How to Manage Your Time Like a Pro Quilter: Christmas Countdown Edition

The holiday season is here, and if you’re like me, you’ve got a list of quilted gifts to finish before Christmas Day sneaks up on you! Whether it’s a cozy throw for your best friend, a set of placemats for your neighbor, or that intricate quilt top for your family’s holiday gathering, the race is on! But don’t panic just yet. With a bit of planning and a dash of quilter’s magic, you can manage your time and still enjoy the season.

Here’s how to balance holiday quilting with everything else on your to-do list:

1. Prioritize  Prioritize, Prioritize Your Projects

First things first: not all projects are created equal. Take a moment to list out everything you want to finish before Christmas. Then, assign them in order of priority. Start with those that have firm deadlines, like the family gift exchange or that quilt you promised your sister (she’ll never forget!). Gifts with flexible timelines or smaller projects like fabric ornaments can come later.

Pro Tip: Group similar projects together. If you have multiple smaller items like potholders or table runners, tackle those assembly-line style! This helps you stay in the groove and saves time.

2. Break It Down: Set Weekly Goals

Once you’ve prioritized, it’s time to set realistic weekly goals. Quilts, like the holidays, come together piece by piece. Break your projects into manageable chunks, and plan how much time you’ll need each week to get those pieces done.

For example, Week 1 might be all about cutting your fabric and preparing your patterns. Week 2? Focus on piecing the quilt tops. Week 3 is for quilting and binding. Week 4 gives you wiggle room for any last-minute changes. Be sure and reserve a time slot with your long armer if you need professional services. They are under the gun to finish gifts for many and that is not including their own projects.

Pro Tip: Use a timer! Set aside 30-minute pockets of time for each task. You’d be amazed at how much you can accomplish when you’re laser-focused.

3. Delegate Non-Crafting Tasks

You don’t have to do it all. The holidays are busy, so if possible, delegate non-crafting tasks like cooking, cleaning, or decorating to family or friends. This frees up time for you to focus on the fun part—quilting!

Need to bake cookies? Delegate it to the kids or swap with a friend who might need help with gift wrapping. That way, you can quilt guilt-free while someone else is prepping the treats.

4. Use Your Stash Wisely

Instead of running out for new fabric or supplies, look at your stash first! Christmas is the perfect time to “shop” your own collection of holiday fabrics, scraps, and leftover batting. Bonus points for repurposing those fabrics into new projects—it saves time and money!

My favorite is to consider pre-cut fabrics like charm packs, Jelly Rolls, or layer cakes. These can significantly reduce your cutting time and allow you to focus on getting right to work.

5. Embrace “Good Enough”

Let’s be real—sometimes, perfection isn’t realistic when you’re on a deadline. Embrace the “good enough” mentality for certain projects. Not every quilt has to be a showpiece for the ages. Your loved ones will appreciate a handmade gift, even if the corners aren’t 100% perfect. I have to admit, I have even gifted a quilt top with the promise of completing it after the holidays.

Remember, the joy of gifting comes from the heart you put into the quilt, not the flawless execution. So, if a few stitches are wonky, that’s just a part of the charm.

6. What is Done?

In all the hustle of making gifts, don’t forget to take a look at your completed projects.. I often let family members pick their own gift from an assortment of treasures that are already completed. Just like using your fabric stash to make room for new, the same is true for quilts going to live at a new home.

 

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This holiday season, remember: quilting is a labor of love, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning and a few strategic shortcuts, you’ll be able to enjoy the Christmas countdown while still giving heartfelt handmade gifts.

What’s on your holiday quilting list this year? I’d love to hear how you’re managing your projects. Happy stitching and Merry Christmas!