making messes
Friday, January 29, 2010 at 6:00AM Some people complain that art blogs give a false impression that everything is beautiful and rosy. Since it is never hard to find the ugly side of life (our airwaves and newspapers are full of it) I like to think of beautiful blogs as a little balancing act. I will admit that well-crafted blogs can give the impression that the blogette has her act together (perhaps more than is warranted) which could intimidate others from even trying to join in the fun. Well, I’m here to tell you that, in my world anyway, I have messes. Sometimes big messes.
I recently had to have an intervention with my sewing room. It had reached the point where I just couldn’t function anymore. During my journal cover project I attempted to access my storage box of blue quilting cottons and caused a fabric landslide. I couldn’t get into my closet. So, for the past two weeks I have been regaining control. I sorted through boxes, cabinets, drawers and shelves. I attempted to organize like items into some recognizable storage system. While “filing” my huge supply of ribbon I thought, “how did I end up with 5 spools of white ¼” satin ribbon?” and I realized the answer was that it was often easier to drive to Michael’s and buy a new spool than to locate the ones I already owned. 
You know how things get worse before they get better in projects like this? Well, my room sat for about 3 days in that “worse” stage; I was overwhelmed with the task before me. But then slowly I started concentrating on one area at a time. All of the things that had ended up in the room that didn’t belong there were carried off and eventually I started to see the end. I also took the time to hang my bulletin and magnet board which I use for notes and inspiration – they had not been put up since I moved into my house in 2006. Now when I look around my nice clean space I am filled with enthusiasm for new projects and can’t wait to make another mess – a creative mess.
blogging, sewing, sewing studio in sewing 
Reader Comments (5)
Oh Julie, I can so relate to this!! It seems like every few years, I have to totally go through my sewing spaces and restore things to some semblance of organization. The worst part truly is the process: everything looks even worse than before for a few days, and the feeling of being overwhelmed by "stuff" threatens to take over. And then, it's done, and you can breathe again. I'm nearing the "gotta get it organized" stage again, and with the PMB meeting at my house approaching, it's got to be done sooner rather than later!
I sure do envy those windows, though. Being in a basement workroom does have its drawbacks.
Welmoed, I can tell you know of what you speak! I think we should all reorganize each year. I find I discard a lot of stuff each time I do, usually stuff I've been hanging on to needlessly. And the process helps remind me that I don't NEED any more supplies. Thanks for the comment.
Oh, I recognize that first set of photos as something my own space looks like right now-lol.
What a beautiful transformation and a nice looking space to work in. I love that island.
This makes me want to go and cleanup my space-but not tonight-lol.
Julie, you inspired me! but my WHOLE house looks like the little pile you made! But I'll try! Next time you come to Cville let me know, and maybe you can show me the best way to start... I did find out I have 1/2 a dining room table in the dining room, not sure what's under the other pile of stuff, but it may be the rest of the table...I'll let you know! I think there may even be chairs in my living room, but I'm not sure - I do live in a cottage, not a house - so little storage, and lot of creativity...you know how that is! Hope to see you soon!
Cyane, sometimes those huge messes really fuel creativity. Sounds like your muse arrives at unpredictable times! Create while the creating is good! Thanks for the comment.