I am trying to figure out how I ever had time to work. Since I retired, I've become the go-to for everyone else. I love that and am glad folks feel that they can depend on me. I agree that housework is no longer a priority. It's just DH and me and our fur children, so we keep things like we like it--not a showplace like I once felt was so important. I still find time for me. If I'm not happy (and quilting makes me happy), then I'm no good for myself or anyone else. I've decided that what I want to do really is important, and I'm going to do it!

I had hoped when I retired from my full-time job four years ago to find time for my own projects, but it hasn't happened. I do adjunct teaching and find that the hours I spend in the classroom have to be enlarged to grade papers, prepare lesson plans, etc. I have a home-based business (LAQ) and find that my customer base increased in the last four years. Also, I spend evenings with my husband, not in my sewing room,so, when I want to do one of my own projects, it has to be done in 15-or 30-minute increments. You're not alone!

I didn't start quilting until my kids were out of the house. Hubby works out of town so it is just me here during the week. Sometimes I sew all day; sometimes I go days without sewing. I tend to be gone from home a lot. I hate housework so that is always last on my list of things to do. I'm considering hiring someone to clean, then I would at least pick up every 2 weeks. That's what I did when there were 5 of us living here.

One thing to remember is that even sewing on a projects for a few minutes a day can make a big difference - it may not seem like you are accomplishing much, but do things in stages, little bits of time add up, but of course Christmas always seem to come faster and faster each year. My kids are grown but we have a 2 1/2 year old granddaughter that I want to sew for,along with making quilts. I don't have much money because my husband is disabled and I have not worked since he became disabled,so sewing not only gives me my creative release, it keeps me sane and allows me to make "home-made" special gifts for my family. My husband and I are together 24/7, and sometimes I still find it hard to have time to quilt. The only thing I have learned is that if sewing/quilting is your "sanity", make time to do that which makes you happy. As mothers we always tend to put ourselves last, but we need to put ourselves first or we won't be able to do for everyone else, not an easy lesson to learn. I have no magic potion to give you more time, but you need to find it and if the house gets dustry, don't clean your glasses - when the kids are grown they won't remember how clean your house was but how you made time for your kids and yourself. It is amazing what you can accomplish even if you are carving out 10-15 minutes a day - it all adds up. This was a lengthy answer - hopes it helps.

Yours reminded me of a poem printed in the newspaper when my oldest was about a year old. He was autistic, never took naps and had a high-demand, high-maintenance personality; he could not sit quietly and play by himself for 5 minutes. I taped the poem to my fridge and read it every day to remind myself to slow down, it would not last forever. He's now 18 and definitely less demanding!

My hands were busy through the day,
I didn't have much time to play
the little games you asked me to.
I didn't have much time for you.

I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook,
but when you'd bring your picture book
and ask me, please, to share your fun,
I'd say, "A little later, Son."

I'd tuck you in all safe at night,
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door.
I wish I'd stayed a minute more.

For life is short, and years rush past,
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side,
His precious secrets to confide.

The picture books are put away,
there are no children's games to play.
No good-night kiss, no prayers to hear,
That all belongs to yesteryear.

My hands once busy, now lie still
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I might go back and do
The little things you asked me to.

What I have always taken from that is to leave the dust bunnies and the laundry piles and snuggle your kids. People matter more than cleaning, and people means YOU, too.

Gosh Peckish, that brought a tear to my eye. Hits close to home. When my grown sons were little life had bunches of glitches and I wasn't as patient as I could have been or now wish I were. I tell them now I wish I could go back and give them an extra hug and they look at me like I am a real nutcase!

When my kids were small & I was working long hours, it was important to my stress levels to do some sewing each day. I set up my sewing machine & left it set up in an area so that I was part of the family room & included in the conversations, etc. I ran the dishwasher after supper & the washing machine while we slept. Get up in the morning & switch it to the dryer. When I got home, I'd fold the laundry & everyone grabbed thier stack on their way to bed. My sewing was mostly nights & weekends. Much better than sedatives! :-)

I know, me too!!! Maybe in our next life, right? :thumbup:

Thank you ladies for saying this. I can't believe how little I get done. I have 2 new jobs -finding things I have misplaced and going to the doctors. After the holidays, I'm going to quilt before anything else!

Just retired a few months ago. I haven't done any sewing in more than 10 yrs. Knitting and cross stitch were the only projects that were reasonable for me to tackle. Now, I am in retired heaven. Have been enjoying my new sewing space, getting into fabric stores and LQS. I am so grateful for this hobby and time to stop and smell the coffee.

Well, I[m retired and I still can't find enough time! LOL

Seriously, I have several quilt tops that I want to quilt, but the day just disappears on me. Where does it go?

I homeschool 7 children. Finding time to sew is impossible. I MAKE the time to sew and quilt. If I didn't, then I would never get around to it. It is also a stress relief for me, like many others here on the board. Speaking of Christmas gifts, I need to get cracking!

I am handicapped and have done almost all of my quilting in 15 min. at a time but do accomplish something when I am able, it just takes me longer.

Live today---no regrets
 

Make time for yourself when you can. Had the same as y'all , work, kids, house, hubby( he was in the PaANG-Retired) . Kids out own,but now the grandkids and grandanimals. Hubby and I retired he from Con-Ag,me Pa.Dept of Corrections(officer). So, now I can sew and we can travel,Guess Again--I am now the caregiver for my 86 year old Mom( I am and only),who has vision problems,hearing and is now living with us. So goes the circle of life. Do not put off making time for yourself do it now if for only a few minutes you just never know. Live today as if it was going to be your last. No regrets.

Reading all these brings back memories. In the late 60's, I remember sitting at the sewing machine while the little ones were napping (the big ones were in school) and listening to my cuckoo clock tick and the furnace humming, and feeling that all is right with the world.

The reason I felt so good about the furnace was that for 5 years and 3 kids I lived with no bathroom. Then another 5 years and 3 more kids with an oil space heater in the dining room and wood parlor heaters in the living room and kitchen. I had to "keep the home fires burning". I loved working the wood and the fire, but I sure was content when we put in the furnace. It used less oil and heated the whole house.

I sure do understand where you are coming from....I worked two jobs and was a single mom from the time my daughter was ten....I never had time for any self pleasures, but when I retired I find it was all worth it.....Now is my time...Hang in there..this too shall pass......

I don't wait for the time to appear. I make time to quilt. I have three children. I work 12 hour days (3/week). I usually go to bed before our children do, but I MAKE the time. It is my release.