The Call of the Bins

BinsRCalling

“Out of sight, out of mind” doesn’t really work for me. I ‘spose for a bit of time after I’ve packed something away, I don’t think about it much. But pretty soon, I start hearing things.

You’ll doubtless think me crazy, but my studio/sunroom has undergone a few overhauls in content over the last several years. Years ago, I switched out much of my drawing and painting supplies to make way for yarn on the shelving in my studio. The color-sorted wire trays on each shelf were so cheerful and made the yarn very accessible. A couple of years later, all that yarn was put into clear tupperware bins and stowed on top of a high shelf in our upstairs bedroom. Painting and drawing supplies filled the studio shelving which I desperately have more need of these days!! Being a creative person comes with loads of “stuff”, which I’ve tried to wrangle into a manageable chaos time and time again.

I need not go into all the other places where yarn is stowed in my house. But I start hearing things coming from the bags, boxes, cabinets, and of course these two bins, all of which is cleverly stashed (or NOT so cleverly) upstairs. I hear things like, “Knit me!” “Crochet me!” “Make this blanket!” “Finish this sweater!” They aren’t yelling. It’s this sweet melodic call, almost like music, that tickles my ears. It doesn’t stop (sometimes growing louder and louder) until I take a bin down and begin rummaging, pulling out something to knit or crochet.

Does this happen to you? Maybe you have your drawing and painting supplies in bins? Maybe it’s scrapbook stuff. Or fabric, or bits of glass and ceramic for mosaics….whatever. There’s something about packing it up with the thought that this is gonna go on a way back burner, that makes things start happening. Is it just me?

Anyway, I’ve been pulling these bins down quite often of late. I thought about (only briefly) trying to find a way to have it displayed or at least put in a more accessible spot. And then I thought: No! I like hearing things! I like the music I hear! Drawing and painting is like breathing for me. It is essential. But it’s kinda fun to have a hobby that tugs at you from time to time.

If you’re interested in seeing some of the things I’ve been making in response to my hearing things, pop over to my knitting blog. And if you’ve ever wanted to learn to knit and just never have, try learning from my tutorials there. And, of course, let me know what you think! 😉

0 thoughts on “The Call of the Bins

  1. Pia says:

    I have the same problem. I really long to have all my crafty stuff in one room, side by side, all visible for the grabbing and no need to clear the work/dining table in between projects/house guests/daily life. I do things as they speak to me, whether spinning or painting, I don’t really want to give any of them up even when they’re on hiatus.

    • jenpedwards says:

      I completely understand! Just when I think I’m “over” one type of creative activity, it springs back to life! I do know that drawing is my “main squeeze”, and knitting and crocheting are favorite hobbies!!! It’s just difficult to have time for all of them.

  2. nancy t says:

    Oh yes, I hear things, too. Sometimes the din is deafening! I finally moved all the yarn (except for the sweater I haven’t finished) down to store in a closet in the basement. Alas, sometimes I can still hear it from 2 floors away! lol nancy

    • jenpedwards says:

      Nancy, I am so glad to know I’ m not the only one!! Haha! I love your story of putting it down in a basement closet and STILL hearing it! Cheers to you, my creative friend!

  3. Nancy Vogt says:

    I’ve swapped out my queen sized bed for a twin to make more room in my bedroom for my yarn and art supplies and books…is this an epidemic? I’m glad I’m not alone with this condition. I hear that siren song in my dreams.

  4. Rebecca J Stahr says:

    Love the colorful sketch! I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one that feels that creative tug. I’m about to go thru another creative reorganization of my own in my studio. I’m tucking away some items so I can keep focus on my goals of the moment. I think I so need another purging to make room for future inspiration.

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