I've been doing some unexpected babysitting for my 3 yr old grandson, and have just found out my babysitting stint will go through the middle of September. I babysit from 7:30am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.Of course, the "quilt bug" hit me the Sunday before I started babysitting, and now I can't seem to find the time (or energy) to continue quilting! I have three baby quilts to make for August and September baby showers. On Sunday I chose and cut the fabric for the first quilt -- and haven't returned to my quilt room since!
I know quilters work fulltime, maintain a house and family and all the cooking, cleaning and balancing that goes with it. Some work part time or are retired, some are grandmothers who are full time custodians of grandchildren.
So I'm curious - how do you find time to quilt? Do you quilt late at night? Weekends? Only when you can grab a few hours from the family's schedule? Are you retired and able to quilt whenever you like (as I was just a few weeks ago!)? What's YOUR secret to finding time to quilt?
THE GIVE AWAY
Yes, I'm re-thinking the give away I had planned for this week. Time just hasn't been on my side to read and review two more books (though I hope to get them done soon - they are great books!). So instead....
Leave a comment to this post on how YOU find time to quilt - be as specific as you can. Do you quilt in the middle of the night? While the kids take a nap? After dinner while the family does other activities? Do you find time once a day, once a week, once in awhile? Make SURE your comment contains your email address or a direct link to a blog that contains your email address. I can't tell you how many times a name has been selected to win a giveaway but had no email address in the comment or on their blog!
Everyone who left comments on the quilt books already reviewed (see posts below) will be entered into this give away as well. But if you want an additional TWO entries, leave a comment to this post and tell me how you fit quilting into your life.
The GiveAway is open to U.S. residents only. The prize? ALL THREE OF THE QUILT BOOKS REVIEWED LAST WEEK! This giveaway will end at 12noon EST on Friday, July 31st, 2009. The winner will be drawn randomly and will have 48 hours to respond to my email with shipping information.
Want an extra entry? Twitter about this give away OR follow me on Twitter if you're don't already. Send me a Twitter Direct Message (@BudgetQuilting) and tell me you've done so.
57 comments:
10 Ways to make time for quilting:
1. Turn off the television. You can record the shows you want to watch and then skip through all the commercials. Or sit and do handwork with the family if you don't want to be sequestered in another room.
2. Turn your waiting times into useful times. Once again with the handwork: carry it with you for those waiting instances in the doctor's office or other appointments. I have found that knitting socks is highly portable, it's not quilting but IS fiber related.
3. Ignore the housework. This one will be hard, but learn to look the other way when the dust bunnies come out to play or when the dishes pile up. Maybe it will get so bad that someone else in the household will do it, but if that doesn't happen then maximize your housework time.
4. Shop less often. Every weekend I make a menu for the upcoming week and then shop accordingly for that week. It has reduced my trips to the grocery store to once a week.
5. Make a to-do list. Isn't it fun to mark an item off of your list? Admit it, it feels good.
6. Stop cruising the internet. Limit your computer time and turn on your sewing machine. The time (sometimes hours!) spent blog surfing could be spent putting a quilt block together.
7. Every meal does not need to be fancy. Learn to love your slow cooker. On hot days, I have even been known to set it on the patio table so it does not heat up the kitchen.
8. Stop downloading and organizing those free Block of the Month patterns and start making the ones you have. Quit procastinating!
9. Utilize those small moments. If you only have 10 minutes at a time, then break your big projects down into smaller, do-able chunks. You would be surprised at how much gets done this way.
10. Make a date with yourself. Block out several hours or a morning and write it on the calendar. You do not miss other appointments so don't miss this one.
You are worth it!
I understand your dilemma as I've had three of my grandchildren visiting with us for over a month and the youngest is a very active two year old. During their visit I try to get into my sewing room at least every other day using the following tricks:
1) During quiet time in the morning I put my granddaughter in a chair at a table in my sewing room with some Crayola Color Wonder markers and paper. I love these because the markers only work on the special paper. While she's drawing we talk about her drawing or our afternoon plans. This usually works for about 30 minutes worth of sewing.
2) During nap time I can squeeze in another 30 - 45 minutes of sewing.
3) In the evening, just before bedtime, I set Brielle at the table in my sewing room again with a book and have her read me a story. I may only get about 15 - 20 minutes of sewing done, but that is usually enough for me to cut a few pieces or sew a couple of seams.
4) A variation of the above is I put on one of her DVDs on my laptop or one of her CDs on my stereo and we watch the movie or sing the songs together while I sew. This actually gives me a couple of hours to sew. I have found it works best to do this about mid-day where she starts with a picnic lunch in my sewing room. She loves it!
Good luck in finding something that works for you.
I babysit my four granddaughters (6 mo., 2, 6 and 9) two days a week, so I fully understand why you don't have the energy to walk into the sewing room after babysitting all day long!
I'm fortunate to have a sewing room where I can leave projects out and ready to go all the time, so I try to sew a few minutes here and a few minutes there...usually 15-30 minutes at a time once or twice a day. It's amazing how much you can accomplish this way!
I don't worry about housecleaning as much as I used to. That gives me more time to quilt!
Because I homeschooled my children for years, I found the best time for me to get any quilting done was when everyone went to bed. And yes sometimes I would sew very late at night. It was uninterrupted time, no phone calls, no requests for help, just time to work on a project. Another thing I did was designate one or two days a month to sew with buddies. I could really get a lot accomplished when sewing with others for one whole day.
I will be sure to check back and see the answers to this question! Right now i quilt at night when the kids are sleeping and if i can keep my eyes open...sometimes, i get a few hours after church on sunday to quilt also which i cherish. quilting is important to me, i wsih i had more time for it!
Thanks for the chance to win the books!
Jenny
Krousegirl2 at aol dot com
I am a retired pre-k teacher plus a grandmother. Time is tight, yes, but there is a way around everything. First off, get all the cutting out done before you have the kids there. Get some cheap baskets or plastic bins and separate the projects that way, so you don't get confused and mix up the pieces. As for the actual sewing, you will have to either get up a little earlier, or stay up a little later for that luxury. The quilting part, if you quilt by hand one of the handiest things is to sit down and thread several needles so when you do have 5 spare minutes everything is ready to go. Think about your sewing in increments of 10 minutes, you will be surprised at how much you can get done in that little bit of time. Also use a little tablet and write down any sewing notions you might need just like your grocery list. That will save on trips and on time. This is my last one and the most important one, remember to take some deep breaths while this goes on. Your brain will need the extra oxygen. Good luck and hang in there, this too shall pass.
mollywilson49@yahoo.com
http://caplady.blogspot.com
I can usually find the time in the evening to sew something or quilt something for myself or my customers. I work 8-5 and am lucky enough to have a husband that loves to cook. He gets off work an hour before I do, so that helps.
I just work part-time and the kids are all grown. I don't usually have time until the weekend and on my 1 day off during the week. On the days I work, I just have too much to do when I get home.
Wow, I have a 3 year old, and I know my mom would be super tired out by watching him all day every day!! I know I am! :)
How I make time for quilting: sometimes I do it while the kids (3 & 1) are playing, but it's usually interrupted a lot! Other times, I cut out everything during naptime and then work on the quilt after they go to bed!
Confession? The house work doesn't get done as often as it should. I rely on hubby a lot to cook when I get a bug. I work full time, help with a review site, am a member of the church choir and play in a pinball league, but I set aside one night a week to quilt. It relaxes me. If the dusting doesn't get done, it doesn't get done. No worries, I'll get to it next week! :)
Sadly, I seem to be a lot like you......someone who finds it hard to find time to quilt. I am mostly retired (totally from teaching but somehow ended up doing home-typing for a doctor now)....do "grandma" duty once in awhile.....am involved in church activities....and enjoy all the great quilting blogs and patterns, etc. on the internet. SO......I don't seem to have a lot of "free time". Consequently, I try to set aside certain days to quilt and plan them in advance and try to have a clear calendar on those days. It usually ends up being just a couple of days a month, at best. I don't seem to be one who can get to quilting each day for a little bit of time...it just never seems to happen. (Usually by the end of the day, I'm too tired...and earlier in the day, I'm too busy.) I also get together about twice a month for a few hours each time with some neighborhood gals and I do get something accomplished at that time. I guess different things work for different people, but this is how it works for me.
When my kids were young, I ran a craft business and made finished crafts. I gave them their own kid crafts to do, while I crafted. They loved creating things while I worked and it kept them busy for hours. Then you can feed them, then give them a nap and then find other ways to entertain them so you can get some quilting done;) You can set up a play area in your quilting room too, toys like puzzles and building blocks are great to keep their imaginations going.
Debbie
I follow you on twitter- TenderLoveyCare
OOOPPPPPSSSSS- my email (I follow you on twitter)== candy at afconnect dot com
Ok, how I find time... I have many little kiddos running around so my best idea has been putting my sewing stuff in our living room. Literally, anytime I get a free two seconds, I run in and make a quick stitch or cut :). Then I also work late a night when everyone it asleep- it if every efficient, but you are also very tired :) That's about the only time I can find- my bigger kiddos don't do naps anymore (so there's no down time there). It's rough, good luck!! Hope the quilts get done :)
candy at afconnect dot com
Thanks for the giveaway :)
Thanks to DVR, I quilt during the week and watch my TV shows on the weekend when the husby is home to help with the kids. (He is gone Monday through Friday). My girls are addicted to the Disney channel and will watch that so I can sew or I wait unti they go to bed and sew like crazy into the wee hours of the night. So for me, its while the girls watch TV (or the rare occasion that they play without fighting) or after bedtime. Lately, they have been super nice and I have gotten some hours in...while one plays with the neighbor and the oldest sits entranced in Disney TV.
I think you can get much more quilting done if you organize your time! Make up a schedule of meals for the week and use the "maid" that most cooks own-the slow cooker! If I look over my schedule for the week ahead, and plan ahead, there is time there for quilting if I am organized with my time. Yes, life happens as they say and schedules change in an instant, but if you are organized with the time of the things that you must do daily, it really helps! I also sew when my kids are in school and am home alone. Try telling your family that you need your own time to do your own thing. As the saying goes, If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy! It's been proven that doing a hobby like sewing can lower your blood pressure. Sewing is way cheaper than going to the dr. or a shrink!
Vicki Sprain
vjsprain@cox.net
I often get the question how I find time to do all my sewing. Having a full time job I still get a lot done. I always have a lot of project prepared to have "on the go". A small stitchery, some applique or something that fits in my bag. So whenever I have time I do a few stitches. At home I am very clever at listning to the television. Always having a project besides my chair.
Hope to win this giveaway, because a quilter is always in need of new books :)
Hugs from Norway
I have been able to attend a quilt retreat at the Christians Camp near my home twice a year for the past several years. For several of the women, this is the only time they have to quilt through the year. We all cheer each other on and enjoy seeing each other's progress.
Lately, I've found that if I leave the project out on my sewing tables, I can piece a little bit each day. Even a little bit of work is progress.
Ok, I am retired, but I have a small "cottage" business. I do not work at it on any set schedule. So, my sewing room is always set up. Sometimes I can work on quilting all day, sometimes only a few hours a week. I just make the time when I am really busy to get in there for a few minutes at least every day. I have found that if I set up 15 minutes every day, then I usually can get things accomplished. Sometimes the 15 minutes turns into an hour. I know its not easy with a toddler in the house but try to give yourself at least 15 minutes a day and see what happens.
Janet in FL
Ribbonshirtlady1@yahoo.com
Most of the time, I'm extremely busy. I work full time. I am also working on a Master's degree at a University 45 minutes from work/home. This past spring I was there 2 nights a week, this summer 4 nights a week (Yeah for summer break!), and will be there at least 3 nights a week all next year and maybe even through Dec. 2010. In addition, I have two adorable nephews a couple hours away that I keep once or twice a month at my moms.
So now that you know my schedule - I usually end up quilting late at night. During my summer freedom (a 6 week break from school), I've been up late most nights quilting. I'm also trying to have hand work read to take with me for times when I have to sit and wait - last night I worked on binding a baby quilt before church. Depending on school work, I may take a project to work on in case I arrive early. Unfortunately during the school year there were many weeks that I did not step into my sewing room except to iron my clothes, lol.
Another idea - I am trying to get in the habit of "kitting" my projects. When I have a big chunk of time I'm trying to design, plan, cut, and bag all the fabrics for a quilt. I did this for the baby quilt I just pieced and the piecing went in record time because everything was ready for me. (I kitted it back in April). That way, when I have time to sew I don't have to think about it. The plan is there, the fabrics are cut and waiting. I just have to thread my machine and go.
My blog is quiltingb29.blogspot.com.
QB29
I work full time so most of my quilting and sewing is done on the weekends. However I do give myself one hour of time each day after dinner before family time with the kids. My kids are older so they don't normally bother me much during my hour. Even when I am exhausted spending time sewing seems to rejuvenate me.
I sew in the gap between work and dinner, and do quiet work in the early mornings.
DH usually makes dinner so I get some time after work; this is when I'll do noisy stuff like actual sewing. I can do cutting, pinning, layout and dreaming in the early morning hours before the rest of the house wakes up.
Evenings in front of the tv (2-3 nights a week usually) are for crochet or handstitching. I can no longer just watch tv; I need a hand project or I get fidgety!
I quilt or do something related to quilting every single day. It is my drug fix,
I have fibromyalgia so I have to get up 2 hours before going to work for my joints to be limber, During this early morning time, 530am I quilt.
I am lucky in the fact that i dont have any "kids" just 3 dogs. But i work 60+ hours a week and usually spend my weekends catching up on my shopping and things like that. i dont have a sewing room, so i have to stay pretty organized with my stuff all in my bedroom. But, where i find time to quilt is right before i go to bed at night. Some people read to calm their minds, or watch tv, i quilt. I do turn the tv on for a little bit of backround noise, but i start quilting while i am in my bed. Then, when i notice i am starting to get sleepy, i just lay my project in its corner, and go to sleep. It may not work for everyone, and i may be crazy in doing it that way, but i find i get so much more done on a project right before bed than i would trying to work on it in the living room...
p.s. i am new to the site and really enjoy it :)
Also, my lack of sewing room causes me to have to set up my sewing machine in the kitchen, which is right next to the living room. So, i can catch up with friends and get some sewing done as well. Maybe try that. While the grandbaby is busy playing in the floor, you could work on your project in the same room :)
What wonderful ways quilters have found to make time for their quilting! I am fortunate to time in my life, and I have a sewing room to work in.
I've always taken hand applique with me-I keep a kit made up with a small project and supplies. I have fond memories of appliqueing at my mother's kitchen table while she cooked or crocheted at the table; we did this until she was 93. (I'm now 60.)
My small hand quilted quilts are kept in baskets with all the necessary threads, needle, thimble, etc. I try to use small amounts of time to work on the hand quilting, time which would otherwise be wasted-early in the morning, right after supper.
I will often schedule quilt time on my calendar for myself to work on a specific project, as if I were working with a deadline. Since I live alone, it is very easy to waste away an afternoon, but a schedule keeps me on track.
In the sewing room I listen to NPR and music while I am sewing. In the living room I put on a movie when I am doing my hand work.
I've learned to get away from the computer even though I am enjoying my strolls through quilting and sewing blogs and websites. I pick up my sewing instead.
I have done my hand applique and quilting in front of the computer while listening to NPR programs at their website-since I don't have an MP2 player. And library audio books are a wonderful way to keep me involved with my hand work.
I have health problems, lupus, fibromyalgia, etc., and hand applique was my "therapy" for many years. At one time I thought I would never be able to sew or quilt again, and I gave away my few quilt books and fabrics. I knew I was getting a little better when I found myself interested in starting a project. Hand applique became my salvation, and my health continues to improve.
Thank you for your generous giveaway, Joan. I'd love to have a new book.
Kathleen at villagequilter@gmail.com
p.s. apologies for my wordiness
I just quilt every chance I get. I used to read all the time, and now I find I don't get through as many books as I used to (though I do listen to some on audio while quilting)but at least I have some time to sew!
I make time in the early morning hours before anyone else is up. I use a janome sewmini in the kitchen--it only weights 6lbs and is so easy to move around. And, I have access to snacks and coffee!
I work full time and have two sons, ages 6 and 4, a hubby, two cats, a dog, two fish and 7 acres to care for. Sometimes, everything that I "have" to do can seem overwhelming.
On the weekends, I usually operate on a reward system. For example, if I sweep and mop the floors, then I will reward myself with some sewing time. During the week, I usually wake up early to do the chores so that once I get my kids to bed in the evening, I can spend time quilting.
I try to do something "quilty" every day, even if it is just reading a blog or magazine for inspiration. I also have many projects going simultaneously so that I can work on something that fits the timeframe available to me. As a handquilter, I try to keep something in a lap frame to take with me for doctor's appointments and the like. In short, I don't "find" time, I "make" time.
Erin - ehutchinson@wlu.edu
I am lucky that I only work part time but with 2 kids who keep me busy and a husband who goes away for work my quilting time is limited. I have my machine set up and a project ready to go so if I get 10 minutes then I am good to go. I am also very good at ignoring housework.
I work full time and am mother of 4 (though they're leaving the house very quickly)... my hints?
1. Don't go for quilts with lots of pieces, instructions, confusion. My quilts over the last several years have been basic flannel raq quilts and I don't do many of them. (6 1/2" squares) I also make fleece rag quilts as graduation presents. (10 1/2" squares, no batting, one layer)
2. Do your quilting where your family is. The advantage of my rag quilts is that I have been able to do the work sitting in the living room having a life with the kids. My sewing machine sits on my lap while I sit on the couch and interact with them in the evenings. I'm always available, but I also am covered in fabric pieces or sandwiches. I've been known to carry plastic storage containers of fleece or flannel sandwiches to church during youth group events so that I can work while I'm there. The youth love it because they know they're the recipients of the fleece quilts.
3. Know that life comes in stages and whatever stage your in will eventually end or change. I told my kids that when they finally left the house I would begin making "real" quilts. I only have 1 child left for 1 more year so I have now jumped in and am making my first "real" quilt (albeit a mini one) and am doing my first applique.
Quilts don't have to be fancy or intricate for those you love to love what you've done for them.
I'm past the stage of my own kids being little, but like you I have the grands once in a while. If it is a project I HAVE to get done, I would try to bring parts of it down to the living areas of the house...it's just too hard to sneak up to the sewing room with little ones around even if they are napping. I'd bring down the strips etc and do the cutting while the little tyke colored or played with cars. Bring the sewing machine down the next time to sew the blocks...just taking occassional blocks of time out to sew when convenient. Little blocks of time are so much easier to handle than larger chunks when you are tired.
freeindeed@myfairpoint.net
I actually have plenty of time to quilt (no kids), so I cannot offer much advice. But I am writing because I adore that clock you show at the top of this post. Do you know where I can get one?
I'm a teacher and don't have much free time to quilt during the school year, but I continue to get up early in the morning in the summer and these quiet hours give me time to quilt and recharge my battery for the day.
I also used to read a lot more, but I'm enjoying quilting instead!
I am retired now and Grandchildren are mostly in their teens, but I have an allotment which takes up a lot of time. Don't watch a lot of TV and hand sew when I do. The housework gets done on days it rains and that takes second place to the computer. Have a sewing room so makes life a lot easier and can just go upstairs and quilt whenever. I have always used shoeboxes to store ongoing quilts as would get very confused and lose material if I didn't. Have actually done that and used the material for one quilt on another one I just had to start, so learned a valuable lesson, so now keep everything labeled or in boxes. Pizza boxes are quite good too.
Hubby and I are empty nesters living on 3 1/2 acres with gardens and chickens so even though the kids are grown and on their own finding time to quilt can be problematic. I have finally carved out a few hours for my hobby every evening, right after supper when my DH is down in his shop puttering around. I throw the dinner dishes into the dishwasher and run to my sewing studio. I seem to get quite a lot accomplished as I just sent 4 tops off to my wonderful quilter.
Karen in NE Indiana
aka grandma chicken
I am a SAHM, and I homeschool both my children. It is very hard to find time to quilt. Sometimes when they are playing I will quilt, if the family is watching tv or a movie I will find the time to quilt. I have stayed up later but that does not work out too well. So finding time to quilt with children running around is very difficult. If my children were young enough to nap, that is when I would definitely be able to quilt everyday. As it is now it I have not quilted much this summer. I expect when the weather turns cooler and the kids are indoors I will be able to quilt after they are done with their schoolwork.
please read my blog at www.thescarberrys.blogspot.com or email me at tinkrbll121272@yahoo.com
The thing that works best for me is not so much organizing my time as organizing my quilting area. I have mine in a corner of the bedroom, but anywhere you can put it is good. Then leave your project and tools out so that everything is available for whenever a few minutes of time become available. I used to use so much time getting things out and putting them away again that it almost wasn't worth the effort. Now I just have it all right there, spread out and ready to go. I have an Omnigrid small portable cutting mat/pressing surface that doesn't take up much room and is handy to leave out all the time along with the iron, sewing machine, sewing tools caddy and fabrics. I've been able to get much more done with this set up even though I work full time.
I think that people make the time to do the things that are important to them, so it is important to choose what you want to do carefully. The biggest thing that helped me is to not look for big blocks of time to do any project. Do a little here and there whenever you find a spare moment, and you will be surprised at how much you can get done 5-15 minutes at a time. So when your grandson is napping, you can take some time. Or give him some fabric scraps to play with, or let him help you your decisions.
Well, the kids are grown and grandkids live far enough away that babysitting is a rare and wonderous thing. At this time, I've been layed off work so in between job hunts, I can quilt at my leisure-wonderful! But while working and raising kids, fixing meals, cleaning, etc.etc.etc. evenings were my time to relax and work on projects. I always had a quilt on the quilt frame for hand quilting even when working on many other projecs, some that get machine quilted. So I make it a point everyday to spend at least 15 minutes hand quilting, now most of the time, I have more time to devote to that but on busy days, I make sure I do 15 minutes. It actually gets done that way. I'm also an early morning person, so it's easy for me to get up 30-60 minutes before usually necessary and get some sewing done before the day's activities. Even that little it can get projects accomplished.
Chris at http://madcreekdesigns.blogspot.com
http://madcreekdesigns.etsy.com
I struggle to find time also. I set my alarm for 5:30 so I can sew for a half hour before I get ready for work. On my lunch hour I read quilt magazines, books and cruise the internet. At night while watching TV with the hubby I do hand piecing and hand quilting. I always have several projects going at once.
On the weekends I still get up early and since hubby likes to sleep late I can get a couple hours in each morning.
During Hockey season, we have season tickets for the Buffalo sabres, when my husband goes to games tha tis my time - spent in my sewing room. I love hockey!!!
Sue Cahill (sbonetsue at yahoo dot com)
I work full time and have three kids, so time is a luxury that I have to squeeze my crochet and knitting addictions into as well as now my newfound quilting addicition. I tend to use early mornings or late afternoons on the weekends when the kids all have something else to do. It's never enough time! :)
Love your blog, My time is split between: running errands,selling household items and collections on Ebay, teaching scrapbooking, crafting items to sale in my booths at local craft fairs... and learning to quilt.
Most of my quilting occurs while my family ( especially my husband) watches sports during his downtime... I have no patience for watching sports on TV, so that is my "pleasure quilting time"... If I'm lucky this is 2-3 times per week... with a few sewing hours also during the work day when I am tired of scrapbooking! I have only completed tops so far, and want to plunge full into the entire quilting experience! You will find some writing about my experiences on my blog: yonoscreations.blogspot.com
my email: terriy@myctmh.com
My children are 11 and 15 years old, so I find time in the afternoon. In those 1 or 2 hours when the Housework is done, but it isn't time to cook dinner yet. I also skip the TV time in the evening, and get about 2 to 3 hours in my sewing area.
I don't watch "real time" television. If there's a program I want to watch, it's taped...tivo...and watched at MY convenience. I don't spend a lot of time on the computer. Every Thursday evening, I meet with a group of women and we quilt together. It's easier to work during the week when I know I'll need to show something on Thursday.
Right now I'm not quilting...I was oiling my Featherweight and dropped the screw that holds on the top thread piece. I haven't found the screw yet so can't sew. I am doing some hand quilting though so keep busy thataway.
I get as this question often! I am a daycare provider, I work from 6:30 to 4:30. Finding me time... time to quilt is very important I get rather snappish if I don't.
Here are a couple of things that I do. Cut fabric during nap time, I can't sew but I can cut and get everything ready to sew, this is a huge time saver and I can cut and have several quilts ready to go.
The next thing I do, after work I make a quick and simple meal for the family, this is very important to us that we eat as a family so I don't scrimp on that, but after dinner is done, my teenage daughters get to do the clean up.
I go to my room right away! I have found that if I hang out with hubby I end up getting distracted by what ever he has on the idiot box (TV) So out to my room I go, I get to sew until 8:30 p.m. I come in at 8:30 and spend a few minutes with the girls before we all go to bed, then up at 5:30 for work.
What I have found by precutting my fabric during the day I can get a huge amount of actual sewing done in the evening, I may only get an hour or two in a night and not every night since I have teens, but if I can sew three nights a week then that adds up to 6 hours!
I also take one day a weekend to sew, I do not always get this time, but I try really hard to. I do all of my errand running and shopping and housework on Saturday, then on Sunday I get from about noon till dinner time (about 5 hours) to sew! So when you add that 5 to my week night total, I can squeeze in 10-11 hours a week sewing time! And not loose any sleep!
Good luck on finding time to sew, and enjoy you time with your grand baby!
Ginny
Gin1906ataoldotcom
I have only just started quilting, but I find that late in the evenings after The Toddler goes to bed is about the only time I have to think about it...
I work full time (more than 40 hours) and have a job that most would consider stressful. I also have a husband and 2 sons (the youngest is 19). My only day that I get to quilt is generally on Sunday. I don't get a lot done as I'm new to this but that is ok. I don't ever want to be the type of quilter that cranks out one quilt a week.
I think there are times in our lives when we have more time and others when we have less time. It's just the way it is. I think, though, that it's important that you don't fully put away those things that you're interested in.
I walk into my sewing room at least once a day! That puts my mind back on what I either need to do, or want to do in there. I take five minutes in the morning before work to thumb through the projects on my table, at my machine, or on the design wall. I grab a bit of sewing time during prep of dinner, or mostly while DH is outside or off at the farm in the evenings. Or I read......hehe.
I couldn't agree more Jackie, there is no fun churning quilts out, I like to take my time and work slowly in the time I do have and enjoy the finished product,
good luck to you
Trish
I think it's so funny that you wrote this post, as I was just talking to my mom about my opposite problem: I have trouble finding time for EVERYTHING ELSE, because I am so busy quilting! So, that's how I do it: neglect all my chores and other work, hermit myself away from my friends and family, and quilt! Probably not the best advice, but I thought I should be honest. Good luck! wescott531.blogspot.com
I know it's past the deadline but wanted to share my method to find quilting time. I work nights and when I want to squeeze a little extra time, I set the alarm an hour early and head for the basement. By doing that, I am alert because I am rested and therefore less likely to hurt myself if I'm using my rotary cutter.
I also have several projects going at one time. That way if I feel like sewing, I can sew. I cut for projects a little at a time, mostly because I like to do scrappy and if I cut too much at one time, I find myself getting too matchy-matchy.
Hope you find some time to call your own.
Anna in IL
I know it is too late to enter, but wanted to let you know my tips. I work full time and have a lovely husband and two little ones at home. I have put my sewing machine in the dining room, which is now our "media room." it has the computer with internet access, a tv dedicated to the PS2, and the piano, and an exersaucer for the baby and room for her blanket when she needs to stretch out. So, we can all hang out together while I sew!
oh quilterrits, that is lovely, I love that you sew with the whole family involved. good for you. Trisha
I find time to quilt by having a small area in my studio for my daughter to play. She has her own bag of tiny scraps that she can cut with safety scissors, glue, string on a piece of embroidery thread with a platic needle, she has markers, paper, and a tiny tv with a few of her favorite movies to watch only while mommy quilts. I sometimes give her little jobs like when I am chain piecing a scrap quilt she gets to hand me the next piece. In a scrap quilt it doesn't really matter which fabric goes next and she loves this job.
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