Different projects for different times

Ok, I know that there is a big divide out there of people who have hundreds of projects on the go, and those who only ever have one, but today I wanted to talk to you about my reasons for always having a number of projects on the go, and why I think it's really good for you. 

First of all, a little caveat, I'm still writing this blog from bed. My health is still pretty rubbish, so I'm managing a quiet day on the armchair in the shop followed by a day in bed, which means that I'm not managing to get as much of anything done as I'd wanted to, and that includes the in-depth blog post I was hoping to embark on about the history of fibre crafts. So until I'm back 'on it' I'll be doing one-off blog posts rather than a big series. 

So, with that in mind. 

Why have so many projects?

There's a really simple answer here - choice!

That may sound daft and overly-simple, but hear me out.

I really believe that everyone should have a minimum of 2 projects on the go. 

And they should be fundamentally different from each other.

Project 1

This should be something that you find interesting, fun, engaging and possibly even a bit challenging. 

We all need a bit of interest and stretch, otherwise things become boring or we are at risk of doubting our abilities or even falling into the trap of assuming that we won't be able to do things because we haven't tried them before. 

Having a project that is a little bit challenging, or just outside your comfort zone, or just requires a bit of proper brain to think about whilst you're doing it, is actually really good for you. 

It keeps your brain active, and means that you are problem solving and thinking. The great thing about this is not only that you're learning and keeping all your neurons firing happily, but that it also does great things for your mood when you achieve each bit. You'll get a kick out of knowing that you managed it, even if you found it a little challenging. 

You'll also trust your instincts and abilities more as time goes on. 

However, you don't want this to be your only project.

This is because if you're working hard on something all the time, it gets overwhelming. If you have to tink back or frog bits of it, you can get disheartened, put it down, and it might stop you from picking it back up. 

I know people who have stopped knitting because they only work on one project at a time, have fallen out of love with their project, and can't bring themselves to start another even though they want to be making something, just because they feel like they have to finish that difficult project first. 

So this is where Project 2 comes in!

Project 2 is your light relief project. It's the project that is safe to travel with on the bus or the train, because you can pick it up and put it down as often as you need. 

Project 2 is the one you take with you to craft and chatter groups, because you know you'll lose count when you're giggling and it doesn't matter. 

Project 2 is your lifeline. It's your 'I can pick it up and it just works'. 

Project 2 is what you pick up on a bad day, on a tired day, or when Project 1 has fried your brain or thoroughly annoyed you to the point where it's on the naughty spot. 

Project 2 is your tv project. Your rest. Your recuperation. Your brain break. 

But you still need to be challenged and feel a sense of accomplishment. You still need to get your neurons firing and learn new things in order to be fully healthy and engaged in life. Which brings you back to Project 1. 

So why does this matter?

I think this equates across most art and crafts, and isn't specific to knitting and crochet. 

As humans, we love to be entertained, and what suits us one day, or one hour, is not necessarily what we need or want the next. 

We need breaks as much as we need challenges. 

We need fun as much as we need determination. 

We need to be able to strike that balance in all aspects of our creative lives, and so limiting ourselves to 'I must finish that before I start something else' can be really bad for you and actually kill your creativity. 

Don't let yourself feel guilty for 'cheating' on your other project(s). You are allowed to have different things for different moods. If you do more than one art or craft, you'll probably also know from experience that different things appeal to you at different times.

I know that after Wonderwool, I really needed a break from knitting and spent the next few weeks spinning with a drop spindle to relax and get my brain back into gear. 

At the moment, my shawl design is on hold whilst my health isn't great, and so I'm knitting socks, and contemplating doing some crochet. 

You need to allow yourself to be versatile and to go with what is enthusing you or not at any given time. 

Forcing yourself to keep going on something isn't creativity. 

So try having a second (or tenth) project and allowing yourself to switch between them depending on how you feel, and see if it improves your creativity and your mood. 

Let me know whether you're a multi-project lover or a single-profect-only person!

See you next week. 

Nikki x