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Driving Myself Happy

I've set aside all my crocheting to finish my March tote for the calendar project, but it's been slow going from the start. It took about 18 days just to finish one panel. I'm starting to resent how long it takes me to feather stitch, something I've never before experienced. I think that's why I've avoided the tote making for a couple days this month. Crochet is easier so it makes me feel better about myself. I need to work on that bad attitude.

Probably the first step is to curb my ambitions. I set aside this vintage crazy quilted piece for next month's tote, but because of all the embroidery I wanted to do on it that might not be the wisest choice. I need to do something fun like crochet to get my heart back into the project.

This video shows how to fuse quilting with crochet, and tempts me to try that next month.

I could also do a spin on this crochet and fabric pattern from Yarnspirations to make my April tote half crochet and half quilted.

Since childhood I've avoided what makes me unhappy by removing myself from the situation and doing something that makes me very happy, which is why I spent most of my time reading in libraries, I think -- and why I've been crocheting so much. :) My unhappiness over my increasing limitations isn't getting better, unfortunately, despite my efforts to seek happiness. As an adult I know it's better to deal with the unhappiest parts of life rather than run away from them, so I'm not giving up on my calendar project. Instead I'll find a way to make it fun again.

Image credit: the crochet and fabric bags pic came from the pattern page on Yarnspirations.

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