We were lucky enough to get to spend Christmas in DC with some of our family–Daughter, Son-in-Law, Grandson, and Step Son.

It was great until we couldn’t get home. We made the mistake of flying on Southwest and they canceled all flights–including ours. Our short visit turned into an 11 day stayover. Which gave me plenty of time to think, and plan, and plot. Mainly on how to update my “creative cave”–making it more efficient, less cluttered, and adding a design wall.

What started me on this thought process was the loss of my “on the road” embroidery pouch. I don’t use it often–only when I’m traveling–it’s very pretty and just big enough for a small hoop, thread, and a project. My daughter gave it to me and I keep it where I store my pouches.

Or so I thought!

I went through ALMOST every basket, bin, tote, and box that I use for storage.

No “on the road” pouch.

(Obviously, I didn’t go through all of them because I didn’t find the pouch.)

I thought I was very organized and could quickly find anything I need because I put it in the proper space–until I couldn’t find this small item.

Which made me realize that I had too much “stuff” in my work space. Music, office, sewing, crafting. Something had to go.

When we finally returned home, I had a plan in mind. Then I enlisted Terry to help me move all the music upstairs to the guest room. I was totally amazed at how heavy that electronic keyboard was! Scheesh!)

Then I patched the holes in the walls from my acoustic display and touched up the paint.

Thumbtacked batting up for a temporary display wall where my banjos and ukuleles used to hang.

Then I pulled out the all of the bins and baskets out of all of their hiding places and went through them. Well, maybe not all of them, but enough to know what is in each storage container.

And I found the little pouch that started all of this. It was in my embroidery bin–of course!

Next week I’ll be sorting and storing my fabrics along with my Cricut materials. The organizing continues.