Stitch goals?

[Anna114]

I'm just wondering does anyone set goals for themselves? How many projects in a year or how many stitches a week?

I tend to work on a project for a while then abandon stitching for a couple of months. My map of Ireland should have been done by Jan 21st ( the 5th anniversary of losing my Dad). Well I am no where close. So, about 4 weeks ago I started setting weekly goals for myself... how many stitches to do in a week. I've been trying to stay in the 2000 stitches a week. I take time before and after work to accomplish this goal. I was stitching until 2:30am, this morning, to stay on the path. I also have been taking a picture every week so I can see my progress. That has been very helpful. I don't see the progress like my husband does.

So, what are your goals, if you have any?

[bookknurd]

I do sort of set myself weekly goals, though it doesn't bother me much if I don't meet them (which I usually don't). I've had a few gifts that were on a deadline that I've be able to get done on time, usually by spending a night (or few) up late towards the end.

In general, I don't set super specific goals (like stitch count or something similar). That's just not how I enjoy this hobby, although I think it's great if it works for you.

I also have general goals about new techniques I'd like to try, projects I'd like to start, etc.

Right now, I have limited time to stitch, so I really just pick something to work on for the week and work on it when I get the chance. I have a big test in March and once that is over, I'll have a lot more time to dedicate to stitching/knitting/crafting/not studying.

[Serinde]

I'm not a great goal setter, me. There are deadlines, of course -- weddings, especially, lately. But I stitch whenever I'm not editing (or being a good Maxwell-housewife! not). It's such a pleasure, I try to avoid the whole idea of goals.

[mauveme]

Goals don't work for me unless it's something as a gift for a special occasion, then I just stitch till it's done. I don't like the "rotation" system, I like to do something until it's finished before starting something else. (unless I am waiting for floss, then I do small things to take up the time)

[Rose]

Like the others have said I don't like set in stone types of deadlines. I like to have a revolving time frame so if something becomes a chore I can set it aside and not work on it. I do make gifts for Christmas but those usually are done through out the year and if they do not get done oh well.

I stitch for the fun of it so setting a deadline makes it a chore not fun. Yes at the beginning of the year I set out certain projects I would like to do. But that always changes and gets tweaked so if I complete half of what is on the list I am pretty happy with those results.

Stitching should not be a chore it should be enjoyable!!!!!!!!!

[fccs]

The only time I set goals is when I am working on a gift with a specific date in mind. And even then, the goal isn't always met on time. I made Christmas stockings for a friends kids and husband, and then it took me another few years to get hers done. Every Christmas people would see the cross stitched stockings and her store-bought stocking, and they'd ask why she had an ugly stocking with all the pretty ones.

I stitch for the love of stitching and for the joy and relaxation it brings...I am afraid too many goals would be get in the way of those.

[PRW]

Just to finish what I start.

[Fizzbw]

Other than the projects with deadlines for others I don't usually set deadlines either, and just work on the project that calls to me the loudest.

Although I do have what I call my "sneaky starts" which are medium projects that I suddenly need to start but which aren't part of my rotation proper. Like my current one Joan Elliott's snow princess, I have set myself a goal of finishing it within two weeks, which I won't get now as I got ill for 3 days and am not yet back to stitching speediest.

But really I have no reason to have a goal or a deadline other than to enjoy myself as much as possible!!

Niki xxx

[crosstitcher1]

Yep. I'm a goal setter.
Depends on how many people I have to do and then I START Jan. 1 of each year, and FINISH the 2nd week of Dec. of each year, to get them framed and given out. Then after the 2nd week of Dec., I prep my fabrics and kit up the next years projects. Last year, I had 9 people. this year it's 6 people, but total projects is 15. 5 to 1, 4 to another, 3 to another 2 to another and the last person gets 1. Got 7/15 done so far. Pulled a ALL NITER til 2 pm. today, to get the latest project done, as I didn't stitch for 3 days this week.
I work on projects 6 days a week, M-Sat. M-F 5 am-1 pm. Sat. 5 am-2 pm., unless interrupted with life. , drs. appts, or waiting on repair people, which I have had alot all of in Jan and 1/2 of Feb. Differ issues.
I don't count "how many stitches per hour." To me, that 's like doing production, and I have had 20+ yrs. of doing that. NOT with this enjoyable hobby, will I turn it into production. That's why I give myself a year.


HAPPY STITCHING IN STITCHING LAND.

[rcperryls]

The minute I retired (possibly sooner) I gave up project goals. However, being honest, if I am stitching a gift then I guess I do have a goal. I tried setting stitching goals twice I think on the HAED BB and I think at least once or twice here, but things pop up (new charts, new techniques, new ideas) that get in the way. I always tried a fairly strict rotation and kept to it for over a year. However, it was written in pencil. I still try to stick to it pretty closely, but still keep it in pencil so that if one piece makes more noise it gets my attention. I like to think of mine not as goals but as guidelines. Much more flexible that way.

Carole

[NeedleAndFork]

Unless I am stitching a gift, I don't set myself time based goals. I just stitch when I have the time or feel like it, and try to make progress. More likely I make progress based goals.. telling myself when I finish a certain section of my HAED, I'll switch to my other piece for a bit, or if I'm working on something small, like an ornament, my goal will to be to finish that before I go back to working on my larger piece.

The only time based goal I have for myself is to stitch an ornament a month. Even this isn't set completely in stone. I made 2 in january, and haven't started on this months ornament yet. Though again, I've told myself that once I finish the really heavy confetti area in my HAED, I'll take a short break from it to stitch on an ornament.

As for progress photos absolutely, take LOTS of them! That's the best way to actually see progress. I try to take one each week when I am stitching on a piece. Sometimes when I feel I am not getting anywhere, I find the most recent photo I have of the piece and compare, and then it is easy to see the progress being made.

[Anna114]

Ok, I'm the only goal setter, I get it LOL. I'm weird that way. I like seeing if I can beat last weeks numbers. Funny part is that I do it with my gas mileage too. I drive a Jeep stick and I try like heck to beat my previous MPG. It's more of a game then anything else.

However, when I retire in 5 years 42 days.. also known as 133 paychecks I have no intention of setting goals other then gifts.

[coolpenguin]

This isnt' really a goal like you're speaking of, but I made a working list of all of the projects I'd like to complete this year and then some I'd like to start. It helps my wife and I determine what gifts we need to buy for people and it allows us to budget better.

As I am stitching, I do set little goals for myself. Not stitch count per say, but I'll say to myself "I'd like to get to such and such spot before giving up for the day" or "I'd like to finish this section by such and such a day." I often tell and show my wife so she can check in on me without being pushy. She is a huge motivator for me.

[Mystonique]

Finish one before I start the next one.

I have one small and one big on the go at any given time, plus a tapestry, plus another craft project be it latchook or punch needle or long stitch or whatever.

I find I do about 1 big one a year but I'm not fussed if I don't make that. Every so often I get really determined to "get it over and done with" then I set goals of so many hours a night or whatever.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Sometimes there are deadlines, like birthdays, or getting the new SAL started, or getting models stitched for a course or workshop, but otherwise I stitch for pleasure.

I used to have planned dates on my website saying when some planned designs could be expected, but I have removed them as they became too constraining and guilt-inducing (as I had to keep changing the dates....) I do this for fun, after all!

[kinley626]

I've tried making stitch goals last year, but it took the enjoyment out of stitching. Now I just relax and go where the needle takes me. No fuss, no worries, no frustration at not meeting the goal.

[fccs]

Now I just relax and go where the needle takes me. No fuss, no worries, no frustration at not meeting the goal.

I do the same, but I find my needle takes me several places...sometimes I wish I could rein it in a bit.

[gparr]

I've tried imposing goals on myself, too, and have given up. It puts pressure on me and takes the fun and relaxation out of the hobby. I publish a magazine for a living and my days are filled with goals and deadlines. I've decided that, when the needle comes out, the goals go away.
Gary

[carladee]

I've tried imposing goals on myself, too, and have given up. It puts pressure on me and takes the fun and relaxation out of the hobby. I publish a magazine for a living and my days are filled with goals and deadlines. I've decided that, when the needle comes out, the goals go away.
Gary

This! I'm not going to set myself anymore stitching goals as doing so in the past has just made me feel bad for not being able to meet them. I tend to either be super hooked on stitching or not do any at all, the last couple of years I've tried setting goals to see if that would help me keep up my stitching but it just makes things worse. I can feel all those unmet goals mounting up and deadlines looming and it makes me want to stitch even less! This year I'm just going to see how it goes

[Oriettait]

I did set a goal this year on the HAED BB to finish the peacock but more to play along than to actually force myself to stick with it. I know that for me, if I set goals on my stitching it would become a job and I will not enjoy it as much.