not forcing it, but just going with the flow once you're in it, leaves you with the most wonderful zen sort of feeling. maybe it was all of these lovely stones i gathered on the beach yesterday, sitting there on the table in a big bowl, that set the tone, but i got completely on a roll. it all started with finally finishing that binding on this quilt:
once that was done, i also finished a tea cozy and my basket of clarity birds and got them all tagged for the april market. once i had all that done, i allowed myself to start some new projects. as a sort of reward.
i guess i'm the kind of person who has to work hard to get into the groove, but once i'm there, it feels pretty unstoppable. i wish i had a bit more discipline and could make it happen more often. does anyone else out there struggle with finishing projects before beginning new ones? how do you discipline yourself?
11 comments:
I have had to stop buying materials for new projects in advance. Even though that is tough (there's so much good project material out there begging to be purchased!) I find that it helps me to stay focused on one thing.
I keep the same evening routine. Around 19.45 I sit behind the computer, listen to music, threads, needles and a cup of tea in front of me and a piece of cloth on my lap.
This way I get most things done.
Oh! I am glad to here this, because there are times when I could craft for days, and times when I am not in the 'zone' for it at all.
I once had a couple of weeks where I had no unfinished projects hanging around. Not one. Zero. You would think it might be a relief but it's not. I found that fiddling with the half done projects is part of how I was being inspired for new ones. With nothing to tinker on it was so hard to jump start the process again. So do yourself a favor and don't beat yourself up for having a bit hanging around. Turns out that it's a good thing to have sometimes.
I love the finishing phase, I always feel so productive! Granted, I am in the "finishing phase" for homework and papers and blah blah blah, not pretty quilts and projects and stuff. I like yours much better. ;)
xox
i seem to never finish any project really.
A deadline usally makes me finish anything. But that's a journalist for you :-)
And, I have to get myself to the beach and get some new stones. I can feel their energy right through the screen.
I do finish what I start but the whole time my mind is racing as to what I am going to do next. I always crochet or knit when I watch TV. I also have a crafting buddy next door so we inspire each other to get it done!
Once a project is started it's "Game On!" I'm all focus and driven ... even my dreams are about whatever the project is.
I have a loose sort of structure and that works for me. If I sit, there is a basket with a current hand-piecing project or knitting handy. I get a lot done that way. Planning any project is the best part for me, I break it down into workable segments and cross each task off as I complete it. I use composition books like a journal. Finding what works for you is also part of the journey, I need music while working. Good luck. *ps I have 12 quilts in progress right now, so that defines me!!!!!
i keep on starting new creative projects all the time, i do finish some within a reasonable time but not nearly as many as i begin. it is hard to stay focused on them. it's easier to stay focused on matter you HAVE to finish for a particular assignment or work.
i wish it was easier to feel focused, my mind wanders, all the time, new ideas. but the sense of accomplishment when i do finish things is AWESOME. if i could hold on to that more...
i started my year with a promise to finish some little project every day, sadly the creative projects i love (yarn involving mostly) have been slow as lately. the musts i don't like have been taking over. not good. yes the starting of new projects, the shiny, the new, the excitement of what will be, is a kind of reward for me too. but really i haven't thought of it like that consciously until now.
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