Today is similar to yesterday as we are again dealing with our valuable shelf space. And today we are looking at our BOOKS.
Books are more substantial than magazines. Some are for reference and will always be useful. Some are inspirational and might not be specifically about quilting at all. And some will be full of patterns.
Some might have cost a fortune and some you grabbed at a garage sale. They might be precious because they are from a favorite quilter, a workshop that you took or made a project from.
But despite their value, we are still dealing with capacity. Only so much will fit and the more space you give your books, the less that you will have for other items like tools and fabric stash.
So, how much space do you have for your books?
Next, gather up all your books and ask the question
Is this book worthy of my shelf space?
Start with your favourites and put them back on the shelf. If you do not have enough space you’ll need to make some hard choices. As before, take a look at how you have changed as a quilter. Which ones have you outgrown? Which ones no longer interest you? Which ones no longer inspire you?
You might also realize that not all books belong in your sewing room. I moved my books on ruler work and free-motion quilting to my studio next to my longarm. I also keep the inspirational books and ones on textile history next to my big comfy chair in my bedroom.
I thought today would be an easy day for me having decluttered this category several times in the past years. However, as I sorted through and rearranged my books I realized that I have accumulated a lot of books this year. My book capacity is at its limit. For 2025, any books that I add, I will have to remove one to make space.
Some books are like old friends. As you look through them, the pictures, colours and styles will get your brain firing so have your journal close by to make notes. And if you are tempted to take up more space, that’s your call. But it’s a balancing act. Is it going to be filled with books or fabric or something else?
When you are done, the silver lining is that quilting books can find a new home in many ways.
You can try selling them online.
You can find some new local quilters to donate to. My guild is having a garage sale at the end of the month and that’s where mine will go.
You can also check with your local library to see if they are accepting donations.
Now if you have any time left over, work on your UFO. Even five minutes of sewing is a step toward your goals.
I have started my declutter challenge project, my EPP Lucy Boston blocks. I seeded this idea back in 2022 on my Alaskan cruise. But I didn't want to start until I had finished my New Hexagon Millefiore...which I finally finished last summer. I am very pleased with how quickly the block comes together and I am challenging myself to use these fabrics in various fussy cuts.
Day 4 can be a rollercoaster, as books can hold so many memories as well as dreams. If this is your first declutter challenge, you might still be pushing back against the capacity issues in your space as well. Please post your stories in the comments, in the Facebook Group or on Instagram which books you let go of this year. And of course, use the hashtag so we can follow you #declutterchallenge2025.
I’ll see you tomorrow for Day Five.