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Happy New Year and Welcome Back!

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Whew! It’s been a long time, but we’re back to blogging in 2025! So, here we are: A fresh start. What better way to get a fresh start than to declutter and organize your creative space?

Having a tidy and organized sewing area can spark creativity, make projects more enjoyable, and save time when you’re looking for tools or supplies. If your sewing space has become cluttered over time, don’t worry—decluttering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are three simple steps to help you tackle the mess and make room for your new creative projects this year.

Step 1: Tackle One Drawer at a Time

When it comes to decluttering, it’s easy to feel like you need to overhaul everything at once. But that can be a recipe for frustration. Instead, break the task down into manageable chunks. Start with a single drawer or small section of your sewing space. Focus your attention on that area and really dig in. Empty the drawer completely and sort through every item.

Do you have old, worn-out thread you’ve accumulated over the years? Are there fabrics that no longer inspire you? Do you have notions that never get used? By focusing on one drawer at a time, you can make the process feel less overwhelming and more achievable.

Step 2: Set a Timer for 15 Minutes

It’s easy to get lost in decluttering, especially when you’re enjoying the process of rediscovering old supplies and forgotten tools. However, spending hours at a time sorting through your sewing room can lead to burnout. To avoid this, set a timer for just 15 minutes and give yourself permission to stop when the timer goes off. This small window of time keeps you focused and helps you maintain momentum without feeling exhausted or overwhelmed.

Fifteen minutes may seem short, but you’ll be surprised by how much you can accomplish in that amount of time, especially if you stay focused on the task at hand. Plus, setting a time limit means you can come back and do more later without it feeling like a chore.

Step 3: Create 3 Piles: Keep, Donate, and Trash

Now that you’ve sorted through a drawer (or part of your space), it’s time to make decisions about what to keep, donate, or throw away. This is a crucial step in decluttering. Create three piles or containers to sort your items into:

  • Keep: These are the items you love, use regularly, and know you’ll need for future projects.

  • Donate: If you find supplies that are still in good condition but no longer fit your style or sewing needs, consider donating them. Local sewing groups, charities, or thrift stores may be happy to take them off your hands and give them a new home. Or give them to a friend who might be interested!

  • Trash: Items that are worn out, broken, or no longer usable should go straight into the trash. There’s no point in holding on to things that won’t serve a purpose in your creative space.

I’ve also heard of a similar method: Cash, Stash, Trash. Cash pile = donate or sell. Stash pile = use storage bins for items you aren’t ready to get rid of. Trash = throw away broken or unusable items.  This leaves you with the items that you are ready to organize in the space and a storage option for what you aren’t ready to use for now or can’t decide about.

By following these simple sorting methods, you’ll create more space in your sewing area, and it will be easier to find the tools and supplies you truly need and love.  What do you say? Go pick a drawer today and get started!  Happy Organizing!

Important Announcements!

I’m so excited to share that I was asked to speak at Quilted! The Virtual Summit in February!  I’ll be speaking on: How to Finish Projects When You’ve Lost Interest. Join me to learn more about why we lose motivation and get steps on how to find that joy and time again to get them done!

This 2-day Summit includes over 25 classes and workshops and is FREE! (There is an upgrade option for replays and extras!)

And if you want something fun to do this spring, check out the Mackinac Island Quilting Art Seminar from April 26th through May 2nd.

I’ll be teaching the Fab, Fit & Fabulous workshop, as well as two quilting workshops: A Walk in the Park and Morning Glory.

Click below to see all of the 23 featured workshops that will be available and sign up now. I hope to see you there!

The Morning Glory pattern is part of our latest pattern releases for our upcoming line: Color Crush.

Color Crush prints are more reminiscent of our earlier collections, but coordinate perfectly with our ombre fabrics, creating the perfect CRUSH!  These fabrics will be in quilt shops around April.

There are 4 NEW patterns available now for purchase in the shop now.

We can’t wait to see your Color Crush quilts!

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