Monday, April 2, 2012

Quilter's Brain......

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Quilted Bag - nothing to do with the post, but just a nice picture to break up the ugly one below! :)


I always feel guilty when I haven't posted for a while - it's been a week and I feel like I owe an apology to you readers, so sorry!  I have had a ton going on, that's for sure.  From helping Clint catch up with all the orders, to dealing with taxes and renewing my license, add in kindergarten shots plus kids and you can count that as a crazy week for me.  It isn't hard for me to get these things done, but the projects and have to's that are mulling around in my head and not getting them done are what bother me.  

So, one day last week Clint had me do a little exercise - that's the picture above - I was supposed to make three columns and write out 1-10, a-j, and I - X, but writing one letter/number in each column like this: 1-a-I, 2-b-II, then to the end.  He timed me - I did horrible, it took me 112 seconds to write out something that should come easy.  Then, he had me do the exercise again but completing each column going from 1-10, a-j, etc..... It took me 33 seconds. So, moral of the story - stick to one project and get it done, then move on to the next project.  Apparently it's a lot easier said than done.  I can't just stick to one project because one project means 40 hours of quilting without any relief from the detailed crazy quilting.  Seriously - I have to fit other projects in, so I do, but then my brain is always in hyper drive and then I go crazy.  It's funny how I think I figure things out and improve my use of time, but it always comes back to a disorganized brain and results in a "I don't want to face it" attitude.  This results in a weekend of finishing book 2 and 3 of the Hunger Games - I cried like a baby when I finished the books.  I was so consumed in the story because it took my mind off the have to's that I realized nothing (quilting related) was going to get done until I finished the story. 

I am happy to say that tonight I have worked a little on a project that I will share soon, and I have my next quilt on the racks - I just need to get moving on it. Sometimes I just need a little kick in the pants to get me motivated! 

18 comments:

Leeanne said...

Woah....chickie you are so hard on yourself, I'm sure I am not the only follower of your blog who thinks you do an amazing job!
Your quilting is always breath taking, you are a wife, mother of four wee ones, run a business & a home!

Dawn said...

I completely agree with Leeanne. Relax, breathe, give yourself a break! Last I looked at your darling face it didn't have "Superwoman" printed on your forehead. We don't need to hear from you every day.....even if we would like to. :). It's perfectly ok to let life interfere with the blog. The blog police will not come arrest you for not posting everyday.

Leanne said...

Sounds like my brain...don't worry about not blogging, it's really worth it when you do. Your quilting is inspirational and stunning. Be kind to to yourself...

Kelly said...

Love that quilted bag - one of my favorite fabric lines! Girl, I am with you on the brain - I never can finish a project without starting another, then I feel guilty and slightly overwhelmed and stress about finishing the first one! Ahh! Lists always make me feel better, even if they don't help me get things done, they make me feel better - and the joy of checking something off is awesome!

Julie said...

I agree that in theory the whole one project at a time is a good idea. I suppose it depends on what kind of project you are doing. A crocheted hat will take me just 2-3 hours and it's easy to stick to one. While a quilt from start to finish can take me weeks. It's hard to keep motivated that long on the same thing. I like to keep other projects around for when I'm ready to cut up my quilt into little tiny pieces and never look at it again. I crochet a little or scrapbook a few pages and I'm ready to tackle it again. BTW, I LOVED the Hunger Games books, perfect distractions!

quilting/fitness said...

i have to stop and now i cant get started again our grandaughter (6 months) and her parents were here over the last of the week i still havent finished the 4th of july doanation quilt and my xmas throw is stilll sitting by the machine i started doing the same design in each pinwheel and now iam so tired of doing it i dont want to look at it cant stand to do the same thing everyday it bores me and then i make mistakes so take a break and a breath its summer enjoy!!!

Melissa Corry said...

Man, and I thought I had a lot going on up there all the time :) I loved the Hunger Games. And I too had to just get through them so that I could focus on other things. Like feeding the kids :)

marcella said...

I so could not write out that chart without problems even on a totally quiet and restful day. It's like that DUI test where they have you recite the alphabet backwards - I would totally fail and I never drink :-) Maybe just limit the projects? One quilting, one piecing and one something else. That way you can work on a variety of things but not too big a variety? I've been trying that and it works pretty well - even if in my head I want to be doing more. That problem I don't think I'll ever get over.

Diane said...

I want your quilter's brain.

My solution for too many irons in the fire: set a timer and work on one of them for a set amount of time, concentrating only on that. When the timer goes off, shift gears to the next iron, and do the same thing. It has worked a miracle in my frazzled brain. I usually work on three projects for 30 minutes at a time. I can't believe how much more I get done, and how much more calm my brain is.

Esther said...

I can so relate to your post, but also want to encourage you to take a breath. You are so talented, so busy, and sometimes you need to rearrange your schedule. Don't feel guilty about putting your family, or yourself on the list. That, and I too loved the Hunger Games, and the movie was really good. As always the book are better, but they did a great job with the movie.

Pam said...

I can so relate to your hectic life.... you must have tons of energy, I don't know when you sleep. Good for you to take time out to read, we need time to relax and not do anything. I just read this blog, about doing one thing at a time, you might appreciate it. I know it has helped me. http://blogs.hbr.org/schwartz/2012/03/the-magic-of-doing-one-thing-a.html.
Also, I listen to books on my ipod while I quilt, it keeps my mind occupied. I loved listening to Hunger Games while I quilted. I also only quilt for an hour or so, then make myself take a break. I go walk around the block, stretch & do some exercises, throw in a load of laundry or something. I can't quilt for hours on end. Take care of yourself so you don't burn out! we want to keep seeing more of your wonderful quilting.

Unknown said...

Dont beat yourself up, these things take time and you are doing great. Have been reading your blog for a while now. I love your quilting, just beautiful.

Dee said...

Wow, you are one busy lady. I appreciate your blog and glad you have time in your busy schedule to post. I am a new follower.

Tracey Holzer said...

What a great post, Judi. I am a one project girl, and that keeps me organized and on track. I love the tote...is it the checkered tote pattern that is green and black? Are you able to send out a digital copy of the pattern if I purchase it or is it a paper pattern? Please let me know when you get a minute. Thanks, Tracey.

Cristie :) said...

Unless you made multiple bags with this fabic, this is the bag i won a few years back. If it isn't, you'd be happy to know I still love my bag and still follow your blog. =) Your hard work is and will continue to pay off but remember it's totally okay to take a breath and read a book (or two) every now and then. =)

Jenny said...

First off..I'm a post behind, but the quilting on your current post is outstanding! Your always inspiring me! Thanks so much for that! How to balance it all? If we could only figure that out! Just keep at it, you'll be where you want to be before you know it ;o)...and I love your honesty.

Sparky said...

Judi you are such an inspiring artiste, bravo

Melinda said...

I love that Garden Party pattern! I have been looking for something to make my five year old niece that will grow with her well, but she won't find boring right now. It's tough, but I think that one might do it!