Happy New Year, friends!
As we welcome 2024, many of us like to map out our goals and new year resolutions. However, it can be hard to get started. I know what it's like to be burned out after the holidays and hesitant to go back to the real world following winter break. Something I find helpful is to do a new year refresh! I like to clear my physical space and my headspace to begin anew. If you're looking for some suggestions to refresh your sewing spirit for the year, I have some ideas for you!
1. CLEAN YOUR SEWING SPACE
This is a big one. If your sewing space is cluttered and disorganized, it can be difficult to find the motivation to sew and be creative. My sewing desk is small, so any extra things hanging out there really get in the way. When cleaning up your desk, make sure your most often used tools are easily accessible (thread snips, seam ripper), while items used less often are tucked away. Having too many things out all the time can contribute to a messier look, creating a feeling of disorganization. We all have those random things on our desk that we took out one time, weeks ago, and haven't put away. It's a good idea to also wipe away those coffee rings and give the area a quick dusting.
REMEMBER: Show your sewing machine some love! Give it a good cleaning, get all the dust, lint, and threads out of those nooks and crannies. Oil it up if necessary.
2. DONATE UNUSED TOOLS
As you are cleaning up your space, take inventory of the tools and notions that you have. Decide if there is anything you can donate, recycle, or toss. Are there things that you have never used or used once and not again? It might be time to get rid of them. I found a few rulers I realized I didn't use because the measurement lines were hard to see. Donated. I also found a bag of dull rotary blades. My local quilt shop will take used blades to sharpen them and resell, so I plan to drop them off there. My kids' STEM teacher likes to use empty spools for projects, so I am sending a bag of those to school. If a notion or tool doesn't work well for you, don't feel bad about parting with it! Only keep the ones that serve you and your craft.
3. ORGANIZE/PURGE YOUR STASH
Next up is organizing and purging your stash. You knew this one was coming! It can be an overwhelming undertaking, but just take it a little at a time and you can do this! Going through your stash and getting rid of pieces that don't speak to you anymore will not only free up space for fresher fabric, but also make it easier to choose what you need when you start new projects. Maybe you bought something years ago, or even recently, and it's just not your style anymore. That's okay!! Your taste and style can change and you don't have to hold on to pieces you don't like!
This doesn't just apply to fabric- I'm talking about zippers, thread, etc. If you don't like it and don't think you'll use it, then donate it! Someone else could bring new life into it. Don't feel obligated to keep something you don't like because you might use it someday. Trust me, you're always going to use fabric you like over fabric you don't like, so there's no need to hang onto it.
4. PUT UP A NEW QUILTY DECORATION
Now that your sewing space is clean and organized, it's time to add a little bit of flair. Choose a new quilty or sewing themed element to decorate your room! Some ideas are:
- hang a mini quilt
- frame a pretty piece of art
- print out an inspirational quote
- add a cute sticker to your machine (my husband gave me some fun ones for Christmas that he got here.)
- arrange artificial flowers in a vase
Finally, you're ready to put your refreshed sewing area to good use! Go to that newly organized fabric stash of yours and use the good fabric!! Choose something lovely that speaks to your heart, and start something new. Begin that pattern that you've been wanting to try! Don't worry about the pile of WIPs sitting over there. Allow yourself the freedom to start the new year with something fun that you're excited about!
Let's go, 2024!
If you don't have time to do all of this at the moment, or if it seems overwhelming, that's okay! Maybe focus on one or two for now. As long as you're feeling excited to create, then you're good to go! Let's get started!
Cheers! 🥂