Monday, February 24, 2014

Closing Ceremonies & A Give-Away

First of all, I want to thank each of you who left such encouraging comments on the blog throughout my Olympics Organizathon! I can't tell you how much you helped to keep me on the forward path. Not to mention all the great advice and ideas that were shared.

I'm still catching up on replying to comments (and am WAY behind on my blogroll) but I have read them all and wanted to touch on a few things today. I am really not an organizing guru - it has taken years to come up with systems that work for ME. I am a visual (out of sight out of mind) person who worries that I'll never remember unless I can see what I need to do next.
The funny thing about this is that as I moved into my new quilting room last spring I was amazed to gain an instant jump in productivity. Why? Because as I gradually moved in there was less STUFF to distract me. All the pretty studios I had saved on Pinterest with shelves of fabrics and cute quilty collections just don't work for me. No wall of pegboard or hanging racks filled with rulers as much as I would like them!

This discovery has changed how I organize. I try to find a home for things and then I have a period of habit building to trust that I WILL find those things again even though they are now hidden in a basket, drawer or bin. It might sound simple... but it isn't! Old habits are hard to break. Every Monday morning I clear the surfaces in my quilting room, regain a sense of order and immediately feel better.
I won the adorable mouse pincushion in a give-away in December from LeeAnna Paylor who blogs at Not Afraid of Color and I just love it! These 2 baskets are my concession to having some pretty fabrics on display. The rest as you have seen in my last posts are in drawers or behind doors.
Something else that really works for me are trays. When I need to use my table for basting I love being able to pick up this tray and move it elsewhere. I use trays or small baskets all over my house. It's a nice bridge between having it in sight but contained.
Notions are my biggest problem area. They are not uniform to store and oh so frustrating when I can't find them. For now I am trying to corral them in these boxes. The ones that are labeled are working... the others are still in process. But at least I know where to start looking!
I used to hang my scissors and rotary cutters where my rulers are hanging on the end of my cutting table but I dropped them too often reaching for them and my floor didn't take well to that habit.
Yesterday's give-away was all about labels. Did you notice the cute labels on my baskets above? I got the idea and the template HERE from Better Homes and Gardens. I buy my pouches at Amazon.com but I'm sure they can found elsewhere too. These meet my label criteria which is quick and easy! A package of these pouches will go to the lucky winner so if you haven't entered click HERE.
One more thing. I was going to comment on yesterday's post about the size of my stash on a more serious note but the post was so long already. I started quilting in 2002 after moving here in the midst of a bout of major depression that ended my career. I wrote a POST about this back in October 2012 if you want to read more.

As I look back to that time I was definitely self medicating myself by acquiring pretty fabric. I think I was more of a fabric collector than a quilter - and of course you all know I was an awesome UFO Maker! The upside of that (other than having lots of pretty fabrics) is that I have turned the corner into a "real" quilter who still buys some fabric but also uses LOTS of it. I'm good with that and I love my stash.
Today I'm offering one more give-away in sincere thanks for all of your cheers as I worked through my events and various venues. I have selected 2 groups of fabrics to cut a set of FQs from. Please leave a comment as to which set you would prefer - sewing or kids novelties.
I'll ask Mr. Random to select 2 lucky winners on Thursday, Feb. 27. Be sure to leave an email address in your comment if you are No-Reply! NOTE: This give-away is now closed.

I've yet to watch the Sochi Closing Ceremonies - I've got to get the binding done on my A Year of Lovely Finishes quilt so will be catching up on that too. I'm looking forward to a week of sewing and my Olympics Organizathon is now closed. My Gold Medal Sew Perfect Table has been ordered! Cue heart swelling music please....

84 comments:

  1. OOO it looks great! I am a big fan of getting organized and you did such a creative job! Iove the sewing fabric! Thanks for the giveaway.
    deebriese@yahoo.com

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  2. The kids novelties would be my favorites. Even though you don't think of yourself as an organization guru, you have given us all lots of great ideas and a platform for others to share even more ideas. Thanks!!

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  3. the first one please, thanks for the chance

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  4. Your sewing room looks great! I haven't organized mine YET after moving here 6 mo. ago! Just the featherweight on the kitchen table is how I roll for now! I know about depression having endured it for several months after the death of my DH :-( I love the cheeriness of the kids fabs and they would look cute in an I Spy for a donation quilt. Thanks!! Oops meant to include email just in case since I've been having probs with folks commenting on my blog-- it's itsknotsew at gmail dot com.

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  5. I guess that answers my question about how long you've been collecting. ;) I like you organizing tips - I had everything in a couple of large boxes, and I'm like you - out of sight, out of mind. And NOTHING is labeled. Hence why I'm losing my sanity over one little neutral fabric order! (Oh, and sewing fabrics. Because then I could make pouches to hold things!

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  6. love the sewing collections, .......I will never be as organized as you......I have most of my fabrics in tubs by color, and way too many projects in tubs also, that's the extent of my organization. thanks for a chance to win fqs!

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  7. I wish I had that much space to sew in. Yours looks great! I would love to have the sewing bundle if I win.

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  8. Wonderful organization! I would love to win the sewing fabric. Thanks for the chance!

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  9. I wish my sewing room was as calm as yours as I'm sure I could get so much more done. I am going to start by stealing the labeled boxes idea from you. I've been on a unclutter the house binge for about three months and find the less I have to look at the more I can see the important stuff. I would choose the sewing fabric, it's so cute!

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  10. Lookin' good! Love the sewing fabrics! Thanks for the giveaways and for the inspiration. :)

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  11. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful ideas! I'm definitely inspired. I hope to figure out what works best for me as well. I like the sewing fabrics. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  12. Your sewing space is looking just fabulous, I'm a lot like you I link things out of sight. But sometimes it's out of sight out of mind. I like sewing fabrics, thanks for the opportunity.

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  13. Your quilting room looks very serene. I know I don't do well with clutter, and you seem to have conquered it, There may be hope for me yet!

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  14. Your room looks great! And so do your closets. ;) I love having everything but what I need put away too. First because I can't think in clutter. Second, because it is less things for little fingers to get in to. Your labels are much cutere than mine. I use the slips which came with my Ikea boxes,plain address labels, and masking tape. (I like the novelty better.)

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  15. I love that huge window in your quilting room! My sewing room window looks out onto neighbors that are um... difficult. So I keep it closed all the time. Thank you for offering this giveaway. I love the children's novelties fabrics!

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  16. Thank you for sharing, both your organizational tips and a bit of your stash :) Either set would be lovely, but I do love that measuring tape fabric!!

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  17. I appreciated that you shared your process as well as the results. I think I am like you in that I like to know where everything is but the visual clutter tends to paralyze me. We are planning a move and I have spent more time imagining how my new sewing room will unfold instead of designing our new kitchen. Sewing has now trumped food! I would love to find a home for your sewing fabrics in my new room.

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  18. I'm loving your bright sewing room! Did you make your cutting table or did you fid it somewhere? It looks great.
    Thanks for the chance at the giveaway. I'd like the sewing fabrics. :-)

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  19. we all do what works best for each of us...whatever makes you happy and productive is a win/win situation....and i would like some of those sewing themed fabrics and yes, i do have room for them.....someplace....LOL

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  20. Your sewing room looks fantastic... I love to be organized too but I just can't find the time yet to do it (too busy moving snow on my free time, grrrrr). Those sewing themed fabrics are awesome!! Thanks for the chance!

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  21. The sewing fabrics look wonderful and I would love them. Your room is so neat. Must work on mine. Bernice Ramsey

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  22. I like the tray idea for organizing. The novelties look so lovely.

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  23. I love your counter...what are the hooks on the side? I love the sewing fabric. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

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  24. I really enjoy reading your posts, and especially all the organizing ones lately. You have some great ideas. I would love the sewing fabrics.

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  25. Well, the sewing for me, but since I'm making grandkids quilts, I guess the kids :) I have enjoyed reading your posts and have been working on getting motivated to organize like you (notice I'm "working" on getting there!)

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  26. Deb, I am in love with your cutting center. Where did you get it? I hope (soon) I will have my very own sewing room. I don't do very well with clutter myself. Too many distractions around. Your room is just beautiful!!

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  27. Lots of truth in getting distracted! I so need a major overhaul and some clearing out. Thanks for all the inspiration! Those sewing fabrics look fun!

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  28. Congratulations! And thank you! Your posts have really inspired me to organize my sewing room. I would love to play with those sewing fabrics. And I can't wait to see all the new creations that you produce in your organized sewing room!

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  29. Thanks for your organizational posts; you gave me a lot of inspiration. I like both bundles of fabric but I think I can use the kid's bundle more. Thanks for the chance to win.
    k.castanette@hotmail.com

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  30. I like that sewing bundle, and I love your sewing room! What a beautiful view you have! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  31. What a great bright sewing space. Thanks for the give away

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  32. I love the sewing bundle. I love your entire stash, very drool worthy. Thanks

    tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

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  33. I have enjoyed watching your re-organisation (one of my favourite activities!). I love the sewing novelties.

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  34. It's all so beautiful! I love the sewing selections. Thank you for the try.

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  35. How exciting to receive a gold medal after your awesome two weeks of working hard :-) Love your space.
    I love the sewing fabrics :-)

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  36. Your organized sewing area looks like a great place for productivity now. LOVE it! I'd love to win the kids' novelty fabrics. Thanks for sharing.

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  37. Definately the sewing fabric selection for me, if I am lucky enough to win. Your sewing space looks great - good on you for perservering with the big tidy up!

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  38. Maybe that is why I get so easily distracted- too many things I can see. Love the novelties, and I too love a little fabric therapy now and then.

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  39. The sewing-theme fabric speaks to me! Deb, your productivity has always amazed and inspired me. Your new organizational system will allow you to get even more done.

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  40. Clearing everything away Monday mornings is great idea - will have to give that one a try. I would love a chance to win FQs of your sewing fabrics. Thanks!

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  41. Your sewing room looks so great…..makes one want to SEW and create! You had lots of good ideas. I like the sewing selections best. Thanks.
    itskarenk at yahoo dot com

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  42. congrats on the beautiful space and all the progress that you have made. I like those sewing fabrics they are very cool.

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  43. Awesome job! I'd love the sewing fabric.

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  44. heehee those fabrics are just my thing!! Thanks for the great giveaway!! Love following the blog.
    LeeAnna Paylor
    leeannaquilts@gmail.com

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  45. Your sewing room is so bright and cheerful. Thanks for the giveaway! I would adore the kid novelty prints.

    onehotstove AT gmail DOT com

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  46. Thanks for all the organization ideas! You said that you prewash your fabric. Do you iron it before adding it to your stash? I seem to always have fabric in my ironing basket. Thanks for the giveaway. I like the sewing fabric.

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  47. Neat sewing room!
    I'd choose the kids novelty!
    Thanks for sharing!

    cobaltt16@yahoo.com

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  48. Congratulations! You have done an awesome job! You have a wonderful space to create in. I will be visiting your pages often as I make my nest my own. Thanks for all the inspiration!
    I love the sewing fabrics~ very fun collection! Have a happy day!

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  49. Hi Deb. I love your sewing room. I have trouble getting my notions in line. I know I bought a dozen new bobbins a year ago from the dealer, but I have yet to find where I put them. I would love to win the sewing group, I have been looking for tape measure fabric at my local quit shops but haven't found any yet. Thanks for sharing your Olympic events, you deserve the Gold!

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  50. Your sewing room looks fantastic. Great job. Thanks for the give-a-way. I would take either bundle of FQs ..............

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  51. I've enjoyed watching your UFOs evolve into finished quilts. Your use of straight line quilting has inspired me. Quilting & being creative are definitely exercises in mental health for me too. Especially through long, cold, depressing winters. If my name gets picked, I prefer the sewing fabrics. annesimonot@sasktel.net

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  52. You're sewing room is very organized. Nice! I like the labels you used. What a lovely give away. I would choose the sewing themed fabric.

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  53. Rosemary B here:
    Oh myyyyy I am late to this one.
    I took my dad to the lab this morning and then, everything else went completely out of schedule.
    I have really enjoyed reading your Olympic Effort. I think even more than the real Olympics, really!!
    I appreciate your tips. I will take these ideas into consideration. I love your huge table.
    Thank you for offering a fun giveaway. How sweet and generous.
    Well, both piles are super cute, but I do favor the top selections the best. Love the colors!
    Your "office" looks Wonderful!

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  54. I have been working on organizing my space since the first of the year. I am not nearly as far on the chore though. I love using clear boxes and totes so I can see what is inside- flannels, Christmas, kids, etc. I would love either one but maybe the kids a bit more.

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  55. I wish I had your resolve.
    I have been inspired by you and have adopted a couple of your ideas so far, so thank you!
    I lust after your work table mind you, I confess to envy of a spectacular green over that!
    Should I be lucky, the sewing fabrics please.
    I guess now your all sorted you can take time off for good behaviour?
    lol

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  56. wonderful job organizing. I would like the sewing fabric.

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  57. I have enjoyed following the progress of your reorganization. You have shared many great ideas. The Sewing Fabric is wonderful.

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  58. Sewing notion fabrics for sure - they are so perfect! Well done on 12 quilting (and fabric stashing!).

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  59. I have all sorts of ideas for the sewing fabrics!
    I have enjoyed watching YOUR ongoing olympics, and writing my own version. Thanks for the idea.
    linsquilts.blogspot.com
    lin3841 at gmail dot com

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  60. The sewing fabrics! I also loved your organization ideas!

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  61. Beautiful sewing room. Well worth all that work. I like all your fabrics but if I have to choose then the Sewing bundle. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  62. I watched you make that sewing room and you did an amazing job. I am glad you are doing better about your depression...I know it is hard to beat, I suffered depression in the 80's that almost lost my job. It is nice to have alot of fabric to choose from, if I had to pick would pick sewing bundle. Thank you for sharing your Olympics with us. bpfrimmer@yahoo.com

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  63. Love your sewing room! Since having to retire due to medical reasons, I have learned to make do with my fabric stash, and use what I have. Thank goodness, I brought all that fabric when I was working! Great giveaway! I love the sewing bundle. Thanks for the chance to win!

    wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  64. Thanks for the tips especially something you said today about using trays and things still being in site. I am so a person that needs to see my things or I forget where they are. I would like the kids prints if I were lucky.

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  65. Love, love that big table! If I won, I'd prefer the sewing bundle, but really, I am not picky. It's is all very cute.
    I loved the closing ceremonies!

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  66. Congratulations of the great work you have done with your organising. It was very brave of you to share the journey.It is wonderful to discover new ideas to try and see if they work for me.
    Thanks.

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  67. I love the sewing bundle. Thanks for all the organization tips and for sharing photos of your space. I am drooling over that cutting table!

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  68. Thanks for the chance I love the first bundle. Fingers crossed!

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  69. Awesome inspiration for us to get organized! Thanks for all the good tips.

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  70. Thanks for sharing your organizing strategies. Your room is beautiful. I'd love to win the the sewing fabric. svonfumetti at yahoo dot com

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  71. I would be thrilled to win either - thank you!!

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  72. Great room and most assuredly worth the work. I work better when I am organized and can see things so thank you for all the great tips. I will be using many. If by chance, I win, I would love the sewing themed fabrics. I am doing the Aurifil BOM with Pat Sloan in the sewing fabrics that I have but these would certainly "punch" it up!

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  73. I sew enjoy your posts on organizing! You're a great inspiration. It has been fun watching Elsa growing up. I'd love a bit of sewing fabric...thanks for the chance.

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  74. So sorry the Olympics and your olymporganization are over. Your posts have been so helpful and enjoyable. Wish I had more room to get my sewing space so tidy and organized.

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  75. I absolutely love your table. You did an awesome job. I might get motivated to clean up my room now after seeing yours.

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  76. Great sewing room. I love the tray idea. I usually balance things on a book or folder and they slide off. I would love the sewing theme fabrics if I get picked.
    valspierssews at gmail dot com

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  77. Your sewing room looks great. If I am not to late for the giveaway I would pick the sewing theme fabric.

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  78. So So proud of you. I'm so glad your getting your new table. All that "training" has paid off. You now sort and organise like a pro. You even inspired me to organise a little. and now I'm off to finish a project and start cutting for a long term eye spy quilt (or 2). those novelty prints would work wonders for them.

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  79. I love your neat sewing room, such a lovely light room to stitch in. I'm amazed at all your fabrics and how organised you are with everything. I hope you don't mind me asking but what do you do with all you create. I reason I ask is that my cupboards and drawers are full of quilts and friends have been given quilts so now I wonder what to do with what I create..? Hope you can help. Happy stitching.

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  80. TRAYS! It seems so obvious now, why haven't I been using trays? That's the a-ha moment I took from your post, so thank you for that and thanks so much for sharing your space! I do so love seeing other people's creative spaces!

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  81. I am so in love with your sewing space! It is so crisp, clean, well lighted with sunlight, and delicious!

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  82. Thanks for the look--see. It's a lovely and functional space.

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  83. Beautiful sewing space! I'm really envious of all your light from the windows. My sewing room can seem like a bit of a cave.

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