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Monday, March 6, 2017

Lightening Up.

Y'all were so supportive and encouraging when I wrote last month about wanting to pare down my wardrobe - thank you! I am happy to report that phase one of the project is done. and I have photos to share! I'm honestly not quite sure what y'all will make of my closet (or my clothes!) This feels like one of the most personal posts I've ever written. It's one thing to share photos of my (adorable) grandchildren, fun cocktails and knitting FO's. but letting y'all into my closet ... that's a whole different level of sharing.

But this blog tells my story and I think the changes I made this past weekend are going to be a significant part of it. so here goes.

Of course I didn't realize I forgot to take "before" photos until after I'd started. (Marc might say this is what my closet looked like anyway.)


I did not take everything out, but I touched each piece, evaluated it and decided where it would go (it got really messy).


For items I kept, I separated winter from spring/summer (and have a rather daunting pile of things that need to be washed and blocked. ugh). For items I didn't keep, I made five piles: trash, donate and consign and two give aways. A friend of a friend has daughters about my size; most of my "regular" clothing went to this pile. I also have handknits that I haven't worn in a while - some because I'm tired of them and some because I no longer like the way they fit (maybe I'm finally coming to terms with middle age, but I now like my sweaters a little longer and with more ease. I bagged those up to share with my class and the shop; hopefully they'll find new homes with people who appreciate them (or the shop can use them as samples to encourage other knitters). 

Fast forward a few hours and here it is finished.



I counted up the hangers; I kept fifty pieces. 5 everyday dresses, 2 for church, 1 for covering up my swimsuit. 3 pairs of jeans, 2 slacks and 1 cropped. 2 pairs of shorts (yep, "spring" in Georgia). 4 blouses. 2 long sleeved t-shirts, 12 short sleeved (room to pare further). 2 cardigans. 1 jacket. 1 sheer blouse (only because I heard it might be chilly this month). 10 blouses/shirts. (I do hope that sums to 50!) I'm guessing it's about a third of what I started with.

I've already passed along that first give away bag and have an appointment at the consignment shop on Friday afternoon. Hopefully I'll get some good spring mojo this next week to tackle that pile of washing and blocking ... until that happens, or until I finish something, I have exactly one handknit sweater to wear. (fortunately it's a good one.)

And even better - I realized I do need a few new handknits. Basic pullovers (I have three queue'd), a layering piece (something to wear over a blouse or a t-shirt), and a black cardigan (the one I knit last year is in the giveaway pile - it's not the easy-to-wear basic that I thought it would be.) You can be sure I'll have more to share on that front soon.

Finally - I realized the process is pretty cool. I think I might even try to tackle this.

One last note - I started reading Marie Kondo's book last night. I will definitely try her approach on the bookshelf. I'm wondering if she's going to inspire any more "tidying"!

Is there something in your house you're wanting to tidy? (would you share photos of your closet?!)

Labels:

14 Comments:

Blogger Carole said...

I think your closet is bigger than my entire bedroom. Color me jealous! Seriously, though, great job, I know how good it feels to have that done.

Monday, 06 March, 2017  
Blogger Bonny said...

Wow and congratulations on a job well done! I'm with Carole about being envious of your closet space, but I think you've done a great job of paring down your wardrobe to usable, wearable, fashionable pieces. I'm especially happy that you still need new handknits! (Someday when I'm at a loss for a post, I'll share photos of my closet and you'll see why I'm so envious.)

If you can manage your closet this well, I bet the bookshelf will be even easier. I make this next comment semi-seriously: I happened to see an episode of Hoarders several years ago and was so appalled that I went immediately to my bookshelves and culled them mercilessly. I still have four boxes of children's books that I can't part with, but they bring me lots of joy. :-)

Monday, 06 March, 2017  
Blogger Juliann in WA said...

Well done! I started down this route a few years ago and now I have about 35 items in my closet. It has made getting ready for work a breeze! I am in the process of tackling book shelves now. Thanks for letting us into your closet!

Monday, 06 March, 2017  
Blogger Kym said...

Good for you, Mary! :-) And - based on my own experience - I'm going to bet you start tackling every single space in your house. (I'm on Round Two here -- because the more you get rid of, the more you want to get rid of.)

Tuesday, 07 March, 2017  
Blogger Debbie said...

Wow, your closet looks like it is the size of my bedroom! I love the feeling I get after I have pared down my closet, it reminds me that less is more. Good luck moving on to your shelves!

Tuesday, 07 March, 2017  
Blogger Vera said...

Nice job! And, it's a great feeling, isn't it? I've done the same, and continue to do so each season. I've pared back in other areas as well: books, yarn, fabric, etc. Of course, there are always some things I hold on to "just because" but I am getting better at letting things go. Now, if only I could get my husband to do the same - lol.

Tuesday, 07 March, 2017  
Blogger AsKatKnits said...

Well done! I am impressed (and envious of your closet size!!!) We have bedrooms smaller than that! This gives me some courage to work up to - sharing photos of my closet - yikes! XO

Tuesday, 07 March, 2017  
Anonymous Patty said...

I too have a small typical 200 year old house size closet! But...I do have a couple. About 2 years ago we did an excellent job of throwing. You may have just given me the mo-jo to begin again. If I saved it two years ago and still haven't touched it again it should go! :-)

Tuesday, 07 March, 2017  
Blogger Honoré said...

That's quite a report! Kudos to you for your persistence and accomplishment. Those bookshelves look tame in comparison...so I know you can/will easily tackle . I have a room in the basement that has a door that I can keep closed...it's definitely on my list to tackle April /May. Thanks for the inspiration and "tidy" on.
Cheers~

Tuesday, 07 March, 2017  
Blogger margene said...

You did a great job of gleaning and organizing. Your closet looks so beautiful and tame. I have a small walk in, but I'm not envious of your large closet because I have just enough room for my 50 items (and a cupboard for hand knits). If I had any more space I might be tempted to fill it up!

Tuesday, 07 March, 2017  
Blogger Penny said...

Wow, wonderful job sorting, paring down and organizing! You've inspired me to make my closet part of my spring cleaning. I think after almost 15 years in this house it's about time. : )

Tuesday, 07 March, 2017  
Blogger Marilyn said...

The season of Lent is always a "clearing season" of sorts for me - you know, clearing out the unnecessary stuff in my mind, heart, home, etc. Yesterday, I shipped 25 lbs. of clothes to threadUP. It will be interesting to see how much I get paid. It will be hard to keep from re-buying! Must remember that less is always more.

Wednesday, 08 March, 2017  
Blogger Vicki Knitorious said...

Ha. My entire house needs a tidying!! I've been away or focused on important things (kiddos) or deadline projects. It may be more like Early Summer Cleaning around here!

Wednesday, 08 March, 2017  
Blogger Lydia said...

Good for you on the closet after downsizing and moving twice I've let go of a lot of clothes, there are some pieces I've held onto, but think they will go out once warm weather is here for a while.

Wednesday, 08 March, 2017  

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