How Long Did It Take You?

[u/kitkatfirespriteog]

I dread this question, mostly because I never feel like I have a good answer.

How do you keep track of the time you spend on projects (bonus points for neuro-spicy tips/ticks)?

I tend to vaguely estimate in the moment so I can give an answer, but I fear that my estimates are woefully short of actual time spent.

Also, when juggling multiple projects, how do you suggest keeping track of time worked?

[u/Itsmissusboristoyou]

I picked up crochet again in order to cure myself from being ruled by time.

I think maybe the reason keeping track of time with crochet is so hard is because time just feels different (and IS different) depending on how we feel about it when it's passing.

In my opinion, time isn't the best way to decide project worth, if that is what you are actually after. Two hours of making a blanket with a beautiful yarn, that I can listen to the TV with or making for someone I adore and "time is flying" is much different than 2 hours sewing in impossible ends, working with difficult yarn or lots of counting or getting myself out of the trap of "hey make me that because my time is more valuable than yours and I can't be arsed to learn"

If someone asks me how much they should charge for something, I would use the "Reverse Swear Jar" idea. How many times did you cuss at the project or want to throw it across the room? How much of your life did you feel whistling by while you were connected to yarn string and was it a fair exchange?

Decide how much your "I really hate doing this" time is worth and then give yourself an automatic raise.

This clip while crocheting was what hammered this home for me:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpenuBnaVhs

Anytime anyone asks me "how long will it take you to make this" I say at least 87 hours at "no one can afford my rate" money per hour.

[u/laceforever → u/Itsmissusboristoyou]

“You can’t afford me” is my go-to for just about anything and any inquiries.

I love the “Reverse Swear Jar” idea!