🧵🌸 LET'S TALK ABOUT DECLUTTERING WITH MARIE-ANNE LECOEUR - Karen's Quilt Circle

[@brenda5511]

About two months ago, a close friend gave me and another quilter friend quilting fabric and books. She’d had them for years and realized she had just lost interest. The books I donated, but in some of the fabric, I found a quilt block my friend had completed. I decided to finish the quilt. While I was working on it, my friend lost her long, long battle with breast cancer. Between phone calls and tears, I’ve managed to complete the quilt, and will give it to her best friend of 50 years. You’d said before that while items might be another person’s legacy, they aren’t necessarily our legacy, and I agree. But these items will now become the collective legacy of our dear friend and all of us who loved her.

[@doreensherk287]

That is so beautiful, it brought a tear, yes it will be a treasure forever…….

[@brenda5511]

Doreen, it’s been difficult because the fabric smells like her.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗🤗🤗

[@gorgo1945]

I was so delighted to see that one of my most favourite You Tubers, Marie-Anne Lecoeur was your guest today, Karen. Since following her advice Ive lost nearly 20kgs in weight, started sewing my own "French Chic" wardrobe and gained a new self confidence and respect I thought I could not achieve. I cannot recommend Marie -Anne enough to your subscribers - her sensible advice is invaluable and step by step anyone can grow and develop a personal style to be proud of and enjoy. Well done Karen for inviting Marie-Anne today - thank you! xx

[@joycekaminski1943]

I follow Marie-Anne also. The mantra I use when I am having what I call “a too ugly to live” day; I do my make up, dress in a favorite outfit, look in the mirror and tell myself, ‘this is the best I can be today’. It is surprising how it lifts the spirits giving yourself permission to not be perfect and to just be ok.

[@andersonmorgan2523]

Hi how are you doing?

[@dadams512]

What an unexpected treat to have Marie-Anne Lecoer on your channel. A topic I've need to dive in to, but have been reluctant to do so - decluttering my wardrobe. And, yes, it's at a life changing time, retirement. It's been 2 years now, and I have seldom, if ever, warn any of the things I used to wear to work. Time to let go and simplify. Time to move away emotionally too. Thank you, Karen.

[@bm4114]

I mean this in the best possible way. Marie-Anne is impossibly French. J’adore

[@musicmom614]

How fun to have Marie-Anne on your channel. I have been enjoying her channel over the past two years and can say that her advice has really helped in my wardrobe choices. I no longer buy to buy but add select pieces that work together for my lifestyle. It has given me great confidence to dress well and be ready, not only for my day to day activities, but any occasion that comes along.

[@CDIDDY327]

Cindi! I am also a Cindi Lee, altho I spell my name as Cyndee Lee! Greetings fella Cynthia! I met another Cindi today at JoAnn’s, middle name “Rae.”

[@cindyekker9520]

I am also Cindy Lee but that's my given name. Nice to meet you ladies. Have a blessed day!

[@rhondaschellin8878]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Thank you, Marie-Anne, for being here today! You are inspirational AND helpful! I've lost weight and am struggling with what is really my "style" now that I am slowly "restocking." I made myself the basic black skirt and now.....what? 🤣 You have pointed me in the right direction! Thank you Karen! Of course quilting is our life (🤣) but we DO have to wear SOMETHING to the quiltshop! LOL Thanks for keeping us well-rounded! 😁

[@tiffanycollier54]

Thank you, Karen for this timely interview, at least in my life! I will now subscribe to someone else who can help me in another area of my life!! Love this! Women helping each other, I have really learned this with quilters, but you have branched out to other areas!! Thank you!

[@nancygrissett6280]

She has a very good point about getting rid of things. I have things of my late husband's I just can't get rid of. Also my books. I have a mystery collection I just keep adding to because they make me feel safe when I see them . It's crazy I'm sure, but I feel safest in my bedroom amongst my things.

[@cindymusselman5084]

Love Marie-Anne!

[@ruthmalcolm3028]

I follow Marie Anne on KZbin, what a great mix!!!

[@CDIDDY327]

A great tip for deciding what to give away. At the beginning of the season, when adding the spring/ summer hanging clothes to my closet, I turn all the hangers around to the “wrong way.” As I use a garment in the season, I replace the item on the rack in the typical way. At the end of the season, I can easily tell which Items I did not wear. Those are the items I donate.

[@nursekate6772]

What a fantastic video!!! Thank you so much. As a 55 year old woman, I've pretty much lost my "mojo" and really struggling with trying to put in the effort to look nicer. With medications I've gained over 50 pound so finding clothes in size 16-18 which are stylish, well made and comfortable is very difficult. My sister (who's also "fluffy" like me) swears by Stitch Fix. A personal assistant finds clothing for you (matching your style and budget) mails them to you, and you can decide what pieces you'd like to keep or send back. She's now got a really nice capsule wardrobe with grey, camel, sage green and white which works perfectly with her skin tones. I'm going to give it a try 😁

[@MsBackstager]

I luv Karen's colorful background.

[@kathylindsey3448]

Bonjour Karen and quilters, I’ve had fun following all of Marie-Anne’s advice and classes this year and can attest to how well it’s worked for me!

[@michelleharkness7549]

Greetings: ( USA 🇺🇸) : btw: Ms. Lovely 😊 Marie-Anne, thank you: again, Ms. Lovely 😊 Marie-Anne, thank you

[@michelleharkness7549]

Greetings: ( USA 🇺🇸) : btw: the presentation is outstanding: again, the presentation is outstanding

[@michelleharkness7549]

Greetings: ( USA 🇺🇸) : Enormous Hug 🤗: Love ❤️, Be very, very, very safe, wishing you a blessed wonderful evening and, in thanksgiving, GOD BLess

[@valkyrie568]

Karen, your denim jacket in that beautiful dark magenta has given me a bit of wardrobe envy - so much so that I am dyeing a white one. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@Susanna550]

An excellent video. I sat here listening, thinking I have so many things in my wardrobe, that Might fit me again later, or they cost me too much money to part with. I haven't gained weight, but everything has shifted! Lol!This has given me the push I needed to do something about it!

[@lindadrabeck4395]

This was one of your BEST interviews! Loved every minute! Very inspirational! Love you Karen Brown!!😘❤️

[@andersonmorgan2523]

Hi how are you doing?

[@jackygallon3995]

Another great interview Karen. I feel that many of your questions came from the heart. Thank you 🙂

[@helenmorgan4003]

Thank you for thismorning breakfast (for me downunder) pod cast.about 4 years ago at 68 I was determined to loose weight so I did what Marie suggested smaller plate, fresh fruit for breakfast, healthy low carb snacks, and going for a reasonable walk every day, and I didn't weigh myself for 2years and when I became aware that my clothes were like bags I weighed anf discovered that I had lost 20kg and dropped 3 sizes, down from 18 to 12 jeans but the funny thing is that my bra's size has remained the same 16c which I'm so suprised at. Blessings to e everyone on the cruise and those of us who wish we were with you

[@andersonmorgan2523]

Helen how are you doing?

[@helenmorgan4003]

@@andersonmorgan2523 going good keeping weight off and ploughing through my stash but can't help buying more fabric Thankyou for enquiring.

[@andersonmorgan2523]

It's my pleasure meeting you?

[@colleen6960]

Thank you again for another great interview.

[@yonwife5879]

Well look at that! I follow you both! In my head I thought all you KZbinrs were friends off screen, and hear you are proving me right!! 😂😂😂 Thank you for sharing.

[@bethcioffi9827]

We recently cleaned out our attic. I donated my wedding gown. My thought was that hopefully someone will love it as much as I did.

[@patdeacon7818]

I was delighted to hear you ask what if basic black does not work for you. My natural coloring as a fair skinned, strawberry blond who is now gray has never worked with basic black. When I wear solid black near my face it looks like the funeral is for me!

[@jylromain6439]

I do my best to shop off-season for clothes. They are much cheaper when stores are trying to make room. Of course, if I see something I really like, I will buy it regardless, but saving money where you can, helps. Great interview. I've put her in my queue and when her video comes up, I'll subscribe. I really need some new clothes. I'll be 71 in a few weeks and I'm overweight so it's hard to look in the mirror and feel confident.

[@amikrenzel5788]

I also watch Marie's KZbin channel. I am an avid quilter but I also love fashion and came to quilting 40 years ago as a seamstress sewing my own clothes. Alteration of ready to wear can be a gamechanger. I also love thrifting clothes. You mentioned not being able to find the right color. In a thrift store you will only find one of each but there is so much variety pulled from multiple decades of fashion. The key for me is finding what I love and then making some alterations to tweak it if necessary. Loved your interview with Marie.

[@doreensherk287]

That was very interesting, boy I have a bit of work to do in my closet…….

[@andersonmorgan2523]

Hello how are you doing?

[@juliemorrison4348]

Thank you Karen for introducing another interesting topic and lovely presenter. I am just back from a holiday and it is always a dilemma knowing what to pack. I must check out Marie's tips.♥️🇦🇺

[@cathydale3879]

We have a company in Perth AU called Your Colours and one of their services is to take you shopping. I was amazed that the shops they took me to in the city mall we found all my colours and yet when I looked previously didn’t find anything I liked.

[@janinerosenke5463]

What a wonderful episode. Thank you for sharing.

[@arlesmitchell-price4914]

Great interview! I am in the process now at the age of 72 decluttering my craft space which is my entire basement using the Swedish Death Cleaning method. In 2021 I did manage to reduce some of my fabric stash by making 600+ masks. I still have those "too pretty to cut" fabrics which I plan to cut this year, as some of them are 12+ years old...lol

[@janepols9215]

You could not have made all those masks without a stash! Cotton became scarce!

[@ArabianShalifa]

i am a tatter, crocheter, knitter. Tatting is most often made into lace. Many lace patterns are crochet. I have seen bobbin lace as well.

[@LanaGB05]

Ah, a coincidence (or not?) I'm subscribed to Marie-Anne!

[@growingoldfast]

I really liked this interview! I'm at a point where there's not a whole lot of clothes that I like or fit well. So this helps to push me closer to making my own clothes in the colors and fabrics I love!!

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

Another fun video and interesting chat! I hope you have an amazing week ahead. Thank you for sharing!

[@bernadettehooper4318]

Marie-Anne sent me to your blog. So wise. Thank you both for this conversation.

[@andersonmorgan2523]

Hello how are you doing?

[@sueh3531]

Oh I was so excited to see you both on this video. I subscribe to both of your channels, always great inspiration. Thank you! Ps my first paying job when I was 16 was in a Rhode Island lace mill, threading large bobbins. I still have some of the lace samples that I cannot part with.

[@andersonmorgan2523]

Hello sue how are you doing?

[@karonmalingo5798]

Karen, I've only checked in with your channel a couple of times. I am going to revise and rescale and make and --ultimately-- design a wardrobe that suits me to a T and I am checking out sewers to get a basic idea of tools I might need. When I do make a quilt of beloved scraps of material, it will be just squares with a solid fabric backing. I don't plan to become a quilter. I do follow Marie-Anne, however. I am just popping on to comment about you, Karen: you are beautiful and vivacious; you are eye-catching. Go ahead and work on your wardrobe and (perhaps) weight issues if you need to but just know that YOU, YOU are enough. WE are enough.

[@nancycox3318]

Karin I love your question what do you do if you’ve given up! My wardrobe shouts then I’ve given up, sadly. But I’m going to take things one at a time as recommended and make improvements. 😊

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Good for you 👍

[@caroleangel9287]

Two of my favorite utube super stars. Great interview!

[@laurahuddleston6285]

I have been a fan of Marie-Anne for years - besides her book on French chic style, she has another book about keeping a tidy closet. I love them both, in addition to her two KZbin channels. Like Marie-Anne, I am not a gifted seamstress, but my mom was. I love Marie-Anne's sense of style, and she has helped me become a smarter shopper. When decluttering, I look at each piece and ask myself if Marie-Anne or Jackie O (my other fashion idol) would wear it. If the answer is no - out it goes. Quality over quantity is my new mantra.

[@andersonmorgan2523]

Hello how are you doing?

[@eduardachi2571]

yes i needed this big time thank you

[@atgames99]

Very enjoyable interview!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Thank you

[@Bluebird_Legacy]

Such a lovely interview! Thank you for sharing.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

It is very hard to break old habits. I hang on to so much stuff; because, it cost me hard earned money, and I was taught not to let go (someone in the family is going to need it). Most of my family has either died (or moved so far away) that I should be able to let go. However, I can still hear my mother's words every time I load my car up with stuff to give away. I have never missed any of the things I have given away.

[@rachelburgener819]

Arvetta, actually I feel like you are winning in the end. Even though you cannot give it to family as you say, you are passing it on locally(think of them as family)!!! Keep on keeping on🥰. Think of it as a positive (little voice) instead of a negative one. Gods blessings ❤️😀

[@darrenecollins5985]

So very helpful. I'm pulling out things I never wear.

[@michellecornum5856]

I love her! How unexpected!!

[@monataylor2600]

An unexpected treat, certainly! I didn’t realize I needed to consider this topic from another point of view. Loved the interview!

[@joanholland5688]

Needed this and enjoyed it. Thank you

[@susanmaxwell6033]

Wow, two of my favorite you tubers , whoop whoop!

[@andersonmorgan2523]

Hello how are you doing?

[@MsBackstager]

What to do if you are inbetween sizes (sometimes it fits and sometimes it doesn't) do you keep the outfit?

[@shawnjamehdor7311]

Really enjoyed your interview

[@polyesterbebe]

another great live

[@IRISHLASS273]

I've just looked at Kimberly's (Fat Quarter Shop) live stream and she has a great guest on Shelancia Daniels who is involved in looking after children she would really appreciate any fabric or notions people can donate. Thought I'd mention this in case anyone is DECLUTTERING.

[@cassieoz1702]

There's the emotional attachment thing for some but, across the board, marketing has deliberately hacked the human c oncept of happiness (and substituted pleasure) and tied your worth/status/acceptance to your 'stuff'. We've been cynically hooked on junk values and specifically on 'stuff'

[@debbiewood7718]

I am surprised Marie-Anne didn't mention consignment or resale shops. I often find clothes with tags still on. When I was in Italy a few years ago we spent some time looking at the resale clothing stores. Talk about designer labels! It was an experience. I found a jacket that I really liked but I passed on because it somehow didn't match up with my Northern Alberta climate, I took a picture instead.

[@IRISHLASS273]

It would be nice to see you interview your fellow countrywoman and quilter Terry Aske.

[@leonakofoed289]

When it comes to quilting stuff- it can be expensive! Decluttering this makes me cringe when I see $$$.

[@PeggySue-RL]

Do you have suggestion for those of us who have had a mastectomy n have gone flat?

[@lucyblum3456]

How do I tell a friend that her low-cut blouses don’t look good on her (she’s 62 years old).

[@pamboone6921]

I have the same problem with my good friend 😬 I would never ever hurt her feelings for nothing But oh jeez, those low cut tops is truly killing me. Lol.

[@ElizabethScott0326]

Respectfully, how about keep your thoughts to yourself. Folks should feel free to wear what they feel comfortable in, regardless of age. I would be absolutely hurt if a friend gave me unsolicited advice on how I dress.

[@MsBackstager]

I declutter several times a year when the LUPUS foundation sends me a card telling me that they are coming to my neighborhood.

[@coreygilles847]

🥰

[@ElizabethScott0326]

While I really appreciated the topic of decluttering and suggestions for keeping your wardrobe simple, especially with normal body changes that happen over the lifespan, I did not expect nor appreciate when the conversation unexpectedly veered into talk of dieting, food restriction, etc. As someone in recovery from an eating disorder I found this very triggering and ask that you respectfully consider adding a disclaimer or some info on this video. Thank you for reading.

[@MsBackstager]

Snack if you have low blood sugar.

[@heidimiller642]

I have always viewed French style as having multiple layers of stuff. In clothing, the French wear many layers, like sweater over shirt over camisole, and a skirt over harem pants. Then they add even more layers, with with lots of decorations like lace, jewelry, and scarves. In furniture, the French style is the same: lots of curves, curlique's, trefoils, lilies, ribbons and more. Why are you not discussing how to open a home quilting business? Why are you not discussing how to ask for funds to build a larger house, and add a sewing room? Why are you not discussing how to employ staff to help run a home quilting business? You keep forcing us into smaller and smaller houses. You keep forcing us to take birth control. Our families get smaller and smaller. The homeless shelters are full of unemployed people. Inflation is raging. Businesses are closing all over the planet. If anything, you should be telling us about the history of French industry. The French are world famous for excellent quality in their products. Why? We would like to know. The French have patents on all their products. Why? We would like to know. Instead of telling us to get rid of stuff we think of as garbage, why don't you tell us how to trade or sell these items? Father Etienne, this is your parish. Please do something.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

You have a lot good questions but my channel is not the place to get the answers.

[@rachelburgener819]

Omgoodness, how do you really feel?!???!!! I don’t appreciate that rudeness on this channel. ❤️😀

[@heidimiller642]

Something is not quite right. In the first video I watched, I saw you claim that you do not like the color pink. Then in this video you are wearing pink. Probably someone has hacked and spoofed your videos.

[@rachelburgener819]

You really need to not watch this channel anymore. You are just to negative for this bunch of people. ❤️😀

[@heidimiller642]

@@rachelburgener819 I am not being negative. I am telling the truth. God ordered us to tell the truth when he gave us the ten commandments. Maybe you should read them again to refresh your memory, Rachel, dear sister of mine.

[@rachelburgener819]

Soooooo now you’re telling me to look at the 10 commandments AND have the guts to say she is lying?? I know the 10 commandments and have nothing further to say to you ❤️😀

[@Carolmaizy]

Karen is wearing a magenta jacket, not pink. Her guest is wearing a peachy cream blouse, not pink.

[@engien460]

I think this covid time and crises across Europe with all logistic problems and war can be great revival of trade ✂️📍🧶📐 . All cheap and polyester materials from China destroy compleatly industry . I do reconise European houses in UK by window treatments and laces on windows 😉. Like you reconise French woman after manicure, lipstic and perfectly fitted outfit 😁. My mum have custome made wedding dress with amazing lace (company no longer exist ) and she look absolutly stunning .... she keep piece of this lace wrapped up in elegant paper in drew with pictures and albums when she was younger and madly in live with my handsome dad hahahha. Lot other trades desapier with cheap trade like beautifull glass necleses like JABLONEX I remeber my mum own beautifull rosary what in light give stunning sparkle on walls... it was consider "luxurious goods".