tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post4663952496100267803..comments2024-03-28T09:14:59.192-04:00Comments on La Sewista!: I have UN - KONDO'd!Bunnyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-29760950392024593922016-11-23T00:03:56.643-05:002016-11-23T00:03:56.643-05:00Whew,...I have felt so guilty for not reading her ...Whew,...I have felt so guilty for not reading her book! I feel as though I just went to Confession...and I'm not even Catholic. Bottom line I choose form over function. My closet is my she-shed and I enjoy walking in there and seeing beautiful things - especially the fabric and garment construction. Yes the pants are in one section and dresses in another while skirts and tops never merge. But what is so inviting is that the sections are color coordinated and interspersed with the occasional burst of color or sequined item that makes the closet look interesting and luxurious. There are numerous items that I will never wear again due to size or appropriateness but I love looking at them. Some because of the memories and others because the fabric is so fabulous and a piece of art. I don't believe there is a one size fits all system.... closets are too personal. Yvonnehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07013276542617015101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-58009575783263976392016-10-20T15:43:59.670-04:002016-10-20T15:43:59.670-04:00You are hilarious! I loved this post for its hone...You are hilarious! I loved this post for its honesty. I have two toddlers. No way do I have time to roll clothes AND get them put away. Folding is faster. For the kids, I hang a complete outfit up, lest Daddy send them off to daycare looking like rummage sale castaways. I, too, live in a four-season climate. Beyond clothes, I love decorating for the holidays. Yes, it's a "space waster" to store boxes of decor that only come out for a month or so, but holiday decor brings me joy. I'm not going to stop that, either. <br /><br />Thank you for such an honest post -I loved it!Jill of all Tradeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11457731170900293409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-51552907356411913402016-10-13T12:14:03.133-04:002016-10-13T12:14:03.133-04:00Not just you. I read the book, loved it (and gave...Not just you. I read the book, loved it (and gave it to a few folks as well) and have done clothing and books so far. I love the idea of keeping things only that inspire joy. BUT - my boyfriend and I live in a 300 square foot apartment. We SHARE a 3 drawer dresser and one 4 ft wide closet. We live in 4 season NYC and also do various sports AND I'm a musician so I have various evening wear type things in addition to casual and office wear. The idea of not swapping stuff out...I tried it and it never really worked. I keep very few shoes but due to seasons I have rain boots, snow boots, sneakers, hiking boots, 'fashion' boots, then summer sandals, etc. In 4 season living, not keeping many shoes still amounts to about 15 pairs just to cover all these things. Then I have my dance clothing, hiking/outdoor clothing and my performance clothing. I had it all jammed in the drawer (along with long underwear, summer and winter PJs, etc.) and it was just goofy. So I swap out my summer/winter clothes and hiking stuff I use only a few times a year is in the BACK of the closet. I think she has great ideas and, as I said, it was great to get of things I was keeping out of obligation or just lazyness but practicality must reign. We seem to experience more weather and do more activities than she does. I've made it work for me (love the folding!) as much as I can but swap out for my sanity!Alexandrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04195672385475510188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-33909218149669112016-10-11T07:50:50.724-04:002016-10-11T07:50:50.724-04:00As always, your post and these great comments made...As always, your post and these great comments made me smile in recognition, chuckle and do some soul-searching. I have read the book and thought it was even a bit too woo-woo for me. But I will say that years ago the British series "Life Laundry" and then several of Peter Walsh's books did get me to look at my stuff with new eyes. I think that is what her book is trying to do but with more structured rules. I am fortunate to have a home and space for my belongings and interests....sewing, felting, reading, gardening, hiking, biking, kayaking etc. And my gosh, the seasonal changes are just as you described. But I do have to keep watch on myself and make donating/removing a regular routine so just reading a new version of organizing can inspire me. But throwing everything I wear into a pile, just the vision of that is hilariously funny...while the tearing up books is just sad.Jane Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10236298438179825569noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-82563191717225220982016-10-11T06:35:32.961-04:002016-10-11T06:35:32.961-04:00Thank you all for your great comments on this topi...Thank you all for your great comments on this topic. I think Leigh's comment, justs previous to this, says it all. May all your clutter bring you joy. For creatives, joy just does not come from living like Kondo. Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-65895254412754106222016-10-11T01:43:25.483-04:002016-10-11T01:43:25.483-04:00I read it and thought, "not much actually bri...I read it and thought, "not much actually brings that woman joy." How on earth would she be an artist or seamstress or anything when she tosses out good tools and uses a kitchen pan for a hammer? But I have many hobbies, am perfectly at home with clutter, and don't give a diddly if my socks are thanked. So there was no'un-kondo-ing' for me to do. <br /><br />I like having seasonal clothing and supplies for my art/etc projects and I save seeds for my garden, which I'm sure is unacceptable in her world white empty box world. Thank goodness I didn't read the bit about tearing up books. Horrifying! Leigh in Portland (we are not burning down)https://www.blogger.com/profile/06372544021604211747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-79543953349955524442016-10-11T01:35:11.980-04:002016-10-11T01:35:11.980-04:00OMG. This. Exactly this. It just seemed way too WT...OMG. This. Exactly this. It just seemed way too WTF. <br />Leigh in Portland (we are not burning down)https://www.blogger.com/profile/06372544021604211747noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-35610011998337983652016-10-10T15:14:32.463-04:002016-10-10T15:14:32.463-04:00Bunny we live in 750sqft, my "closet" is...Bunny we live in 750sqft, my "closet" is an unboxed in closet system with about 2.5 feet of hanging space for me, and the husband has the same in two ayers because he of course lives in separates, whereas I am adress lover and so I need the length. The cubes up the left side are for his "smalls" which are in baskets, and I claimed a cubby for my jeans and pants and one for scarves and pashminas. I have the three drawer dresser for my own smalls and unders, and three flat plastic bins under the bed for my off season wear.<br />Upstairs in my studio I have a lot more rack space for "her" costumes! <br />I haven't read her book, it just makes me ant to roll my eyes. But I do feel a growing consciousness of quality over quantity, which we sewists have always had a bit of a handle on I feel, and I am choosing to not hoard and acquire, and no more RTW except underthings and things I can't be bothered to make. I have my summer wardrobe down to about 12 garments and am working to do the same for winter, plus the overs and other things needed to make it all work in various weathers. <br />This comes from living in a smaller space, being busy and a natural acquirer and love of maximalism, not for me a Scandinavian or Japanese inspired white box with one sofa! So to strike a workable balance is my gal, while also being as conscious as I can be as a city dweller about my footprint on the planet.<br />I am with you. I will happily hurt the feelings of my socks to have it work for me! xoMrsC (Maryanne)https://www.blogger.com/profile/14440723067459232998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-39458891641062723652016-10-10T12:13:54.702-04:002016-10-10T12:13:54.702-04:00Great Decision! I find Kondo too restrictive; too...Great Decision! I find Kondo too restrictive; too many rules.neucarolhttp://www.neucarol.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-27382737179942331102016-10-10T11:27:54.603-04:002016-10-10T11:27:54.603-04:00So glad I never bothered to read or buy her book t...So glad I never bothered to read or buy her book to make me change my ways. We clear out books to make way for new ones, never throw them out but donate to local groups. My wardrobe is stretch pants and knit tops for sitting on the floor every single day pinning hems so the closet is filled with hanging folded over pants in a rainbow sequence with tops hanging above those in rainbow sequence. A few dresses, no skirts and a robe hang by themselves. Whatever I have in the closet brings me joy that I can breathe and move in them otherwise they get donated regularly. Gardening shoes and boots live in the garage and an entryway closet has rainwear and one coat in it. No special occasion clothes or party clothes live here since we moved 15 years ago. I think those of us who are racing to 70 get to make our own rules! So glad you have re-claimed your seasonal and regional reality, Bunny...hooray!mrsmolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16329515914613595719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-46808783653724301102016-10-10T10:47:54.844-04:002016-10-10T10:47:54.844-04:00It's interesting how many people are not-very-...It's interesting how many people are not-very-Kondo. The thing that puzzled me was the concept of things giving one "joy." Like the reader with the peeler and spatula, I have things I use because they serve their function efficiently. "Joy," to me, is something that happens when a baby is born. I do like belongings cleaned up, neatly folded, etc. and I do get rid of stuff from time to time. But being Kondo-like is not and would not be a way of life for me. And don't let me get started on the book thing.anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07699932588900046494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-79720059786895386952016-10-10T10:28:21.164-04:002016-10-10T10:28:21.164-04:00Like Carolyn, I am also not on the Kondo team. Per...Like Carolyn, I am also not on the Kondo team. Perhaps some people are so overwhelmed by stuff that Kondo's ideas offer some relief. I am not, and lots of things--like paper--bring me joy. Good for you that you discovered your own methods that work for you.Lynn Mallyhttp://www.americanagefashion.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-64828984000514771782016-10-10T09:42:21.650-04:002016-10-10T09:42:21.650-04:00I think there's a huge cultural difference tha...I think there's a huge cultural difference that affects how the Kondo book reads and works. Not only Japan vs. rest of the world, but small apartment vs. house with full basement and/or attic and garage, and sometimes a barn. It's really not much different advice from other books about decluttering, but rather than the usual "do you use it and how often?" method, she went with "does it bring you joy?", which I think plays well with the mindful-ness movement that's been going around the last few years. And yes, I thought saying thank you to things as you put them into the discard box was odd. In general, I think she just came up with a clever way to get people to root into those dark corners and get rid of things that are filling them up but not really working for us. And not feel bad about getting rid of things.<br /><br />And I do have a spatula and a veggie peeler that bring me joy. The eggs don't stick to the spatula and the peeler is nice and sharp and doesn't rust. Maybe joy isn't quite the right word, but I really appreciate how well they work.<br /><br />I keep thinking I should give her method the full try, but so far, I've only done the kitchen utensil drawers, and a half baked version at that. I haven't decided to dedicate the chunks of time to giving her method (or anyone else's for that matter) a proper try yet. I've got sewing to do!JustGailhttp://justgail.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-72581556781299156142016-10-10T09:38:01.634-04:002016-10-10T09:38:01.634-04:00I enjoyed reading her book a lot, and I don't ...I enjoyed reading her book a lot, and I don't think I implemented any of it! The idea of only keeping what brings you joy resonates with me quite a bit, I have a good bit of 'stuff' hanging around because I think it's too good to dispose of it, but having it hanging around just stresses me. The 'Kondo method' gives me permission to let go of it. It's a direction I was moving in anyway, but reading the book has clarified things.<br /><br />As others have said, take what suits you and leave the rest.<br /><br />On the climate thing, I really wear similar stuff most of the year. Jeans and tees in the summer. Jeans, long sleeved tees and jumper/cardigan (jumper = sweater) in the winter. A raincoat in the winter with a warm layer under it is usually OK, though I have a seriously padded coat for if we get snow or frost. There is no need to pack away half your clothes at any time though.tg33https://www.blogger.com/profile/02005748631894054193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-8522757023862178862016-10-10T08:44:42.061-04:002016-10-10T08:44:42.061-04:00I read most of the Kondo book, got started on my w...I read most of the Kondo book, got started on my wardrobe and got rid of things I really wasn't going to use--the first pair of jeans I made which was now worn out, OK, I can live without them. I got as far as organizing the dresser drawers following her advice and decided that was as far as I could go with the system. Living in northern New England I need a variety of clothes of different weights. I like her drawer organization but that is all I have adopted from the system. Her idea of destroying books is sacrilege. I do think about how I'd love to throw away all the bills--they certainly don't bring me joy--but that wouldn't be very practical, nor would getting rid of useful records. Thank you for sharing your take on Kondo-ing. I agree wholeheartedly. BeccaAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05839761273520524641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-45340594520290510112016-10-10T08:17:23.639-04:002016-10-10T08:17:23.639-04:00i am totally the opposite to most of the people he...i am totally the opposite to most of the people here so i thought i would chip in. i Kondo'd about 2 years ago and i love it. my things have never been so easy to find and my wardrobe has never been so tidy.<br /><br />I don't think she tells you to get rid of half your stuff - just the stuff that doesn't "spark joy". clearly there needs to be another category for necessities that it doesn't seem like she covers off - who has a potato peeler that sparks joy? but from reading what you have written, you already have and know the things that spark joy - your glittery sandals and spring jackets, as well as the necessities to cope with your climate.<br /><br />for non- US people, we just don't have the storage space that most US homes do, so perhaps the need to have less is less pressing?<br /><br />Sew little timehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04027164681383524032noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-87893415591115663292016-10-10T07:44:36.224-04:002016-10-10T07:44:36.224-04:00Your first sentence is priceless! Amen!Your first sentence is priceless! Amen!Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-87152208394220405732016-10-10T07:44:03.645-04:002016-10-10T07:44:03.645-04:00I lived in one of those closetless colonials many ...I lived in one of those closetless colonials many years ago. It was a challenge! Luckily, the place was huge and we had a room filled with garment racks. It was a charming old home.Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-22121823431748677392016-10-10T07:42:36.417-04:002016-10-10T07:42:36.417-04:00It is truly weird.It is truly weird.Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-18124603022466584712016-10-10T07:41:34.890-04:002016-10-10T07:41:34.890-04:00I'm into fuzzy math ;) .I'm into fuzzy math ;) .Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-44747754364943435792016-10-10T07:40:24.045-04:002016-10-10T07:40:24.045-04:00Her book destruction really stressed me when I rea...Her book destruction really stressed me when I read it. Much of her handling of paper did, for that matter. Nearly every library has at least one annual book sale per year. Donate those books, people. They will go to good homes or be put on the shelves if needed. I could never kill a book like that. Bunnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03672695141031447916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-80707148145274320252016-10-10T06:50:11.216-04:002016-10-10T06:50:11.216-04:00Meh. I read about the concept of what would give m...Meh. I read about the concept of what would give me joy, decided that her ideas did not,and so didn't buy into them. Sorted. It seems like just another complicated way of being neurotic to me.Galicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02519903563732502732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-19361380927379590092016-10-10T04:48:14.783-04:002016-10-10T04:48:14.783-04:00I found the concept of getting rid of those things...I found the concept of getting rid of those things (usually gifts) that didn't bring you joy liberating. But I still have too much stuff. Every year, I discover that I can live for months on a very basic wardrobe with only accessory changes. Much of the stuff in my closet could go. :( (By the way, don't shortchange yourself; you have seven decades of wisdom: 0-9, 10-19, 20-29 and so on.) 365 Dresseshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05370083544324974912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-11969278188001452162016-10-10T00:49:55.241-04:002016-10-10T00:49:55.241-04:00Interesting! I am another one who never got the wh...Interesting! I am another one who never got the whole Kondo thing. I could use more organization in my life, but I knew that wasn't going to work for me. It sounds like it was a great exercise, though, because you have more clarity!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10772415753509937045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7871855805349050304.post-58300104292889485382016-10-10T00:41:37.468-04:002016-10-10T00:41:37.468-04:00We are hoarders in my house and I am guilty of own...We are hoarders in my house and I am guilty of owning a mountain of books. This used to drive my husband crazy until I subscribed to Scribd. Now all my books are digital and I get to read as much as I want without adding clutter to our house.Estherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03650631049661306291noreply@blogger.com