I have made a number of quilts for people I love. I enjoy the process of making quilts; I like the repetition of chain piecing, the hum of my sewing machine, the scent of the heat of my iron on cotton fabric, and the quiet and reflective time it takes to create a quilt. When I am making a quilt for someone in particular, I spend time thinking about them and praying specifically for them while I am working on the quilt.
Today, my Janome sewing machine is in it’s case atop my sewing table in my office, my cutting mat and Omnigrid rulers sit nearby, and pieces for my latest quilt are tucked away in the cupboard. Waiting.
I have a full-time job so the time I have to spend on personal hobbies is limited. I am looking forward to retiring in three years but in the meantime time is precious. As much as I enjoy quilting I made a decision to put it away for the time being so I can devote my time to writing my memoir.
In order to do something that is important to us sometimes we have to make choices. We have to be consistent, persistent, and deliberate in order to reach the goals we set for ourselves. Have there been days I would rather have been working on a new quilt than sitting in my office writing? Of course! But for this season in my life I have made writing a priority and I am willing to make those sacrifices to pursue that which I feel I am called to do at this time.
Sometimes finding balance is a challenge, but I know the only way to finish this book is to put my tushie to cushie and write.
The question this week is: Do you have to sacrificing anything in order to move forward in your writing life? Why or why not?
Yes, I do, Linda! Quilting time for sure, and lunch or coffee with friends, and saying yes to another committee or request for assistance of any kind. It is indeed a delicate balance to find time for the things and people we love most while giving ourselves the chunks of time alone writing requires. Good for you! Keep going!
Hey Linda! Thanks for dropping by! I did not realize you were a quilting sister in addition to being a “twisted” sister!
Hi there, Linda,
Thank you for visiting my blog, it’s so nice to meet you! Beautiful quilt! I would love to be able to quilt and/or sew. My Gram was a mighty seamstress, and though she attempted to teach me, I had no interest when I was young. It’s probably a good thing, cuz I’m just not a crafty sort of person.
I love and completely agree with what you said here: “We have to be consistent, persistent, and deliberate in order to reach the goals we set for ourselves. ” Those are words we should all live by.
Blessings to you!
Thanks for stopping by, Julie!
I’m working on my memoir, too. One pastime I cannot give up is crochet. It helps me think through some of my writing process when I’m stuck
Knitting does the same for me, Elizabeth.
I’ve given up quilting in the same way you did. Packed it all away. The unfinished projects and the delicious fabrics and patterns call to me from time to time, but until my book is done and born, I resist.
When I go back to work in the fall, I’ll have to let go of some friendship time in order to keep writing, and probably housework (which won’t feel like such a sacrifice).
Sounds like you and I are in a similar space, Deb.
P.S. I have a wonderful woman who comes every two weeks and cleans my house. I don’t know what I would do without her!
Oh yes, writing must fit in between work, and life.
My you quilt beautifully! That is a wonderful talent. Blessings***