Googly-Eyed Owl and New Projects

What is it about starting a big project--in this case, a new quilt to be designed and made--that propels me into random small projects first?  As I move through a few days sketching possible designs and choosing possible fabrics, I find myself drifting into manageable crafts in the spaces between creating and doing.  Maybe it's just that I need to be doing, not merely planning/dreaming. Out of my quilt planning, this owl was born.
This is from a Simplicity pattern for pin cushions (#2990).  As usual, it's made from a combination of wool and recycled felt.  Now, back to the quilt design board.