100 days?

Maybe a month ago, I ran across 100 Days of Making, and I was intrigued with the idea. I set the link aside to think about what I’d like to do. I went back to visit this week and realized they actually started April 6.

But that’s okay. I could start now and either catch up or go for 100 days.

The problem is still — what would I do?

  • 100 days of sketches? I’m already trying to sketch each day.
  • 100 days of haiku? Maybe, although a lot of my haiku doesn’t follow technical definitions with seasonal references and the like.
  • 100 days of origami, maybe folding cranes? Yeah, I’d probably get bored with that pretty quickly because of the repetition.
  • 100 days of crocheting and knitting squares of different patterns to join into an afghan at the end? Certainly a possibility.
  • 100 days of quilting different quilt blocks for the same idea? Ha! No way I’d manage a block a day.
  • 100 days of flower photographs? Or birds, or trees? That one has potential.
  • 100 days of photos with accompanying haiku? Ooh, that’s promising, but I am I going to find it too much by the second or third month?

Then, of course, I realized that with summer coming and potential trips, I might  well discover I couldn’t post to Instagram every day. (Oh, yes, just what I need — another social media network!)

So my current thought is to wait until after vacation time, and then start my 100 day count, even if everyone at The Great Discontent is done by then — if I still think I need another challenge in my life.

Does this sound interesting to you? What kind of creative thing could you do for 100 days?

Summer projects for the road

When our family goes on vacation, we almost always drive, no matter how far we’re going — a couple years ago, we drove from Pennsylvania up to British Columbia, down the Pacific coast, then back across the country to go home. This gives us ample time to listen to audiobooks (seems to be the only time my husband and I listen to Tess Gerritsen), although some books are too complex for anything but routine driving conditions (Oryx and Crake, Blue). The other thing it gives me time for is creating something with my hands.

On previous trips, I’ve knitted sweaters, crocheted and knitted bookmarks, even crocheted doilies (not that I keep any out on our tables). It keeps me busy, and it also helps recharge my muse because I’m indulging in a form of creation that doesn’t require words.

I’ve decided to do something different for our next trip: circular patchwork (see Carol Britts program for pictures to give you an idea). I’ll have to prep all the materials ahead of time — circles, batting, squares — but as I create each block, it’s already quilted. Single blocks can be readily held on my lap, and even joining finished squares into strips should be feasible in the car.

I’m not a hand pieced or quilter — it takes too long. I’d rather use a machine and have a finished product. So many calls on my time! On a trip, though, I’ll have time. I’ll also be developing a new skill. Will I be able to finish a quilt on a trip? No idea, but I can at least start and see how far I get.

The hardest part? May be going through my fabric stash and deciding what to work with!