🤷🏻‍♀️👉🏻 My tips for juggling productivity in a busy world + a new collab with

Between making videos, working a full-time job, and all of those home & family responsibilities, it's a wonder I get anything done! In fact, several folks have asked me how I continue to make progress, and even wondered if I had elves secretly sewing for me. The truth is no - but, I do have 3 tips I'll share with you in todays video for how I DO stay productive! Plus, lots of other goodness in today's video: we'll get you caught up on all of Mom's projects and discuss a NEW project I'm kicking off with Sean over at ‪@TheGuyWhoSews‬
💻Links to things I referenced in the video:
➝ KZbin Shout Outs: ‪@TheGuyWhoSews‬ ‪@Tuckerssewingandquilting‬
➝ My Project Containers: amzn.to/3Ph18hr
➝ Trello: www.trello.com
➝ Jira: www.atlassian.com/software/jira
➝ Pandas In Sweaters Pattern: shrsl.com/4869j
➝ Rose in Bloom Pattern: shrsl.com/4869i
➝ Among the Stars Again Pattern: shrsl.com/3pudx
➝ Magnolia Pattern: shrsl.com/3kt7p
➝ Layer Cake Pop Pattern: www.fatquartershop.com/layer-...
➝ Sew Becca VIP: www.sewbecca.com/join-vip
📌 C O N N E C T
➝ Website: www.sewbecca.com
➝ Email: [e-mail]
➝ Happy Mail: Sew Becca; 12849 Galveston Ct. Box 401; Manassas, VA 20112
➝ Instagram: / sewbecca
➝ TikTok: / sewbecca
➝ Facebook Group: / sewbeccafriends
📌 A F F I L I A T E L I N K S (in alphabetical order)
(Note: if you purchase something using these links, your costs will not change, but I may receive a small compensation!)
➝ AccuQuilt: shrsl.com/3yahx
➝ Amazon: amzn.to/3QmU1WV
➝ Annie's Kit Clubs: shrsl.com/3yahr
➝ Connecting Threads: shrsl.com/3yahm
➝ Fat Quarter Shop: shrsl.com/3dzlu
➝ Juki Junkies: jukijunkies.com/ref/Sewbecca/
➝ Legit Kits: shrsl.com/3zjgb
➝ Missouri Star Quilt Co: glnk.io/mzmmj/sewbecca
➝ Sewing Machines Plus: shrsl.com/3yai0
📌 S U P P O R T
The best way you can help me grow is to subscribe, watch the videos, and share this channel with a friend! If you're interested in supporting financially, you can join my VIP program (www.sewbecca.com/join-vip), buy some merch (located next to/below this video), buy something with an affiliate link, or check out ways to make donations here: www.sewbecca.com/donate.

[@ozarkladyscreativemoods]

Hi Becca, While you were telling us about your Mom all I could think about was how much I miss mine. She died just 2 months before my husband so needless to say there was no quilting while they were both sick. But as a young mother i spent a lot of time with her making quilts and hand tacking them on her old wooden quilting frames. It was a joy for both of us and I would give anything for her to see my quilting now that I am almost 70. Enjoy your time with her and I applaud you for doing just that. Your quilts were wonderful. Good tips for keeping your projects together. I am in the midst of making bigger quilts for my great grands and all are being made from scrap fabrics. About all I use anymore with the price of fabric. I have made 2 the third is being quilted now and about ready for binding. I free motion quilt them. Not the best but I try everything on them, feathers hearts stars etc. flowers lots of flowers for the girls. Anyway I enjoyed watching you this evening and I don't know that If you ever saw any of my thankyou notes when I would see you on but I seem to have a problem getting on your Friday nights. Anyway once again I really loved my box that I won in a drawing and most of that fabric will be used in these quilts. I hope to see you Friday night, Murt ♥

[@sewbecca]

Awww, Murt! I'm so sorry to hear you lost your husband and mother so closely to one another. That had to be a rough time for you. I lost my dad several years ago (2006), and - while it's easier now - I don't think it'll ever be the same. We were close. None of us guaranteed tomorrow, and I know it's likely Mom will go before I do. So, I try to remember that one day she won't be with us and all I'll have are the memories. Big hugs, friend!!! I'm glad to hear you're making progress on your FMQ! Way to go!!!

[@OffKilterCrafterIan]

Love hearing about your project management tools. Thanks so much for sharing. So many new ideas to try out.

[@donnawilson7091]

Your borders on the jelly roll really made a difference.

[@andrsn4u455]

Your tips and pictures of your bins were helpful. Really this whole organizing should have its own video because it was fabulous! I started getting my quilts done ✅ by the encouraging videos that Stephanie does and I’ve been able to get a quilt done every month. All the quilts were in progress and I don’t get stressed with how many I have as long as I have fun now that i have improved my quilty skills. But every time I get a quilt done it’s very motivating to keep moving along. I make all my BOTM on Thursday when my husband is busy with meetings. But I was still trying to figure how I would tackle all the kits I want to do. This has been helpful. Driving home from the Garden of Quilts this pass weekend I got my list of quilts that I am determined to get done in the next three months and a lot of what you shared I’ve been doing so those tips really do work. No wasted time in the craft room when you walk in because you are not trying to figure out where you are at. In April I put all my quilt lists in a binder and I just open it up and look at where I’m at. I have a printed list if it is a sew along with dates each block is supposed to be done ✅ , a printed picture of the quilt and a printed page of all the cuts per fabric. It stays on my cutting station. All my quilts I’m working on are in labeled large project bins and in separate cubbies. I love organizing so this helps me stay organized. I like your bins and will look into those just for projects I will take to retreats or to sew at my sisters. If you have other quilty organizing videos please let me know so I can watch and see if I can add anything to my organizing. Thank you Becca

[@sewbecca]

A quilt done every month is AMAZING progress! Way to go! Glad to hear I'm not the only list lover out there! Hahaha!

[@AJjay2511]

So love your making a panda quilt for Mary!❤️

[@sewbecca]

🥰🥰🥰😍😍😍

[@cathyclaycomb6319]

I love the idea of putting the quilt stuff in a container! Great tip!

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful! If you're curious, these are the containers I use: amzn.to/3Ph18hr

[@cathyclaycomb6319]

Thank you Becca!

[@nancyalderin2573]

Hi Becca! Thank you for sharing how you manage your sewing life. I have been struggling with getting into my sewing room just to get started. I think getting all your projects in those storage containers is a must do! 😊. I enjoy your videos! Have a great rest of your week! And thanks 🙏🏻 for sharing!! ❤

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome! I won't pretend that my sewing room is always pristine - the art of creating can be messy. But keeping things somewhat organized is so helpful for me!

[@marinaabad4995]

Lisa Capen Quilts has a very informative You Tube 5 yr old video printing fabric with freezer paper. Her method lasts through lots of washings. Your mom would write her note, scan it, then print if on fabrics, set the ink, and it's done. I highly recommend this method.

[@sewbecca]

Thanks for the tip!

[@kathleenmayhorne3183]

Beautiful quilts. Can you chain-piece smaller units like all the ears and feet first, to speed up piecing your panda blocks? Do you do things like that as leaders and enders? You could cut out that fancy border and piece that in between bits? You do get a lot done, do you celebrate after each one? Dancing around the room takes off calories, so you could have a drink?

[@sewbecca]

I actually started chain piecing a bit on the Penguin blocks. Rather than trying to do one penguin a week, I decided I'd break it down into "units" - eye units, nose units, ear units, etc. And then take those bits and make pandas!

[@susierosefinlay]

Hi Becca Your Hubs fences?! As in Swishy Pokey? I do swishy pokey. It's been a long time but I would like to get back into it. I'm still inventorying my workroom. LOTS of lists. This is a major project but progress is happening. The pattern cabinet is filling up. You're not the only one behind on BOMs. I too have A Rose in Bloom. Block 10 is MIA. But I'm sure once the inventorying has been completed it will turn up in the process. And haven't started it. The same with the Designer Mystery. Once the quilt kits are all in bins that are labeled. I will feel free to start on the next WIP. I also keep individual WIPS in their own bin. I've developed a 15 minute WIP (or UFO) rule. Gather everything your need for your project. I set my phone to Do not Disturb. Set my timer for 15 min. On your mark. Get set. Go! I work on my project for 15 minutes straight without interruptions. If I have more time. Repeat. This works for me.

[@person2463]

I love pen and paper (old😮). And i saw Kimberly with a book, with sku's and things, and i was like, "oh no, not for me". But i like your idea. I get to choose how i organise MY list/work. Even if all i am doing is preparing for holidays/retirement. Then lick myself away and don't talk to outside world for a week ... my idea of bliss. Loved this. And forget sometimes.... what works for me. I have looked at quilt journals, and the structure has not suited me, or at least howvmy mind works. You are in IT geek, and i love you for it. I love tactile lists, i really do like lists and planning and structure... and creativity, bringing something into being with my hands. This has been a wonderful catchup. Thankyou so much Becca. I appreciate all the ways you put yourself out there, and share what works for you. 🎉❤ hugs,Chel 🌸

[@sewbecca]

I absolutely LOVE stationary items - and still rely on pen and paper quite a bit. But, much like you - I had a LOT of struggles finding a pen/paper system that worked for me. With planners, they often wanted more information than I was willing to put in - and, I hated having to carry that around if I wanted to know what I had on my plate. So, I switched it up! The Jira app I use lets me define HOW in depth I get with my lists, and it's always available either on my phone, a computer, or a tablet. It took a day or so to configure the workflows the way I wanted them and then to load in my projects, but that's stuff I enjoy doing (almost as much as quilting) so it was fun! I'm sure there are several folks out there that think "omg, computer lists = WORK!" but I'm kind of like "OMG! Computer work! SIGN ME UP!"

[@CopycatQuilter]

Interesting ideas! Thanks Becca!

[@sewbecca]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@lynnshepard7485]

Hi, Becca! I really love your mom. 😊 She’s going for it full force. The signature idea…you and she have given me great ideas for my memory quilts and bears. I’m so pumped up about that. 😂 As far as cutting small pieces for quilts NO! I’ve started getting Cotton Cuts BOM and it’s so much less time consuming for this old lady. That leaves me time to do garment sewing for my grands. 😘

[@sewbecca]

I love the PMQs for that reason! No cutting, just sewing!

[@marymiller-crews1307]

Thank you Becca, that was both entertaining as well as informative. I’m going to completely organize 3 projects so I can get something accomplished.

[@sewbecca]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scottydog6539]

The quilts are beautiful.

[@lauramiller9672]

It would be cool if you could do bamboo in the quilting on the panda quilt

[@hildavanzyl9574]

Hi Becca 👋. I just learned to know about you on the sewing channel. And decided to search for you on KZbin. I love your videos. Did not start my first quilt yet but will soon. I am from SA

[@sewbecca]

Welcome, glad you’ve joined us!

[@donnahutchinson2464]

Great tips Thank you!

[@Cassieboce]

Hi Becca. This is one of my favorite videos. Love Love Love

[@sewbecca]

Thank you!!!

[@Tami_from_Texas]

I have among the stars kit from FQS in the fall and I purchased the Christmas fat quarter bundle but I have not even started them yet! I need to get my butt moving and get these started. I am a bit intimidated and just need to make it happen. These would be for me but I have been making quilts for others for new babies, and family members and my kids.

[@lindaskinner5887]

Thank you for sharing.

[@sewbecca]

My pleasure!

[@jennystrahley927]

Kudos to your Mom for trying to quilt on the longarm! Thanks for sharing tips for being more productive. I organize projects inside bins also, very helpful. I enjoy your chats.

[@sewbecca]

You are so welcome - thank you for watching!!

[@lauramolen9453]

I looove your hints for productivity!! ✍🏻

[@sewbecca]

I'm so glad!

[@patticlaude1]

Dropped by Becca. HI!

[@sarahlovessewing]

Thank you

[@sewbecca]

You're welcome

[@geminigem599]

thanks for all yr great tips. So useful. U r awesome n a cool mom…😅

[@sewbecca]

😊 thank you

[@vickyadams3007]

Love the cottage rose quilt. That border really makes the Christmas quilt POP... Isn't that border a cut diangle and sew together?

[@sewbecca]

Yeah, I think so. And the border DOES make the Christmas Quilt pop. I THINK that's what i'm going to PROBABLY do

[@MonaDidWhat]

Look forward to seeing Panda quilt

[@sewbecca]

Haha, me too!

[@lynnessewimperfect825]

Hi Becca. This was a great video and so nice to see the quilts your Mom did. As a beginner myself they looked really good. I use 12" x 12" bins that are homed in wheeled carts for my projects. Very portable, they snap shut with a locking tab. Thanks for the tips about the list. ~~ Lynne

[@sewbecca]

Perfect! I tried the 12" x 12" scrapbook cases years ago, but they didn't fit on my shelves nicely. I wanted to love those because just about any block I made could lay flat in it!

[@mariejohns1387]

Do the pieced border Becca!! If you cheat you wont like it and you will never finish it. Trust me lol

[@sewbecca]

That's exactly what I'm thinking. When I think about the pieced border, I just think "omg, that's a lot of work", but when I think of a bigger print for the border, I just think "taht's phoning it in". Honestly, the border is PART of what drew my eye to the quilt, so...yeah, I think you're right. I need to do the borders.

[@pamdecavit8360]

Becca tell Mary to bring some of her moms old clothes to use for the panda sweaters

[@sherryebridwell8663]

Good evening everyone!

[@melissafeldhaus4424]

Hi @sewbecca I love your videos!! Watching helps me work on my projects!! I have a list of my projects and if the all items are there or what I still need for the project. I use 2.5 gallon ziplock bags for all projects lolol

[@sewbecca]

Great idea! Sometimes I use those 2.5 gallon ziplock bags to gift a project to a friend, they hold a TON!

[@susyk6839]

Hi, Becca! I got the last Panda in Sweater pattern but I am sure they will have more. I am in on the challenge of 1 a month. I hope I can keep up! Been quilting since 1986 when I was dating my husband. (With work & kids I average 2-3 a year) this will be a great challenge. Thank you for sharing.

[@sewbecca]

You can do it! I want to try to do 1 a week, but, honestly I'll be happy if I can just do 2 a month. :)

[@sandrad1451]

I’m also a list person. I use Microsoft To Do for lots of different task lists. I like to know what projects I have on the go and what stage they are at. If I only had a couple of quilts on the go I wouldn’t need it, but I have many more than that 😊. It’s not for everybody, but I’m definitely one of those people who loves to tick something off the list. Quite enjoy making the lists too…

[@sewbecca]

Exactly! No, it’s not for everyone, but I enjoy it and it works for me!!

[@WilxWifey]

Explain the freezer paper thing? I want to do this for my kids quilts!

[@sewbecca]

Freezer paper has a few different applications in the quilting world - but I've only tried one...using it for FPP. I did a whole video showing you how it works here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp3XmISJhth5jMk

[@junehanson7865]

Hey Becca n everyone 😊

[@cindyspivey2810]

hi becca, just a thought have you or mary tried shopping at goodwill or any other thrift shop for fabric or flat sheets to practice on the practice pieces can be used for dog beds or donated to a shelter

[@sewbecca]

Great idea!!

[@lorielle1395]

20 pandas!!!!😂

[@sewbecca]

😂😂😂

[@TheKcderf]

(Jayne) what dimensions are ur sterilite containers u use for a project? Where's the best place to purchase? Love ur channel. Thanks

[@sewbecca]

Hi! The Sterilite containers I used can be bought on Amazon - here's a link! amzn.to/3Ph18hr

[@beverlyhovatter2302]

Hello Becca and Sean

[@lauramolen9453]

When you said 20 panda blocks 🤯😱😳

[@sewbecca]

😂

[@Tammydenton55]

❤

[@louiseah7662]

Did you have a hair cut? Looks great 👍

[@sewbecca]

Yes I did!!! And, thank you!

[@sandrad1451]

I predict you will be addicted to making pandas once you get into it. It’s so fun seeing these sort of blocks coming together. Of course you might hate it LOL, we are all different. I will be interested to follow how you go.

[@sewbecca]

I’m planning to try one this weekend!!

[@brendapatrick8873]

Becca, will you be attending the Sew Yeah retreat in Oct?

[@sewbecca]

Nope. I’ll be on a cruise to half moon cay that weekend. Maybe 2024!

[@1957quiltcrazy]

I must be dumb as dirt. I am not seeing the layer cake pop quilt pattern. Can you help this blonde find it please. Love all the quilts. Thanks for the tips on organization

[@1957quiltcrazy]

Never mind I found it duh

[@sewbecca]

Oops, I forgot that link! Here ya go! www.fatquartershop.com/layer-cake-pop-quilt

[@alwaysl8Lp]

Hi Becca

[@donnawilson7091]

The micron pens are great but they do fade over time.

[@greeneyes92061]

Hey Y’all! 👋🏻👋🏻

[@katrina6955]

@Becca hello

[@constanceklagge]

Hello

[@brendahamrick9337]

Hey Becca , can I come and stay with you for six weeks? LOL

[@sewbecca]

Come on! :)

[@brendahamrick9337]

I don’t like Tula pink either!

[@sewbecca]

She's growing on me. :)

[@greeneyes92061]

??? it’s Thursday??? 😁

[@patriciamoses2185]

Ian or your mom will use it

[@pattiecoxey]

Not to be a Debbie downer but all that time wasted organizing your time rather than sewing? Personally when i am done sewing i put the next days sewing on my machine as i clean up. No time wasted. Quilting should be a fun hobby rather than a job. Maybe becca has too much on her plate 🤔? This video was a whole lot of info but you could have made a panda block if you had concentrated. Oh well to each his/her own . Just remember you can't do it all and time is a wastin. Luv ya becca 😘💗

[@sewbecca]

To each their own. Personally, I love my system - it may not be for everyone, but it’s what works for me. It doesn’t feel like a chore at all and makes my sewing time enjoyable. As for the panda blocks, they will get done eventually. :) I’m not in a rush to crank them out anytime soon!

[@pattiecoxey]

​@@sewbeccaI only say this is bcz I am now 68 and disabled. I can't sew as much as I want anymore. Life happens. I always wish I hadn't stayed away from my passion as much as I did. I only want the same for all quilters. Time goes by mighty fast each year. I get you do have a lot on your plate. All I am saying I guess is to accomplish as much as you can. Certainly no offense intended. My thoughts sometimes come without a filter. Comes with age✌️🌈🧵✂️

[@katrina6955]

@Becca