Thursday, January 27, 2011

30 minutes at a Time

Do you ever feel like you are just going in circles and getting nothing done when it come to your quilting projects? I have been feeling that way lately. So I decided to do something about it and see what I could accomplish. I brought my green pepper timer up to my sewing room and turned it on for 30 minutes. Then I went to work on some projects that have been sitting for too long. Depending on what project I was working on could get me a lot done or a little but at least I am making head way.
In 30 minutes I traced and cut out the circle to be appliqued down and prepped 4 hearts.
In 30 minutes machine sewing got me a lot done on the signature quilt.
I cut, sewed, and ironed some strips for my Autumn wall hanging in 30 minutes.
I made some lazy daisy leaves in 30 minutes.
I built a fence in 30 minutes.
I watched big snowflakes come down...
as I hand sewed the trim on this ornament in 30 minutes.
Last but not least I prepped the brown hearts and traced and ironed on the white flowers to this block in 30 minutes.

Whew! I made some head way and I enjoyed each and every 30 minutes. Let's see what you can do in 30 minutes.

With Passion,
Carrie P.

53 comments:

CarolM said...

Carrie - terrific post - thanks for the motivation. You are so right!!

Amy said...

You got alot done.........Happy Quilting,my friend.ceshaw

Comfort Cove Designs said...

You know... I think you're on to something here!!! You can get alot accomplished with many projects with 30 minutes with each!! I might have to try that some time!

Quiltingly Yours
Andrea

ranette said...

Great post Carrie and very motivational!! I'm afraid I would be distracted by the ticking of the timer...lol, but I am going to try this after I get home today!
LOVED seeing your applique blocks...so pretty!

Annette said...

Such a fun idea! I get some of my chores done that way but never thought of using it for my stitching. I'm going to give it a try.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Great solution. I'm a bit spastic with projects right now...too many started, various stages. Maybe I need a cute timer to keep me on track.

Anonymous said...

I remember somebody saying this in my quilting past...to spend just a few minutes each day and quilting doesn't need to be large gaps of time. I just can't remember who it was..Lynette Jensen? Anyhow...it is nice to see what is accomplished in 30 minutes at yours.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

That is such a great idea! Sometimes I look around and think what did I do today! I LOVE it!!!

Brandie said...

Good idea. I sometimes feel that my hobby is a chore and have to force myself to start something. This is a really good idea. Now I feel that it won't take all day, just 30 minutes.

Rita said...

Carrie, I love this idea. I'm going to give it a try. I especially like your green pepper timer!

Loris said...

That is a great idea, Carrie. When I am in between bigger planned projects, I sometimes get a little lost in thinking what to pick up to start. I was getting frustrated with a block for a quilt group project yesterday...finally got it moving, then was able to tackle some other things like backing prep, etc.
I love your embroidery projects. Been wanting to do that lately but need to find some patterns to do..besides snowmen :-)

Jocelyn said...

Wonderful post Carrie. I love this idea. Thanks for sharing your little projects and pictures.

Karen said...

I am sitting here chuckling to myself over your post!! :0) Is this the result of the e-mail I sent you earlier!??? It is so perfect and just what I needed to see!!! :0) I just love it! Hmmm maybe I need to go get myself a nice green pepper to put in my sewing room!! (And beside the computer!) :0) Thank-you Carrie!

Karen said...

Forgot to mention that I did go to Plain and Simple but it was already closed. I wish I had been able to say Thank-you and good bye to Sharon.

Raewyn said...

Good on you for your 30 minute achievements---what an inspiring post!! I also can get despondent about what I want to do etc etc and this is a perfect motivating idea - and sounds fun, too!! You are working on some beautiful projects.

Susan said...

I like the way you spend thirty minutes...a good way to work on several things a day. This was a very good post!

Janet said...

That's how I get all my projects done - a little bit at a time. :0)
I love what you are all working on.

KaHolly said...

Just further comfirmation that you are a genius! I also work on several projects at a time, a little on this one, a little on the next, and so on. Never tried the timer trick, though. Actually, that's how I get my housework done, too! Sew a strip, make the bed. Finish this block, wash the dishes...kills 2 birds with one stone. ~karen

Orcsmom said...

What a great idea, so you don't become overhelmed. I am going to try that tonight, thanks for the incentive!!

Pam

Betsy said...

wow. I wish my 30 minutes were as productive. As usual, everything looks beautiful.

Linda said...

That is such a good idea! I'm so going to try that! Boy, you sure did get a lot done!! I really like your strips. The fabric is gorgeous!

Nanette Merrill said...

Really so darling Carrie. I love this house with hearts.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

What a great idea Carrie - and a peek at all of your beautiful projects.

Shakerwood said...

Big YES on that question there! Especially lately.

I used to use the time method on my son's homework. I think I need to use it on me!!

Hope you'll come visit in Statesville Friday or Saturday. I'll be in booth #21 against the back wall.

Sherri said...

I loved this post, Carrie...we can do a lot even in small bits of time! It was fun to see all of your 30 minute accomplishments!

FlourishingPalms said...

What a clever concept, Carrie! You've done it again... inspired us! But gosh, I gotta go buy a timer, first!

Yvette said...

That was a great post. I need to find 30 minutes tomorrow and see what I can do.

Shannon said...

OK OK OK now I see what I am doing wrong. Trying to set out large blocks of time which just does not happen with my life. I will be turning on the timer from now on. EXCELLENT POST!!

Kim D. said...

Great post Carrie, I could be getting so much accomplished in 30 minutes. I needed a little nudge. :^)

Allie said...

Oh Carrie what a fantastic post!!! I tend to wait til I have large chunks of time to work on something, but you've inspired me - I'm going to get a timer and set myself a challenge! Thank you!

And oh my gosh I LOVE all your projects!

De said...

What an awesome idea! Im sure many of us will adopt it. I know I will try very hard to, and its something that will fit my hobby around work and homelife with the kids.

You are working on some fantastic projects too.

Deb said...

that`s a great idea Carrie, my timer is `The Waltons`when they are on I have an hour and I do whatever project I am on and listen to the show.
I love all your projects they are so amazingly lovely. May I ask what pattern your working on or is it a design you have developed

Dawn said...

Carrie this is a fabulous idea... good on you... I must try that with the timer...it must be like trying to beat it or something that spurs you on... go girl...
husg Dawn x x

Wilma Lee said...

My quilting takes up most of my free time, and now knitting my socks. But I make sure to read at least 30 minutes a day. I get through a lot of books just doing that.

Crispy said...

WOW you can get a lot done in 30 minute increments!! So many lovely projects you are working on!! I plan on 3 whole days of 30 minutes increments....starting now :0)

Dorothy said...

Carrie, thank you for the wonderful post. It's amazing what you can accomplish in 30 minutes, especially if it is applique! lol

Deb said...

What a great post. I write about this every few weeks when I'm writing our e-letter. With 15-30 minutes each day you can get a lot accomplished.

Simone de Klerk said...

Sounds like you had great 30 minutes and that you have been working on some very pretty projects!

Nane said...

Nice to have something to show for 30 minutes....I sometimes spin my wheel for 30 minutes

Candace said...

Genius, Carrie! I think you got more done in your 30 minute bursts than I could get done in days!
Cheers!

Mrs. Goodneedle said...

This is a terrific idea, I can WASTE 30 minutes at a time and have nothing to show for it; or, work in wonderful and creative bursts! Thanks for the inspiration.

Nellie put the kettle on said...

how fantastic to see what can be accomplished in as little as 30 minutes, thanks for the inspiration, I'm off to see what I can do in 30 minutes!
thanks Lynnelle

Heather said...

Great idea Carrie! I use the 30 minute timer for cleaning my house, I have no idea why I haven 't thought of it for finishing projects too! Also, LOVE LOVE LOVE the new look! I just changed up my blog too, it's a refreshing change! I may have to link back to your post here.
Heather

Calamity Jane's Cottage, Bonnie said...

Carrie, love this post. It opens your eyes on the time that can be spent stitched 30 minutes at a time.

Barb said...

You are right, there is alot a person can do in 30 minutes...enjoyed your post.

Ivory Spring said...

What a great idea, Carrie - and look at the progress on those pretty projects!! You inspire me.

MamaT said...

A good challenge. I've been going in circles lately, too. Can't make up my mind what to do and to stick to it.

Teresa said...

Hi, I followed the link from Cathi's Shakerwood Primatives to find your blog and I so enjoyed reading through your posts. I am an applique fan as well, and enjoy all kinds of hand quilting. I'll be back!

Rose Marie said...

Great tip and so inspiring!!

Marie said...

Wow - I'm impressed - I need to try this. Some times 30 minutes is all i have.

Hugs - Marie

Robin said...

That is awesome, Carrie! It really is impressive what one can accomplish in 30 minutes. I know I've been feeling overwhelmed by my project options and the lack of nice chunks of time to focus on them. I may have to get out my little kitchen timer and give this a shot. Thanks so much for the wonderful inspiration!

Juliann said...

Lovely projects - I am very inspired but now I need to go to work - so sad.

Atelier Caseiro said...

Good idea and beautiful works!
=) Ana.
http://ateliercaseiro.blogspot.com/