A couple of years ago I was inspired by the way Elaine, a quilt-blogger, organised her processes to Get Things Done. I had been feeling a bit overwhelmed by the growing pile of projects started but languishing, and after reading how she managed to keep her projects moving along, decided to apply it to my pile.
I have always been a "list-maker", and enjoy the feeling of satisfaction of crossing-off items as they get done, but Elaines's way took things to another level, and it seems to be working. But please go and read her article, as it makes more sense, and she is very detailed!
Starting in the front of an A4 hard-cover exercise book, I made a list of all my quilt related projects. In 2018, which spilled over into 2019, I had 56 projects, varying from fabrics selected, to sample test blocks, to quilt tops waiting to be quilted. In spite of finishing 13 and abandoning one, my new list for 2020 has 77 projects in progress. But curiously I don't feel as overwhelmed as I did two years ago, as this is a plan that is working for me!
At the back of the book, using Elaine's ingenious plan, I make a list of the weekIy tasks and I am very happy to highlight them when completed, and as an extra, draw a diagonal line through the weeks' list when all the tasks are done!
I have started adding some non-quilt related items each week, just as reminders that other things also need to get done (remember, we are building a house!)
Sometimes there are items on the weekly list that don't get done for ages, but it remains there as a constant reminder! And yes, there are always new things to try out, and they do get added (that's why 56 grew to 77).
So far this year only two new projects (which are block-a-month year-long ones with local groups) have been added, and although I know there maybe more, and the object is finish a lot this year, I am not setting a goal number, as it is like new year's resolutions, depressing when the goal not met!
Samples of the first month, a row of beach houses and purple/green four-patches
I do have a day job (not quilt related!), and I now enjoy coming home and being able to get sewing with the list as a guide.
