So Many Projects...

On any given day, I probably have at least 20 projects going.  It's my own kind of crazy, I suppose.  They creep forward slowly, and while it is my special brand of crazy, it is also what keeps me sane.  From the moment I wake up to about eight o'clock at night, I have a small child with me.  Two of my children are not yet school age and my oldest is in kindergarten.  Most of my time is spent being an emotional firefighter. Being a four-year old involves a lot of meltdowns; learning to navigate life is rough. The point here, however, is that I do not really have much time to sit and work on anything, or at least I have no guaranteed time to work on anything.  This is what has led to my 20-project situation.

I have projects for all situations. I have my kids-are-awake projects and my kids-are-asleep projects.  I have my I-have-to-be-able-to-focus knitting and my mindless knitting.  I have my weaving on my rigid heddle and my PVC loom.  I have baby-room-friendly projects, living-room-friendly projects, needs-its-own-space projects, kitchen-table-projects...you get the picture.  So, while I have what feels like a million projects going, they are all there for a reason.  I try really hard not to pick up two of the same type in my crazy org-chart of crafting.  And while it makes no sense to any outside observer, it makes perfect sense to me.  

I think it's important, too.  It's not just because I am a stay-at-home mom, all people need things that give their minds a creative outlet, a little space from their work and routines.  Like I said, I have hardly any time to myself in a day.  Goodness, I can't even take a bathroom break without some little person following after me.  But my situation is not unique.  Even if it's not small children that are demanding of you, life is simply demanding.  That means you need projects that can bend and flex to different days and different needs.  You need to be able to fit your crafts in to that demanding space in an unobtrusive way- and not every project is right for every situation, but that does not mean you should abandon making in that space.

Granted, I am not necessarily saying everybody needs quite so many projects.  You should do what feels right in your life. Maybe three projects are perfect- the lunch break knitting, the weekend weaving, and the TV spinning.  I guess the message I am trying to advocate is to not shackle yourself to a start-to-finish project (unless that is really what tickles your fancy).  Allow your creativity to take on as many projects as it needs and find the appropriate spaces for them.  

But please remember- don't knit and drive.