FARTS. That's what I'm doing these days. Now lest you think I'm referring to something distasteful or crude, let me explain. This week is my Guild's annual Retreat. And I am not there. For a variety of reasons which I will not delve into here, I decided I would take a break this year. (You know I do have enough at home to keep me busy...) So although I'm missing out on the fun and camaraderie, I figured I should make good use of these few days and have something to show for my efforts while many of my buddies are sewing their hearts out and coming back with new projects complete or close to it....
I figured it was the perfect week to tackle my studio and do a good cleaning, tidying, reorganizing. And I'm using the FARTS system.... What?? You've never heard of the FARTS system? It's a very simple five steps that works well for tidying and organizing. I think it was Libby Lehman who taught me about this...
1. File - deal with the paper. Set up a good filing system and use it! Get all those papers filed so you can find them when you need them: notes from classes taken, newsletters, Guild Lists (membership, Library holdings, etc.), patterns or articles you've torn from magazines, etc. etc.
2. Act - do it! Do all those little jobs you've put aside- find that book your friend wanted to borrow. Put those pattern pieces back in the envelope. Tidy up those ribbons that are overflowing their basket. Renew that subscription. Make a list of all the little jobs you've been meaning to take care of - I love crossing things off a list- it gives me great satisfaction and a
sense of accomplishment!
3. Recycle - I try to recycle and find new uses for things whenever I can. I reuse containers to hold small things (especially Crazy Quilting supplies like threads, beads, etc.), recycle file folders by re-labelling and/or colorcoding, etc. Empty thread spools go to the local kindergarten classes. I have a big bag full to deliver tomorrow....
4. Toss - If you can't use it, lose it. If you can't bear to throw it out, pass it on to someone else. Bring old magazines to Guild for someone else to enjoy. Donate fabric you no longer care for to charity projects at your Guild or otherwise. It's amazing how much better you feel when things are cleaned out and re-organized.
5. Shred - Shred anything of importance...
Simple as that - FARTS. File Act Recycle Toss Shred. That's what I'm doing. Mostly filing and tossing.... It feels good....
Peace
Linda
"Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned". ~Peter Marshall
3 comments:
Linda, thanks for reminding me of this system. I need to put it into use! Also liked your quote.
Oh my, I thought, this is it... She's lost her mind. But now that I read your plan, I think F.A.R.T.S. is the answer to my studio problem too.
Thanks for sharing :).
I hope you had a good time "F.A.R.T.S'ing". Sounds like a good system to me, too bad, I just can't seem to find the ambition. Maybe tomorrow.
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