I am firmly planted in a phase of almost done-ness. The kind of funk that is created when there are so many little things that are destined to be bigger things yet the gumption to give them that final shove is beyond the scope of available motivation.
You know what I mean.... every project has that moment where you realize how much time and effort you've put into it already yet the blob of whatever you have sitting in front of you is quite anti-climactic. Its desperately in need of "just a little more" but the fact that it looks so wonky right now makes you wonder if its worth the last little nudge.
The visions that danced through your head when you sparked the whole thing have since moved on to something new and you're left here with this. Wondering... and trying to find just a tiny bit of inspiration to feed the fire that has petered out.
I have this weird knack for ending up here with multiple projects all at the same time which makes it even worse. Multiple wonkiness. Heaps of not-quite-done. Piles of finishing up. Even the garden and the school year are in that phase of "just a little more" but I find myself wanting to whine and stomp my feet like a toddler and squeak I just don't wanna do anymore.
But I know how it goes. As the pieces fall together and the final seams are stitched it all starts coming together. Those little flames are fanned with hope and the washed out visions become a bit more vivid.
Something small swims into view... something that reminds you why you started this particular project in the first place. Maybe the way a seam curves into shape or the way certain stitches line up just so.
I'm gonna have another cuppa and see if I can find a little motivation (natural or caffeinated) to finish something today. Just one thing. Hopefully that will spark a desire to finish a few other things.
Gosh, I just love that smocking! I just need to find time to sit down and try your tutorial because I'd love to make things like that!
Posted by: Amy | June 01, 2009 at 01:32 PM
Well done you! You look like you have some fantastic things almost finished, and I know just what you mean about having multiple things not quite done, and getting to feel a bit unenthusiastic about them. But then, they just seem to come together (and, yes, I've just been experiencing this with a few of my knits recently).
Also, seeing that closeup of the smocking has made me realise that I HAVE actually done some smocking before, when my kids were small, which I'd totally forgotten about...
Posted by: clarabelle | May 30, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Marie,
I hope you don't mind, I mentioned your blog on my blog, http://www.handwovenlife.blogspot.com and gave you an award! Go check it out!
Posted by: Julie | May 30, 2009 at 06:34 AM
Oh I so know what you mean. I got a burst of movtivation yesterday and actually FINISHED a couple projects. :) The smocking looks beautiful!! Can't wait to see it finished. (And don't forget to tell us how to finish after smocking...I'm still a little lost at that point.) Thanks!
Posted by: Chelsea | May 29, 2009 at 10:38 AM
(sigh) Know the feeling.... so many projects, so little time...
WIPs are everywhere...
Posted by: Kara | May 28, 2009 at 07:36 PM
So true. I know for me the temptation to jump to the next idea is so great, I have to really force myself to finish up the last little bit. The caffeine does work pretty well sometimes.
Posted by: Dani | May 28, 2009 at 04:19 PM
I smocked a dress for my 1-yr old daughter and I have you to thank for it. It was your tutorial that made it possible. Thanks for the inspiration
Posted by: Kathryn | May 28, 2009 at 04:08 PM