How many of us hit the first weekend of February, completely aghast that January was already history? One tenth of the year is done, and I’d be lying if I said I’m cool with that fraction. It’s actually making me sweat a bit. I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO.
Like many people, I navigate the transition from December to January by taking stock, and one of the things I take stock of is how much work I do in my studio. Counting quilts isn’t too hard as they’re pretty big, but my post-meno memory still manages to lose track of a few – mostly test versions of a pattern in development, or things done for charity. I finished 28 quilts in 2014 – yes, a good number! And don’t hate me… remember this is my living! But when I look at that divided by 52 weeks, it made me wonder where my time went.
So here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- 28 Quilts finished
- 21 Bee blocks or donation/charity blocks
- 4 Quilt tops
- 17 Quilt Talk buckets
- 11 Chunky Wee Bags
- 27 Miscellaneous containers (small buckets, zip pouches, etc.)
- 2 Cross Stitch pieces
- 10 Other stuff (scarves, pattern tests for other people, sets of napkins for the house, etc.)
A whopping 111 items. Whew. Now *that* number makes me feel like I didn’t spend the entire year fiddling with social media!
So how do I track it? With this worksheet (download it here).
While I point to other more detailed documents for tracking project time and materials, the one I use most is this one, with just enough space for the time used on common steps like piecing or binding. And this easily lets me see where my time went on all the other stuff!
Also – data is power. I can see that I made a lot of bee blocks, and this year I decided not to join in anymore bees or swaps for a bit to reclaim that time for other things I’d rather be doing. I can also track some broad numbers that I can use for more detailed bidding for projects, should the need arise.
I already have a good start for 2015 going (names of projects blurred to avoid spoiling a couple of surprises!):
OK – back to the studio. Time to get something else ON the list!
Great post! It’s always interesting to see inside the studio—and office!
Great idea! I feel so dumb-at my office we have an app board monthly. I used to use my blog as I very good about posting it all. Lately not so much. A lot goes on Etsy (bags, table runners, etc.). The CatNip quilts are there mostly sell via the Cats’ blOg. Then there’s the almighty blessings of commissions. Then gifts, ideas I wanna try and straight up quilts were made and finished. ARt Quilts for shows too. Holy cow! I am going to print these pages when I get into the office and dream about all the good things to come! You are my Big Hero 6! Hope you are mending and not in too much pain.
I don’t quilt professionally (that is, no one pays me to quilt…) but I keep track of what I make. Last year was pretty big for me in a variety of ways. This year is already on track to be BIG, too. As I’ve mentioned, I don’t track hours. Honestly I don’t know how I could keep track of all my design time, as much of it is not in my studio, but while exercising, walking, talking with Jim, trying something or looking up something on my computer… And for many projects, the design time exceeds execution.
GOOD plan for you, to note the time you’ve put into bees/swaps. One thing I’ve found essential over the last few years is not obligating myself to things that weren’t valuable to me. While I know there is value in them for you, there are more productive ways for you to use your time.
Have a great day.
Sam, you are so generous to share these worksheets with us! Like you, I’m aghast that FEBRUARY is already here. Worse than that, it’s nearly half over. How is that possible?!? I will definitely make use of your wonderful project log and project worksheet to keep track of what I’m making this year…. Thank you again!
Thank you so much! I am really trying to be more organized and this helps so much!
Honestly, only one 12th of the year is gone…not so bad now, is it? As of today, you really have 10.5 months left in 2015. Lots of time,right? Only if you budget your time wisely and nothing interferes with that timeline!!! Thanks for the worksheet!
I’m trying to find your several posts on WA$WI. Would you consider consolidating a list of links under your WA$WI tab/page? I’d love to refer people to do a little (a lot!) of reading here. Thanks!