After the last studio re-do I was determined not to let the sewing clutter get ahead of me, again. Sort of sounds like a New Year's Resolution doesn't it? Anyway, I am trying. When I did some sewing as a business I was absolutely methodical. That was when I started to dislike sewing because it became work. I was the stereotypical person who contaminates a favorite past-time buy turning it into a business. I will never do that again.
Some of the habits I maintained at that time served me well. For example, I like to have a work bin. I keep everything for that specific project in that bin. Sometimes it (the bin) is a basket, a plastic tray from an old storage unit or a box. When working on several projects at one time, this was the most efficient way to keep everything organized. I made a check list of tasks for that project on paper and crossed them off as they were completed. It helped me break larger projects into smaller units. That is an organizational tool that I have used with everything from sewing to professional duties. I am going to return to that process. I have several projects languishing and deserve to be completed. The check list should help.
Joining the "Do it for a Month and it Becomes Habit Club" is also a good approach. One of my favorite modern pattern designers is also addressing this issue. Sarai, of Colette Patterns, discusses Good Habits, here. Her habit for the month of August is clipping all threads as she sews. Sometimes I am really good with this, sometimes not. So I am going to join in and see if I can be more consistent if I make it the habit of the month. One of my signature habits is to clip the threads nice and neat and then put them in a little waste can .....for about 30 minutes, then I say yeesh and throw them on the floor knowing that I will vacuum them up as soon as that session is completed. About that, I am pretty good. The vacuuming that is.
So that's it. What is your weak spot? Have you considered how to be more efficient and still enjoy the sewing process? Will you join the movement?
Gratuity Moment: people who keep the ideas coming.
Some of the habits I maintained at that time served me well. For example, I like to have a work bin. I keep everything for that specific project in that bin. Sometimes it (the bin) is a basket, a plastic tray from an old storage unit or a box. When working on several projects at one time, this was the most efficient way to keep everything organized. I made a check list of tasks for that project on paper and crossed them off as they were completed. It helped me break larger projects into smaller units. That is an organizational tool that I have used with everything from sewing to professional duties. I am going to return to that process. I have several projects languishing and deserve to be completed. The check list should help.
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| This little bin/workbox holds the remaining strips for the Wonky Block Quilt. |
Joining the "Do it for a Month and it Becomes Habit Club" is also a good approach. One of my favorite modern pattern designers is also addressing this issue. Sarai, of Colette Patterns, discusses Good Habits, here. Her habit for the month of August is clipping all threads as she sews. Sometimes I am really good with this, sometimes not. So I am going to join in and see if I can be more consistent if I make it the habit of the month. One of my signature habits is to clip the threads nice and neat and then put them in a little waste can .....for about 30 minutes, then I say yeesh and throw them on the floor knowing that I will vacuum them up as soon as that session is completed. About that, I am pretty good. The vacuuming that is.
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| I use this little can for the short strip pieces, too good to throw away and perfect for cutting into smaller sizes for smaller blocks. These are end pieces. After the project I press them and cut them and store them as 2 1/2 inch blocks. The 2 1/2 inch block is perfect for so many applications. |
So that's it. What is your weak spot? Have you considered how to be more efficient and still enjoy the sewing process? Will you join the movement?
Gratuity Moment: people who keep the ideas coming.
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