Now, we need to employ a scheduling GURU!!!

I worked for 30 years, retired for 1 1/2 years, then went back to work full time for the last 8 years. Hubby is retired and home during the day, he does the cleaning, laundry, and most of the cooking. When I get home in the evening, I could do what I want to do, but I don't have any energy left. I have always like to hand piece and hand quilt so I can work on hand work while we watch TV. I am fortunate to have a sewing room upstairs, so that is where I spend my time on the weekends. It is boring to have only one project going at a time anyway. Sometimes I go to my sewing room, look at patterns, play with my stash then do nothing with it. That counts as quilting doesn't it?

I think Eddie needs to come clean and admit that he has invented a wonder drug that allows him to survive without sleep. ;)

I work FT, and am very fortunate that DH is very supportive of my quilting. He does most of the laundry, takes his turn with cooking, etc. And cleaning? I am sure that is spelled incorrectly...isn't it a 4 letter word? hehehe I try to get to my sewing room whenever I can. We often do crockpot dinners on work days so no cooking time when we get home. Weekends will often allow me a little more time on Saturday, not so much on Sunday since church is in another town, which has larger stores that we don't have here, so any shopping/errands get done after church. It is often 3:00 or later by the time we get home. Bottom line for me is, this is my hobby, my relaxation, and I am worth having time for me....so I make whatever time I can.

Patti

Patti, you hit the nail on the head. This is a hobby and no one should feel "pushed" into doing more than they can handle. We put in whatever time we can, whether minutes or hours at a time. It doesn't matter if we finish one project a year or a 100 we are adding beauty to the world, getting satisfaction from our work and giving pleasure to those we are quilting for. What more could anyone ask of themselves or their hobby?

I asked myself that question too! I have finally concluded that each to their own, eveyone has a diffrent schedule and situation. I work 42 hours each week and drive time isn't included in that. My dh helps alot.a lot!!! Still not as much time as I like, so I take what I can! Do what I can! Enjoy what I do! I decided their isn't any race! It doesn't help sitting in front of the pc like I do! A habit I got to slow down on and go sew something!

I am currently unemployed. It keeps me from stressing out, to sit and sew. I have several UFOs that I plan to tackle, when time permits. But I find that life happens. When my oldest child was in a car accident, I went to take care of her. When... well, you all know the drill. We take care of families when they have needs.

So I don'f finish a lot of quilts. I am currently finishing up a doll quilt for an exchange, and a block for another. But those are short term goals that don't require the time of a bed-size quilt.

Do what you can, and be happy with your efforts. That's what makes quilting fun. Don't stress about producing a lot! :D

I also work full time. I sign up for at least one class a week, September thru May. That way I know that I have at least three hours a week to sew.

I take the summers off from taking classes. As most of my time from May thru September is spent fishing, at least the weekends.

I do still try to find time to sew during the summer months tho. I have yet to take a block(s) to handsew to the marina but I have taken books/patterns, and left the marina for a few hours to hit one of the local quilt shops in that area.

I happen to love both hobbies very much and try to do what I can when I can. Warm and sunny weather, go fishing on the lake, cold and snowy weather, go fishing in the sewing room.

DeeDee

Ditto!!! Well, I am also an empty nester, so no kids to take care of. I do work full time, but get home in 10 minutes, fix dinner, throw in a load of laundry, kiss honey, and then go into the sewing room. Sometimes he joins me (he is a quilter too), but often we sew at different times. He likes way different stuff than I do on the TV, so he watches what he wants or plays around on the internet. I try to quilt at least a couple of nights a weeek, and usually most of the day Saturday.

I steal from my sleep but don't get a moment to myself during the day. I make quilting a priority because without it, I'm unbearable. LMAO

I work 4 days but have little travel time so try to fit in at least 10/15 minutes before I leave in the morning. I didn't start quilting until my kids had left the nest so I can down tools and walk out of the sewing room (was DS's bedroom) without clearing up.

Before having kids I worked full time plus did everything else and after kids I worked part time and did everything else, cleaned house, prepared meals etc. etc. On our 25th Anniversary I told DH that I had cooked for the first 25 years, he could cook for the next 25. He is happy with this and it gives me some time after work for sewing.

I hand sew in the loungeroom with DH of an evening.

My kids have been gone for over 23 years, I didn't sew for a long stretch, but got back into it several years ago and helped with Grands. Now they are older and I try to get a quilt made once a month. Last year we had wooden floors put in I think I only made 6 or 8, I had to spend time emptying out rooms and putting stuff back. I have a small house and 4 cats, two poodles and a bird to take care of. I also work 10 hours a day. I quilt sometimes in the evenings for a couple of hours and usually always weekends while I do laundry and housework. My goal is to sew as many quilts as I possibly can. I plan to retire this summer and then I will get even more made. I quilt them myself too.

Yes, I used to have days where I'd wonder if I'd ever have time to do any sewing... I work full time, 10 hour days, during the racing season I train anywhere from 1 to 3 hours 5 days a week, have a Sweet Spouse that frankly, I'm kind of hyper attached to, and have one of the Grand Kids 3 times a week.
Here's how I do it.... I set a timer everyday for 20 mins. you'd be surprised how much you can accomplish in just 20 mins a day, and silly things like the cleaning always get put off, I use the 5.10.15 minute rule... If I can do it in 5.10.or 15 minutes, I do it, if not, it has to wait. I need me time

What kind of fishing do you do? I also love to fish. My husband and I go to the coast flounder fishing. We'll go out about 6 am and not come back to the campground until sunset. Whether the fish are biting or not, I find it very relaxing, and a great way to spend time with my DH.

I only started quilting after I retired so am lucky that I am able to fit everything else around what I like doing. I try to get anything else (i.e. shopping, only bare minimum essential house chores, meal prep) done in the morning.
Afternoons are quilting. Havent been able to sew evenings because of bad light, but have just got a Daylight lamp, soooo...

I have the same problem - not getting to my sewing machine and having time. I also work full-time, walk the dog, etc. Right now I am doing hand quilting: Grandmother's flower garden and I find it quite relaxing when watching TV. I am getting my fabric and "stuff" organized so I can eventually get to the sewing machine.

I work from home, so during naptime i sometimes cut or sew. I also quilt after the kids go to bed at night-sometimes it's not for very long though. You'd be amazed at 20 minutes at your machine here and there your projects start coming together. Most of my quilting marathons come on the weekends. I have a maid that comes in on the weekend so i only have to worry about doing the laundry!! Also, my sewing machine is always set up so whenever i have a few minutes to sew a seam or whatever i do it!! Every minute adds up to a beautiful quilt!!

I work part time (mornings)
I have an empty nest except critters.
DH likes to cook.
I prioritize---should clean house, mop floors, etc.
Usually I sew instead. I think that call that "Avoidance"??
DH is very supportive and likes to hear about what I am working on.

I don't work living on Guam...taxes are too much for us there, so it's better money wise for me to not work, but then again, I love to buy fabric lol
When I was working, I usually did some sewing after all chores were done, which didn't take long. Usually house was picked up daily and if it wasn't, oh well....it would be there later to do.
I found that my house didn't need to be neat as a pin, I wasn't trying to impress anyone and the cats sure didn't mind.
Now, when we move back to the states, I will have to redo my "schedule" so I can get my sewing done. But, hopefully I will be able to find a job, be it part time or full time. If I don't, wll......ROAD TRIPS!! lol

I am retired.
Could not find time when working 12 hours a day, so all ufo's waited till I retired.
Hubby's hobby is cooking.
Housework is minimal; so is keeping it spotless.
Laundry is done on schedule.
So, I now have time to quilt and love it.

tlrnhi-when are you moving back to the states? do you know where you'll be living when you come here(state)??? I'll go on some ROAD TRIPS with you!!!!

I kept the house spotless for 20 years and what do I have to show for it? Now the house is reasonable clear, the washing sometimes done and I bought a crockpot. I sew many hours each day and everyone is thrilled when a new quilt, etc is completed. It's all about priorities.
PS If you have small children that need transportation, there are many small take along items that enable you to use time more efficiently!

Are you at home during the week that you accomplish so much quilting? Do you have a cyber sew clone? Please tell me!![/quote]

I totally understand what you're saying. I'm very fortunate because I'm retired now. When I worked full time and had housework, 4 children, cats & dogs, plus a messy husband to care for, I had little or no time to quilt. Now that I'm not working, the kids are grown and on their own, and I've replaced the messy husband with a tidy one, I can make quilts all I want. But I still feel guilty if I spend too much time at it. I have the house to keep clean, meals to cook, and grandchildren to care for, often. Even so I can spend a lot more time quilting than I ever could before. All I can say is, and I mean this wholeheartedly, your time will come. In the meantime you will just have to squeeze in an hour here and there. When you can, take a block of time to get down to business with it. I can remember, even in the "old" days, every once in a while I would suddenly have an afternoon to myself! And I used it (usually) to my advantage, for quilting.

When I raised 3 children, had a full time job, kept a clean house and fairly clean flower beds and veggie garden, I still sewed clothing in the evenings, but no quilts ... the quilting interest hit me in the mid-nineties. Now I've been retired since the end of 1994, live with a husband and a needy dog, keep a neat but not very clean house, and rarely do yardwork.

Except for needing maternity clothes as necessary, I've worn the same size clothes for 50+ years, so I don't need to make clothing and I don't get a whole lot of quilting done, either. There's rarely anything on t.v. to justify even turning it on.

I've concluded that what I'm basically doing nowadays is just taking up space.

Having said all that, the quilting hobby is thoroughly pleasing to me; I love it, but production is mighty slow and I don't care!

I only started quilting about a year and a half ago, and in that time I've made 11 quilts. Eight of them are bed sized. I retired about five years ago, but when I was working, there was no way I could have done that. When I was in graduate school (full time) I was raising two kids, putting in 16 hours a week at my internship, working about three shifts a week at the hospital, volunteering at my kids' schools, and volunteering for five different social service agencies. Looking back on it, I'm not sure how I maintained such an insane schedule. That's why I retired early!

I like your attitude!!!

I work three jobs, but I get up extra ealy in the morning to get some done. At times, it's only 10 to 15 min. but it adds up.

I might only sqeeze in 15-20 minutes in the evening...while I'm watching my favorite TV show.... and then on the weekends... I'm a huge sports nut... so I love to sew while I watch and listen to football/tennis/college hoops/NASCAR. It's amazing how much you can do in little snippets of time. :mrgreen:

Nancy of Nancy's Notions has a softback book called 10-20-30 minutes to sew. The tips and tricks in that book have helped me make the most of every opportunity I have to sew, etc.

YES the PC is my problem also. lol if i can get away from it I would sew. You would think that i wouldnt even look at a computer at home since i work on one for 8 hours 5-6 days a week!

I work thrid shift so I take my quilt to work with me and average 3-4 hours each night. It sure makes the time fly by!!

I am so glad that this thread was started. I have been feeling so guilty because I don't sit at the sewing machine but a couple of afternoons per month. I spend some time every evening in my chair watching TV and surfing this board and other quilting sites, but not being productive. I work minimum of 45 hours per week, and when I get home I'm cooked. By the time I get supper and clean up the kitchen it's over for me other than sitting in my chair. I feel better knowing I'm not the only one with big ambitions and no time or energy.

I work full time, I'm involved at church, we have an RV and boat so for 8 months out of the year we are at the lake about every other weekend. We are empty nesters. We both are good at keeping the house neat and now (finally) I have a cleaning lady that comes every other week. I do the laundry when it's either do laundry or run to WalMart for underwear. When I get home from work I cook for the two of us but most of the time it doesn't take over 30 minutes. I limit myself to one project at a time. I like to start one and finish piecing it completely before starting another one. If I walked into my sewing room and had to look at several different projects, I would feel rushed and overwhelmed. Quilting is my hobby so I want to relax and enjoy it. I'm tired in the evenings but I have found that if I just walk back to my sewing room and turn on the machine, that I find the energy to do a little sewing. Sometimes I have a "TV work" project or camping project going on such as locker hooking. The main obstacle though is the computer and the quilting forums that are there. Now I've found this wonderful site so it means more computer time. I get a lot more sewing done if I don't turn on my computer when I get home at night.

P.S. - I admire those of you who make the bed every day. I only make the bed if company is coming - I'd rather be quilting. My grandmother would tell me that I should be ashamed of myself for not making the bed every day. I'm NOT. LOL

I began quilting about 10 years ago after I retired, kids all married so it's just the 2 of us. I'd love to spend time everyday sewing and/or quilting but that doesn't always happen. Love having a sewing room where I can leave stuff out until I can sew again. I sometimes sew every day for a week and then other 'stuff' has to be taken care of, you know, food shopping, cleaning, lunch with friends, dr. appointments, etc. No matter what our schedules are we all would like to spend more time sewing and quilting.

When my children were at home and I worked, I only made 1-3 quilts a year, and those were only tops. I discovered the wonderful world of applique, which meant I could sit and watch tv and quilt. I could also take my applique with me to ball games, doctor appts, and to work on while waiting for the girls to get out of school and get in the car. Now, with my girls grown and me unable to work, I spend several hours each day quilting, at least 3-5 days a week. I'd say 7 days a week but my health is such that there are simply days I'm unable to do much of anything. I find my quilting time is something I have to organize. I get up, feed the dog and hedgehog, do 30 minutes to an hour of work out (bleh!), and then spend several hours cleaning the house. Hubby comes home for lunch and I feed him. Once he leaves I play on the computer (sometimes I do that in the morning and ignore some chores) and then head downstairs to quilt. Once hubby comes home I head upstairs, make dinner, and spend the evening with him. I do my applique in the evenings when we watch tv. This allows me to get a great number of things done as far as quilting goes and I've found that in the past year or so I've been able to do a lot more projects, and best of all - I'm actually finishing some of them. :lol: Without a schedule I would be lost. My house would be a wreck (which wouldn't be a biggie except I'm allergic to dust & molds & pretty much everything else and HAVE TO clean!) and I'd get a lot more quilting done! Lol.

I've also found that a great motivator, at least for me, are the various Bees and the local quilt guild I belong to. I have 1 bee I attend once a week and 2 others that are once a month. My guild meeting is also once a month and I'm starting a bee at my house, which will be twice a month. Without my friends, I don't know that I would be able to maintain the quilting pace I do.

I don't get much quilting done in the summer. Winter's here are usually filled with several feet of snow & bitterly cold, which is a perfect time to hang out in my quilt room. In the summer I am usually too busy with my garden (I have to raise a lot of my own food) to do much quilting.

I totaly agree. Belonging to a quilt group helps tremendeously.We meet from very early spring until rite before Christmas. During the winter months we are usually on our own and only meet occasionally. We meet once a week for about 4 hours. It's great and I really get great ideas, input and a lot done.

I am amazed at the productivity of this group as well as some members of the guild I belong to. Except for the occasional garment I didn't do much sewing during the years that I worked. I'm OCD about housework and never had any energy left over. I started quilting when I retired, the last child left the nest and I could claim a bedroom as a dedicated sewing room. Now I devote mornings to my exercise, housework and errands and spend afternoons and weekends in the Woman Cave sewing. "To everything there is a season". I do admire those who juggle work, children and housework and still find time to sew.

I didn't spend nearly as much time sewing, when I had a life....lol. You know, when you are working and raising kids and volunteering at school and driving everyone around; there was never enough time for me things. Now that I'm retired and can pretty much do as I please, everyone grown up and on their own , it's my time to play. Now I truly have the time for all the things that I love. Your time will come too. Enjoy what you are doing now. I'd do it all over again , if I could.

ddrobbins-ditto.

Not so much time for sewing, plenty of time for fabric buying! lol,
lots2do

I am amazed at the quilts some people can create. It takes me forever to do one.