| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Oct 01 2012 : 11:14:24 AM
Would fellow sisters share their thoughts on how they find time to sew? I know if you want something badly enough you find a way. I wistfully dream of finding time to sew and it just doesn't happen. I work full-time and life is so hectic there's just no TIME ! Let's face it, if you carve out time for ANY hobby, something else has to go. Partially done projects sitting in a pile are tugging at me. I'm having a hard time fitting it into an already hectic schedule. Please share what you do to find time to sew. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| cozie lady |
Posted - Jul 26 2013 : 09:39:56 AM
Hmmm! timer, I like that idea.
amy r
sister #4186 |
| carolj |
Posted - Jul 17 2013 : 06:58:45 AM
Just re-read all of these hoping someone would have a magic button. lol. Aren't we all birds of a feather! I did think of two more ideas that may help.
1. Set a timer. Sometimes if I have trouble starting or a limited amount of time to work on a project this helps me. I often find ten minutes spent on something dreaded gets me motivated to finish. If I have a limited amount of time to spend on something I want to do, setting a timer frees me from worrying about looking at the clock. This is not my original idea, but I am grateful to the author of whatever book or article I read it in.
2. I met a quilter/shop owner once who told me she threaded six needles and quilted until they were empty. She usually stopped after the six because that way she "didn't get sick of it."
Hope these help.
Blessings,
Carol
Farmgirl 1823
Sow what you want to reap.
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| neeter302 |
Posted - Jul 12 2013 : 04:35:21 AM
How I wish I was an "early bird", I mean I don't sleep in really, up by 6:00 but I use to work with a lady whose husband got up for work very early so she'd get up with him and sew for a couple hours before going to work at 8. She made the cutest quilted bags and wallets (similar to Vera Bradley bags) and would sell them at work. I guess it's kind of like exercise you just have to make time for it if you really want to do it.
Farmgirl #522
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| cozie lady |
Posted - Jul 10 2013 : 09:37:55 AM
I am up 2 1/2 to 3 hours before I go to work. I used to clean house make dinner prepartions and what not. Now that I have an empty nest I have been working on my craft projects. It is a nice start to my day, only problem is I have to remember to watch the clock so that I am not late for work. I also make a list on my chalkboard with completion dates, don't always make it but I give it a good try.
amy r
sister #4186 |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Jul 03 2013 : 08:12:24 AM
Cleaned out sewing area and much better but still not quite where I need it to be but at least an improvement. Got rid of a bunch of fabric I knew I wouldn't be using so hopefully go to someone who will use and enjoy it.
Farmgirl #522
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| neeter302 |
Posted - Jun 28 2013 : 08:17:00 AM
I've had to go through my fabric and getting rid of a bunch, I dread it but maybe if I organize and clean up my sewing area I'll be more apt to sit and finish some projects. Keeping fabric and sewing notions organized is quite a chore in itself, I have things stored in big plastic bins which works ok but not exactly attractive all stacked up. I'd love to have some muslin or linen fabric covered boxes to store and organize. Researched online but everything I've seen is small dimensions and I need BIG boxes so they just won't do and very expensive, so dream on.....:-)
Farmgirl #522
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| Katlady93 |
Posted - Jun 19 2013 : 5:52:06 PM
i hate doing button holes, they never come out right. and my machine has a magical button hole maker. and they still don't come out quite right. if you got them to work right once Anita you can do it again. especially since you have inspiration in your GS.
Some dreams are worth the risk it takes to make them real.
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footsteps on the moon. |
| neeter302 |
Posted - Jun 19 2013 : 04:29:36 AM
Oh Charlotte I'm so glad you got your little curtains done, doesn't it feel good to get a project finished and you know it's going to be put to good use. LOVE IT! Made a novelty apron for my daughter, she flipped over it and loves it, so rewarding to make things for others too. My grandson looks so adorable in little cotton button up shirts, hope I can sew a couple for him, wouldn't take much fabric at all (size 5) but I'm a little nervous about button holes! Suzan I hope you can get into that little dress, sounds adorable! So much fabric.....so little time...LOL :-)
Farmgirl #522
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| Scruboak |
Posted - Jun 18 2013 : 11:55:52 AM
I love to sew but also have trouble making the time. Just to give you an idea....I started a lovely little dress for spring back in January. I just realized that the 7 pounds I've gained since I started the darn thing make that dress awfully tight. Groan! Really love the one seam a day idea.
"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there." -- Rumi |
| Katlady93 |
Posted - Jun 18 2013 : 10:34:52 AM
i finally started sewing again after about 10 months hiatus. i hadn't sewed since DH had his stroke.
Sunday, for some reason, i started cleaning. (this is not something i usually do, DH is much,much better at it than i am) anyway as i worked my way through the house, i wound up at the sewing machine table, i started cleaning around it, washed the tables, swept up good, (i hate it when the dog sheds). before i knew it, i had the machine all threaded up and was sewing. not without hiccups, had to mess with the bobbins and the upper tension, and other stuff. i think she was mad becasue i had neglected her for so long. and i finally finished the new curtains for the camper!!! i had started them August 25, the day DH had the stroke. have to be washed and pressed and then they will go into Buttercup. i am laready working on the seat cushions. i guess i jsut had to work through all the issues from the stroke and stress of that. it felt so good to be creating something again. it really, really did.
Some dreams are worth the risk it takes to make them real.
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footsteps on the moon. |
| HolidayJunkie |
Posted - Jun 16 2013 : 11:56:21 AM
I must admit, I also feel guilty when I do sit down to sew or craft and still have "housework" I could be doing. I use to not be like that, but I find it being more and more of a problem for me. But I'm trying to make myself just do it again. Little pieces of time here and there. My friends are noticing even that my creative mojo is back! I love that feeling when I do get something done, so I have to remind myself of that.
Blog: http://confessionsofaholidayjunkie.blogspot.com/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/holidayjunkie/ |
| carolj |
Posted - Jun 10 2013 : 11:04:49 AM
As I read these wonderful suggestions about making time for our "hobbies," I can hear my grandmother saying, "We all have time." She meant we each have exactly 24 hours in a day. I think the problem comes from the times we live in. We are all busy. Many of us by necessity or choice work outside the home, and though we've been a society of working women since before I was born, we still have this battle between being "career women" and homemakers; we still want it "all," and we still feel guilty that we can't do it all perfectly. (Please excuse me if I have been presumptuously all-inclusive.)
My point is we should not feel guilty about taking time to do things we enjoy doing. (My brother has never felt guilty about one minute he has spent on the golf course, nor my husband one minute he has spent in his shop.) I'm learning that I need just to do it, whatever it is, and embrace the process.
Another thing I'm learning is to admit that I am not required to continue to do things that no longer give me pleasure. If I ever tire of crocheting, I can pass my yarn and hooks to someone who wants to take up the hobby. You get the idea.
Sow what you want to reap.
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| Lady McBeth |
Posted - Jun 10 2013 : 06:23:11 AM
I think someone above touched on that fact that we need to stop thinking of sewing, knitting etc as a hobby. For me sewing is part of my life, something I did every day for years. I clothed myself and my daughter all the way to their wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses and waistcoats for the grooms and fathers of the brides. Sewing is a skill and one that is going away. Consider it something you do for your family and your home. Something you are proud of and good at instead of something you tinker with. Also, it does help if you can set up your machine and leave it. I took over the breakfast area in my house, the machine was on a special table my Dad built into the bay window and the ironing board never went away. My husband complained for a couple of years but finally gave up complaining because he knew it was never going away. When the girls left home I took over the whole den area with a big cutting table and rocker to sit in while I did hand work. Now my circumstances have changed and I have a tiny house with no place to put my machine up. I miss it terribly. Worked all day yesterday arranging the tiny bedroom for a sewing room. But where to set up the machine and where will I cut fabric. Will have to work that out.
When I count my Blessings I count my horse twice. |
| DandeeRose |
Posted - Jun 05 2013 : 07:32:34 AM
That is great Anita! Probably took you mind off of the pain. :) I struggle finding time as well. I make most of my children's clothing, but not nearly enough. I have totes of fabric I had plans for.
Many Blessings- Alicia
http://dandeelionrose.blogspot.com/
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain." |
| neeter302 |
Posted - May 03 2013 : 08:14:11 AM
Well to update since I was home with surgery I found time to sew several things, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I'm home more due to debilitating arthritis, but I don't let it stop me too much, it gave me time to do swaps, some small sewing projects and it has actually been a blessing in disguise :-)
Farmgirl #522
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| laurentany |
Posted - Apr 13 2013 : 6:24:12 PM
I would LOVE to learn to sew- I mean really sew. I would like to take classes at our local shop- which I just may do come fall, when things settle down a bit. I just think it would be so neat to be able to make pretty much anything that I want/need!
Hugs,
~Laurie
"Little Hen House on the Island"
Farmgirl Sister#1403
View my New Blog:
http://simplesuburbanpleasures.blogspot.com
Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.
~Robert Louis Stevenson |
| texdane |
Posted - Apr 11 2013 : 05:58:39 AM
I hear ya, too! I start and stop. I'm a busy mom and also blog, knit, garden, and teach knitting classes. Sewing isn't something I find I can do quickly or in snippets of time, either. Love it, though.
Hugs,
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Chapter Leader, Connecticut Simpler Life Sisters
Farmgirl of the Month, January 2013
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
| Bonnie Ellis |
Posted - Apr 08 2013 : 7:13:48 PM
If you are like I was working and raising a family there didn't seem to be time to sew. I put my machine in the laundry room so I could mend when the clothes were clean. The other thing you might try is to put yourself on the calendar like you were a doctor's appointment. We tend to make those a priority. Make yourself a priority even if it is only once a week. You will feel satisfied about being able to sew and indeed get something done. Happy sewing.
grandmother and orphan farmgirl |
| Lavender Rose |
Posted - Apr 05 2013 : 07:11:20 AM
Nancy Zeiman has a book called "10,20,30 minutes to Sew". There might be hints and ideas in it for those who don't have much time to sew or do other crafts.
Nancy has a web site for her store. Just search Nancy Zeiman. Her store is in Wisconsin. She also has a PBS TV show. You can watch many of her shows on the internet.
Lavender Rose
Each day we add to our legacy--good or bad.
Our Daily Bread |
| Rosemary |
Posted - Feb 15 2013 : 2:26:48 PM
It's a matter of priorities. Set some, and put your peace and pleasure at the top of the list. You're allowed! If you must, think of it as taking care of your health so you can better take care of others. :) |
| windypines |
Posted - Feb 15 2013 : 1:22:15 PM
I find I get more done when I make a list. Keeps me on track. Sometimes I actually set aside X amount of minutes to do something for myself. I do like to have my chores done before I do that.
It is hard. But if it some something you want to do you will find the time.
good luck
Michele |
| Katlady93 |
Posted - Feb 15 2013 : 09:58:17 AM
the bad thing is i KNOW that once i actully put foot to pedal and start, i will lose myself in sewing. lose track of time, enjoy myself tremendously, and get a lot done.
i just can't seem to sit down and get that first stitch done.
Some dreams are worth the risk it takes to make them real.
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footsteps on the moon. |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Feb 15 2013 : 08:14:46 AM
Hello again!
Oh my goodness, Ladies! Each of you has touched on every thought I have had as well!
: )
I gave up crafting, sewing, knit/crochet , embroidery many years ago!
As a teen I did it all the time! Always had some work in my hand it seemed?
Then marriage, kids, work, housekeeping, divorce and single-parenting and I just gave any hobbies all up. Never enough hours in the day and when I had time to sit and relax? That's what I wanted to do....just relax.
Now in my retirement years........I am now in an apt and I am trying to take things up again. I enjoy knitting. Starting to learn counted cross stitch (had the pre printed canvas years back!! Lol). I very much want to sew again? Finding sewing a bit stressful tho?
Patterns seem a bit more complicated than they used too and I'm having never ending bobbin problems!
This retired body and bones has better days than others too and that's a factor as well!
I think in today's times? We have sooo many more distractions than maybe our gmas did back in the day!
My daughter reminded me of something the other day that some of you have touched on here?
Back in the day I think ladies were always working on something. In the evenings after chores, they would pick up whatever project being worked on....whether knitting, sewing etc. It may have been just a seam or a few rows but things got accomplished steps at a time.
I think today as well, most of us have ( I know I do) that all or nothing frame of mind?
That want it now feeling? Maybe attempting bits at a time each day is the answer!
Eventually we get closer to our goal that way, anyway?!
Here's good luck and good thoughts to each of us as we try and find what works for our personal situations!
I know that each of us are enjoying the 'trying' process to find out.
Hope everyone has a good day! : )
Farmgirl blessings,
Linda
Country at Heart |
| marshaspaniel |
Posted - Feb 11 2013 : 8:51:42 PM
Lora,
what are corn hole bags?? |
| marshaspaniel |
Posted - Feb 11 2013 : 8:48:28 PM
yep, I think my main problem is setting up and putting away!! Even though my cute little Featherweight machine only weighs about eight pounds! I used to sew all of the time, had a pile of projects and would rip right through them! I started making jewely and can hardly get back to sewing. Maybe this year!!
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