also rechargeable and the charge is said to last 6 months. Comes 2 to a package and found it at Costco. All my closets have pull chain lights and one broke inside the base so the light was always on…just unscrewed the bulb and am using this puck light. 😉👍🏻
One of the things I have always appreciated most about you is your understanding of self-care-what we can do and what we can’t do and the ability to know the difference. I am enjoying participating in this project and I’m pretty proud of myself for pacing myself! Than you! 🪡❤️🪡❤️
I need to work on my notions today as I took yesterday off for a medical procedure, but I'm still tired from that. I think I'll just work on walker bags with my quilting group and no guilt. Thank you for reminding me this is a process, not a marathon. Otherwise I think I would have thrown in the towel and given up. I've truly been enjoying my clutter-free sewing table.
Is there a specific pattern you use for your walker bags. Where can I purchase it or is there a free pattern somewhere?
@SpeakTruthBeKind I don't know of a specific pattern. It's fairly simple. The back and the front are two fat quarters squared up together, as they are not all created equal. Mine are usually 17-18" wide by 20" long. The pockets are cut at 14" by the matching width of your front and back pieces. Fold them in half and I like to topstitch along the fold to give it more body. Find the center of the back on both long sides, mark 1.5" above and below that mark. Lay the back face up.place the pockets on each end. Cut four ties (we use shoelaces) at least 10" long. Pin or clip the ties on the marks at each side with the end of the shoelace or knot inside of the piece. Place the front fabric face down and pin or clip all around.sew together with a 1/4" seam leaving a 4-5" opening for turning. Clip the corners. Turn right side out and press, turning in the seam allowance of the opening. Topstitch around closing your opening. We divide the big pockets with stitching at approximately 4" from each side seam so they basically have 3 pockets on each side and the ties go around the bar of a walker or wheelchair. Hints: watch directional fabric cuts. Make sure to pin the pockets on with the raw edges matching the front and back raw edges. I also reinforce stitching at the pocket divisions and at the ties when I'm doing the final topstitch. I hope this makes sense. I know the veterans sure love them as well as our local nursing home.
Great, thanks Karen, just what I needed. I can go back and work on a couple of things that I would like to get out of the way. I can see light at the end of the tunnel.
I caught up on pins/needles and notions! Cuttings tools still need a good look through, but that will have to wait. I did a thorough sorting of all my needles by type, and 1/3 of inherited ones were rusty... Thanks so much for organizing this challenge.
I had to continue through tools, just inherited mom's sewing room, so duplicates and triplicates of everything. Made a nice package for the local quilt guild giveaway table. Thanks for extra time.
I'm still trying to find the floor.
Each day, I do the challenge, and each day, I work a little more on the garbage and the squatters.
I didn't sew for the whole year that I broke one, then both feet. But boy, I sure did pile stuff.
🤣
I can see the floor under my cutting table. Win!!
I have watched the videos daily, but didn't actually start the work till day six , I think. But since this is year four for me, my studio is in tip top shape hahaha. Last year I actually did the challenge four times throughout the year. I absolutely love your work Karen. So this year has been a lot less taxing and less overwhelming. Yesterday I actually decluttered my fabrics. I was in the mood so I just went for it. I didn't take time to play with them, didn't overthink it. I just bagged them up and then immediately put them in the car and took them to a friend who makes NICU quilts. And boy did I feel great.
I found some quilts I started years ago, before I knew the techniques, so I’m going to finish the tops and use them to practice new patterns at the Longarm. They will be good for the trailer. I actually didn’t do too badly on matching points etc. on blocks that really were too difficult for my skill level at the time.
A free day! How nice to be able to easy up on ourselves!
Ive started the declutter challenge in my home. Will get to my sewing studio later. It's been great. Did the laundry, kitchen, dining and my bedroom. Last will be bathroom and then my sewing room
I tackled my notions and my hot spot yesterday. I reclaimed my cutting area (my catch-all area ). and I am so glad. My room looks so clean and organized! Now I need to get a label maker to help me remember where I put everything! #declutter challenge
Unfortunately, I'm not able to do the challenge this year with everyone because I am attempting to finish a quilt for my niece's birthday (which is today, actually), and all my sewing room time is being spent on that until it is finished. I've been trying to do five minutes of just cleaning out trash and squatters at the end of my sewing sessions though, and I plan to go through the whole challenge early in the spring, once I have a few more time-sensitive projects off my plate. I love that you do this!
I had a knee replacement 5 weeks ago so I’m a little slow But I bought a new table to use it for cutting and my son is putting it together. This recovery is no joke Lol Carmen
I've had both of mine done and it was so worth it. PT and exercises are so important! You'll get it done. And before you know it, you'll be better than ever!
Good luck with your knee recovery! My hubby had both knees done -- it was tough, but he is super glad he did it!
I've had both knees done. The first 2 weeks are the worst. After a year you'll be so glad you got it done. That might be hard to imagine at the moment. Rest, ice, elevate, and move. You've got this!
Hope you feel better real soon🙏
I’m waiting on my second knee later this year. PT is soooo important! Keep up with that and you will be sewing again soon. First things first. God bless your recovery ❤️🩹
I am going to go through the craft cabinet and declutter everything I have not been using in 5 years. I've got my trash, donate boxes and ready to go.
You can do it! GO BRENDA!!!❤
I need to do more than just the basics in my kitchen-so, some cleaning, etc. for about an hour. Then out of the house for some errands and grocery shopping. Maybe I’ll read a book for a while this afternoon.
Today, I cleaned the house. So, I took the day off from decluttering. So tomorrow, 1perhaps I'll tackle something in my sewing space. I wasn't aware that you did beading. I've done that also for years. I had some of it in a boutique years ago. However, got to be too much like a job.😅
Your challenge is doing more effect than you might expect. I'm a hoarder and presently "remaking" my laundry room/bathroom/pantry since my washing machine needed to be replaced. I was so depressed by the enormity of chaos in that room but your challenge is a BIG help in doing mine. I do as you do, spot by spot, culling each area, does it need to be stored here? redefining a space and organize it. . ** YOU'RE MY BEST COACH EVER ** and would you believe it ?; I love doing it! and it will effect me in other areas of my house. When I'll need a boost, I'll re-watch a video . Thank you, thank you, the best gift to start 2025.
For me...ruthlessly clearing stuff for room to sew again!
A free day? For me that means just sewing my current project and using my new ruler for HST’s.
Yeah! I'm behind. Thanks
Can you address "flat surface syndrome? That is my problem. If there is a flat surface-it gets filled.
You are a pilot!! Pile it here and pile it there😅
@@marjroach5824😄😄😄👍🏻 Good one.
Assigning every item a home and returning it home after every craft/sewing session will help a lot. When you bring new items into the sewing space instead of depositing them into the counter put them away. If you don't have the time or energy to put them away immediately put them near where they belong so you can put them away next time you're in that area. Also remember to give yourself 5-10 minutes after every sewing session to clean up and put things away. I hope these tips help 🙂
Flat surface syndrome comes from items either not having a home or that home is too hard to get to
I so need to catch up with the challenges.
It’s okay to take 3 months to do them. Just keep moving forward
Notions is taking a little longer for me because I've never really organized them before. Ugh! I think I'm going to need to add some drawers to my sewing room.
I have a wedding quilt to figure out so that’s what I’m doing!❤️
I did a hot spot yesterday because I really needed to cut binding. Think I will used today to do the needles that I didn't get to the other day
Hanging out in the basement sorting stuff as painters are working upstairs.
Thank you for your videos. Very helpful. Several times I have heard you mention "slow sewing". I am assuming this might mean hand sewing but not positive. Just curious, what all do you consider slow sewing? Do you have special notions, projects or places that are special for slow sewing? I searched on your videos for "slow sewing" but nothing particular came up. If there is a video could you link it. Thank you
Slow sewing is often needlework but it can also be binding a quilt, sewing on a button, repairing a hole etc. slow more refers to your brain
Full moon ….the Wolf Moon ….🌕 is ruling .
Not sure what this means but I can’t see Mars just below and realize it’s only another 25 degrees colder than it is in Saskatchewan.
I have one big ho5 spot. Get that done and then I can sew some. ❤❤
I have a baby quilt (twin size) to make in 12 days. Starting now😊
Not really a challenge question-but do you know where the artwork behind you came from? Love the colors and subject.
I have a laptop to the right of my sewing machine so I can use it for embroidery software (and mindless scrolling!😅). It just seems to be in the way. I really don't know where else to put it. Any ideas??
How about one of those stands to get it up off the table? Lots of variety depending on your situation. I’ve got one that mounts on a sturdy pole and you can move it up out of the way when you need the space below for more important things (snacks!?), and lower it when you need it close for “research” (scrolling).
@@Jhalcoj seconding the stand idea! some stands come with small shelves/cubbies if you need the storage space, which could be perfect for storing more supplies (IF you also need the storage space, that is!)
@@first_glennie do you happen to have a link or search name that I could then see what this is? Thank you. I have an iPad too.
I'm setting up a new machine that my son bought me as a birthday present. My old one died Sunday night. Stupid plastic cogs. 🙄