Lovely video, Emma! ❤️ You are so right about grabbing those little moments to sew a bit and about getting organized to facilitate that. One of the things I do to help with the parts I dont enjoy as much (cutting and basting mainly - I love binding! Lol) is to work as quickly and efficiently as possible on those tasks, even going as far as prioritizing speed over not wasting anything. I don't enjoy fussy cutting, so I use templates to stack layers and cut a lot of pieces quickly. I rotary cut my fabric into strips then subcut into rectangles (for example 2.5" by not quite 3" for my 1" hexagon template with 3/8" seam) then stack them (six high for regular cotton and 10 for lawn) and trim them on a rotating mat with the template and rotary cutter. Then I can slow and relax while sewing, which is the part I really enjoy. I do actually enjoy thread basting hexies, so I don't mind the time on those. I glue baste other shapes and you're right about listening to or watching something to make that part more enjoyable.

I cried when I first started watching your episode today, as I’m going thru a tough patch…& needed to hear the things you said. You’re right. Be kind to yourself. Don’t set too high a task list. Write what you’ve done instead & pick away at things. It helps me thru tough times. It’s such a lovely channel to watch. I appreciate what you say. You’ve helped me, today. Thank YOU!!!

You have hit the nail on the head with this KZfaq. I have tried to finish a few UFO’s while off work with a virus. I don’t want to get overwhelmed this year as I stop sewing and turn away from it. i am trying to reduce the amount of KZfaq watching I do and actually do the sewing. LOL! Love to hear you natter and show us your wonderful style. I like the Cath Kidstone items. They are hard to get here in Australia. A cousin has sent me a few things from the UK. Love your sewing room. All the best for 2023. 💕🧵🪡

When I was 77 I found your channel and became hooked. Have your sewing box and buts of Liberty I have bought. Waiting for my Christmas purchase to arrive.♥️💙♥️

Oh, Emma, you inspire me so. Apparently, I am much like you in how I prefer to function. I also this past have been thinking about what works better for me. I used to store tools with each project. But then couldn't find some of the tools when another project might need them. Last year I changed to have a set of tools at each place I find myself working. Now I have hand tools in the living room, another set of hand tools ready in by my craft room chair, all my machine tools are close to my sewing table. I also have a small bag of tools in the tote I take when I leave the house. This seems to work better for me. When I was young I used take my coffee or tea to sit after the breakfast was done for the family. I would sort of watch a talk show and stitch. My little ones would play quietly on the floor. After anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour the kids would be in full form and rush for the day. I have realized that I am missing have a quiet time to stitch a bit. I long ago learned that even 20 minutes a day leads to a lot of projects being finished or nearly finished. I learned this because one year I gathered up everything I had worked on since the previous August. At that time, I was able to put items in the county fair. They required that they had been completed since the previous August. I was checking in June as how many things I could finish before August. You see if you got a blue, red, or white ribbon on an entry you also got a small cash premium. I was getting several ribbons and that small check was enough to buy much of the supplies I would need for the current year. We were on a very tight budget. I couldn't afford supplies from it. But my fair check was mine. So I was amazed that I had nearly 20 projects finished or close to finished. I would figure out which could be finished before the fair. I don't need or desire to do the fairs where I live now. But I do want to work back to doing the quiet time. I also want to get more finished. This video has inspired me to strive towards this becoming a habit again. I also want to try your other suggestions because they feel right for me. I have always reassessed my life at January. Also because I was a teacher and my kids would be starting school, September has been a life assessment month. I am going to try to add a spring assessment to this pattern. No firm goals to be met but a time as you suggest to check on what has been accomplished. I started a project recording book last year this can help me get it up to date. Thanks so much for getting me inspired to make progress.

This video was definitely a boost to me today! I am in somewhat of a creative slump due to having so many things waiting to be started, worked on, or finished. It feels like the amount of projects I have wind up making me not working on any of them. I am going to watch your video again and give it a good think about my projects. I have never been a goal setter; just someone who like to work on what I want, when I want! I would love it if you would share some of your favorite books, audio books, etc as I feel like there are those where you live that are not as common in the US, or not known to me. I really appreciate the old-fashioned ways of enjoyment and the ways of a nicer and more calm life. Thanks so much, Emma, for sharing your creative life. I can’t express just how much your videos mean to me. Blessings to you and your family for the coming year……………….

I keep an index card box and sort of treat it like a project journal with each card having the name, a brief description, when the card was made (because with a lot of my WIPS they were started before I started my box), and sometimes a sample of the yarn if it’s a knitting or crochet project. Sometimes the back of the card will have notes like knitting needle or hook size and that has saved me when I’ve picked the project back up later and been trying to remember where I left off. I also keep a regular planner to track other personal things and so when I finish a project the index card gets a completion date and taped in my planner on the week it was completed on. I also keep a small EPP sewing kit in my purse inside an empty tin of my favorite candies. It’s just enough to pull out when I have an anxiety attack outside of my home or times when I get bored. I prep a bunch of hexies at home and put them in my tin so they are ready to sew at a moment’s notice. The tin is still new so I haven’t used it very often yet, but at least it’s ready! This video is exactly how I feel and I just wanted to add a few of my thoughts in case they might help someone too. Thanks for another video!

Thank you... Some really good advice in there. Particularly for someone who spends so much time looking for her thimble, scissors etc.... she gives up on the sewing for yet another day.

I sometimes wonder why I am making things, who for, or what I’m going to do with it when I’m finished. I feel like I want to give up and give everything away. You said call yourself a sewist , make time for things you love to do… it’s like giving myself permission to make things simply to enjoy the process. I love the idea of accomplishments rather than goal setting. I have taken a lot from this video. Thank you so much

Firstly happy new year. I love your EPP pieces at the beginning of your video. I would give anything to be able to sew and embroidery would be wonderful. Everything you do always looks so nice and perfect. Yes you are so right when you set goals you are unable to complete, it makes you loose heart in trying to accomplish other items in your list. I think your ideas with goal setting and doing the things you love when you feel it’s right for you. This way you have your heart with it., and it’s far more enjoyable. Y hubby always says I should set myself a time each day when you allow yourself whatever time is right , to say this is my time each day. It does work and you work towards that time each day.

Happy New Year Emma. This time 2022 I was critically ill in hospital with sepsis which affected my brain and every part of my body. As well as extensive iv antibiotics and months of intensive care, I needed heart surgery to replace defective valves. By summer I was allowed home and have worked very hard on my mobility and can now walk around my home if a little unsteadily. I lost my balance a few weeks ago and broke my arm hand and elbow.... a setback yes but it could be worse. I feel God has Blessed me and must have some reason for saving my life so I'm sure if he has plans for me he will give me the grace and strength I need. Your video is very good and your advice very wise just what I need right now. Thank you. Love vera in Northern Ireland

Never had the time to do much sewing...so busy ..even really didn't have time to go for my mammogram..but of a nuisance really..but I did and my life changed..had my mastectomy...chemo and out the other end ..now I do have time ...and if not I make it ...house didn't need to be pristine...Hoover was still there ...ironing didn't need to be done the same day ... I just sit now and take an hour ...two ..three ... My new year's resolution??? Love life and love time ... Thanks Emma ..I love your videos ❤

This really spoke to my heart, I don't make firm plans anymore. I have brought a 2023 diary and I'm going to start recording what I did do that day. If that's not much then I obviously needed a day of not much 😁 I think we put too much pressure on ourselves to " achieve " when maybe just sitting and being calm is all you need to achieve in that moment. Wishing you and the family a happy, healthy, calm 2023 ❤

This was lovely and very inspirational you. I love the idea of listing your achievements rather than setting goals! Thank you 😊

Thanks so much for your perspective on how to approach getting more done this year and in a more enjoyable way. Be kind to yourself.

I stumbled across your video and it was just what I needed to hear. I work full time and I am dealing with an unexpected health battle. I know I need make the time to create so I set a lot of goals to try and make that happen. I am already feeling trapped by them. I think to 'go with the flow' and to be kind to yourself is the way to go with some goal setting for key dates/gifts making etc. I am definitely going to rethink how I approach 2023. Thank you.

Thankyou for lovely positive video. I made a form with areas to fill in with my design ideas to keep with project which helps me to remember what I wanted to make. It's a lovely feeling when it's done to re-read the form and know you achieved it or how you altered plan on the way. St Francis of Assissi said "Start by doing what is necessary, then what's possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible" .

Hi Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. May 2023 be avery creative year and lots of videos from you!!!! Just love the way you talk so peacefully with us. Makes me just calm down and breath. I am not a good planner nor do I stick to goals. I love to just go with whatever I feel like doing and enjoy every minute of it. Now that New Year is over I can move my favorite project back to the nice sunny spot in my lounge and work on getting the hexi's done. Tahe care and thanks for sharing your own ideas with me.

A wonderful video. Thank you for permission to slow down to have more enjoyment, I tend to have so many things I want to accomplish it's difficult to move forward. I always enjoy your videos.

I love the mind set to switch to writing down your accomplishments instead of a "to do" list. Sometimes that "to do" list can be too daunting and stop you in your tracks. I am making a Sue Daley EPP Dragonfly quilt which I started 3 years ago and there it is still on my list. I will hopefully get it done this year as I am on row 9 of 11. I do cut out all the pieces for all the blocks for the row I am working on at one time, place them in zip lock bags and then I can take them away on trips, or work on them while I watch TV at night.

My life is really busy now I’m retired, mainly going to craft and music groups. Don’t always get time to sew at home but during lockdown I started supporting our town’s league football club again by just listening to the matches on the radio in my little craft room whilst crafting. Now if I’m in when the matches are on I make a point of listening to them. 2-3 hours of bliss listening and crafting!

I don't keep my tools with the projects anymore as I am like you, I flutter from project to project and my tools would get put away with the project, sometimes for years! I now keep a set of tools at different locations. One set by my big cozy chair, one in my "to go" bag and one set in my sewing room. ... But I do set up project bags and boxes as you suggest. But I also add a status page. It contains notes that I make when starting the project, the current status, what it needs and what I'm thinking still needs to be done. I keep this note updated every time I put a project down as I never know when a project gets put aside. And with my memory... sometimes I can't remember one day to the next! The notes always save me time getting familiar with a project...(even if it was only yesterday)! 💖🌞🌵😷

Emma thank you for a wonderful video. I make a list of 10 UFO's (there are more - I'm blushing now) and those are my focus UFO's for the year. If I finish them, I finish them. I also make a wish list of projects I want to do and that is also open to change. I don't put deadlines on my work, unless it is something that is needed like a kitchen apron or a quilt for winter. My hobbies (quilting, hand embroidery, knitting, crochet and junk journalling) are for my pleasure and I make sure to enjoy them. Comparison is the thief of joy.

Here’s to a happy new year! I loved your focus on listing accomplishments in lieu of the to do list. I barely got through any of my goal projects as I was a caregiver for my dad. I was able to take my embroidery with me and on days that I could I stitched. I may only have one beautifully stitched bicycle and flowers but each stitch provided calm in a very stressful environment. I will be giving myself grace to go at my own pace while surrounded by lots of pretty projects.

The part about not setting deadlines or goals resonated with me; if I put that stress onto myself then suddenly it's not a hobby, it's a *job*. Thank you for a different perspective! My favourite part is hand-quilting, because I find it meditative. I'm learning to reframe piecing as a challenge, and I putter away at basting my hexies and filling a shoebox with them. I want to make a full-sized quilt for each of my grown children, and after that I'll just play at whatever patterns and colours strike my fancy.

Happy New Year Emma🎉 I totally agree with you about not setting goals. Our artistry is a joy not a chore. It stresses me now if I’m obligated to get a project done. So now I have a section just for my cross stitching and my sewing room for my quilting. I’m much happier now. Enjoy every minute of life. Take care and God Bless you Emma.🥰

Thank you dear Emma, for this incredibly wise video! I actually was thinking along the same lines when I took out my new planner. I usually make up a big list of things I want to get done but I just didn't feel like it this time. Your ideas fit perfectly into a restful approach to the things we enjoy. Instead of projects I am going to jot down ideas, as they come to me. It will be fun to see what we come up with when we are not under pressure! One thing I am going to investigate is weaving, my son bought me a loom for Christmas... Thank you for your gift of sensibility and peace to the community! ♥

Winter time is for dreaming, letting small project ideas wander through your mind, even writing them down as a wish

I really loved your tips and suggestions. My favorite is to write down the achievements! That is a great idea versus seeing all that you did not get accomplished. I love getting projects all put together in one container and I really love the tins! I am going to try those tips. I do set aside about 5-30 minutes every day/evening to work with my hands. It does ground me and gives me peace of mind and soul. Thank you Emma for your kinds words and great ideas.

Beautiful! I agree 110% with your messages in this video! With so much structure in our every day lives, our hobbies should be a moments to relax and center our thoughts. And I also agree with "enjoy the season". I used to detest winter because of the cold and grey... and I've since learned to enjoy winter for the slower pace... and use this time to relax and enjoy the therapy of sewing! Thank you!

Worth its weight in gold. Thank you. Your videos inspire me to do more and to think of things I would never have thought of. I like the whole EPP process. I don't like not having the time to do it.

Totally spooky Emma - I am surrounded by my Cath Kidston house sewing boxes ready to clear them out and get ready for projects. I got the Tudor one for Christmas so excited to use that. Thank you so much for this advice - I have spent the whole day so far since 6.30 this morning getting my new craft area ready to use and sorting all my cross stitch kits and yarn and cleaned out the garden shed as well! I’m mad. Took 6 hours so far. Just getting over a nasty cough and cold and still not feeling able to give myself time. Spent yesterday sorting my craft books and re-jigging the kitchen. I’m like a woman possessed! So…..I’m going to make a cup of tea and read my Almanac and Edwardian Lady book, which I found amongst my craft books and will do one sewing box today. I even weirdly have the same headphones and have the print book of Winter in Thrush Green! Brilliant idea - a tin of hexagons. I think we all need to go on a Vintage Sewing Box Retreat 😂. Thank you so much for this much-needed vlog. Lesley x❤

This was the most lovely serene videos I’ve watched. Lovely seeing your sewing room. You have such a soothing voice to listen too….

Emma my much loved sister Margaret passed away this morning. I am trying my best to support my brothers and sisters as well as our four nephews who are all in their early thirties. Please say a little prayer for us when you can. am going to make a definite effort to re start some small sewing projects soon and prioritise my sewing as an important aspect of my "time for me". God bless and please keep making your lovely videos. Love vera in Northern Ireland

I agree with what you have been saying when I make a list of things to get done I look at the list and I get overwhelmed then nothing gets done and I think we should be more kind to our self love watching your videos 🇨🇦🇨🇦

I cant thank you enough for your inspiration today. It’s been a difficult week and your kindness and that soothing voice helped a lot. I will no longer make endless lists of things I have to do, but I will take your advice and make a note of things accomplished. So much more encouraging! I will treat myself to a lovely walk to enjoy nature a bit more often. And I’ll put on an audiobook when I’m mending for other people instead of sewing for myself. There are things we can do to make life more enjoyable and we should do them. Thank you so much for today 🥰

I love your soothing, calm voice and gentle approach to the creative life. Your “Accomplishments” page is positive and inspiring. I have a similar method of writing an anti-list: I have a pocket calendar and write down tasks I completed that day which makes me feel productive. Having space and kits ready to go is also a wonderful tip for ease of slipping in and out of a project. Thinking of being an artist can change one’s approach and dedication to craftwork, you are right. Thank you for sharing your artistry, wisdom, and kindness.❤

Lovely video, and such good ideas! For your list of accomplishments, you could also include projects started, progress made and not just the completions. For me I like to keep a running list of things I want to accomplish, but only as a suggestion so that when I have time, I can look and see what my choices are. I don’t put deadlines on anything. Btw, I absolutely love all the florals you work with.

I found this really helpful. I had decided not to set any resolutions this year or have a word of the year. However I will now be keeping a list of accomplishments but I’m also going to write down any little victories even if it’s not a finished thing. Xxx

Wow, so true, Emma. im with you there, and I told my daughter I'm not setting goals, just going to track my finishes.

So thrilled to have found you. I too don’t plan on resolutions but more accomplishments and completed projects. Doing a little bit daily is super encouraging. What I do is I have each project in a fabric bag or basket and place them in an ottoman I use with a removable lid. That way I know where they are if they are on my current knit, crochet or EPP list. I try to keep myself to 3 projects and if I get bored I switch them out. Thanks so much for your lovely site. I’m from San Francisco Bay Area in California USA!🎉❤🎉

Hi Emma, I have never been one to set goals for my sewing either. My feelings are similar to yours. I always say when something calls me I know it’s time to dig it out and give it some love. Sometimes I can spend a long time on one project. I think in the morning I will get up and do this or that to the project. but it’s the funniest thing, I’ll get up in the morning and I’ll think, today I’m going to work on a different project that’s been calling me. I’ll get it out. Start working on it and love every minute of it. The neat thing of it is I have my favorite projects and my not so favorite projects. Eventually they get done. And I enjoyed working on them along the way. I think, it depends upon your emotions your feelings and your thoughts. How does different projects make you feel when you started them. Time goes by and your emotions change. So with each project in a dress is a different emotion feeling or thoughts. So the bottom line is I never have made a book with goals I sew.

For years, since high school, I've always carried crafts with me. I was diagnosed with ADHD and having things to occupy my hands settles me. So I've made myself a purse that can carry a full skein of yarn in my purse, the right hook is in my main pouch and at any moment, if I need something for my hands to do I can bring this super simple crochet project out and work on it at a moment's notice. I also like to have a "car craft" box and have been working on setting up more than one. I did a xmas tree ornament box one year that was largely an embroidery project hand have made several EPP hot pads while waiting to pick up kids or my husband from work. So I absolutely agree with you on the whole, having the stuff for a project stashed together so that you can just pick it up and work on it.

I’m 78…and I’ve finally gotten a healthy rhythm for my life. I now see my life as an adventure and not just a destination. ❤

Some great suggestions there for creative folks, thoroughly enjoy your KZfaq channel

Emma...I purchased a second hand copy of The Country Diary Of An Edwardian Lady, the book came from the UK . I was so touched to see it inscribed as follows...To Beth, my darling wife and equally gifted lady on her 75th Birthday signed Anthony May 6th 1996....and carefully pressed into an envelope of the book were the roses she must have received from her dear caring husband. It makes this copy of the book even more special to me. I love your videos Emma. 😊❤️

I really enjoyed your suggestions and your video, of course. I really love your suggestions on writing down your accomplishments instead of having a to-do list. Thank you for being you

Wise words lovely girl…….I’m sure that we all can take some if not all of these words to ourselves…..I know that I have some readjusting to do…..I really like what you said about telling ourselves that we’re are a creative …..thank you for bravely sharing yourself. Much love for this new year.

I so enjoy your video, your outlook on life. Your quiet voice is so soothing. Thank you.

Perfect start to the new year! We often forget to follow our own path and be kind to ourselves. Much happiness to you for 2023.

Great advice Emma. Having a needle threaded for when you next get to stitch on a project has been quite a game changer for me over the past year, as well as organising each project into their own project bag, box or place so that they are each self contained. That has meant making sure that I have needles, pins, scissors and thread with each project. I decided to make several needle books or ‘huswives’ to add to each bag - that’s another great way to enjoy a small amount of embroidery or eep as well as using small precious bits from the stash.

I love your ethos Emma. For the past 5 years, I have been living an isolated life, which I love at times, just me and my rescue greyhound Madge, but I do miss human company. I sold my car, as I was not using it. I love my walks with my dog from my home, and that is the only time I go out, I live in a rural place, away from any shops. But I am a pottery painter, and love all arts and crafts, I just have not felt like doing any, and I have owned and run 5 shops in the past (one at a time) selling mine, and local arts and crafts. But I agree with you putting down what you have achieved, not what you are hoping to, as this way, it is so much more positive - to look back on what you HAVE done. I loved your video - thank you, and Blessings to you from Devon, England. xxx

Hello! Thank You for sharing your change in mind set as a stitcher. I especially like your approach on recording your accomplishment. They can be daily accomplishment along with a wish list of future starts. Be Well

Thank you for putting this message out. Lots of KZfaq sewers are starting new projects. I just pulled out a few that I want to get finished. I like the idea of starting something new in spring.

Agree with every word , Emma! I hate sewing deadlines. I just want to relax and enjoy the process. I don't care how long things take to complete.

Such an Inspiring Video & Wonderful Advice! Yes, we should All treat ourselves more gently. Thanks!

This was a beautiful video! One thing I am trying this year is to spend just 1 hour each Sunday on my hobby. I of course grab time here and there but knowing I have that 1 hour to get larger parts of my project done is encouraging. I subscribed to your channel and am excited to watch past videos from you.

A beautiful and thoughtful video. I have so many projects I want to do. The idea of starting just a little task on a project. Will help with completion. I have so many tins that would help with getting organized. Thank you for taking the time to share.

Re: making least favorite tasks more enjoyable. I like to divide tasks into prep and finish tasks: so an EPP project can be broken into marking and cutting out shapes one day, glueing/basting the fabric onto the paper another and sewing on yet another. Right now there are two glued patches ready to be basted and later sewn, and I've also cut several patches of fabric ready to be prepped. Easy-peasy! Thanks for a good video and happy new year!

Your lovely words make so much sense about Spring time being the time to start something new and revive yourself. I rarely set goals for the new year, as it is unrealistic and can put you under pressure to achieve the unachievable. Thank you for your insightful thoughts.

As usual you inspire us to achieve what is good for us. Not too much that we overextend ourselves, but enough to gain the satisfaction from what we have produced. I'm taking on board your idea about writing down achievements, will try and do it daily as even the little things are gains! I tend to do my cutting out whilst watching Wildearth on KZfaq, I'm sure watching elephants munching away lowers my blood pressure when doing this tedious task.😂So here's to a mindful, productive 2023 for us all!

Beautiful sentiment, grab it while you can...be kinder to yourself...sew a tiny bit everyday, your sewing room reminds me of mine!!! Lots of Liberty. Thank you 🌷

Such good advice to be kind to oneself and not set unachievable goals but use those moments which become available to relax, stay in the moment and enjoy whatever we're doing. Thank you.

Oh Emma, thank you for being so inspiring. By watching your video I started to think about not being so hard on myself about my goals. I too have written down in the past all the things I want to achieve, and only completed one thing. I LOVE the idea of writing down what you HAVE completed and seeing the list grow.....this is my tap on the back moment. I really think we can clog our mind up with the things we want to do and then battle with ourselves when it is not realistic to finish these projects. I loved your video and presentation......as always. Thank you Emma x

First achievement of the year - being kind to yourself! 💖 I just spent this New Year weekend selecting and kitting up some cross stitch patterns from my way-too-large-want-to-do pile (😬) and threads stash. I now have 6 patterns ready (including needles!) for any time I feel like it in between other sewing/knitting projects. I can vouch for the great feeling knowing they’re ready for me if or when I want to do them. I love your message of no pressure,Emma - that’s going to be my goal this year 🥰

Everything you said in your video is so true, so welcoming and also helpful. I like yourself have a number of projects I’m working on and I like to work on any one project at any given time especially when it calls to me. I agree that if you set too many goals for yourself you will end up not accomplishing any 😢 but you are so more at peace when you just let go and go with the flow. You are so inspiring I am a new subscriber and I love EPP. I’m almost finished with a 3/4” hexagon king size quilt top myself. What an inspiration to do a quilt as you go 🥰 hexagon

Different embroidery projects of mine sometimes bring back memories of the specific audiobook I was listening to while making them!! I have a standard sewing bag which always has needles, scissors and a thread catcher in then I add in 2-3 clear plastic project bags at a time. The sewing bag moves with me and i can easily swap out the projects when I finish them/get bored. My new rule is to enjoy the project I'm working on at the time. I often find that i'm carrying on embroidering something but wanting to be finished so I can do something else from my pile. I need to cherish the sewing time I have. I'll let you know how it works out though!

You are so right. Emma we need to be kinder to ourselves and not make our craft a chore. I also think we need to reevaluate old projects and and allow ourselves to pass them on if we are not wanting to finish them any more. Or perhaps that big project turns into a small project. A quilt to a table runner. Our tastes change and sometime what interested us years ago is not doing it for us now. That is okay too.

Thank you. Once again, you have put how I’m feeling into words. Have a gentle year. ❤

Happy New Year! A beautiful inspirational video, Emma! I like your new approach to getting more things accomplished! Focusing on accomplishments instead of To-Do-Lists is brilliant! You’ve given me something to think about! I do hope that 2023 will be kind to you!💜

I really loved this video. It was just perfect timing. Last year I started separating my projects and making sure I had everything needed to complete each project. Along the same lines as your video. But your approach to reframing tasks and mindset is so helpful. Thankyou so much 😘

Such a lovely video, always a pleasure to watch and listen to you, you are so calming. Love all your ideas for taking things at a slower pace. Hibernating is the perfect word to use as it conjures up thoughts and images of being cosy, warm and cocooned in your own little world. I will be in hibernation for most of today 😊

Enjoy your channel and find inspiration in your creativity and art! Appreciate your ideas and perspective to keeping motivated.

I loved your video! You are such a sweet gentle soul. Thank you for all of your very helpful tips.

Thank you Emma for sharing your thoughts. I will use your inspiring ideas, along with my moments of quiet peace and simple pleasures, for 2023. May your year be one of the same. I am hoping to keep a daily record of my sewing, even if it was only for 5-10 minutes😊 🧵🪡

As always Emma you are so wonderful and inspiring to listen to, even in July! I love your idea of having no goals and listing your achievements instead.

I like your approach! I have also had that thing happen when we have all the best intentions of working off a list and doing so much per day, etc. What happens? Life. That's what happens. Organization is a great place to start. Plus it reminds you of all the lovely things you have that you want to get to! Thank you for this dose of reality. Xoxo

Thankyou Emma you have given me an insight on how to view my projects. I will certainly listen to the video again as a reminder. Enjoy 2023 and be happy. X

Thankyou!!! I am feeling the pressure already with new and upcoming projects for this year but I havent even finished last years... Most days I get completely overwhemed and I don't do anything. I totally love your tip about grouping and organizing projects so they are ready to go, that is one step closer to the finish line!! I will also make an accomplishment list, that is such a brilliant idea! My focus will shifted to the pure joy sewing brings to me rather than how much I can get done!!

I started this approach in 2022 and found it so helpful. Having various projects on the go with everything to hand means you can flip between depending on what you fancy doing on what day - however big or small the project. Your video has inspired me to continue this new approach - no targets, goals or pressure just pure relaxing enjoyment as and when. You are a pleasure to listen to Emma 😊

all of this. simply every single word. ty ❤️

Love this video , so inspirational. I have 3 EPP projects in bags waiting to go . Each one have the material , scissors, pins, clips, glue . Every time I got a few minutes I get one out . Every min u do it , it will get done sooner . Happy new year and all the Best for 23 . Love this video , looking forward to your next video .

This has helped me so much tonight...so peaceful....I enjoy EPP so much...love knitting, quilting, embroidery....your embroidery is absolutely beautiful...thank you

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.💕💕 I always get so much from what you say. Happy New Year 🎉 Wishing you and your family all the best in 2023 🤗🤗

Well, you made this video months ago but I am just now watching it. But it was a great podcast and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Your ideas were just what I needed to hear. I especially liked your idea of having several projects "set up" and ready to be stitched as well as grouping 'like tasks' to be done together. And organization is my least favorite but where I definitely need to begin. I retired recently and am still trying to navigate my time during the week to make time for sewing as well as housekeeping. So thanks so much for your inspiration. Very good thoughts to share❤️

I look forward to your videos. The background music and your lovely voice make it so enjoyable. Your embroidery is so beautiful and a pleasure to see along with all your lovely containers.

Really, really liked your video...a practical, lovely outlook on the New Year...Thank you for your vlog...and, by the way you were my inspiration for my EPP quilt...saw your work...made my own design..pandemic set in and off I went into my EPP world! I am at the hand quilting stage..so relaxing. 💚 HAPPY NEW YEAR 💚

Hello! I have just found your channel and I’m so glad I did. So much of what you’ve said resonates with me. I agree wholeheartedly about not setting targets and goals at this time of year. Winter for me is all about resting and recharging, retreating at home and taking care until the warmer weather arrives. I love your work too it’s beautiful and a lovely change from the usual types of patchwork you see so much of. Happy new year and I look forward to seeing your list of accomplishments at the end of the 2023.

Truer words were never spoken. Thank you Dear Emma❣🥰

How gorgeous Emma, “having a goal of having no goals but achievements instead”. Yep, I totally agree that the pressure seems to be about getting as much done in a year as possible and forgetting the pleasure factor. I used to look back at the end of a year and ask what did I achieve or writing down every month what I actually accomplished that month. Now I just go with the flow and this year I will try to finish a few UFO’s in my cupboard, some quilts. Apart from a quilt I want to make for our bed, I’m going to do lots of small projects as they come along. I have an embroidery ready-to-go project in a bag that I just pick up when I go to my fornightly craft group and also do it when I talk to my sister on the phone which is usually a 2hr conversation; I get lots done at that time. Making time for oneself is most important. Thankyou and Happy New Year to you and everyone on this forum. Xx😀🇳🇿

I love your channel. Thank you so much for making such gentle, encouraging and beautiful videos.

Hello Emma! Greetings from Hawaii. You have the most adorable vintage looking containers to put your projects in, great idea! I love using baskets and covered boxes to put my projects in. I will borrow your idea of listing accomplishments rather than setting goals. I’m glad to have found you on You Tube even if it was by accident; very relaxing and enjoyable. Have a wonderful 2023 year!

Your video was very inspiring and encouraging, You made me feel better about when I don’t accomplish what I think I should have finished . I really want to just enjoy the beauty of sewing , crafting , outside and the things that mean so much to me . Thank you .

Thank you for sharing I was thinking that same thing last week just do things as your inspired each day, I am disabled and fighting depression. I watch a youtube account called Nicole's Needlework and she started English paper piecing and has a neat box with separated sections, and I am in awe of her needlework gorgeous, she does Flosstube that is taking off so many channels now. Have a amazing day.

Thank you so much for the focus on a happy life! So much to consider and think about! Have to say, though, that having pretty boxes and containers and bags DOES make it more enjoyable for me! I love the “Emma Way” of sewing room decorating! New Year blessings for you and your family! 🤗

I really enjoyed your video! That is an amazing idea! I’m always disappointed in myself when I don’t meet my goals. I never thought about reversing it and listing what I do accomplish. ☺️Thank you!

I am impressed by the quality and increased depth and maturity of your videos. This one in particular was quite beautiful. You have made great strides from the shy first video. You should be very pleased with your wonderful development. Your thoughts were also spot on.

Thank you Emma for such inspiration. I am going to organize my projects and endeavor to finish my ongoing WIP's :)

TFS. I love the idea of no goals but listing accomplishments instead! I love to make lists so maybe the psychology of this will work better for me. I will be more happy with writing down what I have done way better than what I need to do and then when I don't guilt has an invitation. Not this year! 💙 👋

Very good ideas! I wish I could do more hand sewing, but arthritis gets in the way. I keep it minimal, and do more with my sewing machine. Love your sewing room!