How and When?!?!

[dfunk98]

For all you crafty, toy-making mamas out there...
How do you do it and when? I feel like I barely have enough time to do the things that need to be done, let alone, things I want to do. I really want to make some homemade toys for my lo's for the holidays, plus for the kids in my family. I'm not dreaming too big (felt food, tutus, bendy dolls, etc.), but I figure I have 3 months, so...
I used to be able to get some done here and there during naptime, but now ds is going through "i-can-only-sleep-on-your-lap" phase, so that's kinda out. Plus, my kids go to bed around 10, and I'm too beat to stay up much past that. i know, it seems impossible, but any ideas of when I can do some crafty stuff?
i'm actually thinking of setting aside some time once a week where my in-laws will watch the kids so I can get some done.
TIA!!

[sunanthem]

I know it was alot harder when my smallest was one, but now that she is 3, and they're both in school, I have more time, but still not much. I needle felt and crochet, and keep it in the car, so anytime during the day when I'm waiting sometimes, (not while driving) I can grab it and work on it.

I did get into the bad habit of staying up late while the kids were little, but also at night, while watching tv and snuggling w/ dh on the couch I do work.
I've also made craft night dates w/ other mamas in the past instead of a moms night out, and get alot done then.

Some crafties that are safe to do around kids, I just do on the kitchen table while they are at my feet. Like the tutus you mentioned. I made no sew ones, so one night I'd cut my strips on the couch, the next day I'd tie on a few while the kids banged on pots and pans at my feet. When I have to, I can put it down and walk away and come back to it later. I've taken crafties w/ me to the playground, to the woods, and worked while the kids romped in front of me. Sometimes it takes a long time working on things in little spurts.
Sometimes projects get started and left aside for months, but all in all, I find simple things I can make and fit the work in with my life.

[jenfl]

I do my crafting after my daughter goes to bed and I take care of the housework. She's 16 months and goes down at 8pm, then housework takes me to 9pm or so. Depending on how the day went and my stress level, I'll either do something involved like sewing at the machine, or else I'll just take some hand-sewing to the couch in front of the TV.

Occasionally, I can steal a few minutes to hand-sew while I sit outside and watch her play, but it has to be easy to carry and able to be interrupted at a moment's notice, like sewing details onto a slice of felt tomato.

I don't know what I'd do if she didn't go to bed until so late!

[KJoslyn78]

I do a lot of evening/night craft work... though small stuff (which is usually what i do, crocheted food and such), i have taken with me. I actualyl have an hour sunday morning to kill (kids in sunday school - but i dont have anything to do) so i think i might take my crochet/knitting with me.

Also, weekends work well - as sometimes i can get the kids and dad to do something together to free up some time for crafting. Or, i even get the kids involved in a craft of their own, and i work on mine (ie - i'm teaching my girls to finger knit, and they see me knitting on needles)

[PNWmama]

I craft after the kiddo goes to bed (7 or 8 pm) and I've picked up a bit around the house (though not so much lately as this current pregnancy is wiping me out!). My husband is truly an awesome partner and does the dishes and then puts the boy to bed so I have a bit of time to myself. Usually I get a few hours in most weekends as well while DH spends some quality time with our boy.

Every once in a while I'm able to knit or work on something else during the day in tiny increments while DS is busy playing. That usually only lasts about 10 minutes though before he's trying to rip the knitting needles out of my hands

I'd say get your partner to help out and keep the kids busy a couple nights a week and on the weekends so you can get some stuff done. Getting the in-laws to watch them like you said is also a really good idea. Plus you'll get some much needed alone time. I know if I don't get just a bit of time to myself each week I feel like I'm going to go crazy. Even an hour a week helps.

[dfunk98]

yes, after bedtime is definitely hard for me. dh is not much help as he is often short tempered after a long day at work, and he often needs some downtime, as well. weekends are tough, too, since dh is only off on saturday and we spend that day together doing family things. i feel bad asking for some time for myself then...although, i am alone with the kids all day...
anyway, thanks for all the tips. i'm going to try and squeeze things in here and there when i can and ask my in-laws to take the kids every once in a while. maybe every other week, or so.
keep up the good work, crafty mamas!!