–Semisonic, Closing Time
Obsessive Creative Disorder seems to be fairly common among crafty people. I can't think of a single blog I read where the author only has one project going on at a time. What is it about the creative process that drives us to juggle multiple projects? I can't find my official list, but off the top of my head I have no less than 13 quilts in various stages. Beyond that, I have at least another dozen waiting for their turn to be started. My stash consists mostly of fabrics that I bought for a specific project. The fabrics are washed and sorted into bins with patterns or sketches of what those fabrics are supposed to become, just waiting for me to get to them. Obviously, I love to expend creative energy in starting something new. It is so exhilarating to have a whole project, and all the possibilities it presents, before you.
But I also find it extremely satisfying to reach the end of a project; to look back and see all the obstacles you've overcome and to have a tangible object to show for all your work. Today I'm in the pursuit of a quilty finish and I can't wait! As a matter of fact, I could finish a different quilt every month for the next two years and still have a few spares on my list of 'to-do' projects. That is actually a pretty exciting thought.
One of my dearest friends, Jenna, mused, Sometimes I wonder what is more satisfying to the soul — finishing a project, or starting a new fun one? I've had a couple of weeks to think about it and I've decided that I definitely like finishing a project best. There are a couple of reasons why. First, it is the culmination of time and effort and talent and frustration and work. It bears record of my presence on the planet. But it also means that I can start something new, which will lead to yet another finish. So today, I must ask, Which do you like better, beginning or ending a project? Vote in the poll in the sidebar or leave me a comment, or both.
Which reminds me . . . here are the results from last week's poll:
Thank you to everyone who voted and then voted again because of the Blogger maintenance issue. I really appreciate it. And I apologize for not replying to any comments this week. It is at the top of my list of things to do. I thought last week's poll and the accompanying comments were really fun. I learned a couple of things about exactly how astrology works and really, we just took a quick peek into it.
6 comments:
Gotta say that while I get a thrill from starting a project I get and even bigger one from a finish. That's the real achievement for me.
Interesting question. My answer is that what I LIKE better is starting a project...but what is more SATISFYING is finishing it. Does that make sense? I love starting new things, the excitement and joy in seeing something come together. But even though I get sidetracked or drag my feet getting there, crossing the finish line is a very good feeling.
I agree with P, I love starting new projects, but finishing them is more satisfying. I actually love hte planning stages the most. I have these big 24"x36" sheets of paper hubbster brings home from work, mostly for Creamie to draw on, but I use them more often. And I sketch and sketch and sketch over and over until I love the final product. You know, that final product that I don't have fabric, or patterns, or skills to make. But oh I love it.
the reason we all have so many projects is to keep us from getting bored with just one. can you imagine sitting down to do a hexie quilt, and not finishing it for 5 years, would you really want to start another one? nope, that is why we work on those in between the other 20!
I love starting but finishing? WOO HOO lol
I do puzzles, not quilts. But I love the aspect of breaking out a new one. The finish for me is fantastic, but I think I enjoy the start, nearly equally. Especially when it is one that I intend to frame!
Another week, and I can actually start on a new one (first in over a year!) !! YAY~
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