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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?
The Coastie Wife says
January 22, 2016 at 6:18 amI'm still learning how to make more time for myself but it really is all about choices. Best of luck with your crafting goals!
Elizabeth says
January 10, 2016 at 6:48 amHm 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!
Paula says
January 9, 2016 at 8:40 amI 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!
Kelly Baum says
January 9, 2016 at 1:41 amI 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!
CathieJ says
January 8, 2016 at 1:29 pmI 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.
Nikka Shae says
January 8, 2016 at 4:52 amYou set some good goals!!! What a good way to de-stress and make fun things in the process.
Bri @ All Thats Glittered says
January 8, 2016 at 4:15 amThat looks like a really cool pattern! I hope you share the completed project!
MyTeenGuide says
January 8, 2016 at 2:58 amWhat a great list. I want to go back to crafting this year.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
January 8, 2016 at 2:25 amI don't craft or knit. I appreciate those that do.
Di says
January 7, 2016 at 11:06 pmDefinitely one project at a time. Though I haven't any craft goals lately. My plan is to eventually get back into painting and drawing.
jillconyers says
January 7, 2016 at 10:03 pmI have had annual goals for as long as I can remember. None of them are crafty but having the goals keeps me focused.
Kaylene Outnumbered says
January 7, 2016 at 9:16 pmI've just started knitting, so this is great. Love it!
NatePD says
January 7, 2016 at 7:58 pmI have a writing goal this year! Your knitting is beautiful btw!
Scraps says
January 7, 2016 at 4:27 pmMy 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!
Erin Shebish says
January 7, 2016 at 3:43 pmI run a handmade business so making things is just part of my life. And its one of my favorite parts!
Laura O in AK says
January 7, 2016 at 3:36 pmMy 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.
Lisa @ Two Bears Farm says
January 7, 2016 at 2:36 pmI have only read one of the little house books to my boys. We should pick up another.
Masshole Mommy says
January 7, 2016 at 7:54 amI 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.
Jannine Pampu says
January 7, 2016 at 7:28 amI love the idea of crafting goals! That's something I hadn't thought about, but will definitely begin incorporating them 🙂
ana de jesus says
January 7, 2016 at 7:24 amGreat 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!
Laura - Eye Candy Creative Studio says
January 7, 2016 at 5:25 amI 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! 😉
yanique says
January 7, 2016 at 4:56 amIt'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 🙂
yanique says
January 7, 2016 at 4:55 amIt'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 🙂
nicole says
January 7, 2016 at 3:52 amYou have your hands full. Time alone and doing what you love is very important. Love the color, 🙂
TheWhateverMom says
January 7, 2016 at 3:39 amI wish I knew how to crochet or knit! Especially now that I have kids. Would be great to teach them too!
Housewife Eclectic says
January 7, 2016 at 3:10 amI have goals to make more too! I love what you are working on, such gorgeous colors!
Tracey ~ Clover says
January 6, 2016 at 9:53 pmI 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!
Caroline says
January 6, 2016 at 8:38 pmI love your goals!! The Little House series, really are the greatest books, aren't they??
Jessica Abegg says
January 6, 2016 at 8:33 pmI 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.
Jessica @ Barefoot by the Sea says
January 6, 2016 at 7:10 pmSounds like a great goal! I love the one knitted/one handcrafted theme! Smart!
Donna says
January 6, 2016 at 3:56 pmYou set some good goals. My big goal is just to knit/spin my stash. At least until the summer!
Jeanettebr says
January 6, 2016 at 3:42 pmgood luck with the crafting goals! I think its great to start by carving out more time. that scarf pattern is neat!
Lisa says
January 6, 2016 at 2:13 pmSuch 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! 🙂
Andrea @ This Knitted Life says
January 6, 2016 at 1:47 pmI 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….