Atomic Habits as applied to quilting

Atomic Habits by James Clear is an amazing book that opens up avenues for actually getting things done.  Like Moses with the ten commandments this lays it all out in a step by step way.  It inspires all kinds of things I can get done...clutter-no more...over eating-no more...for me, it has been a revelation.  I've from time to time maybe thought about applying some sort of these ideas, but it's good to see them laid out in order.   

So, with my new found knowledge, my goal is to try to apply thing to my quilting life.  I've been a quilter for over 30 years at this point.  I've probably finished well over a hundred quilts in that time, but the list of projects I can only dream of finishing has grown too long for this gal to finish without an intervention.  With the help of this book, I am going to adapt new habits for quilting. 

The first thing to know is it is not about the goal at all it is about making the process enjoyable.  I used to be a triathlete and I really enjoyed training.  I would go to different trails to run, swim in lakes or pools, and ride and ride and ride my bike around the lovely Kentucky countryside.  So the process of training was always enjoyable.  

Quilting is a solitary craft, for the most part.  We recently moved and downsized into a sewing room for me that was maybe a third the size I had in Kentucky.  I have learned to adapt and it's been too bad.  For the first time in my life, I actually have paid to have someone quilt some quilts for me.  I can still manage small quilts and wall hangings, but it is easier to "quilt with my credit card" now. 

Atomic Habits as applied to quilting:

Happy Sew Lucky Sew Along
Tattoo Quilt paper pieced Block of the Month

                      Tula Pink Fabric-hosted by Pink Door Fabrics

Make it obvious.  I have chosen 3 projects to knock off my list. When I walk in my studio they are right up front on my design wall, so I'm reminded what I need to do.  

Farm Girl Vintage
I'm using my fabric stash 
48 blocks when done

Yoda for Paul

Original collage quilt by me 

 

The next way to enjoy the process of quilting more is, Make it Easy. 

When I walk in the Studio, the work is on the design wall.  So I know where I left off.  I try to make 2 blocks from the FGV everyday.  The Tattoo quilt is a BOM so I have to wait for it monthly.  When I finish my 2 blocks, I cut out the next days blocks, so it's easy for me to set down and finish a block.

Make it Satisfying.  I have devised a visual cue that is enjoyable for me.  I have a large collection of costume jewelry.  I put 48 pieces of the costume jewelry in a jar and every time I complete a block, I remove a piece of jewelry from the jar.  In time the jar will be come empty.  

I've also made a commitment to myself to work in my sewing room for at least an hour.  It's cliche but, time flies when you are having fun, and it seems true for me.  We are hopefully soon, at the end of the Covid 2020/21 scare.  We've been hunkered down for over a year now.  We were one of the early ones that took it seriously.  

Reward myself is another habit of the process that I have developed.  I finished the Yoda quilt and I treated myself with a new Creative Grids Ruler.  

My list is long, my desire is great, my hope is to bust a few of these projects out this year.  The only fabric I plan to buy this year is the Tulsa Pink Curiouser and Curiouser quilt kit that is called the Mad Hatter Tea Party.  It is offered by a new quilt shop in Cattoosa, Oklahoma called Southern Comforts.