On Friday Will got to use the sewing machine for the first time. He got to operate the foot pedal and then sew the scrap I use as a lead/follow piece to conserve thread. This quilt is super exciting to me–I love the way it’s coming together.
The number one question I’m asked is how I have time for crafts. Part of it is luck–my kids play super nicely together and will happily play around me as I sew, and Nic has his own hobbies so we’re both happy to spend an hour or two in the evening together, but working on separate things. Part of it is habit–I never ‘just’ watch tv–I watch a lot of tv and movies, but I’m never just sitting–I’m always editing photos or sewing or folding laundry or emailing. Part of it is staying up really late–the kids go to bed at 7, so if I stay up until midnight that’s 5 hours of non-kid time! And part of it is efficiency. So maybe I don’t have time to get out the sewing machine, sew, and clean it all up before dinner, but the kids are playing nicely and I have ten minutes before we have to leave for an errand or preschool or playdate. I’ll use that time to pick out fabrics for the next block, or maybe cut fabrics for the next block, or get a pattern selected and cut out for a gift. Then when I’m able to get out the sewing machine, everything is ready. (Picking out fabrics ahead of time is also great during the winter months if you do the majority of your sewing at night. Indoor lights really skew colors, so it’s easier to select fabrics during daylight hours!) Here were the fabric stacks for blocks 6, 7, and 8 all ready to go for me when I had time to cut and sew.
Fran - This is super cute–I love how you adapt each square to optimize the fussy cuts (is that what they are called?). You are amazing! And thanks for explaining how you do so much. I can’t seem to get my arse off of the couch and my eyes off of the tv screen! Resolution for 2011!!
Kristie at OCD - Coming along nicely. How many blocks are you planning? Still waiting on my Pips to arrive…. but loving the inspiration you are giving me!