The pause that refreshes. Even though I have a looming deadline, well, two looming deadlines actually, I have followed my inclination that it's time to clean. Doesn't that sound like fun?
There is something incredibly calming about finding order in chaos. I find that if I'm stuck on a design problem or the wording for an article all I need to do is go sort something. The thought required to conjure up the rules to categorize things ties up the critic side of my brain. That leaves the creative inner child free to get into the very best kind of trouble.
It's a win-win. Bit by bit the studio and house are brought to heel by my need to tidy. When my child is ready to design the space is clear and open, receptive.
The hardest part is learning how to let go. When you come from nothing everything seems important. Learning to edit is a beautiful skill. In a sentence, every word must carry its weight. In a studio, every tool must earn its keep. Having is NOT the same as using, or needing!
I use a simple test to determine whether to toss or keep: do I love it enough to dust it? The more time I spend taking care of my collections the less time I have to use them. Using is more fun than having.
The cool thing about fabric and thread and quilting tools is that they are always inventing more, new and better. I can let go of stuff today knowing very well that more is available if I need it. Not having just the right something means that I have to create something that works, which is always better.
