Sewing with a toddler
I don't think I'm alone when I say I do the majority of my sewing while my boys are sleeping. However, those 2 hours of nap fly by and midnight comes all too quickly after everyone is tucked in for bedtime.
So this is what works for me. I do all of my time consuming cutting and ironing while my boys are awake. The piles of fabric are far less interesting to my curious 1 year old, who is currently enamored with turning the dials on my serger. So while they are entertaining themselves with cars or trains or building forts, I can cut and get my materials together. I keep everything together with clothespins, and then, when my sleeping beauties hit the hay, I'm ready to start without wasting precious time!
This post sounds a lot like me! Unfortunately for my sewing, I am pregnant. Instead of sewing when the boys are asleep I end up sleeping, too! This makes for piles and piles of cut fabric just waiting for me.
ReplyDeleteSo organized!! :D I used to scrapbook like that, too. Organize while Tristan was awake and actually put it together while he slept. :D
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas. My problem is I'm too tired after they go to bed to stay up much later myself. Sad.
ReplyDeletegreat idea! I try to do that, but even then it gets a bit crazy. Usually mornings are way better for getting things accomplished in my house. I do love staying up late though and not having any time restrictions that way. Unfortunately I have a non-napper and one that just can't get into a napping routine. ah well!
ReplyDeleteI used to sew when my daughter napped - I sure do miss those 2 to 3 hours of afternoon sewing time. Enjoy it while it lasts!
ReplyDeleteI sometimes try to sew while my 2-year-old daughter is hanging out with me, and it's definitely a lot of work! She loves it, though, and insists on sitting on my lap every time a sew a seam. (However, I'm with Anna and prefer to sew at night!)
ReplyDeleteGreat strategy. I'm a ananny so I've recently been bringing my fabric to work and cutting while the kids are sleeping. Then I can sew when I get home!
ReplyDeleteI love the clothes pin idea. I'll have to remember that. I'm a nap time seamstress as well.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! I've been trying to do some prep while they're entertained... but it's not always easy. I'm afraid to have the ironing board out because my 2 year old is a climber. Love looking at those piles of fabric in your picture... now that's art!
ReplyDeleteOh sweet nap time. Being the "great" mom that I am, I sometimes give my little guy sleep a little longer than usual just so that I can finish my project. Though, I cannot sew at night. I'm so tired and I love that time with my hubby.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I love our blog.
www.rockiescrafts.blogspot.com
Oh don't waste their nap time doing anything other than serious concentration work, but i used to sew with my 4 crawlling around - they learned pretty quickly that it's the wrong thing to do by pressing down on the foot pedal, from my shocked reaction!! I would constantly flick my machine off inbetween changes so it wouldn't happen, but throw them some buttons (maybe not the littlest one) & have them playing with fabric or papers & away you go. I have always left out scissors, very few things have gone wrong - 10 years later. Happy sewing, love Posie
ReplyDeleteI do that too! although my 1 year old scares me around the iron so I don't do that, just cut, and plan!
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Good system! Love it!
ReplyDeleteYeah I have two boys and They love to play games, and play on their own. This gives me plenty of time to work on something really quick when I'm just in the next room. They come in all the time and have little stools next to my work table they bring in to watch me. They love it. I get this horrible sharp pain in my back from standing too long over a project so I take this time to stretch out with them on the floor to watch a cartoon or wrestle w/ them...good exercise! =)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great time saver. Can wait to see what you do with all of those bunches.
ReplyDeleteI am the same way-try to get as much done when the little man's asleep.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to let you know I gave you an award: http://scrapsnscribs.blogspot.com/2010/05/passing-love-along.html
Great way to do it. I think I'll start doing that as well.
ReplyDeleteyes I do that too...
ReplyDeletecutting out when 3yrold mister is awake. when asleep sew sew sew
I always wondered how other mothers did it. Glad to know I'm not the only one trying to play catch up when the little monsters are asleep. I also love the clothes pin idea, but unfortunately I have 2 girls and they're interested in what I'm doing at ALL times.
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