Thanks for stopping by for the weekly Quirky Question—where questions are just for fun, your answers are always welcome, and you could win an eBook for free!
(Make-in-a-day Valentine quilt, right: “Box of Chocolates” quilt by Karen Soltys, $4.99.)
With the bustle of the holidays behind us, it seems like bouts of free time would float effortlessly into our daily lives. But does that really ever happen? Well… sometimes! Which leads to this week’s quirky question:
When you have 30 minutes of free time, how do you typically spend it?
Post your answer in the comments before noon (PST) on Monday, January 14, for your chance to win. The winning comment will be posted on Wednesday, January 16, along with the next question.
Last week’s Quirky Question was, “What was your biggest triumph last year—and what would you like your biggest triumph this year to be?” Here’s the winning response:
“My biggest triumph last year was mending a fence between two communities. I was commissioned to create a quilt from the City of Poulsbo to the Suquamish tribe as a gift to commemorate the opening of the new Suquamish Museum. I titled it ‘We Are Connected’ and showcased similarities between the two cultures—Poulsbo, which has a strong Nordic background, and the Suquamish Indian Tribe, of which Chief Seattle was the leader. (The city of Seattle was named after him.) The gift was presented at the dedication of the museum and it was very welcomed and highly praised. I found out later from the Mayor of Poulsbo that the quilt mended a rift that had formed between the two communities. I was not only proud of my quilting accomplishment, but of what it did for my community.”
Last week’s winning comment was written by Barb. Congratulations, Barb—look for an email about how to get your free eBook.
I spend any free time in my sewing room. I work full time and I feel that any extra time I have I want to do something I love.
—Betty Gracie on January 9, 2013Unfortunately, too much spare time has been spent surfing the Internet.
—Meredith Miller on January 9, 2013However, my New Year’s resolution is to try to be more mindful of that time, and to spend more of it on one of my (many) unfinished projects. Hmmm… maybe I should swap out my desk chair and put my rocking chair with my handwork supplies in front of the computer instead?
Sewing! This is the easiest question in weeks. I’m always surprised at how much I can get done in just 15 minutes a day, 30 is a blessing!
—Mary on January 9, 2013I spend my free time sewing, cutting out something to sew, or cleaning up after a project I just completed. I have had to teach myself to clean up after each project or else I have to do a major cleaning every couple of months because I can’t get the door open any more.
—Donna on January 9, 2013When I have 30 minutes free time I prepare my fabric by either washing and pressing it or just steam pressing it. So once that is done the next time I can arrange all my threads, cutting tools and have everything ready to cut. You can get alot cut in 30 mintues if everything is ready and in reach. Sitting at my machine for 30 minutes is a pleasure which most often stretches into an hour or two, I just say to myself 30 more minutes. If I’m organized I find my sewing moves along smoothly.
—Kathy on January 9, 2013… as a retired person I get to pretty much pick my ’30 spare minutes’ and I like to just wander thru my ideas and make a sample/practice block of one of them; and once worked out I share it and get someone to do one for me and see if I did okay with measurements and balance – before I go whacking up a bunch of fabric!
—Sandra McFerran on January 9, 2013And while I seldom USE one, I love going thru my quilt books – please send me one
I have several projects going at the same time. So if my 30 minutes works for some chain piecing, I do that; or maybe it is a little FM quilting, or some applique or some cutting. I just have the supplies and the project ready to use so this process helps me make progress!
—Terry K on January 9, 2013If I find or create 30 minutes of free time at home, I pick up one of my quilting books or magazines looking for inspiration for a new project. If I’m out shopping or running errands, I can always find 30 minutes to wander through a fabric shop and dream of owning all of the fabric in the shop so I could just look at the colors and feel the textures. I’m a very visual person and I really need color in my life so having a bad day at work means I’m going to my LQS on my lunch hour just to regroup and regain my happy side.
—Joyce on January 9, 2013When I have 30 minutes of free time, I make a cup of coffee, find the book I am currently reading and sneak off to a quiet corner and enjoy some "me" time.
—Dee Nielsen on January 9, 2013I read about quilting!
—Sylve on January 9, 2013Thirty minutes of free time?? What is THAT?
—Sheila Craft on January 9, 2013First of all I waste anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes deciding which of my projects I want to work one or if I want to read a book instead. I usually have 3 crochet projects going at once so I don’t get bored with any of them. And I always have a book I’m reading. When my 30 minutes are gone I always wish I had an hour or more so I could sew myself some clothes or work on a more complicated project. You notice that I have not mentioned anything like doing laundry or cleaning the house, those are what I’m doing in the time that is not "free" time.
—Annette Vise on January 9, 2013Happy crafting to all of you, Annette
I grab a UFO and sew as many seams as time allows. It’s amazing how many partially finished UFO’s I finished this way. Sometimes, all it takes is getting back in touch with an unfinished project to spark a new interest in getting it completed.
—Bonnie Bowman on January 9, 2013You can find me up in my sewing room. The family always looks there first!
—Kathryn on January 9, 2013Usually any "free" time is spent going through the boxes and totes I brought to Georgia six years ago from Florida. I managed to amass quite a stash of fabric over the years and never really got around to sorting and putting them in color or theme order. Now that I finally have two rooms for crafting/sewing/quilting, it’s time to get to it. Especially since I am way behind on several baby quilts, 3 family quilts and a wedding quilt for my son and his new bride!!
—debbie lee on January 9, 2013I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.
—Pamela Zajicek on January 9, 2013I get on the computer and look for fabric to quilt
—Sandra Pardue on January 9, 2013I make a cup of tea and grab my current book I am reading and curl up at the end of the couch and read. It’s very relaxing and renewing.
—sandra conner on January 9, 2013My 30 minutes can end up being an "all day" thing as I’m retired. Once I start on a new quilt, it seems to consume me until I get it the top made. My friends say I never sleep, but believe me, I do.
—Connie on January 9, 2013Definitely sewing! I usually have multiple projects going at a time, so I can always find something in my "To Be Worked On" pile.
—Mary on January 9, 2013When I have 30 minutes of free time I spend it online looking at quilts and reading my emails from quilting sites.
—Judy Maggio on January 9, 2013I try very hard to find that time and cherish whatever time I get.
—diane on January 9, 2013seem retirement doesn’t mean retire???It means do more for more people wanting something from you. I usually hide for that time I need and put my phone on answer and flip the doorbell off. Wonderful, just like relaxing in the hot tub! No worries !!
Free time! What’s that? Seems all my time is on the household chores and my hobbies(quilting). I do love to embroidery as well. If I could get my hubby to do the household chores I’d probably never come out of the sewing room.
—DeEtta Burney on January 9, 201330 minutes??? With 5 kids, 4 dogs, a husband, and a business, 30 minutes is like gold to me! Invariably, though, I will spend it either knitting or on the computer. Even exercise is scheduled in!
—Tammy on January 9, 2013I am a full time Mom, have 2 young children,commute from the country to town to work and live on 11 acres…Did I mention I turn 51 this month? 30 minutes in one stretch is a rare commododity. I have accomodated this by becoming a sequential quilter. I break projects into small bites – like cut all the red, sew all the connector corners, trim blocks, press that pile. I also challenge myself to see what I can get finished in the time it takes the kettle to boil or during my son’s music practice – and as an added bonus I get serenaded while I work with cello and sax, and get to spend some Mummy time with a 10 year old boy. Little bites can finish a project in a remarkably short time.
—Lorraine Balogh on January 9, 2013I like to sit down with a quilting magazine looking for my next project, or new gadgets to make my quilting time more productive. Shawn Jensen
—Shawn Jensen on January 9, 2013If I have 30 minutes of free time, I typically either knit, crochet, or do English paper piecing. If I need mindless auto-pilot, then I work on socks.
—ruth on January 9, 2013If all my sewing stuff was out ready to sew, I’d sew. If not, I’d enjoy a book for a half ad hour.
—gail on January 9, 2013I spend it in my sewing room, looking at my fabrics, touching them, looking at my patterns or quilt books and planning my next project. I decide on the color scheme, see what I have in my stash that will work, plan on what I need to buy to go with it. Then, I put my pattern and fabrics in a project bag and go to the local quilt store.
—Ellie Montgomery on January 9, 2013If I have 30 minutes of free time in my quilt room, I can get a lot done. Cutting out for the next couple of blocks and arranging them on my square 15″ ruler, putting them on my ironing board which is next to my sewing machine. That gets me ready to chain piece for the next free 30 minutes. Or how about cleaning up all those pieces of material from my last quilt project. Oh another 30 minutes you say, well I could press my scraps and cut them into 2″ squares getting ready for more chain piecing. I can also do a little hand sewing on my binding, or how about a little applique. Yes, 30 minutes is a real blessing in my quilt room! Oh happy day!
—Mary Ann on January 9, 2013When I only have half an hour, I usually read – always have ast least onebook going; but if I have asn hour ormore, I will quilt and quilt and quilt.
—Pat Sell on January 9, 2013I crochet or read a good mystery. Sometimes I cut a few charms.
—Joyce on January 9, 2013Although I wish I could say that, given 30 minutes of free time this week, I would go straight to my sewing room and whip up a quick quilt, or finish several of my unfinished paper crafting projects, lately my free time is spent napping. Yes, I’ll blame it on my age and my diminishing stamina these days, but I find that a quick power-nap is needed occasionally to get my creative juices going again. With the holidays having just passed, I burned myself out a bit frantically finishing all those "quick & easy" projects for gifts to friends and family. I was barely coherent by the time Christmas arrived, and let’s just forget about how I celebrated the New Year (ZZZZZZZZ)! Anyway, I love sewing and crafting, but too much of a good thing can wear me out. So, for a little while longer, I’m going to be napping if/when I get some precious free time! I’ll know when it’s time to get back down to some serious creative activities again, and then it will be hard to convince me to go to bed at a reasonable hour or to stop long enough to cook a real meal. After all, you can’t keep a crafty person down for long!
—Robin Stack on January 9, 2013Well let’s see. There’s knitting, yarn shopping, pattern shopping, the internet, chatting with friends, reading, sleeping, eating and more internet. All those things have to get done every day.
I guess if I had 30 minutes of free time I might try something like vaccuuming or doing the dishes. As long as it didn’t interfere with knitting, yarn shopping, pattern shopping, the internet, chatting with friends, reading, sleeping, eating and more internet.
—KittenWithAWhiplash on January 9, 2013My 30 minutes of free time I spend doing hand embroidery! Thank you for the chance to win.
—Judy Bowes on January 9, 2013When I have 30 minutes to spare I enjoy reading and seeing new ideas from sites like STITCH this and others. I get inspited with new patterns and material.
—Cheryl MacKenzie on January 9, 2013I vary the 1/2 hour between my various needle crafts of hand embroidery, counted cross stitch, crocheting or getting a couple more seams sewn in quilts or clothing.
—Loisjean on January 9, 201330 minutes is more than enough time to plop in my favorite chair, pick up my crocheting, and work a couple more rows on an afghan for Project Linus. In fact, if it wasn’t for break times, most of my Project Linus afghans would never get finished.
—Lynne on January 9, 2013When I have 30 minutes, I run to my quilting room. Either sew on something already started, get ready to quilt something, or look for a new project to start. I really am addicted to quilting, pillow making, etc. If it’s one of those days that I don’t feel up to par, I grab the
—Paddy Eastman on January 9, 2013book Iv’e started and get on the couch and do nothing.
I usually read. Thirty minutes is just the right amount of time for a chapter or two, but I like long blocks of time to really get into a project.
—Jill of Apple Avenue Quilts on January 9, 201330 Minutes of free time…what is that?
when I have those precious minutes if I not spending time with my grandson, I love to be in my craft room creating. That is such a great way to unwind!
—Terry on January 9, 2013Seriously? With three teen and pre-teen kids, who has 30 minutes???
. However, lately I am spending my time during basketball and hockey practices surfing quilting blogs and Pinterest. I can’t believe how much is out on the web that I never knew about relating to my favorite activity–quilting!
—Michelle H. on January 9, 2013I seldom find 10 minutes of ‘free’ time much less 30 minutes. But, I do and can make time to focus on projects and hobbies outside of life’s required duties! So what I do is stage little projects that need to be completed, then when I do find a little time slot, I can visually see what I want to accomplish. For example, I garden and one of the items I produce as a product of gardening is a ground red pepper to shake on our foods. I brought the peppers up (they are dry)and are on the counter just waiting to be ground. I also have a little rug mending project and have my sewing box waiting in the room to complete that little project as well. I have a lot of hobbies that take a lot of time, but we’re talking about 30 minutes here – so I’m focusing on short periods of time – yep, 30 minutes! Right now I’m also into amigurumi, which I carry with me on a small bag everywhere. I can work on it in the car, on the plane – even while waiting for an appointment! My grandchildren LOVE the little toys. Sometimes I even answer quirky questions.
—J. Osterhaus on January 9, 2013I’m fortunate to have lots of free time and I spend it reading quilting blogs and sites on my iPad, cutting blocks, piecing. quilting, reading and napping. Being retired is a good thing!
—Kitty on January 9, 2013When I have 30 minutes of free time, I make a comfort cap for a cancer patient. Comfort caps are a service project of our quilt guild. These caps are delivered regularly to our local cancer treatment center.
—Jackie Pierce on January 9, 2013I use extra 30 minutes to cut my scraps up into strips. That way when I’m ready to make a scrappy quilt, half the work is already done.
—Annette Johnston on January 9, 2013With an extra 30 minutes I will grab my computer and look at fabric for my next quilt.
—Victoria on January 9, 2013I’m disabled and tire easily so I have lots of 30 minute blocks to fill. My favorite when I’m not up to sewing is to surf sites like this for more ideas, tricks, and just plain companionship.
—Janice Kelly on January 9, 2013If I find 30 minutes of free time, I spend it learning techniques to add to my sewing knowledge. I have a huge imagination but only so much sewing knowledge so I have to often watch how-to videos online or look through my sewing book reference library for instructions. It’s definitely time well spent.
—Heather on January 9, 2013Free time whats that, but If I’m not sewing quilts, I’m reading
—EveVanna Hedrich on January 9, 2013I have a short attention span, so 30 minutes is a perfect chunk of time to do whatever needs doing. Sometimes that means housework, other times it means I will cut fabrics so as to have them ready when I have another one of those 30 minute breaks! I also tend to leave books in every room of the house that I can pick one up and start reading if I’ve got a few minutes to spare.
Yes it DOES take me forever to get anything finished off, but I feel a real sense of accomplishment when I do actually get something done.
—Jane S. on January 9, 2013When I have 30 minuites I often get a drink of juice/milk and read either a book I am working on or a new Quilt magazine of check out quilt sites on my computer
—Marian Wersch on January 9, 2013My 30mins free time weather permitting I like to spend sitting with a cup of tea and a quilt magazine or book in my garden nothing more relaxing
—Val on January 9, 2013I usually do housework – most of my other time is used quilting! (I know, sounds fishy, but I really do quilt that much, at least for now.) I have a commission for 4 quilts from the same couple, hand applique and hand quilt. Have 2 of them done, but it takes time, so it has become a full-time "job".
—Brenda Sanders on January 9, 2013Since I work full-time at two jobs, thirty minutes of spare time is not only valuable, it is a God-send! I usually try to do more than one thing, but it can vary according to what needs to be done. My favorite thing to do is to go for a walk with my husband and enjoy the out-of-doors. Since he works odd hours and so do I, this time spent together is the most precious that we have.
—Robin on January 9, 2013Usually the answer would be to sew or look through my stash and get fabrics together to quilt but lately I have been doing a lot of crocheting and knitting. Everybody got scarfs and hats for Christmas and I am trying to use up the rest of my yarn stash to make hats and scarfs for a group of great Church Youths that get together to visit the homeless and give them winter items that they need. But I still have sewing on my mind and I love the Box of Chocolates quilt to cute!
—Pam L on January 9, 2013Thirty minutes can be as much or as little time and would depend on what I want or need to do! So….if it is what I want to do I would work on whimsical dolls which has consumed much of my free time lately. This has been a refreshing change from quilting (which I love but is now on a back burner) If it is something I need to do (ex. housework) I would get to it quickly to see how much I could finish in the 30 minutes time. When I have a limit of time I set my oven timer.
—Kathy Adair on January 9, 2013Being retired but babysitting grandkids when I find 30 minutes of free time I look thru quilting books and trying to think of what of my stash I can use for the quilt I decide to make
—mary ann johnson on January 9, 2013Reading – that can be blogs, a book I have started, a quilting book, or emails. Thirty minutes just doesn’t seem long enough to do any sewing though I probably should be using some of those 30 minute intervals to straighten the sewing room up.
—LJ on January 9, 2013It’s time for a full confession. My mother raised me to use my time wisely. Sitting with nothing to do isn’t "wise." When I have 30 min. of free time, I gravitate to my laptop. I always have a list of things I want to look up. I call my time on the computer "research." I know there are more productive things to do, but I take the easy route.
—VickiGene on January 9, 2013When I have a little free time, I usually spend it reading one of my quilt magazines to inspire my creativity.
—Bonnie on January 9, 2013I will read comments on the quilt blogs I am subscribed to. I may use that time to research a quilt pattern or quilting motif/design to finish a quilt. Sometimes I even use those extra minutes to work on a quilt!
—Julie B. on January 9, 2013Work on a quilt – either making one or machine quilting one.
—Gwen on January 9, 2013I’m doing it right now….reading about quilts online. I find it inspirational and relaxing.
—Bjohn on January 9, 2013"FREE TIME" I don’t really know what that is. I have three or four crochet projects and a couple of quilts at all times (for everyone but myself) I keep telling myself that as soon as I get these projects done I will do for myself. I am very happy doing this stuff though. I made a resolution to read one chapter each morning and I am keeping to it and I have started a small project for myself and hoping to do a little on it each day. So at 62 I am trying to make new things such as free time a reality for myself. I am going to try and prove that "YOU CAN TEACH AN OLD GIRL NEW THINGS"
—jromper on January 9, 2013Doing sudoku, reading the paper, watching TV, gardening
—gail maureen on January 9, 2013Whenever I have 30 minutes of free time I do housework. That way I can spend the rest of the time I’m awake in my quilt studio doing the things I really love to do.
—Janet Espeleta on January 9, 2013I can easily spend 30 minutes looking at blogs and pinterest on the internet (I actually spend way too much time on the internet)! Sometimes, if I am trying to sew a blouse or something, I can get an amazing amount of work done on it it 30 minutes!!
—Marilyn on January 9, 2013My mother taught me that it was ok to sit and watch tv at the end of the day, but only if your hands were occupied.
—Kayt on January 9, 2013I live in Queensland, Australia now and it’s often too warm to knit or hand quilt, so I have an ongoing English paper piecing project – I’m making a king size quilt with 1/2″ hexagons.
When I have a short amount of time it’s amazing how many little hexagons I can cover with fabric, or how many of those covered hexagons I can stitch together to make a little flower.
It’s going to take me years to get enough flowers together for a quilt, but when it’s done it’s going to be fabulous
I like to use the 30 minutes to relax at the computer looking up new pattern ideas and different gift ideas. That is so when i have time to sew i will have different projects to work on.
—Rose Walker on January 9, 2013I spend it crocheting. I am making an afghan for my daughter’s bridal shower using the framed stained glass window pattern from the all free crochet website. I still have quite a few squares to go, so any chance I get I make a square.
—Virginia Bronner on January 9, 2013Let’s get real. If I have been working hard and I have 30 minutes of free time I probubly will just sit down and rest, that being said 30 minutes of time in my sewing room to reorganize and clean in there would really help. That is if I did it often enough.
—Barbara on January 9, 2013I’ve been splitting extra time between sewing something for a friend or family member and letter writing. Whoever’s item I work on, I also take time to jot a note and put it in the mail , the old fashioned way. No one keeps email or tweets, so a personal note about what I’m working on and other family things may be kept with the item once it’s received.
—Vickie - Tucson on January 9, 2013Take a quick glance through a quilting magazine with a cup of coffee and my little Chihuahua, Chico. I love him. He is 9 months old and loves to be held.
—Jan Hickman on January 9, 2013I read, nothing to get out, nothing to put away. When I get involved with fabrics or patterns, I simply lose track of time.
—Valerie A. Clark on January 9, 2013I just got a new sewing machine for Christmas. I hear so many people say that have had their machine for years, and still don’t know what all it can do or they don’t use very many of the stitches. I don’t want that to happen to me, so I have started a notebook to try every feature on the machine including all the stitches. I am documenting the little project samples and placing them in my notebook. So when I have an extra 30 minutes of time, I will go to my new machine (did I say I love my new machine) and try a few things I wouldn’t normally do in my everyday sewing and/or quilting. This way when I need to do a specific task (say putting elastic on lace) I can go to my notebook and remember what I did and how to do it.
—Ramona Collins on January 9, 2013What is spare time? between sewing, cooking gardening & cleaning house, there seems to be none. I guess that is because I fill every moment I have not engaged in maintaining a home at the sewing machine. While the embroidery machine purrs away doing more embroideries for me to use in other projects, I sit at the other machine patchworking, appliqueing or doing freehand machine embroidery. What that really means is that if I have a spare 30 minutes, I sew!!!!!
—penny on January 9, 2013I will finish the UFOs from my stash
—hueisei on January 9, 2013IF I HAD 30 MINUTES ! I would relax in my BIG chair and just think.
—Linda Janovitz on January 9, 2013If I have thirty minutes of free time, I would take a bath and read a quilting magazine! With a little baby, I have few opportunities to relax without worrying about cleaning, laundry, or baby stuff.
—Kerrie on January 9, 2013I use The internet to Facebook during my spare time to catch up with my church family and friends or, if I get in a really inspirational mood, I look up new quilt patterns and vegan recipes.
—Jen on January 9, 2013Whenever I have 30 minutes, I usually sew, but many times I am choosing fabric and pattern for another quilt or trimming my scraps for future projects.
—Barbara Winkler on January 9, 2013Planning my next quilt, or working on one of the many UFOs that are begging for attention, or surfing the web for fabrics to realize my plans.
—Miz Pat on January 9, 2013I sew every minute I can
—Barbara woodswoods on January 9, 2013When I have 30 minutes of free time, I usually read.
—Robin Maguire on January 9, 2013When I have 30 minutes to do what I want then it depends on the season & weather as to what that would be. If it’s warm and sunny then I like to go down to the river. There is a huge boulder that I like to sit on while I’m fishing. When the weather is cool, rainy or snowy I am thrilled to sit in my sewing room with a quilt to work. Quilters are blessed by the feeling one gets as fabrics come alive in a pattern of beauty.
—Teresa on January 9, 2013When I have 30 minutes to do what I want then it depends on the season & weather as to what that would be. If it’s warm and sunny then I like to go down to the river. There is a huge boulder that I like to sit on while I’m fishing. When the weather is cool, rainy or snowy I am thrilled to sit in my sewing room with a quilt to work. Quilters are blessed by the feeling one gets as fabrics come alive in a pattern of beauty.
—Teresa on January 9, 2013—Teresa on January 9, 2013
I wish I could say sewing, but it’s checking email and reading blogs.
—Robin in New Jersey on January 9, 2013I am part of a Homemakers Group that makes Quilts for Kids (to date the group has made over 450 quilts) and are donated to the University of Kentucky’s Children’s Hospital. I try to keep a Quilt for Kids quilt on my frames and I would use 30 minutes for free motion quilting. It is easy to get the quilt finished by dedicating a short time each day to quilting.
—Marilyn on January 9, 2013Unfortunately, for a half hour I catch up on my emails. Ooops.
—Beth Hammergren on January 9, 2013I go to my sewing room & sew what I can or cut out squares from left over fabric. It is very relaxing for me.
—Sharon Rosenau on January 9, 2013This may be a second entry I’m not sure.
My comment is I go to the sewing room & sew or cut out fabric squares from left over fabric from past projects.
—Sharon Rosenau on January 9, 2013Hmm. 30 minutes. It depends on where I am when that blessing of time comes! There is always a book, or loom knitting, or crochet, or journal in my bag [sometimes more than one choice] to take with me in case I’m away from the house. At home it might be grabbing design pencils and paper or go for a walk, sit down to sew or pull fabrics in daylight to audition them for a project, figure out ingredients for a meal or go play in the dirt.
—Ginger on January 9, 2013There’s always a project cut and ready to stitch on my sewing machine.
—Judy on January 9, 201330 minutes of free time is a chance to take that project a step or two further. I never lack for something to sew!
I use those 30 minutes according to where I am. I have a half hour lunch break to eat while I read a book for spiritual growth and edification.
When I listen to 30 minute radio programs, knitting my scarves or ankle warmers help me pay attention to the pastor’s teaching. I do the same when I go somewhere and someone else is driving. I always have a "to do" bag with me!
When I am babysitting my grandchildren, those 30 minutes are used to cut out my next sewing projects. My granddaughter often asks if the dress is for her. It usually is…
At home, a lot of that "spare time" is used or wasted on the Internet and email. I am often looking up: medical and health issues; sewing, knitting, crafts ideas and techniques; or resources for teaching my preschoolers in Awana or my children at home. Spare time at home is an illusion. I really ought to be doing something for my home. Cleaning up my stash perhaps? The stuff that escaped its storage place hoping to be included in my holiday sewing… It kinda’ took over my front room… Too bad I can’t just twitch my nose like Mary Poppins and it all marches back to its place! Oh well…
—Sheri~mama to eight on January 9, 2013Since I’m currently unemployed, I have plenty of 30 minute blocks of time to fill; right now they’re being filled with searching for work. But when I do get back to work, my 30 minutes of free time will be used for something that needs to get done because I am determined to get back on track this year: I have 36 blocks that I owe to other quilters, and a round robin and a row robin project that have been languishing for far too long. As I was going through some major life-altering experiences at the time I had become involved in those projects, those lovely ladies have waited far too long for me to get my head out of my derierre. It’s definitely time to get them finished and out to their rightful owners. I know they’ll all understand and appreciate my efforts to get them to their rightful owners.
—Joyce Penney on January 9, 2013I’m not short on free time, but I am surrounded by pets these days–dogs, cat, kittens, chickens–so free time is usually together time, and I’m thankful for it. Whatever I’m doing, whether it is reading or quilting or cleaning, I have company. Life is good.
—Beth T. on January 9, 2013Any free time I have is definitely spent sewing and/or quilting. Hopefully I’ll get some of the many UFO’s that are lurking about finished up in some of that ‘spare’ time I am lucky enough to find.
—Cindy R. on January 10, 2013Good Morning, and Happy New Year to you.
When I have a spare 30 minutes, I immediately log onto the internet to look and listen to videos on all aspects of quilting, and in particular I just love going onto the Craftsy website to inform myself of latest fabrics, equipment, tips and mostly to watch your videos. So thank you for these informative videos. I have a learnt a tremendous amount. Regards and best wishes
Pamela Donkin
—Pamela on January 10, 2013Thirty minutes of free-time goes by sooooo fast that I probably would read a few e-mails and check out some of my favorite quilting blogs.
—Janet on January 10, 2013I always love to read my mail to see whats new everyday in the sewing/crafting world. I’m amazed at all the new and wonderful talent out there. I’m in awe! I try to plan on what I can do with the time I do have as I work full time. I try not to overwhelm myself, but do the projects that are attainable for me. Then I feel that I’ve really accomplished something. I love to crochet so I made a simple afghan with 2 toned colors, I do what is quick and easy. I made some tied quilts for Christmas which everyone loved.
—Brenda Olszewski on January 10, 2013I usually either work on a quilt project,browse a quilting book or magazine or look for new recipes to try out.
—CarleneT on January 10, 2013My 30 minutes of free time is used in one of several ways, in the sewing room, working on some handwork, reading or just spending time with my husband.
—Marian Vollans on January 10, 2013I try to spend my free time making things for others. Most of the time I am in a lot of pain. I have an extremely bad back and spend most of my time in bed. But when I can, I make things for others.
—Rose Cannon on January 10, 2013If I have 30 minutes of free time I spend it watching the news, or another tv show to relax with a cup of coffee, then back to quilting.
—Laura Bennett on January 10, 2013Seemingly one would think we have all the time in the world, but our local guild has put out a challenge to its members to finish six UFO’s by years end. So if I have that thirty minutes free I am in the sewing room once again trying to catch up with the challenge and planning all of those new Christmas project yet imagined. GTG I have thirty minutes available.
—prissyj on January 10, 2013With 30 minutes of free time, I usually just like a quiet easy stroll on the internet. I am a self taught crafter, and I love see new ideas. Then I can easily learn and use new techniques which I believe is a good mental exercise. Then I share ideas and teach them to my crafty friends.
—Deb G on January 10, 2013Thirty minutes varies: Sometimes, I watch a recorded TV show and zip through the commercials giving me an extra 10 minutes to flip through a quilt magazine or I’m working on my fabric cutting for my next quilt.
Keep smiling,
—Lynnita Shipman on January 10, 2013I like to find tips for quilting and needlework. I test a tip before I commit to it. Ex. Divide and sew two large pieces of fabric for half square triangle. Which method do I like better.
—Marilyn Meinecke on January 10, 2013Quilt!!
—Carol Gearey on January 10, 2013My extra thirty minutes is spent reading a quilt magazine, and cycling on a stationary bike. If you’ve ever had to do this for a knee injury, it is unbelievably boring. I discovered that I would get so engrossed in studying quilt patterns, that I often went overtime on the bike! A win-win!
—Gail G on January 10, 2013On the computer. Thanks for the giveaway!
—Sallie on January 10, 2013Quilting or reading are my top two free time activities! Thank you for the chance to win!
—Liz Carter on January 10, 2013Being disabled in a chair I tend to have alot of 30 minute blocks of time here an there. I will pick up a crochet project that I have setting in different rooms or I will press out my current quilt project or hand sew a few seams. One of my favorite is pulling out my notebook and/or graph paper to design a quilt or crochet project for afriend or family member that I will create soon. I have found in only a couple of 30 min. blocks of time I can put together a small baby quilt for the NICU’s at the two hospitals in our area. I remember getting one for our middle boy when he was in a NICU 2 years ago and I still have it. I love taking them up to drop off andseeing a mother or father holding their fragile little baby wrapped up in a creation of mine. It is a wonderful feeling.
—Jody on January 10, 2013I think about what projects might be interesting to try. I’m always open to try a new style, idea etc. I’ll collect my books and magazines and look through them for the hundredth time and choose those projects I’d like to try.
—Marguerite Namdar on January 10, 2013If I have free 30 minutes of time….I look at the wonderful collection of grandbaby pictures I have of our first grandbaby, Charlotte….what a little cutie and such a pleasure!
—Jane Knoll-Tenney on January 10, 2013Like I don’t have enough quilt patterns or fabric or quilts under way. But I want more, more, more! So I spend my time looking at fabric and patterns online. PS I don’t think I’m the only one.
—Marsha Nelson on January 10, 2013If I have a free 30 minutes, after I quickly checky my email, I usually check the web (pinterest mostly or craft sites) to see if any creative people have posted more wonderful quilting, sewing or crafting ideas (that is how I found out about Matingale (from a pinterest posting)….wish I could get at least 30 minutes everyday! I plan time for quilting and crafts into my schedule so make sure I have time to try some of the craft idea.
—Annette Cavalieri on January 10, 201330 minutes of free time? 15 minutes reading a romance novel and 15 minutes sewing! The best of two worlds!
—Kay Day on January 10, 2013I think I would probably read, depending how good my book is.
—Rose Spielman on January 10, 2013I have visions of digging into my stash of fabrics, and start to cut……but, just havn’t gotton there yet. Someday soon, I hope
When I have 30 minutes of free time, I pull my basket filled with pre-cut flannelette jewel toned squares close to me and start hand quilting. Once all the squares will be joined, I will cuddle up with my dogs and the finished scrappy quilt and plan sewing projects for my students.
—Kathleen on January 10, 2013Cheers,
Kathleen
AH! the perfect world… Just enough time to sew a block or press those already made.
—Darlene Joyner on January 10, 2013My 30 minutes have changed since I lost my husband in December. I am looking forward to spending more time in my sewing room and finishing the many UFO’s and finally starting my OWN bedroom Quilt.
Elizabeth, we are so sorry for your loss but are glad to hear that you are finding solace in your sewing room.
—ELIZABETH CROSS on January 11, 2013~Cornelia
With 30 mins I like to learn a new skill (quilting related of course) a new block or quilting style or piecing technique there is so much I don’t know but I’m learning heaps.
—js on January 11, 2013I hate to be repetitive, but I’ve read many of the other entries, and found myself saying "Me,too!" again and again. Mostly, if I have just 30 minutes, I grab a bottled water, perhaps a smidgen of chocolate,
—Karen on January 11, 2013and sit down and read a quilting magazine that I haven’t had time to read since it landed in my mailbox.
If I have a spare 30 mins I usually go and visit my fabric stash, say hello, stroke them, and then , while in my quilt room, may just happen upon an inspirational book that the fabrics will be simpatico with, and maybe gather them together so they can get to know each other before they have to live together! Another 30 minutes of pleasure spent.
—Carol G on January 11, 2013Well with 30 minutes I often check my email for something quilt related and often spend 60 min.
—Grace Capuano on January 11, 2013Whenever I have an extra 30 minutes to spend, I head to my sewing room. Nothing makes me happier than for my husband to say, ‘I really want to watch this football game today’. We each get guilt-free time to do what we want
—Marie P on January 11, 2013I got a tablet for Christmas and I’m learning how to use. I’m learning how to look up websites of quilting,knitting and sewing. This sometimes takes more than 30 minutes to use. I’m hoping to learn enough to be able to download quilt magazines to read at Dr. appointments and time consuming days away from home.
—Patricia Sherman on January 12, 2013Thirty minutes of free time, what’s that other than sheer bliss. I craft of course. Right now its cross stitch, sewing for a baby to be and bridal shower.
—Mary Lou on January 12, 2013When I was younger I thought nothing could be accomplished in just 30 minutes but a compelling soap opera. Well that was when I was very young and a little silly. Now, my life is run by a 15 minute timer. In 30 minutes I could:clean out a refrigerator and the counter of my kitchen, weed a portion of the garden and throw the frisbee for our puppy, pay bills and write a friend a note, hop in the jacuzzi with my husband, or spend time reading and meditating. This week I spent 30 minutes sewing 1 inch strips onto the points of diamonds-because I didn’t really have time to quilt-but I had time to do 8 star points. I get a tremendous amount of things done each week because even 5 minutes is valuable and a task can be completed. I am 65 and realize with each passing year how precious time is.
—Elaine Swatniki on January 12, 2013Every chance I get, I am go to my craft/sewing/computer room going through this website reading/looking/learning. I go through every point in each week finding new ways, new ideas, new patterns – LOVE IT!!!!
—Helen on January 12, 2013I spend 5 minutes praying, I spend 5 minutes in meditation, and I usually spend the rest of the time planning on what I want to do-whether it’s reading, leaving the house-SO hard in the freezing winter for me!!, or planning my next project.
—Karrie Smith on January 12, 2013I try to steal a few minutes in my sewing room negleting my house work in a bad way!! But when I see the "dustbunnies" under the chest in the dining room, then I know it is time to work!!
—Gwen Herbert on January 13, 201330 minutes of free time is spent logging in on the computer and checking out blog sites – like this one! I love reading the comments people leave. Sometimes I get good ideas from them, like making a list of UFOs and setting a date to have one or two completed. It worked & my pile of UFOs is getting smaller!
—Sally on January 13, 2013Lately when I have a free half hour I find myself lost on Pinterest. I find all kinds of inspiration, now I just need the motivation to do something all my lovely pins.
—Laurie on January 13, 2013Sadly, I usually spend it online. I’m trying to break that habit and spend at least that much time each week "investing" in my crafts.
—Carmen on January 14, 2013