I have very few "HAVE TOs" and make time for my quilting needs. It is just the two of us so we can do as we please. Right now, the house is in order and we have talked about making a schedule for those "SHOULD DOs" so we won't have the entire weekend bogged down with chores.
Nancy Zieman has a book out 10-20-30 minute sewing, that can help identify short prep work interludes. It makes a big difference to plan the project and check off the prep steps.