New Year's Resolution Thursday

OK, I've avoided talking about my New Year's Resolution so far, but since this IS the last week of January-- I figure I should finally fess up.  Accountability, don't you know, is a great motivator.  If I actually put it out there, it might actually shame  motivate me to take some action!

I don't think I've mentioned it yet, but during my recent vacation from my blog-- I've accidentally become somewhat of a Pinterest addict.  I signed up not even knowing what it was, but it didn't take long to figure out that I couldn't live without it!!!  :)  I have so much fun saving photos and ideas that I want to keep for later, and I also get to connect with friends to see what kind of cool things THEY'RE finding out there on the Internet.

It all started couple of months ago when I took an online marketing class.  (Which is the whole reason I even started this blog, you might remember.)  One of the exercises for the class was to start participating in social media marketing:  Facebook (already had a page-- check!), Twitter (sorry, but no thank you.  I just couldn't do it...), Stumble Upon (signed up-- check!), and Pinterest.  I still haven't figured out how using Pinterest works as a marketing tool-- but I have discovered I really don't care because I'm wasting so much time having so much fun there!

One of my favorite pastimes has been collecting photos (pins) of my favorite sewing/crafting/storage ideas.  I just can't believe how many organizationally minded geniuses there are out there!  You are my  heroes, truly.  And I want to be just like you when I grow up!  And so, with all of those spiffy sewing rooms in mind-- I come to my resolution:  I WILL be more organized in 2012.  In my sewing room, at least. 

And my first step towards completing my resolution...  I can't even believe I am doing this, but I am actually going to post the "before" pictures.  (The horror!)   After the frenzy of frantically sewing all those Christmas orders, I usually hibernate during January.   But by the end of January, with tax time looming over me-- I usually finally find the kick in the pants I need to start putting everything back in it's proper place.

My first focus is going to be sorting through my massive fabric stash and getting it in order.  How bad can it be, you ask?  Well, let me just show you:

Well, that's not so bad, you might be thinking.  But I just straightened this area up a couple of weeks ago.  So it's not "organized", but at least it's fairly tidy.  These are the fabrics I use most-- for my purses and aprons.  They have remained this tidy only because I haven't started "creating" again yet.  Since the new year has begun, I've only been filling orders.  I haven't added anything new to my shop.  Creating = messy (for me at least.)  That's where my resolution comes in!  I'm trying to turn over a new leaf.  This is why:

Yeah.  Um.  These are larger pieces, and bolts of fabric pretty much just smashed together.  Not pretty.  But it's just 2 very messy shelves that need some TLC, right.  However, I think you can see why organization needs to be a priority this year.  Still not that bad, you say?  Well, I hate to tell you but you ain't seen nothin' yet...

This is just ONE SIDE of my really very nice and spacious closet that my wonderful DH built just for my fabric.  (Actually, I think he thought we'd use it for OTHER storage, too-- but little did he know how fast it would fill up!!)  How embarrassing is THAT???  Oh my! Somehow I've got to whip this place into shape.  I can't wait any longer!!!  Inspired by this blog and this tutorial, I've ordered some supplies to get started on project fabric organization!!!

From now until I've finished (or until this project kills me-- whichever comes first) I'll try to post Resolution Updates on Thursdays to share my work in progress.  Here's my inspiration from Pinterest:

I've got a lot to do before next Thursday!  :)  I'm excited and scared at the same time!!!  Now if I can just stay OFF of Pinterest, I may just have time to make a dent in this project this week.  Wish me luck!  And, if you happen to have some time on your hands-- check out Pinterest!  You can even follow me there, if you dare.  http://pinterest.com/lauriesgifts/

Have a great week!
Laurie