So I’ve been thinking alot lately (my brain’s gotta have something to do, right?) about my stitching plans for the rest of the year as well as for 2011. Last year I decided I wasn’t going to make a lot of plans, make a lot of lists and try to force myself into working on pieces I really wasn’t interested in. But then I again, in a fit of delirium, signed up with my guild to finish four pieces this year. Guess what. No really, guess. Yeah, you saw that coming, didn’t you. I haven’t touched them really – all year. It’s like putting down on a piece of paper that I will finish blah blah blah is the kiss of death. Not that I’ve worked on some of my other WIPS that weren’t on the list, but whatever, you see my point.
So here I am in December, really no closer than I was on the pieces I wanted to finish this year (ie all the ones I started the year with as WIPs). And now there are lots of blog posts about the Crazy January Challenge where you start 15 new things the first 15 days of January, and then commit to finish those 15 things in 2011.
I already have so many WIPs that starting 15 more gave me heart palpitations. So now what? I really want to work on and finish some of the many WIPs I have. I’d like to meet a few goals I have for myself by the end of the year too, that includes WIPs as well. I really want to start some new things too, but OMG I have got to learn how to finish things!
So…before I ramble on any further…let’s take a look at the situation. Avert your eyes if you must. Here are my WIPs…
Not too bad, huh? Oh but wait, there’s also these…
Yeah. Frightening, isn’t it? What’s really frightening is that I’m not convinced this is all of them. Many of these have been set aside for one reason or another. Most of them I still love and want to finish. Some are even relatively close to being finished. And yet, here I sit – not stitching on them.
So what to do? What will encourage me to get things done, and yet not confine me and make me feel like I’d rather rearrange my sock drawer rather than stitch on that project?
I don’t know that I’ve figured it out yet, so I’m still thinking. Here’s what I do know…
Before the end of the year, I’d like to do the following:
- Finish the gift I’m working on
- Finish the exchange piece I’m working on
- Finish page 1 of ATS (this may be impossible, but I’d like to work towards that goal)
- Finish one of the pieces I signed up to finish this year for my guild – Bay Sampler, Papillon Creations Mystery Sampler, CHS Adam & Eve, or Tesori d’Italia (I think my best bet is going to be the A&E or the Mystery Sampler
- Determine a plan for next year – even if it’s only “have fun”
I also know that I want to have a new start on January 1, because that’s a tradition. I even think I’ve figured out what I want that new start to be.
I seem to do best focusing on one or two projects at a time. A rotation has never worked for me (unless it’s a one day a week I work on this project, the rest of the time I work on that). So, maybe it’s just a matter of picking up a WIP and just focusing on it again until it’s finished.
So what are y’all planning for 2011? Any goals for the end of the year? Suggestions?
I am grateful for a good night’s sleep.
Jayne’s doing a Flip’n Crazy January Challenge http://up4achallenge.blogspot.com/. It’s where you pick 15 WIPs to finish in 2011. I’m thinking about joining that one.
Jayne’s doing a Flip’n Crazy January Challenge http://up4achallenge.blogspot.com/. It’s where you pick 15 WIPs to finish in 2011. I’m thinking about joining that one.
I second Joy’s suggestion. I’m doing it. Hey, if I work on the 15 that I want over the course of the year, I may finish some of them and the others will be farther along than if I let them lanquish in their current condition stuffed in their hidey-holes, right? 15 sounds like a hugh number but I’m going to introduce them gradually during the year. And, I AM going to start one new thing on January 1st. It’s tradition.
I second Joy’s suggestion. I’m doing it. Hey, if I work on the 15 that I want over the course of the year, I may finish some of them and the others will be farther along than if I let them lanquish in their current condition stuffed in their hidey-holes, right? 15 sounds like a hugh number but I’m going to introduce them gradually during the year. And, I AM going to start one new thing on January 1st. It’s tradition.
You have some pretty WIPs 🙂 Could you pick out one or two of the WIPs that are closest to being done and get them finished up first before allowing yourself to start anything else?
You have some pretty WIPs 🙂 Could you pick out one or two of the WIPs that are closest to being done and get them finished up first before allowing yourself to start anything else?
There is no way I can start 15 new projects! No way. This coming year, I’m just stitching on my wips and will start 2 baps and see what comes along the way. I am hoping I finish and am happy. You have tons of great wips!
There is no way I can start 15 new projects! No way. This coming year, I’m just stitching on my wips and will start 2 baps and see what comes along the way. I am hoping I finish and am happy. You have tons of great wips!
I’m with you…I can’t even imagine starting anything new, although..WOW girl…you sure do have a pile of WIP’s.
I have the sickness of starting large…I mean LARGE projects that should take even the best stitcher at least a year to finish. I’m currently working on ABC Tapestry by Rosewood Manor but now that I have a new grandson I want to use that chart to spell out his name in a birth sampler.
I think I have enough to keep me busy without committing to additional projects!
I need to clone myself.
I’m with you…I can’t even imagine starting anything new, although..WOW girl…you sure do have a pile of WIP’s.
I have the sickness of starting large…I mean LARGE projects that should take even the best stitcher at least a year to finish. I’m currently working on ABC Tapestry by Rosewood Manor but now that I have a new grandson I want to use that chart to spell out his name in a birth sampler.
I think I have enough to keep me busy without committing to additional projects!
I need to clone myself.
That’s a lot of WIPs!! :o) But I think that I’m right there with you on the number I have going too. I think I like the idea of trying to finish up those WIPs, but add a couple in for the year. I’d love Ann Medd finished. Anyway, I think I’m going to look up the up4achallenge thing. Why don’t we divert from the crowd and clean up some WIPs? We can encourage each other.
That’s a lot of WIPs!! :o) But I think that I’m right there with you on the number I have going too. I think I like the idea of trying to finish up those WIPs, but add a couple in for the year. I’d love Ann Medd finished. Anyway, I think I’m going to look up the up4achallenge thing. Why don’t we divert from the crowd and clean up some WIPs? We can encourage each other.
Michelle – you have some beautiful pieces – I probably have that many or more and add to that rugs, knitting and needlepoint and you have total chaos. However I don’t ever let it worry me – I hate goals and resolutions – I don’t do them – The only thing I really have to do is go to work every day – otherwise what I do is my own choice – I try to make my stitching journey a fun one and not take it too seriously- but then with that in mind – I would not consider myself to be disciplined enough in some regards. I hope you will find a happy place – where you are able to get a few things finished up and start a few new things if you so desire. I always start something new on NYD so I better get that chart on order and start collecting my silks. most of all – enjoy the holiday season – it will be gone in a snap and 2011 will be upon us. Cheers Melody
Michelle – you have some beautiful pieces – I probably have that many or more and add to that rugs, knitting and needlepoint and you have total chaos. However I don’t ever let it worry me – I hate goals and resolutions – I don’t do them – The only thing I really have to do is go to work every day – otherwise what I do is my own choice – I try to make my stitching journey a fun one and not take it too seriously- but then with that in mind – I would not consider myself to be disciplined enough in some regards. I hope you will find a happy place – where you are able to get a few things finished up and start a few new things if you so desire. I always start something new on NYD so I better get that chart on order and start collecting my silks. most of all – enjoy the holiday season – it will be gone in a snap and 2011 will be upon us. Cheers Melody
Oh wow what a great post and after those wip pics I feel so much better!! In fact I love that sparkly looking blue one at the top in the top picture. If you ever get a chance to reply and let me know what that one is I would really appreciate it. You have some wonderful wips and it would be great if you got your love back for them and finished a few off. For me, next year is about doing what I want to do. No pressures. Ha yeah right! xx
Oh wow what a great post and after those wip pics I feel so much better!! In fact I love that sparkly looking blue one at the top in the top picture. If you ever get a chance to reply and let me know what that one is I would really appreciate it. You have some wonderful wips and it would be great if you got your love back for them and finished a few off. For me, next year is about doing what I want to do. No pressures. Ha yeah right! xx
It’s like putting down on a piece of paper that I will finish blah blah blah is the kiss of death.
I *totally* have this same issue. It’s like some inner child temper tantrum! “You told me so, so I won’t do it!”
This is why I have more WIPs than I have fingers to count them. I think my goal next year is to get to a number that fits in *one* container in the stash. Without resorting to buying a new container LMAO.
Really like the Flip’n Crazy January Challenge!! Thanks for posting that one, Joy!
It’s like putting down on a piece of paper that I will finish blah blah blah is the kiss of death.
I *totally* have this same issue. It’s like some inner child temper tantrum! “You told me so, so I won’t do it!”
This is why I have more WIPs than I have fingers to count them. I think my goal next year is to get to a number that fits in *one* container in the stash. Without resorting to buying a new container LMAO.
Really like the Flip’n Crazy January Challenge!! Thanks for posting that one, Joy!
Michelle….You are READING my mind!! I just read yet another post about the 15 new project challenge….My motto for 2011 will be to finish the 15 plus I already have started that are sitting in my basket currently! So, now that I read Joy’s comment, I am headed to the Flip’n Crazy January Challenge to see if this one is better suited for me…. I need to commit to finish those I have started before I start another 15!!!$$$ You and I are definitely on the same page!!!!
Faye
Michelle….You are READING my mind!! I just read yet another post about the 15 new project challenge….My motto for 2011 will be to finish the 15 plus I already have started that are sitting in my basket currently! So, now that I read Joy’s comment, I am headed to the Flip’n Crazy January Challenge to see if this one is better suited for me…. I need to commit to finish those I have started before I start another 15!!!$$$ You and I are definitely on the same page!!!!
Faye
I say don’t look at the WIPs. lol! No stress. Stitching is about enjoyment, right? I’m a one-at-a-time person, no rotation. And I also tend to have to be spontaneous — when it’s time for a new project, whatever strikes my mood at that time is what gets stitched next. So no planning for me. lol!
I say don’t look at the WIPs. lol! No stress. Stitching is about enjoyment, right? I’m a one-at-a-time person, no rotation. And I also tend to have to be spontaneous — when it’s time for a new project, whatever strikes my mood at that time is what gets stitched next. So no planning for me. lol!
I don’t understand… you mean there is something wrong with having all those gorgeous WIPs?
Concentrate on the fun and the rest will get sorted.
I don’t understand… you mean there is something wrong with having all those gorgeous WIPs?
Concentrate on the fun and the rest will get sorted.
No goals for me other than to have fun! Deadlines just suck all the fun out of something for me. Even if the deadline is a long way away. No sense in looking to feel guilty about something that should be fun.
No goals for me other than to have fun! Deadlines just suck all the fun out of something for me. Even if the deadline is a long way away. No sense in looking to feel guilty about something that should be fun.
I love sitting and thinking about the state of my stitching. I try to not stress over it, because it’s supposed to be fun and not stressful, and Lord knows there’s enough stress going around these days! I think–do whatever works best. The 15 WIP challenge, the 15 new challenge, whatever. I have some WIPs that I love but I don’t think I will ever finish. I am going pretty small with the 15 new starts challenge, just because I want to be able to work on other things and not freak quite so much about having all those new starts. That’s the current logic, anyway… it might change by lunchtime.
Oh, and the ‘once I write it down, I won’t do it’ thing–totally me. It’s like my latent teenager comes out and I rebel against any attempt to control me, even if it’s me exhibiting self-control. My current obsessive thought is that I want to stitch things to display for the various seasons and holidays, and I’m working towards that. Oh, and a bunch of A&Es. 😀
I love sitting and thinking about the state of my stitching. I try to not stress over it, because it’s supposed to be fun and not stressful, and Lord knows there’s enough stress going around these days! I think–do whatever works best. The 15 WIP challenge, the 15 new challenge, whatever. I have some WIPs that I love but I don’t think I will ever finish. I am going pretty small with the 15 new starts challenge, just because I want to be able to work on other things and not freak quite so much about having all those new starts. That’s the current logic, anyway… it might change by lunchtime.
Oh, and the ‘once I write it down, I won’t do it’ thing–totally me. It’s like my latent teenager comes out and I rebel against any attempt to control me, even if it’s me exhibiting self-control. My current obsessive thought is that I want to stitch things to display for the various seasons and holidays, and I’m working towards that. Oh, and a bunch of A&Es. 😀
I am doing mine as a modified challenge to finish 14 and start 1. I cannot justify 15 more started projects!!!!
I am doing mine as a modified challenge to finish 14 and start 1. I cannot justify 15 more started projects!!!!
Michelle, you do have pretty wips! I can see why it’s difficult to decide! Stitch whatever makes you happy!
Michelle, you do have pretty wips! I can see why it’s difficult to decide! Stitch whatever makes you happy!
THANK YOU, YES SSANTA CLAUS,there is someone like you out there!!!I have many large reproduction samplers to finish, 27 so far and still counting!!! there is the back corner and 2 closets…Hang in there… Carol M
THANK YOU, YES SSANTA CLAUS,there is someone like you out there!!!I have many large reproduction samplers to finish, 27 so far and still counting!!! there is the back corner and 2 closets…Hang in there… Carol M
Oh, that looks so familiar! I don’t even want to take a photo how much I have WIP’s! If I don’t see them together, they aren’t true 🙂
There was a time when I set a rule to me, I had to finish something before I could start new one, but it didn’t work well.
Maybe we could make a deal to stitch one day a week some WIP? Or just be happy that we have lot to choose 😉
Oh, that looks so familiar! I don’t even want to take a photo how much I have WIP’s! If I don’t see them together, they aren’t true 🙂
There was a time when I set a rule to me, I had to finish something before I could start new one, but it didn’t work well.
Maybe we could make a deal to stitch one day a week some WIP? Or just be happy that we have lot to choose 😉
You ever hear the line about deadlines?
I love deadlines, I love the sound they make as they whoosh by.
And your WIPs, the ones I don’t share… I think I should start. 🙂 Don’t look to me for encouragement beyond – go ahead, start another. You only live once.
You ever hear the line about deadlines?
I love deadlines, I love the sound they make as they whoosh by.
And your WIPs, the ones I don’t share… I think I should start. 🙂 Don’t look to me for encouragement beyond – go ahead, start another. You only live once.
Michelle, so many of your WIPs are my WIPs! I don’t know what I’m going to do either, but I do know it’ll be fun!
Michelle, so many of your WIPs are my WIPs! I don’t know what I’m going to do either, but I do know it’ll be fun!
Oh, you make me feel so much better, Michelle. I shudder to think I’d have to show my WIPs to any of my stitching friends. Why don’t I finish my samplers!!!? I feel like being that “unfinished sampler” lady from the antique samplers…
Thanks for being brave where I can’t.
I have a new bookish blog which I hope you’ll come see one of these days. I’m reviewing books now, and just love it.
Hugs and Happy Holidays,
Deb/LavenderBookishRose
http://abookishlibraria.blogspot.com
Oh, you make me feel so much better, Michelle. I shudder to think I’d have to show my WIPs to any of my stitching friends. Why don’t I finish my samplers!!!? I feel like being that “unfinished sampler” lady from the antique samplers…
Thanks for being brave where I can’t.
I have a new bookish blog which I hope you’ll come see one of these days. I’m reviewing books now, and just love it.
Hugs and Happy Holidays,
Deb/LavenderBookishRose
http://abookishlibraria.blogspot.com
Woah! A nice pile of WIPs. Could you pick 2 or 3 of your favs and work on those.
Woah! A nice pile of WIPs. Could you pick 2 or 3 of your favs and work on those.
Michelle, after reading your post and some of your comments – why not start a “lets get 15 WIPs” done in 2011. I will be a very happy and hopefully active participant!!
Michelle, after reading your post and some of your comments – why not start a “lets get 15 WIPs” done in 2011. I will be a very happy and hopefully active participant!!
too fun!!! You just have to figureout what works for you. BTW, that’s a lot of WIPs ;-).
I am starting 15 new projects, LOL.
too fun!!! You just have to figureout what works for you. BTW, that’s a lot of WIPs ;-).
I am starting 15 new projects, LOL.
Those are some really wonderful wip’s…I’m sure you’ll figure something out and have lots of gorgeous finishes!!!
Those are some really wonderful wip’s…I’m sure you’ll figure something out and have lots of gorgeous finishes!!!
Hi Michelle. I too have lots of UFO’s. I notice you have Mystery 9 among them. I too have this, and I am probably at about the same stage as you. I wondered if you fancied a bit of a UFO SAL with me. I can’t promise that I’ll keep it up, and if you’re like me probably you may wander off track too – isn’t that why we have so many UFO’s? so how about it, but no pressure – stitching has to be fun – right.
Chris.x
Hi Michelle. I too have lots of UFO’s. I notice you have Mystery 9 among them. I too have this, and I am probably at about the same stage as you. I wondered if you fancied a bit of a UFO SAL with me. I can’t promise that I’ll keep it up, and if you’re like me probably you may wander off track too – isn’t that why we have so many UFO’s? so how about it, but no pressure – stitching has to be fun – right.
Chris.x
You have a lot of gorgeous WIPs there!
You have a lot of gorgeous WIPs there!
Well, I had to laugh when I read that those might not be all of your WIPs, well, since I have sent you my list I have found seven ( yes 7) more… sigh, insanity. I totally get you with the kiss of death thing. I am a bit reluctant to make a plan, I think I will go as far as I focus and knocking out some WIP’s – starting with smaller ones… maybe a few new ones as the mood strikes – but I refuse to make a list and commit to something….
Well, I had to laugh when I read that those might not be all of your WIPs, well, since I have sent you my list I have found seven ( yes 7) more… sigh, insanity. I totally get you with the kiss of death thing. I am a bit reluctant to make a plan, I think I will go as far as I focus and knocking out some WIP’s – starting with smaller ones… maybe a few new ones as the mood strikes – but I refuse to make a list and commit to something….
Saying something is like a kiss of death for me too…with that being said, I was the #3 member of Jayne’s Up for a Challenge 15 WIP bustin’ blog….I’ve been thinking of the hundreds of $$$ I have tied up in patterns and starts that have been languishing too long and its time to tighten my belt and get on with the getting on. I’m going to bust my 15 WIP and have 15 beautiful finishes on my walls by this time next year 🙂 (or at least a couple, fingers crossed and toes too…)
Saying something is like a kiss of death for me too…with that being said, I was the #3 member of Jayne’s Up for a Challenge 15 WIP bustin’ blog….I’ve been thinking of the hundreds of $$$ I have tied up in patterns and starts that have been languishing too long and its time to tighten my belt and get on with the getting on. I’m going to bust my 15 WIP and have 15 beautiful finishes on my walls by this time next year 🙂 (or at least a couple, fingers crossed and toes too…)
You have lots of gorgeous wips Michelle.
I don’t have LOADS of wips I suppose, 11 I think, but apart from 1 they are all BAP’s like HAED’s and would take me probably a year each at the very least to finish just one of them if I stitched one at a time on them.
I’ve been doing a rotation for the last couple of months, and making good progress on a couple of them, but must admit to getting bored of it now and annoyed that I have to stitch on certain things certain days.
I’m trying to make plans for 2011 as well, so will be interested to see what you decide.
You have lots of gorgeous wips Michelle.
I don’t have LOADS of wips I suppose, 11 I think, but apart from 1 they are all BAP’s like HAED’s and would take me probably a year each at the very least to finish just one of them if I stitched one at a time on them.
I’ve been doing a rotation for the last couple of months, and making good progress on a couple of them, but must admit to getting bored of it now and annoyed that I have to stitch on certain things certain days.
I’m trying to make plans for 2011 as well, so will be interested to see what you decide.
I love seeing pics with loads of WIPs, it makes me feel better about my loads, lol. Just have fun with whatever calls you, you have no obligations when it comes to your hobby – that’s my philosophy 🙂
I love seeing pics with loads of WIPs, it makes me feel better about my loads, lol. Just have fun with whatever calls you, you have no obligations when it comes to your hobby – that’s my philosophy 🙂
Wow Michelle, you have a lot of wonderful things started. Gulp! It makes me twitchy just to see them all unfinished. You know how weird I am about stitching one at a time, lol.
Wow Michelle, you have a lot of wonderful things started. Gulp! It makes me twitchy just to see them all unfinished. You know how weird I am about stitching one at a time, lol.
What about picking a theme for the 15 new starts….like 15 new Christmas ornaments? And if some of your WIPs are ornaments, count them as one of the 15. I really, really, really want to get started on Nativity!! I have my fabric, I have my threads, I just need to start stitching!
What about picking a theme for the 15 new starts….like 15 new Christmas ornaments? And if some of your WIPs are ornaments, count them as one of the 15. I really, really, really want to get started on Nativity!! I have my fabric, I have my threads, I just need to start stitching!
I don’t feel so bad after seeing others have as many WIP’s as I do LOL! I am approaching the new challenge like this, picking 15 WIP’s and/or UFO’s to finish in this coming year. I will also start something new Jan 1 because it’s tradition! Happy stitching……Nancy
I don’t feel so bad after seeing others have as many WIP’s as I do LOL! I am approaching the new challenge like this, picking 15 WIP’s and/or UFO’s to finish in this coming year. I will also start something new Jan 1 because it’s tradition! Happy stitching……Nancy