Your non-quilter here: I found a multi-plug item that is very handy to plug in my phone, scanner, and computer all at once. I keep it in my computer bag for those times I may be at my daughter's for a few days (holidays, special occasions, or disasters of some kind). Remember, folks, these videos can be for any declutter challenge if you think about it.
There are times when the pile in front of me is overwhelming my brain. On those days, I just deal with whatever one thing I touch first. If I clean up even just one thing a day, by the end of the week I have made enough progress that the rest is no longer overwhelming!
This is the second area I really need to be honest with myself. Machines I really need to get rid of. I have a hard time doing this so I just keep putting it off.
Thank you Karen,I have been working slowly around my room. I could start my own shop. This is a tiring process. But thank you as I need to do this desperately. Thank you, Pauline Thoman, South Australia
So very happy to join your channel. I really like you and your show. You really give a great deal of info and detail which so helpful. I've been a quilter for many years(although I use that term very loosely) I watch you on UA-cam on tv and of course you can't inter act that way . I have been inspired by watching and listening to your at times. I will continue to watch and enjoy. Keep going and just get it done.🌞
I find looking at the sewing room through a quilter’s eyes very interesting. The idea that a serger/overlock could be surplus and not used is very strange to me as a garment sewist, especially as I sew a lot of knits. I have a coverstitch as well, both are used frequently but the overlock I just simply couldn’t live without (contemplated it for a few seconds when my old one died, then I bought a new one 😊). Love this challenge and can’t wait to set up my new sewing space when the renovation of our new place allows me a sewing room ❤️
Love this challenge. I’ve done for 3 years. I’m finding I’m bringing less in, but I still find things I couldn’t let go of last year and this time it’s easier to say good bye.
I can't post a photo online since I am not a Facebook or Instagram user. But I can tell you about an accu -cutter I found hidden in the farmost corner. Why I kept it? I absolutely have no clue, it is broken for many years already. It probably was hiding well enough to escape last years decluttering. It is so dead, as dead as dead can be. I gave it to my husband - every so often he brings broken/damaged/dead electrical stuff or cords to a place which our community is running. He already has a big box of garbage.... Bye bye, this time für good ...
Nothing really unusual for me but I do have a surplus of sewing machines! I had started figuring them out last fall and have decided to set up three stations, one just for applique so I never have to change my settings. The rest are on the way to the local charity shop. I am keeping a total of 5 machines, one is non-working and purely decorative, so Im happy with that for now!
I have dug deep and am selling my serger which honestly I don’t remember the last time it was used. I also have 2 travel sewing machines. One was for Florida, the other for here. I am selling one of those too 🎉
I have an inherited serger that I don't know how to use. I'm going to give myself until the end of summer 2024 to get some lessons and use it, or let it go to someone who might be able to enjoy it more.
Somewhere i have box of cords...I put cords I didn't know what they belonged to. It has grown over time. But now when you remind me about electronic clutter i realize i dont know where it is. I guess it should go on the list to deal with....whenever I find it 😅
Oh my! I've always wanted to visit Saskatchewan, but I think I'll wait for warmer weather. Spotted a pin cushion today with a bunch of sewing machine needles in it. Can't remember when I last used them so out they go. Take care, Karen. Stay cozy! And the rest of you lovely folks.
Hi Karen, I've been doing this challenge for the last few years and every time I benefit from your words of wisdom about letting things go. Love the design wall behind you and your phone holder on your desk. Do you have links for both? Thanks
In my case, after doing your challenge for a few times, I have learned that since my sewing room doubles as the guest bedroom, I can’t allow myself to let things get too out of hand. It’s an adventure and a down side at the same time. Everything needs its place and since I can get guest at short notice, my machines need to be able to be secured safely within a few hours of clean up time. I’ve learned a lot with your chall Karen and still am. Thank you for all of the reminders and hints!❤
I found a few vintage Singers last year and have a few still needing some work and then to decide which I will work best for me.... And then the squirrels come out when I see Karen's machines and I get machine envy😂
I bought one of those 10 plastic drawer units that come with a metal stand for my serger. The drawers are shallow, and you can see what you have easily. I keep accessories, thread and yarns for edging in it. I have it right next to the cabinet where the serger lives. It feels so organized.
I found my serger in its box, after 5 years of not using it I’m sure I don’t need it. It’s going to a young sewer to figure out. But I’m keeping my 3 machines. My Janome does everything I need, my small Babylock is an ok backup, and my 1962 Singer would sew through anything I’ve asked it too. They have homes and I know where they are. The cords are the biggest nuisance in my craft room. 3 surge protectors later, everything in the room is plugged in in a comfortable place, even the batteries are charged and ready on a shelf under my desk, for my power tools. I’m now up to 6 quilt UFOs. 1 more moving box to go.
This one really resonated with me (the overlocker part) reminded me I might need to try & install my led ,ligghtbulb in my vintage (antique?) singer for an overnight sewing retreat -- a treat in more ways than one. This year's challenge has really helped me. Thanks Karen
Recognizing how quickly acquisition builds clutter, this exercise gives me resolve to enforce a moratorium on shopping. Even with a timer, applying one hint repeatedly throughout a day, is mind numbing to me. I am more successful on sticking to it by applying several of the previous days' hints. I am curious, Karen, that you downsized your living space, but maintain both home sewing and a studio. Seems counterproductive to have to annually declutter both spaces.
I would appreciate having both spaces available in her case. Having the opportunity for a few minutes of sewing while at home without having to go to a studio seems very practical. If she wasn’t filming the declutter challenge, she could probably do it in a single afternoon or two.
I was given a serger/coverstitch machine a few years ago by a friend who wasn't using it. I had been coveting a cover stitch for a long time and I was thrilled. But I haven't taught myself to cover stitch (I'm good with manuals so I probably could). I've meant to find a class but haven't got around to it. Maybe this will give me the impetus to schedule that.
This is where I’m good, with the exception of my serger. I can’t find a spot for it, so I only use it occasionally, and I a, terrified of threading it - after 25+ years! I’ve thought of trading it in and upgrading, but I don’t have a space for it. So frustrating!
Oh my goodness! I have a serger that I have never used… truthfully, I don’t know what on earth I need it for. I have two regular machines in my closet that needs a “tune up” I have one in a travel bag and one that sits on my counter that sew with. Plus I gave an embroidery machine… you think I got enough?! I have three grand daughters that I hope might want at least one of them! What do you all use sergers for.. in mean in reference to quilting? I may get rid of it. I need to really give this day some real thought… Thank you Karen! I love your videos.. most I have watched at least 3 times. I have everything I need except the confidence to “just get it done!” I freeze or it will take me days to cut something.. so afraid I’ll ruin the fabric.. that’s crazy I know. But I have to get past this or I’ll never make a darn thing! 😊
I love a serger for pillow cases. Im not good at french seams, so when i make a pillow case i serge the inside seams. I also sometimes serge my quilts edges before putting binding on. Especially if I used plush batting. Could I live with out my serger? Certainly!!! I did for many years. Do I use it often? No. Does it make my life easier when i do use it. Yes. Does that earn it its spot in my sewing room? Yes. Does that work for everyone? Nope.
This one will take me awhile to work through, Karen. I have 3 machines I love but I haven’t it and I don’t want to just give them away. I suppose it’s time to take the steps to sell them.
I use mine for quilts out of knits. I also use the picot stitch to make napkins etc. many people serge the edge of their quilts before binding. It’s something I do in bursts, once or twice a year
Karen, can you please tell me about the “quilt”on the wall behind you. Is it a design wall of sorts? I recently purchased some polyester wall/ ceiling tiles in white grey and black. We intend to use them on the ceiling but I may decide to use them for a wall too. They are about the same thickness as a wool pressing mat.
I've looked through your list of supplies, but not seeing the table/stand you show with your longarm machine at 2:53. Would you offer the link for that, please? Thanks! :)
Oh my!! My weak spot today!! I have (gasp!) 9 sewing machines!! Disclaimer: I bought 4 of them at estate sales with the plan to resell them due to the very good price i got on them. Seven of them are vintage. I use the other 5, though I mostly use 2 of them. I am thinking I would like to have a Juki Exceed, either the 300, 400, or the 600. I have only seen them online and I want to actually sew on one before I purchase. If I like it, I would probably sell all of my machines except for maybe one. Does anyone have one of these Juki machines? What are the pros and cons of them? I also have an accuquilt and several dies and mats for it. I have been looking for a small table where it can live, preferably with shelves to store the accessories. Right now it sits in the floor and I have to drag it out when I want to use it, which is a pain! Hope someone can enlighten me on Juki!! 🙂
I use sandwich baggies of pennies as weights when cutting garments with paper patterns. The value of the pennies is much less than the expense of buying pattern weights!
I’m so depressed, just got my Husqvarna machine back after a three hundred dollar repair and the bobbin case jammed the bobbin and now I can’t use it and don’t have the money to repair it again!!😩😤 ! I just have bad luck🤣
No you take it back to the repair place and tell them to fix the issue they created - at their expense. It was nothing you did. They should stand behind their repairs if they are reputable.
I totally agree with scrappy quilter!! I don't know what you had it in to be repaired for but if it was at all bobbin related, it would definitely be going back!! I had my machine (Husqvarna also) 5 years and could not sew on it. Took it in 2 or 3 times and it would work for the shop owner. I would bring it home and it wouldn't sew a full seam for me. I would just think that I must be stupid and put it back in the closet. One day at work - just out of the blue - I thought, hell no! I paid good money for this machine and I haven't sewn 8 hours on it in 5 years! I took it back and chewed out the lady who was the new owner. She had inherited a lot of problems with ownership. Apparently, the old owner was not very reputable. It turned out to be something wrong with the bobbin case which they fixed at no charge. You have to stand up for yourself!!
@@FayeKiser-pr2yu I talked to the repair guy again and he said bring it in because he didn’t understand what was the problem, and when I explained in great detail , he said ok I’ll look at it and I told him I wasn’t paying repair because my state has laws about this he said “ the only cost would be a new bobbin case. I said no because it wasn’t fixed the first time! He kinda tried to say well it’s not my mistake and I said he would fix it or I was getting a lawyer! Uuuugghhh I wish I could take it somewhere else, but I don’t know if any other person.
Good job, Hadley, for calling the repair guy!! Good luck!! I hope he fixes it completely this time! 🤞 Have you asked around (your guild, your neighbors, etc) to see if someone can recommend a different repair guy?
Your non-quilter here: I found a multi-plug item that is very handy to plug in my phone, scanner, and computer all at once. I keep it in my computer bag for those times I may be at my daughter's for a few days (holidays, special occasions, or disasters of some kind). Remember, folks, these videos can be for any declutter challenge if you think about it.
I bought a jewelry hanger for my presser feet. Hung it next to my machine with command strips.
There are times when the pile in front of me is overwhelming my brain. On those days, I just deal with whatever one thing I touch first. If I clean up even just one thing a day, by the end of the week I have made enough progress that the rest is no longer overwhelming!
👏👏👏 I once cleaning a room 5 minutes at a time. Steady always wins
I need to learn how to use the surger and embroidery machines that I borrowed from a friend.
Winter cold enveloped Saskatchewan …-42oC. …so cheerful space brings much needed warmth.
I will approach my sewing machine with trepidation and prayer because it is so long since I last did some sewing ❤
I donated a 35-year old Sears sewing machine to a thrift shop, with all accessories. They were thrilled.
This is the second area I really need to be honest with myself. Machines I really need to get rid of. I have a hard time doing this so I just keep putting it off.
Thank you Karen,I have been working slowly around my room. I could start my own shop. This is a tiring process. But thank you as I need to do this desperately. Thank you, Pauline Thoman, South Australia
So very happy to join your channel.
I really like you and your show. You really give a great deal of info and detail which so helpful.
I've been a quilter for many years(although I use that term very loosely)
I watch you on UA-cam on tv and of course you can't inter act that way .
I have been inspired by watching and listening to your at times.
I will continue to watch and enjoy.
Keep going and just get it done.🌞
I find looking at the sewing room through a quilter’s eyes very interesting. The idea that a serger/overlock could be surplus and not used is very strange to me as a garment sewist, especially as I sew a lot of knits. I have a coverstitch as well, both are used frequently but the overlock I just simply couldn’t live without (contemplated it for a few seconds when my old one died, then I bought a new one 😊).
Love this challenge and can’t wait to set up my new sewing space when the renovation of our new place allows me a sewing room ❤️
@@Erika_sews absolutely wouldn't be w/o my serger . I do a lot of homeless shelter quilts & use the serger instead of bindings.
Love this challenge. I’ve done for 3 years. I’m finding I’m bringing less in, but I still find things I couldn’t let go of last year and this time it’s easier to say good bye.
Amazing is it not
I can't post a photo online since I am not a Facebook or Instagram user.
But I can tell you about an accu -cutter I found hidden in the farmost corner. Why I kept it? I absolutely have no clue, it is broken for many years already. It probably was hiding well enough to escape last years decluttering. It is so dead, as dead as dead can be.
I gave it to my husband - every so often he brings broken/damaged/dead electrical stuff or cords to a place which our community is running. He already has a big box of garbage.... Bye bye, this time für good ...
Nothing really unusual for me but I do have a surplus of sewing machines! I had started figuring them out last fall and have decided to set up three stations, one just for applique so I never have to change my settings. The rest are on the way to the local charity shop. I am keeping a total of 5 machines, one is non-working and purely decorative, so Im happy with that for now!
Nice hair cut looks great on you. Love the declutter challenge.
Thank you, Karen!
I’ve started putting the operating manual underneath the machine. It is safely hidden but available when need arises.
@@pegballou9629 I was forever misplacing my manuals so now they all are in a binder on my bookshelf.
I have dug deep and am selling my serger which honestly I don’t remember the last time it was used. I also have 2 travel sewing machines. One was for Florida, the other for here. I am selling one of those too 🎉
I have an inherited serger that I don't know how to use. I'm going to give myself until the end of summer 2024 to get some lessons and use it, or let it go to someone who might be able to enjoy it more.
Definitely check out UA-cam
Somewhere i have box of cords...I put cords I didn't know what they belonged to. It has grown over time. But now when you remind me about electronic clutter i realize i dont know where it is. I guess it should go on the list to deal with....whenever I find it 😅
Oh my! I've always wanted to visit Saskatchewan, but I think I'll wait for warmer weather. Spotted a pin cushion today with a bunch of sewing machine needles in it. Can't remember when I last used them so out they go. Take care, Karen. Stay cozy! And the rest of you lovely folks.
Good evening, Karen. Happy Weekend. Stay warm
Hi Karen, I've been doing this challenge for the last few years and every time I benefit from your words of wisdom about letting things go. Love the design wall behind you and your phone holder on your desk. Do you have links for both? Thanks
Karen did a video on the design wall a few months back- it's a cool concept. I just try to get flannel to stick to my rough plaster wall🤔
great thanks. I will check it out
@@susangopher
In my case, after doing your challenge for a few times, I have learned that since my sewing room doubles as the guest bedroom, I can’t allow myself to let things get too out of hand. It’s an adventure and a down side at the same time. Everything needs its place and since I can get guest at short notice, my machines need to be able to be secured safely within a few hours of clean up time. I’ve learned a lot with your chall Karen and still am. Thank you for all of the reminders and hints!❤
My overlocker now has a storage place under the piano with a label on the cover - Remember To Lift The Thread Stand.
I found a few vintage Singers last year and have a few still needing some work and then to decide which I will work best for me.... And then the squirrels come out when I see Karen's machines and I get machine envy😂
0h my goodness, i found light strips, light stickers, and more side lights that have never been used...so funny what can be hidden.
I bought one of those 10 plastic drawer units that come with a metal stand for my serger. The drawers are shallow, and you can see what you have easily. I keep accessories, thread and yarns for edging in it. I have it right next to the cabinet where the serger lives. It feels so organized.
All of my manuals are stored in my Arrow chair storage.
I found my serger in its box, after 5 years of not using it I’m sure I don’t need it. It’s going to a young sewer to figure out. But I’m keeping my 3 machines. My Janome does everything I need, my small Babylock is an ok backup, and my 1962 Singer would sew through anything I’ve asked it too. They have homes and I know where they are. The cords are the biggest nuisance in my craft room. 3 surge protectors later, everything in the room is plugged in in a comfortable place, even the batteries are charged and ready on a shelf under my desk, for my power tools. I’m now up to 6 quilt UFOs. 1 more moving box to go.
This one really resonated with me (the overlocker part) reminded me I might need to try & install my led ,ligghtbulb in my vintage (antique?) singer for an overnight sewing retreat -- a treat in more ways than one. This year's challenge has really helped me. Thanks Karen
Thanks again Karen this adventure has been so liberating.
🤗👏🤗
Welp so glad these will be up all year because I caught the flu and I just cant catch up!
Feel better!
Get better soon. The series will be up until November 30th
Yes can easily get to. Great idea thank you
Oh boy do I ever need this challenge this year
Recognizing how quickly acquisition builds clutter, this exercise gives me resolve to enforce a moratorium on shopping. Even with a timer, applying one hint repeatedly throughout a day, is mind numbing to me. I am more successful on sticking to it by applying several of the previous days' hints.
I am curious, Karen, that you downsized your living space, but maintain both home sewing and a studio. Seems counterproductive to have to annually declutter both spaces.
I would appreciate having both spaces available in her case. Having the opportunity for a few minutes of sewing while at home without having to go to a studio seems very practical. If she wasn’t filming the declutter challenge, she could probably do it in a single afternoon or two.
I have a serger that I rarely use. I’m still trying to figure out if I need to keep it.
well i am sort of a nerd so cords and computer stuff and photo gear i try to put together
I got rid of my serger. Easier to use the fancy stitched m stitches in the sewing machine
I was given a serger/coverstitch machine a few years ago by a friend who wasn't using it. I had been coveting a cover stitch for a long time and I was thrilled. But I haven't taught myself to cover stitch (I'm good with manuals so I probably could). I've meant to find a class but haven't got around to it. Maybe this will give me the impetus to schedule that.
There might be a UA-cam video you can learn from too
This is where I’m good, with the exception of my serger. I can’t find a spot for it, so I only use it occasionally, and I a, terrified of threading it - after 25+ years! I’ve thought of trading it in and upgrading, but I don’t have a space for it. So frustrating!
Oh my goodness! I have a serger that I have never used… truthfully, I don’t know what on earth I need it for. I have two regular machines in my closet that needs a “tune up” I have one in a travel bag and one that sits on my counter that sew with. Plus I gave an embroidery machine… you think I got enough?! I have three grand daughters that I hope might want at least one of them!
What do you all use sergers for.. in mean in reference to quilting? I may get rid of it. I need to really give this day some real thought…
Thank you Karen! I love your videos.. most I have watched at least 3 times. I have everything I need except the confidence to “just get it done!” I freeze or it will take me days to cut something.. so afraid I’ll ruin the fabric.. that’s crazy I know. But I have to get past this or I’ll never make a darn thing! 😊
I love a serger for pillow cases. Im not good at french seams, so when i make a pillow case i serge the inside seams. I also sometimes serge my quilts edges before putting binding on. Especially if I used plush batting. Could I live with out my serger? Certainly!!! I did for many years. Do I use it often? No. Does it make my life easier when i do use it. Yes. Does that earn it its spot in my sewing room? Yes. Does that work for everyone? Nope.
This one will take me awhile to work through, Karen. I have 3 machines I love but I haven’t it and I don’t want to just give them away. I suppose it’s time to take the steps to sell them.
New inexpensive and probably very cheap machines are readily available making selling a good used one hard. Best of luck.
Sorry forgot to say who I am.
Kitt Rowand in metairie, La
I’ve been looking at sergers for years. What do quilters use them for?
I use mine for quilts out of knits. I also use the picot stitch to make napkins etc. many people serge the edge of their quilts before binding. It’s something I do in bursts, once or twice a year
Like the “wall tiles” behind you--is this your design wall?
Karen, can you please tell me about the “quilt”on the wall behind you. Is it a design wall of sorts? I recently purchased some polyester wall/ ceiling tiles in white grey and black. We intend to use them on the ceiling but I may decide to use them for a wall too. They are about the same thickness as a wool pressing mat.
I've looked through your list of supplies, but not seeing the table/stand you show with your longarm machine at 2:53. Would you offer the link for that, please? Thanks! :)
It was a Christmas gift from Princess auto. It was all black and I spray painted teal
I think it’s called a mechanic tray
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts thank you!
Oh my!! My weak spot today!! I have (gasp!) 9 sewing machines!! Disclaimer: I bought 4 of them at estate sales with the plan to resell them due to the very good price i got on them. Seven of them are vintage. I use the other 5, though I mostly use 2 of them. I am thinking I would like to have a Juki Exceed, either the 300, 400, or the 600. I have only seen them online and I want to actually sew on one before I purchase. If I like it, I would probably sell all of my machines except for maybe one. Does anyone have one of these Juki machines? What are the pros and cons of them?
I also have an accuquilt and several dies and mats for it. I have been looking for a small table where it can live, preferably with shelves to store the accessories. Right now it sits in the floor and I have to drag it out when I want to use it, which is a pain!
Hope someone can enlighten me on Juki!! 🙂
Day 13 is listed as private and hidden.
fixed now
A future note: Day 13's video is showing up as "private" and can't be seen.
fixed now
And what do the rolled pennies have to do with your long arm? 😂😂
They are not longer legal tender so I use them as weights
I use sandwich baggies of pennies as weights when cutting garments with paper patterns. The value of the pennies is much less than the expense of buying pattern weights!
Serger be gone! Maybe….
I’m so depressed, just got my Husqvarna machine back after a three hundred dollar repair and the bobbin case jammed the bobbin and now I can’t use it and don’t have the money to repair it again!!😩😤 ! I just have bad luck🤣
No you take it back to the repair place and tell them to fix the issue they created - at their expense. It was nothing you did. They should stand behind their repairs if they are reputable.
@@scrappyquilter8741 I have talked to the repair man and he says he will look at it at my cost because it’s been more than ten days
I totally agree with scrappy quilter!! I don't know what you had it in to be repaired for but if it was at all bobbin related, it would definitely be going back!! I had my machine (Husqvarna also) 5 years and could not sew on it. Took it in 2 or 3 times and it would work for the shop owner. I would bring it home and it wouldn't sew a full seam for me. I would just think that I must be stupid and put it back in the closet. One day at work - just out of the blue - I thought, hell no! I paid good money for this machine and I haven't sewn 8 hours on it in 5 years! I took it back and chewed out the lady who was the new owner. She had inherited a lot of problems with ownership. Apparently, the old owner was not very reputable. It turned out to be something wrong with the bobbin case which they fixed at no charge. You have to stand up for yourself!!
@@FayeKiser-pr2yu I talked to the repair guy again and he said bring it in because he didn’t understand what was the problem, and when I explained in great detail , he said ok I’ll look at it and I told him I wasn’t paying repair because my state has laws about this he said “ the only cost would be a new bobbin case. I said no because it wasn’t fixed the first time! He kinda tried to say well it’s not my mistake and I said he would fix it or I was getting a lawyer! Uuuugghhh I wish I could take it somewhere else, but I don’t know if any other person.
Good job, Hadley, for calling the repair guy!! Good luck!! I hope he fixes it completely this time! 🤞
Have you asked around (your guild, your neighbors, etc) to see if someone can recommend a different repair guy?