The clean-up and reorganization that I thought would take a weekend has passed the one week mark... and continues into week two. I have set up two tables in the closet, one on which to unload and the second for folding and stacking. I have discovered a lot, as much about myself as about the closet's contents that I have held onto for all these years. I spent a shameful amount of money on patterns and kits that I haven't ever been stitched. They have been donated, that eases my guilt about that. I have moved (as in household moves) some of this fabric as much as five times, it's got some miles on it! It's not all going back on the shelves, if it no longer appeals to me it is being recycled. My method for folding (and keeping or culling*) is simple: if it can be wrapped around a 6" X 12" ruler and folded for stacking it retains a place on the shelf. *If it doesn't measure up it goes in the scrap bag basket (another donation opportunity!); and if it won't be used, regardless of size, it goes into a plastic bag (in the trash can) to be sliced and diced as dog bed filler. As you can see I'm sorting and stacking by color. If the piece measures two yards or more it gets folded and saved to the top shelf. Appropriate one yard lengths are being saved separately for nap blankets for the Pre-K's. Space that's left on the bottom shelf will be dedicated to UFO's; they will be seriously downsized and limited by number. Never in all my imagination did I forecast the scope of this project.
Life is Good!
"Perseverance is not a long race: it is
many short races, one after another."
~Walter Elliot
many short races, one after another."
~Walter Elliot
22 comments:
I've done that once but I still held on to too much and need to do it again. Fabric has a way of growing and like you I've bought way too many kits and patterns I haven't yet sewn. I gave a tubby full of fabric to a high school library that is doing craft projects but I could give a couple more and maybe that closet would be more manageable! blessings, marlene
6 x 12 looks like a good size....Check out the perfectness of it all...Knowing as you pull out and use, things will need to stay organized to save this wonderful organization. You can walk right up and see what all you have! I love this and just might incorporate this idea somehow...Great job! Faye
It looks like a different closet!! I like tthe idea of cutting up the why-did-I-ever-buy-this fabric for stuffing. Great idea,too, to use those bowls. I bought the bed risers that Home Depot sells every August for college students, and put those under my cutting table. They are great, but the table could still use about 4 more inches (I'm 5'9").
I like your "measuring up" criterion! I cut short pieces of pvc that I use to give more height but the legs have to have a bend near the end for that trick!
Wow! I love your persaverence, I've been trying to do this for the last year since I moved into my studio. I MUST take a leaf out of your book Mrs G! The end looks almost in sight now :)
6x12 is the size I use also. You have inspired me! I have measured MY closet and will be replace/adding to the shelving already there. I want to bring ALL the other stashed fabric into the open and sort/fold like you, my hero! There is stuff that I have totally lost interest in and it is time to donate it to the guild's garage sale, don't you think? Happy weekend to you, Mrs. G.
Wow! Look at what you've accomplished!!! Looking good!!!
I'm impressed with your sticktoitiveness. I'm also impressed with how much fabric you have.
Wow, your shelves look really beautiful!! The neatness, organization and all the gorgeous colors are just great! I do hate it when a job is forecast to take a certain amount of time, yet it drags on, but you're going to feel such accomplishment when you're done! Keep up the good work. You'll be wearing that strawberry T-shirt very soon. ;-)
I did this in the fall...it took almost a month...there was a lot of reminising involved. At the time it was important to collect all the tools and organize them also. I had a couple of bins marked for my kids, only important to me, I can't part with it.
Great quote....I will remember that one! Your shelves are looking so neat well done!
Wow!!
So smart to raise the table--I would have that issue, too. We have areas without baseboard in the basement and top floors. I think DH would just prefer I not remind him. My need for closure is not something he shares. : )
Great job, Mrs. G!
I totally understand your comment about having over purchased and the nagging weight of those past choices on our spirit . . . such a process you are sharing.
Congrats on the progress and best wishes as you forge ahead!
It's looking great! And thanks for tagging what's not usable for the pet bed project!! Yay! More filler!! :)
You are on a roll - and a very brave woman! Just looked through your posts concerning your TGCDP -wow, it must be very liberating even though exhausting. Your latets pic looks great! Watch out for your back...
I keep looking for the "Like!" button like on Facebook! LOL I think your progress is amazing, and these bold steps are gonna make you even more productive and creative...I'm trying to work up the courage to do it, too!!
Blessings!
Mary Lou
Isn't it funny how we DO become more energized when we dig in and tackle a big project. Your fabrics look lovely!
Hoo boy, that is a big job indeed! Glad you worked out a way to save your back.
Whose sweatshirt are you drowning in, tho?
Wow - great job and I know it's tiring since I've reorganized a few times.
If you still have some space in there that you want to keep a small table, may I suggest checking out a kitchen cart. I found a metal one, with wheels, two shelves. I put my cutting board on top. Perfect height, movable, can walk around. Can be repurposed in another room if I change my mind.
liz
Now that you're an expert at this, would you come guide me? I am in desperate need of doing this to my entire sewing room.....
I love, love this picture - a lady surrounded by color only limited by her imagination. My table (has different legs) and husband made risers from PVC pipe. Sure makes a difference. I think your solution is brillant. Judy C sends warm wishes.
Everything is looking so neat! Wonder if you live anywhere near me, I have risers still in a package because when I got home found the table I was using for cutting did not have four legs but one one each end that had the legs that ran along the floor. lol. So hubs built me a new cutting table which is the bomb. Keeps me working longer. Also hubs is paint the dresser I have had waiting for a year or so in a back room to store fabric in. I just rather sew.
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