With the Friday Night Sew-In just around the corner – I wanted to put together some tips for a successful and productive evening.
I’m one of those people who work best when I have a deadline. Crunch time is when I really shine! I wish this wasn’t true – I wish I was more disciplined to gradually work on projects before I feel the heat. But that’s just not who I am. *sigh*
I made a list last night – it’s a list of things that I must sew before Christmas.. and a list of things that I’d like to sew before Christmas. I make this list every year – and this year I really really want to make it all!! But to do that – I need to get sewing!
So, here are some things that I have found to make my FNSI’s more productive.
1. Plan ahead – have a plan in place. If you don’t already know what you are working on.. well.. get it together man! (that’s me grabbing your shoulders and shaking you!
2. Cut fabrics ahead of time. I’ve noticed when I have my project all cut and laid out – it’s so much easier to jump in and get busy!
3. Use plastic bins or boxes to separate your projects.
I use this technique and it’s very helpful. I keep projects that I’m working on in these little bins. I pull one out, set it on the cutting table and get to work. When I’m bored with it.. I put it all back in the bin, snap the lid back on. And then grab another. Progress is what it’s all about. That way everything related to that project is in that bin (e.g. the pattern, fabric, scraps.. etc)
4. If you have people to feed – order a pizza. OR.. make a quick meal like grilled cheese sandwiches. Everyone loves a grilled cheese! Use paper plates for easy clean up.. give em all a kiss.. then head to your sewing machine and get busy.
5. Bribes.. yes, I said bribes. Come on Mom’s.. we all do it. If you have little people in your house – sometimes you have to do it just so everyone is happy.
When the Holidays are just weeks away and you have things to get done.. bribe em with whatever it takes to give you quiet time. Maybe that’s renting a special movie and making popcorn. Or letting them stay up late and camp out on the living room floor (while mommy sews).
6. Do you work? Yeah.. I know some of you do and so do Bobbi and I. We have all been there.. you come home from work.. your mind is exhausted and you really want to sew.. but you just.can’t.get.off.the.couch!
Yeah.. yeah.. I get it. So tomorrow night.. as you are sitting there.. close your eyes.. now picture yourself 2 days before Christmas. Are you saying to yourself “Dangit.. why didn’t I do this a month ago?” Yes?? I KNOW… NOW GET UP.. GO SEW!!!