Oh my I am the exact same way. I have to finish what I am working on before I will allow myself to start another. But even worse is I feel the house has to be nice and clean before I can start working on anything too! Of course then I do not clean alot until I finish my project. I wish I could break myself of these old habits. Maybe its our ages?? Something that was instilled in us as children?

I try to finish each project before I move on to the next. I don't have a lot of storage for WIP's. However, that being said, I do keep a box of sampler blocks that I play with when I'm between projects or when I just need a break from a current project. When I get enough blocks, I make a quilt. I also participate in a BOM club at my LQS. So I have a little variety in my life.

I'm really the same way. But, I have found that I do a better job if I have a 2nd project to work on when I get tired/bored/frustrated with the current project. If I just plow on with the 1st project, I start to hurry, and my work shows it. I do limit myself to 2 (maybe 3) projects. More causes stress.

You have one big advantage with that mind set. You don't have a lot of unfinished objects taking up your precious storage space. Me, I have some. I would say just do what make you are comfortable with.

I think this IS the Answer. Why are you quilting? Is it because you actually enjoy sewing and handling the fabric? If so (ha ha), then multiple projects is not a stresser--it is joy, because multiple projects means many different experiences, chances to touch and handle fabrics, designs, etc. I'm like this. The by-product of my enjoyment of sewing is a finished product. In the meantime, I get great relief/relaxation, and plain old stress-busting out of creating something at the sewing machine or just playing with my fabric. I am PROCESS oriented.

If however, the end goal of your quilting is to produce a finished product...then one at a time is pretty much all you can handle. Your reason for sewing is different. You are PROJECT oriented.

A long time ago I read an article about this about a boy who was making a model train set. His family/friends couldn't understand why he wasn't more compelled to finish it...however, he just enjoyed making it. He wrote in the article, that truth was, he didn't care if he ever finished it--he just loved making it--to him it was pure delight. I'm not that bad--but I definitely enjoy the sewing aspect. The finished product is a byproduct of my enjoyment.

I am trying to get into the habit of finishing up one completely before starting another. I was in 4-H as a kid and took knitting, crocheting and sewing. There were always at least 3 projects going at the same time. I had a finish goal though; in time for the fair. Since many of us have to be muiti-taskers in life, I don't think we have a choice in how our brains work.

i envy you... i have too many ufo's because i start something else first.

I feel guilty over eating too much ice cream but never about anything quilt related.

Thanks for your replies. I have this evening done some fmq on my current quilt, and when I put that away decided to grab some fabric and just practice a block. Must admit it was fun to just cut ready for another day. I think I get stumped deciding what to do, cos there is so much I would like to do :!: LOL
I look at all my fabric and wonder how long it will sit waiting to be used. I must learn patience, have said that before and will probably never stop saying it.
Sue

I read this in the AARP magazine a few years ago and copied it onto a card to keep in front of me.


"Allow yourself to truly play at your hobbies without worrying about results." Sompang Sombati

I use this sometimes to help me keep from stressing over what I do or don't get done.