• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Townsend House

Cultivate Simplicity in your Home and Homeschool

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Video
  • Shop
  • About
  • Contact

Self-Care· TH

How to Make More in 2016!

This post contains affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through one of my links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.  Thank you for supporting this blog!



It is the first Yarn Along of the New Year!  Pretty exciting stuff, well at least to me.  I have been thinking a lot about how little knitting and crafting I did last year, and how I definitely want to change that for 2016.


I think that I was surprised at how difficult it was to sit down and work on anything for myself last year.  I wanted to make more, I wanted to knit and read and work on my hobbies.  Unfortunately, I think that I was overwhelmed at having a baby, then a toddler, while also homeschooling and doing all the other “mom” duties.  I also didn’t have a plan for making last year.

It’s not about having time, it’s about making time.

I’m not saying this for sympathy, I am just realizing that in order for me to sit down and knit more, I need to make the time, and I need to have a plan for it!


This year, I decided that I was going to enact more “crafting” goals for 2016.  Several years ago I set out and made goals for all the different important areas in my life.  I loved doing that, and it worked well.  For some reason I haven’t done that the past couple of years, instead making a list of general goals, and not splitting them into categories.  I think I just like lists and categories!  Yesterday I talked a bit about goals for my home.

My one goal for 2016 is to create and finish two projects each month.  One will be a knit item, and one will be another handmade item, whether it is sewing something, soap making, needlework,  something that is a craft, something that I love to do.  

My next step is to sit down and figure out the 12 knitting projects I want to work on for 2016.


The first project is a scarf for me with the yarn I received from my brother and sister-in-law for Christmas this year.  I was originally going to make a cowl, but then I found this interesting pattern on pinterest and decided to give it a try!

I haven’t quite finished my book list for 2016, coming up with 100 books is a little challenging in and of itself.  One of the books I am reading with the kids right now is By the Shores of Silver Lake. 

My plan is to get through this book pretty fast so that we can move on to the next book in the series – The Long Winter.  Partly because I love that book, and partly because I want to read it during our long winter, and realize it is not nearly as bad as I sometimes make it out to be!

Do you make knitting and crafting goals for the year?  Or do you prefer to visit it one project at a time?

You may also enjoy:

  • knitting and readingknitting and reading
  • knitting and readingknitting and reading
  • knitting and readingknitting and reading
  • knitting and readingknitting and reading
Share
Pin
Tweet

34 Comments

Are you ready to cultivate simplicity in your home and homeschool?

Start with my easy guide to organize your homeschool curriculum.

Previous Post: « Welcome to a Brand New Year of Loving Life!
Next Post: Personal Reflection on my Word of the Year »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. The Coastie Wife says

    January 22, 2016 at 6:18 am

    I'm still learning how to make more time for myself but it really is all about choices. Best of luck with your crafting goals!

    Reply
  2. Elizabeth says

    January 10, 2016 at 6:48 am

    Hm I haven't made any year plans really, but I like your thinking. I find it very difficult to get anything done around my toddler too!

    Reply
  3. Paula says

    January 9, 2016 at 8:40 am

    I don't make a list, but I love crafting. I'm also a huge fan of the Little House books – if you guys like the TV show, I have an interview with the actress who played Nellie Oleson on my podcast – she's a hoot!

    Reply
  4. Kelly Baum says

    January 9, 2016 at 1:41 am

    I like to just make a list of projects I'd like to accomplish over the next few months rather than the whole year, I find that helps me! And good choice in books, I remember my mom reading them to me as a kid!

    Reply
  5. CathieJ says

    January 8, 2016 at 1:29 pm

    I too find that I work better with specific lists. It is so important to take time to pursue what you love to do. Your children will learn from you that mom's interest and time are important.

    Reply
  6. Nikka Shae says

    January 8, 2016 at 4:52 am

    You set some good goals!!! What a good way to de-stress and make fun things in the process.

    Reply
  7. Bri @ All Thats Glittered says

    January 8, 2016 at 4:15 am

    That looks like a really cool pattern! I hope you share the completed project!

    Reply
  8. MyTeenGuide says

    January 8, 2016 at 2:58 am

    What a great list. I want to go back to crafting this year.

    Reply
  9. Beth@FrugalFroggie says

    January 8, 2016 at 2:25 am

    I don't craft or knit. I appreciate those that do.

    Reply
  10. Di says

    January 7, 2016 at 11:06 pm

    Definitely one project at a time. Though I haven't any craft goals lately. My plan is to eventually get back into painting and drawing.

    Reply
  11. jillconyers says

    January 7, 2016 at 10:03 pm

    I have had annual goals for as long as I can remember. None of them are crafty but having the goals keeps me focused.

    Reply
  12. Kaylene Outnumbered says

    January 7, 2016 at 9:16 pm

    I've just started knitting, so this is great. Love it!

    Reply
  13. NatePD says

    January 7, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    I have a writing goal this year! Your knitting is beautiful btw!

    Reply
  14. Scraps says

    January 7, 2016 at 4:27 pm

    My goal is to do at least a little something artsy/craftsy each day. I have a book with prompts in it and blank spaces for sketching, so that's an easy go-to if nothing else is in progress, and my design team projects are good for that, too. I like the idea of have a specific project goal, too, that's a good way to stay accountable.

    Have you read A Wilder Rose (or were you, perhaps, the reader who recommended it to me)? If not, it's a fascinating account of Rose Wilder Lane's part in the Little House stories. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

    Reply
  15. Erin Shebish says

    January 7, 2016 at 3:43 pm

    I run a handmade business so making things is just part of my life. And its one of my favorite parts!

    Reply
  16. Laura O in AK says

    January 7, 2016 at 3:36 pm

    My crafting goal is to relearn HOW to knit and finish off the hat I left undone when my son was born 6 years ago. Funny how you can forget how to do something like that.

    Reply
  17. Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says

    January 7, 2016 at 2:36 pm

    I have only read one of the little house books to my boys. We should pick up another.

    Reply
  18. Masshole Mommy says

    January 7, 2016 at 7:54 am

    I would love to be more crafty! I have always wanted to learn how to knit, so maybe I should take the initiative to learn this year.

    Reply
  19. Jannine Pampu says

    January 7, 2016 at 7:28 am

    I love the idea of crafting goals! That's something I hadn't thought about, but will definitely begin incorporating them 🙂

    Reply
  20. ana de jesus says

    January 7, 2016 at 7:24 am

    Great idea and it is true that we need to make the time in order to have the time.I know I need to work on this!

    Reply
  21. Laura - Eye Candy Creative Studio says

    January 7, 2016 at 5:25 am

    I am doing something similar to this. I want to hand letter a new art print a week to add to my shop and plus it keeps me practicing and working my craft! 😉

    Reply
  22. yanique says

    January 7, 2016 at 4:56 am

    It's so easy to not make time for the things we love doing. Good for you for making your passion a priority. I hope you share your projects with us as you make them 🙂

    Reply
  23. yanique says

    January 7, 2016 at 4:55 am

    It's so easy to not make time for the things we love doing. Good for you for making your passion a priority. I hope you share your projects with us as you make them 🙂

    Reply
  24. nicole says

    January 7, 2016 at 3:52 am

    You have your hands full. Time alone and doing what you love is very important. Love the color, 🙂

    Reply
  25. TheWhateverMom says

    January 7, 2016 at 3:39 am

    I wish I knew how to crochet or knit! Especially now that I have kids. Would be great to teach them too!

    Reply
  26. Housewife Eclectic says

    January 7, 2016 at 3:10 am

    I have goals to make more too! I love what you are working on, such gorgeous colors!

    Reply
  27. Tracey ~ Clover says

    January 6, 2016 at 9:53 pm

    I love your goals Heather and think now that you have them written down you will reach them each month.
    Yes, it's about making the time!
    Happy New Year!

    Reply
  28. Caroline says

    January 6, 2016 at 8:38 pm

    I love your goals!! The Little House series, really are the greatest books, aren't they??

    Reply
  29. Jessica Abegg says

    January 6, 2016 at 8:33 pm

    I made crafting goals in the sense that I just need to be making something and have that be a priority – beyond, ya know, worrying about making things for other people, but make things for myself. We have five crocheted afghans in the house: two the dogs took over, two for the bed, and one that is mine and mine alone (but also for use for anyone on the couch, except for the dogs, ha!). And I love that blanket so much more than the other ones – because I made it for me and I don't have to share! I want more knitting things like that. Not to be selfish, but to enjoy the process *and* the product and not have any worry attached to it!
    Your parallelogram stitch pattern is beautiful, and that yarn is perfect for it! And, if you're just doing a strip, you could still turn it into a cowl by sewing up the ends, double win, ha! 😉
    I keep telling my mom this, though, that you gotta make the time to have the time. Her problem is she doesn't have any hobbies she absolutely loves, though.

    Reply
  30. Jessica @ Barefoot by the Sea says

    January 6, 2016 at 7:10 pm

    Sounds like a great goal! I love the one knitted/one handcrafted theme! Smart!

    Reply
  31. Donna says

    January 6, 2016 at 3:56 pm

    You set some good goals. My big goal is just to knit/spin my stash. At least until the summer!

    Reply
  32. Jeanettebr says

    January 6, 2016 at 3:42 pm

    good luck with the crafting goals! I think its great to start by carving out more time. that scarf pattern is neat!

    Reply
  33. Lisa says

    January 6, 2016 at 2:13 pm

    Such excellent goals and such wonderful books! I love the Little House series and have read it multiple times…not only to my children but also just for myself! 🙂

    Reply
  34. Andrea @ This Knitted Life says

    January 6, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    I did make a bucket list, although I don't know how realistic it is…would probably be a good idea to schedule it out and have a more concrete timeline to shoot for….

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Are you ready to cultivate simplicity in your home and homeschool?

Start with my easy guide to organize your homeschool curriculum.

Currently Reading



Latest on Instagram

townsendhouse1

Heather @ Townsend House
My irises are showing up! White lilacs are also bl My irises are showing up! White lilacs are also blooming 🥰

#garden #2022garden #flowers #flowersmakemehappy
I am super excited to share the new Erin Condren T I am super excited to share the new Erin Condren Teacher Planners with you guys! I have been using the coiled teacher planner since 2015 and it is super functional for me. If you are interested in seeing the new planners that go on sale next week, you can find my videos at the link in my profile!

#ecsquad #erincondren #ectlp #ectp #homeschool #homeschoolplanner #homeschooling #homeschoolplanner #homeschoolmom #plannercommunity #teacherplanner
#ad 5 reasons we are STILL using @teachingtextbook #ad 5 reasons we are STILL using @teachingtextbooks for our homeschool math - it might not be why you think!
Find the video here - https://youtu.be/Q03_6jtpxa4
Find the corresponding blog post here - https://www.townsend-house.com/teaching-textbooks-6/
Get your FREE TRIAL here - https://u.teachingtextbooks.com/Free_Trial_HL41422

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmath #homeschoolhighschool #homeschoolingteens #homeschoolcurriculum #math #mathcurriculum #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #middleschool #elementaryschool #highschool
I have a preview of the new @erincondren life plan I have a preview of the new @erincondren life planners that are coming out on 4/25 for EC Insiders and 4/26 for the general launch! You can find links to all three of my videos in the link in my profile. If you have questions, let me know!

#ecsquad #homeschool #homeschoolplanner #homeschoolmom #ECInsider #ECLP #ecdailyduo 
#ecplanner
#ecplannerlove #plannerbabe #plannergirl #erincondrenlifeplanner 
#planneraddict #plannercommunity #plannerlove #weloveec #weloveecweekly
#plannersofIG #plannersofinstagram
#wildforec #Lovemyplanner #plannerinspiration
I haven't been out in my garden since last fall. I haven't been out in my garden since last fall.  I am so pleased to see all of my garlic coming up!  Next up, planting peas 😊

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homesteadjourneys #homesteading #growyourown #localfood #garlic
It's a #homemadebagels kind of day! #yum wish they It's a #homemadebagels kind of day! #yum wish they would last longer than a day 🤦🏼‍♀️🤣

#food #fromscratch #baking #bread #homeschool #homeschoollife #homeschoolmom
It's always nice when a.) your child chooses a res It's always nice when a.) your child chooses a research project topic you yourself love, and b.) she can do most of the research by looking on our own bookshelves 😊🤷🏼‍♀️

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolhighschool #homeschoolprojects #chickens #homesteading #localfood #localliving #greenliving #bravelearner #projectbasedlearning
We are nearing the end of our homeschool year! So, We are nearing the end of our homeschool year! So, my planning day for March focused on making sure I know everything we need to finish up to be DONE! You can find my video to my planning day at the link in my description! How is your homeschool year going?

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #erincondren #ECSquad #planningday #sonlight #sonlightJ #homeschoolhighschool #homeschoolmiddleschool #homeschoolelementaryschool #homeschoolmomlife
I have a full walkthrough of the new @sonlightcurr I have a full walkthrough of the new @sonlightcurriculum #homeschoolplanner up on my YouTube channel. You can find the video at the link in my profile.

#homeschool #homeschooling #sonlight #sonlightstories #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #middleschool #elementaryschool #highschool #charlottemason #interestled
I got a lot of new @sonlightcurriculum books this I got a lot of new @sonlightcurriculum books this past weekend! So fun to go through a lot of new books and resources we will be using for next year. You can see the unboxing at the link in my profile!

#homeschool #homeschooling #sonlight #sonlightstories #sonlight300 #bravewriter #bravelearner #bravewriterlifestyle #bravelearnerlifestyle #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #homeschoolhighschool #charlottemason #interestled #bookstagram #books
Just pulled the rest of our books (minus Lucy's bo Just pulled the rest of our books (minus Lucy's books) for the rest of the semester! I'm excited to finish strong 😊

#homeschool #homeschooling #sonlight #sonlightstories #sonlightJ #historyofscience #bravewriter #bravelearner #bravewriterlifestyle #bravelearnerlifestyle #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #middleschool #elementaryschool #wildandfreechildren #charlottemason #interestled #bookstagram #books
What I am #reading on this snowy afternoon! #home What I am #reading on this snowy afternoon!

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolhighschool #homeschooltranscripts #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolmom #homeschoollife #bookstagram #books #readersofinstagram
#ad Car-schooling this past fall was quite the exp #ad Car-schooling this past fall was quite the experiment, one thing that worked well for us was Teaching Textbooks. Come see the unique ways that we use Teaching Textbooks on the go! Find all the info at the link in my profile or my copying the links below 😊
Video - https://youtu.be/YKhNNQFJQMo
Corresponding Blog Post - https://www.townsend-house.com/teaching-textbooks-5/

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homeschoolhighschool #homeschoolmath #teachingtextbooks
Part of my January #tendinglist was to clean out m Part of my January #tendinglist was to clean out my office.  It took me a few days, but I *mostly* finished it and feel a lot better about how things are.

I actually picked the four hardest spaces in my house to declutter in January.  Seeing as how this is being posted today we can all acknowledge that I was way too ambitious 🤪

I made a lot of progress, and know that after I clean out our homeschool space things will be settled in my office as well. 

You can see how it all went down by clicking the link in my profile 😊

#abfolchallenge #decluttering #officecleanout #homeschool #homeschoolmom #homeschoollife #homeschooling #books
During history today Emma worked on sketching char During history today Emma worked on sketching characters for her animation.  Whatever helps her while we explore Newton, Leibniz, and the creation of calculus 😊🤷🏼‍♀️🤣

#homeschool #homeschooling #sonlight #sonlightstories #sonlightJ #historyofscience #bravewriter #bravelearner #bravewriterlifestyle #bravelearnerlifestyle #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #middleschool #elementaryschool #wildandfreechildren #charlottemason #interestled
Last week I posted about our homeschool spaces. T Last week I posted about our homeschool spaces.  Today the kids are doing school in my office closet 🤷🏼‍♀️ this is probably why organizing my homeschool room hasn't been high on the priority list 🤦🏼‍♀️

#homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolroom
Super thankful for our #csa delivery each week! T Super thankful for our #csa delivery each week!  Today I will make a big pot of vegetable soup to have for the weekend.

#localfood #eatlocal #supportlocal
Today I am sharing my 2022 goals! Have you writte Today I am sharing my 2022 goals!  Have you written yours yet? It's not too late to start!  You can find all my goal planning videos at the link in my profile.

#goals #goalplanning #powersheets #2022goals #homeschool #homeschooling #homeschoolmom #homeschoolmomlife
New books! I can't believe we are at the transcrip New books! I can't believe we are at the transcript stage of #homeschooling 😬🤪

#homeschool #homeschooling #sonlight #sonlightstories #bravewriter #bravelearner #bravewriterlifestyle #bravelearnerlifestyle #homeschoolmom #homeschoolplanning #homeschoolplanner #middleschool #elementaryschool #wildandfreechildren #charlottemason #interestled #bookstagram #books
I may jinx myself, but we seem to be on the mend! I may jinx myself, but we seem to be on the mend!  This is the first chance I have had for Christmas baking - cream cheese bars and sugar cookies.  It might be all I make this year, but I am happy to have a couple of treats!

#christmas #christmas2021 #baking #yum #christmasbaking
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

what can i help you find?

Are you ready to cultivate simplicity in your home and homeschool?
Start with my easy guide to organize your homeschool curriculum.

  • About
  • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
  • Contact
  • Index

Copyright © 2022 · Heather · Townsend House · All Rights Reserved

Share
Pin
Tweet