Calling all retirees
 

Just how much quilting would you say you get done in a day or week? Are you sporadic or constant? Are you guilty of spending more time on the QB than actual sewing like I do? Are you guilty of spending a fair amount of time virtual fabric shopping or at least window shopping?

Seems like it's all or nothing for me. Can't think of anything else but quilting for hours and days at a time or can't stand to look at it the next week. Obviously I haven't found my true rhythm yet, it's only been 4 months since retirement. I do tend to cut and piece in the daytime and hand quilt at night.

I've been retired almost 5 years. I actually think I crafted more while I was working. I would have to plan time to do it, and would actually do crafts at the alloted time because if I didn't I wouldn't have another opportunity. Now that I'm retired, I don't plan a time thinking that I've got all the time in the world, but it seems I'm busier now than when working. We recently bought a cottage. I brought one of my machines out there so I could quilt while he fished. The only thing I've been using it for is to reupholster the pontoon cushions (not my idea). Do you know how many cushions there are on a pontoon? looking forward to when the snow flies and I can get back to quilting. I hope.

i belong to a small group (about 15) with most (10 of the 15) retired-
our group seems to be a pretty busy group- they participate in many local activities, they pretty much do not sew/quilt at all in the summer time (between April & September) unless there is a pressing need- they are busy traveling, gardening, enjoying the outside, just busy- once September arrives everyone buckles down-
as for spending too much computer time- a few of us (i started they thought it a good idea) set timers- when i am turning on my computer i set a timer for 45 minutes- my timer has a 1minute warning beep= when that one minute beep happens i finish what ever i'm in the middle of & i shut down the computer- then i get up & go do something else-

I have been retired for 3 1/2 years now. At first I was like you, had all this time on my hands and was trying to do everything at once. You will settle down soon. I love retirement, Im in my sewing room most of the time, the evenings I sit in my chair and do hand work. I have made so many quilts since I retired, I have lost count. Congratulations on your retirement. .......Enjoy!!!!

I have been retired for about 5 yrs but just started quilting about 3 yrs ago. I have gotten a lot of quilting done this summer due to the VERY hot weather here in Ohio. I can not do yard work or be outside in 90 degree weather so I stay inside in AC and SEW!!!!Remember a clean house is the sign of a misspent life!!!!!

I took early retirement 20 yrs ago. At first I owned a quilt shop with my sister and that kept me busy, finally closed that after 10 yrs and have made sooooo many quilts I lost count. Now I sew most every day at home because I also take care of DH who needs supervision and can not be left alone. Thank goodsness for quilting, helps me keep my sanity. But it is hit and miss depending on the day. sometimes I make a list of things that needs to be done and that helps. Enjoy your time

retired in june of 2011. last winter quilted a little every day. spring summer and fall
i am tending my four gardens all my flowers. i dont do much sewing in the spring summer and
fall. i have no idea when i had time to work lol

I currently watch my two grandchildren (ages 9 & 4 1/2). When they both go to school in September I hope I can say that I spend a LOT of time in my stuidio working on my quilts! I can't do thath now during the day with them both here. After dinner if I'm not tired I work on my projects then.

There are days that I sew all day and into the night. But like so many others I too surf the web sales and check the QB thinking I might miss something. I haven't sewn anything for almost two weeks and I'm really getting antsy. I'm in the process of giving my sewing room an overhaul. Re-doing the closet shelving, taking out a day bed and building an actual cutting table. The table is ready for stain and finishing the top surface. I will be posting pics when it's all done. Guess I'll have to figure out a way to throw a QB virtual party!

It will be three years for me the end of November. I live on a farm and we have a lot of cattle. I end up helping to move hay or helping to get cows in a pen. We built a separate shed for me to do my quilting in and I do a lot of it out there. Most of my quilting is for my grandchildren (7) and now I have a great granddaughter on the way! With wedding, graduation and baby quilts, I keep pretty busy. I do think I need to set that timer for my time on the board! I love being retired!

I retired about 3 years ago - thought I'd have all the time in the world to sew. I find myself quilting in spurts - for days I'll be sewing away and then for days I won't go in the sewing room. My husband and I frequently ask ourselves how we ever found time to work! Right now I'm doing a lot of knitting, especially in the evenings. But, I also have parts of two quilts on the design wall with 2 more in my brain ready to start. Then there's the two I'm actually quilting right now. I agree with Sylviak - I love being retired!

Maybe that is your true rhythm! Go gang busters for a while, then leave it, then go again! Relax and enjoy!

I've been retired for 6 yrs. If I'm going to be home for the day I try to do my housework in the morning so I can have the afternoon to quilt. On Tuesdays I go to my church for a day of quilting, on Weds. my LQS has "quilt therapy" which is also a day of quilting. I am guilty of letting things go in order to quilt. In the evening I do hand work while I watch TV or read.

I go on spurts, sometimes quilting lots of quilts, sometimes cutting standard (for me) pieces, sometimes finishing ufos. I also will sometimes read books everyday for a couple of weeks, doing very little else except what's necessary (like reading the quilting board). That's what I like about retirement, FREE WILL.:thumbup: I quilt more in the summer when it's too hot to be outside.

I got a lot more done while I was working. Seemed I planned my time better.

I was forced to retire very early due to disability. I find I have to schedule time to get quilting done these days. It's not that I don't want to, but I have so many other things interrupting my time. One of my more recent problems is that my sewing chair broke and all I have is a folding chair. It cuts off my circulation, so I can only sew for about 45 minutes. Got a new chair that I'm putting together today!! Hopefully back to regular sewing schedule by the weekend.

Like a lot of the other members, my quilting seems to go in "fits and starts". I only started quilting about 12 yrs ago, that was when I finally retired for the final time. Some days I start in the sewing room right after breakfast and stay there all day. Then there are days like today. Went out for breakfast, went over to Kohl's (dept store), went to the credit union, then grocery shopping. Got home, put grocerys away, made the pasta salad for tonights dinner, finished reading a book, started on QB, stopped for lunch, back to QB, and it's now 3:00 and I've never made it to the sewing room yet:D Oh well, as Scarlett said, "tommorrow is another day"

I've been retired for one year, three months, and three days and enjoying every minute! I have not gotten stuck in a lot of "do-good" stuff as many retirees do, though I chaired our church yard sale in May, and do my share for various things. Nothing regular, though, as I didn't want to get into an unpaid job. Oh, but I do proofread for a local advertiser paper Tuesday mornings in exchange for ad space for the church. Mostly, though, I quilt A LOT. I've made some things for me, my butterfly quilt, and some that I will display in the September guild show. Also making things for church craft sale, which is a win-win for me. Just finishing up a chemo quilt for a friend. Have some samples in progress for a class I want to teach at our guild in the fall. I don't have the money to buy much, but using stash and buying a bit here and there as needed. We spend way too much time at various doctor appointments, etc. but maintaining the aging body has its demands, especially for DH who has various issues off and on. But I am walking almost an hour almost every morning, really early now that it's hot. I swim most days at 5pm adult swim time at town pool. And this year, for the first time in many years, I planted a small veggie garden which needs minimal tending and regular watering. I'm playing cards now and then with a group of friends, involved in book club which is mostly about the great pot luck suppers and a chance to gab with great girls. Life is SO good! Oh, and yeah, I do spend time here, but I consider it socializing and educating myself on my craft.

I sew when in the mood, but every day read the Board. Love it!!

I retired 12 years ago; but have only been quilting for the past 2 years. I usually quilt some each day. I read the Board each night, usually when I am in bed. I can't get over how much I have learned from all of you! I am so enjoying my new hobby of quilting!

I quilt some every day. Some days 6, 8 hrs or more. I am on the QB sporadically. When I take short breaks from the machines I sit down get on the Board. I have made approx 250 quilts since 2005 or 06 when I started. Just went to a small quilt show in Edmond, OK today and really, really enjoyed it. No hugh crowds so you could see the quilts easily and didn't have to fight for a place to stand at the vendors booths. Bought a nifty little needle threader, hope it works as well for me as it did the vendor!

I just retired the 1st of March this year. The first 6 weeks were spent getting my building put together & moved from my sewing room to my new studio. Also bought a longarm, used. It was shipped to me from elsewhere, so had to put the puzzle together. It's taken me quite awhile to get everything right with the longarm & I think I've finally got it to the point I can really do some serious quilting on it instead of practice pieces. I spend time each day in the studio, but there are days I don't step foot in it. I take care of my 8 year old Grandson & he requires attention too. I've also taught some quilting classes at one of the LQS. I find I really enjoy that. I'm enjoying retirement. I've always got something on the design board or a new idea to try, either sewing the quilt or quilting the quilt!

I'm like PaperPrincess - I got alot more quilting done when I worked fulltime and had a 2hr daily r/t commute than I do now when I have all the time in the world.

I retired in June 2007. Since then I have made almost 100 quilts. I try to sew several hours per day. However, in 2010, I was not able to do much due to knee surgery and complications that kept me from climbing the stairs to my sewing room. I don't have too many of my quilts in my home. Most have gone to family and friends, and all are wanting more. I hope that I will be able to keep up the pace for many years!

I retired in May of this year and find myself trying to make every quilt I see! Yesterday, I wrote down all my projects and have vowed not to start another until I finish them. Hmmm - hope that works! I do love the timer idea. I usually pull up the QB after hubby goes to work and before I know it, I have been sitting at the computer for an hour and a half or sometimes two hours! I will start setting a timer for 45 min. as you suggest and see if I can get some of my UFO's finished! Thanks for the idea.

I retired the end of April myself, and took full advantage of quilting. For me I think it was something to fill my day. I was a bit lost and surprised by it all, as I had a very high stress job. But I finally caved, in and started back to work 2 weeks ago, because I missed it so much! So quilting is on the back burner again!

I like you did the same cut and piece during the day and hand work at night!

Enjoy your retirement!

I just joined, but have been reading the quilting board for several months. I was 85 on Wednesday. Have been retired for 24 years when we moved to CA. I started doing alterations for the local cleaners two weeks after we moved here. I have been sewing for the community ever since. When I don't have alterations, I make quilts. Take photos of each when I finish them. I have probably made well over 200 since (we moved here). Customers ask me when I am going to retire (from doing alteratons).. Don't until I can't do it anymore. I spend my days either in the sewing room or on the computer from 5 AM until 5 PM when I join my other half for news and a couple hours of TV. I keep hearing (Keep busy or you will STOP) .

I am on the disabled list. Was looking forward to retirement and doing all things fun. Then my Lupus, RA, AS, etc, got the better of me and I was down for several years. I am now able to quilt, machine embroider, etc. after a long bout with this disease. DH is a retired Firefighter. We had made plans to do many things. Our lives and plans change quickly because of me. I am back up and walking now (no running for me). I am soooo happy I can do these things. So, that being said, I tell everyone; "Take advantage of everyday as you never know what to morrow will bring." Everyday that is a good day for me, I am either quilting or machine embroidering while I can when I am at home. :)
Great therapy! Love this place!

God Bless
Bonnie B

This posting is one I've been waiting to see discussed. I retired four years ago. I found it difficult at first to manage my time as well as I did when working and raising a family. I've finally found the schedule that fits for me by accepting that each day has to be flexible. Like the turtle, I continue on my race to the finish of what I"m working on. Some days I'm the "hare" and some days the "turtle. I enjoy quilting but sometimes have other sewing projects to work on that are not necessarily my first choice.

My mother was a perfectionist but had one piece of wisdom for sewing. You have to choose the days you sew and choose the days you clean house. The days I sew are the days I've planned leftovers to reheat and the housework is done on Monday's and Fridays. I piece my quilts in the evening in the living room when my energy levels are low. The cutting and planning I usually do in the morning when my creativity seems to be at its highest.

Try to find what works best for you. We are all so different that no schedule is a one size fits all. I haven't made a thousand quilts, but my finished quilt is one I've enjoyed making from start to finish.

That's a great idea! Sometimes when I get started on a reply to a QBer, it takes longer than that to write an "epistle" as we have come to call our messages.:o
I do find myself coming back to the computer when I take a break or when I just go by the room. I've been retired for almost 15 years so I pretty well do whatever comes naturally. I've lost all sense of routine. It's a wonderful life. I do wish that I had kept up my housekeeping routine though. Of course, I only have regrets when company comes.
As far as quilting goes, it's very sporadic. Some days I work at it all day long and some weeks I don't touch it. This week was spent altering uniforms for a Down's Syndrome child. I have may WIP/UFOs. Life is too short to dwell on only one thing.

Like the idea of the time. I spend more time than I should online - not just here but other places.

Retired 2 years ago and loving it. I do my best work in the morning but am busy with friends too. Sewing is always on my mind. I find my around-to-it 3 or 4 times a week. Hook up with a couple retired co-workers every week. We get one another going with small projects.

That timer sounds like a really good thing to do. I usually take 2 hrs every morning and with my coffee, I check emails, surf the QB do posts look at pics etc. I also have 4 games I play and that really gets my hands and fingers ready for the day because they are kinda achy in the morning (good excuse???) I also am in the middle on working on my quilting area. So I do keep kinda busy.

Pat

Retired last April and moved a week later to the Desert. Love our little home and my sewing room. I have made several quilts since retirement. I too had a high stress level job and couldn't wait until I could retire. DH has Parkinson's and requires help with a lot of things. Quilting is my relaxation, my escape and most of all my therapy. Retirement is everything I hoped it would be.

I retired a little over 18 months ago and ended up doing very little quilting, except for a couple of classes and playing with my new long arm (bought it a year ago), so I went back to work 5 months ago. Now I have done more quilting, since I went back to work then when I retired.

I have been retired for two years and I love it. I do some part of quilting everyday. Even on the days that I should be cleaning, etc. I much prefer to sew. One of these days I must take time and do some dusting but not today.

We have a Bee of about 10-12 active members who meet once a month to visit and enjoy sewing together. Working together always seems to be more fun. I just have to refrain from talking too much and concentrate on what I am doing. So, I usually bring something very simple to work on like hand stitching. Our oldest delightful quilter just celebrated her 90th birthday and she makes more quilts than any of the rest of the group.:)

Ive been retired for 12 years. Have to be in the mood to quilt so quilt alot then read alot.
Im single so housework can get done hit and miss also cooking.
My morning is scheduled. Program dvr for the day then on to the computer while having my morning 2 cups of coffee.
Then it is outside to enjoy my mountain home.
Of course my cats require attention every day and they enjoy having me outside with them in the mornings.
Im waiting on some fabric I ordered so I can finish a bedspread for my bed. All these years of quilting and have not made myself a bedspread yet. I prefer to make lap and baby quilts as they are easier to handle.
Miss the small quilting group where I lived before. Joined a Guild here but its to organized with minutes and volunteering etc. so dropped out.
Will get back to quilting soon as I have many ideas to get to. Have a nice sewing room but its a bit small with my long arm frame in it. It takes up so much room.

I retired 6-1/2 years ago and didn't know a thing about quilting or even threading my new machine. My BFF would come over to thread the machine or solve problems for me the first few months (she 'd always said I needed to learn to quilt).
Quilting became my favorite pastime nearly immediately. I usually spend 3-4 afternoons quilting each week. I've made about 70 quilts or more. I regularly attend the local guild, started our church's quilt group and teach new quilters techniques for quilts we make to donate to missionary ventures, and belong to a LQS BOM group that meets monthly. I'm off to that this morning!
What would I do if I hadn't begun quilting in retirement? I cannot imagine!

ckcowl: thanks for that great idea!! It's so easy for me to get on the computer & just lose track of time, but I'm going to start using that idea! Maybe I'll finally get to work on all the ideas floating in my head and finish up the UFOs. Blessings to you from another Michigander!