Over the course of several years, I’ve joined groups and stitch-a-longs and UFO challenges. And each time I failed (by my standards).
It always starts with high enthusiasm, and wanes off within weeks. With the exception of one cross stitch SAL that I started a few years back. But then again, I started it because I fell in love with the pattern.
This year started with so many “I’m going to” plans. Mystery quilt, WIPGO, group stitching. And slowly all have fizzled, as usual.
While sitting and stitching tonight on a project that I want to stitch on, not an “I should because it’s on someone’s calendar”, I realized something.
I need to stitch and craft and plan to my own groove. And on that note, I’m back to working on Biancabella. I may work on her for a week, or a month, but I’ll work on her until my soul tells me to change projects.
Now, in theory, I love seeing SALs and group projects. In theory, when other people are working on them. So I’ll watch all these fun ideas while I sit over here listening to my heart and working on my own timeline.
Oh, and where am I on Biancabella? Well, after unstitching a section and recounting, I’m back to making progress.
One other project that I am keeping up to date on is my Temperature Typography cross stitch. Every day I record the high temperature and select the color of floss that corresponds to that temp and stitch a section of a letter. This was my progress as of last night.
So once again I’m walking my own path, following my heart and content with my crafts.
Are you a group or solo crafter? Both have merits and fit different people. I hope you find yours.
Goneaway Quilting 
Mornin Judy,
I choose to work on my projects.. Have never been a group person in all aspects! I enjoy seeing other people’s art,but I have always enjoyed interpreting my own visions! Good for you yo have found your niche! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Susan Dunne-Lederhaas
Hi, I recently started following your blog, and I am already finding something to comment on. I am a solo crafter, I have always been, partly because no one in my social group is crafty, and I’m mostly an introvert. I have tried SALs and BOMs and weekly progress blog lists, but you know, what it all comes down to is my time. I probably have more time than the average crafter, but I spend it productively, so many years were spent squeezing in 15 minutes here and there. Now it’s a part of my daily lifestyle, what I’m going to work on versus how long I am going to work. I can appreciate others progress and cheer them on, but I don’t really get much out of finishing first, or pioneering the next steps. I do enjoy watching you-tube videos that feature finished and in progress works.
Tracy, thanks for the follow!
My problem seems to rooted in a desire to want to go my own way. There’s plenty of time to work and stay up to date if I manage my time, but it takes a special motivation that I seem to lose quickly. I’ve sometimes considered it to be a case of “startitis”, or FOMO, but in all essence, I’m just happier walking my own path.
Oh, I LOVE this for you!!! It’s one of the big reasons that A’s Place is Knit What You Want all the time. Or crochet. Or stitch. Or quilt. I know you know 🙂 Sometimes we just have to go our own way. Know that you are missed in the group and will always be welcomed back whenever you choose to pop in and say hi 🙂 Love your cross stitch. I am down to one knitting WIP and I decided to stitch for awhile again myself. I’ll have photos soon. 🙂
OK – no clue why I’m anonymous all of a sudden. But that was me, A 🙂
Love this post and your work. Beautiful! I am also a solo stitcher. Funny thing is that I just did this same post on my blog. Great minds. LOL. Keep being tru to you 😁