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.
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53 comments:

  1. CarolMJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:42 AM

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

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  2. AmyJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:08 AM

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

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  3. Comfort Cove DesignsJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    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

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  4. ranetteJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    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!

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  5. AnnetteJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    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.

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  6. Abby and StephanieJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    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.

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    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.

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  8. Jane's Fabrics and QuiltsJanuary 27, 2011 at 12:07 PM

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

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  9. BrandieJanuary 27, 2011 at 12:17 PM

    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.

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  10. RitaJanuary 27, 2011 at 12:39 PM

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

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  11. LorisJanuary 27, 2011 at 12:41 PM

    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 :-)

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  12. JocelynJanuary 27, 2011 at 1:01 PM

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

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  13. KarenJanuary 27, 2011 at 1:07 PM

    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!

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  14. KarenJanuary 27, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    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.

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  15. RaewynJanuary 27, 2011 at 1:32 PM

    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.

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  16. SusanJanuary 27, 2011 at 1:53 PM

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

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  17. JanetJanuary 27, 2011 at 2:18 PM

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

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  18. KaHollyJanuary 27, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    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

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  19. OrcsmomJanuary 27, 2011 at 6:19 PM

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

    Pam

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  20. BetsyJanuary 27, 2011 at 6:22 PM

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

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  21. Linda January 27, 2011 at 6:27 PM

    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!

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  22. Nanette MerrillJanuary 27, 2011 at 7:25 PM

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

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  23. Mary on Lake PulaskiJanuary 27, 2011 at 7:49 PM

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

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  24. ShakerwoodJanuary 27, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    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.

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  25. SherriJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    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!

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  26. FlourishingPalmsJanuary 27, 2011 at 9:40 PM

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

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  27. YvetteJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:34 PM

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

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  28. ShannonJanuary 27, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    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!!

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  29. Kim D.January 28, 2011 at 12:23 AM

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

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  30. AllieJanuary 28, 2011 at 1:33 AM

    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!

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  31. DeJanuary 28, 2011 at 4:55 AM

    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.

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  32. DebJanuary 28, 2011 at 4:59 AM

    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

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  33. DawnJanuary 28, 2011 at 6:39 AM

    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

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  34. Wilma LeeJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    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.

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  35. CrispyJanuary 28, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    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)

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  36. DorothyJanuary 28, 2011 at 8:21 AM

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

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  37. DebJanuary 28, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    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.

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  38. Simone de KlerkJanuary 28, 2011 at 11:35 AM

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

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  39. NaneJanuary 28, 2011 at 11:55 AM

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

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  40. CandaceJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:05 PM

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

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  41. Mrs. GoodneedleJanuary 28, 2011 at 12:12 PM

    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.

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  42. Nellie put the kettle onJanuary 28, 2011 at 11:55 PM

    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

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  43. HeatherJanuary 29, 2011 at 12:20 PM

    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

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  44. Calamity Jane's Cottage, BonnieJanuary 29, 2011 at 6:26 PM

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

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  45. BarbJanuary 30, 2011 at 10:10 AM

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

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  46. Ivory SpringJanuary 30, 2011 at 1:32 PM

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

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  47. MamaTJanuary 30, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    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.

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  48. TeresaJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    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!

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  49. Rose MarieJanuary 31, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    Great tip and so inspiring!!

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  50. MarieFebruary 1, 2011 at 11:17 AM

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

    Hugs - Marie

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  51. RobinFebruary 1, 2011 at 12:27 PM

    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!

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  52. JuliannFebruary 2, 2011 at 9:59 AM

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

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  53. Atelier CaseiroFebruary 5, 2011 at 11:30 AM

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

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So glad you have come by for a visit.