Michelle, ma belle... tres bien ensemble
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Michelle ma belle, sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,

Tres bien ensemble

Spring Ahead.

3/11/2013

8 Comments

 
We set our clocks ahead on Sunday. A sure sign that spring is coming. It's been raining for two days, the snow is almost entirely melted, and the temperature has started a slow climb. Spring is in the air.
I used my free weekend hours tackling household chores. Between work and running around, we're still trying to get ourselves washed, folded and put away following vacation. In the process of playing catch-up, I seem to have caught a very desirable and long sought after case of spring (cleaning) fever.  

You see, I have these piles that never disappear. They drive me absolutely crazy. To be more precise, they are tote bags. Three Large Tote bags. Full. Filled with yarn/fabric/pattern overflow and  abandoned WIPs. These bags are constantly relocated but never properly addressed.  They're out of control. They're an eyesore. And, their existence is completely, 100% my fault. 

We don't have a lot of living space in our one bedroom Chicago condo. It's absolutely imperative that everything in our physical possession has 'a place' or things get chaotic. Consequently, I run a pretty tight-ship. (In the interest of full-disclosure, it's worth mentioning, I would NEVER, NOT EVER let Mike get away with the type of accumulation I've amassed.) So, why haven't I cleaned up my mess? Like so many small problems, there's a bigger problem buried underneath. In order to empty my tote bags, I need to completely overhaul and organize my stash(es). Over time, they've become unkempt; disguised by the cubbies that contain their masses (Out of sight, out of mind, right?). As a whole, the idea of sorting and organizing my supplies is an insurmountable mountain. There's so much to do. 

Ideally, I want to do this once; completely and orderly enough,  I never need to do it again. So, with a divide and conquer outlook and the accountability that this blog demands, I've started. 
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The first mole hill I managed to climb is the organization of my trim.  
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I came into a quantity of lace trim during a fabric acquisition last year (never blogged- more on that later). I'd never purchased trim before- I'm lucky I can produce a wearable garment. Adornment is still beyond me, (but not out of reach). Some of the pieces are really beautiful, and I can see finding uses for them in the future. So, after I washed and hung each piece, it got carefully wound, placed in a bag and, you guessed it, landed in one of those wretched tote bags of torment. 
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I didn't have a clue how to go about storage. I knew that I wanted to be able to easily see what I have. It's very difficult to work from a stash that doesn't readily present itself. I also knew I wanted my trims to be well contained and have a small footprint.  
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I took a cruise around Pinterest looking at some of the solutions other crafters have posted, but I don't have the space to to create some of the set-ups I saw (here,  here, here, here), and as my craft space doubles as an office/dining area, I was looking for a solution that was less of a focal point. At the fabric store, trims are spooled. I liked the concept and borrowed the idea. 
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To create the spools, I used a gift box/shirt box leftover from the holidays. First, I cut away the sides. Then I cut the center rectangular portions into two halves. Using no exact science, I notched the ends to create a spool shape. And, Voila!  One gift box yields four spools. I'm pleased with the result. One project down.... 
8 Comments
Alicia link
3/11/2013 01:09:49 pm

How weird, I just attacked my yarn stash in a similar way! Spring cleaning really is a thing...

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Renee Anne link
3/11/2013 03:19:10 pm

If you're okay with *ahem* colorful language, you should look into Unf&ck Your Habitat on Tumblr. It's like Flylady but a lot more realistic.

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steph link
3/11/2013 09:17:16 pm

tiny (itty bitty!!!) house here (by choice!) but same challenges---old house, so the one and only closet we have.....is my yarn stash and rather out of control. and it, too, is on the to-tackle list. sigh. i need a support group!

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Pumpkin link
3/12/2013 06:20:43 am

That's a wonderful start! The most difficult part is getting started and you've already taken the first step. I think many of our project areas have a dark place. Keep up the good work!

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kirsti(k)nits link
3/13/2013 03:19:55 am

The trims look so pretty like that. I would be tempted to hang them on the walls!

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Stephanie link
3/13/2013 08:15:53 am

Wow such pretty trim! I know the feeling, my collection is getting out of hand as well... I need another room in my house! :) It does feel good to get it organized though once you do it. Good luck with the rest of it!

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Meg link
3/14/2013 12:12:29 am

Your trims are positively swoonworthy!!!!! I was oohing and ahhing over all of the delicate details :)

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Sarah link
4/5/2013 05:34:59 am

Oh my goodness that lace is to die for!

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