Discipline

The cutting table - as you can see not much room to actually cut - I am always shuffling things around.

The roller doors with some unfinished objects on that rack and a basked of my original designs made up into fabric packs - currently one bag and one cushion pattern.

Three of my machines - overlocker, embroidery machine and general machine - in the work area.

Area behind my sewing desks.  Laptop normally sits on roll out desk, printer in corner and small ironing board.

My quilting frame and machine with door to patio, bookshelf and fridge.

Looking towards door and window onto patio.  Red quilt is not quite finished.  In the middle of quilting.  Blue quilt is one of my very first projects and now a table cover for desk holding overlocker and embroidery machine.

I am convinced that I need to become more disciplined.  Not that I am undisciplined or unorganised all of the time - my previous careers meant that I did have manage my time and workload well but when you are a 'crafter' time doesn't seem to be as important.  However, in reality, time is important.  We all have the same amount of time each day but how do we use it to ensure that we are not wasting or whittling it away somehow.

I am an organiser of some degree - not as disciplined as many but much more so than some - and my WH and children and possibly even friends and other family will tell you I am inclined to perhaps be a little bossy (I think this comes from being an eldest child - anyway that is my theory and I am sticking by it).  But I do let things pile up then have a big sort out every now and then.

So why now, you ask, should I suddenly worry about being disciplined.  No, this is not something new.  I always strive to be more organised in my 'studio' and in the house but it is not a regular, every day thing.

Take my studio, for instance.  This is our garage (cars sit outside, sorry) and I have tall cupboards, small cupboards, shelves, tables, desks, chairs and a quilting frame (plus a fridge and small chest freezer).  I have drawn up plans on the computer, rearranged them and the furniture physically but still not entirely satisfied with the arrangement.  However, until we fully convert this area into a studio (ie replace rollup garage doors with sliding glass doors) I cannot finalise permanent arrangement of the work area.  I say permanent arrangement - what a laugh as WH will tell you that I love to rearrange rooms and furniture so nothing is really permanent when I get hold of it.  I am happy and grateful that WH has 'allowed' me to use this space - a large double garage - and we will build a new carport soon to keep the cars under cover at least.

But my 'studio' is truly a work space - my 'sweat' shop as my lovely brother-in-law calls it.  In the middle of it and helping to divide my work area from display/showroom area is a large cutting table which has become a holdall for all current projects. 

So my current 'disciplinary action' is to finish all UFOs on my cutting table and reorganise it to be just that - a cutting table.  But how hard is that when I come across fabulous patterns that I just have to make, or designs pop into my head that I need to get into writing and practice immediately, or that I have several large containers with projects yet to be started or even half started.  Do you see what I mean about discipline?

But I need to carry on this motivation to all areas of my life.  I seem to have been roped in to various organisations and sometimes find it hard to say no.  Not that I mind being involved and it does give me some interaction with other people otherwise I would just lock myself away in my studio and create to my heart's content which I would love.  However, perhaps this makes me a very boring conversationalist as many of my friends and family are not crafters like me and not really interested in how to cut up perfectly good pieces of fabric into small bits and then sew them all back together in a different arrangement.  Also, the voluntary work that I am involved with is wonderful, as is most volunteer work, and I am happy to do it but, and I know I am repeating myself, I must get more organised. 

So next week after Monday selling raffles for the hospital auxilliary, Tuesday doing my weekly morning shift as a meet and greet volunteer at the hospital, Wednesday attending the hospital auxilliary AGM (of which incidentally I have just been nominated and elected as secretary) and Friday taking my friend shopping and out to a girlie lunch (which I enjoy doing) that leaves my just Thursday to 'get down and disciplined', create some beautiful objects and catch up with bigger household chores (usually I manage to make the beds, wash the clothes and dishes, and generally tidy the house every day) such as vacuuming, dusting (constant at this time of the year and with our wood fire going every day - yes even in south east Queensland), etc.  Not that I am complaining mind you.  All is good and I am very happy and grateful to be able to do what I am doing.  I have friends who still work fulltime and they have just the weekends and evenings to catch up with their household chores and creative inspirations - now they must be disciplined and I know because I have been there too.  So they provide me with good motivations to get more organised and I will, I will, I am, I am.

Have a wonderful day everyone and make the world a happier place for your family and friends by telling them you love them and how happy you are to know them.