As quilters, does it matter if we have a clean and organized sewing space? Consider this: not only does it make it easier to find our supplies and work efficiently, but it can also have a big impact on our mental well-being.  The cost of clutter goes beyond just a messy sewing room – it can have a negative impact on our health, our productivity, and even our finances. Here’s what we can do about it.

Impact on Mental Wellness

One of the biggest costs of clutter is the impact it can have on our mental health. When we’re surrounded by clutter, it can be hard to focus and stay motivated. It can also lead to feelings of stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on our overall well-being. As quilters, we know how important it is to be able to relax and enjoy our craft – but clutter can make it hard to do so.

Effect on Productivity

Another cost of clutter is productivity. When our sewing spaces are disorganized, it can be hard to find what we need quickly. This can lead to wasted time and decreased productivity. As quilters, we know how important it is to make the most of our time – and clutter can be a major obstacle to achieving this goal.

Financial Cost of Clutter

Clutter can also have a financial cost. When we have a lot of stuff, we may end up buying duplicates or items we don’t really need. This can be a waste of money – money that could be better spent on quilting supplies or other things that bring us joy.

Physical Cost

Finally, clutter can have a physical cost. When we have a lot of stuff, it can be hard to move around our sewing space safely. This can lead to accidents and injuries – something no quilter wants to deal with.

What can we do?

So what can we do about clutter? Here are some quick tips:

Designate Storage Areas:

Identify specific areas or containers for different types of quilting supplies – fabric, thread, rulers, scissors, etc. and keep alike things together. Having designated storage spots helps prevent items from getting scattered around.

Purge Unnecessary Items:

Regularly go through your supplies and fabrics to identify items you no longer need or use. Donate, sell, or recycle materials that are just taking up space. May we suggest a destash? Wink, Wink!

Keep a Minimal Workspace:

Limit the number of items on your worktable to those you’re actively using for your current project. Put away tools and materials that aren’t in use.

Organize Fabrics:

Sort and store fabrics by color, pattern, or size. Consider using fabric organizers, bolts, or clear plastic sleeves to keep fabrics neat and visible.

Thread Management:

Store threads on racks or in thread organizers so you can quickly find the colors you need. Avoid having an excessive number of threads if you don’t use them all regularly.

Use Wall and other Vertical Space:

Hang tools like rulers, cutting mats, and scissors on hooks or pegboards on the wall. This keeps them easily accessible and saves space on your work surface. Utilize vertical space by installing shelves, pegboards, or wall-mounted storage solutions. This can free up table and floor space for your quilting projects.

Digital Organization:

Create a digital catalog or spreadsheet to keep track of your fabric inventory, project ideas, and progress. This can help reduce the need for physical clutter.

Finish Unfinished Projects:

Complete or donate WIPs that have been sitting unfinished for a long time. This reduces the number of ongoing projects taking up space.

Regular Cleaning Sessions:

Dedicate time at the end of each quilting session to tidy up your space. Put away tools and scraps, and wipe down surfaces.

Plan Ahead:

Before starting a new project, gather all the necessary materials and tools. This prevents unnecessary clutter from accumulating as you search for items while working.

Regular Maintenance:

Schedule occasional decluttering sessions to reassess your space and make sure it remains organized.

Remember, the goal is to create a clutter-free and efficient quilting space that allows you to focus on your creative projects without feeling overwhelmed by excess materials and tools. In the end you will save money, feel more productive and hopefully feel calmer.

Need help getting organized? Reach out at FeelGood Spaces.