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Writer's pictureKaren

Decluttering in February

We are three weeks past the Declutter Challenge and I still cannot believe the changes in my space. As I walk into my sewing room each morning, the light streaming through the window on my clear surfaces fills me with so much positive energy for the coming day.



But I am still not completely done. I am working on my UFO’s. I have given myself to the end of February to get as many finished as possible. Then I need to start on some new ideas.


I'm also digging into my fabric. It’s a bigger job than expected, so of course, taking more time than I had planned. Totalling up my stash is hard when I find a new bundle in another spot almost every other day.


It’s amazing how much you can declutter once you get going.


I have decided that for a household of 3 and an extended family of 14, we do not need 15 extra additional cutlery sets. Nor 15 extension cords. And I am about to deal with all the wrapping paper. Wish me luck.


I have toys for 8-year-olds, that I thought were valuable, but after some research, turns out they are not. I thought at least one of my three dozen Starbucks cards were collectable but I was wrong on that point too. I have 5 old cushions I was saving to make a dog bed out of. I’ll put that one on the project list with a deadline.


In the past, I have experienced a lot of pushback from my husband, but it's funny that right now he’s okay with letting go 90% of the stuff that I have declared excess.


The next step is finding a good home for all the decluttered items. It's harder than it looks. Some I want to sell but most I will just donate. However, It takes time to take photos, then send the emails, reply to the emails etc. I could just drop it off at the local thrift store but I would prefer to find someone in my guild or community to have them.



I am definitely feeling more like myself lately. I’m sure it’s all the fresh air but it could be those extra minutes of sunlight we have every day now. It will be spring before we know it.




Until then, Toronto is still thigh deep in snow. The cold temperatures keep so many inside but for Mando and I, it’s three walks a day, rain or shine or snow.




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Carol Schon
Carol Schon
Feb 11, 2022

Do you know how fast I could cover those clean flat surfaces?!😀😀😀

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Jessica Coates-Cap
Jessica Coates-Cap
Feb 11, 2022
Replying to

As long as you and your guests still feel welcome in that space. Whether it be to craft or come stay for awhile... that's OK!😁👍

As long as everyone doesn't start to "dread" going into that space, thinking they might not make it back out... you should be good.😋

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kindy73
Feb 10, 2022

I have not yet started your declutter challenge as I was not home for the first ten days but I fully intend to watch your videos and follow your advise as my sewing space moves rooms. An idea that may be helpful for you and your followers: find someone moving into a home for the first time. I befriended a panhandler I saw regularly outside the arena and as I was moving out of the country he was moving out of the park and into an apartment. He took much of my kitchen and bedding items and the stuff he couldn't use he assured me he would pass on to someone else. I felt confident that he would know others…

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perfectseams
Feb 09, 2022

Hi Karen, just wanted to let you know how much your declutter challenge has changed my quilting life.I hadn’t used my sewing room for such a long time because i couldn’t confront the chaos. Every day I do a little more, let go of a little more, and wonder why I bought a particular piece of fabric.I recently cleared out my beading supplies and they will be collected in a couple of days. I no longer make curtains so out go the hooks and header tape. I plan to tackle my button fetish button by button In the coming weeks, and to be honest, months. Your advice has made me realise the kind of quilter I am - a mo…

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perfectseams
Feb 11, 2022
Replying to

Hi, I put them on a website called Freecycle. You may or may not have it in your community depending on where you are. I think it is a worldwide site. You just post things for free and then people arrange to pick them up.Regards, Donna

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jhawkwi
Feb 09, 2022

Thank you for posting the declutter challenge! I, too, am reaping the benefits of a clean, bright, and organized sewing space. I am currently working on 3 UFOs (happily I may add) and a QAL. I promised myself that I would not start another project until these UFOs are completed, including binding and quilting. I organized all my kits and future projects into neat bins and have them stacked in priority order. It has curbed my buying habits as I have enough to keep me occupied for the next five years. Who knew??? You are an inspiration, Karen. Please know that you do make a positive difference in this world and that my dear is true success!!

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So glad that you are reaping the benefits. Have fun

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nanastamper
Feb 08, 2022

Oh what a wonderful feeling!! I rallied with a friend who needed to declutter as well. Several messages were shot to each other asking if we wanted this or that. And we found the strength to say "No" to each other. And we are finishing UFO's before starting any new projects!! Not to mention that the quilt guild will benefit in donations.

The unopened items that we have are being donated to a gift basket. I have looked at some things and asked myself "Why did I buy that?" And I couldn't answer that!

I have decided to part with my Stretch and Sew patterns for children's clothes. After all, my children are now grown.

My husband passed away one…

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Replying to

So many memories. I know it must have been hard. 🤗

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