making progress...

I'm going to let you in on a little secret.....

There are times when I find myself struggling to come up with designs and ideas.  And when that happens, I do one of two things.......

I go shopping, or I organize. 

Believe me, they both can get me into trouble.  The shopping because I obviously am not in need of anything, and the organizing because I usually end up making even bigger messes than what I started with.  But in reality, both are used as a way to avoid doing what I really should be doing, which is working on designs.

So, with that being said, here's a quick update on what I have been doing.....

I had my parents help in going through my leftover sample yardage from my many previous fabric lines and was amazed at how many yards I actually had.  No, I'm not going to disclose the amount because quite frankly I'm embarrassed that I actually had that much! And even more embarrassed that I was keeping it all, like I would actually get around to using it.  I mean, really.  Who was I kidding?!  But to give you an idea of how much extra I had, this is what I decided to part with....

Not the couch.  My family would not be happy with me if I did that. 

But those bins and baskets were full of fabric that I ended up taking to my local quilt guild.  Some of it I was able to sell during our garage sale style meeting, and the rest I donated to the guild to use in the many charity quilts they make every year.  I realize that to some, this may look like a lot and to others, it may seem like a small amount, but when you consider that this was all packed into a few shelves in a cabinet in my dining room.... well, it was a lot to me.

I have to be honest and tell you that it was hard to load it all up and take it away, because I am a "keeper" at heart.  But there seems to be a fine line between "keeping" and "hoarding", and I think I may have crossed it.   So, into the Jeep it went and I'm happy to say that it felt really good to come home with all of those empty tubs!

Now, all I have left to finish the fabric sorting is to take the last two lines off the rolls and put them on the leftover bolts that I pilfered from one of my local shops before they could take them to recycling.  Then, it's a matter of figuring out where to store the bolts since they won't fit in the cabinet that the other fabric came out of.  (This is what I mean about making a bigger mess than what I started with.)  

During one of my shopping days, I came across this really cool cabinet at a local antique shop that I just had to buy.  It seemed like the perfect size for storing larger quilts, and with the two drawers in the bottom, I'm hoping that I can get a lot of my quilts, table runners, and wool projects stored in one place instead of multiple locations around the house.

I know, it's not full, but it soon will be.  I still have more quilts to go through, and am setting aside ones that I've finally decided to part with.  Some will be donated, others given as gifts.  A few may end up for sale on my website, Etsy, or Ebay.  I haven't quite decided which method to use, but I'll keep you posted.

So, now that I've been shopping and done a little organizing, I've realized something.  It may seem like I use these things as avoidance tactics, but in reality, they really do help me.  You see, I've given myself some breathing room.  Taken a big gulp of fresh air.  There is room on my shelves for new fabric to come, and a freedom in my mind for new ideas to be born. 

Now, I just need to get to work on that.....

Comments

[Colleen]

It always helps to 'evaluate' and organize.. I agree! Love the fabrics and you are very generous to donate them to charity.

Just wanted to tell you I am putting the binding on one of your designs, Memories Sampler, from your Occasions book for my daughter. She LOVES it and so do I!

[Debbie St.Germain]

I tend to organize when I can't get into creating. Sometimes seeing what I have, gives me ideas of things I can make with it. Love the cabinet, beautiful way to display the quilts.

Debbie

[Leslie Schmidt]

It always surprises me when I go through my stash and I find pieces I forgot were in there. I am a hoarder, too, and I think I will one day find a use for everything. Good for you for being strong!

[Mary]

I would have loved to have been at the guild garage sale!!!

[Sandy Lamb]

I love all of your books and have many yards of your fabric. (Iam also a hoarder of fabric). I have made many nice things from your books. Keep up the good work !!
You are my favorite designer.

Sandy L.

[Melissa]

I can't imagine how you keep the creative juices flowing after so many awesome books and patterns, but it sounds like you have a great plan of action!!

I know it had to hurt to let go of all that fabric, but doesn't it just feel so good now to have more room and a fresh start? Good for you!

Can't wait to see what you cook up next.