Quiltingboard Forums

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)
-   General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk) (https://www.quiltingboard.com/general-chit-chat-non-quilting-talk-f7/)
-   -   Do you let your housework go? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/general-chit-chat-non-quilting-talk-f7/do-you-let-your-housework-go-t194090.html)

jcrow 07-09-2012 10:10 AM

Do you let your housework go?
 
I use to clean my house every day. It was spotless. Everything dusted, carpets vacuumed, floors mopped, laundry washed daily, windows washed, deck, patio and driveway hosed off weekly. Then I discovered quilting. Now my house isn't spotless anymore. When someone is coming over, I tell them to give me an hour and I run around like mad trying to pick things up to make my house presentable. I still clean, but it's not a priority anymore. I don't clean daily like I use to. I would rather quilt. Any one else like that now that they found quilting?

PaperPrincess 07-09-2012 10:19 AM

You need an hour to prepare for guests? I need a week!

cjr 07-09-2012 10:21 AM

My house has never been good housekeeping seal of show perfect. I have many other interests. When guests come I can promise them clean sheets and clean dishes. dishes in sink after a meal may stay overnight, eventually they get done as does mcs cleaning.
Now I'd rather be sewing or doing other things.

sewmorethings 07-09-2012 10:23 AM

I relate to your comment 100% and my husband is making comments lately about the house having fabric in every room and the house looks like it could use a cleaning. I told him i think it could too and since he dosen't have a hobby i told him clean it up, he didn't seem to like that comment......lol it is still a mess. I have to do the dishes and clean the kitchen every night, can't stand getting up to a dirty kitchen but that is the only think that really bothers me. I do a light weekly picking up and the bathrooms and vac once a week but don't clean like i used to, i would rather sew. I figure i spent enought years cleaning up after everybody and now there is just the 2 of us and i want to do my thing now.......

SouthPStitches 07-09-2012 10:25 AM

You only come this way once so do whatever gives you joy. My house is picked up, beds made, dishes done, laundry usually caught up, and I do make decent suppers. It's a house well lived in. If anyone is coming over to judge my housekeeping or quilting skills, they need not bother!

tesspug 07-09-2012 10:30 AM

I asked DH yesterday how he felt about the fabric taking over the whole house. He said as long as he gets three meals a day he's happy.

Jazzmyn 07-09-2012 10:33 AM

I had a cleaner and neater house when the kids were home and I worked full time...kids are gone and the house gets done when I am in the mood. Dishes are always done....bathrooms clean....and bed is made every day...what else is there?

I came across the saying a long time ago...never made it in a sign but always meant to and to hang it on the front door.

"If you come to see me come anytime.....If you come to see my house make an appointment."

Have a good week !!

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter 07-09-2012 10:33 AM

A spotless house is the sign of a broken sewing machine.

SewExtremeSeams 07-09-2012 10:35 AM

As SouthPStitches said, "It's a house well lived in." That's our place.

And it takes several days to prepare for over night company. We (meaning DH and I) just remarked last night that we need to invite someone over about once a week! :D

Ellen 07-09-2012 10:40 AM

I can relate.....I should be in the kitchen right now. UPS just delivered fabric.....I'm petting!!!!

LovingIzabella 07-09-2012 10:46 AM

I absolutely relate! I am not a daily house cleaner any more due largely in part to my medical issues but someone once said to me:
The epithet on my headstone is not going to read "She kept a spotless home." (even if I did).
I also like to go by:

THIS HOME GLADLY WELCOMES YOU TO COME IN BUT DON'T EXPECT TO FIND ALL THE DISHES DONE, ALL FLOORS A SHINE. OBSERVE THE CRUMBS AND TOYS GALORE, THE SMUDGY PRINTS UPON THE DOOR. THE LITTLE ONES WE SHELTER HERE DON'T THRIVE ON A SPOTLESS ATMOSPHERE. THEY'RE MORE INCLINED TO DISARRAY AND CAREFREE, EVEN MESSY PLAY. THEIR NEEDS ARE GREAT, THEIR PATIENCE SMALL. ALL DAY I'M AT THEIR BECK AND CALL. IT'S MOMMY COME! MOMMY SEE! WIGGLY WORMS AND RED SCRAPED KNEES. PAINTED PICTURES, BLOCKS PILED HIGH, MY FLOORS UNSHINED, THE DAYS GO BY. SOME FUTURE DAY THEY'LL FLEE THIS NEST AND I AT LAST WILL HAVE A REST! NOW YOU TELL ME WHICH MATTERS MORE:
A HAPPY CHILD OR A POLISHED FLOOR?

Hugs
April

Grandma Peg 07-09-2012 10:52 AM

I never have been a good housekeeper. It was important to me when my children were young that we go to the park, for a walk or whatever. Then when I worked full time as they were growing up going to games, and all their activities were priorities. Now that they are grown and on their own cleaning gets done on my days off in the morning and then I can have the rest of the day to sew or do what I need to do. My personal feeling has always been I am not living to just work! Want people to remember me for what I have done in life and for others not that she was a good housekeeper.

Scissor Queen 07-09-2012 11:06 AM

I dust twice a year whether it needs it or not. I'm not kidding either. I usually dust once in the spring and then once right before the holidays. I vacuum when the cat fur looks bad. Next time I'm either getting a cat colored carpet or a carpet colored cat. LOL I do keep up with the kitchen and bathrooms most of the time unless I'm in a big crunch time on a quilt.

delma_paulk 07-09-2012 11:14 AM

I am retired--finally!!! He has been retired for years!!! I am also retired from cleaning, cooking and anything else I DO NOT WANT TO DO; as is he. He helps mess up, he helps clean up. We raised 4 girls, well if they are ever "raised", had a gdau until she was 5, along w/her mother, and have a gson who finally finished high school this June.

I am also semi disabled with a lung disease and have found two lovely ladies who offered to clean my house, they come every other week and I feel so blessed to have them in my life and in my home. I pay them and am thankful I am able to do that, I retired early and now receive less than half what I was making. I feel The Lord allowed these women in my life for a reason and I am enjoying my retirement to the fullest.

My dearest husband of 51 yrs tells me do what you feel like doing and have the energy to do and that is exactly what I do, I am truly blessed and an truly thankful for my life. I just finished a quilt for my BIL who is retired military and can't wait to give it to him. He is 80 now and having health problems caused from Agent Orange during his Viet Nam days, I hope this small gift will tell him how much I appreciate his service to our country and the years he has been a wonderful BIL.

delma

chips88 07-09-2012 11:21 AM

i do a little cleaning not much. i am either sewing or on the computer. i do take a break and fix me something to eat. dh gets on me about cleaning. i just tell him you live here to and you make messes. clean it up.see where im at here on qb.

nygal 07-09-2012 11:34 AM

Housework...what's that? :)

I never was a Martha Stewart type. I am not a slob either but I just can't keep the house as clean as I use to. I have arthritis in my feet, knees and my back. I do what I can and it is presentable but don't visit with a white glove.

I have a pretty sign that says "I cleaned my house yesterday. I wish you could have seen it". I laughed out loud when I saw that in the store...I had to buy it.

Cagey 07-09-2012 11:35 AM

I'm so happy to hear I'm not the only one. I look around my house, see what needs to be done, feel a little guilty, and then go to my quilting room and then i feel better!

MisDixie 07-09-2012 11:46 AM

The only place housework comes before quilting is in the dictionary.

bearisgray 07-09-2012 11:47 AM

We have a friend whose home IS spotless (I think I maybe saw some some dust on some decorative towels that are perfectly displayed in her bathrooms :shock: )

It's nice to visit - but such a relief to get back home -

May in Jersey 07-09-2012 11:50 AM

Yes, I like my house to look clean and neat and did keep it that way for years. But I began doing housework as soon as I could use a dust rag or a broom, so at 76 no more Mrs. Neatness. To keep things presentable dishes hide in the dishwasher, clothes in the dryer and all the stuff that accumulates around the house hides in tote bags. Lucky that we have plenty of dishes, untensils and clothes. My sewing room is upstairs and I can close the door on that mess. DH helps out as I put all his clean laundry in his laundry basket and he puts it way in his closet and dresser and he also covers our bed in the morning. Bed is simple, 4 pillows, a fitted bottom sheet and a quilt, just a few flicks of the wrist and the bed is covered, well sort of. In the winter I add another quilt or comforter. Lots of other things to use my limited energy on like catching up with everyone here.

PS: Sun is shiny in the living room this afternoon and shows that the tables are dusty, I'll put that on the top of tomorrow's To Do List, LOL!

misspriss 07-09-2012 12:21 PM

LOL! My home is spotless, and I do sew a lot. I don't have threads trailing on my shoes or am I wearing any on my clothes or in my hair, you can't see them on the navy blue carpet either. Of course I have pipe dreams too................

kayluvs2quilt 07-09-2012 01:22 PM

I have fibromyalgia and have to decide where to use any available energy each day. That decision NEVER includes housework! DH would always do the vacuuming and keep the floors clean (and I would feel guilty). It took about three years of subtle hints that escalated into full blown discussions about getting a cleaning service to come in to do the housekeeping.. My energy is now used to quilt, DH has time to do other things on weekends except clean house and we both think it is the best money spent!!!

maryb44662 07-09-2012 02:07 PM

There was a saying by a quilter, I think on this board: "QUILT FOREVER, CLEAN WHENEVER" I have adopted this statement as my motto.

raynhamquilter 07-09-2012 02:20 PM

What is "housework"?

Liz92B 07-09-2012 02:23 PM

what means that word "housework"? {bwahahahahahaha} {giggle} {snort}

newbee3 07-09-2012 02:38 PM

i AGREE with you I do not want to be remembered as the spotless housekeeper I would rather they remember the quilting I did

GABBYABBY 07-09-2012 02:45 PM


Originally Posted by sewmorethings (Post 5351062)
I relate to your comment 100% and my husband is making comments lately about the house having fabric in every room and the house looks like it could use a cleaning. I told him i think it could too and since he dosen't have a hobby i told him clean it up, he didn't seem to like that comment......lol it is still a mess. I have to do the dishes and clean the kitchen every night, can't stand getting up to a dirty kitchen but that is the only think that really bothers me. I do a light weekly picking up and the bathrooms and vac once a week but don't clean like i used to, i would rather sew. I figure i spent enought years cleaning up after everybody and now there is just the 2 of us and i want to do my thing now.......

EXACTLY!!! I agree with you.

Tartan 07-09-2012 02:56 PM

Sewing first, housework second. It will wait for me because it's not as if someone will fight me for the job.

Tink's Mom 07-09-2012 02:59 PM


Originally Posted by nygal (Post 5351256)
Housework...what's that? :)

I never was a Martha Stewart type. I am not a slob either but I just can't keep the house as clean as I use to. I have arthritis in my feet, knees and my back. I do what I can and it is presentable but don't visit with a white glove.

I have a pretty sign that says "I cleaned my house yesterday. I wish you could have seen it". I laughed out loud when I saw that in the store...I had to buy it.

I have the same sign in my kitchen...love it.

I keep the house clean enough. If you don't like the way something looks, fix it yourself. My kitchen and bath are clean...the rest of the house....the dust is fighting for space between the dog hair and the fabric.

ShabbyTabby 07-09-2012 03:20 PM

Priorities!! When I was younger and raising my children I was a fanatic about spotless everything. Now I have discovered quilting in my old age and the only thing spotless now is my fresh clean fabrics...lol

ube quilting 07-09-2012 03:47 PM

what a kick! When I die I want people to come together and show off all the quilts I gifted over all these years. No one will say anything about my clean house but my creativity will shine! Hopefully there will be nice things said!

All my friends know they might have to rinse a glass out if they want to use one at my house.

barri1 07-09-2012 03:59 PM

I have a problem, and Im not going to blame quilting on it.. I was brought up with help in the house, and went to school from 8:00 to 5:00.. I don't have a clue how to clean.. I do my best.. but I think I have the attention span of a humming bird.. I find way too many things I'd rather do, and try to stay on target, but it doesn't happen.. I don't think I'd like to have someone come in to clean, as I would be embarrassed.. Sort of like a lazy slug.. I also put in long hours at work, and I never know when I have to leave.. It's a little funny when I find slivers in different area, and I know they hitched a ride on the dog.. He doesn't seem to care what the place looks like..

momto5 07-09-2012 04:04 PM

Housework????? Don't they have an APP for that?

Nelco 07-09-2012 04:12 PM

I live with my cat so I do not have to please anyone but me. Also I House/pet set so I am not home that much :)

auntpiggylpn 07-09-2012 04:15 PM


Originally Posted by Tartan (Post 5351713)
Sewing first, housework second. It will wait for me because it's not as if someone will fight me for the job.

hahahahahahahaha!!! How true is this statement?!!!

3incollege 07-09-2012 04:16 PM

I always had a very clean house. you have to when you have 7 bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms. Quilting came into my life, it is clean and people stop by at all hours, I don't care, because the house is always presentable, but they might not notice the dust I do.A housekeeper helps! When I get up in the morning I take an hour to clean, red up. Then I do whatever I want. Summer is harder to quilt because I want to be outside. gardens to tend to or go to the lake and swim.

noveltyjunkie 07-09-2012 04:19 PM

You and me both!


Originally Posted by PaperPrincess (Post 5351053)
You need an hour to prepare for guests? I need a week!


AuntieD 07-09-2012 04:48 PM

Which makes you happy house cleaning or quilting? Why quilting of course! Besides cleaning and dusting every day wears out your furniture. That's by story and I'm sticking to it!!

Quiltaddict 07-09-2012 05:00 PM


Originally Posted by PaperPrincess (Post 5351053)
You need an hour to prepare for guests? I need a week!

Me too, at least a week, or more. Since I live alone, I'm the only one who cares if everything is clean, except for my cat and she doesn't care as long as her food dish is full. Quilting is a hobby that just does not lend itself to keeping a clean house. Just when I get all my fabrics put away it's time to start a new quilt and drag out about 100 other fabrics to try out.

ging10ging 07-09-2012 05:11 PM

Your not alone I used to clean a lot more and almost feel quilty not doing it like I used to but quilting has taken over and then there is my crocheting so the house I pick up before I go to bed. I try to do some housework daily until lunchtime DH likes to eat daily and then I go to the computer/sewing room and do my thing and then DH is ready for dinner and sometimes I will sew after dinner or cross stitch the dolphin I've started a while ago and then my DD reminded me she would love another afghan winter is coming and of course she wants some hats and scarfs and I also like to read there just isn't enough time for housework. DH likes his TV when he finishes his other work or it's way to hot right now to work outside in the aft so it works. Let the kitties enjoy the house and if someone wants to come by and check if you cleaned let the kitties tell them a story about the quilting. Sue


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 04:30 PM.