Three Ways to Stop Knitting Start-itis

I know of only a few knitters who knit a project to completion before starting another. I wish I knew more. Maybe I could learn a few things. It seems that the majority of us suffer from "knitting attention deficit disorder" or what the Yarn Harlot calls "start-itis." We juggle between several projects; knitting a little bit here and a little bit there. If managed well, it's understandable.

Small portable projects, like a pair of socks, can be worked on while in waiting rooms or in the car. Larger projects or those that require more intense concentration are worked on at home. Makes sense. But...we're over-stimulated. We search online communities, buy knitting magazines, electronically download patterns and frequent the local yarn shop, drawing our attention to the next piece to knit.

For those who'd like to curb this craving, there is hope. Based on the principles and strategies from the book, "ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life" by Judith Kolberg and Kathleen Nadeau, Ph.D., here are three ways to manage "start-itis":

* Reduce the stimulation -- Limit yourself to reading knitting magazines, visiting yarn shops, or pattern "window shopping" until you've completed a project.

* Use your stimulation hunger to become a better knitter -- Knit projects that use several types of stitches or incorporate patterns you've never tried to counteract boredom.

* Make it a game -- Create a challenge that rewards you along the way from start to finish. These kinds of challenges are often more fun if played with a group.

By developing a few simple routines and strategies, you'll be able to reduce the number of works-in-progress and create excitement about finishing.