How do you do it?!

[MamaMae]

Okay, I'm serious....I really want to know how you crafty mom's find the time to "create"?

I have one son (14mos)....and I would LOVE to do more crafts/sewing/dollmaking, etc. I know I feel good when I create, and it would be so nice to make more things for ds. But I can't seem to make it happen. I can't wait for the days when we can work on crafts together ,but I think that's still a few years off.

The only time I can imagine being able to jump into a project is when he's asleep. But then when do the dishes get done, the laundry put away, or heaven forbid, I take a shower? I also can't imagine lugging out the sewing machine and all the materials needed for a craft, only to have to rush it away when he wakes up. I have knit quite a bit since he's been born, but only because I can pick it up and put it down easily, and just do a bit "here and there" while he's otherwise entertained.

So I want to hear the secrets from all you super crafty and awesome moms! Do you "craft" while babe's are asleep? Do you have a seperate space set up for your creations, away from babies? What kinds of things can you do while your little ones are awake? Tell me the truth, are your dishes all in an overflowing pile while you're sewing away like a mad woman?! :)

[LaLa]

I craft during nap time and sometimes at night when she is asleep (if I have energy and after I've visited with dh or while we're visiting)

I can get a lot done during her nap, though :)

Regarding housework, we just clean up later in the day, and usually dh helps when he gets home and dd plays by herself while I clean.

I really don't mind her having play time to herself. I think it is good for her to learn to concentrate on what she is working with without myinteruptions, so I encourage that play time.
:)

Plus, I craft at turbo speeds!
LOL

[saganaga]

When my DS was that age the only way I could get any crafting done was while he slept or while he was hanging out with DH.
Now that DS is 4 yrs old, I craft while he plays. Also we craft together. While I rubberstamp he rubberstamps with his rubberstamp stuff. While I sew (by hand) he sews his felt bears with plastic ball tiped needle and yarn.
From my experience you find more time as they get older.

[mom at home]

It's definitely easier as they get older. When my kids were babes and toddlers, I did fewer projects and found time here and there, naptime, after they went to bed, or while they were happy to play by themselves. Now I have more time as my kids are 4 and 6 and I have started doing alot more projects. I either do it while they are at preschool and school or they do it with me or I do it when they are playing by themselves. It does get easier to find the time, but you can do it while they are young, just less.

[MamaMae]

Okay, you're all making me feel MUCH better, and giving me hope! I kept picturing all of you making diapers, dolls, knitting, etc...and was starting to wonder why I couldn't get all that done too! Guess I should be happy with the few sweaters and hats I've managed to knit!

Lala, I totally believe in what you said about children playing/"working" uninterupted..and hope that's eventually when we can "work" side by side. We definitely do that with housework (I LOVE my Learning Tower!)...but crafts are another story still.

I just get so excited about all these cool projects, I want to do them *now*! LOL!

A few other Mom's and I are planning to get together once a month for a "mom's handwork night" (without babes!)...so maybe that will be how I get more done! :)

[mom at home]

The cool thing about continuing to do these things, even when you have very young ones, is that they grow up with it as part of their life. My kids are so into sewing, knitting, etc. anything crafty. Part of it is probably personality, but part of it is that it is part of our life and our routine. My 6 yr old dd knits, sews really well, embroideries, weaves, felts wool and can spin wool with help. It is doubtful she would know how or be as interested in these things if I didn't do them. We have great fun doing projects side by side and we have learned a lot from each other- I often ask her for help and ideas. It is so much fun and we enjoy spending the time together doing something we both love.

[cbemom]

Thanks Mom at Home!! That is just the inspiration we need! My mom worked full time while I was growing up, so no time for crafting with us or without us. I got a few glimpses through the years at just how creative she was/is. My DD turned 14mo today and I do get alot less done now than I did a few months ago before she was a walker. But, I've designated April as the month to commit to getting at least an hour of sewing in a day, whenever that has to happen.
We have a small house, so everything has to be piled up in the dining room while I work. Just have to put alot of care into how & where I leave things.

Wish me luck! -C

[Bekka]

I have two girls, 3 1/2 and almost 2. I have to say it can be really hard to find time to craft. I finally am in a home where I do have a sewing table, so I can leave it out and come back to it and do just a bit and a bit. Dds come down and play in the basement, or I do a bit at a time at night. Having a deadline on a project, i.e., Easter dresses, due Sat. night . . . makes it actually get done. I started doll making b/c I can do it while they are around, especially turning and stuffing bodies, attaching hair, etc.

Hope this helps! Some years I've been happy with one Easter dress for each every other year. But I'm doing two this year!

[abimommy]

um I just don't clean house and do it while she is sleeping..:)