I have recently learned the value of having a project that is only worked on at certain times, such as the weekend or evenings.
As a fiber artist, all of the work I do, both as a designer and an editor, revolves around knitting and crochet. To help me not get bored I need some variety. Well as an editor that is usually pretty easy but as an artist that can be a challenge, especially if I am working on a large shawl or a bedspread. How do I keep from getting bored so that I can keep up the momentum? By having multiple projects going at the same time and then by having one, sometimes two, special projects that I am particularly in love with at the moment.
These projects vary in intensity, craft and designer, sometimes me, sometimes someone else.
Currently, I have a pair of finger-less mitts that are weekend work. My weekend starts when I finish all the other work on Thursday or Friday. This pattern is one of mine, and it is technically work, it is a remake of one of my older patterns.
I am looking forward to the Special Time Project that I have for December. I will be making each of the twenty-five pieces for the advent calendar this year. They are small enough that making one each day shouldn’t be a problem. This project is a felt and sequin kit that my mom gave me recently from her stash.
Not just on weekends, but also once a month I take nearly an entire work day and do something extra special. I started doing this in May or June of this year. I take this time to dive deep into a new skill or technique I want to learn, a new special project or really spend some time with a project that is extra needy at the moment. “Entire work day” comes out to be about 4 or 5 hours. I still check email and stop to eat.
I know that not everyone here is a designer or does fiber arts for a living, but incorporating some of this into your own stitching might help you get out of a funk or even avoid one later on down the road.
Here are some photos from my monthly adventures.
Make time to try new things and continue to enjoy your stitching!
Happy making!
Azariahs Fibre Arts 