Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Living Well

Candace Carrie

Do you have more stuff than you know what to do with? Has it gotten so bad that you're now afraid to open closet doors?

Well, take heart. The following tips will help you get the upper hand on all that clutter:

• Be realistic. Don't expect to get everything under control in a day. Instead, set aside an hour once a week or every two weeks to tackle one closet or cabinet. You'll dread it less, and probably get more done in the long run.

• Unruly closets are typically caused by keeping things long past their usefulness. So, as you pull things out of the closet, take a real look at them. How long has it been since you used the item? If it's been six months or a year, you'll probably never need it again. Throw it out or give it away.

• If an item has sentimental value your child's first bat and ball or your grandmother's wedding dress by all means keep it. The best bet, though, is to store it in a dry attic where it will be less in the way. But remember, you'll eventually have to clean out those places as well. Don't get caught in the clutter shuffle trap.

• Does it need to be cleaned or repaired? If it's something you still want or need, don't put it back in the closet. Oftentimes clothing will hang unused simply because it needs a button sewn on or a hem tacked up. If you can, do those fix-it chores right then and there. If not, set the item aside and promise yourself you'll take it to be repaired within a week.

• Finally, don't store off-season items in an everyday closet. Instead, store them in out-of-the- way places such as under the bed, in the, at the dry cleaners or in the attic.

SEWING HIGHWAY IS OPEN TO CONSUMERS

Most home-sewers would jump at the chance to skip across the country, attending every lecture, seminar, workshop and convention related to sewing. Though a trip like this would be a dream come true for many, most of us can't afford to travel at whim, let alone have the time to make it happen.

That is why we are offering you an opportunity to participate in the Master Clothing volunteer program in Arkansas and to open your world to the sewing highway.

The Master Clothing volunteer program is a Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas sponsored program. Seamstresses across the state will have the opportunity to learn the latest sewing information and network with other individuals who have a passion for sewing.

The Nevada County Cooperative Extension Service is in the process of recruiting individuals with good sewing skills, a willingness to enhance their current skills and a desire to teach others basic sewing skills.

Volunteers are a valuable source of time, enthusiasm, skills and talents which are vital to the development of communities.

We are in need of your time and energies to make a difference in the lives of the people in our county. Won't you help us create a new generation of people who sew?

Applications are available by calling this office at 887-2818. Applications are due no later than June 2. Training is scheduled for July.

For more information, call today.