Quote Originally Posted by marni View Post
years ago a very wise older woman and weaving and handspinning mentor started telling me to ""burn the dogs" at least once a year. In this context a "dog" is a handweaving or handspinning project which is not going anywhere, is occupying space on the loom, bobbins on the spinning wheel, room on the spindle shaft and is drawing psychic energy from you. The idea is to undo it, take it off, rip it out and get rid of them.

I have extended that to become my spring cleaning ritual. I go through the house and try to get rid of at least 10% of the stuff, by giving it to charity, the library, another spinner, a beginning biker, the food pantry etc.

It gives you a tremendous feeling of lightness and freedom. Sometimes, at least as far as fiber goes, I do it several times a year.
Ahhh, same for knitting although it's "destash" or RIP WIPs.

Feng Shui subscribes to the concept of accumulating stuff = blocking energy, to the detriment of your health, wealth and happiness! I read a fun little book called "Move your stuff Change your life" and have to agree that decluttering is a way to free up feelings.

I have only recently started to act on this though. Something about Spring can bring on a fit of getting sh*t done. Cleaned out a ton of stuff from the basement last weekend and donated much to Goodwill. Cleaned out the garden shed, a closet. I think it has to do with the kids being older and that in and of itself is a joy.

As for fiber, well, when the economy was good I accumulated a lifetime (so it seems) supply of yarn. Think I'll keep that :-) And the back issues of Organic Gardening mag (from the McGrath years).

happy decluttering.