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How do you organize your time?

How do you organize your time?

Old 10-13-2018, 04:48 AM
  #11  
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Due to multiple commitments etc. (like most people here) I often feel that I’m running just to stay in the same place, esp. when it comes to my artwork and quilting. One thing that helps me when I’m in a period where I cankt seem to manage my time is to come up with one or two small goals that will move a project forward. And then list the tasks that I need to do to meet those goals. For example, my goals in my studio today are: 1. get some paintings that are destined for a show wired to hang and 2. Make some progress on the t-shirt UFO that’s on my design wall.

in order to accomplish goal #1 I need to measure, mark, drill holes for screw eyes and insert them, then cut picture wire to size wire and add it. Last night before going to bed I found a space to set them up along with all the tools and materials I would need to accomplish the goal. I can do it all at once if I have a large enough block of time today, or a little here and there as any one of the individual tasks only takes a few minutes if everything is already set up.

Goal number 2- making progress on the t-shirt quilt takes a little more thought, but I know that I need to square up the parts that are on my design wall, stabilize the remaining t-shirts and cut them so I can finalize the design and begin measuring for the fill strips. I won’t have a large block of time to do all this, but I can find time here and there to square up the already stabilized blocks and maybe also get the last few t-shirts stabilized and rough cut.

all projects are different, but for me setting goals and breaking them down into small steps really helps when I’m in a time crunch because it helps eliminate the amount of time I spend in my studio looking around and wondering “where do I start”.

Rob
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Old 10-13-2018, 05:26 AM
  #12  
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I am a list person, so I would make a list of all UFO's (could be scary, I know) and prioritize them. If there are a few that could be finished with minimal work I would do those first. The rest could be prioritized by season or recipient. When you go in your studio, take out only the #1 project and work on it for a set amount of time. When the time is up, set it aside and work on something else. Maybe try a new technique, or make a sample of a block you've been wanting to try. Don't start any new big project until you have completed two UFO's. Eventually your backlog will be down to a manageable level it will be easier to organize your sewing time.
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Old 10-13-2018, 06:18 AM
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I saw your post when there were no responses...I was stumped. So many of us are taking care of multiple generations at one time or another. When I realized I was "taking care" of 4 generations, my whole perspective changed. Now generation 1 is gone and 3 are all independent so it's MrOk, me, and the school age grands when they come over. I love everyone's responses. Thanks for sharing your tips. OBTW...generation 4 wants to sew today! Part of my stash plan, is to teach my Grands how to sew so they will want Gram's fabric collection.
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Old 10-13-2018, 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by oksewglad View Post
........... Part of my stash plan, is to teach my Grands how to sew so they will want Gram's fabric collection.
Nothing like a Gram with a Plan!
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Old 10-13-2018, 11:16 AM
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Originally Posted by QuiltE View Post
Nothing like a Gram with a Plan!
You bet, QE!
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Old 10-13-2018, 11:50 AM
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Often we are pulled into multiple directions, especially when we have so many competing demands on our time.

Make sure you plan in some "down" time because mostly everything takes longer than you think and you need to have some time to catch up -- or if it all does get done, sometimes you need time to just sit a bit.

And put time for yourself on your to do list, you are also important and not an after thought. If that includes sewing, that's great. Personally, I plan in bubble baths! We need to take care of ourselves so that we can take care of others.
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Old 10-13-2018, 01:13 PM
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I would love to sew every day but, like most, I still work and have other commitments. In addition, I like to workout at the gym 3 or 4 times a week... it’s part of my regular routine and it’s for my own good. I don’t get to sew at all during the summer months but make sure to schedule a couple of days a week to myself in the fall/winter for sewing. I participate in a Sit & Sew group on Wednesdays and can accomplish a few projects.

I think if you could block out a specific amount of time on a certain day...you would be surprised how much you could get done.
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Old 10-13-2018, 04:42 PM
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We are retired, 2nd year. First year was terrible, this year a bit better. I sew everyday, usually 3-6 hours. No way would I sew less. Daughter works married with a sixteen year old and 3 dogs. Oldest Granddaughter works two jobs. So everyone can do for themselves.

When I do laundry once a week I sew until clothes need to be switched or folded and put away. If floors need to swept or mopped I do that first few hours I am up. Dogs have tiny feet, don't drag in much dirt and debris. This fall and winter will change that.

Eight years ago I said what I want to do for the rest of my life is make as many quilts as I can. And I have and donate to the foster care kids in my county.
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Old 10-13-2018, 05:16 PM
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Thank you, each one of you. I'm looking at each idea or method discussed and making notes of what I think will work for me. Good information. I was a case worker for years and one of the things we taught our clients was time management. This is not new to me, so I know if discipline of self is used in the capacity its meant for it works every time. I want to be productive and accomplish the goals I've set for myself. All things considered, this is a great life! I am always grateful for this board and how it brings us together for all our quilting needs. It also helps with the rest of our lives.
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Old 10-13-2018, 05:46 PM
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I'm semi-retired, have a 16 year old son at home, hubby still works full time, and I help care for my dad, my 2 year old niece and my dad's house once a week. Or as needed for him medically or to keep him company. My home and family are priority; sewing is a mere hobby I fit in for sanity.

I'll address time mgmt. with specifically UFO's in mind (because I need to apply this advice to my own very regularly).

1. Take a sheet of notebook paper and make 3 columns.
First column: Description of UFO.
Second column: Priority-- give each UFO a letter of priority (A, B, or C only).
If it's only a WIP (as in a quilt you add to , over time, on purpose but not in a rush to finish) give it an asterisk. I find that WIPs don't bother me mentally, whereas UFO's do. And it's not just semantics for me. A WIP is my picnic quilt that I add 2.5 x various length to after every project. No deadline. No defined size. However, a donation quilt that languishes, or a quilt for myself that is started, is a UFO.
Third column--Date to Finish

2. Start with the one that has the nearest deadline, or the one that's closest to being finished.

3. If you gave a UFO a priority C, re-evaluate whether you really have intentions of finishing it. If the answer is yes, because you like it enough to keep going on it, fine. If you can honestly say you liked it then but not now, donate it. Lots of folks like to finish other people's starts. I'm not one of them, but just saying...

4. For the project you have chosen to finish, make a detailed list of steps you need to take to finish it, and give each a time estimate (Again, I love columns and charts. LOL) . Might be something like: 1. "Measure quilt for binding strips and calculate fabric needed (2 min.) 2. Cut out binding strips and sew them together. (20 min) 3. Iron binding strips and sew to front ( 1/2 hour) or whatever. I have to break my projects down into steps if I have a hard time focusing or getting motivated internally or am under a deadline.

I also find that having a set time to work uninterrupted (like Sundays after church and nap) is great for knocking out a chunk of a project.

5. Post this chart near your sewing machine for easy reference/ visual motivation.

Enjoy the reward of getting a UFO into the FO pile!



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