Quilting in the Now: How to Stop Waiting for Tomorrow and Start Creating Today
Life has a way of piling things on, doesn’t it? Just recently I’ve had two crowns (and not the sparkly princess kind), lost both my ferret and my cat, endured another tech nightmare with a computer, and wrestled with major headaches over a delayed ink shipment. Honestly, it felt like the universe had stacked the deck against me.
A few years ago, a month like this would have completely derailed me. I would have thrown up my hands and told myself, Forget it, I’ll start fresh tomorrow. But here’s the truth I’ve learned the hard way:
👉 Tomorrow doesn’t exist.
By the time “tomorrow” arrives, it’s called today. And if you’re always waiting for a magical tomorrow when things calm down, you’ll be waiting forever. Life is messy, busy, and unpredictable. That’s not going to change, but the way we respond to it can
The Myth of “Later”
I used to live in the “later” zone.
I’ll start eating healthy after the holidays.
I’ll exercise once things slow down.
I’ll finally work on my own quilts when I’m caught up with customer orders.
Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: later never comes. There’s always another deadline, another appointment, another child or grandchild who needs something. Women especially are wired to put others first; our families, our jobs, our customers. And while that can be a beautiful thing, it also means our own needs, health, and creativity get shoved to the back of the closet like a UFO (unfinished object).
But here’s the kicker: if you never make time for yourself, eventually you won’t have the energy to take care of everyone else either.
Why Quilters Especially Need “Me Time”
Quilting is often how we nurture other people. We make quilts for babies, weddings, graduations, charity drives, friends going through chemo, and sometimes even for complete strangers. Our stitches are love made visible.
But when was the last time you quilted something just for you?
I talk to quilters all the time who say:
“I haven’t made one of my own quilts in years.”
“I keep buying fabric, but it just piles up because I don’t have time to sew for myself.”
“Every quilt I make ends up going to someone else.”
I get it. I’ve been there. But here’s the gentle reminder: your creativity matters, too. Quilting for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s fuel. It’s what keeps the passion alive so you can continue to pour into others without burning out.
The Shift: Saying “Today” Instead of “Tomorrow”
This year I decided to flip the script. Instead of waiting for tomorrow, I’m practicing saying today.
That looks like:
Prioritizing my workouts, even when my week (or month) is insane.
Blocking out quilting time that’s just for me, not for customers.
Giving myself permission to do things that bring me joy, whether that’s starting a new show quilt, experimenting with quilted garments, or simply treating myself to a massage.
And here’s the thing. I don’t always enjoy the workout itself, but I always feel better after. My kids have even pitched in, riding their bikes alongside me when the weather’s nice so I can squeeze in a run. Once I told my family that this time mattered to me, they respected it. Sometimes we just have to be brave enough to say: This is important to me, too.
How I Make It Work (and How You Can Too)
Here are a few strategies I’m using right now to break out of the “tomorrow” cycle:
1. Write It Down
Every morning I make a list of what I want to accomplish. At the top are non-negotiables. These are the things that happen no matter what, like exercise and sewing for myself. Writing it down gives me a roadmap and reminds me that my goals are just as important as anyone else’s.
2. Block Your Time
I literally mark it out in my planner: 9–10am = run. 2–4pm = personal quilting. And during those times? I don’t answer the phone, I don’t schedule customers, and I don’t let guilt creep in. That’s my time.
3. Let People Know
Once I told my family and customers about my boundaries, they respected them. In fact, my kids love helping me stay accountable. Sometimes we underestimate how supportive others can be when we simply say, “This matters to me.”
4. Reframe “Selfish”
This was the hardest one for me. I used to think quilting for myself, or taking time for a run, was selfish. But here’s what I’ve learned: self-care makes me a better mom, wife, quilter, and teacher. Taking care of myself means I can show up fully for everyone else.
Permission Granted
If you need someone to tell you this, let it be me: you are allowed to put yourself on your own to-do list.
You are allowed to quilt just for fun.
You are allowed to say no to things that drain you.
You are allowed to take a nap, go for a walk, or dye your hair purple if that makes you happy.
You don’t need to wait until tomorrow. You don’t need to earn it by finishing everyone else’s quilts first. You deserve joy today.
Quilting Goals in the Now
I’m carving out time not just for exercise, but also for my quilting dreams. That means saying no to certain customer projects so I can say yes to creating something that lights me up.
Sometimes that looks like sketching out a new quilted garment. Sometimes it’s experimenting with thread painting or practicing a new background filler I want to teach. And sometimes it’s just sitting at the machine, playing with fabric and thread with no plan at all.
It doesn’t matter what the project is. It matters that it’s mine.
Plan for the Future, But Live Now
Of course we plan ahead, that’s part of being responsible. But when it comes to joy, health, and creativity, waiting for a perfect tomorrow doesn’t work. The future isn’t guaranteed. The only time we truly have is today.
So whether it’s a workout, a quilting project, or even just a quiet cup of coffee in the morning; claim it. Mark it in your planner. Make it happen.
Let’s Talk
I’d love to hear from you!
Do you struggle with putting yourself first?
When was the last time you made a quilt just for you?
What’s one small thing you could do today, not tomorrow, that would bring you joy?
Share in the comments. I read every one. Your story might just be the encouragement another quilter needs. 💜
And if you want more tips on stress-free quilting and making time for yourself, don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter so you never miss a post.
📌 Key Takeaway: Tomorrow doesn’t exist. The only day you have to create, to care for yourself, to quilt something you love…is today.
Treat Yourself to Something That Supports You (Not Your To-Do List)
If you’re craving a little boost of motivation heading into the new year, I want to invite you to check out my brand-new book, Stress Free Quilting: How to Lose Weight While Quilting.
This book was born out of the same philosophy as this holiday self-care guide—small, sustainable steps that fit into the life you already have. No guilt. No overwhelm. No impossible resolutions that fade by February.
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This was great! I’m working on some new personal goals for this year and this added important thought processes and questions to think about. Where did the idea that we always need to constantly put others ahead of us and make them happy to the point we feel guilty and are a bad person if we don’t become so strong? I’m an older person and this has become worse over the years. I remember back in the 1950’s to the early 1990’s most people sewed for them selves because they enjoyed it but also enjoyed making things for others.
i will be incorporating your ideas into my goal setting. Thanks again for some really good thoughts and goals!
Happy Quilting!
So glad you liked it. I don’t know where the idea came from either, but I think it is definitely time for a reset in the way we think. Would love to here some of your goals and see what you make in the New Year.
Perfect attitude adjustment for me. Thanks for the reminder that I can’t be good help to others unless I’m good ‘Help’ to myself first. Only then can I be 100% for team efforts! And you are correct. Purple hair can be VERY satisfying!
Thanks, but you have one of the best attitudes of anyone I know. Plus you rock in purple. 😀