Studio Cleaning Day
My daughter, Kate, and new daughter-in-law, Emily recently helped me organize my sewing studio. I have multiple projects going on, had three quilts on the design wall, classes, merchandise, etc., Things were spiraling out of control.
This is my personal stash (1 to 3 yard cuts wrapped on plastic cardboard).
I wanted to call off the cleaning crew from the first minute. I walked by my cutting table and saw fabric cut for my hexie project and ready for me to play... The girls quickly called me back to task.
The work table looked a lot more fun than cleaning....
Kate went directly to the most disorganized corner and jumped in. The first drawer was full of craft supplies. There were stickers and glitter pens. I have no doubt that some of that stuff had been there since my children were children. Grandson, Nolan (age 5) promptly claimed ownership of the stickers, and removed to the other side of the room to scatter his loot on the floor and start a project. Emily worked on folding -- lots of folding.
The girls are blessedly clear-headed when it comes to purging and organizing. All I have to say about that is God bless their clear heads and helping hearts! I can't be bothered to stay tidy as I quilt, so help is always welcomed in my studio.
More stash (small cuts), comfy chair, and design wall (now with only one project on it!).
As we moved through the bins and boxes, I found myself getting emotional about the stuff. Kate, who actually reads about de-cluttering and organizing for fun, said, “Mom, hold it close and thank it for the joy it has brought to you and let it go.” I picked up my mother’s calico: “Thank you for the joy you brought to me – and now with the memories of the horrid folk dance skirt fresh in my mind, I release you.” I felt very sentimental about it, but I am quite sure my mom was smiling down from heaven because she knew I never liked my folk dance skirt. Three yards of scratchy brown linen upholstery fabric: “Good riddance brown linen. You were always a mistake and I’m glad to say goodbye.” Drawers of fleece: “Thank you for the joy you brought me and goodbye.” Much of the stuff was still good, but I have moved on and will not be making fleece blankets in school colors, or re-recovering the outdoor furniture cushions, or making flannel pajama pants for Christmas gifts, and on and on. Saying goodbye to my clutter got easier and easier.
They moved quickly. Keep. Throw away. Goodwill. We tucked the things in the “keep” pile back on the shelves. In one afternoon, my studio was restored to a tidy workspace, and I heaved a great sigh of relief. I do loathe cleaning, and I dreaded the task. Having the girls with me was wonderful, too. It’s always easier to share chores and Kate and Emily were absolute dolls to take on my studio and me.
The sewing table (L to R: Serger, Janome 6600p, Sashiko, Embroidery)
All that remains is for me to do is to get creative! It won't take long for ME to mess it up again. :D
