Sewing Through the Seasons Part 2

How to Balance Sewing and Life – Sewing for Sanity

There are so many seasons in life and each of us experience them differently. The wonderful thing about this series is that we get to see how different people live their different lives and still have one thing in common… SEWING. Welcome to Sewing Through the Seasons Part 2.

I work full time outside the home, have a loving husband and four crazy but wonderful children (ages 1 to 7) to care for, and…I love sewing. People ask me all the time how I manage to sew with everything else we have going on. The truth is, I sew to maintain my sanity. It’s my creative escape! I taught myself how to sew when I was pregnant with my second son when I realized I needed a hobby to release my creative energies without leaving the house. 

That being said, I wish I had a magic secret on how to create more hours in the day…but, the truth is we all have a limited amount of time and have to decide how to spend it. I try to make time for sewing in some creative ways. ☺  

Things that help me fit sewing in:

Involve my kids in the process

I don’t like sewing to take away from family time, so one thing I try to do is involve my kids in the process. For example, my kindergartner is working on cutting skills, pattern assembly is a great for that! I also participate in pattern testing and strikeoff sewing…my older two sons enjoy being photographers. My boys also like to run the foot pedal on my machines, so I let them help when possible. My daughter is skilled at unfolding and snuggling fabric. ☺ 

A little at a time

It can seem a little overwhelming thinking about completing a project. I often sew a little at a time when I have a few minutes. That may be 10 minutes while dinner is in the oven or 15 minutes after the kids go to bed. I don’t wait until I “have time” to finish the whole project, otherwise I would never start! Also, taping the pattern and cutting the fabric count! I often will cut my pattern out one day, cut fabric another, and then sew!

Deadlines are my friend

It might be the accountant in me, but deadlines are my friend. I love pattern testing and strikeoff sewing because in addition to the community aspect and making me take pictures of my kids, it gives me deadlines! It “forces” me to make time for myself. The key for me is to have deadlines that are achievable and do not add additional stress to my life. So consider joining sew-a-longs, pattern tests or contests that are being run.

Value your own sanity

Speaking of making time for myself…I felt guilty making time for myself until I realized “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” However, I’m starting to value my own sanity. The beauty of sewing for me is that although it is “me” time, I also feel like it’s productive at the same time. 

Be selective with projects

Ever since I started sewing, I look at things differently. I don’t shop often, but I find myself thinking: “I could make that!” all the time. It’s true, I can probably make most things, but…that doesn’t mean I should. I’ve tried to be more realistic about what I want to make and focus on those projects instead of what I can make. So be selective and make what makes you happy!

The sewing community

The sewing community is amazing! Share your creations, interact with others, and make friends. ☺ I’m pretty shy and not a super social person, but I love so many of the amazing people I’ve met through sewing. I’ve found it to be a super supportive network!

I hope this helps you think about ways you might be able to squeeze in more sewing and creating time! Happy Sewing! If you’d like to see more of my makes you can find me on Instagram HERE. Thanks for joining me for Sewing Through the Seasons Part 2.

Need more Sewing Through the Season inspiration?

Sewing Through the Seasons Intro

Sewing though the Seasons Part 1

As always, we’re here to help if you need it!  Join us HERE and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and Pinterest.  We’re everywhere you are.

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