How to Find Time to Sew

These days, setting aside time to do the things we find enjoyable can be tough. It's difficult enough finding time to accomplish the things we're supposed to do on a daily basis. If you enjoy sewing but can never seem to find the time to dedicate to it, read on.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Sewing Machine Oil
• Radios
• Stereos
• Telephone Headsets
• Plastic Containers

1. Get organized. If you can't set up a permanent sewing area, try to keep all of your sewing equipment, patterns, notions, fabric and accessories in the same general area. Your time is valuable - don't spend it searching for missing items.
2. Keep smaller, like-kind sewing items together as well. For example, keep your thread and bobbins in one container, your needles and pins in another and measuring tools in yet another. Remember to return them to their appropriate containers after you're finished using them.
3. Try to set aside a specific time each day or each week for your sewing. The time you set aside doesn't have to be lengthy. Even sewing for 15 or 30 minutes at a time will allow you to get something accomplished.
4. Work on one project at a time. If you have multiple projects going at once and little time to spend on them, it's easy to start feeling frustrated and more than a little overwhelmed. Set realistic goals for yourself.
5. Unplug the phone and turn off the television while you're sewing. Phones can limit the use of your hands and televisions can take your focus away from your sewing. For entertainment, opt for a radio or stereo system instead.
6. Take advantage of sewing classes offered at fabric stores, craft stores and sewing machine shops. These classes are an excellent way to learn timesaving sewing techniques.
7. Keep your machine properly maintained. Clean it, oil it and have the machine professionally serviced on a regular basis. Nothing wastes time like an improperly functioning sewing machine.

Tips & Warnings

• Think ahead and set aside a sewing time when you're least likely to be disturbed. After the kids go to bed? Before they wake up? Weekend mornings?
• Buy a headset for your phone if you feel uncomfortable with the notion of unplugging your phone while you work. This will allow you to take calls and still leave your hands free to continue with your sewing.