2024 Declutter With Me Series || Basement || Episode 1 ||

[@donnav]

The linens are beautiful but I believe, like your CorningWare and your china, if they are seen, used and enjoyed that is its purpose. Enjoy them!

[@echomountain3370]

I have whole new thinking since I started my decluttering journey.... nothing is too pretty to use. Use it or get rid of it is my motto. I tell myself: "What good is it storing something forever just because it is pretty,".

[@mygreatchallenge]

That s the right thing to do. I m slowly getting there.

[@ToniBergquist]

Beautiful Irish Linen! I would use them as they will only bring joy! I’ve decided I’m not saving my best things for others to use or throw out. You deserve to use your pretty things ❤

[@juliebrooke6099]

Yes ,use the Irish linen towels. They are very good for drying glassware especially when they’ve been washed a few times and softened up. You’ll see them and enjoy them every time you use them and they’ll last a few years. If you leave them in the drawer they’ll last for ever but you’ll never see them. Alternatively you can buy hangers for them that slide on the top and bottom. That way you can display them as artwork for a few years before you put them to use.

[@megan2176]

I agree! I pick up linen whenever I see it while thrifting. There's nothing better for drying dishes. I have a few tablecloths too that i plan to cut up and hem into dish towels, dodging the stained spots. 😊

[@JazzyBabe56]

I have about 8 pieces of Irish linen - I used them as tea towels to dry my dishes....and they have lasted since the 70's....

[@annmarie9664]

There's little point in owning anything unless you actually use it or can see it to enjoy every day. That's my guide anyway. At 80 years old I realistically will not have 10 other people at my house for dinner...so I don't NEED service for 12! I'll keep the two settings I'll use and donate the rest. Today!

[@lydiaesparza9387]

❤ I am now 66 and the daughter in laws now host the holidays. 🎉❤

[@susanhutchinson5305]

Yes! Use Irish linen. Tea towels last 20 years. I dry my dishes with them.

[@bevdwyer2509]

I would use them because you are not seeing them folded up in your cupboard. Enjoy what you have. they are tea towels but probably not as absorbent as you’re used to.

[@samwatts3378]

As the daughter of a professional curtain maker and seamstress I would suggest as no one is using it as a family room that you get rid of the sofa and tv console and put a large sewing table there in the middle so you and your mum can walk around and work on stuff together . You could lose the smaller table and have two sewing machines over there instead . It would feel more spacious and you and mum can move around easily together down there ❤❤

[@carole3680]

Very sage advice.

[@barbaranielsen2888]

Great Job! Keep up the motivation videos

[@twelvepawsmom7682]

I so agree! They could have a small sitting area by staircase.

[@gretchenmctavish7823]

Use the linen dish towels. You will enjoy them every day.

[@mygreatchallenge]

I know I should.

[@hazelmeldrum5860]

my mum used her tea towels on high days and holidays and there was a trend to use them as decorations on kitchen walls. Then good towelling t towels came along. But I now believe and do use my good stuff. If I don't who will and when I die someone else will throw them out,

[@anneenste]

Use the linen dish towels! You’ll need to wash them first, of course. You can’t ruin them; they’ll last forever, made from flax.

[@sarahcooper5437]

The Irish linen are dish towels. We use them to dry dishes etc in the kitchen. I would use them. They shouldn’t damage easily and you will enjoy seeing them instead of them taking space in your fabric cupboard for years 😊

[@happyhandcraftstudio]

You deserve to use pretty tea towels in your kitchen. You will enjoy them everyday until they wear out. No one is enjoying them if they are tucked away.🇨🇦❤️

[@williamhawthorne1375]

I have irish tea towels from my husbands home and my mothers,we use them they get softer the more you use and launder them and are great for drying and shining glassware especially,use and enjoy,Lizzie

[@susanw9630]

Sophia , I always use linen tea towels. They do fade as you continually wash them, but their ability to dry improves the more they are washed. Nothing dries like linen. You can't enjoy them in a drawer, my advice would be to use them and enjoy them. You can admire them hanging in you kitchen, or drying on your washing line.

[@robynspersonaltraining3593]

The Irish linen look like what we call tea towels. I love using cotton tea towels. They dry glasses perfectly and I polish my granite bench top with them. However, I don’t know if Irish Linen is the same as the cotton ones that I use.

[@DE-ey9lb]

I'v been watching your decluttering videos since you started. I love how you talk about the decluttering, your thought process and it has helped me tremendously over the years with my own stuff.

[@mygreatchallenge]

Glad to hear it s helping you.

[@lauramitchell6725]

At the end,I wanted to hear about the thought process for the things stored in the sewing drawers, like the camera and the rolling pin!🤣😂😅

[@mygreatchallenge]

Hide a hoard is my specialty!

[@lauramitchell6725]

@@mygreatchallenge 👌😅

[@aranzazugalangonzalez7464]

Hi Sophia. It is not a champagne bucket is an ice bucket!!! 😊

[@LuxuryOption4756]

Fabulous job ❣ Please use the Irish linens--they were meant to be enjoyed every day. Can't wait until Mom arrives💝

[@maryfindley434]

Oh, what I would give to have my mom back to sew with. 😢

[@barbaraclarkson2000]

Yes! You know that saying “ you don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone” I didn’t understand the time, effort, and love that my mom put into making my clothes when I was growing up. Oh, how I missed her when I decided to tackle my daughter’s wedding dress. It turned out fine, but would have been better with my mom by my side.

[@becseg2]

If Scott is going to do modeling downstairs, you are going to want to clear the windowsill and maybe fine a fan to ventilate the space. That glue (and the paints) is potent!

[@SusanL-ds6lc]

7 years ago I started decluttering for 15 mins 4 days/wk. Not 7 days! Not overwhelming! I have never stopped & I never will! It's fantastic. I highly recommend it. At first you think you're making no progress but slowly your house becomes so tidy & it keeps getting better! Stop yourself at 15 mins and you will enjoy it. Be patient & consistent & you will see great results :) xoxo

[@qtluvBilly3]

I love your process of decluttering. Hearing the thought process and conclusions are both entertaining and inspiring!

[@NourishmentRedacted]

I am good at decluttering, but I love the slower format and hearing how you think. Plus, knowing where items come from is so cool.

[@2222dw]

I put my prom dress on my dress form- makes me smile each time I see it!

[@mygreatchallenge]

Why not!!! I d love to see it too!

[@higgybee6509]

Use your Irish linens. No point in storing them if you can't find joy in them. I have a few pieces and I take turns and hang one on my kitchen door to brighten the room. I use double sided tape to hang them

[@brandybarnett9953]

The trend I’ve noticed you moving towards is making your spaces work for you to live in and use rather than to contain items. Your yard, your Etsy room, your eat in kitchen and this are prime examples. All of these areas, you now spend more time in. I too am working on this as well as making areas easier to clean so I do it more. I am loving it

[@mygreatchallenge]

Thank you for noticing.

[@nancypeteja6560]

Use the Irish linens!! They are meant to be used not stored in a cupboard!!! Have you ever thought of creating a tote bag for your etsy shop with your scraps of material " Lipstick on a pig". ( a girl pig head with a lipstick next to it. ) just for whimsy and sewing!! You are creative....make your own pattern!!! Sounds like you are getting ready for Mom!! How awesome. TFS. 😊❤🧵🪡

[@CreativeHomescaping]

How exciting that your mom might move in. My mom passed away about 10 years ago 🙁 and I particularly miss her at the holidays or when I sew or knit (since she taught me how).

[@cynthiahowe]

🤣I was totally picturing Scott striking a pose lol

[@anne-mariewildbore3725]

Tea towels Irish linen are the best very hard wearing wash use and enjoy they fit the retro vibe of your kitchen

[@rachelvicario6675]

What beautiful memories will be made in the new and improved sewing space! 😊

[@elizabethlangheim7214]

Scott needs to do a video modeling some of his retro clothes he still fits into and as the end shoot he can bring up one of his craft models that he made. Title of the video. Scott’s now into modeling!

[@marlenejordan9442]

Use the linen !! 😀

[@jl1726]

We use only 100% Linen cloths for drying our dishes because they leave no residue. They will soften up - wash them in cold water… but definitely use and enjoy them!

[@carriebelcher8644]

Proud of you. Nice to hear about your mom coming!

[@jreyes9924]

Like you I too started de cluttering and I took pictures of old heirlooms and sold them because my kids didn’t want it So I sold most and paid bills and bought new stuff

[@jreyes9924]

Follow your passion and your mothers Put meaning in everything This is one of the best videos yet

[@deb8377]

Hi!!! I am really excited for you to have a larger space to sew. You deserve it. ALL your projects are wonderful, but this is going to be special. I will be working on my sewing room this summer, too. I need lots of purging....I am starting a new life for myself,and being in my special place ...makes me happy to. Deb in GA

[@JOHANNA-qd6iz]

I use my Irish linen use them what is the point of keeping them in a cupboard where you can't see them. Enjoy having pretty dish towels. Mum knows you area beginner so she will not be hard on you, we all start at the begin.

[@jennyjenkins877]

You decluttered a substantial amount and you're getting ruthless now... love it.

[@simplyfreedom171]

Fantastic declutter! Some big items going out. 🎉

[@mygreatchallenge]

For sure. And I am not done

[@wendajones9040]

I use Irish linen as hand towels in the kitchen.

[@ReginaCaravetta]

I dry my dishes with them❤

[@nancylanderson8012]

It is your home and you get to decide what you want to keep. But, if you don't use the Irish Linen, it's dry rotting in your basement. I suggest using it in any way you can even if it stains, or giving it to a charity so that someone else can use it. Keeping things to own them will prevent you from having your dream of working comfortably with your mother in learning to sew as she does. I am also going through the same thing and it is very hard but we must push forward. Someone said if you saw an item in a fancy store, would you pay full price for it? Something to think about.

[@barbaraclarkson2000]

I loved the video of you building the L shaped sewing desk. I hope you can make room for it in your new plans.

[@Myeverydaywifelife]

Excellent! I need to declutter my craftroom so I’ll be doing that while following this series! Love the cute little Tiffany lamp! We did one for Bob’s dad and his navy uniform with beautiful embroidery on back of it I think he got that done in Japan????

[@samwatts3378]

I am only a bit into the video but it seems you have reached the decluttering your fantasy self stage of clearing clutter and I’m sure you know what I mean particularly in regards to the champagne bucket 😂. It’s very liberating ❤

[@authenticallyamber99]

How fun it will be to sew with your mom!!! 💕🎉 Very special! 🌸 Great decluttering! Doing the same thing over here! Big time. 😃

[@donnav]

Good thinking on the idea that it’s time to let something go if you keep having to move it around, it doesn’t have a home and you also never use it. Keep focusing on sewing with mom and you will get that space the way you want it 😊💛

[@VegasKiki]

It's such a wonderful thing that you're making space for you and your beautiful Mom to learn and create in. ❤ So much Love 😍

[@dcn9550]

That may be an ice bucket because it has a lid. 😊

[@mygreatchallenge]

Correct! I just said the first thing that came to mind and sometimes It's not the smartest. Lol

[@lanaritter9410]

I love your decluttering videos!!❤

[@shellygreen734]

I have no problem decluttering. If I haven't used it in 3 months out it goes. I am ruthless I don't care if friends or family have bought it or made it I haven't got the room to store things so it's gone.

[@theresalee2266]

Use the embroidery hoop and put the lone piece of the celery fabric and it can be framed. Or the Irish linen.

[@mygreatchallenge]

Not a bad idea. I ll try it out. Thank you

[@donnabowen1740]

Make a quilt out of the Irish linen.

[@dorisw5558]

all those things were MADE TO BE USED. They were never meant to sit in a dark closet and never be seen and enjoyed

[@CaroleofOakview]

Thank you so much for the update on the lemon dress! It does look really cute on the dress form, but I will bet it would have looked better on you if you did not have that sweater on when you tried it on. As for the Irish Linen towels: I use towels like that to decorate/accent with. If you decided not to keep them, they would sell like hotcakes in your Etsy Shop!

[@donnav]

You are totally right! You can borrow/rent a champagne/ice bucket when and if you ever need one

[@lisaann6267]

i have a few books i kept just so i could smell them 😂works of Edgar Allan Poe.

[@jackieshepherd5193]

Use your tea towels. I used to save them🙄…. For what. They will last for ever They get softer as they age

[@lauramitchell6725]

I think that the champagne bucket is really an ice bucket because it has a lid.Champagne buckets are always open to have room for the bottle. But for the things that you don’t want anymore,why not put on your Etsy shop,if it’s not perfect,just reflect that in the description and price.

[@mygreatchallenge]

You re correct it is an ice bucket.

[@moniquefuselier7711]

Your Mom's visit is going to provide you with such a wonderful motivation for decluttering your space. I use my tea towels in a basket to wrap around rolls or tortillas. Question: how do I know Sophia and I would be friends in real life? Answer: She smells books! 😍

[@mygreatchallenge]

I don't trust anyone who does not smell books.

[@patpoe7637]

I hope you will share some of what you and your mom do together . I would love to see it. I wish I had someone to garden and sew with.

[@bethward7429]

Thank you for going slow. Motion sickness is real.

[@sarahcooper5437]

Wow 😮 i can’t believe you got rid of the planner. That was the first video i watched and been here ever since. Well done!

[@mygreatchallenge]

I let go of all my planner but one and the traveler s notebook. There is more decluttering going on behind the scenes, I don't film all of it.

[@megan2176]

I'm curious, what kind of models does Scott build? My husband is really into building WWII tanks, and recently started painting the little soldiers too! It looks fun, but not for me. I'm much happier at the sewing machine! I love the idea of you working side by side, each on your own hobby. ❤😊

[@mygreatchallenge]

He likes planes.

[@MsArtistwannabe]

Well done. I was thinking that basement space may not be good for model making. The glues usually need good ventilation. May be an air purifier?

[@mygreatchallenge]

Ugh I did not think about that

[@mylittlepinkpastelcorner]

Love declutter videos

[@user-ui1zv8bd4y]

I use a old ice bucket to hold some kitchen utensils near my stove.

[@ukpauline3212]

The hat is gorgeous needs to be in the curio cabinet 😮 I’m originally from Great Britain I use them (Irish Linen tea towels) in my kitchen for drying dishes all the time 🇬🇧🌵🇺🇸

[@mygreatchallenge]

I just purchased an acrylic hat stand for it. It s going in the curio.

[@gladysanderson1351]

I have nice Finnish towels. I put them up to use them. It is amazing how they can be so beautiful! I enjoy having them up, but I admit it seems like they might be enjoyed more In another way. However, space is at a premium, and things need to earn their space. So I have a “ muumuu”!toeel, one with reindeer on it, etc

[@connieverbeck1110]

Another great project!!!

[@melissaspencer632]

Loved this. Great job!!

[@donnawiseman9311]

Oh, yes! Decluttering!! I LOVE it!!

[@debbiedawdry4593]

Irish Linen- Tea towels used for drying dishes x

[@lauramclaine504]

I’ve been looking for tablecloths like that like your Irish linen I get into French country and I can never find them at the thrift stores. I would put it on my kitchen table or my dresser. If you don’t wanna keep them, I would put them on your Etsy shop I guarantee they will sell.

[@mygreatchallenge]

They were gifted to me. I could never sell them

[@lauramclaine504]

@@mygreatchallenge I totally understand. I wouldn’t be able to part with them either they are truly beautiful.🥰

[@sherryhudson9075]

I think that tole tray actually fits on a table stand

[@sherryhudson9075]

Give the compact chess set to Edward for his apartment

[@sherryhudson9075]

That Irish linen is a tea towel. Use it!!! It’s a dish towel. Pretty things are meant to be used, not stored away. Hang it on your stove or sink so you can see it.

[@sherryhudson9075]

Sophia, get rid of the lemon dress or top. It just gives you bad vibes.

[@pambrackemyer4356]

Use the linen. Beautiful for your dining table or hang a seasonal piece on the front of your oven door.

[@mygreatchallenge]

I know I shoulduse them, I don't want them to get ruined. It s silly, isn't it?

[@sandracollins7938]

Great declutter day! I would use the linens or frame them-----too nice to just store away. Glad to hear about making sewing space for mom can't wait for her to come & see her. You were so funny being your mom about the sewing on the top.hahaha!!! 😀

[@carole3680]

The covered brass urn looks like one for cremains rather than champagne.😊

[@mygreatchallenge]

It s an ice bucket you re right, maybe that s why I am not too keen on keeping it. It lacks fun

[@sherrygantt2158]

Good start on getting your sewing area organized. What kind of models does Scott build? While you and Scott are working on projects. Maybe Willy will come down and hang out, too. Get some use out of your hangout area. Look forward to seeing you make the space your Dream Space.

[@denisecarter5117]

I think the silver bucket would sell in your shop. And the tole tray. And why not put the pumpkin lady in Halloween storage. Little out of place out all year.

[@mygreatchallenge]

I like her all year long though.

[@JacquelineLP]

I have Irish linen napkins and they are my favorite have had them for years now they are really old. I actually did a pattern around the borders of them. All hunter green so far mine have held up for many years. I have washed them several times and they are well made. Not like the new stuff they sell now. I will never part with them.

[@cindybinning2965]

Love watching you declutter. The first episode I ever saw of your channel, about 7 years ago, you were setting in the floor of your kitchen, agonizing over decluttering. It was a 30 bags in 30 days series. It's odd that I did not realize you were French. I only heard that Jersey accent.

[@mygreatchallenge]

Most people think I am from Southern America or the middle east. Don't feel bad. I was born in France but not one drop of French blood.

[@betsyhood8939]

It's like watching myself, agonizing over each and every thing.

[@heatherwieler726]

How about flipping where the family room area is and the sewing area? Would give you more room for sewing but still have a spot to watch tv 🤷‍♀️

[@mygreatchallenge]

I d love to do that. But not now.

[@flamingodiego]

Oh that's a good idea! A small love seat and tv in the nook at bottom of stairs and move the sewing where the living room space is !

[@sheilaaskew5486]

Hi Sophia, Great job! Have you ever thought about making quilts to sell? Just a thought.

[@mygreatchallenge]

I don't think I am good enough.

[@marlenejordan9442]

@@mygreatchallenge Yes you are, Sophia ! Could be your retirement plan !! 😄

[@beckyj.odonnell2385]

I found your channel through your paper planner videos. Sort of sad to see your binder leave.

[@mygreatchallenge]

I moved on to digital and it is so much easier to manage.

[@eb9844]

I know. That’s how I originally found this channel years ago. I’ll be attending a planner conference in Canada this October.

[@beckyj.odonnell2385]

@@eb9844 I’ve still never been to a planner conference. Hope you have an amazing time!

[@eb9844]

@@beckyj.odonnell2385 thanks. It’s my first one. However, paper planning is not that popular in Canada. It will be nice to get together with like minded people.

[@dcn9550]

The Irish linens would be beautiful to frame.

[@Stephanieheyl-x6r]

Just curious, is decluttering a thing in France? Has your sister ever come to visit?😊

[@mygreatchallenge]

I would not know I left when I was 22.

[@connieborg6471]

❤❤

[@artladybluntzer4112]

What would you ask for the brass vase?, I know its scratched.

[@mygreatchallenge]

It s been donated already, sorry.

[@bethstratton3391]

Sophia, such a great little declutter. I must admit though, I really love your champagne bucket. Why not keep it, polish it up and put it in your display cabinet with your crystal champagne glasses. If not you should put it into your shop to sell because I know many people collect them and I am sure you would find a buyer very quickly. Also, with your big chess set, why not attach thin black rod ‘V’ shaped metal legs to it and get a piece of glass cut for the top then you could repurpose it into a chess set drinks/sofa side table. They are very fashionable at the moment. Regards your Irish linen, most people use it to dry glassware because the more you wash it the softer it gets and it doesn’t leave lint on glassware when drying it. However, many people use their nicer designs as decorative afternoon tea table toppers, to cover drinks trolleys or lemonade carts, as covers for trays when serving sandwiches, or to place in the bottom of large wicker bread and cake baskets to make them look pretty and protect the produce from wood splinters. Some people also line display cabinet drawers with them to stop their serving-ware from scratching.

[@dorotalenartowska1891]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@sarahconner8287]

❤❤❤😊

[@carole3680]

Do you question yourself with the “would I repurchase this, ever?, when have I ever used this beyond decor? Do I know anyone who would use this?”

[@mygreatchallenge]

A lot of what I have was passed down, found or gifted. So it s hard to ask those questions. There is a lot of guilt about letting go of gifted things

[@Myeverydaywifelife]

Seeing Scott’s shadow box display on wall is reminding me that I need to do one for Bob’s army stuff.

[@jamiep9694]

Your mom really has a lot of influence...

[@mygreatchallenge]

Well, I love my mom, so there is that.

[@CaroleofOakview]

I love the look you made as her looking at the lemon dress! You are so lucky to have your mother, Sophia. Enjoy every minute you have with her!@@mygreatchallenge