Friday, December 12, 2008

Motivation needed

It appears to have packed up early for the Christmas season and left without so much as a post it note, or Christmas card. I have almost finished the Hoodie for Sydney's Christmas present. All the knitting is done, all the ends sew in, the shoulders, sides and one sleeve are sewn in, but for the last three evenings I have just looked at it. Worse I have put it in a plastic bag as if to say I'm done with it.
I just can't seem to muster the motivation to spend an hour sewing in that last sleeve. I know I have to, or be down a present, but my new projects are way more interesting. Another Skirt,, see I did say I was addicted, I just love the way I don't have to stop and think and because I know it has to be long, I don't stop and measure every few rows either. It truly allows me to switch off. But I am also challenging myself again and have cast on for a cute summer top found in the same Issue of Creative Knitting that the Hoodie came from. It's a four row lace pattern with rib bodice, that I am knitting in Patons Serenity colourway periwinkle blue. It's the softest bamboo and cotton blend. It didn't come from my stash although it should ahve as I did have some serenity in there just not the colour I wanted. Bad knitter.
So how do you get motivated to finish off projects? I need a few tips here.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

periwinkle blue eh - lovely colour :-). It took me ages to finish off the hooded cardigan in my last but one post. I think it was guilt that motivated me in the end , also knowing I had to get it finished or i would end up having to buy a present in its place!!
Lisa x

Unknown said...

Speaking from personal experience from today (yes I just finished the blanket - phew!) I grit my teeth, sit down and do not move until it is done ... it is SO painful at the time - but the feeling of accomplishment and loving the finished project ... is well worth all those words I'm muttering in between ;-)

Adrienne said...

I'm the worst at starting and not finishing ... way too many projects in that pile to speak of.

I'm thinking yours and mine must be on vacation together ... maybe they'll get sunburned and return to their little motivational selves to us!

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

I need help too. I've knit my dad a night cap for Christmas and all I have to do is make and attach the tassle - but I can't seem to get motivated to do it :( Nothing like a deadline to get you going, though. I'll have to finish it next week :)

Willow said...

I promise myself a reward--today I bought Christmas presents so I got to drink a hot mocha. What kind of reward will you choose after you finish?

Thimbleanna said...

Now Alison -- would you like us to nag you LOL? I'm in no position to give advice -- I've had a sweater on the needles for at least 3 years. It's so weird to me how we can be all gung ho and get so close to the end and then just get stalled!

Mary said...

When you find out how to get motivated to finish something will you let me know how it is done? :)

Tracy said...

crafting ennui...it's the worst isn't it?! Nothing like the gung-ho to start, and then it fizzles somewhere along the line halfway though...LOL! For I try not to have too, too many projecst on-the-go at once...keeping the number of things down has helped me stay focused on what's been started. My mind brews with new ideas all the time so always tempting to start something new. But I make notes on paper, make sketches of idea...but finish what's been started first, only then take up a new project. And working on things at Christmas, it's so tempting to slow down and just enjoy...LOL! Thanks so much for visiting me today and your lovely comment. We leave on Monday for our Christmas trip. Looking forward to catching up with you once we're back at New Year. :O) Happy Holidays to you all ((HUGS))

Tracy Batchelder said...

You just have to make yourself do it.

"Do it now and get it over with. How long could it possibly take anyway? You'll spend much more time fretting over it the longer you put it off, than if you just tackle it now."

That's what I say to myself every week when it's time to clean the bathroom. Maybe it will work for seaming, too.

SissySees said...

I don't have motivation or time to finish what I want to, need to, should. ARGH!

t does wool said...

first off love the skirts...now,motivation...you have to absolutely love it...then you will finish...for me,anyways,otherwise it's a chore...and I don't need anymore of those,thank you.

sheepish one said...

deadlines motivate me, but only if they're real (like gift-knitting for a holiday or birthday). more than anything, i have to adore the yarn, the project and the pattern itself. if the pattern is too obscure or if i feel like i'm not working it well, the WIP will begin it's long, slow slide down into the pile...
enjoy your skirts! they're both lovely, and look great on you, alison.

Octopus Knits said...

I'm with Rachael Rabbit :)

You will be so happy when it's done!