Many of you have written to me over the last few years and asked how I get so much stuff done. Actually I don’t get as much done as you think but I do have a little trick...it’s the name of my blog, One Piece at a Time. When I was trying to come up with a name for my pattern company my friend Amy M. said “If I was ever going to try one of your quilts I would have to remind myself, just one piece at a time”. It’s actually a very good mantra for quilting. Well, I’ve started to share some pictures lately of my newest quilt in progress, so I though I would give you a glimpse of my current work space.
(this little ironing surface is always set up, which helps)
I know that completing a big applique project seems really intimidating to most people. It’s a little intimidating for me too, i.e. that’s why I like BOMS’s so much. But a big project is just a bunch of smaller projects is how I think about it. So, now I tell myself, ten minutes a day. After I get home from work and get settled I just give myself ten minutes to make applique pieces. Before too long, all the elements start taking shape. So, if you want to make something big, just tell yourself, ten minutes a day is all you need!
That's really great advice Erin. Sometimes I think that we can set too many deadlines for ourselves, and when life happens and we miss our deadlines, we feel such guilt...we really just suck all of the fun right out of a project. I'm much happier with my creative side when I just go along and work a little here and there on different things...just for the enjoyment of stitching.
Hugs,
Kathy
Posted by: Shawkl | 02/28/2013 at 09:25 AM
Jinny Beyer preaches the same practice. Steady progress wins out over marathon sessions of sewing.
Posted by: Cindy Lester | 02/28/2013 at 11:08 AM
Right On!! Life is always throwing us a curve. My applique time is just that, "My Time" so 10 minutes or 2 hours it's a great time. Thanks for sharing how you got the name. And thank you for sharing your talent Erin. It has made the curves in my life a lot less stressful.
Posted by: Penny | 02/28/2013 at 01:38 PM
That's such a good way to approach a project, Erin. Thanks for the reminder :-)
Posted by: Di J | 02/28/2013 at 02:18 PM
que hermosos detalles me encantan ideas para aplicarla
Posted by: cruz | 03/01/2013 at 08:51 AM
Hi! Would you please share what the pattern is you are currently working on? I love those birds and the colors you chose are perfect!
Posted by: Bonny | 03/01/2013 at 09:06 AM
This reminds me of a booklet we were given at a nursing seminar regarding time management. It was titled "How to Eat an Elephant"(not that any of us would!) It started very basically with "first you have to catch an elephant". The steps were broken down to manageable pieces, just like your process. I have found that even two or three minutes can help. Just don't be inactive unless you're sleeping! It really works; it works for every aspect of life. Thanks for reminding me -- I have found myself "stuck" lately and this got me going again. You are great, Erin. Love your blog and your quilts.
Posted by: Myra U. | 03/01/2013 at 02:52 PM
What is your pressing mat made of? It is so clean!
Posted by: Lee Ann | 03/06/2013 at 07:44 AM