Ok -- I think I am obsessed and I hope I'm not the only one. It seems like the moment I start a project (or even the idea for a project) I am like a woman obsessed to get it done! I still enjoy piecing, quilting, whatever I happen to be doing at the time, but the strong urge I have to complete the project turns the activity into more of an all-consuming obsession than a relaxing past time. Does anyone else have this problem?

My main problem right now is that I jumped into this tremendous hand-piecing project. When I started I thought it might take me a year to complete -- quilting and all -- now I'm 6 months into the project and I can see that a year is MAYBE enough time to piece the top -- MAYBE. Now I'm depressed because all I can think about is the end product which I won't be enjoying for a long, long while. I need to learn to enjoy the moment!!!!

FYI -- when I finally do finish the thing I'm afraid I won't want to touch it for fear of destroying it after all the blood, sweat and tears that went into it. It will probably sit in a closet somewhere and never get used!!!!!

It is beautiful. Don't let in languish in a closet somewhere. Show it off or give it to someone who will love it and use it. It is going to be beautiful!! Thank you for sharing.

Oh but it's going to be so beautiful. I love it already. Do love it and do use it - you will have earned at least 200 naps under it. :)

Thank you -- I needed that!

200 naps? You might be right. Just no dogs!!!

I agree. And it sure is beautiful, wow!!!
I get obsessed with things at times and try really hard to breathe deeply, listen to things on my Ipod to get me out of my head and back to the moment, if that makes sense!
I honestly need to do this b/c I tend to get wired easily.
It helps a lot. I don't like feeling obsessed b/c I'm not enjoying what's going on, instead I'm in the future, not the present.

You are doing a wonderful job. Don't think about how long it's gonna take you to get it done just think of how much you will enjoy it once it's finished.
It will be georgious!!

Music is a good idea, Susan. Thank you!

I don't know but sometimes if a project causes such feelings maybe I would change my projects, maybe even start another project. Consider after after hand piecing maybe FMQ. Just suggestions. The point is to have fun in what you are doing. :):):)

I wish I had the nerve to try something that complicated. Don't give up on it and never hide it in a closet. Lay it out so people will see it and you will be proud.

What's FMQ?

Your welcome, hon!! Don't forget the nice deep breathing- it really helps :D:D

Wait -- got it -- Free Motion Quilting! I have considered giving it a try... Looks like fun after a little learning curve!

I love that pattern, just not sure I'll ever have the confidence to start it. You are doing great! Remember you can eat that elephant one bite at a time! Beautiful!

I just saw Connie D's comment and agree that a break would probably be a good thing. Don't make that quilt feel like it is a burden.

What you've got done so far looks awesome. I love the color combination. Great choices!
Enjoy the journey! You'll love the destination!

Beautiful!!!

Try to slow down and enjoy all of the journey. Enjoy the colors, smell, feel of the fabric as you are choosing it.
Take your time and try to find the simple pleasure in each step of the way of making a quilt. I find that it can be an very Zen experience and I am very much a type A personality most of the time. Just slow down and breathe!

Good luck!

are you allowed to take a project that was started by hand and finish it by machine?..that's what I'd do. Lol, but that's just me.

It's lovely by the way. You all amaze me with your patience and discipline when it comes to traditional sewing practices.

Firstly, it's beautiful, secondly, I understand exactly how you feel...but do finish it, and use it...it deserves a lot of love!

I totally get what ya are saying, I do the same thing! Just yesterday, I started an uneven log cabin at 3pm(cutting strips and center squares) and got as far as 1 complete round on all 100 blocks by 5am. Then realized I had missed dinner and everyone else was in bed. LoL! I was so excited to see what they would look like I just couldn't stop myself. So, took a nice break today and haven't sewn or cut a thing.

whoops! here I am doing it again, this was sunday afternoon into monday morn as it is already tuesday. gah!

That IS awesome! I envy those who have the patience to even try something this huge of an undertaking, AND those that hand quilt. Don't give up! Make it a show-piece. You are doing something that many will never attempt. (Including me!)

Truly lovely. Thank you for sharing. It's very inspiring.

The suggestion I have for you may be totally wrong because I am so not like you. I love the process and for the most part don't even think about the end product, I just love doing it. Because of that I also don't finish a lot, that is the issue I struggle with. Here is something that might help... What about having a "fast" project going along with your "slow" project. Have a machine made project that you work on when you can be at your machine, and do the hand work in the evening when you want to be around your family. That way, you will finish something quickly so that you get that feeling of completing something. It might make you enjoy the slow pace of the handwork more. You might finish 3 or 4 quick projects in the time that it takes to finish your "heirloom" quilt. I know that you might think "If am working on 2 quilts, then it will take me even longer to get it done". Yes it will, but, if you enjoy it more along the way, because you can see that the "quick" project will be done soon...well it is just a thought! I usually have a machine pieced project, a hand applique and some hand quilting, all going at the same time...who knows what I might feel like doing at any given time?! BTW, your quilt is wonderful, you must finish it, I do hope you will learn to enjoy every little stitch that you make.

Your quilt is beautiful, there is no way I could hand piece something like that, it is a credit to you and will be a family heirloom!! Finish it and enjoy!!

That is a beauty.........

I feel your pain, and it causes me lots of problems. I WANT TO FINISH, so I cut corners (sorry for the pun), I decide a mistake is OK, and then that several mistakes are OK. I don't think straight and cut things crooked. I am too obsessed and it's killing the quality of my piecing and quilting, which is very depressing. I have so many ideas, so many things I want to do. And I don't have time evidently because everybody on this board seems to make 10 gorgeous quilts to my 1 not-so-perfect one.

It is gorgeous and will be worth the effort.

Breath-taking! Please finish it, and we want to see pictures!

Wow - it is already beautiful and you are doing a great job. I agree about not making this a burden. Maybe find a quick little easy project to do as a break. This quilt will be a treasure!

A true labor of love that you will cherish!

all I can say is WOW!

Quite the project but oh my it is beautiful.

When it's finished you will have more pride in it than the other quick and easy projects. I hand quilted a few quilts that took forever but the feeling when they were finally finished was awesome! Your quilt is going to be absolutely stunning!

How beautiful!1 Keep up the good work!

I'm in the middle of a similar one myself, but looking at 3-4 years for a finish at the speed I go. LOL

It's magnificent! keep on stitching!

This is a tough one. Maybe you need to take a break for a short time, and work on something else. Something small and quick. Then revisit your quilt and maybe your enthusiasm will have returned.

You are doing great! It will be gorgeous when all is together! Save it for yourself and a nap! :)

Wow! You've risen to a huge challenge, and you're making a fabulous quilt by hand. I'm in awe. I agree that it might be good to stop and do a somewhat smaller project if you want to have a break, but this quilt is going to be exceptionally gorgeous.

Absolutely gorgeous. Love the colors and the pattern. I admire you for taking on such a large project that is all hand pieced. I just finished hand quilting my second log cabin and have been wanting to learn to hand piece and after looking at your project I really want to learn how. Can't wait to see the finished quilt, but I agree with some of the others maybe take a break and do something quick and easy

I love hand pieced items. These are the projects that I take with me and work on at work during my breaks or while waiting at the doctors office or while waiting for the kids after school. When I have "to go" pieced items I feel great because then I can still quilt with my busy schedule. Good luck with this.