A couple of weeks ago, I read a review for a book that sounded interesting. I'd been planning to spend some time over Christmas break doing some organization and cleaning, so I popped it into my Amazon cart and got started reading right away. The idea was really simple. Just take everything you own, throw it in a big pile, and pick out only the things your really love to put back. The author suggests doing it one category at a time. So I pulled out all of my tops that evening and only picked out the ones that I like and wear. The rest went in a basket to give away. Magic! Today I dumped out a cupboard and drawer where the kids keep school supplies.
I threw everything in a couple of laundry baskets and told them to pick out anything the wanted to keep. Anna got two notebooks and a binder, Sydney picked a bag of seeds. Ryan didn't want anything. So I tidied up what was left and put back what I thought we actually needed. Look at that! Nothing will be falling out next time we open the cabinet door. Hard to imagine. Kurt wants me to do the Tupperware next. I need to do books because they don't fit on the shelves anymore. One at a time. One at a time.
After all of that hard work, I am more than ready to settle in for some slow and steady binding stitching. The 6 inch sampler from 2014 was on the top of the pile, so I started it last night while watching some TV with the kids. Two sides done and two more to do.
I think, after I have rested a bit, that I will load up the 2015 sampler quilt. I still have no idea how I want to quilt it. Maybe something will come to me as I do the prep work? First though, I am headed over the
Kathy's Quilts to see what other slow stitching is going on.
15 comments:
Great tidying up idea. Way to go!!! Ah binding, a tedious job, but for some reason it is a calming one, at least for me. The quilting for your beautiful quilt, will come to you.
I just picked up the book, too. It looks like it has already inspired you.
Good luck with tackling the tupperware!!!
The audio book just arrived from my library. I can't wait to start listening.
And then doing! I'm starting in my sewing room.
You are getting so much done! Enjoy your holiday.
Admire your self resolve when it comes to throwing things out, I can throw out my own things, but not the kids - and my kids are hoarders! I hope you get a chance to do a few more overflowing cupboards, nothing feels better then a big clean out. Thanks for all your great work during the year. Nearly busted my scraps down to a manageable pile!
I recently read that book from the library. Her suggestions are a little too extreme for me, so what I do is to just clean out one drawer or shelf at a time. I don't want to get rid of as much as she advises, especially in my sewing room!
Good work. That's a great result. Another quilt ready for the frame is a good feeling.
I read that book last winter and laughed myself silly. She is very extreme and minimalist and I doubt many families could follow her rules for very long. You can certainly learn a few things in terms of reducing "stuff", but how many women would thoroughly empty their purses daily and start over every day.
I started "following" that book last spring, very slowly obviously! But I tackled my winter clothes back then, and got them out again this fall, and it was nice! I really appreciated the stuff I had left, and I don't miss whatever I got rid of. Of course, I can't do a full purge with no winter/summer clothes - I love my sweaters too much! But I decided it's okay to love my sweaters, as long as I have the storage room for them off season.
I have read this book, loved it but I baulked at taking everything off shelves, out of cupboards, off tables etc. in my sewing studio and putting everything all in a pile ready to decide which fabric I would like to keep and which to get rid off. However, you have obviously made great progress - but are you using the same method in your sewing studio? If you do please let me know how you coped with it all!
I need to do the same thing in my house!
Enjoy your binding... it's my favourite!
I love to see your progress and smile at the joy you are enjoying right now!
I really need to do that. Maybe I'll start with a drawer or two when I get home tonight!
Deep closet cleaning is on tap for next week. Hope you got in some good stitching time.
I do this all the time with everything...I like things I actually use and organized so I can find stuff too. Good for you!
Post a Comment