When I was a kid I was never rewarded for my chores. I did get an allowance, but the work was expected and never tied to the allowance. My sister cleaned the living room and I cleaned the bathrooms. We both had to do dishes and help with dinner at times. Today, as I was trying to motivate myself to do some domestic chores, I wished that I could pay myself every time I did something productive. Five bucks for the laundry, ten bucks for the vacuuming, one hundred bucks for cleaning the bathrooms. Somehow, it wasn't working out. The money is mine anyway and thinking about doing double the work for the same money didn't wash.
Instead, I decided that I would work a little, sew a little. Every time I accomplished a chore, I could spend that much time sewing. I set the ironing board up next to the sewing machine, at just the right height. The smallest cutting mat, my little iron and many scraps created a cozy little corner.
I put four blocks together and decided that I wanted to see how they looked. I stapled some batting to the wall in the quilting room and pinned the blocks up.
"Oh you got home before I could clean up the mess!"
"It's a happy mess." How right he is.
Great Idea! I try to have a project all set up by my machines so if I get a few minutes not called for, I sew. I have my basket of small scraps by the treadle for made fabric, a bag with Calico Rose for leader and enders or a 15 minute sprint (almost ready to assemble), a quilt with a binding all cut ready to glue attach- in other words, I try to make the threshold low to sew for a short time- all the decisions made, projects ready with pieces. I found a mini crate with dividers I used to use for markers when I was an illustrator and put every tool back in it as I use them so they are ready. Hate searching under fabric and scraps for tools and losing them. Losing tools makes me lose my temper. Wish I could lift a glass of wine with you- I drink red!
ReplyDeleteI too have happy messes! When I begin to take over the whole of the kitchen table as well as my own sewing room I occasionally tidy up!I love the look of your room with all those big windows.
ReplyDeleteYou're hubs is sweet. Mine doesn't mind a mess either, so I oblige him frequently. It's just my little way of keeping him interested.
ReplyDeleteNice parlor cabinet under the printer, too. What machine is in that one?
ReplyDeleteThat is a FREE Vibrating Shuttle.
DeleteCould it be the Juki is receiving an occasional workout too??
ReplyDeleteThat is the Bernina, actually. But, yes, the Juki is getting a work out as well and will be put to use soon as I stitch a Minky Blanky together for the DGD.
DeleteLove your blog, this is a GREAT incentive to help get yourself to get things done! I love setting up the L shape sewing/ironing/serging setup as well, I love that!
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