Quilt (a.k.a. Fabric purge)

This little baby took up a lot of my time over the summer, but even better:  It helped me reduce some of my fabric stash.  The entire quilt top (twin size, by the way) is made from fabric that was leftover from other projects.  The batting was one I had stored in the basement. The flannel backing, and floral binding were also taken from my fabric closet.

In fact, the only things I purchased for this project, were 2 spools of thread and a package of machine needles.

And as of this morning, the quilt is now considered 'purged', as I gave it to a friend.  It is intended for her step-daugher, who just moved here from her native Africa.  I am sure she will appreciate the flannel backing when she comes upon her first Minnesota Winter!

Purge #1

Wow, it's been a while since that first post!  But I finally was able to put together a purge this past weekend.

My daughter and I both went through our closets, and she filtered through her stuffed animals and books to boot!  In total, we were able to collect 2 grocery bags full of clothes, one kitchen size garbage bag of stuffed animals, a box of children's books (about 20 or so?) and one older crock-pot (it still worked, I just had 3, and did't use this one anymore).  We delivered them to the local community action office on Sunday evening. 

Man, did that feel good!

Next up, going through the movie collection - hopefully this weekend.

I'm on a Mission!

While helping my daughter set up our Total Gym last night, it hit me.  I have too much stuff!  Not only do I have an overabundance of everyday objects (knick-knacks, books, clothes, etc), I also am a quilter/knitter/crafter - so my clutter is compounded by a large fabric stash, tons of yarn, and general crafty items.

Now, it's not like I didn't know this before, it has always been there - staring me in the face.  I have just finally begun to admit it - and that is the first step in conquering your problems, right?

So now that I've taken that ever-important first step, I must also take the second step. This involves getting rid of the clutter, and then beginning to move forward with a less 'jumbled' life.

That's where this blog comes in.  As I say good-bye to my clutter, this is where I will document it - and all the struggles and feelings that go along with it.  I have a few rules that I intend to follow for my transformation from 'clutterpillar' into 'clutter-bye':

1. Donate useable clothing and household items to charity
2. Recycle and/or repurpose those items that are not useable as-is
3. Throw away only those items that are truly non-useable or able to be repurposed
4. Large items (stuff that is too big for me to transport) will be posted on free-cycle
5. Yarn and fabric will be used to make gifts for friends, or to donate to charity

Posting every day is not my goal.  I will only post when I feel that I actually have something to report.  Please feel free to join me on this journey. Leave comments, follow, or just drop in from time to time. 

Chris