Wednesday, January 9, 2013

A new look, a new schedule, a new year....

If you haven't noticed already I have changed up my blog.  I am loving the new look of my blog and I hope you like it too.  It feels a little bit more like me and isn't the "cutesie" blog from before.  It's funny how our style changes as the years pass.  One reason for the change was that I wanted to showcase pictures of my own projects. So, each of the quilts pictured above is one of my own - own meaning designed and quilted by me. The green quilting background was based on my free motion feather swirl, big thanks goes to Kristin who did a beautiful job creating my background and putting together my header. I am happy with how it turned out.  I am still rearranging some of the side pictures, they were all shuffled with the update - so that is on my growing list of things I need to do. 

Speaking of things to do, I have come up with a quilting/life schedule that works great for me.  Actually, Clint came up with the schedule that I have been trying out for the past few weeks.  Let's just say that last year was hard for me.  I had to juggle a ton of things that I have to get done and quilting seemed to always take the backseat.  I am grateful for patient customers, but I still feel guilty taking so long to get their quilts done.  Along with that, I am happier when I have my own projects that I am working on.  So, the plan is to make room for all of it, while not letting anything take over my life - creating unwanted stress.  So, balance is the magic word.  I am learning to balance everything that I need to do and when I have a strict schedule it is so much easier.  I won't bore you with all the nitty gritty details, but I will tell you that I quilt 4 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week.  I wake up early and quilt from 6-7am before the kids get up, I quilt from 1-3pm during nap/quiet time, and finally I quilt from 7-8 pm when the kids are in bed.  I have pretty much kept to this schedule for the past few weeks, and it has made a huge difference!  I even had time to put together a quilt top, which I will show you when I am all finished.  The beauty about this schedule is that I no longer feel guilty if I make time to make some of my own things.  Designing, piecing and writing patterns has always been on my list of things to do, but without time management it wasn't happening. 

So, long story short - this year is all about balance and schedules. I didn't realize that I have to have a schedule to make everything else work - I feel dumb admitting that, but it is so true.  With this schedule I can walk away from what I have to do and be the wife and mom I want to be.  I still have time with Clint in the evening and I have time with the kids during the day.  It has made a huge difference.  The other part of my schedule is that I can not bring my phone into the studio - no Instagram to distract me while I am quilting. 

Well, thanks for listening - I have a lot of great things planned this year, I have designs I would like to get out and hopefully by the end of the year I will have "caught" up with the quilting.  By then I will be quilting custom quilts every other month and hopefully adding room for some allover quilting during the other months, I think I need a break from the total custom every now and then so I don't go crazy ;)

One more thing - I have added quick social media buttons at the top right of my blog so you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Flickr if you want! See you there! 

36 comments:

Auntie Pami said...

Isn't Clint a great boss? :-) So glad you have a fixed schedule. I'll think you'll be happier. I like your new blog. Hugs! Any news on your book? I've been lurking, I mean looking.

Anonymous said...

Love the new site! Good luck on finding the right balance.

Sarah Craig said...

Sounds like a great plan, and I love your new look! Hooray for balance!!

Tennjenny said...

Good for you! I should follow your lead. My days get away from me and nothing gets done.

Barbie Mills said...

I think that sounds like a great schedule, I just may have to try that myself. You can really get a lot done in four hours if you know that's the time you've got and that you'll walk away at the end of that time.

I really like the new blog layout too, the feather swirl in the background looks great.

janequiltsslowly said...

You go girl! I wish I'd learned all that you know earlier in my life. Here's to a great new year. Enjoy!

StasaLynn said...

Happy New Year and Happy New Schedule!

Barbara M. said...

I like the new style of your blog! Happy New Year and go ahead with your schedule. Baci. Barbara from Italy

Claire said...

Structure is important - kids thrive on it and I believe most adults do to - it gives that purpose as well rather than just fluffing about. Hope it all works out for you and I love the new look for you blog.

Leeanne said...

Love the new look. Sounds like a schedule I could use. Working from home has so many advantages, but there are disadvantages too. Five years in the business I still have times of feeling overwhelmed with all that needs to be done.

Ann Marie @ 16 Muddy Feet said...

I am glad you finally found your balance. It makes a world of difference when you have a ton of things to do each and every day.

CathyK said...

I really like your new blog changes! It is funny you mentioned balance. I have been having that discussion with my daughter quite a bit. She is in college and learning the whole balancing of studying and socializing. We all need balance in our lives! I am happy your new schedule is working for you. :)

Sherri said...

The blog looks terrific! And I love your thoughts on balance. I really need to work on that too...so many distractions...maybe I should ban my phone from my sewing room!

Barb said...

I just love your new look, I enjoy seeing all that you have created.

I like the idea of balance, that is one thing that I have not been able to figure out and we won't say how old I am. Good for you!!! Tell you husband he is a gem, he is supportive and tries to help you maintain that balance. Apparently, you have balance in your marriage.

Looking forward to seeing all of the wonderful things you create!

Michele said...

I noticed the new look immediately and I really like it. Your new schedule sounds perfect for you and I'm glad that you found one that works for you. A stressless quilter is a much happier quilter.

Lynette said...

Glad you found a schedule that works for you and your family. :) Different seasons of our lives need different balances. Customers are happy to wait. :D

Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures said...

Love the new look of your blog!!!

tubilinha tiacarminha said...

Ficou ótimo,lindo!E você no lado esquerdo...É aqui que você deve continuar:Amigo é coisa para se guardar no lada esquerdo do peito.Deus abençoe a você e toda sua família.

Melia Mae Quilting said...

I love love love your new blog design. It really looks great!

Johanna said...

I could use use some balance! The new look is wonderful!

sandra said...

Love your new site with all of your beautiful quilts. I agree balance in our lives really helps but sometimes I find that hard to achieve. Looking forward to all of the new quilts.

Elizabeth said...

Isn't it funny how something as simple as a schedule can add 20-25 hours of quilting a week! That's awesome. I might adapt some of the schedule (well, I must admit perhaps not 6-7AM. LOL). Love the blog look too.

Barbara Black said...

Love the new look!

Tiffany said...

I love your new look! And I must say that I totally agree that a tight schedule is the key to balance! When I was a teacher, there were so many things I was expected to cover in one day. The only way I could fit it all in and keep myself accountable for everything was to create a strict schedule. It worked for me. I'm glad to see it is working for you!

Ginka said...

I like your new look, and as always your work is superb. Thanks for blogging you encourage so many of us.

Unknown said...

Love the new look. Great idea on the schedule. I'm having that problem myself. I'm killing myself to get a quilt done quickly, and leaving dishes, laundry and family in the lurch. Really important to make time for your own creations as well:)

Michele T said...

Love the new look showcasing 'your' quilts!!

Queenie Believe said...

The new blog design looks great! So glad you have a life/work schedule that is balanced and promotes happiness and peace.
Have a great day.
Always, Queenie

ritainalaska said...

congrats! finding balance is not easy when you're young. like the new look of the blog, too!

Patti said...

Your new blog page is lovely. And so great that your husband helped with a plan for a schedule for you. Sometimes it takes the one with the objective view to see where improvements can be made. And so wonderful that you have left some guilt behind and gained some personal sewing time! We all get unbalanced (pardon the pun) from time to time! :)

weedabble said...

I learned about balance in my previous work life and the lesson is a good one....balance in all things, work, play, food, exercise, makes for a happy life!

Mary C said...

We all love you no matter how you spend your time.

mascanlon said...

Love the new look on the blog. And I find when I am disciplined about my time and am more productive and in the end less stressed!

KatieQ said...

I love the new look. It's wonderful to have your own creations on the header. It sounds as though your new schedule is helping you achieve a better balance.

Grace Elizabeth's said...

The new site design is great and reflects your creativity. Nicely done! Also, I love your transparency. You will find it hard all your life to keep balance but its good to recognize it and work on it. There is nothing more important than your husband and kids. Making time for them will refresh you and leave you less stressed when you get back to your creative endeavors. I look forward to reading your blog this year.

Material Girl said...

I love the new header for your blog, and that's an awesome idea to have a schedule, maybe I need to start making a schedule too. Good luck with all your plans Judi, I'm sure you will be able to follow them through.