Tag Archives: Karen Brown

Declutter and Bee Mine

Have you been decluttering this month?

This is my sixth year doing Karen Brown’s Declutter Challenge.

I haven’t really had to do all that much decluttering in my sewing studio this year.

I have, however, taken the decluttering principles into my kitchen, laundry room, and entryway closet. Those areas have definitely benefited from the decluttering!

For once, I have actually sewn a seasonal project before the holiday has arrived!

Bee Mine by Jen Daly

Hello, Valentine’s Day!

Bee Mine by Jen Daly

I got the Bee Mine pattern by Jen Daly from Quiltmaker January/February 2019 magazine that a friend gave to me.

You can also find the pattern in Jen Daly’s Etsy shop.

And, yes, mine does look different from the original.

I made a mistake. Oops. That’s okay. I went with it and I like the version that I came up with.

Bee Mine by Jen Daly

Have fun and carry on!

Bonnie Hunter Silk Path Update

During my sewing studio declutter, I chose to work on Bonnie Hunter’s Silk Path quilt project.

Bonnie Hunter Silk Path Pattern

Why choose a project to work on during a declutter session? Karen Brown suggests a timer for the declutter and a project for the reward from decluttering.

I think it is a great idea!

Bonnie Hunter Silk Path Pattern

You are looking at 549 completed strip sets made from scraps!

I am so happy to move a lot of these brown scraps out of a drawer and into a project!

I will be turning these strip sets into blocks, but that is for another day.

Bonnie Hunter Silk Path Pattern

I have done some decluttering, but the Hubster and I decided it was time for a redo.

There will be more than just some decluttering happening!

This is the last time we will see the lime green, black and white.

2025 Declutter Challenge Sewing Studio

Upon closer inspection, you can see that the flooring is worn out.

Sewing Studio

Boring peel and stick flooring will replace the black and white, and the walls will be painted a super light grey. It will be better for crafting and sewing (and older eyes). The green absorbed the light and the room will be brighter when it is redone.

Have fun and carry on!

2025 Goals

I admit, I haven’t given a lot of thought to sewing goals (or any goals) for the new year.

I am participating in Karen Brown’s DeClutter Challenge 2025.

This is my 5th year participating. Karen makes it easy…you approach it with a timer. 15 minutes.

You can handle 15 minutes of declutter a day, can’t you?!

2025 Declutter Challenge Sewing Studio

Karen’s challenge has become so popular now…woodworkers are cleaning their spaces, along with kitchens, closets, offices, and any space that one wants to tackle in easy increments!

This challenge has just started, so if you’d like to join, it is definitely not too late!

Just click on the ‘DeClutter Challenge I’m In’ photo in my sidebar!

2025 Declutter Challenge Sewing Studio

My sewing space is small and always looks cluttered, even when I do have it cleaned up!

The current project involves a lot of strips, so it is spread out on the tables.

I do have a goal of using up stash in 2025. Bonnie Hunter’s Silk Path pattern is one of my solutions towards that goal.

I am using my 1-1/2″ strips and that is what you see in progress in the studio photos.

Bonnie Hunter Silk Path Pattern

I like Bonnie’s patterns! She uses scraps and her patterns are well written.

I hope to make a few more scrap quilts to use up stash.

I will also continue to make pillowcases for donation. You can see some of those by clicking here and here.

I have one other goal for 2025, and that is to do more hand embroidery. Once upon a time and long ago, I did a lot of embroidery and I’d like to get back to it.

Once I complete the DeClutter Challenge, I will consider other goals. I know there are UFOs and kits hanging out in the studio that need to be made. I still need seasonal table toppers and the gift box is empty too!

Have fun and carry on!