Sunday, June 13, 2010

Idle Hands....

I need your help!!

How do you decide what project to conquer next? I'd be curious to know how you make your decisions to start on another tatting project. I've been sitting idle for about 2 weeks and need to get going on another project. I've gone through all my pattern books, perused the Internet, and worked to create a pattern in my mind... and I'm not really sure what the next project will be. I kinda want to start a large project...something like a large doily or, I've got an idea for a pair of baby booties. OR, I could return to the endless edging project, or more book markers...hmmmm.

Help me out here. What do you think?

11 comments:

  1. The best thing if you want to do a large project but aren't really sure is to do motifs which can be joined together. That way you only 'commit' to one 'lot' at a time and can call it a day whenever you finish part of it. Believe me - this old git in the UK is going through this decision at the moment. I've done a medium sized 'mat' but am not sure whether to make it a larger one. Life's like that - decisions, decisions!!!!!

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  2. Ah don't listen to my sister!! Rather go to her pattern page and choose something from there - you will find some largish projects, especially if you get addicted to them - or this one which if you must listen to her! http://www.e.n.e.btinternet.co.uk/Squaretriangle.pdf

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  3. I usually start as you have -- looking through my collection of patterns and wandering around on the internet. Sometimes I run across a challenge of some sort that will get me moving on something. When all else fails, I load my shuttles and just see where shuttle and thread take me. Some of my patterns were born that way.

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  4. LOL! Are you wishing you hadn't asked now???

    I tend to have more than one project going at a time, especially when they are big ones. I need a little one for distraction now and then. And I procrastinate, so I'm not sure I can be helpful. On the other hand....I have a few projects that need finishing up.....if you'd like something to do while deciding....

    I'll tell you one I would love to do but I just can't bring myself to make the committment yet. It's the carousel by Ineke Kuiperij. The name of the pattern book is "Nostalgie" and you can get it through Riet if you don't have it. There are several small pieces so I could tat it like Jane says, but given my procrastination ability, I'm afraid it would end up in several closets never to be assembled in my lifetime!

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  5. Whenever I can't decide what to do next, I make another Spinning Wheel glass mat from Mary Konior's Tatting with Visual Patterns. I have the pattern memorized, so I have plenty of time to think of what I can do for my next challenge.

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  6. John,
    Well, you asked.

    I think I have a different take on the question! I peruse the patterns and just let them filter through the cogs and wheels for a while The critical part comes when I put the paper or computer down and go to THE CUPBOARD.

    I look at my thread. I fondle my thread. Forgive me, I put my head right in there and smell my thread. I close my eyes and the patterns form behind the eyeballs and - Bob's your uncle! There it is!
    Fox : ))

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  7. Yes, that! What Fox said. That way, yes!
    .

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  8. I have some gift giving occasions coming up so I factor that into a Fox-type method of deciding what to work on next.

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  9. When choosing my next project, I page through my pattern books, first the newer ones I haven't used yet, then the old standards like the Dover classics. I might pull out my vintage magazine boxes from under the bed and look through them. And then the filing cabinet with all the patterns I have printed from the web. And then surf the internet for a while. By then I am too tired and don't make anything at all, but I had a good time.

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  10. My friend Joanie came up with the best idea of all - make critters for the Palmetto Tat Days!!!! There you are - that's sorted.!!!

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  11. When I don't know what to start next I think of what occasions are coming up and see if I need to make any gifts. Are there any birthdays or anniversarys around the corner? Then if nothing seems urgent, I get out my books and decide which new technique (to me) I have been wanting to master - and get started. Right now it's cluny tallies. I'm tatting up a storm with them. So try something new when all else fails.

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