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If you, like many, have a case of a cluttered sewing space, let our new columnist Kim Smith Soper help you clear it up and set your creativity free!
If you, like many, have a case of a cluttered sewing space, let our new columnist Kim Smith Soper help you clear it up and set your creativity free!
Do you want to know a secret? ( Whispering) Your sewing space isn’t cluttered because you need to get organised. It’s cluttered because you have too much stuff.
It’s okay! You’re okay! We’re all okay! Clutter happens to the best of us, and I’m here to help you get things under control. I truly believe that decluttering your sewing space will change your creativity – and maybe your entire life – for the better. Yes, the process will have its challenges. But it will be 100% worth it!
I want to warn you that as you declutter, you’ll likely encounter sabotaging thoughts. Don’t fall for them! These sneaky thoughts want you to keep all the things – but remain on high alert to avoid getting caught in their trap. I’ll talk you through some of the most common culprits you’ll face, and how to rotary slice right through them!
If decluttering intimidates you, you’re not alone. The key is to start small. Try not to think about how much work lies ahead, because that’s just an express ticket to Overwhelm City. Instead, pick a pile, tackle it and keep going until it’s done. As you build momentum, it will motivate you to keep going. The cutting table, the floor or the works-in-progress (let’s face it, we all have plenty of them!) are all great places to begin. Once you’ve sorted through smaller piles like these, give yourself a pat on the back and take a deep breath. It’s time to tackle your stash. Yard by yard, fat quarter by fat quarter, make the decision to keep, sell or donate the fabrics you own. Do not come up for air until you’re done (just kidding! Snacks, tea, whatever else you need to get through the process… I’m here for you). Whether you declutter in 5–10 minute bursts or for an entire day at the weekend, the key is to start! (Hint: starting is the hardest part!).
But what if I need it?
Ahhhh, the ‘what-ifs?’. We’re afraid to get rid of something because we might need it ‘some day’. In reality, we likely will purchase the exact items that we need for a future project, rather than using
Let’s get started...
something that we’ve held onto (and haven’t used) for years.
It was a gift
It’s hard to donate or sell an item when we feel guilty or sentimental about parting with it. Remind yourself: you are getting rid of the item because it no longer works for you. You are not getting rid of the memories associated with it.
I paid good money for this
It’s true, you did. But now, that money is gone. And in its place is an item that you do not love. Holding on to it only reminds you that you made a mistake and takes up space that saps your creativity. It’s best to let it go and move on. You’ve learned an important lesson about your preferences and likes that will help you to make much better buying decisions in the future!
I could still make it
Give yourself gentle permission to let go of projects that a past version of yourself purchased or wanted to make. It’s okay, no, actually, expected, that you will evolve and grow as a crafter over time. Life is too short to commit to projects that you no longer want to be doing! Make your sewing space work for the projects that you want to be making now, for the creator you are today, and the quilter you want to become tomorrow.
‘Future-you’ will thank you!
It’s true, in the short term, you’ll need to take time away from sewing to be able to declutter your space. But, in the longer term, you will have much more time for making things that you love. Think about how awesome ‘future-you’ will feel when you look around your sewing space to see only things you want and need.
I promise you’ll feel energised and excited to create your next quilt. With a clean sewing space, you’ve got this!