Resolutions

Making New Year’s resolutions is not an easy thing for a procrastinator. I’ll think of a few things, maybe even jot down a note or two, but never get all the pieces together. I’m trying to approach my different craft interests in a more comprehensive way. I belong to an online quilting group called A Dozen Done, the original premise was that we would set a goal of finishing one quilt a month. I also belong to Ravelry, where I have projects in progress, as well as a listing of my yarn stash, and some of my books. My resolutions for my fiber crafts have a lot of overlap.

I like the Slow Stashing idea presented on Knitter’s Review. It describes how to take a careful look at your yarn stash for sorting and purging, but also how to be mindful and conscious of new purchases. It would help me a lot to at least write down why I purchase certain yarns, especially with online orders. I have done a better job in the past year with fabric purchases. The goal is to purchase fabrics to finish something in progress, or complete the parts of an idea quilt (usually sitting in a plastic box with perhaps a note about the intent).

My sewing studio wants to be usable, especially the large cutting table that ends up being a dumping ground for things to put away (new purchases, leftover project parts). I want to go in the studio and be inspired and encouraged to work on things, not depressed about how many things are waiting to be finished. I got a good start on New Year’s Day by putting projects into boxes and onto shelves. I made a list of what is in the two closed cupboards, and also what is sitting on open shelves in boxes, so when I do get inspired to work on something, it can be easily found.

I want to finish some knitting and crochet projects that are actually used. There is an afghan project that is now (as of last night) in its third incarnation, that I want to finish and use. The Daily Sweater is growing slowly, but it is progressing. Charity hat and scarf projects are ongoing too, using up smaller bits of yarn in complementary colors. I like them for meetings and travel, and have been trying different patterns to learn new skills.

And I want to set some goals for gift and donation projects. Nothing spurs me on like a deadline. I made a lovely lace scarf in two weeks for a Christmas gift in 2007. I would like a similar scarf for myself! Charities collect different things at specific times of year, and the projects can be started well ahead of time. Examples: Project Linus has twice-yearly project parties at a local store; school auctions are scheduled well in advance.