The new year has started and for me, it brings with it a pull towards renewal and fresh beginnings and I think a lot of you feel the same way! For a fibre artist like me, my studio is the heart of my creativity—a sanctuary where ideas come to life in thread, fabric and texture. However, the clutter that creeps in over time can weigh down both the workspace and the mind. This year, I’m determined to declutter and make room for vibrant, uninhibited creativity.
DECLUTTERING FOR BRAIN-SPACE
The first step to a fresh start in the studio is cleaning out the unwanted clutter. Fabrics I haven’t touched in years, spools of thread too old and brittle to use and those dress materials that I know I will never use for dressmaking—it’s time to let them go. A clutter-free studio leaves me with more brain-space for new ideas. Each item I release feels like a breath of fresh air, creating mental clarity for the projects I’m truly passionate about.
A couple of people inspire me and help me to get my space organised. Someone that I really find the most helpful is the very organised Karen Brown from Just Get It Done Quilts https://www.justgetitdonequilts.com/declutter-challenge-2025. Her method of systematically getting organised appeals to me the most. It’s definitely worth having a look at her YouTube videos if you feel a bit overwhelmed with whatever is cluttering up your workspace! Discarding certain items, donating others and repurposing allows me to breathe new life into materials and anything beyond redemption gets thrown out without guilt.
SETTING CREATIVE GOALS
With a refreshed studio, it’s time to dream big. This year, my resolutions include:
Experimenting with New Techniques: From thread painting to fabric collage and everything in between, I plan to dig deeper and discover more about my art.
Sustainability in Art: I’ll continue to embrace repurposed materials and eco-friendly practices in my work.
Sharing Knowledge: Teaching classes and inspiring others is a core part of my journey. I’ll introduce new workshops, ensuring that both beginners and advanced quilters find opportunities to grow.
Completing Personal Projects: This year, I’ll encourage my students (and others!) to finish their unfinished projects. I know from experience how satisfying it feels not to have any UFO’s and enjoy a clutter-free creative space!
Participating in Challenges: Taking part in challenges encourage people to think creatively and stay accountable. I will take part in all the challenges that come my way and again, I hope to encourage students and members of quilting guilds to take part in these as well! It is so much fun!
MAKING ROOM FOR JOY
Ultimately, these resolutions are about creating space—both physically and mentally—for joy, growth and artistic fulfilment. A tidy, organized studio is just the beginning. It sets the stage for a year filled with bold projects, meaningful connections and new milestones in my fibre art journey.
Let’s make a toast to a vibrant and productive 2025 in the studio and let us make this a year of creativity and inspiration!

Till next time, happy tidying up,
Tilly
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