I came home from work tonight and put a finished quilt in the washing machine, sewed some small pieces of a new project while waiting for the iron to warm up for another project I'm finishing. Wondering how many others multitask like this.

I think that is the norm for most quilters or we wouldn't get anything done.

Yes. Im doing it right now. Sewing, checking board, watching some tv, getting dinner started

If multi-tasking includes quilting, watching TV, and playing on the computer, then, yes - I multi-task! LOL!!!

Yep!! :thumbup:

Multi-tasking is a way of life not just when quilting.

I sew, machine embroider, and cook at the same time. I just go fron one to the other, machine embroidery is usually running because it goes by it's self, just change the thread.

I usually end up doing the laundry while sewing. Everything on the same level so I get more laundry done that way!

I sew fabric and my clothes at the same time! I'm a great multitasker!

Me too. Sometimes I even get a nap in there--all in this same chair.

Ditto -- everything is downstairs so I can do the laundry and sew at the same time.

Sigh, I used to multi-task, but with age comes tunnel vision. If I try to multi-task I get side tracked and never accomplish anything. One thing at a time...one foot in front of the other...yep, that's the way I do things any more. :roll:

How true!

That is when I do my best work! I multi-task at work and at home! It kinda drives the non multi-taskers nuts though, trying to keep up with what I am doing next!

Is there any other way?

Everything that way! Drives DH crazy. He says slow down!!!

I've been quilting while waiting for pots to cook down for canning and while the water bath canner is doing it's thing. :wink:

same here or I'd be unsewing so much more than I'd be sewing.

You bet. I was born to multi task else nothing would happen.

I have read a study that says women's brains are just more "plastic", meaning flexible, and just better able to multi-task. Actually, you aren't multi-tasking at all. You are just able to rapidly shift your focus from one thing, back to another, and on to another at a rapid pace. You can only focus on one thing at a time. It's the speed in which you can shift that focus, and still retain the thread of what you're doing in each area, that allows you to "multi-task". (I've actually researched this.) And not meaning to sound sexist, but women are much better at it than men are, and in my opinion, that's a learned behavior born out of necessity. Anyway, I wouldn't get anything done if I didn't multi-task! At least, not enough to suit me!

I go over my flash cards for my phlebotomy class while Iam sewing. It really has helped.

yes i am a multitasker too.

That is how I get the laundry done and folded!!! And I have fun quilting!!! We all so much to do and not enough time so I am forever doing 10 things at a time so I don't feel guilty doing something just for me if I am doing the work stuff too!!!

Gee, is that wrong? Seems pretty natural to me! :-)

I didn't know there was any other way to do things. Only non-mothers don't multi-task.

My sewing room is off the kitchen which has the laundry room right by it. So, I will be sewing and the dryer will go off which means I need to go fold, move from washer to dryer and then on my way back to sewing, I need to stop and load dirty dishes from sink to dishwasher then back to sewing. I makes a nice circle.
I also homeschool my kids so when they are ready to move on to something new or need some direction I stop sewing for that too, but that doesn't really count, does it?

Oh, and Ipad usually has a movie going for background noise, silence drives me batty, but that comes with having 4 kids: silence=bad

I have to multitask or nothing would get done. Been doing it for so long that it all in a days work. Would probably be bored if I didn't. :D

not often i get even a full hour to just sit and sew, there is always something that needs doing! so yes, i multitask too!

If we didn't then we'd be "stove-up" from sitting in that chair at that sewing machine for too long LOL

I think that is the norm for any woman and some men.

I watch the soaps and run in and sew a seam or two during comercials. get a lot donr.

I find that there are 2 ways of multi tasking. The 1st is the everyday housework, cooking, etc. The 2nd is while I'm quilting the TV is on, water bottle by machine & eating chocolates doesn't get any better than that :) :) ::)

I "LOVE" :) your pink quilt on your avatar !!! Pink is one of my favorites color & that looks so whimsical, great job :)

Chris...Medford, WI

Yes, I multi task when quilting. I have the washer and dryer going and something baking while I sewing and sometimes, I checking the board, too.

Yes!

I think when you work full time you don't have a choice if you want to sew. Sometimes I will go to my sewing room for whatever time I have and try and organice a project to start sewing and usually I have several going at the same time as I'm sure everyone does. We quilters don't know how to start and finish one project before moving on to the next.

Well, a normal multitask day for me is doing laundry while cooking a meal and cutting/sewing blocks together for the next quilt - and pressing blocks and clothes that need some TLC before being hung away - so making use of all the facilities at once... yes, multitasking is the only way I get anything done.

I very recently had an interesting conversation regarding multi-tasking with my middle little. I can't imagine anything else. I'm always doing 3-4-5 things at a time. If I'm not, I get fidgety and feel like something isn't getting done.

Over the years I've tried to get her to "use her time more wisely" and do some multi-tasking but it always throws her off when she tries and NOTHING gets done.

Turns out she's mildly ADD and needs to focus on one task at a time. Very difficult for me to relate because I'm the opposite, but we have fun helping each other with our disorders :)

Yeah, I've noticed that when I multi-task, besides being easily distracted, I end up with mistakes and poor quality work. But really, quilting keeps me busy enough that everything else just waits.

Dorothy in PA

I even multi task at work. I bring hand piecing and applique and when it's slow I work on it. Some times I think it's the only way I can come close to completing a project.