Squeezing in the Sewing

This is in response to the following comment from Brown Eggs and Jam.

My daughters and I enjoy seeing all of your sewing projects and hope to try one out soon. We both enjoy sewing but I haven't quite mastered how to fit it in. How do you do it? I only have four children; ages 3, 5, 7, and 9.

First of all thanks for asking me how I "fit it in" because it gave me an opportunity to ponder and reflect on how I spend my time and whether my time spent sewing was time well spent.  This is actually a question that comes up in my mind at least once a year, typically around September when we are starting anew our homeschool schedule.  I have discussed this on multiple occasions with my good friend Marie' and I have even made it a matter of prayer.  Here are the answers that came to my mind:  Your children need to see the creative process in action.  Your children need to see you live more providently.  Your children need to see you find joy as you learn new skills and develop your talents.  For these reasons I have not abandoned sewing, in fact since then I have been able to fit more of it in than ever before.

Here are some tips that I sew by: 

1.  Only sew what you need.  Before each season I go child by child and take an inventory of what is needed.  I save hand me downs, graciously accept clothing donations from other families, go garage saling and on occasion scour sale racks.  When there are gaps I get to sew.  It seems I sew mostly for oldest girl and my youngest boy because that is where the biggest gaps are (few items survive the older 3 boys).  I am also finding it harder and harder to find things to sew for boys over the age of 8 - they start to get 'too cool' for handmade clothes and if I know they won't wear it, it isn't worth sewing.

2.  Make a plan.  My children are involved in this step.  Considering what is needed we flip through pattern books, talk about what they like or dislike, and then go through my fabric stash.  We also browse fabric online or make a run to DI for inexpensive clothes that we could use as fabric.  The girls especially love playing with the fabric in wrapping around themselves like mummies requesting yet another "pretty dress".  I take notes and make a final plan with sketches, pattern #, size, and fabric to be used.  I also take note of any notions or trim that would be needed.  Marie' took a picture of my plan here. 

  

3.  Draft and cut all at once.  I really don't love this step so I'm better off getting it over with all at once.  It takes at least one weekend and starting on a Friday I give the kids "the day off" even watching movies in the middle of the day.  We have simple meals and Paul takes them out or just takes over on Saturday.  This is the most critical step and I cannot be interrupted.  Any mistake made drafting or cutting will lead to frustration and flops. 

 

After each pattern is drafted I put it in a sandwich size zip lock baggie with a label of the book, size, style # and a sketch.  This is then organized in an accordion file folder by book or pattern company.

When all the drafting is complete I start cutting.  I will roll the whole project up or place it in a gallon sized zip lock bag.  I store them in a foot tub stacked in order to sew.

4.  Use good tools.  A sturdy machine, new needles, cutting mat, sharp (fabric only!) scissors, rotary cutter, and pattern drafting supplies.

5.  Use good fabric.  This is getting harder and harder to come by.  It's not worth sewing on junk!

6.  Set up a sewing station.  Have your sewing machine and iron in a spot that it can be used on a moments notice.  In my last home this was a tiny 24" desk nestled next to my washer and dryer.  If you already have everything cut out and ready to go you really don't need much space (unless you are sewing wedding dresses).  Actually it did get really hard to sew back there when I was late into my last pregnancy.

7.  Don't sew when angry.  This is when I make my most mistakes.  One mistake can quadruple your sewing time

8.  Don't sew during "wild time".  This is between the hours of 4pm - 6 pm when children are hungry and restless.  This is the time when I make the second most mistakes.

9.  Don't talk on the phone while sewing.  It may just be me but this when I make the third most mistakes.  Again mistakes = sewing angst and more time

10.  Reward yourself with sewing.  Fold a load of laundry, finish the dishes, or read books with your children then take the time to work on your project.

My best time to sew is during our scheduled quiet time hours.  This is when the babies and toddlers are napping, the younger kids are coloring, looking at books or playing quietly alone, and the older kids are working on their reading, writing, and math.  I'm not one to hover over their work but instead make myself accessible for questions and help.       

       

I hope this helps. I can't wait for my girls to start participating! Right now they just push pins in pin cushions, cut up scraps, and sort buttons.