by Sandra | May 31st, 2009
I really do not have more time than the average person that somehow gives me an unfair advantage to do hand applique and contrary to the comment I hear near my quilt at quilt shows, “she must have way too much time on her hands“, I don’t! My time is very limited and because of this I have created a more organized approach to some of the tasks so I can accomplish more in the time I do have. More importantly, I don’t have to take shortcuts on the quality of my workmanship in the process.
One of the tricks I use when I need to be somewhere other than my sewing room and have to sit, observe etc., when I could be doing something more useful is to do the fussy bits. Those little pieces and tasks I hate to spend time on when I do have time to applique and be in my sewing room (please don’t make me use the word studio). These fussy things include circles, other fussy shapes, embroidery and whatever.
monotonous work (IMO) done while having to sit somewhere else.
Don’t laugh, but I buy the Gerber banana baby food in those cool new containers because they make great containers for my “make ahead” applique pieces. I can see through the containers and know their contents without having to label them (reusable for other bits later). They fit perfectly in my purse, bag, or anywhere I need to carry them. A spool of thread fits in there too! Oh and yes, I do eat the baby food too. Hey, it has half the calories of a real banana and no heartburn!
Needless to say, doing this has taken *hours* off of the applique process by preparing these more time consuming pieces while multi-tasking with the family responsibilities or while watching evening TV before bedtime.
I am streamlining my applique, eating fewer calories and being green by recycling, a winning idea don’t you think? 
©2009 Sandra Leichner
Swell idea, Sandra. And I must comment on your consistently professional quality photography which accompanies your blog; it’s as amazingly fine as all other aspects of your quilting (and website)! Such a pleasure.
I would like to get to that point soon as it seems like lots of people know how to prepare their hand sewing to do in snippets of time. Good ideas. Thanks.
I’ll have to try them out ! My husband will think I’ve really gone
” Bananas ” LOL !
Thanks Frances! I wish I could tell you what an experienced photograher I am but truthfully I have to credit my camera. I admit I rarely take it off of “auto pilot”. It is a SLR Nikon D60 and it is a gem. Although I am lusting after the new Nikon just ’cause.
Mary you eventually find a system of what works for you and knowing what can be done while having to do something else. I know that is clear as mud.
Wait until you see the look on the store clerk’s face as they instantly think you are buying it for your? baby and your age doesn’t look right. LOL
that is toooo funny . They will think geriatric LOL ! and my age may look right OH NO !!!!!