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Finding Time to Sew

I have difficulties finding time to sew. I have a sewing studio made by my wonderful husband, machines, patterns, fabric, notions, passion - in short, everything but time. How do you find the time in your busy life? Suggestions, please!

Replies to This Post

Permalink Reply by Linda S on April 11, 2008 at 1:30pm

If you have a chance get a hold of Nancy Zieman's "10-20-30 minutes to sew", it points out how to set up and then do sewing in steps in short sessions. Even if you have lots of time to sew it is a good read with interesting pointers.
published by leasure arts isbn on my soft cover is 0-8487-1129-7

Permalink Reply by Carolyn de Leeuw on April 11, 2008 at 11:24pm

Thanks, I look forward to finding the book. I think I've heard of it, and I know her book "fitting finesse" was a revelation to me.

Permalink Reply by Carolyn Moffett on April 12, 2008 at 6:07pm

I make appoinments to sew. Just like you schedule other important things to do like Haircuts and doctor's appointments. Carolyn Moffett

Permalink Reply by Carolyn de Leeuw on April 13, 2008 at 9:42pm

I really like that idea. I will give it a try. Thanks Carolyn!

Permalink Reply by Mary on April 14, 2008 at 11:39am

I do a couple of different things to find time. One thing is to let everyone in the house know that between 1-3 pm is sewing time. No interruptions, no phone calls, no visits.

Another thing is to plan in advance. When I finish one sewing step and have no more time, make sure that everything is in place for the next step. Be sure you have everything you need to complete that step. I hope this helps you.

Permalink Reply by Carolyn de Leeuw on April 14, 2008 at 9:04pm

I do try to leave everything in order for the next phase, and I am sooooo lucky to have a dedicated sewing studio. Sometimes it gets messy and out of order but I always clean up before I try to do anything else. I guess my biggest problem really is not having a lot of time...darned children! Ah well, that only gets better with time, right? Please tell me yes...

Permalink Reply by Pat on April 15, 2008 at 3:15pm

Dear Carolyn,Take Nancy Zieman's path. Break sewing down into small steps-like 20 minutes etc. Her books have been very helpful to me, especially the one called 10-20-30 minutes to sew. You can put in a zipper, set a sleeve, add a waist band etc in these short times. Forget about doing the whole project and just concentrate on the next step.You are lucky to have a studio so you don't have to pack everything up all the time. Pat

Permalink Reply by Carolyn de Leeuw on April 15, 2008 at 10:27pm

I need to look for that book, because this is the second recommendation. I did sew a sundress for my step-mother last month that had to be finished before they went on vacation. The only way to get it done was in small chunks so I know it works. Thanks Pat!

Permalink Reply by Mary on April 16, 2008 at 6:54am

Sounds like you are pretty organized. I think you are doing fine. I do understand about there never being enough time.

Permalink Reply by Carolyn de Leeuw on April 16, 2008 at 9:18am

Thanks for the vote Mary. I guess what I would really like is time to sew uninterrupted. I enjoy that so much more, but I suppose its better to have small bits of time than no time at all.

Permalink Reply by Carolyn Moffett on April 16, 2008 at 9:59am

Thanks for all your comments. In the old days when my kids were little I did sew whenever I could squeeze it in. I read Nancy's book years ago and the few minutes here and there were helpful. Then one day I had the idea to dedicate a special day and time for me. I had six kids and was raising my younger sibling and needed some time for me. So Wednesday afternoon way my time. Now that the kids have grown and grandbabies are here Idon't do Wednesdays anymore. I am a "to do" list maker. On my "to do" list I still schedule sewing time. I do break the tasks down like cutting out projects and sewing a certain section only. Now I work 3 days a week and babysit grandchildren 2 days a week. If I didn't schedule sewing time it still wouldn't happen.

Permalink Reply by Sandra Diane on December 8, 2008 at 3:03pm

Hi, Carolyn. How is 'finding time to sew' coming along? I know that this may be to little to late, but I find that with my buys schedule the best time for me to sew is on Friday night; I don't have to get up the next day, at any particular time, so I can sew until I get tired. And, if I'm working on a particular project with a delivery date I find myself working on the project, maybe 1 or 2 (no more than 2) hours each evening during the week. Good luck and happy sewing.