Making Time for Quilting Projects

There is never enough time to get all of your quilting projects done. Making time for quilting projects requires descipline and organization.

Time is a precious commodity but where does it all go?

Time is one thing we can’t get more of. Quilters often talk about needing more time. Are you making the best use of your own quilting time?

Do you have quilting projects started but not yet finished?

Is there a stack of fabric set aside for some wonderful new quilting design?

Does it take you more than 10 minutes to find that particular fabric, quilting design or quilting pattern in your files?

Are there quilting magazines or quilting books that you haven’t looked at in more than a week or more sitting on your desk?

Does your idea of getting organized mean stuffing as much fabric as you can under your bed or stashed in a closet or on top of your sewing machine?

Do you think that if you want something done right, you need to do it yourself?

Do you feel there are too many demands for your time from too many people pulling you in different directions?

Learn to avoid the quilters dilemma.

Too many quilting projects, too little time.

Making time for quilting projects with the best use of your time, you may want to:

Develop skill in timesaving quilting techniques. Use the rotary cutter and mat for quick and easy piecing.

Spend a little money to get the best quality quilting tools.

Set priorities. Learn to distinguish between urgent and important. Everything in life does not carry the same importance. Making time for quilting projects requires setting aside time specifically for quilting.

Organize. Plan your days, making a list of things that need to be done today, including making time for quilting projects. Remember it takes time to find things when you are not organized.

Make use of found time. This is time you would normally just waste, such as waiting to pick the kids up from school or sports practice, or waiting at the doctors office. Carry a bag of piecework to work on, or that magazine or book you wanted to read. Making time for quilting projects means using small amounts of time. They add up.

Take advantage of some quick 20 or 30 minute time slots in your day. When you know you have a few minutes before going to work, to a meeting, or to pick up the kids, go into your sewing room and set a kitchen timer for that length of time When it buzzes you know it’s time to head out the door. It is surprising what you can get accomplished in those few minutes.

Let others do it. You don’t have to do everything that is asked of you. Learn to delegate which also means you recognize the skills and abilities of others around you.

Set goals. Understand what you want to do, not only for today but next week, month and next year. Develop good relationships with the people and quilting resources that you need to achieve your goals.

Be flexible. It is important to allow for interruptions and spur of the moment activities. No matter how well we plan, quilting projects and events always take more time then we think.

Get started. The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.

Recognize your productive hours. Are you a morning person or do you work best at night?

Understand that doing a quilting project right takes time. If you don’t have the time to do the quilting project right the first time, how will you find the time to do it over? Build time for daydreaming. It takes time to be creative, so let those creative quilting juices flow!

Set deadlines for yourself. When you complete a quilting project, you can reward yourself for using your time wisely in accomplishing your quilting goals.

We all have the same 24 hours in a day. How you choose to use it is up to you. It is your time. Use it wisely.

Go to Tips and Techniques from Making Time for Quilting Projects