Machine Embroidery: Get more in less time

I realized this morning that Christmas is much closer than I thought it was! One of my stumbling blocks now that I work at home is not being able to keep track of the date. It doesn’t matter most of the time, but sometimes it can get me into a lot of hot water!

Today, instead of seeing a commercial which asks, “what’s in your wallet”, my brain keeps repeating to me, “what’s in your sewing room?” It’s a bit disturbing, especially since I do have a good grasp of what I still need to complete and how much time it will take.

The beauty of machine embroidery is that I can set up the machine and it takes care of itself for the most part. This leaves me free to sew something else on another machine or operate my big long-arm quilter, which is so beneficial when making quilts. I just listen to the sounds of the embroidery machine so that I can check on any problems before they become disastrous.

Because I understand that I really can do more than one thing at a time in the sewing room, I really wish my head would discontinue the Stress Express!

That seems to be a common problem for those of us who make our gifts and holiday décor items ourselves. We plan what we want to do, start our embroidery or quilt projects, and then get immediately stressed by how much we have to do in too little time. It doesn’t matter how early we get started. It doesn’t matter if we bite off more than we can chew or if we actually set reasonable goals for ourselves … it always seems like too much!

I try to decide on my homemade gifts in late Summer. If it entails making quilts, I get started right away since it is more time-consuming. For any embroidery projects, I make a list of the items I need and then go through my embroidery supplies to make sure what I have. After ordering everything I need, I get started.

Then, life gets in the way. You know; the dog gives birth, the car breaks down, or you get more responsibilities at work. These and many other life issues get in the way of our good intentions to get out gifts done well ahead of the holidays. I try to tell myself that this year will be different, but I know it never will be. My inner organizer seems to kick in to over-ride my optimistic self.

As I said before, I make sure I have everything I need before I get started. If I have to buy 20 dozen towels in August, that’s what I do. I buy all my threads, embroidery patterns, and anything else I’ll need to complete my projects from start to finish. This serves two purposes. First, I have everything I need. Second, I don’t have any spare cash to go out and buy things I don’t need! I put everything in a laundry basket. When the basket is empty, my gift and décor projects are done!

If I forgot a gift for someone, I can just dig out one of the “just because” projects that I’ve created throughout the year. It’s a great philosophy for fighting stress, but my inner mind just won’t let it go!

Now, I’m off to check my laundry basket! The sooner I finish my projects, the sooner I can shop again!

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Author (embroideryquilter). Submitted on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 Time: 7:01 AM

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