🧹🗑🧽 Day 1-Garbage 2025 DECLUTTER CHALLENGE

[@rebeccaforbes8629]

I'm so excited to start the challenge. I lost my husband of 57 years in August and have felt totally overwhelmed. I can apply the challenge to both my hobbies (mainly quilting and reading, but there are more) and his hobbies, fishing, bowhunting, arrow making, and gun hunting. And though I can't imagine him having more stuff than I ha e fabric, I look at his areas, yep, more than 1, 2 probably at least 5 areas, I can start with just getting rid of the garbage. Thank you, Karen, for your well-thought out plan. ❤❤❤

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I hope you have some support nearby to help with your husband's hobbies. This is a big task and maybe best kept to after you have done your sewing room challenge. 🤗🤗🤗

[@dcinrb8538]

My condolences for your loss. Take a breather when and where you want. Mine were at the hottest part of the day where I would step outside, even in my mismatched flannel PJs and ancient bunny slippers. The natural warmth feels like being jump started to get one more thing done. On my first day, I double bagged my trash bags and tossed out all my expired food and medicine. All of it. Even unopened stuff. Take care of you first ❤

[@rebeccaforbes8629]

@dcinrb8538 Wonderful advice. Thank you. Medicine is done. But there is lots more to do. I'm taking it one day at a time. Some days, I get things done. Some days, I don't. But that is okay with me. It will get done when it gets done. 🙂

[@rebeccaforbes8629]

@JustGetitDoneQuilts I do have lots of support nearby. And I'm not rushing g anything. I'll do what I feel like I can handle, then stop or take the dog for a walk. Or go visit a friend. Currently my sewing area is in a construction zone so I have already taken care of most, if not all, the trash. I know books and patterns are a long way off. This is year 3 or 4 with your challenge, but I'm looking forward to those days. Thank you for all your videos. I ha e learned soooo much from you and get awesome ideas, too. Happy New Year.

[@MarciaALW]

So sorry for your loss.

[@SewingMamaJulie]

I had planned to sign up (I will still do this), my son just received his kidney transplant, so the time will be dedicated to being with him at the hospital. Prayers appreciated ❤

[@ChristineKrannich]

Karen leaves the videos up for a few months. I suggest you do sign up and then re-evaluate if you can spare 30min per day in May or June. If you are still short on time, perhaps the simple exposure to it this year will help mentally prepare you for next year’s challenge. I ‘prepped’ for four years. This is my year.

[@suewade8613]

Sending you, your family, and most of all your son (AND his generous donor!) lots of prayers and good thoughts. What an exciting time! Take all your time to be with him and get him well. Your sewing room can wait.

[@hazeldw4786]

Prayers sent! 🙏

[@sandrafulton4351]

🙏🙏

[@MLBruns-t9d]

Many prayers.

[@percymerlin]

Hi Karen. I am the husband to Shelagh an ardent fan of yours and I have been a follower of you for years. This year I am following your declutter challenge on my workshop ( not a sewing machine in site, just my woodworking machines) . Using my timer, the same as yours and Shelaghs, I carried out my first task of 15mins of reclaiming my tablesaw 🤭. Thank you it works well. Next throw out the garbage!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

That is awesome! I know a number of woodworkers who follow this challenge. I like how you can adapt it to your tools and supplies.

[@darcicole5530]

I love this challenge. It's year 3 for me. Unfortunately, I have to unbury my TIMER that is somewhere in that sewing room. Ha ha!

[@lynniep1905]

I'm diving in to getting rid of the garbage in my sewing space. I am surprised how much garbage I was holding onto "just in case I need it later. It gone now! 😊 Thank you Karen for the encouragement.

[@JoanGoetteman]

Hi Karen, I “watched” your decluttering videos a couple of years ago and decided to join this year. WOW!! I agree “It’s hard”. My first thought “where do I start?” So I took some before pictures and photos do not lie. My sewing table was a mess, due to a “small” project I started last week. How does that happen?? So I started there. I took everything off the table that didn’t belong, wiped it down to have a dust-free surface. Threw away the garbage, which actually was not much. I think I will find more garbage as I work my way around the room. But now I have a landing space for bins and boxes to go through as I declutter. The table is clear and ready for tomorrow. I will set aside things to be sorted later on in the next few days or weeks. I’m hoping in the process I will “find” some items that have become “LOST” in the clutter. Thanks for the inspiration!! Happy New Year!!

[@aphillips3602]

I love the idea of taking before photos! Thanks.

[@lindafrye736]

Thank you for this tips . I started in 2023 to do this because of being diagnosed with stage four Metastic breast cancer that had spread to my bones . I came home and went to craft room . Was so overwhelmed I walked out . Told my husband I will never be able to use all of this material. I got on KZbin and found you . Thank you I began to call churches and the took a lot of my stuff. I plan on doing it again this year . Keeping only things that I can do in a short time . I have got some of my eny back and making chem hats and seat belt cover for them patients. Happy 😊New year to all

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

Sorry to hear of your fight with cancer. You will be in my prayers Linda. One day at a time, one hour at a time, even 5 minutes. God bless you with continuing strength, courage and peace. ❤

[@lauriemullins8140]

Wishing you well. Being able to create is such a blessing and you can do as much or as little as you feel like.

[@marianmalone9523]

Happy New Year. Best wishes for the coming year.

[@heathern9051]

I have not done the sewing room yet, but I decluttered a kitchen cabinet this morning. I have hardly sewn in the last year+ due to a frozen shoulder so I am a little intimidated by my room. I'm pressing some quilt squares I started about a year ago while listening to you. After these are done, I will go in the sewing room for 15 minutes.

[@SuzanneStutzle]

Wow Karen this is timely. Just the other day I was thinking I must get into my sewing room and tidy it up before it gets completely out of hand. Today I will collect the garbage. My room is small and only last year I had a massive clear out and tidy up. Hubby put lots of shelves in my cupboards and Ikea wire baskets fitted on the shelves just nicely. So far it's all still neat and tidy so it's really just the surface that needs a good declutter. Thanks for the enthusiasm.

[@loridoyle3591]

I’m so glad you do this fresh each year! (Rather than just referring us to previous year’s videos). You’re acknowledging that even once we’ve done this, it’s ok that we’ll need to do it all over again!! I ended up referring back to your method a few times over the last year! Thanks, Karen!!❤

[@sewquilty]

YOO HOO! Here we GO again!! Yippee! I look forward to this "reset" every year.

[@barbarab8645]

I have been looking forward to this for a little while. It was fabulous last year and I have been fascinated to see how much better it might be this year. I've tried to keep up. Today there actually wasn't that much garbage. Then you said to look at the other places we sew and the table by my chair was horrendous. So much for pride. :)

[@melindabrooks2198]

I just worked on one section of my sewing room for 45 minutes and did that feel good. Out went one trash bag and found a few things I want to work on …. handwork on cold snowy days! Onto the next day I will set an alarm again and hit the next section! Love your videos

[@susanknueven2800]

We just moved into a "New" to us home and my can barely get into my sewing room. Just spent 5 days in hospital for pneumonia and blood clots in lungs. Cannot do much, but will definitely set my timer and stick to it. I definitely need the challenge this year. Jave not been in sewing studio since we moved in almost 2 months ago!

[@mable552]

I'm so excited. I decided yesterday to make a baby quilt for a great niece who is due to arrive any day. Am sitting and binding right now. Did not realize I was supposed to start a project, but it felt right. 🎉 I found a crafter who has a business using reclaimed and upcycled items and is thrilled to take all my extra fabric/trimmings etc. , even small pieces. what she doesn't need she'll pass on to other crafter. What a blessing not to have to decide if someone can use something. Note: I was given loads of fabric, lace, crochet thread from a deceased estate, so I need to declutter big time. I'm looking forward to many enjoyable sewing hours in a clean, organized space. Thanks Karen.

[@charliesparkle675]

I have reclaimed my floor in my sewing room. It was full of crates with stuff Feels amazing to regain my sewingroom

[@DH-qz2so]

2025 D.C. Challenge, is my 3rd year following along.....throughout the year, I have Karen's voice in my head...and have been following her tips and tricks, as I go...I don't wait for January...but I still join in every year, as a refresher and reminder... muscle memory is real! After 3 years, my sewing room typically is Karen Brown-i-fied! and I no longer walk into an overwhelming space anymore.

[@SewMimi12]

I started sewing a few months ago and recently began quilting. This is my first declutter challenge. I didn’t think I would have much garbage as my sewing room is a WIP. Ha! Was I wrong. I evidently like pretty boxes, bags, packaging. 😂. Thank you, Karen! Your videos are so helpful and encouraging!

[@patriciamccumber9117]

Well, I didn’t get into my sewing room, BUT I did declutter my pantry!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Gold star ⭐️

[@Linda-fs3ex]

Goodness! While looking for garbage throughout my bookcases, I found paperwork that shocked me. It was a durable power of attorney for my husband‘s healthcare. I had hidden it there because he had major heart surgery this past summer and I had to take a copy of it to the hospital. I didn’t want him to see it while he was recovering, so I tucked it in my sewing room and forgot about it.

[@ellensnowdon333]

So glad I found this tutorial today-Jan.2. Last year-2023, I’d been dealing with bags of craft materials a friend had inherited from a deceased friend. She had no interest & asked me to find something to do with it all. It wasn’t simply fabric but bags & bags & bags of craft supplies of all kind filled my sewing room, even after my quilt group rescued at least some of the fabric. Lots more remained. That was during the summer. In October I broke my leg quite badly & was not allowed to climb the stairs. Things were progressing & I was hoping to start the clean up again when other medical problems appeared. To shorten the story, I didn’t begin to feel “normal “ till after November 2024. NOW, I’m faced with a massive declutter. Your tutorials are absolutely what I need to start the project. A clean room will let me begin to quilt again after missing it for well over a year. Many, many thanks. 😅.

[@SheenaBrooks]

I'm starting by giving myself a little bit of grace on my start date as I injured my back three weeks ago and am still recovering. So, I'll be starting a few days/weeks late. However, I know 100% that there is garbage to toss from wrapping Christmas presents in my sewing space AND my sewing machines are buried under the present wrapping paraphernalia. Thanks for doing this fresh every year!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Very smart. The challenge will be here when you are ready

[@shelleyt3048]

I started clearing out garbage earlier this week so that I had a clean start for the challenge. Time to clear up my sewing machine space and dream about my first project for the month. Love this!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I've been looking forward to choosing my project too

[@jenniferkihano486]

This challenge is just what I needed! We moved in August from a place we lived in for 14 years. My sewing stuff is all in 1 room now, well mostly anyway. By the time I got most of the house unpacked during evenings and weekends after work, I was burned out and just NEEDED to sew and stated sewing again. With that being said my sewing room has never been really set up and is quite an unorganized mess. Hoping this will be just what I needed to push through this last room and make it the creative space I want. Was watching some of your videos the other night and one mentioned the sewing triangle and saw that I was walking around furniture to cut fabric. I got my son to help brainstorm moving things around and help moving them. I'm very excited to see what comes of all of this!

[@gailparker8745]

I'm in. I've watched in previous years. Now I've reached critical tipping point. I also know what no longer interests me , sewing wise. I might find my desk today. X

[@debranogas1992]

Not really an odd thing found but still a shock. I found a big bag of fabric in the bottom of my closet. Worked in healthcare, very busy during Covid. We were close to running out of masks, so I started making them. Couldn’t shop so I started pulling fabric from everywhere to make masks. Ordered bulk elastic on Amazon from Asia. Used fabric I had, old sheets, shirts etc. Not garbage but will be deciding what to do with it once I hit the fabric sorting day.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I know the feeling of ‘discovering’ …and I used to think I had a good memory

[@sherryconroy3507]

I say this tongue in cheek: does your workspace really get that cluttered or do you set this up to make the rest of us feel better? Love your declutter challenge! It seems something always interrupts me from fulfilling the complete challenge but I always make progress! Thank you for all you do!😂😂❤❤

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

There is a difference between clutter and mess. And yes, despite my best intentions some clutter creeps in. Most of my work happens in week 3 when I look at my projects

[@BethFerrier]

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is an excellent suggestion. I love the series. My studio space has become a staging area as we finish the rest of the lower level. I'm looking forward to having it back.

[@janellvincent8046]

Happy New Year! So excited to do be doing this again. It has become my routine each year. Thanks so much.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Glad you enjoy it 🤗

[@gabrielstjernberg]

I started watching you only a couple of days ago as I have been completely renovating my crafting room and I'd heard you talking about this declutter challenge and was like "I really need to join that - whenever it is" and lo and behold! It's right now?! As I'm already in the middle of moving everything around and there's fabric all over my floors that I haven't yet sorted? This is so perfect, I'm so excited to get to join and be a part of this!

[@susanbaker8023]

I cleaned out the garbage on one of my shelves. Did a bit of organizing. Done with that one. Thanks for the inspiration. Happy New Year to you and your family. ❤

[@tiinaaaltonen7753]

Thank you for your splendid videos! Just yesterday I thought that I would like to listen some quilt related podcasts when I clean or do some other routine work. I had not thought that you have such podcasts! I like to watch your videos but I have skipped those podcasts because there is not so much to watch. Thank you for pointing out that they are podcasts and for creating a place from where I can easily find them! Happy New Year for everyone!

[@lorimc1248]

Thank you for doing this every year. It’s very helpful to get started and stay on track. Thank you

[@pamelaalbert913]

Started thank you Karen ,funny how you think you are ok it grows each year ,thank you for another declutter challange

[@marianmalone9523]

Thank you Karen so much for doing this. My sewing room is a mess because I am not just a sewer, I'm a crafter but here lately I don't feel like doing much of anything due to things going on in our family life. Nothing life threatening so that's a positive. Anyway, I look forward to these challenges every year and appreciate you so much. Happy New Year and Best Wishes all through the year.

[@pamellacourt5261]

I take scraps to the textile recycling drop box near me. What a relief, and you can tske shoes, clothes, rugs etc to them also.

[@spaciireth26]

I found this challenge when I was looking for a general decluttering challenge and while I am only a casual sewer at best, I'm looking forward to following along and applying what works for me. I love the suggestion to put the timer on and only going for that amount of time - I am very good at going all in at the start and not maintaining! And I might even pull out my sewing machine and finally sew together a few little things I cut out months ago and never finished! :)

[@sharonschier8620]

Thank you, Karen! Your upbeat no-nonsense approach is so encouraging!

[@sharonk1805]

Happy New Year! Day one, done in my sewing room anyway. Not as much “garbage” as last year but the oddest thing I found was an old pill case for traveling, with vitamins still in it!!!!😂. Thank you Karen. Now taking my 30 minute reward. Happy New Year everyone!

[@jenknotsed8]

Cleared 4 feet of shelf space tonight.🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Wow!!!

[@lynette.]

This garbage first day is the best tip. Now follow you every year.😊HAPPY NEW YEAR

[@bierjip1]

And a happy and healthy 2025 for you and your family and of course everyone here!

[@susanbermel1977]

Love this annually! Garbage...where did all of these old marking pens come from? Now gone.

[@sara-janestobbs5870]

Hello Karen, my sewing space and my office are combined into one hot mess! I started after I saw your first video. I cant believe how much stuff is already gone. I now have boxes to organise, but they have no garbage in them and they relate to the two parts of my business and my sewing. Its been excellent so far and now I am off for todays 15 minutes. Thank you, lookng forward to tomorrow😊

[@debranogas1992]

When I am done the sewing room challenge, I will be working with my husband to clear up his home office. I was going to apply this video to his office, but I found something much better. I thought to google how to declutter home office. It was brilliant. I do not have a home office so a lot of the names for sorting the office stuff didn’t make sense to me, but they did for my husband. We will be using that method for his office. I hope that will help you too.

[@vikkivanveldhuizen2290]

But the cute bags we get from some quilt shops are so cute!!! LOL I have a pink plastic bag with old singer sewing machines all over it. Do I HAVE to throw that one away??? Well, I think I need to LOL.

[@stephaniecarbno]

If you love it that much frame it and hang it on the wall. Now it's artwork. :)

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

as long as it serves you keep it. If it sets in your room just taking up space, then you have answered the question IS THIS GARBAGE

[@vikkivanveldhuizen2290]

@@stephaniecarbno my room is too small to hang it up in. I think I’m going to cut a square out of it and put it in my scrapbook/quilt journal.

[@jeaninegunn4118]

This year I'm doing double duty as I'm working on my knitting den and my sewing studio. I did get a head start in den before Xmas though by doing a yarn inventory and clearing garbage - amazing what gets dumped in a room out of the way over time!!

[@dorothyd9949]

I’m pleased to be doing this for the first time. My biggest challenge will be sorting the large amount of fabric I have and storing it in a way I can readily see what I have. I managed to clear out everything that wasn’t sewing related but I do have stacks of fabric. It will be a big job! Thanks for the help & inspiration!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

By clearing out the unwanted you’ll have more space for you nicely organized fabric

[@michellekennedy6382]

Happy New Year everyone! Thank you for doing this declutter challenge every year, Karen. This is my first year to join in. Although I’ve been sewing for decades, I just started quilting in Feb 2024. It’s amazing how much clutter has built up in less than a year.

[@AmandajHolt]

I'm throwing away boxes from all the new stuff I got this past year! Why I kept an iron box I will never know but it's gotta go!!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I find packing a trap between you and your stuff. I now remove everything so I feel free to use it all

[@AmandajHolt]

@JustGetitDoneQuilts thank you for helping to keep us chaos quilters a little more organized and thoroughly entertained!! Happy New Year from northern lower Michigan!

[@Denise-w8m]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Great tip. Many times I am reluctant to use “new stuff still in the packaging “. I have a lot more stuff to clear out

[@maryannequinn3465]

Thank you, Karen, for hosting this challenge! We all so need it after the seasonal craziness that is the holiday period. I don’t do a big celebration for New Year’s but I do the Declutter Challenge as a process to begin the next year right. Everyone-invite your friends to declutter with us, it’s not too late!

[@cynthialindsley5117]

There is great temptation to start going through bins, but I know we will get to that. I keep a pretty cleared sewing room but that's because I keep baskets of "carry outs", you know the stuff that ends up in the sewing room which needs or has a home elsewhere. My challenge is those bins of scraps and pattern ideas. Itching to get that started but am heading your. warning. Thank you for doing this every year. I forget but when the time comes its like a special sewing project that I would never stop to take the dedicated time without your challenge.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

👍👍👍

[@MizzLeta]

This just popped up on my feed & I love it! Going to set a timer & hit the craft room. Will try this with my kids too. They’re 8 & 18 and both have messy room they wis were clean & functional!

[@PiNkSpRinkLe1]

I started your challenge last year and accomplished a lot, then had to leave town for a deployment. Hoping to finish it this year. Keep up the good work everyone!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Welcome back!

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

Deployment sounds to me like a Military move if so thank you and your loved ones for your service. ❤

[@dianefabec8157]

How exciting!! Thank you Karen

[@nancyely9503]

I'm excited to begin. Thank you for leading us through his decluttering experience!

[@juliemorrison4348]

Happy New Year to you Karen. Great advice ♥️🇦🇺

[@carolefebvre8210]

Thank you Ok first garbage..took out 2 full boxes of glass gares.. 0:01

[@ChristineKrannich]

I haven’t sewn much the past two years due to health issues. I need to get to it, though. My project is my Mom’s Cathedral Window quilt for which I have an undefined deadline. She has a diagnosis and will eventually need Hospice care. I’m giving myself 4 hours of sewing time daily for that project. I start prewashing Muslin tomorrow. I’ll be stitching it entirely by machine at her request. We went way overboard on fabrics because she wants it to look scrappy. We bought precuts to protect my joints. Over the past two years, strange stuff has gotten dumped into the area. Last night as I did a quick pre-grab of undesirable stuff, I found some things I forgot I have. The biggest surprise was a box with fabric in it -- a 15yd bolt of Americana solid black! If I do not find the 6 or 7 yards of black fabric with sparkles I thought I ordered 2-3yrs ago, I have enough to use as the background on the Kona Charms BOM. I will not be starting that until my Mom’s quilt is completed.

[@janebridges4305]

I would love to see that Cathedral Window quilt. After my Mother pasted I found a square she had hand sewed on muslin and it was beautiful. It was not completely finished but almost. I hope to continue the square and at least make a pillow with it.

[@tammythemel]

Finished clearing out the garbage and reset my sewing machine spaces. Thanks for doing this for us!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

You’re off to a great start!

[@amikrenzel5788]

I am excited for your declutter....but.... I am going to be away for some days so I am just going to do the days as I can get to them and not worry about keeping up. I might also repeat days if there is too much for one day. I moved and just recently got all my stuff in one place so this will be a pretty big task and may take much longer than your pace.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It is your challenge, take your time

[@PamelaVipond]

Hello I am a newer a subscriber and am using the challenge to get ready to move this summer. I had started already by using the scanner I got for Christmas to scan the patterns I have collected over the years to reduce my moving weight. As my son is military and we have weight limits.

[@gwynwellliver4489]

Whoo hoo! I did this as I put my stuff away, so we could use our dining table for Christmas.

[@lindajgray8276]

🇦🇺Woohoo! 🥳 Happy New Year! Karen🎊 🎉🫣My knees are knocking plucking up the courage to take B4 photos 🫣🤦‍♀️As I begin to Chuck! chuck! chuck! Big first step on this journey….clearing the path! 🙏for showing and lighting the way 🙏👍🤞🇦🇺💜

[@annettepulido566]

Take the photos, even if only you see them. You’ll be glad you did. It helps to be able to see progress in the photos.

[@sandychristofferson4808]

This is my first time for this challenge. Thank you Karen for the great inspiration and information.

[@hadleywooten3689]

When this challenge is completed I am starting on my sons wedding quilt! That’s my reward ! Plus I need a break from quilting because I finished my last quilt last night at 1048 pm!❤️

[@suehudson7777]

Third time in. This has been so helpful in the first 2 years I did this. However, I have branched out as I love to sew not just quilts, but rope bowls, bags, and now that I have a granddaughter, wanted to make knit clothes for her. (I had 3 sons and no time to sew). So bought a serger and separate cover stitch machine. Just don't have enough room for it all. So will be decluttering 2 rooms. Original Sewing room (former office) will be dedicated to my quilting, again. Right next to it, I will need to declutter the room above our garage to make room for the other sewing projects. Over the years as I inherited or found photos I took, and I have stuffed them all here with the intent to scan them all. Not sure that will happen because of the shear volume. So part of this declutter will be working on that room as well. Told my husband - 2025 Year of the Great Purge! Starting on these rooms and then the rest of the house. Karen your tips are great for all of it! Thank you for all you do and inspire.

[@carenfitzpatrick7197]

Happy New Year!! So glad to get started with this!! Thank you for doing this each year! It is so helpful and needed and you do it so calmly and systematically.

[@angelakohler165]

Happy New Year Karen, can't wait to get started.

[@LambChop00S]

Thank you! First time doing the challenge. Thank you for mentioning packaging.

[@denisewagner764]

This is my first time seeing your challenge. I think I will join in but it will be my craft room, I sew too. But I do other crafts as well.

[@AnitaDistel-uw3gd]

I found my sisters prom dress, she passed in May at age 75. I also found a handmade card from my daughter begging me to bring it with me to something. Also found my daughter's first birthday T-shirt that her guests parents had painted their names on. So precious. Will add it to a T-shirt quilt. I only got through one large box, but now I know what's there! I thought it was a box from my sister in law with craft stuff from her mil

[@estelasteele1173]

Day one for me is beginning at 2 AM! I'm going to follow your advice and take it one day at a time. Off to take out the garbage.

[@constancegamble9949]

Thank you. I'm so excited to start !! Always a new idea!!!

[@Mazaoprey22]

Had a great day sorting out what I want to sell at a de-stash sale. I have a whole bin full... feeling productive.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Great job!

[@janine36]

Last year was the first year that I did the challenge, it was so helpful to me. I’m excited for this year’s reset. Thank you!

[@elizabethvwhamstra]

While tidying away my gift wrap fabric I found 5 unfinished advent calenders, so that is what I'm going to finish!!!!

[@garnettasmith1717]

I got rid of 4 bags of garbage Monday night since Tuesday is trash pickup day. Strangest thing? Packing peanuts…why I thought I would ‘need’ those is beyond me.

[@BEVERLYRANDOLPH-lx4qu]

20 minutes to go until 2025. I’ll sleep and then start determining garbage. My studio has some! 😀 My first project for the year is going to be something that’s been on my bucket list since the 90’s sometime: a Burgoyne Surrounded. It’s going to be a wedding gift. I also have some small tasks to handle through the month. I’m excited about this! 🎉 Happy New Year, everyone! 🎆🧨🎇💥

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I needed to look that up as I had not heard of that pattern. Pretty and classic

[@KimVossRushGrl]

This will be my third year doing the declutter challenge. Each year seems easier and easier as I've been able to pretty much keep my sewing room clean and organized since the first challenge. But there are things this year that I have to conquer, like magazines and books. Looking forward to a new year with new sewing goals!

[@tammihackley4349]

Thank you for this motivation each year!

[@hisbothy]

Thanks for the inspiration!

[@helenannejudisch7880]

It's day 2 already, but today I sat down to rip apart an old varsity jacket that had belonged to a family member who passed. I threw away the lining, the pockets, the stretch waistband and the vinyl sleeves, I chose to keep the wool, felt it and use it in my quilted wool felt projects. The actual varsity letter itself will go to a local museum in the town I grew up in.

[@TheKjoy85]

My sewing space exploded in clutter this fall and I haven't had the physical or emotional energy to deal with it. All my time and energy has gone into training and caring for my Mastiff puppy, she's 6 moths old and about 75 pounds. On top of that, I'm grieving the loss of my grandpa. We've been trying to deal with his and my grandma's personal effects, and I wound up with most of their clothes. The plan is to use their clothes to make memory bears for all of their descendants. That is going to be a long process. I also have other projects on my to do list, including quilts, a weighted pillow, a toiletry bag for my mom, and an embroidered bag for an auntie. I guess today is garbage day...

[@kw1lts]

I inherited boxes of clothes for the same reason. I ended up making a list of people who would eventually get the bears and picked out 1-2 pieces for each, tagged them with the person's name and donated the remaining. 1 box is so much better than multiple boxes!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Feeling the responsibility for making all those bears is both admirable and overwhelming. Tread carefully

[@TheKjoy85]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts The plan is to work on the bears in between other projects. Right now, the task is to wash the clothes and turn them back into chunks of fabric. I have 45 bears to eventually make.

[@barblc3202]

Love your declutter wisdom, Karen!

[@hazeldw4786]

Fortunately, this went live before we got home from the NYE party. I watched the video, and then slept on it.

[@michellecornum5856]

Definitely need to vacuum. The oddest thing I found was a triangular scrap of light blue satin on my floor. I have no idea where this scrap of satin came from.

[@mariavoigt9423]

Thank you so much, Karen, for making these challenge! It will help me again.

[@beccas.6983]

I think this challenge will give me the structure I need to really set up my craft space in a way conducive to actually sewing and eventually moving later this year. It seems like such a monstrous task, but I like how Karen has set it up in the past. Good luck, everyone!

[@redskyebc]

In a quick minute, I boxed up a donation box of the things I received in an Advent box that I have no interest in keeping or using.

[@jeandryja6992]

Hurray I found a framed cross stitch picture that I put away for safe keeping during the Christmas holidays. I replace it with a Christmas cross stitch that isn’t framed (taking it to the framer this month). Okay I also found lots of receipts from doggie day care and old camping reservations. Time to put the shredder to use. Going to reward myself by working on fabric gift bags for next Christmas.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

That sounds like a great reward.

[@marilyngandhi8571]

Happy New Year! Karen❤❤❤

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Same to you and yours 🤗

[@shannonhingle2435]

I’m going to do this with you guys

[@vcalibur1]

Thank you. I’m sick but sorting out my beads.

[@rosemaryrigney4251]

Happy New Year 🎉🎉 Need timer will use phone and finish what I started yesterday! And sew after grandkids leave 😊. Fun start of the year. Sew thank you!

[@veernnyr]

Timer? Timer.... running around for a timer. I've got one in the kitchen! I thought I had cleaned up everything yesterday but 'garbage got me rethinking. Paper - that i didn't file just left in a pile on an empty corner. Packing material that's in a wastebasket. Yep. More to do.

[@mariannekennedy2023]

Started this challenge today in my combination quilt room/bedroom. When I get it done, I'm moving to the kitchen/pantry and doing the challenge there. Then moving room to room until I have the entire house done, well except my husbands model building room/his computer room. I won't touch it!!!

[@Ladykat138]

Happy New Year

[@lilybee_]

We have decluttered every room except our junk room (future guest room), the garage, and my sewing room. I'm in on this challenge! Doing a little bit at a time has worked out great and sure your prompts will help too.

[@lynnhenk5060]

I have appreciated these steps.

[@custodiaewald2689]

You are such an inspiration. Thanks