New Project Bag

After having the fabric cut for (cough) a "few" months...I finally got around to sewing up a new project bag. And I love it!

It's the "What'cha Got" bag by This and That. This is the small version. It was pretty straight forward sewing. You probably should have some experience sewing bags and zippers.

It's the perfect size. I love the colors and fabrics. And I especially love the little see-through window!

I'm definitely going to plan to make a few more. 

Let's just hope that doesn't take years:)

Taking care of your spinning wheel

Click here to download a printable PDF to keep near your spinning wheel.

Part 7 : The Organized Woman's Guide - Keeping it Real

Keeping it Real

This series is about discovering time you already have that maybe you just aren't using as wisely as you could.  I decided to do this series because I've learned some things that work for me, some things I'd like to improve upon, and some things I still need to learn!

Whether you want more knitting time, time to spin, crochet, paint, or read.  There are sure to be some tips and techniques you can use for better time management.

So I hope you’ve gained some tips to help you find more actual knitting time in the past few weeks.  Knitters should knit, and enjoy the process and the product.  If you are one of those people who wishes they could get more FOs and consequently start more new projects, I hope this series will help you do just that.

Of course, you can apply this series to any craft:  crochet, cross stitch, embroidery, sewing, quilting, etc.  

IT SHOULD BE FUN

For most of us, knitting is our hobby.  So, it should be fun!  Spending a little time getting our supplies and space organized can help us enjoy the knitting.  Learning to focus and avoid distractions can help us finish more of the projects we start.  

But above all, we should enjoy the time we spend knitting.

DON’T PANIC

If you’re knitting space or supplies are still a mess, don’t panic.  Don’t let imperfection stop you from enjoying your hobby.  Tackle it in small bites.  

If you spend two hours looking at Facebook and reading blogs and don’t get any knitting done, don’t panic.  Resolve to cut back, even if it means using an actual timer.  

TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY

As Scarlett O’Hara famously said!  Keep on knitting....6XYKBAXHR5AG

Part 6 : The Organized Woman's Guide - Personality Plus

This series is about discovering time you already have that maybe you just aren't using as wisely as you could.  I decided to do this series because I've learned some things that work for me, some things I'd like to improve upon, and some things I still need to learn!

Whether you want more knitting time, time to spin, crochet, paint, or read.  There are sure to be some tips and techniques you can use for better time management.

Personality Plus

I'm currently reading a book called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain.  It's a fascinating read.  Especially as I am firmly planted in the introvert camp.  And I love reading about people who identify with my personality traits.  (And, no surprise, I love reading!)   But it's got me to thinking about Introverts & Extroverts as it applies to knitting.

We all have our preferred place and time for knitting.  And I believe that whether you are an introvert or extravert has a definite affect on those things.  Do you like to knit alone or in a group?  Do you prefer complex patterns or quick and simple things?

What's Your Personality?

If you're not sure which side you fall on, you can take a quiz.  And remember, it's a sliding scale.  Some folks are very introverted, others just a little bit.  You might be a gregarious, bigger than life extrovert.  Or just someone who enjoys people.  Or maybe you're an ambivert - a balance of both.

Where you fall on the scale can determine your preferences for an evening of knitting.  Introverts usually prefer to knit alone or in very small groups, where they can focus on what they are doing.  I know I prefer to knit in my usual spot with my husband and my dog for company.  I don't enjoy knitting while trying to watch TV or a movie.  I love listening to music, usually being played by my husband.  This is a great way for me to recharge my batteries.

On the other hand, extroverts enjoy having a social evening with a lot of knitters talking and sharing what they're working on.  They get energy from these evenings.  They can enjoy sharing their work process and how they did something a certain way.

Quiet and Deep, or The Life of the Party?

Some of the traits of introverts include:

• Enjoy solitude
• Have a rich and deep inner thought life
• Prefer one-on-one conversations to group activities
• Prefer not to show or discuss their work with others until it's finished
• Can concentrate easily and enjoys complex tasks

Some of the traits of extraverts include:

• Enjoy group activities
• Fluent communicators
• Comfortable in group settings and enjoy being the center of attention
• Easily volunteers personal information or shows work process
• Can become easily bored

Double the Benefit

Introverts and extroverts can benefit from each other.  Your introverted friend may be able to help you with that complex lace pattern.  While the extroverted designer puts out a series of entertaining and helpful tutorials on the basics of knitting.  So, be true to who you are.  Neither is better than the other, and we need both types in our lives. 

But don't feel like you need to "act like" the extrovert ideal that our culture celebrates if you are naturally introverted.  As Susan Cain says in her book "You're told that you're 'in your head too much,' a phrase that's often deployed against the quiet and cerebral.  Of course, there's another word for such people:  thinkers."

Be Yourself

So for me, I enjoy going to a fiber festival every now and then.  Hanging around other fiber people.  Talking, looking, comparing.  It's a fun day.  I just don't want to do it every weekend.

You'll usually find me in my living room, in my favorite chair, curled up with a cup of tea and my latest project...something in lace these days.  Happy and content 'in my own head.'

Are you introverted?  Extroverted? 

How do you most enjoy your knitting time?

Part 5 : The Organized Woman's Guide - Avoiding Distraction

Avoiding Distraction

This series is about discovering time you already have that maybe you just aren't using as wisely as you could.  I decided to do this series because I've learned some things that work for me, some things I'd like to improve upon, and some things I still need to learn!

Whether you want more knitting time, or time to spin, crochet, paint, or read.  There are sure to be some tips and techniques you can use for better time management.

"Consider what you give your attention to each day. It’s a precious resource, & determines the shape of your life." - Leo Babauta

I know too well what it's like.  You work all day (doing at least 80 things), then  you come home and fix dinner, throw a load of laundry in the wash, pick up the living room, check all the social media stuff, then make sure you aren't missing something really exciting that might be happening in the world (we don't want to be left out), and check out the 483 blogs you regularly read, etc., etc.  Then you check Ravelry to see what's new there (how do people get so many things knit so fast?  I can't even finish a hat!) 

Before you know it, you feel dejected (not to mention tired!) and figure 'what the heck,' I'll just chill and watch a movie.  And boom, another night with no knitting accomplished.  Sound familiar?  Yep, me too.

There is a fix.  Here's how to reclaim your ability to focus and GET THINGS DONE. 

FOCUS ON YOUR GOAL

1. Start Small

The best way to succeed is to choose something that seems easy to you.  You should feel at least 90% sure that you can complete your chosen goal.  Success is a motivating force, propelling you on to the next goal.  Don't choose the hardest thing first.

2. Stop Reading and Start "Doing"

I can easily spend hours and hours looking at knitting magazines and blogs, getting lots of inspiration and ideas.  But that doesn't get one stitch knit on my sweater.  Reading helps - it helps you understand and it can motivate.  But it's not a substitute for doing.

3. Focus on Now

Knit for 5 minutes, 10 minutes.  Give your complete attention to your knitting.  These moments add up to a finished project.

DO ONE THING AT A TIME

1. Pick one thing to focus on at a time

When you are knitting, turn off all other distractions.  Shut off your phone and your TV.  You enjoy knitting, so really enjoy it.  Savor the feel of the yarn, the way the pattern is emerging, the softness of the fabric and all the other wonderful tactile benefits of knitting.  If your focus is on something else, you miss this experience.  Don't!

2. Stop Multitasking

Multitasking is less efficient, due to the need to switch gears back and forth.   Scientists are learning that we actually don't work on more than one thing at a time.  Our brain jumps back and forth between tasks, giving less than total attention to either one.  It's more complicated and leaves you prone to errors, and it can drive you crazy!  In this already chaotic world, we need to find a simpler, less stressful and more productive way.

ELIMINATE THE BACKGROUND NOISE

1. Limit Computer & Social Media Time

Checking your email?  Give yourself just 5 minutes to read, reply or delete, and then get out.  Twitter?  Check the top 20 tweets in your feed, then leave.  Seriously, don't let these things take up hours of your time.  

2. Be Brief

Spend 5 minutes on email, 10 minutes reading blog feeds, 5 minutes on Twitter.  Limit the time you spend on less important things, so you have more time for important things.   Don't say "Yes" when you should say "No."

3. Be Picky

Consciously consider that amount of attention that Facebook, Twitter, Email, Blogging, etc. receive each day.  While you're at it, look at how much time is devoted to television, celebrity watching, sports or news.  It can be a revelation to discover how much of our time is frittered away.

COMPLETE IT - GET TO DONE

1. Work On It Every Day

Every time you spend 5 or 10 minutes knitting on an heirloom shawl, you move it closer to completion.  Don't miss those small moments available everyday for a few rows.  

2. Keep It Simple

Easier said than done, right?  Maybe not.  You don't need to accomplish everything with this project.  Don't redesign everything you knit.  Just knit the pattern.  Even if you are working on a complex pattern, break it down.  Tackle each step as a separate goal.

3. Lose Perfectionism

It's one thing to frog a project that has visible, pattern-altering mistakes that you would notice every time you looked at it.  It's another thing to tink back 10 rows because you put an ssk in where a k2tog should have been.  Look at the big picture, and realize many beautiful handknits have small imperfections.   It doesn't diminish their beauty, and you don't lose your sanity.

Avoiding distraction in today's world takes some effort.  (After all, you're reading a blog right now...and thank you!)  But the rewards are well worth it.

Every time you complete a project successfully, you:

• grow as a knitter
• learn new techniques
• learn about new yarns

• become proficient in your skills

You find out:

• the things you enjoy working on
• the things at which you excel
• the things you need to improve

Of course, these ideas can be used to focus on anything you choose, whether it be knitting, writing, fitness, education, bowling or whatever.  Choose your passion and FOCUS!

Part 4 : The Organized Woman's Guide - Projects

This series is about discovering time you already have that maybe you just aren't using as wisely as you could.  I decided to do this series because I've learned some things that work for me, some things I'd like to improve upon, and some things I still need to learn!

Whether you want more knitting time, time to spin, crochet, paint, or read.  There are sure to be some tips and techniques you can use for better time management.

Projects

We knitters, we love our projects.  Big projects, little projects, travel projects, mindless knitting projects, new technique projects...you name it, we've got a project for it.

It's rare that I have less than 2 things on the needles at any given time, and it's usually closer to 3 or 4.  And that doesn't count the projects I'm thinking about knitting, planning to knit and getting ready to knit.

It can get messy.  And un-organized. 

So, how does an organized woman  arrange her knitting projects?

In a word:  

BAGS

Project bags are the best thing since wool for the multiple-project knitter.  There are multiple uses for bags in knitting: 

The overall knitting bag-

Ideal for holding your tools and projects in progress.  Most knitters have a "knitting bag."  For some it's a dedicated, made-for-the-purpose bag, for others it's also their purse.  I fall into the latter category.

It's rare for me to buy or make a purse that doesn't have a divider in the middle, so one side can be my "purse" side and the other my "knitting" side.  And pockets!  Knitters love pockets, and lots of them.  They're great for holding needles, notions, patterns, extra yarn, and anything else a girl might need.

My current bag is shown below.  It's roomy, has lots of pockets, 2 main sections with a zippered divider in the middle plus I love the color. 

Individual project bags-

These are the true workhorse bags of the knitter's world.  A couple of years ago, I made myself about a dozen small & medium bags with a drawstring closure.  They are my favorite project bags, as well as being great for getting upcoming projects ready to go.

I love the box bags I've seen around, but I haven't made any yet.  Whatever you choose, it should be smaller rather than larger and have "squishability" - soft enough to compress and fit in your knitting bag, suitcase or purse.

I use my project bags to hold my current works-in-progress (a separate bag for each):
I keep the pattern, the item and extra yarn in the bag. 

I might also  have a travel project in my purse (usually a sock).

And I use project bags to get upcoming projects ready to go.  I have a basket that I keep just for upcoming projects, and it holds a few bags that have the pattern, yarn and needles ready to go.  That way the next pattern is ready when I am.

Tools & notions bag-

I've also made a few smaller notions bags (or pouches).  Below is a picture of the one that stays beside my knitting chair and all its contents.  It holds a lot in a small space, and I always know where all the little bits and bobs are.  I've got a smaller version in my purse and another ready for travel or whatever. 

Stash bags-

I don't have any stash bags, since I prefer baskets and shelves.  But a lot of knitters swear by the large vacuum bags for holding vast amounts of stash yarn and fiber.

And the other way to keep your projects organized?   

Ravelry

It's hard to imagine that there are any knitters out there who haven't heard of Ravelry.  But if you have not, go join right now.  It's free and it's wonderful.  I'll wait.

I could go on for days about all the perks and wonderfulness that is Ravelry, but let's stick to Project Organization for the time being.  And in that regard, it's a knitter's best friend.  You can:


Keep track of current projects on your own project page (and thereby have an online record of everything you knit).                        


Keep notes and necessary information about each project.  Each project page lets you record the pattern name, designer, yarn you chose, needles and any notes you want to include.  If you make changes or modifications to a pattern, here's the place to record the details.  This helps and you and everyone else who views your project.

Queue things you'd like to knit.  Some people put everything that catches their eye, others only include things they definitely plan to knit, and others fall somewhere in between.

Favorite items that strike your fancy, then categorize them as you choose (socks, sweaters, shawls; or lace, cables, colorwork, whatever works for you).

Keep track of your yarn stash, your needles, books, magazines and patterns, and your friends (and all of their stuff!).

There is much more to Ravelry, but the organization options it offers are unbeatable.
So dig out those bags and fill up your Queue! 


Next week:  Avoiding Distraction

Part 3 : The Organized Woman's Guide - Clutter Control

Clutter Control & Projects

Or whatever you want to find more time to do.

This series is about discovering time you already have that maybe you just aren't using as wisely as you could.  I decided to do this series because I've learned some things that work for me, some things I'd like to improve upon, and some things I still need to learn!

Whether you want more knitting time, or time to spin, crochet, paint, or read.  There are sure to be some tips and techniques you can use for better time management.

Laceweight Yarn in a basket

 Resources vs. Clutter

Resources:  assets  to help you complete what it is you want to create. 

Clutter:   a confused or disorded state; when the assets become so numerous and disorganized they are a burden instead of being useful.  

Keeping your tools (assets) organized makes them immediately usable and available.

Take some time to set up a system that is:

                   1.  Maintainable : Somewhere between "stuff it" and "tagged and sorted 14 different ways".

2. Simple : The simpler and more intuitive your system, the easier it is to maintain over time.

3. Flexible : Yep, cause let's face it.  What are the chances you won't be buying more yarn?

4. Personalized : Work to your own strengths.  If you love having your yarn out where you can see it, use beautiful baskets or open containers.   If you want a clean, streamlined look, use a closet, drawers or opaque containers.  The choice is yours, and it should make you happy.

Limits

Pick a container or containers to hold your yarn and/or fiber.  This can be a bag, a basket or baskets, box or boxes, a closet or an entire room.  The choice of container is up to you and your idea of how big your "stash" should be.
If you are trying to grow your stash, then plan accordingly.  If you have more yarn than you need already, give yourself a finite amount of space, get rid of some yarn and use the limit of your space to help you control your stash (instead of it controlling you).

If the idea of having more yarn than will fit in your grandmother's antique dresser freaks you out, then that's your "stash limit."  If you can foresee an entire wall of yarn, you have a bigger "stash limit."   Be true to yourself and your own limits. 

Having said that, I know it can be helpful to see what others actually do.  My system may not be the perfect fit for you, but it might give you some ideas and it works well for me.  It's pretty simple and straight forward:

The shelves in my craft room hold yarn, books & magazines, & accessories

Yarn / Fiber -

Contain it in one place

I have 90% of my yarn in baskets that sit on my shelves.  It's simple, it's easy and it works for me.  The other 10% is in a bin under my craft room worktable.  I'm not a "tiny stash" sort of girl, but as I get older, I prefer my stash to be smaller rather than larger.   Whatever you do, try to keep your yarn in one place.  My place is my own craft room (a room of my own is a big luxury, I know that).

Yarn bin under my craft room worktable.  The other bins under here hold
sewing supplies, fabric and quilting magazines.

Sort it

Choose your favorite way to sort:  color, fiber, weight, company or itch factor...whatever works for you.

I sort my yarn mostly by weight:  sock yarn in one basket, laceweight in another, dk & worsted in a couple more.  My exception to this rule is my handspun.  All my handspun yarn is in one spot.   All of these baskets are in my craft room.
My one exception is a bowl of about 3 or 4 beautiful skeins that sits on a cabinet in our living room. 

My spinning fiber is in one place, my grandmother's cedar chest. 

Needles -

I have 2 sets of Knit Picks options interchangeable needles, which are kept in the binder that came with the first set (very compact).  I have one mason jar with straights (which I rarely use), and another basket (!) holds my dpns (which I use a lot). 

Basket full of DPNs.  Simple, easy to maintain and use.

Patterns/Books/Magazines -

My loose patterns are mostly stored on my computer and/or Ravelry library, where they are printed as needed.  I do have one binder of printed patterns (a lot of which I've already knitted) sorted by category:  socks, shawls, hats, mittens, etc.  It's hard for me to conceive of keeping binders and binders full of printed patterns in this day and age, when you can keep an online library, or at least folders on your computer. 

Books and Magazines are all on one shelving unit in my craft room.  It's very easy for these to get away from you in short order.  There are always new books that are "must haves" and regular magazine subscriptions showing up in the mail.  Decide right now to have a zero increase system.  If a new book or magazine comes in, an old one goes out.  Yes, really.  I know it's hard, but decide to do it.  If it seems impossible, consider buying CDs of back issues or scanning older issues onto your computer. 

Knitting books (top shelf)
Fingering weight yarn, Knit Picks Options needles, handspun & dpns (2nd shelf)

Accessories - 

I have a couple of pouches that hold my small knitting accoutrements.  They both have several kinds of stitch markers, a needle gauge & ruler, a tape measure, small scissors, a pencil, a highlighter, a small notepad, tapestry needles, and a kitchener cheat sheet.  One stays by the chair where I do most of my knitting, and one is ready to go into my knitting bag or my purse (or wherever).

Other small items (cable needles, duplicates of stitch markers, scissors, needle gauges, etc.) go into a...you guessed it, basket!

I keep my blocking squares and blocking wires in the closet in my craft room.  My ball winder and swift stay out on my worktable.

Your reward 

Imagine how it would feel to know that your yarn has a place, it's in its place, and you know exactly where that spot is.  You can put your hands on any skein of yarn in your home within 30 seconds.  Your needles are all categorized and in their place.  Ditto for accessories, patterns, books, etc. 

Getting your knitting "stuff" organized frees up not only your physical space, but it releases your mind.  You don't have to spend 1/2 an hour searching for that skein of gold silk laceweight that you just found the perfect pattern for, because you know right where it is.  You don't end up frustrated, mad at yourself and out of the mood to knit.  You're just ...ready to knit.  Which is the whole point, right?

Keep it up

• Use the "10 minutes a day" rule to keep everything where it should be.  Don't let things sit and gather.
• Clear off your desk / workspace / table every night.  This gives you a fresh start every morning.

• Don't be afraid to let go of things you no longer need or want.  Get it out of your life and off your mind.

Now, go conquer the whole house!

You can use these concepts for other areas of your home:  the kitchen, bathrooms, garage, and closets.

• Bundle "like" things

• Use containers appropriate for the job:  open & accessible, or streamlined & clean

• Don't keep what you don't use...seriously, DON'T
• Have duplicates of regularly used items
• If something new comes in, something old goes out

Take 10, 20, 30 minutes to tackle one area at a time. 

What are your favorite organizing tips?  Do you have a system that works great for you?  Share your ideas.

There is a lot of information here, so I'll break this point up into 2 posts, this one for clutter control and next week will cover projects.

Part 2 : The Organized Woman's Guide - Get Some Energy

Get Some Energy
(Or whatever you want to find more time to do.)

This series is about discovering time you already have that maybe you just aren't using as wisely as you could.  I decided to do this series because I've learned some things that work for me, some things I'd like to improve upon, and some things I still need to learn!

Whether you want more knitting time, or time to spin, crochet, paint, or read.  There are sure to be some tips and techniques you can use for better time management.

Exercise

Knitting is a mostly sedentary activity (Unfortunately!  Oh, how I wish it burned mega-calories).  Same goes for Spinning.  While relaxation and rest are essential for health, it's oh-so-easy to overdo on that one!

This may be one you have to look at as a more long-term benefit.  Adding years to your life and your knitting time, but it's an important point.

So you have to decide to get some movement into each day apart from your knitting time.  Of course, the bonus is that you'll have a clearer head, fitter body and re-charged brain ready for some creativity. 

So keep your energy up with good nutrition and exercise.  How do you do that?  The best way is to have a plan.  For me, my workout time is almost "chiseled in stone".  There is no pushing it back, putting it off, sloughing it off, etc.  If I'm breathing and ambulatory, and it's a work out day, I'll be working out.  Done.  Decision made.

The bonus is I find my creativity and "right brain" really get a re-charge from regular exercise.  Have you ever noticed that when you're focused on body movement, it leaves the brain open for new ideas, inspiration and creativity.  It just seems to come bubbling to the surface.  I love that!  Motion is essential for life, and for life extension, so don't forget to move a little each day.

Snacking

Again, have a plan.  This one involves a little more thought, but still easy enough to prepare for.

If I'm at work, I've brought a few snacks with me to get me through a few days. 

I find if I bring a container full of carrots, almonds, maybe some raisins or an apple or two, then it's much easier for me to focus on healthy snacks and keep my hand out of the chocolate bowl!

Healthy Snack Ideas:

Fresh fruit and veggies are always a good choice.  They are portable, satisfying and full of good nutrition.

• Have an apple, pear, banana, grapes, a bowl of berries, some melon chunks or pineapple.
• Veggies could be carrots, celery, bell pepper strips, cherry tomatoes, green beans or broccoli florets.

Nuts and dried fruits

You can always have a selection of nuts and dried fruits around.  They are nutrient dense, so keep the portions small.

• Almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, pecans.

• Raisins, cranberries, papaya and pineapple chunks, apricots, blueberries, apple slices, banana chips.

You can also include smoothies, whole grain crackers or bread, cheeses and yes, a little dark chocolate in your list of good, healthy snacks.  

The end result is you feel good, full of energy and full of creativity.  And you can really enjoy your knitting time!


Next up :  Projects & Clutter Control

The Organized Woman's Guide to More Knitting Time

Or whatever you want more time to do.

This series is about discovering time you already have, but maybe you aren't using as wisely as you could.  I decided to do this series because I've learned some things that work for me, some things I'd like to improve upon, and some things I still need to learn!

Whether you want more knitting time, or time to spin, crochet, paint, read or whatever floats your boat, there are sure to be some tips and techniques you can use for better time management.

First up - 

Cleaning Your Home (in about one hour) 

I don't know about you, but if my house is a dusty, dirty mess, I find it impossible to focus on knitting or designing until I clean it.  (And yes, I  am little OCD, why do you ask?)

This is one reason I clean my house each week, but I don't spend hours and hours accomplishing it.  My goal is to thoroughly, but efficiently, do my basic cleaning, get it done and move onto other things.

I have days that are for deeper cleaning, but that's not what we're talking about today.

Let me confess right here, I'm kind of a stickler for tidiness and cleanliness.  So I don't just "hit the high spots".  I get everything done that I think needs to be done on a weekly basis.  Your list will be different from mine, and that's okay.  The idea is to do the amount of cleaning that will let you say "My house is clean" and move onto the the fun stuff (and for me, that's knitting, spinning and designing).

Tip:  Stay on target.  Try not to get distracted with one area that may need more attention.  If it's really bothering you or needs attention, you can come back to it.  But try to get the whole house done before you re-focus your attention on a problem area.  Put on some music and move!

Cleaning your home in about one hour:

• Have a snack   (10 minutes - prior to beginning)

If you're starving, you won't have energy to clean efficiently.  So before you even get started, have a snack.  I usually grab a handful of almonds along with some carrots and celery.  Apple slices with peanut butter is another favorite.

• Change sheets / do laundry (10 minutes)

The first place I head is to the bed, where I change the sheets (and the pillow shams if need be) and get the bed made.  The sheets go right into the washer with a few other like items. 

• Change sheets
• Make bed
• Start load of laundry (with sheets included)

• Clean your least favorite thing first :  for me - bathrooms  (10 minutes)

I find if I tackle my least favorite area right at the start and get it clean and shining, the rest of the cleaning is easier.   

• Clean commode, sink and tub/shower
• Polish mirrors, glass and fixtures
• Wipe down counters and objects on counter
• Empty trash
• Shake out rugs

• Dust/polish and pick up (15-20 minutes)

After the bathrooms are clean, the rest of the rooms are easy.  Admittedly, it's just my husband, me and our senior dog, which does make it easier.  I start in the bedrooms, then move to the office, craft studio, living & dining rooms.

• Dust all flat surfaces (including any objects that need dusting/polishing)
• Polish glass, mirrors and/or electronic equipment
• Dust lampshades, picture frames and shelves
• Return any out of place items to their home
• Empty trashcans

• Vacuum / sweep  (15-20 minutes)

Once everything is dusted (and the dust is on the floor) I vacuum the entire house at one time.  This is just the regular vacuuming, not any special move-the-furniture, get-into-all-the-crevices vacuuming (it's good to do that at least once a quarter).  Same for the sweeping.

• Vacuum all carpeted areas / large rugs
• Sweep hard flooring

• Mop (5 minutes)

I don't use a lot of chemicals in my home.  I mop with a vinegar/water solution.  Use hot water! 

• Mop hard flooring

• Kitchen Clean Up (5 minutes)

This is more of a daily chore for me, so it doesn't take too long on any one day.  The countertops, sink,  and stove get wiped down daily, so this is just a quick swish.

• Wipe countertops
• Wipe down stovetop / polish if needed
• Clean sink
• Wipe down refrigerator / dishwasher if spotted

• Sweep entryways (help dirt stay out in the first place)

Keep porches, patios and stoops free of debris. 

Remember, this is your weekly cleaning, not special or in-depth cleaning.  It's good to schedule those days at least once a quarter.  That's the time to move the furniture, empty the closets and really dig in.  That's not today.  Today's goal is clean house = time to knit!

Bonus

You'll find when you clean your house regularly, it is easier to clean.  Because it stays cleaner through the week, stuff doesn't pile up, and grime doesn't get a chance to take hold! 

What about you?  Do you have any cleaning tips that help you get it done and get on to the fun stuff?  I'd love to hear your ideas.