🧵 MAKE MORE QUILTS - 8 STRATEGIES TO FINISH MORE QUILTS

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It's a breezy, chilly day so I am thankful to my dog that gets us outdoors every morning for a hike in the woods. It also means I sneak in some sewing right after. I hope that you can use this and some of my other strategies for getting more sewing time into your day. Enjoy. . Thank you Birch for sponsoring. Visit birchliving.com/quilts to get $400 off your Birch mattress plus two free pillows!

[@dcwatashi]

A KZbin channel is trying to connect with you they do a live fabric sale on Tuesday and Saturday here in the United States but they have a lot of good quality fabrics and they were trying to connect with you “SEW YEAH QUILTING “

[@DeborahParsons]

As I am a lifelong champion procrastinator, you have really helped me with your "little" tips. For example, that little timer has saved me! Yes, I can do anything for 15-30 minutes, and I get more done when that little timer is on the desk than I would typically get done in a week! Then, suddenly, my messy sewing room is uncluttered and inviting again. Start the timer, and eat the frog. You are my life coach.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It’s amazing what can be accomplished in short bursts, isn’t it?

[@judithbarnes4905]

You're my hero! Not only are your quilts beautiful pieces of art, but you also give your audience tips to help us make quilts, AND make our lives better!!! THANKS!!! Take care ❤

[@bonniedilorenzo3535]

Working on some scrappy quilts of not so pretty material but getting hung up on the " does it look okay", today my husband said wow that is amazing. It was enough to push me to get it sandwiched, quilted and start binding

[@jeanninemorgan3526]

Bonnie, isn’t that the best? I’ve tried so hard to stop second guessing my scrappy creations. I’m always amazed how much others like them!

[@Stoffmonster467]

@@jeanninemorgan3526 somebody loves our pieces we don't like as much.

[@pamwalker7307]

I made a super scrappy quilt that I called my ugly quilt… it turned out beautiful! Yours will be too. 💗

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Good man 👍

[@brendawallgren8354]

God bless a good hubby!

[@chelseagradney3341]

Thank you Karen. The quilting community on youtube is so positive and encouraging. I stay subscribed to your channel because you think about things differently than I do. I like it. I love that timer. Genius! I come to you for so many of my issues with not just time but permission to fail. I have recently come up with a 1 + 2 = 3 formula with buying more fabric as my reward. This video, that I watched while not sewing, helped me see the forest through the trees. I need to use my passion for quilting as a reward for getting my chores done. I want to thank you for taking the time to put these videos together.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🤗🤗🤗

[@joane8651]

My son has been my lifesaver when quilting or sewing. He always notices what I'm working on and makes a positive comment, it is definitely heartwarming. I also just listened to Atomic Habits and want to get it again, he offers so many great suggestions. Thank you, Karen for all you do for us.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

He is a keeper

[@janelleschwen1758]

Tart Cherry Juice before bed has been proven to help with sleep. I love it. I just retired and could not turn off my brain. This helped.

[@brendagriffin6437]

I told my boss the day I retired I was doing a data dump and a defrag of my brain so there would be room for quilting and crafts. I left her an envelope. "In case of an emergency open this envelope". Inside it said...the answer is in the process documents in my blue binder on my desk. LOL

[@brit1945]

I’ve never heard anyone speak on the creative process and being gentle on ourselves. I love the tips and will be more mindful now. Thank you ❤

[@saraborisch5343]

And here I am procrastinating about doing our income tax.......Thanks for giving it to me straight!

[@dottiemathews6853]

you had a really cute "helper/supervisor" assisting you in the putting together of your bed! how adorable! Now i tell you, i love to look at videos on Quilting but i will never make one, although i like the process of doing it to make front pouches to my canvas tote bags.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

By taking your advice, I finished quilting one pre-pandemic quilt top last night. I'm going to start quilting another pre-pandemic quilt top today. It may take me over a week to finish quilting this quilt (it is a very large quilt). By finishing all these UFO's, I'll get a huge part of my sewing room space back. It is never a big problem to find a home for a new finished quilt. Thank you. When the weather gets better, I may sew outside in my carport. I can see so much better in natural light. Plus, there are so many other things to rest my eyes on when I need to rest. I have always loved sewing outside. Thank you.

[@AnitaSouthall]

Oh boy you speak to my chaos. Seriously though I have days where I function at a high level and days I have to rest. Small projects keep me entertained and motivated. I just did a 12 block scrappy quilt a long from Darlene. I have made quilt tops, never a finished quilt yet. But I got new iron and I'm going to be practicing my ironing skills to get those UFO done. My daughter is due to go to Canada again to live. So that's my first deadline for her quilt. Yes must use the timer. Happy every video I watch with you. It s like a quick visit with a friend. 🇦🇺💜🇺🇸💚🥰💯👍☕🍪

[@joanotto9984]

In the past six months I have made 8 full size quilts to completion from my small scraps. Under 8” pieces. I had way to many scraps. Now a much more manageable bin of scraps. I custom longarm for others so was a good chance to clean and organize my studio space. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@melilifabulosa5505]

Well that is just amazing!!

[@cherylwilliams42]

Oh, thank you, yes! Subconscious pressure is what I have been feeling and therefore, leading me to losing my desire to sew. Yet, I have many quilts that I want to make. Thank you for this video.

[@ruthl359]

Can I possibly give this episode 8 thumbs up? I'm making yet another list of all my projects and have been feeling the marathon. Habit stacking? I love that idea. Prioritizing is something I'm familiar with, but making that short list is a genius idea I've been ignoring far too long. After that it's a "simple" case of project management and 2 to 4 projects at a time gives me room to avoid burnout on a single project. Still there's always that peer pressure to add another project to the already overlong list. I'm just going to have to get better at saying "No,"

[@ravensmokedancer8242]

Missed you at Quiltcon Karen!!! We had so much fun though and hopefully, next time, we will see you there!!!

[@oriehopp8026]

Thanks so much for the trip to the Netherlands. I have never been there, but my HERITAGE IS Dutch ,so this was terrific.

[@com2375]

I do my quilting by hand. I do have two dogs and a house to clean. I haven't be able to find a happy medium yet.. I have two small wall hanging to do for a friend. One baby quilt in my quilt frame close to being done. If I am able to ignore the house work. Lol

[@zelousfoxtrot3390]

I'm focusing on massive detail and lots of planning. Designing new embroidery patterns, the whole works. If you get my quilt, you're getting a masterpiece. Why? I was gifted with a stash-buster quilt once. Huge squares of miss-matched fabric that didn't even have the same texture (Think a few panels of knits next to broadcloth and random colors). Knot-tied and filled with polyester batting. "I heard you like quilts!" I put on my best smile, thanked her a lot, and quietly stuck it in the car as an emergency blanket. Ten years later, I tossed it when it got oil stains. And it's not like this was her best work- I've seen others she has done. It was just a massive WOMBAT. I want you to love my quilt as much as I do.

[@sharong.7003]

Karen , I am a relatively new quilter, thinking that I will do more as I work less in the future. I have a domestic machine. Can you speak on the next step in machines, eg a long or medium arm, for a hobbyist , including financial considerations. I think that you are a wonderful teacher.

[@petmomful2260]

Check out the Grace Cutie frame or Q One hoop frame. You can use a domestic machine on it if you want to. I just got one, and I like it.

[@kathydaniel4818]

How did you know I needed to eat the frog? Yesterday I finally ate the frog and finished a project that had to be done. You were so right! Not only was I relieved to have it done, I actually felt better physically and I was almost immediately in a more positive mood. Thank you Karen!

[@PattymacMakes]

I generally stick to one project at a time and stay on it until it’s finished. Unless it’s a full size quilt and then I limit to one or two smaller projects in the interim because I need the quick win to stay motivated. The biggest issue I have is getting my sleep. Oh boy is that an issue. 🙃 I agree a good mattress and pillows make a huge difference but it still doesn’t actually get me into bed earlier. That’s my own lack of discipline that I need to win. Thank you as always for great tips.

[@lynnessewimperfect825]

Hi Karen and Patty! Great video about time management and self care to do more making. It bothers me that I can't stand for long periods of time to do the cutting needed (my back gets angry). When I sit down for a few minutes the squirrels attack so I get super distracted. Like Patty I'm super bad about going to bed early. I need to fix that. Love both of you ladies! Hugs! ~~Lynne

[@susanschleede6591]

Good job! Teach me how to work on 1 project at a time! As soon as I get to a difficult part, I start another quilt.

[@sharonflemming3026]

Boy I’m there with you. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve fallen asleep in my recliner in front of the TV in spite of my determination to go to bed at 11:00. If I go to bed earlier I wake up at 3 or 4 am lol. And I fall asleep in the recliner I wake up at 2 am. Most time I can get to sleep in my bed again with my CPAP but I usually wake up by 5 or 6 anyway lol. I don’t get stressed by it bc I am able to take a 15 minute catnap during the day fine (I’ve been able to do that all my life lol). I think bc I’m in my 70s getting older has changed my sleep schedule though I’ve always lived on about 6 hrs sleep a night…

[@bethkoch11]

I used to work on only one thing until it was completely finished. Over time, I found that just didn't work for me; I just felt too restricted. Other inspirations come to me from time to time, and if I'm locked into one project, it frustrates me. Some months ago, I completely changed my strategy and gave myself permission to have several projects in various stages of completion. It may be chaotic to some, but it completely frees up my brain and helps me enjoy quilting much more.

[@lisareed5669]

I also work until I run out of a supply I might need. (I'm new and not great at planning! Also ... have budget limitations.) Anyway ... I'll pick up something else, usually smaller, to work on in the time being or to finish.

[@kimtriemstra681]

Thanks. I struggle with lots of what you talked about today. Thank you.

[@conniepierzinski1167]

Thank you, Karen for all your inspiration! Because of you, this year my sewing room is decluttered, I am finishing UFO's, and blessing others with Charity Quilts.

[@EllenGranda]

Just found your videos. You are a gift to quilting. I really value the pragmatism you bring to the discipline that is chock-full of marketing at every turn. Thank you.

[@carmenbailey1560]

Karen I’m at a stage where 1- I’m inexperienced in top machine quilting, 2- the quilt top that I love I now realized that I have lots of puckers, 3- why didn’t I realize that, 4- it take everything in me to try to make it half way acceptable & taking everything in me to finishing it. Lesson learnt 😩. Thanks for sharing your tips, definitely eating the frog now. 👍❤️😊

[@Stoffmonster467]

I ripped one off and have still 2 to do🤪

[@trac6009]

The first quilt I made was a queen size tshirt quilt with a heavy fleece backing 🤣 The FMQ was a disaster on a used Brothers Project Runway CW1100 ...luckily our daughter loves the quilt but it makes me cringe to see it in pictures now...I found Karens channel right after that...live and learn

[@marijowakley7770]

Carmen, remember that once it's quilted and washed, it will all be crinkly! Usually little puckers will be hidden in the natural quilt crinkle.

[@carmenbailey1560]

@@marijowakley7770 I actually just finished putting my binding on, and my daughters love the quilt and says it’s not suppose to be perfect. I did get better towards the end and definitely learnt, so onto my next challenge. Thanks for your wise words. 👍

[@stephaniejohnson2937]

I had set a New Years resolution to sew just/at least one hour a day!!!! It is the 19th of February and not one stitch has been sewn. But the sewing room has been cleaned and organized following your 28 day program :) and projects are organized and prioritized. Starting my 30 minute sewing session now :) thanks for the inspiration!!

[@brendagriffin6437]

One day at a time. I found that if I wasn't in the frame of mind nothing came out right, especially when I was working. Once I retired my mojo kicked in and all the fabric I had been buying for years started getting used.

[@Renee-iz3ku]

I make soooo many mistakes when I am starting to get tired…..even the things that take almost no thought. I have learned the hard way to just STOP and unplug my machine. Thanks for your videos Karen….love them.

[@dalegruder2363]

Nice look . New beginning of vid. I like it! Very professional.

[@verwilliams1]

Love it. My dad had a sign that said “ If you have to eat an ugly frog, don’t spend a lot of time looking at it!” Hahaha

[@robindemers140]

Thank you!!!! Finishing my first year quilting and so many UFO's! Thank you for the advice; I am ready for year 2 and FINISHED PROJECTS!

[@jfarm8854]

The audio book suggestion is great. I’m asleep before the book timer is done.

[@maureenkomperda3421]

I really like your snappy background music Karen. I’m going to move my scraps and changing my cutting and ironing stations to help my back. Then I’m going to juj up my stations. I definitely get tired & bed earlier is hard but I’ll try. Thanx always. Happy sleeping 💤 🛌 !

[@andifism]

Now that all my sewing stuff has a place, I tidy up after every sewing session. It takes no time at all and then I can start fresh the next time my sewing machine comes out. I have to use our dining table as a sewing / cutting table. It still surprises me how much a tidy workspace equals a tidy mind too! Every time I think How grateful I am that I found your channel.

[@karlajensen1041]

Great video...and all info was right-on...especially for me the one about not allowing myself to sew because there are some other things that need doing....so I do nothing! Thanks for your wisdom. kj

[@susanmei9980]

Same!!!

[@lisaroper421]

Nice tips! They apply well to basically any project or endeavor. I agree that eating the frog first can be a real game changer. I sometimes tell myself, "Future me will be so glad that that is done and out of her hair!" In fact, just last night I worked on painting my daughters' room instead of relaxing because I knew it would pay off today! After the painting, back to the quilts!!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

✋

[@manuelashannon1369]

I try to be in my sewing room everyday and it may be just 20-30 minutes prepping for sitting down at my sewing machine. Some mornings it’s ironing pre-starch fabrics, others say cutting. The treat is sewing after prepping.

[@jayneterry8701]

Super cute picture of Mando and his stick. 😀

[@mary-annz.reynolds7778]

I didn't realize Mando had gotten so big. What a hunk! Thanks for the tips. It's good to be reminded. 💕

[@ninettezorger3964]

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for this video. All eight steps are words of wisdom eat the frog first starts now

[@michaelwoods6279]

Hi Karen. Love your videos. I can't wrap my head around how you can quilt for only 30 minutes, stop and do something else. Once I get started I have a hard time stopping. In the winter, November to April, I live in South Texas and I sew like a maniac! I work on my quilts 7 days a week and spend any where from 7 to 10 hours a day working on my projects. When I head back to Nova Scotia, that is when I can quilt my projects because that is where my long arm is. I dont have much time back in Canada because I own a small campground and motel and that takes all my time. Strange nomadic lifestyle I know but .....Congrats to you for having the self discipline to switch between tasks to be done

[@pmgann]

I love the blue, yellow and white quilt behind you. Have you done a video on that type of quilt?

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It’s from Speed Date with improv by Poppyprint

[@pmgann]

Guess patterns aren't available...

[@karenrich9092]

Karen I really enjoy your "clean up" sort of videos. I don't quilt, but you are fun to watch. This video particularly has helped me to know how to clean up my office since I was evacuated due to a wildfire, spent 5 weeks in a hospital and nursing home, and was delayed going home at Christmas due to a blizzard and power outage. Truth is definitely stranger than fiction. So, today I am going to set a timer for 30 minutes to clean up my office. Will keep you informed.

[@connieverbeck1110]

Just want you to know how much you helped me.this video!! I made a short list of UFOS. Then I finally faced my queen sized Cathedral Window Quilt. I have had it stashed in a corner for over a year. Pulled it out, made a check off chart. It is complete, except the points keep unsewing!! Ugh. So I marked off what I had reinforced. And got to work. I had completed 5 of the 19! Managed 3 rows yesterday. So 11 to go. Another one this am. Got started and realized I had stitched the points down on the other end!!! So the end is closer than I thought!! Yippee skippy. All because of this video!!

[@jennystrahley927]

Loved seeing your beautiful quilt on your new Birch mattress! It's gorgeous! Great tips, Karen, I'm going to go Eat the Taxes Frog before I begin sewing/quilting today...at least for 30 minutes. :-)

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It's on my list too ✋

[@kathyvenne8281]

Me too! The taxes have been on my mind, and I have been procrastinating long enough! 30 minutes will at least get me started.

[@alisonwasserman2936]

I hope I can post a picture of my latest quilt. I’ve been watching your videos with great joy and happiness. This is my fourth quilt, my first biggish one. It’s my take on a Tudor Quilt pattern designed for the Emporium Collection. I chose similar fabrics and just went for it. Thank you so much, Karen, for helping me make the quilt I wanted to make. 😘

[@ann-mariejensen2623]

Your short list idea really works for me! It helps me realize what I’m accomplishing.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I'm so glad!

[@clc1457]

Oh my gosh. You were talking directly to me -- after reading my mind!!

[@carolhiller1112]

Thank you, you have given a lot of great advice. I suffer with chronic illnesses and it makes sewing so difficult but I intend trying to do 30 minutes at least once a day. Great idea! Xx

[@petmomful2260]

Carol, this is an issue with me as well. I have chronic neck pain from an old injury. Somedays I cannot sew, but most days I can. It is always an issue, but I do the best I can. If I cannot sit at a machine, I always have some hand sewing available to do while I sit in my recliner with my head supported. I have a quilt I am working on with large hexies, English paper piecing, so I always feel like I can quilt.

[@tcctocrazytccarson7309]

Love the ideas you gave for eating the frog 🐸

[@abigaildolinger2754]

Thanks so much for these sensible suggestions!

[@VAHelix]

OMG! Eat the Frog First!! I so loved that bit. I need the cup! Thanks for another great video!!

[@janicewebber5584]

Ok, I know you did the bit for the Birch mattress but, I got preoccupied with that gorgeous quilt!😳

[@victoriahill8322]

Love your comment to eat the frog first. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told myself that or told someone else that. It’s so very true. Thank you for yet another great video. Cheers

[@kathosim501]

I love the quilt on your bed!

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

After a fun filled day in my sewing room, I get to sit with my hand quilting and watch you! Thank you for posting this video!

[@elvirakanesta4744]

I 💖 your inspirational pep videos! They make me feel like I'm not the only one who's loosing myself in UFO's👍😁 thank you!💖🌹

[@cyclist20]

Thank you Karen. I never fail to get something good from your videos. Thanks for all the effort you put in

[@lesa6399]

OMGosh…once again, you’ve nailed it!!! ❤️

[@yvonnestreeter2820]

You've done it again, Karen. I'm knitting right now (as always when watching videos), but the idea of just quilting for 30 minutes never occurred to me. I have 2 UFOs on the board, and two not-cut-out-yet that are gifts with deadlines. You've given me an anchor. Thanks.

[@louisealessi493]

Once again you broke it down into manageable steps. Awesome. Thank you.

[@quiltybee]

Needed a longer version of this video!👍👍👍👍

[@sharonflemming3026]

Thank you for this video!! I luv the expression- eat the frog first! I have a quilt I am fixing for a family member that has several issues. We aren’t sure what happened to it but several parts were cut and shredded through top two layers. I had to wash it a couple of times first (we won’t go into that - suffice to say it was a young teenager I had made the quilt for lol). When I did that two more issues showed up. Certain fabrics started pulling apart not just at the seams but in the middle of the piece. This was a batik quilting kit I bought at a reputable quilt shop several years prior. The other issue that showed up was that it looked like the tension wasn’t right when I quilted the three layers together as it fell apart in many areas after washing. So I picked out all that quilting on the Queen size quilt first. I’m now at point to pick out binding and then pick out stitching to the blocks that need redoing. I’ve bought similar batiks to replace all the pieces that are falling apart as well as the ones that were cut and shredded. It’s been a huge restoration project and it’s taken a year so for as I just put it down and don’t want to continue. But my family member luved it so onwards and upwards….

[@brendagriffin6437]

I made my youngest son a quilt. He moved out on his own and his dog had puppies on it! He brought it to me and asked if I could "fix" it. sigh. I ended up tossing it because it just wasn't worth restoration as it had a smell and a lot of staining that no amount of washing could fix.

[@petmomful2260]

@@brendagriffin6437 Oh, yikes!!

[@sheilawilliams8621]

Karen, I love the geometric quilt at the bottom of your stack on this video, and love the quilting on it as well. Have you shown us how to make this one, and, if not, I hope you will consider doing a tutorial on it; it looks like a lot of fun. Thank you so much for generously sharing your knowledge with us; it's incredibly helpful.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It's the Aviatrix quilt by Elizabeth Hartman

[@sheilawilliams8621]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts OMG, that quilt is amazing. I won't be making it anytime soon, but thank you for the reference.

[@coreygilles847]

As always…I feel so motivated after watching one of your videos

[@kathyb.8769]

For me.... this was one of the very best videos that you have put out there... and Every single thing made sense to my brain. Thank you so very much!! I do some of these steps and need to do some of the others. i wrote down almost every word today... you spoke to my quilters soul.....

[@RuthMM100]

This was perfect for this morning. It is Monday, I had a business zoom call that started at 7:00am and ran over to 2+ hours. My sewing room is clear and organized enough, thanks to a late declutter challenge, but I have not been able to bring myself to quilt. My sleep is poor, but the real jem I learned today is habit stacking. I ride or groom my horse every dayin the early evening. I get home, eat dinner and then I could, sew. So tonight I'm going to try that and see if it works. I'm going to start with very simple small projects to put in my gift stash (so I have things to give on short notice). Fingers crossed and thank you Karen for reading my mind. Wihtout you I probably would have given up quilting several times over the last couple of years.

[@janicewilkinson2783]

I love using the timer idea for block making. Set the timer for 15 minutes, sew. Set timer for 15 minutes and see how long it takes me to iron what I was able to sew in the previous 15 minutes (pressing usually takes less than 15 minutes..yay!) Repeat for as long as I am able to sew in a particular time frame or day. I am always amazed at how much I can get done.

[@debbiemoore8919]

Ms. Karen, where can I find your "quilting steps start to finish"? I'm a new quilter & have missed a step or two more than once. Your videos are thorough & in-depth; I find them enormously helpful. Thank you & Blessings!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

I'm working on one

[@susanmachler1495]

You understand us, Karen. Thanks for understanding and making it all okay!

[@imogenethomas1138]

What a great list! It should be easy for me to “eat the frog first”, because cutting the pieces is my frog! I love your Habit Stacking tip, and will incorporate it into my routine immediately.

[@jackiemobley8529]

A great video, Karen, as always. I'm always excited to see your next video pop up in my notifications. Blessings to you and have a great day!

[@mbs7078]

Ooooo- I keep a 5x a week habit of working out via 'habit stacking' as you call it- that would be a great way to do sewing- as well as breaking it up. A lot can get done in 20 or 30 minutes....

[@elizabethgardner5207]

Thanks Karen. I have been learning to quilt by finishing other people's UFOs. I am now at the point of selecting & designing my own projects and I'm hesitant. What to do first? How to prioritize? You have made these decisions so much easier. You are a joy and a delight.

[@karenr.sternberg1920]

Good for you, it's an excellent way to learn, which many don't know to try. I have lifelong background & education in textiles. Am a self taught Quilter, who sometimes, when I can't take Quilting classes, will resume someone's half done work. It's a terrific stretch artistically to work w/ someone else's color palette & style / tastes. One can learn a lot!

[@wingbunny]

Great video, Karen. I think it's my favorite. Would love to quilt with you one day.

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

I like to schedule sewing after dinner. That's when all my other obligations for the day have been met and I have me time. I don't have to stop and do or take care of something else and I can fill my bucket for as long or as little as I need. Using a timer doesn't work for me but trying it did help me identify what does, and I eat the frog second lol, after a quick win. Your tips make me mindful of what my process is and how I can experiment with project management, thank you!

[@theshaleeva]

Giiirrrlllll, how did you know I was procrastinating about doing my taxes?!!?!!

[@jeanninemorgan3526]

Karen, another great video. I’ve used the Eat That Frog 🐸 phrase with my college students for over 20 years. It can make such a difference!

[@LeejaClane]

Thank you so much for the tips Karen. I was wondering what pattern was used for the quilt you put on your bed near the beginning of the video. That one is definitely on my quilts to make list!

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

4th of July by Quiltworx

[@sandyp2485]

@@JustGetitDoneQuilts That was my question as well. Thanks for the answer. I've seen it in a couple videos and have been quite fascinated by it. I've been searching New York Beauty patterns but never found anything exactly like that. Also, I know you said it was fiddly in one video but I have time at the moment for fiddly projects. And I kinda like one now and then.

[@josipung-hahn9104]

So glad I found your channel. I see why you have over 300k followers! Just watched your 8 hints to Just Get it Done. What helped me was setting the timer for 30 minutes n working daily on something to do with my sewing machine. Wonderful idea! So I get more done doing various tasks in 30 minutes! Thank you! You are amazing!

[@sandyp2485]

The advice in this video can apply to not only quilts but to many other aspects in life. It deserves an extra thumbs up even though I can only add one officially. The one thing that I think I will do right away is begin the habit stacking hint. I used to do this in the office where I was always praised for being a high performer. Somehow it never occurred to me to do this at home with my projects there. I must have done it at one time because I used to be able to crank out lots of sewing projects. Time to get that habit back in order. The last couple of years seem to have gummed up a lot of life. I'm ready to put all that in the past and get on with being in love with my sewing room again. Karen, I just adore the quilt that you put on your bed! It is just gorgeous!! What is the name of the design?

[@petmomful2260]

I can relate to all of these issues. I have decided to finish everything I have going before I start a new quilt. I feel overwhelmed. I saw a sewer once who had a dry erase board and she prioritized and listed everything. I am going to try that.

[@jocelyncanadianneedlenana]

One of the very best quilting videos I've watched and I will be sharing it. Thank you so much, Karen.

[@Lady-Seawulf]

Great tips and tricks! It all comes down to managing your time and focusing on the "what's next". You're right about the guilt trip. Now that I'm retired a lot of that has gone away.

[@marlenesalamandyk878]

The quilt on your bed is beautiful! That was an enormous venture and happy you included us in the journey. Thank you for all of these strategies today 🥰

[@karengale6686]

I took the video about getting UFOs finished to heart, and before Christmas dropped 8 off at the long arm person. Over $1000 later, I am now working on a quilt as you go tee shirt quilt for my brother-in-law. I think most of my quilts should be quilt as you go because that long arm work was so expensive! I may need to look at buying a long arm! This video is great; I have been procrastinating getting back to lap swimming and exercise bike riding and getting enough exercise to enjoy a trip to Ireland in 3 months. That is my frog! My new habit chart will help with this too. My thirty minute timer has been episodes of Grantchester. I usually watch two of them then move on to another task.

[@darrenecollins5985]

I love your tips tricks and strategies. Keep it up.

[@maxineboucher5385]

Even though I don't do much quilting, I enjoy your videos so much. My main sewing emphasis is garment sewing for antique dolls. I had back surgery two months ago, so sewing has been put aside until I heal. However, it is time to "eat the frog first". I have two 16 inch reproduction French Fashion dolls to dress. The garments are outfits of the 1860's so very detailed. Fear of not being good enough is holding me back. No time like the present to get started! The dolls are for myself so I don't have to be judged. Thanks for the boost to get the patterns out and start the under garments!

[@brendagriffin6437]

I am sure your dolls will be beautiful!! I hope you are on the mend from your back surgery.

[@maxineboucher5385]

@@brendagriffin6437 Thanks, and yes the back seems to be healing well. Have Dr appt end of March to know more.

[@tracyluke1487]

I work full time, but with a timer, some good organization and the good tips - I feel like I may be able to sneak in some quality quilting. Thanks Karen, new subscriber - really enjoy your videos!

[@valclowes5901]

This is very ADHD-smart guidance! Except for "eat the frog first" which approach will often cause (metaphorical) starvation. Start with eating half a "dessert", then have a bite of frog before finishing dessert, repeat at liveable intervaals until the frog is entirely eaten. Then 2 more desserts and a happy dance!

[@woundation]

I usually only get to make one quilt per year. 2018 is finished and bound, 2019 is currently at the long armer, 2020 just needs binding and 2021 is currently still in pieces but half of the blocks are fully assembled and the rest just need the last two seams done. I would realy love to get to a point where I could do more than one per year but with three 3 and under and my kitchen table being my sewing space that may be a tall order.

[@susanmei9980]

You get woman of the year award! 🥇 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🥇

[@yvonnestreeter2820]

I so appreciate your cheerful posts, and this one has been an eye opener. One of my current goals is to get more sleep. Maybe now I can get myself into bed on time by thinking about the ability to sew more.

[@celestaduchesneau3032]

Thanks for the tips. By the way, I noticed you didn't include "create backing" in your list of quilting steps.

[@debracampbell5151]

Great tips! I’ve got a few of them down, but I always forget to set my timer. Before I know it, I’m exhausted from quilting without taking a break or two. I’m working on it! Thank you again for all your contributions to making my quilting life easier and more fulfilling!

[@lisamunchausen7158]

I love you line of thinking. Thank you!!

[@amandaaskew7606]

Great tips, Karen! I am just now getting back into quilting after a 3 year hiatus. I have very little time, but miss it so much.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Welcome back!

[@rw8873]

Thank you for making time for all of us. Your calm approach along with your admission of mistakes🙄 keeps me going!

[@DH-qz2so]

Isn't it interesting, that a hobby that is so creative and fun.... carries with it - so much angst, stress, guilt, and loss of fun-jo.... but I get it.... as I also struggle with all of the above... and I am sometimes puzzled, as to why.. my hubs loves hiking... so why doesn't he struggle with the above? What is it about fabric and sewing... that we feel this way?

[@susanmei9980]

Maybe guilt over the expense? And that we’re constantly seeing more beautiful fabric and designs that we want to make; but this greedy commercial system has learned how to capitalize on this fabric fascination by constantly releasing new fabric lines that are only available for “a limited time.” Therefore, the (not so) subtle message is hurry up and buy the fabric because if you wait until you finish your current projects it will no longer be available! So we end up buying too much too soon, and it’s more than we have time to make up into quilts, and then it piles up, and then we start to feel guilty because we bought too much, too soon! We spent all that money, and it’s just sitting there! That’s my take on it! 🧵

[@busybeeisme6863]

I am always inspired by your ideas. Thank you.