My husband and I packed into a 3 bedroom apartment early this year. In my spacious 3-bedroom apartment, I have found myselves enjoying the abundance of free space. One of the rooms has been dedicated to my needlework, a place where my creative magic happens. I love sewing! it's more fun when it is all about a little creativity here and there.
Although, despite my desire for the room to remain uncluttered, I decided against acquiring a cutting table to maintain a sense of openness.
Within this needlework room, I keep only the essentials required for my sewing endeavors. My tool box consisting of needles, chalks, pins, scissors, elastic, zip, tape, threads; I purchase mostly black and White threads most of the time because it goes well with almost all fabrics if not all and also fewer colours. The ironing table, a necessary tool to ensure my garments are neatly pressed, serves a dual purpose as my makeshift cutting surface when needed. For storage of reusable fabric pieces, I utilize a box. As these fabric scraps accumulate, I set aside dedicated time to either create something new from them or incorporate them into other materials. It's not uncommon for needleworkers like myself to accumulate a surplus of supplies that can prove challenging to manage.
Recently, I found myself becoming increasingly overwhelmed by the growing number of leftover fabric pieces, which had outgrown the capacity of my initial box. Recognizing the need to regain control, I enlisted the assistance of my sister, who shares my passion for sewing, to help declutter and organize. I entrusted her with one of the boxes filled with reusable fabric, allowing her to select what she needed while helping me overcome the sense of burden caused by my accumulation.
Fabric scraps
However, a greater challenge I face is my irresistible temptation to acquire new fabrics whenever I come across something appealing. The excitement of envisioning future creations often leads me to make impulsive purchases. Consequently, I find myself accumulating fabrics faster than I can sew them.
New fabrics
To strike a balance between my hobby and minimalist principles, I've come to realize the importance of self-discipline and thoughtful consideration. Firstly, I aim to exercise restraint when encountering enticing fabrics, taking a moment to evaluate if I truly need them or if they align with ongoing projects. By practicing mindfulness in my purchasing decisions and focusing on quality over quantity, I can ensure that my fabric collection remains manageable.
Moreover, it is crucial for me to regularly assess and organize my existing fabrics. Setting aside dedicated time to go through my collection, identifying fabrics ready for future projects, and relinquishing those that no longer inspire me or fit my creative vision allows me to maintain an organized space. Through this process, I can stay attuned to the inventory I possess and alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed by unnecessary excess.
Ultimately, finding happiness within my needlework hobby lies not just in the act of acquiring new fabrics but in the fulfillment I derive from creating unique garments and projects with intention. By embracing a more mindful and deliberate approach, I can strike a balance between my passion for sewing and the desire for a clutter-free, minimalist space in my apartment.
Image credit is mine.