Patterns are Decluttered and Organized! I Can't Believe How Much I Got Rid Of!

There was just no more space to store patterns! Something had to go! Cutting your losses is something you need to come to terms with. "Will you ever make it?" That question needs to come from: How long have I had this pattern? Do I have the fabric to make it? Do I still love it? Am I still motivated to make this? Evaluate your age, your time, and your current interests. Does today's you still have the same passion and motivation to make this as you did 5 years ago when you bought it? If not, bless others with your abundance.
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[@coreytibbs]

I just went through my books and patterns recently. I sent some quilting and cross stitch patterns to different you tubers that I watch to give as give aways and I donated some books to the library. I’ve never used those items and know I never will. Hopefully someone will enjoy them. Please recycle and don’t burn. People with breathing problems can not breathe when the smoke is in the air.

[@sparklemint2458]

Happy Holidays Sewing Tree is SO Cute ❤

[@sherimcgill5139]

Great job Becky!

[@nancyschollnick2238]

It's always reassuring to see someone who has more stash than me! I felt like I got so much accomplished watching you declutter😂

[@angelasherwood5599]

You could take some of the books to a senior center if they have a thrift shop.

[@user-hh1vo4by9c]

An inspiration 😊

[@CarolBell78]

Spare Parts is a great place to donate stuff that other crafters and stitchers could use. Fabric, yarn, thread, ric rac, zippers, patterns, paints, etc. It's a thrift store for crafters! In San Antonio, on Wetmore.

[@paulabeaudry8596]

I need to do that to

[@jennyfournier7138]

Well now I don’t feel so bad. You don’t have any better control of it all then I do. So I’m just gonna carry on. 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@marlenejordan9442]

Haven't watched the whole video yet, but the stuff you're burning, could you put it with your give-a-way stuff ?? Back to watching !!!

[@barbarabulger436]

you got me doing this Thank You

[@sandraabundis9966]

You can donate to a library that's what I did with my block books and sewing magazines they loved getting them

[@katieemmart6566]

Can't wait to see Holiday Sewing Tree video!! It's adorable. Room looks organized and neat! You did good lady! Now come over and do mine. ( hahahaha)

[@aubreymarsh3637]

Just interesting m8

[@SeaVictoriaSew]

No-no on the burn pile! Surely you have a compost barrel or bin. Use your shredder on the plain paper copies, and into the compost heap they go!

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Unfortunately, we don't compost here because there's nothing to use compost on since we don't garden at all. There's also nowhere around me that takes these as donations. For the time and effort involved, the most efficient and environmentally friendly is to use the burn barrel.

[@SeaVictoriaSew]

@@PowerToolsWithThread Understood. Gardening is like having horses. It's a lifestyle you can't just leave on its own!

[@carolallen662]

I wish my husband could see this show. He thinks my sewing room is over-loaded. LOL

[@carolallen662]

In my defense, someone is always giving me fabric. While I hate shopping as a general rule, I like grocery stores and fabric stores. I don't have to "need" fabric, I just buy it because I like it. Eventually I use it all even if it is for charity.....exact for one piece. Once when I lived in Greece a co-worker was going to Africa and asked if I would like for her to bring something back for me. At that time I sewed almost every evening so I thought fabric might be nice to have, so I gave her some money and she brought me some. It was so ugly!!! After 50 years I still have never found anything to do with it. The only color I really don't like is yellow. Guess what! I think I just keep it to add to my guilt level. LOL I have another piece that my son and daughter-in-law brought me from Africa and I love it.

[@leeallen210]

As I watch you do this, I am going through all my mother's fabric, trying to decide what to do with it. I am sure some of it will make the trip from Washington to Texas with me but there is a bunch that's not. Need to find someplace or someone who'd want it. After the fabric, it's all her books, patterns, and notions plus sewing furniture. AARGHHHH!!!!

[@janejarvis6725]

I have notebooks with my patterns. They are divided by type like Christmas, quilts and they are divided by paper piecing, jellyrolls and so on, other holiday quilts, table runner and placemats, bags and then bag patterns by certain designers. Then there are the ones for sewing and craft sewing designs and kids idea patterns. I have a cabinet with all the embroidery notebook. I find putting in notebooks works for me. I go through them once a year and clean out and lol add more. The ones I get rid of I donate to the quilt clubs.

[@donnajohns7583]

You make me laugh all the time Now I have to go into my sewing room and organize my books and patterns. Not sure if you got me motivated or ashamed. LOL

[@wifeofchief]

I love that technical term "a bunch of weird-o things"! I love how you can be "ruthless" in clearing out, but you stll want it and you tell us why you are keeping it! You go girl! I love how we all are human (adults) and can do it, but if we don't want to, we don't have to!🥰😁

[@bjune1285]

I bought adhesive magnetic strips , and magnetic hooks from Amazon and hung up every pattern I could.

[@kaybutterbaugh9179]

Love the saying “Ambition over road Ability”!

[@beverlyakins2374]

Becky you’re making great progress, I started going through my patterns and had found lots that I didn’t know existed. Thanks for sharing

[@roriegilbert8304]

I love Amy Bradley designs. Glad to see you found it!!

[@kaybutterbaugh9179]

I have lots of patterns all over the place. I am currently cleaning out my sewing room, to put down wood flooring, have old pink carpet on the floors. I am so happy you are showing this right now!

[@francesmiller8601]

I love to organize my sewing room once a year. Helps me to pick out new projects to sew. I teach se😮wing to young ladies and they love to see my sewing room.

[@debraholster4915]

You have inspired me! Thank you so much.

[@lmorgan1028]

Just push that easy button! 🤣😂😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Ha ha!! if only it was that easy!😃😃

[@susieclauson6619]

Becky, that thin IKEA bookcase is what I’ve been looking for, for years. It’s the perfect size for fat quarters!

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Yep, that's initially why I bought it.

[@susieclauson6619]

IKEA doesn’t sell that bookcase anymore.

[@joelaoetterer]

I just purchased the Holiday Sewing Tree.... I would love it if you would show us how to use Stitch Artist 2 to embroider it. 😀😀🥰🥰🥰

[@shirleynehring1193]

I need you in my sewing room to help me organize! 😂 Please come to Iowa!

[@valerie-stitchinginthebarn723]

Boy oh boy do I need to follow your lead! I also have been soaking in advice from Dana and Minimalist Mom and lots of other declutterers, but actually applying it to my sewing/crafting things has been a hurdle, for sure. I think I need to face the reality of what I will never make and cut my losses. Thanks for the example and for making it fun. 👍🏻

[@liannesterkel2590]

Becky, when you held up the "Legendary" pattern (Bigfoot), I had to stop the video!! I've been looking for the perfect Bigfoot pattern for my cousin - he's a fan of Bigfoot! - and you nailed it!! LOL Would love to see a quilt along of Wooly Stars by Corey Yoder since you mentioned you haven't pieced the quilt either. I loved your video!

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

I made that quilt for my son who lives in CO and is 6'8". I added an extra row of trees on it for length for him. He loves it!

[@marystrong8653]

I organize my patterns by author alphabetically.

[@ameliacarey3315]

I am worried that if I have it in my downloads, I'll forget about it and not remember what I have. ❤

[@tammysanders3788]

Great video Becky!!

[@barbr.2244]

I wish I had the gumption to do that! I have a lot of patterns as well!! Don't forget we have Veteran's Day coming too!! love your videos and instructional tutorials!

[@connieking9873]

Awesome. With a little rearranging you could empty your entire left case and have room for more yardage.All your books could go across the top where your lamp is with the 3 ring binder books. In the smaller book case you could move to the outside and all your embroidery items would fit really well in the shorter cubbies with your tall templates in the tall skinny one. Then as you are working on your piles of material you can fill the larger case. Sometimes it is fun having a friend help with a project like this. I love the sisters and their minimalist ideas. I use some of their ideas. They have one on folding that might work for your material. We just down sized from 40 years on a farm. Having my adult girls help was great as they gave different ideas to what ever we were doing. This video and your drawer one are really great. Thanks for including us in your journey.

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

I love your ideas! Yes, Dawn (Minimal Mom), Cas from Clutterbug, and Dana K White from A Slob Comes Clean, have definitely made an impact on many facets of my life. I'm using a combination of their techniques to manage the inventory in my sewing room. Thanks for watching!

[@hollyallen1065]

This is quite inspiring. I am also cleaning out my sewing room with fabric rulers notions and it’s on my list to go through my patterns. Thank you for the push great job keep it up.

[@scottydog6539]

You are doing such a great job. I painted my sewing room lime green. I have to do my flooring after I pull up my wall to wall rug. Right now, I am working my last weeks at the Christmas Tree Shops which is closing. All 80 Christmas Tree Shops are closing. After that, I hope to finish my sewing room and then I can relax and sew. Wanna come help me? Ha ha.

[@iamslbc]

The ultimate Scan n cut plus Embriliance tutorial would be to copy cross stitch chart, draw around the different color code sections and scan. Turn into appliqué. Then digitize cross stitch embroidery to accent appliqué. For general book/ pattern organization use the basic organization style you have already developed for the computer files. Sandra

[@marshasetering3143]

I love this video. I've felt this pain. While I don't have as many as you, I just went through this process. Lots of "oh, yeah, I remember this one", getting sidetracked with "wanna do's",etc...Yay you, keep going! Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@joelaoetterer]

I too have the Stipple Mania, never used it. I now have Kimberbell Blue Tiles (that you inspired me to purchase). Thank you for the inspiration to give it away. GOOD JOB YOU!!! You got this!!!!

[@andreamatthews3014]

Becky, the ric rac goes with the Jewel sampler BOM Creative Notions Pattern (2021) for the Carolina Lilly corner blocks. The cotton ric rac is for the stems of the flowers, so it was easier to make the block for everyone. You can find that pattern and pop the ric rac with it.

[@lindacyprus1255]

My local hobby lobby store was remodeling so i bought the display section that used to have greeting cards but now displays patterns so they arent "out of site out of mind"

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Smart!

[@jennystrahley927]

Whew, but time well spent! I have my patterns sorted in notebooks. I need to go through them like you just did...one day. Right now they aren't bothering me so I just keep sewing. 🤣Tonight I've been working on making 4-1/2" HSTs while watching you clean out patterns.

[@sharone9751]

I've been doing a de-stash and have gotten rid of a lot of fabric that no longer appeals to me. All of my patterns are in a spreadsheet, and I have them marked "digital" if they're online. I'm now going through my physical patterns, seeing if I still like them, and if I do, trying to match them up with my current stash. If the pattern doesn't make the cut, I delete it from the spreadsheet and pass it along to someone else.

[@karenmorrissette2612]

If you have a scanner, you might want to scan items that aren't in books. This way you can list t them in a spreadsheet that allows you two sort

[@annf3949]

I lose things then buy it again then when i go through things i find it lol

[@grandmasquiltsandcreations4978]

I was told The paper piecing Christmas tree pattern has been discontinued. Hold onto it for sure.

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Yes, it has been discontinued. I got one of the last ones. I will keep it for sure.

[@dianabarry871]

I try to avoid using plastic containers for storage, so bad for the environment. Great way to store your patterns and the Ikea shelf is very versatile.

[@maryannedoty7334]

I made the Holiday Tree a few years ago. It was fun making it.

[@AngiesQuilting]

This was fun to watch Becky! I wondered if you had a file cabinet anywhere in your sewing studio. I've moved some of my patterns to the file cabinet. You made me rethink my Block magazines that I have in magazine holders. I will get rid of those. Once I look at them, I never look again. Do more organizing videos, please. They are so inspiring! Thank you

[@debbiehays9794]

Oh boy you started something. 😂😂😂. Now I am cleaning out my patterns and books. Throwing out all the paper copies I have pdf’s on my computer. Great video and I always appreciate great organizational tips that can help with the crazy amount of STUFF I collect and store. Thanks Becky!!!!

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

KEEP GOING! You can do it one shelf at a time!

[@patriciaruppert201]

Love that holiday sewing tree pattern. Make that. Yes I do wonder about the choices of fabric on pattern fronts because it would not encourage me to make it ever. Love your video. ❤❤❤❤

[@craftylady3129]

Becky, you can do a Microsoft Access. Before I moved and got rid of stuff, I did all my patterns in access. Even put a pictire of it. Haven't done it again but I don't have as much now.

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

You are WAY more organized than I could ever be. I know Access and I'm a Bee (not a Cricket like you) so a database would be more than I could keep up with! That's a great way to keep up with it all, but my life today just couldn't do it. Were you a DBA in a former life? lol

[@alwaysl8Lp]

But your floor is so clear!!😂

[@melissabroussard1042]

Just wondering if you have a local library you can donation the books you don't want. Less burning :)

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Unfortunately, the nearest library is about 25 miles away.

[@joelaoetterer]

The shoe pouch was purchased on Etsy....I know because I too have it to make for my granddaughter....lol

[@gaillewis3324]

Omg looks like my mess😜

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

That's OK. Whatever works for you is Fine! :)

[@marinaabad4995]

Veteran's Day in November. Do you dispose of patterns you made or embroidered? I fine when I'm done I give away or sell. If I want to keep them, they become digital files. I use my laser printer as a scanner then store digitally. I also copy/paste pix of quilts I like or pix of items I like that can be truned into a quilt or quilt ideas into a digital document.

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

That’s a great organizational system. I do keep the patterns just in case I ever want to make them again, but you’re right I could probably scan them in.

[@meldumas8868]

I made the sheep...love them.

[@cathy3392]

There’s also Veterans Day. That’s a good day for flags.

[@carolynthomas4527]

Bless you, I have a lot of the same thing you do😂

[@sharonfeatherstone8219]

That space next to your patterns, where you keep your sewing machine trolley? Have Keith make you some custom shelves above the outlet and below the vents.

[@laurielasley6568]

I enjoy watching you do this, but your fabric section over whelms me good luck on that one.

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

You? My friend, it overwhelms ME! lol I try to turn a blind eye.

[@kathyboggess7263]

I guess it's all part of crafting....LOTS of patterns, embroidery cd's, etc. and forget what we have. Tired of not knowing what I had and spending hours looking through stacks of patterns, I tried a new system. I make a copy of the cover page (showing the quilt, etc.) of the pattern or pdf file only and put that copy in a binder with dividers for quilts, applique, bags and "other"., The complete pdf download is stored on my computer in a file called Patterns, the non-pdf patterns are stored where I always kept them. Now, instead of flipping through stacks of pattern, I can relax with a glass of wine and flip through a binder of just the pictures. I do mark the ones that are pdf downloads with DL so I know where to look for the actual pattern.

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Great system!

[@BarbaraTollison]

Testing

[@angelasherwood5599]

I would take the license plate for row by row, and I would pay shipping.

[@deborahklenk6735]

Could you donate some of the patterns to a senior center or a youth group like 4th, Girl Scouts, church group, school

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

It's hard to find spots in my rural area that will take them.

[@cathyrosynek4814]

Your piles look like my piles😂

[@debbergman5516]

I sorted fabric by amount 1yard fat quarter etc

[@nancyg1786]

Loved the video, I can watch it and get ideas on how to clean up my pattern section. Are you sure you're not a little elf cleaning up my sewing room, I've got a lot of the same patterns...lol.

[@leisaschwartz5554]

Great tips love your shirt where did you get it from ?

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

I think I saw it in a FB ad somewhere years ago.

[@tinajohnson7534]

The question is do we ever use the patterns that we have stuffed in binders, or do we just hunt for a new one online? This is the questions I'm asking myself right now when I think of re-organizing my quilting room. As for the fabric mess- if we didn't buy more fabric all the time, we wouldn't have the mess. But that won't stop me...! LOL!

[@lauraruthruff4741]

Great job Becky!! I did the same thing with my patterns last year. Isnt it amazing what you can find? 😂

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

It really is!

[@lesleysewhappy1740]

Great job on sorting out those patterns. Do you make a promise to yourself that you won’t buy more until you have used what you have? Having too much stuff around (I have a very small sewing space) makes me quite anxious. I’m using all my leftovers from another project fabrics on making Linus quilts and in the winter I have two quilts with the fabric that I will be making for myself. Haven’t bought any fabric, other that backgrounds, since I left work - 8 years ago 😮

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

I'm never that strict with myself. Perhaps that's part of the reason I can be so honest with myself as well about recognizing I'll never make something, even after I've spent money on it, and letting it go. I'll always buy more fabric because I love to support the small business quilt shops and the industry as a whole. Plus there is always more pretty fabric on the horizon. That also gives me the bounce I need to let UFOs go that I know I'll never make.

[@pattyw7952]

Becky ~ Thank you for this video! It's given me the incentive to get started "again" organizing my sewing room!! Quick question. The framed "squirrel" picture above your pattern cubby. Is that an embroidery design? If so, can you share where you bought it?

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

That is an embroidery pattern but it was gifted to me by a friend. I frequently say in my Lives that I get distracted and go off somewhere else and then say "Squirrel!" so when she saw it, she had to make it. lol

[@pattyw7952]

@@PowerToolsWithThread It's so cute Becky! That's me and my quilting friends too!! Could you ask your friend where she bought it? I would like to make it for a couple of friends. I would so appreciate it!

[@cathleenfleming4049]

You forgot Veterans Day.

[@csgracesew]

Next Sunday multiple give aways?😉

[@roxannejones9064]

I would like to get a scan and cut but I am not sure which one to get? Could you help me out?

[@mariehardin9544]

I love your shirt where can I find one?

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

I think I saw it in a FB ad somewhere years ago.

[@suehunt5896]

How can we organize fabrics?

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

That's the age old question for quilters, isn't it?

[@francrouch9347]

Have you ever made the same quilt twice?

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Nope! But I will probably do another Walkabout quilt.

[@suehunt5896]

Will we ever get to do all we have?

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

I hope not! That continues to give me the motivation to get out of bed and continue living! lol

[@sandrathompson2219]

Have you got your Martelli Table yet?

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Yes, I let Keith have it since they sent the wrong color top - I wanted white.

[@sandrathompson2219]

@@PowerToolsWithThread , they have a sister company that sells the white table. My friend also wanted the white 2 Teir table, so I was able to buy her black set. 😎

[@MartyLawless-kh2jd]

I have to ask...what is the #5 for on your shelf. (I apologize if you answered this already.)

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Actually, you're the first to ask. :) That is from our wedding. We had the BEST party guests at the reception at Table #5. They got the idea as the night wore on, to take the table number and get photos with it all over the venue: the kitchen, with a waiter delivering drinks, on the dance floor, ...even on a guy's shoulder in the men's room! ha ha That #5 had as much fun at our reception as we did so the venue gifted it to us when we left. Fabulous memories!

[@kathleen.rogers1442]

Is there anyway you can donate all you are going to burn to other quilters in a guild? It’s a shame to waste them when someone else could use it🙁 definitely burn the mask template!!!

[@Aberto]

Please don’t burn, please recycle !!!

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

We don’t have a recycling service in the boonies where I live. But it’s just paper so no harm to the environment.

[@joannefreeman3573]

Maybe to goodwill or package up and gift. All those books can be sent library rate via post office. Much less $.

[@suehunt5896]

How about Alphabetical order.

[@karenmorrissette2612]

If you have a scanner, you might want to scan items that aren't in books. This way you can list t them in a spreadsheet that allows you two sort