Wednesday, January 16, 2013

OCD, Using One's Powers for Good

We were talking about stash-tracking over on Stitchin Fingers.  Now, I know a little something about this subject, having spent about two months this fall organizing Larry's Grandma's stash.  She's 101 now, and has the stash to prove it.  Grandma moved into assisted living and I promised to organize all her craft stuff as a housewarming gift.

I had no idea how much craft stuff she had.

For heaven's sake, she had been living in a one bedroom efficiency apartment!
She had six dressers and only two drawers had clothes in them.
And project boxes.  OMG the project boxes.  Nothing sorted or put away, she had duplicates, triplicates, even octuplicates of so many things.

There was a sorting frenzy that went on for weeks. 

But it's all much better now.
I borrowed a label maker from Liz, my "work niece", bought the extra-large tape for it, then labeled everything in nice big block letters.  (You get the discount if you buy clear shoeboxes by the case from the Container Store - ask me how I know!  lol)  I put her beads & yarn below where she can get at it, and tucked the less likely stuff up high.
"That Susan, she sure knows how to get things organized."
"Yup."
"I bet you didn't know I had that much stuff!"
"Nope."
It makes finding things a snap, and best of all, she loves it!
I made a sweet little old lady very happy. 
(If you look closely, you can see I even labeled the phone for her; she likes that too.)
Always use your powers for good.

14 comments:

Janet said...

She looks amazing! I need you to organize for me. Awesome job!!

Flo @ Butterfly Quilting said...

How sweet of you...and you did a great job! Are you for hire???

Queeniepatch said...

I read your post at Stitching Fingers and then came here to have a look. You have made an impressive job!
Bravo!

margaret said...

your sweet little old lady looks so young would have thought she was about 75 not 101. Wow so much stuff I thought I had quite a bit but now realise my stash isn`t so big after all. You have done an amazing job of organising well done a big pat on the back to you.

Valspierssews said...

What a fabulous job you have done. Larry's grandma sure looks good.

Rosa Robichaud said...

My jaw dropped at the first fact:

She's 101 yrs old!!!
YEAAAAH!!!!

And the second fact?

She's still interested in crafts!!!

DOUBLE YEAAAAH!!!!!

And the 3rd fact?

That ALL that stash is nicely "stashed" away and labeled!!!!

TRIPLE YEAAAH!!!!

Your "good" was certainly put to "good" use, today, Susan....

Congrats!!!

Rosa

quiltmom anna said...

Susan, What a talent you have for organizing- what I like best is that you did this job with love- It looks wonderful and you made this lovely grandmother feel that her stuff was important and valuable..instead of just piles of unorganized stuff. Most of us have lots of stuff and it may not be valuable to others but it sure is valuable treasures often to that person. Thanks for the uplifting story.
Regards from Western Canada,
Anna

Wendyb said...

Wow Susan...you can come and organise for me ANYTIME!!! what a wonderful job...any wonder grandma was happy!!!!! I only hope if I get to 101, I have family that love me so much to take the time to do that for me too..... Good on you!
xox sugary hugs
Wendy :O)

Rose said...

Susan I need to have you visit me and get me organized. I've tried for years and my daughter did it once but she doesn't understand crafting and quilting etc. So it didn't work. You did an outstanding job and I'm amazed with the rest about your grandmother. I too hope to be enjoying my needlework and crafting to the end!

Lorraine said...

What a great job. Bet she loves to look at her stash!

Quilt Kitty said...

What an amazing job Susan. Guess what? You won my giveaway at quiltkittyloveslife. Send me an email of where to send your prize too. Tracee xx

Elizabeth Braun said...

Wow! Well, I certainly feel like I have a *very* small craft and needlework collection now!

It was a big job, but I bet you enjoyed it no end, really. I'd be happy to take on a job like that too.=)

Yes to those who've said how young she looks - centenarians usually do, according to someone I know who works with seniors.=) The secret to long life? Take good care of yourself!

KaHolly said...

Greetings from New Braunfels! Sweet thing!! She's a cutie, too! I can't imagine my daughter finding a home for all my quilting stuff NOW, let alone 40 years from now! Whew! Am inviting you to visit my blog today for info on Operation Homefront-TX. I'm hoping to generate some baby quilts/homemade articles for them. Thanks! Kaholly

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Wow! I need you to come organize my stash.