After quite a few years of creating I've found the daily structure that works best for me. Like everyone, I can't stick to this rigidly: kids have clubs, I get sidetracked and life happens but I try not to deviate too far from it. On days when I'm not teaching this is what my scheduled looks like.
6:00am | Study
I almost always start the day with half an hour bible study. Sometimes I feel like I'd rather have the extra half hour in bed but once I start I'm never disappointed. It's then Earl Grey and hot cross buns before getting the boys up.
7:00am | Prepare
It usually takes me about an hour to get ready. I try really hard not to look at any digital devices before I'm dressed; it's so easy to get sucked in and find myself still in my robe at 9:00am otherwise.
8:00am | Plan and Review
Check my planner. In the last year I've converted to Livescribe which I love. My sister bought me a Livescribe 3 smartpen which uses Bluetooth to send everything I write to my phone and iPad. There's two things I like about this:
- I don't really like typing so handwriting that can be turned into digital text is perfect. Obviously I only bother converting extended pieces of writing but there's also something comforting about knowing everything's backed up;
- it's made me better at recording and checking tasks. Before I was one of those people who created lots of plans and reminders but never bothered to read or check them!
9:00am | Pattern Drafting
I'm a morning person so this is the best time for me to focus on pattern drafting. Currently, I'm working on a super day dress called ‘Kate'. The sketching work I do in the evenings feeds into this process as does the research that goes into the Fashion Lookbooks.
12:00am | Pressing and Tidying
If I can avoid pressing in stages, I do. I'd rather complete 3 or 4 construction stages and then press. It's not always possible as sometimes you can't move onto the next stage until you've pressed. I do this for two reasons: it's my least favorite job and it's quicker to work this way.
This is also the time that I use to tidy my work-space and check supplies for future projects. Currently, my workroom is a converted loft but I'm planning a purpose built space in the garden so am collecting ideas on Pinterest.
1:00pm | Lunch
This tends to be leftovers from yesterday's dinner! If the weather's half decent I'll often pop outside to catch-up on gardening jobs.
2:00pm | Blogging and Social Media
This is when I return to my calendar and prepare what's due to go out for the following week. I like to set my schedule at least six months in advance so I know what's ahead. If I don't do this, I find myself sitting in front of blank screen wondering where to start or having lots of good ideas that never end up getting done.
3:00pm | Sewing
My favorite bit. This is when I construct samples for future patterns, create vintage dresses for my own wardrobe and work on our current sewalong. I'll usually be listening to Radio 4 or an audio-book and the time just flies. I always try to finish any tricky bits so that the next day I start with something easy.
5:00pm | Dinner
I'm not a particularly adventurous cook and my sons are quite fussy so nothing too exciting. Again, I might pop into the garden for some quick jobs. My grandfather's gardening advice was spot on: “little and often.” That's not bad advice for sewing either, it's amazing what you can get done even on half an hour a day.
6:00pm | Fashion Illustration
This probably happens about 4 times a week as this can sometimes turn into catch-up time for other tasks that have over run. When this goes well it's relaxing and exciting all at the same time but sometimes the ideas just don't work out. Watercolor is my preferred medium: the fluidity is great for fashion. Watercolor also forces me into a more loose and creative way of working; being a perfectionist this is just what I need.
7:00pm | Hand-sewing and Knitting
I try to save up anything that can be done by hand until the evening. I do all hand-sewing and removing of basting whilst watching the television for 2 reasons: it's a great way to fit everything in and relax; secondly I can't sit and do nothing anyway.
10:00pm Reading my Kindle
It took me years to let go of books but I think I've managed it. Right now my favorite writers are Rachel Joyce and Kate Morton.
My Ideal Daily Schedule For Stress Free Sewing
