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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: pucktricks
Date: 03-20-2007, 09:15 AM (1 of 9)
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I noticed, and several others noticed, a distinct lack of time for sewing. So, what's your suggestions? Here's mine: 1. Find tasks you can don in 15 minute (or fill in your own segment) time frames. I set a timer for myself so I don't take too long (admittedly I ignore it and go on for just a little longer), and then I can usually finish a seam or two in that time. 2. This one I haven't achieved, but it's on my list to do. Have your space organized so you know where stuff is. Now, whenever I read advice like this, I laugh and say "that person doesn't have toddlers to help with your organization." Seriously, have you ever seen what they can do to a sewing room? 3. For those like me who have young kids, you can get a few more minutes sewing if you have a basket of toys of some sort for them to play with. Mine are still young enough that I save all the empty containers I get from sewing and various other things for them to sort and play with. This will happily occupy them for ten to fifteen minutes. Though, lately they've discovered they can turn the basket upside down next to the bed, and can use it to climb up on the bed and there they wrestle and try to throw each other off. Also that had been where I was storing things I was somewhat done with, so there's nothign quite like your 2 year old finding your pins and playing with them. Okay, there's my suggestions, any others? Ticia |
User: pucktricks
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 570 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 03-20-2007, 10:05 AM (2 of 9)
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Since I have no young children around my sewing table is just like I left it when I got up to answer the phone. Sometimes with work still under the presser foot of the sewing machine. I work at home in my sewing room so my problem tends to be more the other way -- "get over to the desk and finish that story by deadline. You don't have time to put in a hem first!" Don't say I'm lucky -- I paid my dues when I was younger and made a point of "a seam a day" when I was working in the office. |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: paroper
Date: 03-20-2007, 10:12 AM (3 of 9)
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When my children were younger, my sewing machine was set up in the family area. This allowed me to be a part of family time. We watched a movie together or while they did their homework, I was able to sew. Since my table extended into the room, I had two barrel chairs on the other side. That allowed them (and friends) to sit and talk to me as I worked. Much of my sewing time was also when the family was asleep. When I was working, I could get in an extra 30-60 min of sewing time when everyone else was in bed. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Bama
Date: 03-21-2007, 10:51 AM (4 of 9)
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Have your space organized so you know where stuff is. Now, whenever I read advice like this, I laugh and say "that person doesn't have toddlers to help with your organization." Seriously, have you ever seen what they can do to a sewing room? Ticia  I remember those days.  Just wait.Ever seen what a 15yo can do to a sewing room? She's in here on the computer all the time and can leave a huge mess. She sometimes decides to see what kind of craft things mom has in here and sorts through everything. A few months ago I found 2 pieces of my cat fabric had chunks cut out of them. She put them on a collage poster she and a friend were making. I've been working on organizing my sewing room on and off for a couple of days. I get alot more done when dd is not in here, but at least she likes to be in here. 
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User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: Bama
Date: 03-21-2007, 11:01 AM (5 of 9)
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Almost forgot to add how I find time. I have alot more time for handwork than I do sitting at the sewing machine. I guess that explains why I have so many unfinished quilt tops. I work on things while watching TV and while waiting for my kids to get out of school when I get off work. I have 30-40 minutes each weekday afternoon for that. I've made 5 hankie panky wallhanging tops in the past month with just that time. (they're only 16" square without borders) I usually only get to the sewing machine on weekends or when I have time off work. Sometimes I will schedule a day to sew and warn everyone in advance to leave me alone that day because I have some sewing/quilting to get done. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: LadySloPokes
Date: 03-21-2007, 06:10 PM (6 of 9)
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I can appreciate how hard it might be to be able to find some serious quiet time to sew when you have very young children in your home. I babysit my 2 yr old grandson 2-3 days a week (my days off from work) and I can assure you that there is No Way I can try to do any sewing when he's running around. He's much too inquisitive and nosey to stay out of things that might hurt him-like my pins and scissors. Thankfully my big old sewing desk drawers lock when the center drawer is pushed all the way in! I have a very hard time trying to find time to do things that are quick and easy....I think my user name says it all! I live in a new apartment now (not the duplex I used to live in) which means I have neighbors next to me and below me (I have an upper unit). As much as I would love to be able to sew into the wee hours of the night on my days off, I don't think my neighbors would appreciate it  I have been getting new projects started in small steps, like cutting out the patterns/fabric, gathering up the necessary thread/trims/notions, and planning out what should be done next. I'm sure that once I get my time more organized, I'll be able to get these projects underway and completed....at least by Christmas!! 
Cookie
LadySlo...yes am I, but hey, I'm gettin' there! Are you sure it's supposed to look like this?! Proud owner of Singer Quantum Decor 7322 & Singer Quantum Futura CE 200.. "A balanced diet is having chocolate in both hands!" |
User: LadySloPokes
Member since: 08-15-2005 Total posts: 198 
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From: texasmom_35
Date: 03-23-2007, 01:53 PM (7 of 9)
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Not that I do this type of sewing (although I do some) it is a wonderful sounding idea. I read that Nancy from Sewing with Nancy said that while she is always sewing on TV she has very little time to sew for herself personaly. What she does is get up 1/2 hour before the family and sews during that time. By doing this type of sewing she is able to make an outfit in 2 weeks. I try to get up before my family and do something in the sewing room but it does not always work for me. Debra |
User: texasmom_35
Member since: 08-05-2006 Total posts: 11 |
From: mommgsews
Date: 03-23-2007, 04:27 PM (8 of 9)
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I am blessed that my sewing area is a portion of our family room and I am able to leave my machines and projects as there are... This makes it much easier for me to set a timer for 15 minutes and get something done. Also, if I have hand sewing that needs to be done I will put it in a basket or large zipper bag and carry it with me during the day. Then if I have a few minutes waiting at an appointment or sitting in the drive through at the bank I can sew while I wait. |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73 
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From: dcloud
Date: 03-23-2007, 04:37 PM (9 of 9)
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I don't remember who this is or where I read this, but there is a writer who would often go out and sit in her car in the driveway just to get away from the kids and the noise so she could write. Maybe you could make a little space for yourself somewhere to "get away" for a bit and sew. |
User: dcloud
Member since: 03-21-2007 Total posts: 72 |
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