Not Enough Hours in the Day
- Sharon Prigan
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
I often find myself staring at the clock, wondering how time slips away so quickly. There are so many projects waiting for my attention: tutorials to create, samples to sew, video lessons to film, classes to plan and a whole new line of wearable patchwork quilted fashion tutorials in the works and not enough hours in the day. The wearables will be made from upcycled clothing, so no one has to draft or follow a pattern. It’s exciting, but the to-do list feels endless.
Alongside these creative goals, I’ve launched a new Facebook group called Priganart Fabric Creations. It’s a space for our sewing and quilting community to connect, share, and inspire each other. I’m also developing an online school tailored to our group’s needs. On top of that, I’m sorting my fabric stash by size, color, and subject, while preparing a lecture on color and organization. The challenge is clear: so many things to do, so little time.
Balancing Creativity and Organization
When you work with fabric and sewing, creativity often flows in bursts. But without organization, that energy can quickly turn into chaos. I’ve learned that keeping my fabric sorted by size and color saves me hours when I’m ready to start a project. When I’m planning an art quilt, I can find the right pieces quickly instead of having to dig through endless piles.
Sorting fabric by subject also helps. I keep sections for strips, crumbs, small scraps, and upcycled clothing. This system supports my goal of using upcycled materials only. It’s rewarding to give old clothes new life, and it fits perfectly with the sustainable values many in our sewing community share.
Creating Tutorials That Inspire
One of my biggest commitments is creating tutorials that are both practical and inspiring. I want to show how sewing and quilting can be accessible, especially when you don’t need a pattern. Using upcycled clothing as a base for wearable art means anyone can create wearable items without worrying about fitting or drafting.
Building a Sewing Community Online
Launching Priganart Fabric Creations on Facebook has been a highlight. It’s a place where fabric artists and quilters can share their work, ask questions, and support each other. The group is growing steadily, as are the discussions there.
I’m also working on an online school to deepen this connection. There will be courses that cover everything from fabric organization to sewing and quilting techniques. This school will help members develop skills at their own pace while staying connected to a supportive community.
When There are not Enough Hours in the Day
Time management is a constant challenge. I use a mix of tools to keep track of projects and deadlines. Here are some strategies that help me stay on track:
Prioritize tasks by urgency and impact. For example, filming a video tutorial might take precedence over sorting fabric on a busy day.
Break big projects into smaller steps. Instead of thinking about the entire art quilt line, I focus on one tutorial or sample at a time.
Set specific time blocks for different activities. I might dedicate mornings to sewing and afternoons to planning or community engagement.
Use reminders and checklists to avoid forgetting important details, like preparing materials for a lecture.
Even with these strategies, I accept that some days won’t go as planned. Flexibility is key.
The Role of Upcycling in My Work
Upcycling is more than a trend for me; it’s a core part of how I approach fabric art. Using old clothing and sheets as a base for art quilts means fewer resources are wasted, and each piece carries a story. This approach also removes the pressure of perfect patterns or new fabric purchases.
Preparing a Lecture on Color and Organization
While sorting my fabrics, I’m also developing a lecture on color and organization. This talk will cover practical tips for arranging fabric by hue and tone, which can improve the artistic process. Understanding color relationships helps in designing balanced and striking art quilts.
I plan to include examples from my own stash, showing how organized fabric can speed up decision-making.
Staying Motivated Amid a Busy Schedule
With so many projects, motivation can waver. I keep myself inspired by:
Celebrating small wins, like finishing a sample or receiving positive feedback from the students.
Setting realistic goals each week to avoid burnout.
Connecting regularly with other fabric artists and quilters for fresh ideas and encouragement.
The sewing community is a powerful source of support. Sharing progress and challenges reminds me that I’m not alone in juggling creativity and organization.
By focusing on upcycling, art quilt techniques, and building a supportive sewing community, I’m creating meaningful projects that matter. Organization plays a crucial role in managing this busy life, helping me turn ideas into finished pieces.
The Priganart Fabric Creations group can be found here on facebook
