Dude. I have a lot of colorways.
So many colors in the world, so little time.
I've been ruminating on this idea for a long time, all the while thinking and wishing and hoping that the project would magically complete itself. Strangely, it has not.
It appears as though the task has fallen to me.
Thus, I decided to give myself a little pep talk.
Dear Self,
Inertia = bad. Task paralysis = crippling.
We've talked before about your perfectionist tendencies, and how you feel that if you don't have time to do something correctly, then you might as well put it off until you do have time.
Get over it, lady.
The huge block of time is never going to magically present itself.
If you stay where you are right now, pretty soon the task paralysis will spread into other areas of your life, until you're left with nothing but a living room full of rats.
Self, I am going to let you in on the secret to avoiding task paralysis and inertia.
Start anywhere.
Take a tiny step in any direction at all. Who cares if it's wrong? What's the worst that could happen? You realize you're headed in the wrong direction? So then, guess what? You change directions. But you're moving. You're moving, and you're moving a heck of a lot faster than you were before.
Remember Monday, when you said, "The paperwork is taking over my entire office area."?
Just start anywhere. Pick up a paper. Put it where it belongs. Repeat as needed. So what if you don't get it all done in one afternoon?
Did you think that not cleaning your desk was going to have your office looking ship shape in record time? Tomorrow, you can spend a few minutes putting away a few more papers. Starting anywhere gets you moving in a direction. It overcomes paralysis.
Also, about that giant knitting project. You don't feel like doing it, I know.
Since when is feeling like something a requirement for doing it?
Have you or have you not cleaned up after your sick child at 2:00 in the morning, when you really didn't feel like it? But you did it anyway.
How many years did you work more than one job, usually while attending college and/or caring for children? Ten? Was that all unicorns and puppies?
But you did it anyway.
Start knitting the giant project anyway. Knit a set number of rows a day. 10, 20, whatever. Set a goal for yourself and put it on your calendar. Or set up a reminder on your phone. Choose to move out of the paralysis and start moving in a direction, even if its wrong. The wrong direction will still teach you something.
You are now going to create a tour of exclusive colorways. Colorways people can only buy at the yarn shop they were created for. You are going to put one foot in front of the other and stop thinking about it and actually do it.
Go.
--Yarnista
Well. Thanks, self, for giving me a lecture in front of tens of thousands of people. I appreciate that.
You're right, though. I'm going to do it. I'm going to create a tour of our shop exclusive colorways, because I love these babies and the need attention.
So as not to play favorites, I will randomly draw a few per day and showcase them. Because I overcoming task paralysis! I am not inert! I am neither neon nor argon! (Sorry, had to squeeze the geek in there.)
Here's the first: Lovestruck
I created this colorway for Amazing Threads in Maple Grove, MN. (This store is packed with an amazing variety of yarns, by the way. And they have a huge book selection. Huge!)
I mean, this is not even half the store. And they have SO many samples and swatches. It's amazing. Hence the name.
Lovestruck is a warm violet with vermilion pinks and reds, chartreuse, and hints of brown. All swirled together.
If you want some and don't live nearby, I'm sure Amazing Threads would be happy to send some to you. You can call them at 763-391-7700, or you could drop them an email at using their handy dandy contact form.
Next up: Pansy, exclusive to The Yarn Spot in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC.
Deep purples and hints of yellow. In fact, I just shipped them a box containing this very colorway yesterday, so they're getting a fresh supply.
Stop by! I love The Yarn Spot. You can see pics of a few of my visits here, here, and and here.
And if you're not nearby, give them a call (301)933-9550, or email them at info AT theyarnspot DOT com.
So. There is my inertia-bending beginning of the tour.
With more to come soon, because look at me, I am moving in the right direction! I make myself very proud.