Sewing Room Declutter! Does Your Sewing Room Talk to You? Organize My Embroidery Blanks

I have a disaster of a space that has been nagging at me to clean it up! Join me!
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[@patriciahomer5342]

I remember my mom going through her stuff, she found parts of a quilt she had been going to make for my brother when he was little. At the time he was grown, she told him thinking he wouldn't want it anymore because it was rocking horse appliques. He wanted it, she had to finish it for him. I think he still has it now, 30 years later. 😂

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

That's a great story! Thank you!

[@jackiearagon1268]

I am the same way, I have to have organized room, if I don't keep it cleaned I don't sew, so I clean when I am done for the day so that the next time I come into my room I am ready to work on a project.

[@lynnhunger1668]

My motto for the last year is " Pick a pile, any pile, and make it go away." Still have far more than my lifetime, ( and shopping problem) but I keep trying! God speed.

[@ccreel64]

LOL My sewing room doesn’t just talk to me, it shouts at me.🤣

[@nancywalker1325]

I wouldn't trust an Ikea table to put my sewing/embroidery "power tool with thread" on ever!

[@cecilianilsson1594]

"I ended up keeping this" - that's me every time I try to declutter my sewing space :)

[@kellietrudel8222]

Hey look at that…an empty drawer!!!! It’s sooo hard to declutter but it feels so freeing when it’s done! Good job! Think I’ll tackle decluttering my sewing room closet :)

[@nancyhurt7145]

I’ve watched Dawn at Minimal Mom since she started and I wish I had known all of the techniques when my kids were little. I’m in my 70’s now and so happy to have less inventory at this stage of my life. I do have a large sewing studio and sew daily, but I’ve whittled down and recognize my fantasy self! I now focus on what I love to do and donated tons of crafts to my local 4-H. What peace I have to sew every day and my home stays so clean.

[@nursekate6772]

I started cutting all my fat quarters into 10in squares, 7 1/2 inch strips and sub-cutting into 5" squares and 2 1/2" strips. Makes it SUPER easy to have my own precuts.

[@justdolls5560]

Oh my gosh! The spider had me laughing so hard. I replayed it 3 times! Awesome! Made my day. Thank you Becky!

[@amylee6592]

It's good to know others have too many blanks to complete. Always the question is, will I ever really complete these? Love your honesty and ideas.

[@leahg4596]

I started using the fabric I haven't used or no longer like to make kennel quilts and send to different shelters that request them.

[@kathyann7153]

I just got a new sewing machine and it came with more thread, now I have more thread to find place to Store it. I just got my granddaughter a old preloved machine I gave her embroidery thread ,I feel like I didn't even make a dent into my thread stash . I also cut up my scraps to 2.5 and 5in and I use them for my volunteer sewing classes. And I come up with projects that they can use it in,I was starting to make a dent into my stash when somebody donated me more fabric for the Girls Club.

[@NanaAngie]

I think you have enough towels to make for all your friends for gifts! 🤣 I buy towels all the time too...quick easy gifts!

[@mariawells8026]

This was a terrific video. You would pass out if you walked into my sewing room! I could truly relate to the things you stated. I got some helpful hints from you. Thank you!

[@welshwitch2126]

My daughter helps me, thank God. She’s merciless when it comes to decluttering. While I was still working full time, I had zero time to sew. 10-12 hour days left me exhausted. I got 4 granddaughters in 4 years so my weekends were spent seeing them. But I kept buying. Almost 3 years of forced Covid retirement later, and I’m realizing I’d need 3 lifetimes to make everything I’ve bought over the years. It’s got to go. I have kits out the wazoo. I don’t have enough years left on earth for all of this stuff. And now I’m getting into bag making. I’d love to sell some of it, but most of it just needs to go to Goodwill cause I’m tired of looking at it. I haven’t made quilts for the grandgirls yet (ages 5-7 now) but I have all of this juvenile fabric that I bought, with the best intentions of course😂. Well, now my son and daughter in law *surprise!* are pregnant with another girl, due next month. Heck, I haven’t even made the wedding quilts yet and both my son and daughter are getting ready to celebrate their 9th wedding anniversaries (they got married in the same year, 4 months apart, and the babies started coming the next year🤯) I have to be ruthless with my decluttering. Some, I’d like to donate to French General’s Navajo Project. If you haven’t heard of it, check it out! They take machines, fabric and notions👍

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

It sounds to me like you are trying to live two lives: 1) A stay at home grandma who can spend hours each day quilting for those you love; and 2) A full-time worker who can do weekend projects. If I were you, I'd limit myself to projects I can ACTUALLY complete until you fully retire. Then I'd have a very real conversation with myself about what which projects in your stash you can actually work. If you get serious about it, you can probably start with a clean slate!

[@jasminetanabe4531]

Thanks so much for the inspiration. I am now decluttering. I have stuff I'm no longer going to use or make. Thanks for the butt-kicking! I really enjoy your videos.

[@sallylyon700]

I inherited about a quarter of my mom’s stash when she passed. I could have taken it all, but the thought of more stuff in my sewing room made my brain explode. I’m one that if there are stacks of pretty fabric in my eyesight, I’ll spend the day staring at it in awe and never actually make anything. My solution is storing everything in legal sized filing cabinets. That way it’s sort of a pleasant surprise when I open a drawer to pull fabric.

[@jtedandlindasimpson7044]

I also store my fabric, Sewing book’s, pattern’s in the drawer’s of legal size filing cabinet’s. They are the best investment I ever made. Over the yr’s I bought them at various “going out of business” sales. You are much better off buying a commercial grade, used , beat up one rather than buy a new lighter weight one from an office supply store. I spray painted mine a fav color & sprayed a little WD-40 on the drawer slides. The drawers will slide all the way out for easy access ,with tremendous weight on them. I always use the 4 drawer high ones, best use of wall space, since plastic tubs or fabric on bolts stack very nicely on top with a minimum look of clutter. Since the sides of the cabinets are steel, they are a great place to use anything that is on magnets.

[@SuperBettyboop23]

Wow lot of stuff lol❣️🪡✂️🧵💖💕💓❤️

[@lorrainemcgeough9596]

Becky-such an inspirational video. Love how you tell us to just take one area and just organize. I have three closets full of bins of fabric and I know I won't get it all sewn into quilts so I feel I need to follow your advice and organize and donate or toss. I know I will feel so good when I can get rid of fabrics I will never use and I can pass it on to someone that can use it. Thanks again for this wonderful video.

[@loriclarke2931]

I’m halfway through every craft I own. It feels good. But the UFO list is growing.

[@allisontison40]

I’m so proud of your efforts today! Good job! I just finished a new sewing machine cover from my scrap bin. It really made a beautiful one. I really needed it to protect it from dust even though I sew nearly every day. I hope to make a matching pad to put my machine on. You’ve really inspired me. Recently I purchased a shelf system from Amazon and it really helped de clutter. I have a ton of books and reference materials and I was able to consolidate that mess out of several boxes and sewing books that were scattered all over the place. What a relief!

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Books can easily get out of hand. Glad you tackled them!

[@AngiesQuilting]

Becky, I enjoyed this declutter video so much. I also like your early coffee and piecing videos! Your cameras are working out great too. Nice and clear video. Thank you so much for all you share with us. So motivating! ❤

[@lynneferraccio8843]

Ohhhh, girl, you just convicted me:*sees a keyfob video* “Ooohhh, craft fair!” Do I ever do craft fairs???? NOOOOO!!!!! Lol

[@amadeus4313]

I love Dana. And also Clutterbug - Cas

[@jbadseed1709]

Great job Becky

[@debbiewhite3270]

I have to label the drawers and areas w tape or a label maker to remember what's in them. The last time I reorganized because, as a follower of the Minimal Mom, I outgrew the space, I wrote the locations of categories in a notebook. Thank God. Life kept me out of my sewing room for weeks. I had no idea where anything was until I looked in my notebook :-)). Dawn from Minimal Mom has changed my life. My drawers and pantry have been transformed. My closet and sewing room, ehhhh, not so much yet, lol. Congrats on a great job. TY for showing you are mortal and don't have a Barney Bag to stash it all.

[@glamperjan]

Yes give the totes to goodwill they love them?

[@beccachurch]

Great goin', Becky!

[@singforjoy247]

Thank you Becky!!! It helps to know that we all struggle with decluttering!

[@Happybidr]

Two words: Bug Spray. Hire quarterly professionals to do. = No Bugs!

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Yes, Keith just sprayed the property and house yesterday. I told him, "Create a Dead Zone!" lol He has his Texas Applicator's License so he uses the good stuff like a pro does and we save tons doing DIY.

[@jackielam6284]

Taking a break from doing what you are doing. My daughter got me a camper to make a sewing room. I have boxes, basket, and plastic tubs to do thru. Did I mention I have been sewing for more than 70 years? Well it's back to work.

[@petmomful2260]

Thanks for the inspiration! I am going thru my house, one room per week, and decluttering. However, my sewing studio will take several weeks! My husband's uncle just died and he was a hoarder. What a mess he left for the family. This has affected me deeply. I am thinking about what MY kids will have to go thru when I pass. How is your new dog doing??

[@denisefischer939]

I did Karen Brown's Just Get it Done Quilts Declutter Challenge in January and I already have a mess in my sewing room again, it's so so easy to relapse. So, I am inspired by this!

[@tanglezest7601]

That is what my stash and my UFO's say to me....... pick me! Work with me!! 🤣 I am inspired. Sewing on an almost UFO now, and thinking about how to organize the others so they don't have to be so loud.

[@Karen-cu8sk]

Don't be surprised when your quilt friends make cute things from your donations. My friends made the cutest quilts from my orphan projects. 😂😅

[@tsmith3905]

I will say that your declutter has inspired me to get moving on the projects I have before I lose the desire of the fabrics I have already quick so they aren’t antiques. 😃

[@janejarvis6725]

I clean up and out my fabric cabinets on a regular bases, as that’s the spot I put as I clean up from project to projects. Clean out my fabric closets lol once a year after Christmas.

[@pepperwa]

Moving my studio end of the month so it’s time for a shake down!

[@maryanne2500]

Best video I have ever seen you do. 😍😍

[@slim215]

Two. Great minds think alike. I watch minimal mom as well. I love her and I have cleaned everything but my craft room. I really have a hard time going through that. I hardly have anything in my home anymore. That doesn’t have a meaning for a purpose and cleaning is a breeze and the comfort that you feel from it is just beyond words love everything you do love everything they do. Thanks again.

[@glamperjan]

My sewing room talks to me too and it's so rewarding when you do finish that unfinished item.

[@suedonnenwirth3269]

Ok so you are so real 😊, You have inspired me to go organize my stash, scraps and stuff 😮

[@Quiltingbyfaith]

Becky. Wow I needed that kick in the back side. I am anxious to get started slowly to spring clean/declutter. Thank you.

[@user-qd5ui8mi4t]

i have had the best time at lunch watching this declutter. Will have to finish at home tonight. Love all your comments and they made me laugh. Glad to know I am not out there by myself!!!

[@tmoore1144]

I am at the place where I can't bring in without something else going out. Even fabric. Sad part? I leave for Paducha this morning. lol.

[@quiltingsista9724]

Oh Miss Becky, you spoke to my inner procrastinator 😅. I’ve been avoiding my sewing area because of it. I decided this morning to make quilt kits for fabric I don’t feel inspired from anymore. When school is over the “fun” will begin 😬

[@cheryleaston6820]

Always nice to watch how others declutter. TFS

[@melissabroussard1042]

Watching this I don't feel so bad about all the supplies I have "just in case" ....

[@suehunt5896]

It is so hard to get rid of stuff I bought ages ago. I have my own store.

[@connieverbeck1110]

Perfect timing!!! I just went through o a quilter estate sale tge last two Saturdays. The first Saturday I found $220 worth of goodies. Went back yesterday not needing anything, but was able to find $240 more!! But when they had a darling, expensive music box for $3, and the small triangular iron with stand for $3, what was I supposed to do? Lol. I needed a major redo of my sewing/laundry room and guest bedroom/fabric storage room. But now it is imperative!! Lol. Looking forward to the adventure. Take care and thank you!!

[@lynneferraccio8843]

Nooo, don’t send it to me!!! 😂😂😂-I am on my mission too!!!!

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

I have done a lot of the decluttering already, but it is a constant process. I have a couple of boxes that I keep near my sewing room to put my donated things in. My rule is if I put it in, I can't take it out. However, my daughter regularly "shops" in my donation box.

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

I love that rule!

[@dianemah2578]

It took me days to talk myself into cleaning up my fabric but I'm glad I did. A lot of my fabric I cut all down to 10" and 5". Donated a lot. I cleaned 12 bins down to 5 bins. I love making quilts and machine embroidery. I kept some 1 yards of fabric. I patted myself on the back. I give you hands down praise. That was a lot of work.

[@jtedandlindasimpson7044]

Couldn’t help wondering why you would take your fabric & cut it down to 5” & 10”, unless you have a current project that uses these sizes that you are working on. Once they are cut you are very limited in what you can use them for. This is why I never buy precuts.

[@dianemah2578]

@@jtedandlindasimpson7044 I'm sorry, I forgot the word strips. I do 9 patch with 5 inch squares and cut them in half twice (+) to make different designs. I don't buy precuts. I always buy 1- 2 yards of material. I leave everything in long strips till I use them.

[@JanetBoitos-qf7jj]

I am surprised you had room to out your blanks away. That is my issue. I have to many nice-keepable things and not enough room in the same place!

[@theresaturnbach610]

Wow, what timing. You are so right. Unproductive!!! I’m beginning to think that I’m not a person that sews but a person who collects fabric !!! I’m trying the same thing. Funny I spent yesterday cleaning my room. Lots got tossed. If not I offer a lot of stuff on my local free Facebook page. So far I haven’t had any regrets ! This week I got rid of a large black constructor bag of flannel. Full pieces and scraps.

[@theresaturnbach610]

Toss things that are hard. Wait a few weeks and you’ll see you won’t miss them. It’s freeing.

[@theresaturnbach610]

My fabrics went out of style waiting to use them.

[@donnajohns7583]

Gosh are you speaking my language. I not only embroider. quilt and have for may years make Mardi Gras Costumes. I have toooooo much stuff. I am going to follow up with the two people you mentioned and try and follow in your footsteps... I know this will be very cathartic when I am done.

[@shellycoleman1939]

Oh my gosh! I was just cracking up about the quilts that were started for your grandkids, and now they're too old for them....I have had the same problem with baby quilts for my grandkids and have reluctantly gotten rid of the fabrics (donated or sold) after they got too old or too big. I did manage to finish twin size quilts for them a few years back though.

[@sherrymaylee9714]

Wood quilt hangers can hold bathroom hand towels or kitchen towels

[@amykitching171]

I use the exact same bin for my blanks

[@kimmenuckles3926]

The first time I watched you. I started going through my quilting and craft room today. You mentioned the KZbin channels I watch for decluttering and organizing. (I’m a ladybug.) Thank you for encouraging me to keep going in a difficult area for me to do.

[@esn711]

I so enjoy watching your videos.. thank you for all that you do and the information you give to everyone 🤗

[@loriar1027]

I totally agree with you about not being productive when my room is a mess. Gotta clean it out at least once a year.

[@joane8651]

I've STARTED decluttering, found two black plastic leaf bags full of scraps I have saved ever since I started quilting, and it's only the beginning, thanks for a very helpful tutorial as usual.

[@ruthwilliams3834]

That's exactly what I've been doing for the last week. I'm decluttering/rearranging/organizing my sewing room. For me the most time consuming part was the discussions I had with myself on donating or keep 😂 I must say as I'm coming to the finish line What a great improvement I've made 😊👍 I'm very pleased with my progress the room is more spacious and inviting and not cluttered. So proud of you 🎉👏 great progress 💖

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

PROUD of you!!

[@katherinewalsh785]

You know how you make a little gift every Christmas for your DAR Group. (Have I got that right?) Maybe you could embroider your blanks and use them. One a week and you’re done with time to spare. You could do a few in one go using the same design.

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

That's a great idea! Thank you!

[@missbellarubens5255]

I enjoyed watching that. I have ten times more than that and I really need to do the same….cheers from New Zealand

[@SueR-dz4dt]

Thank you! Love the idea of starting with just one corner and proceeding from there. There are so many good tips you’ve shared. Love your videos!

[@NemoMeImpuneLacessitNevermore]

Glad I’m not the only one whose stuff nags her!!! 😂

[@carolynkuntz7765]

Great video, Becky. Most of my "stuff" is fairly organized but it could be better so thanks for taking the time to do this!

[@lynnessewimperfect825]

Hi Becky. Isn't it amazing how much we find that we had forgotten about? I found some fabric the other day I didn't realize I had--I bought it 15 yrs ago! Don't forget to recycle your paper garbage and boxes to help Mother Earth. ~~ Lynne

[@hazelann63]

Spider web fabric for Halloween

[@twochicksquilting]

Great video!

[@Carol_Sews]

I would have reused any printer paper that still had a blank side and put the remaining paper into our paper recycle bin.

[@jjivy6310]

Girl you did a tough job! I need to reorganize my three drawer like yours, but I need new ones... Mine were hand me around ones that are about used up. I'm on the look for a dresser that will fit in that spot. You have to be in the right frame of mind to do the job. Great job!! Now to work on mine...lol

[@suzannrogers1150]

Oh my, that makes me feel better because I am not alone. I collected fabrics to make an I spy quilt. The cell phones on one of the fabrics have antennas sticking up on them like the really old phones. Kids would not have any idea what they are!

[@debbielong1168]

Great job, went through my sewing room after Christmas and now I love to go in there with everything neat and organized

[@aprilsodoski4696]

I’d go one step further and get my label maker out so I could know what’s in the drawers! Loved watching this!

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

That's a great idea. I'll do it!

[@marilynm.329]

Thank you ! You truly are a motivator! My sewing room is such a hot mess I’m surprised it doesn’t self combust….. I think I will go clean out something!

[@phylham1565]

Great video. A little bit is hard for me because I get distracted and end up all over the place. The mountain is always too big for me then I walk away. I'll do better.

[@sewinghomegoodsmarymichaud8632]

Just found you and subscribed :) i have that same exact black photo frame that's in the corner of your desk 😊 great video! Good job!!

[@suehunt5896]

I was cleaning some stuff like you. I happened to turn tv on today and found you decluttering and I thank you I felt so much better with my maze.

[@tracywilliams5779]

I WOULD HAVE DONATED THE DINOSAUR QUILT TO SOMEONE WHO MAYBE WOULD LOVE TO SEW, BUT MAYBE DOESN'T HAVE THE SUPPLIES.

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

Sadly, I can't do that if they have not purchased the pattern.

[@deborahjenkins89]

Omg! I can so relate to you. I have more fabric and patterns than I'll ever use....I spent the last weekend going through my stash of yarn...I have decided to donate 3 huge bags to a friend who does crochet blankets for the homeless...now if I could only bear to part with the other 10 boxes of yarn 😂

[@debbiehays9794]

My craft room is always in a state of declutter because I only have room for so much and I have a designated place for everything. I so can relate with what you are doing. Good luck and I know you will feel “free & lighter” once you finish. ❤️

[@kimandrews9734]

Becky, use the failed tote bags for reusable grocery bags. Doesn’t matter if they are messed up.

[@bernadettekanas8288]

Thanks for doing this, I will follow your tips and start on my sewing room!

[@brendacampbell4670]

I done this myself and took me 3 days because I moved things around and organized as I put it back. It feels so good

[@bettyweeks5188]

Loved watching you declutter, I do that often too!

[@candicedevane9000]

Another great video Becky! Can’t wait til our next cruise!! Take care!

[@yapper80]

Thank you!! I am going to declutter too.Whoa what was I thinking when I went a spending spree😮

[@annaschwarzwalder6069]

Thank you for that Inspiration! I too struggle and watch decluttering videos! I would like to add ONE MORE THING, to your muscles. When, after you put all the blanks into the bin; and lets say you had 25 Tea towels. For example say to yourself, each towel would be One Hour to complete. Now, look at your calendar, and here comes the muscle stretching: Can you find 25 Hours in your future? Can you visualize it into your calendar with all of the things going on in your busy life? If NOT, its called Storing/saving; not decluttering. That was a hard one for me. Will I realistically do these, after I have already stored them for one year? I am just sharing, not being mean. It helped me to really let go. With each new project that excites me along the way, I never said to myself, "Oh let me check my bin". I went with the New shiny latest greatest project. Hope that helps someone!

[@PowerToolsWithThread]

That's a great concept to share! Thank you!

[@Kalaura]

I LOVE THIS! I love you! I need to seriously do this! I thought I was the only one who had piles and piles of STUFF!

[@craftcrazy1]

I just finished binding four quilts in my room that made a big difference. I’ve got four more smaller donation quilts to bind. That has helped a lot. But now I’m behind on my calico garden. Lol

[@cynthialindsley5117]

This was good for me to see. I have a great space But like you there is stuff that's been around for a long time. Sewing rooms are difficult to organize and keep it organized because every tiny piece seems to have potential. Plus my brain can come up with so many different things to make. Anna calls it " lab puppy brain"🤣 Thank you Becky you are inspiring, as always.

[@budoneof15]

Becky I had the best time watching this. I think we are sewing sisters. Everything you said was so familiar. I laughed at so many things you said. You sound just like me. “I don’t remember what this was for, donate”

[@francesmiller8601]

Boy, this topic hits a lot of us. So glad you shared with all of us. I clean up a closet and it feels so good. My husband doesn't understand this process so I'm going to help him clean out too.

[@rhondalawrick6160]

Awe inspiring. Thank you.

[@MrChipathenIsMyDoggo]

Ahhh! I’m doing this right now too! I did a hard go through last year and put all of my “too hard to decides” into a tote that now if I haven’t gotten into the tote to get it in the last year it makes the re-evaluation easier but whew! It’s tough 🥵

[@merrilynblackmore6962]

Head back to Alaska in a few weeks. I started going through sewing items but didn’t get it done. Watching you I’m getting pumped to get going. Have a great day!