I thought it was time for an update on the collapsed wardrobe fittings. You may remember that I had to get a workman around when the wardrobe rails came away from the wall and had to be replaced. But first I had to take everything out of the wardrobes. The back bedroom/sewing room wardrobe was the most difficult, with everything from winter coats, crates full of whatever, and innumerable bags of projects. So much stuff! And it all spent quite a bit of time on the floor of my sewing room. It wasn't easy, but I managed to still sit and stitch at my sewing machine, surrounded by all that clutter.
There are piles of it
Where to start? I really wanted to check through those crates and bags so I knew what was there before putting them all back in the wardrobe. I started with the multitude of jackets, I had forgotten that Robin had so many tucked away. Six were donated to the lady who deals with refugee families, and she was delighted to take the men's jackets off my hands. A couple more were donated to the Op Shop, and Grandparents raising Grandchildren were happy to take two bright yellow vinyl rain jackets for their older boys. Plus I sold an oilskin, warmly lined sleeveless vest, practically new, from Robin's 4 wheel driving off road club days. It had been many years since he had belonged to that club, and we had certainly enjoyed some fun trips driving up in the hills with the group.
Two crates were quickly replaced in the wardrobe, one with batting, and the other holding quilt backings, flannels and fleece. That was easy, but what about these other crates? I pulled everything out and looked in the various bags, finding some long forgotten projects tucked away. One crate now contains groups of fabrics, not yet started - you know how we often have ideas for future projects and gather things together.
Projects not yet started
Into another crate went another lot of bags, these contained block sets waiting to be constructed. Most of these are Rainbow Scrap Challenge (RSC) monthly blocks from previous years - Happy blocks, framed four patches, Hollow nines, string pieced blocks. Also some appliqued scotty dogs, and another bag of appliqued butterflies I had worked on. It was so easy to stitch these blocks each month, and then they got left.
A whole lot of RSC block sets
There were plenty of finished quilt tops in various places these are now residing on the spare chair in front of the wardrobe. A couple are pinned up, ready to quilt, others have the backing folded up with them, and I had planned ahead and made the bindings for several of these quilt tops too.
Waiting to be quilted
You may remember that I have often stitched simple draw string bags for kids in foster care. I found a bag full of bits and pieces to turn into bags, colourful kids fabrics and linings, pigs, monsters, lots of novelty fabrics here. There are probably enough for about 20 small bags here.
A bag full of bag makings
So..... where to from here? I've decided I'm not going to count up all these projects waiting for me, I really don't want to know the answer. First of all I'm going to make three children's quilts for a special family, more about that later when I've finished them. I've still got a quilt to make for my great niece from her beloved Pop's clothes - I made one for her brother earlier in the year. And I have two big bed quilts of my own I'd like to finish one day.
After the three special quilts are done I've decided that I'll start on this bag, the first one pulled from the crates and examined. It contains string pieced blocks, and chickens, both long forgotten. And I'll leave the bag full of draw string bag pieces out and work on two or three regularly in between other projects.
Chickens and string pieced blocks
Then I think I'll alternate between machine quilting and piecing blocks together. Guess the point is not to get too stressed out about it all.
I did sell some special fabric online. Who can remember the pretty Flower Fairy range from many years ago? I purchased some to make my granddaughters a quilt, but they were both much more interested in horses than fairies. I also had two Laurel Birch fancy cat panels, that was snapped up too. And as I find it too difficult to take my heavy Bernina to classes these day, I was happy to let my Bernina trolly case go to a new home. So at last the repair and tidy up of the wardrobe is complete, thank goodness, it has certainly been a bit of a challenge.
Yesterday was my beloved Robin's birthday, he would have been 78. That was a sad day for me, and yes, there were tears shed. As everyone knows after a death, there is a year of "firsts". First Christmas, first birthday without him, and then my birthday and our wedding anniversary to come. Friends have been kind and thoughtful with messages, so that was very nice. It's not the same without you, Robin.
18 comments:
Wow! What a task and how well you have tackled it. Now you will know what to work on when you want something new. There is no excuse to be bored. Did Gemma help with the inspecting?
Your organization is looking great! So sorry your missing your sweet soul mate,we never truly get over it but I promise you it does get easier
What a big job organising all that stuff, you did well.
It will now be easier to pick up and work on projects.
Sending lots of hugs 🤗
Sending a hug to you as you remember Robin on his birthday. On my dad’s birthday, I have a black cherry ice cream cone in his memory—that was his favourite flavour.
You certainly had a big job sorting through the contents of the closet! We all need to clean out those places that have not seen the light of day for years. I have been working on them at our house too. Now, to get some of those projects to the finish line…
Take care Jenny.
That looks like it was a huge task, Jenny:)) Well Done!!
Amazing what you unearth when you take everything out....I love that little chicken block--so cute...lots of lovely donations you've made, too.. :)))
Take care hugs, Julierose
You have an interesting variety of projects to keep you occupied Jenny. I am looking forward to you showing Nicky's quilt. Hopefully Robin's next birthdate will not be so raw. Happy sewing Gayle
It is lovely to think of him on his birthday! He'd be happy you are taking it easy on yourself. That is a lot of work, and I have to clean out some spaces here.
All the best.
Hugs to you and hoping your good memories are plentiful. Isn't it amazing what we find when cleaning out a closet or wardrobe? Great job organizing!
Yes hugs from me too, Jenny, as you mark these occasions now through the year. But boy, what a lot of work you got done there with that huge sort through. Must feel so good, heh. And now you are on top of it all, rearing to move forward.
Love and hugs to you on Robin's birthday. Well done with all your sorting and your plans for working on the projects are well thought out. Never count how many projects you have just enjoy the process of working on them
I'm so impressed to see how much you've gotten done on your sorting and organizing project, Jenny! That is hard work, but such a good feeling when finished up. It doesn't sound like you will lack for quilts to work on in the next months! Thinking of you on your dear Robin's birthday - and sending a hug.
it is always good to go through a closet and get it organized I really need to do that too - mine is such a mess. You find things you do not remember you had and why were they saved to begin with? Good to hand off Robin's jackets to those in need
Sending you lots of hugs for Robin's birthday. You are slowly getting things cleared out and deciding on what you will complete over the next while.
God bless.
Hang on to the wonderful memories that you and Robin shared: they will always warm your heart.
Great job organizing! I agree with you, never count the UFOs! I'm so sorry about Robin, glad you have loving friends and family for support.
That was a major sort out and it's great that you were able to part with not only fabrics, but also some of Robins coats and jackets, those who now wear them will be warm, thanks to your generosity. The sort out also gave you a few projects to go forward with. I see lots of relatively fast finishes in your future sewing. No stress, just fun and accomplishment.
You have been busy with all that sorting. Well worth doing just to clear some things out and to find long lost goodies.
The first year must be very hard! Happy heavenly birthday to Robin! Loved all your “found” fabrics. I had some of that pigs in pajamas fabric. Love it!
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