The Busy Mom’s Guide to Finding Time for Creative Hobbies
Hello, my artsy friend! If you're anything like me, your days are filled to the brim. There’s the morning rush, work or errands, endless snacks, bedtime routines—and somehow, you're supposed to also find time for yourself? Yeah. It’s hard.
But here's what I’ve learned: you don’t need huge chunks of time to enjoy a creative hobby like hand embroidery. What you do need is a little strategy, a little intention, and a whole lot of grace.
So if you’re craving more creativity but feel like your schedule is bursting at the seams, this one’s for you. Here are some realistic, doable ways to carve out time for embroidery—even when life feels like a three-ring circus.
1. Reclaim the Small Moments
You don’t need an entire afternoon to enjoy stitching. Five to ten minutes here and there really do add up. Try:
While the baby naps
During screen time or snack breaks
In the carline (keep a mini hoop in your bag!)
While watching TV at night
Think of it as creative micro-dosing. 🎨
2. Create a Grab-and-Go Project Bag
If setting up feels like a chore, you're less likely to actually start. Keep a small pouch with a hoop, needle, thread, and scissors ready to go at all times. When inspiration (or downtime) strikes—you’re set.
3. Schedule It Like You Would an Appointment
This one might sound rigid, but it works. Add embroidery time to your calendar—even if it’s just 15 minutes twice a week. When you treat it like a non-negotiable, you’re more likely to protect it.
4. Let the Kids See You Stitching
Yes, even if they’re climbing on you. You’re modeling creative self-care. Let them color next to you or "help" you pick colors. You don’t have to wait for perfect peace and quiet to be creative (because honestly… that’s not coming anytime soon).
5. Lower the Bar (Seriously)
You don’t have to finish a whole hoop in one sitting. One stitch is enough. A few minutes with your thread is enough. It all counts. The point isn’t to be productive—it’s to feel present.
6. Make It Your Wind-Down Ritual
Instead of defaulting to mindless scrolling or Netflix every night, make embroidery your way to decompress. Light a candle. Put on a podcast. Let your day slow down, stitch by stitch.
7. Give Yourself Permission
You are allowed to make time for yourself. You are allowed to have hobbies that aren’t for anyone else but you. This isn’t indulgent—it’s necessary. Creativity fills your cup so you can keep showing up in all the ways that matter.
You Don’t Need More Time—You Just Need to Claim It
Your schedule may be full, but your creativity still matters. And with a few intentional shifts, embroidery can become something that fits into your real life—not something you have to wait for.
The busiest mom especially deserves a hobby.
Ready to get started?
I'd love to be part of your journey, so I’ve created a fun practice pattern that lets you learn everything from a back stitch to the french knot. Download your free pattern and guide to stitch along with me! The pattern has 15 different stitches for you to practice. And if you need help, I’ve got you! Hop over to my master stitch list or connect with me on YouTube to watch step-by-step videos for each of the stitches.
Happy stitching, my artsy friend! 🪡✨
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