Contemplating Crafts

I've been knitting, as in more than practicing stitches, for a about a year now. It has been wonderful. I've also restarted crocheting. As much as I've enjoyed these crafts, I need to consider a few things.

I've started more projects than I've finished. I signed up for Knit-Alongs and then was too bogged down with other issues to participate.

After looking at my starts, stalls, and such, I've realized I honestly don't have as much time to knit or crochet as I would like. I'm not a fast enough knitter or crocheter to whip out projects quickly enough to avoid frustration. In an attempt to avoid getting discouraged, I'm going to try to just concentrate on just enjoying the process. I'm no longer giving myself deadlines, except for hats. If I join a Knit/Crochet-Along, it will be one with a generous finishing date.

I've also realized that having a live person, in your presence, who appreciates knitting, really helps. Therefore, I'm going to try really hard to make it to my next Guild meeting and try to get to at least one other knitting meeting held locally. I'm also considering taking a class to boost my confidence, improve techniques, and to mingle with other knitters and crocheters.

I think I'll make a list of different things I want to learn so that I can get more satisfaction from the crafts I love so much. Then I'll make a realistic list of projects I want to make/finish this year.

Considering it's been an eventful year, I'm self-taught, and I had a very choppy beginning, my 2004 stats aren't really that bad.

2004 In Review

Finished Objects
3 pink hats for charity
1 blue hat for charity
1 hat for my son
1 scarf for my son
1 blanket for my son
1 rug
1 hat (will match my Klaralund sweater if I ever knit it)
4 squares for heathful throws


Started, still planning to finish
1 Fair Isle sweater for my son
1 Klaralund sweater for me
1 Pair of Seed Stitch Shoes
1 ABC Afghan

Finished except for seaming
1 pair of baby booties
1 short-rows hat

Finished but ripped seams at least twice
1 umbilical cord hat

Started and will most likely be frogged
1 tie (Who wears knitted ties?)

Knit-Alongs which I abandoned or did not finish before the deadline
Purse Slippers (still planning to knit but got concerned about slippery bottoms)
DNA Scarf (still plan to knit it, even have the supplies, just couldn't get started)
Klaralund (one sleeve started, still planning to knit it, keep getting distracted)

Knit-Alongs I completed
Men In Hats
Rug-Along

For now, it's nap time. Gotta concentrate on getting better.