Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Progress and setbacks.

The Burda jacket is coming along slowly. I was sidelined by putting my back out over the weekend while helping DH move our extremely heavy dining room table back into place. I am feeling better now but I can't seem to get my sewing mojo back. The jacket shell is together, but when I went to sew the lining, I realized that I had neglected to make a piece for the side back. Woops! No more lining fabric. I found a silk charmeuse in my stash in a kind of coral color that I bought from Fashion Fabrics Club and it wasn't exactly the color I thought it would be, but it works for the lining. While I washed and dried it I cut out the cotton knit Hot Patterns Weekender Sunshine top. The lining is now cut and ready to sew. But, am I sewing it? No, I am working on a pattern for a knit dress. I seem to spend more time working on patterns lately than sewing.

I can't seem to concentrate on finishing anything and then I read in Trina's blog that she sewed four projects in four days! Not simple tops, either, but some great dresses. I am so envious of her ability to just sew until it's done. I'd be happy with even a fraction of her output. Only when I have a real deadline do I manage to get things done that quickly. But not even then. Four projects in four days? I can't even finish a simple knit top in a day.
How to better manage my time is really the question. One thing is to stop wasting so much time on the computer! It is next to my sewing machines and it calls to me whenever I am having a hard time with a project. It is the great time waster in my life.

12 comments:

  1. I am amazed by people who can finish projects so quickly. I've done it once, but only because I was up against the wall. Now that the weather is getting nicer, it's going to be harder for me to finish projects. If I could only move my sewing room to the side porch ………

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  2. I cannot and do not like to sew non-stop. I have done it when I had an alteration business. I like to take my time now. I'm not in a rush. Sewing is a hobby and should be done at will and a pace that each person feels comfortable with.

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  3. I am good for about 1 item per week if the item isn't particularly complicated. I love to sew, but I love to do a lot of things and like to have time to do everything. I made a skirt and a shirt the week before I went to Korea and really felt rushed. I find I enjoy sewing more if I just do what I want when I want.

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  4. That does make me feel less of a slacker. I am feeling particularly rushed at the moment I guess, what with company coming to stay and the house still in disarray from painting. The garden needs some time too!

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  5. Mom, I agree with the lovely ladies above. Sewing isn't your job, it's something you do because you love it. (Also you make totally kick-ass, rad clothing.) Point is, sew at a pace that keeps you happy. BUT stop starting new things until you finish your UFO pile. It'll make you feel less scattered.

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  6. I'm so sorry to hear that you hurt your back. Being in pain really affects every part of your life. Sewing will happen when it happens. You do make lovely things, and they can't be whipped out in a few hours. I am definitely a slow sewer, even for simple garments. I think we tend to look at and appreciate every seam we sew and put a lot of time into the decision making process as we go along. I have to keep reminding myself, "it's not a race."

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  7. Don't think of being on the computer as time wasting. It is very important research! And keeping up with friends :) But good luck in finding time to sew.

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  8. I understand how you feel dear.... but I also agree with her royal shortness, work on that UFO pile instead of starting more stuff! (at least finish 2 UFO's before starting something else) I know how excited you get when you get that latest order of fab fabric that you got for SUPER cheap, just convince yourself that your fabric closet might explode from sheer UFO quantities! :)

    Also, as stated by others, it is NOT a race.... sew at your own pace!

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  9. I love reading your kids' comments! Occasionally my sisters will look at my blog but that's it for family members.

    I don't know how people churn out as much as they do. Doesn't everyone need breaks from sewing, or at least to slow the pace down? I do.

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  10. Having a job mandates that I take breaks LOL!

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  11. I marvel at those who can sew non stop ,but I do think we all cycle in in/out and up/down. When it is a productive sewing period one is on a roll,but it does need to be followed by down time. I am not convinced everyone sews continually at breakneck speed! Frequently the fabric of life(pardon the pun) interferes with our world and we have to obey!!!! Hope your back recovers nicely.

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  12. No apology needed; we all have our days. Congratulations on the new baby!

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