Knitting & Motivation | Stay motivated & finish your WIPs!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ก.ค. 2024
- Sometimes, it's hard to stay motivated while knitting! In this video, I share 4 knitting tips for staying motivated while chipping away at your knitting projects.
As someone who knits almost every day, I find it really easy to stay motivated to knit when I'm working on some knitting projects. But there are other projects that take that little bit of extra effort. So, I though about what I do when my motivation is in short supply while knitting and put together this list of 4 knitting tips for staying motivated. I hope you find this useful!
Be sure to head over to Fiberchats to watch the interview that inspired this video!
• Community Over Competi...
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Find Me Online ------------------------------------------------------------
www.drowninginyarn.com/articl...
/ drowninginyarn
www.ravelry.com/people/dr0wni...
Patterns ------------------------------------------------------------
- Otte by Jared Flood: brooklyntweed.com/products/otte
- Soxploration Socks by Denise DeSantis: earthtonesgirl.com/products/s...
Yarn ------------------------------------------------------------
- My Otte is knit in Tones by Brooklyn Tweed which is coming Aug 2021
- My Soxploration sock is knit in Woolens & Nosh: www.woolensandnosh.com/produc...
Some of my favorite stitch markers have been made by Boutique Les Garcons and Whitney Marie Anderson. You can find their shops at:
- whitneymarieanderson.com
- boutiquelesgarcons.com
#knittingtips #knit #knitting - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
I have multiple projects in the works. That helps. When I get “bored” with the progress I place a stitch marker where I’m starting for the day, and as my creative time ends I look to see how many rows/inches I’ve completed. Keeps me motivated.
I am with you on "checking off the rows"! Whenever the patterns says, "repeat rows x through y, z times", I print off a sheet of graph paper, or make a grid with a ruler & my favorite pen. Nothing like checking the boxes off to see progress! So satisfying!! I often write stitch amounts I should have, at the end of a repeat, to double check that I am on track. I also like to have other projects going that might be better suited to a different situation: TV watching, social knitting, etc. As you say, then progress is being made on SOMETHING. Don't have second sock syndrome but sleeve island: can be a problem. Also, I sometime check my queue on Ravelry. I might see something I REALLY want to cast on, but say to myself, "You need to finish ____ before you can start that." It helps! Cheers!
Those are all very good tips! Thanks!
It's interesting because I have never felt a lack of motivation due to the complexity of a pattern (maybe because I've never knitted anything really challenging?) One the other hand, "mindless knits" *are* a challenge to me, socks especially because I feel I can't see them grow.
Otherwise, I gravitate more towards color work, which makes progress much more noticeable. Also, being able to try my knits keeps me motivated to finish them, so for a first sweater, I'd advise to choose a top-down pattern because as soon as the sleeves are separated and I can try it on, I already feel halfway there.
So interesting how different we all are about our approach! And your advice re: top-down is spot on!
I just found your channel. Glad to see another man that likes to knit. I have trouble keeping motivated. I have only knitted a couple of scarves and half a hat. I tend to get side tracked and lay it down and forget about it for awhile. The entire reason I started knitting was to make my own socks. Maybe one day I will give it a try. Thanks for the tips.
With a complex pattern, I use spreadsheets to define each row! Similar to you writing the row numbers. Each check next to a row motivates me to keep going and see how many check marks I can do in a day.
I do a similar thing. I will write out (in Word or Excel) exactly what each row entails in pattern, with stitch counts to help me stay focused. Nothing like forgetting which row your cable is supposed to cross on, four rows too late!
Thanks for these helpful tips, Jared! Listing the rows/rounds and then marking them off along the way is great for motivation and for keeping track, which is easy to lose when I drift too far in the flow.
Beatutiful photography, too, especially those lingering shots of your stitch markers!
To stay motivated, I first make sure that my tools make me feel special. I use Addi and Signature Arts needles and I have hand made stitch markers. Also, I have one large complicated project, one medium project and and small simple project going at the same time. So far this works for me. I love your podcast. Keep up the good work!
Thank you! And thanks for sharing your perspective! Sounds like a great approach.
Quality needles and notions make a huge impact! Great answer
I listen to awesome podcasts while I knit, and then I don’t get bored. My biggest enemy to progress is the ‘too hard basket’ where I am actually afraid to progress. I have two dog jumpers sitting there at the moment :/
Socks are my favorite thing to knit. They’re fun to make, useful, and you can never have too many. I always have a sock that I’m working on for when I need a break from my bigger projects.
I am waking on a towel using the linen stitch, it is time consuming and i have felt there is no progress. Yesterday placed a stitch marker, and I can see progress is happening. Thank You so much !!
I love to finish my project before casting an other, but i discovered that having a big and a small (a sock acutally) project cast on at the same time is great for me. The big project at home, the tiny on the go :) Also I keep my ends to wave for the moment I don't want to knit but I want to finish something !
I found the humor in how you keep track of your progress- I also put down the number of rows and cross them out as I go. I laughed out loud when you said some knitting projects can feel like they go on forever I am actually knitting right now a scarf for my son and I also started putting progress keepers in the repeats so I can see how far I’ve come as I do each repeat. Sometimes you can feel all alone in knitting projects that take sometime- you have inspired me and I will think of you each time I’m on one of those projects that take forever🤣
The thing that keeps me motivated the most is having multiple WIPs. I have maybe around 5 and that helps with some of the monotony of it all. I tend to get really bored with doing the knit stitch over and over so being able to switch it up or do stranded colorwork is a great change. I always have at least 1 sock on the needles for TV time, but I’m really loving working on my very first sweater.
I’m a new knitter (only know how to do socks) but I like to keep around three WIPs I do daily of one knit socks, a Tunisian crochet project, and a crochet project. Gives me a break between the specific movements of each :)
Great tips!
This was a helpful video! I am doing the final portion of a raglan sweater and have lost my mojo to finish it. Watching this has this process into prospect. Thank you for your tips!
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed the video! Sometimes sweaters can feel never-ending… I find it’s helpful to use a progress keeper. Just stick a removable stitch marker in a stitch when you start knitting for the day and it makes it more motivating to see how far you’re getting 💚
Awesome tips for knitting mojo. I use some of your suggested and happy to find a new one. Like you, It really helps me to have more than one project on the needles and a variety of types like short (dishcloths), long (sweater, color work anything) and vanilla (socks). Also, when I knit on a seasonal project, like a summer tee or shortie socks in the summer, that helps. I’m gathering some halloween theme self stripe yarn as I get ready for a fall sock project.
I loved having you on Fiberchats! Felt like I’ve known you for ages. Thank you for reminding me that knitting is about sparking joy
I was so happy to join you and to get to know you! It was such a fun experience and I am so glad to have you as a friend now :-)
@@DrowninginYarn Same! :)
Once again this video is perfect right now!..ive been addicted to socks and shawls, but its all I can do to get through these 2 projects!..I dont know if it the sock yarn, or regarding the shawl if it is just the crazy amount of stitches ....ugh...thank you for these fantastic tips!
Well I'm not really very experienced knitter, and I tackled a project that turned out to be really huge. I cast on too many stitches as I didn't use a pattern and the sweater is now huge more so because i chose to use mock cable stitch ... so it consumes vast amounts of yarn and doesn't really grow very quickly at all. One thing I began to do was to look forward to using a new ball of yarn, as sort of a guage that I must be progressing. But the sweater has been going for over a year .... lol!! OUr winter in South Africa starts around April / May - and I really want to finish it in time for my daughter to be able to wear in this winter (2024).
I have more than just one projekt, last week I finished 1 Glove With fingers, it had a very good patern but I wasn't that motivated on the first one which i knitted the weekend before the week I knitted that. I Said to me you don't have to finish it in a day, so I knitted the Hand in 2 days and said to me every Others day you can knit a Finger and I finished it 3 days later because I was so motivated I knitted 2 fingers a day. And in this time I worked every afternoon at a shawl so it gets finished too, so I was working at 2 Projekts and I think that was a motivation too.
The finding ways to track your progress to make yourself feel like you're having more success I totally understand I started knitting my first sweater with the flax sweater and I need it for my son who's a 2T. well I'm almost done with it but I found out where I was stalling was when I was trying to do sleeves two at a time I felt like I wasn't getting anywhere and it wasn't working out right like something was wrong cuz I'm not a slow knitter. But when I transferred all the stitches to dpns and started working in the round that way I noticed I was getting it done a lot faster and now I'm to the end I'm almost to the ribbing of the second cuff and then weaving in ends and everything and honestly for a first sweater it is An awesome pattern
I switch between Sewing, crochet or knitting....I have lots of projects on the go.....I am currently knitting my first jumper and it is great when I have finished each piece....x
I sort of do all of these. But one thing i also keep in mind when starting a knew project; knit for the season. I find myself more motivated to finish something when I can wear it right after I'm done. I have a summertop I starten at the beginning of autumn, and I cannot for the life of me find the motivation to finish it.
Hi! Just want to say that I love your channel! I'm a beginner knitter just starting to dip my toes into the waters and already I feel like watching your videos has given me a lot of good information and resources whether it's finding patterns, different yarns, tips and more. It's fun to be splashing around in the shallow end while I learn the very basics and still be able to look out and get ideas and see what's possible once I get a little further in.
Thank you so much! I’m so glad your finding something useful here 💚 Good luck on your knitting journey!
seeing someone who looks like me (beard, piercings) talking about knitting is such a great feeling. and these tips are extremely helpful, even if i’m about to apply them to a crochet project (oops).
I’m sure this has been asked on another videos but I’m new to this channel (love it!): would love the pattern of the blanket in the background I can’t stop thinking of it. Anyone have the link? Thanks!
If I’m working a big project then I like to have a small project that I can switch to when I need a break and some FO satisfaction 😂 When I go back to my big project it feels new again. I like to track my repeats too🥰 I’m a scatter brain so I will forget what repeat I’m on. I like to blame it on pregnancy 🤰🏾 brain but I’m lying to myself. 🤣🤷🏾♀️
I'm so excited to be here so early! Caleb, your videos are so inspiring, thank you and keep doing what you're doing! :)
That is such a lovely compliment! I appreciate you being here 💚 Thank you!
I just found your channel today and it’s already been motivating as I’m working through my first sweater and struggling with raglan sleeves. Thanks for the engaging content! I keep myself motivated with a more involved project as well as a simple project that I can switch between at any time.
I hope your sweater is going well! That’s so exciting!
I like your progress keeper idea. Thank you for the tips!
You’re so welcome!
💓Thanks!! Very helpful! I'm a daily knitter too, progress keepers were a game changer for me! I'm going to try your other tips!
Great tips for motivation. I always try to keep something either small or easier than a major project. I was doing an adult sweater recently and needed a break for something not so hot to have in my lap during this heat wave. I took a break to knit the Chevron Baby Blanket from Espace Tricot in cotton yarn. It was a great break and now back to sleeves on that sweater! Thanks for this great podcast. Always enjoy checking in with you!
My favorite thing to do when I'm working on a large project and need the sense of accomplishment? Making hexipuffs that i will eventually make into a blanket. I have a basket with all my completed puffs and it looks really cool with all the different colors and I can make a couple pretty quick. Get that satisfaction of completing something. Then i go back to my big project with that feel good in me.
That’s awesome! Are you making the Beekeepers Quilt? That pattern is soooo gorgeous!
@@DrowninginYarn Yes, yes, yes!!! It's so much fun, and in the end I'm going to have a beautiful, squishy, fun quilt!! And it won't feel like it took me forever to make since I'm doing it a few here and there. Plus it's just fun to look at all the puffs, and yes, I do toss them around sometimes too, hehe
When I am dealing with repeats as in your tip 2, I track my progress by adding a stitch marker after every repeat. That way, I see my progress + it is very easy to count the number of repeats :)
That’s smart! I do that when knitting sleeves so I can be sure to get as close as possible to two identical items. Hha
I just found you on my feed and I loved your video, I get bored really easily and struggle with finishing things (I'm also an artist, writer and million other things- the struggle is real!!) 😖😆🤗
Hi, you mentioned that you were featured recently on another knitters podcast. I didn’t catch her name so haven’t been able to find it. Could you post the link to that or the name of her podcast? Thanks
I forgot to include the link! Here it is and thanks for the reminder :-) th-cam.com/video/ygFdkHaeQpw/w-d-xo.html
I recently realized that I learned to knit 8 years ago, but I am only just now branching out from knitting squares and rectangles to tackle hats and my first baby sized sweater. I got bored with knitting for a while and eventually realized it was because I didn't like the yarn I was using. I had exclusively used acrylic yarn up until last year, when I purchased an undyed skein of wool yarn so I could play around with indigo dying. I fell in love with wool yarn, especially yarn that I dyed myself, and I have knit considerably more since I started knitting with wool. I just love the way it feels! I like starting more than finishing projects, so I always have many works in progress--sewing and knitting--but loving the materials helps me keep coming back.
Thank you for this short motivation podcast. I also like to have a smaller project to work on. For instance at the moment I have a second blanket project, a crochet top and a crochet bag so when I feel less motivated by one I move on to the other. I notice you were tracking your progress on your iPad. I must learn how to use mine like that because sometimes I misplace my note book or I am thumbing through trying to find the correct page.💞😂😁
Those are all very good tips. I use a progress keeper and mark down rows as I go.
Thank you! Glad you agree with them! And thanks for sharing your process 😊
picked up knitting for the first time in a long time and decided to jump in on my first sweater! the pattern i chose is the all day raglan by brendan from knitwitsandyarns, and i think it's perfectly formatted to keep me motivated... exciting, new, and challenging when i get to shaping the front/back necklines (and the sleeves when i get there!), but still familiar and comfortable when working in stocking or rib stitch for the majority of the time :)
When I have no knitting mojo (sort of related), I would watch Stephen West's Craftsy class. He is always upbeat. Now there are several podcasts (like yours) that helps me to pick up a project and try to knit again. Yeah Covid has been hard for me.
I’m sorry it’s been hard… but it’s great that you have something that you’ve found to help you through. I’m sending you good vibes!
Very good set of advices. My personal advice is to use lifelines in bigger or more complex projects. Put a lifeline at regular intervals or after a big pattern repeat, so that when you make a mistake you can easily rip up and restart the project.
I remember the times where i didn't do it and needed to rip a chunk of my work and then struggle with picking up the stitches, which is super hard in cabled or brioche fabrics. Nothing kills my motivation more than this.
Knitting with knowledge that I can easily fix my mistakes helps a lot with my motivation.
Can you tell me where I can find free wool.hugs
I love tip 4. I keep an easy project near my workspace so that when I'm stuck in a conference call I can can pick it up and keep my hands moving while I listen.
My favorite benchmarks are a color change when I do big blocks or when I complete a skein and start the next.
When I feel like I'm getting bogged down in a project where I'm not making project I will try to switch to a different kind of project. Maybe I'll move from a thin baby blanket to a chunkier throw where I can see the length build faster because of the bigger yarn.
If I'm really suffering from motivation I'll sometimes switch it up altogether and do a little crochet or cross stitch. Eventually the motivation comes back, especially if I have an event (a loved one expecting a baby or a birthday) to make something in service of.
All great motivators, enjoyed your video
Thank you so much!
I section my socks. 😀
What is your favorite sock pattern?
Vanilla with shadow wrap heels. Mindless. Working on pair 18 for 2021. 😀
Great tips! I absolutely agree with #4, I’ve done that many times and it really helps. One time I was in such a slump, I didn’t want to knit anything. So I decided to learn crochet! I crocheted a baby blanket for a friend. Afterwards, I went back to my “comfort zone” of knitting. 😂
I stay motivated by listening to videos like yours while I knit. It makes my experience more like knitting with a friend over coffee.
Take that sweater body knitting to a knit day with your knitting buddies. Time spent with these friends really helps me get through.
That’s such a great point! I love getting together with friends to knit and chat!
I am doing raglan increases right now and although it seems to be taking forever, I only have about 5 more rows and my progress keeper doesn’t lie! Even though rows are getting longer, the progress keeper shows me I am making progress. I agree with your tip about having a mindless project on the needles to pick up whenever I need a break from the “never ending” one. I also have the same Woolens and Nosh “Salt Water Taffy” sock yarn and wondered what you used for your heels and toes?
For the heel and toe on my sock, I’m using a mini skein from a set I bought from Hawari Bazaar last year. I thought about going with plain white, but this mini has the softest hints of colors that work well with the yarn! And you’re soooo close on your sweater! I hope you’re enjoying the process 😊
I loose my knitting mojo only when working on sweaters and invariably end up on sleeve island 🏝 I pull myself together by working on a crochet granny square or something that is mindless like a stripey colourful vanilla sock. Progress keepers are wonderful to know how much knitting you’ve done!
Thank you for the tips. When I feel bored I always have a 2nd or 3rd project that I can pick up. I am knitting an afghan for my grandson, and, I have a tendency to get bored. I truly enjoy knitting and crocheting and do both so i keep busy and happy.
With socks the color changes keep me motivated. Can’t wait to get to the next one.
That’s a great point! especially works with self striping yarns! What’s your favorite sock yarn?
@@DrowninginYarn I don’t have a favorite, although Schmitzerella (sp) is right at the top. Love Denise’s new heel.
Opened TH-cam to look for videos to help with my statistics class 🙄
You are WAY more interesting to watch and listen to 🤗
Okay you totally just changed my life with the Making notes/marking off on your tablet! I have an app I use that I can track my rows, but I miss physically writing on my patterns. I totally can’t wait to go try this instead on my iPad, thanks for the idea!!
I like listening to an audio book when I am knitting. I am working on my first sweater, and am finding that I may not be motivated to work on that endless body part, but I do want to know what is happening next in the book I am listening to. I will also put in a progress marker which is an added bonus.
Hi Caleb,thank you for the tips👍I always have a mindless project on the go.
Love the Otte sweater. I have the opposite problem. So many new and shiny things to make. Never enough time for them all. And I just added a vintage spinning wheel to the mix..yay more stuff to make.
I have a friend that I meet with (usually virtually) every week just to knit, so even if I didn't have any motivation that week to knit, I have that allotted time with a friend that I use to not only socialize but to work on my projects. Of course, some weeks are more productive than others but even making just a little bit of progress helps. Though I do like the idea of using progress markers and might try that during my next knitting session to see just how much I accomplish.
That’s such a great time to have a bit of time set aside to knit! And so awesome to have someone to do that with 😊
Love these tips. I used to knit daily and would bust out hats and cowls all the time. I had triplets in 2018 my yarn got stored for a few years.
I find doing color work or lace work keeps me motivated with patterns because each row is a little different. I also love taken a pattern I’ve done several times and finding ways to spruce it up. I just did my first Latvian braid in a hat.
I for sure follow tip #4. I also have a WIP of the Leaviing Cowl by Maria Magnuson. It is a simple pattern but with a simple change of yarn color or fiber type you can make a cowl to match each season.
Very timely advice. I swear my last project is cursed. Taking a break from working with tony needles to work on a chunky sweater knit to clear my head. Wasn’t until I was watching this that this is my easy knit to help keep me motivated. There’s just something nice about chunky knots that seem to take the pressure off when everything else is going wrong like when you know….accidentally snapping your knitting needle in half mid project. Cause that’s a thing that happens to everyone. 🤦🏻♀️
I definitely like having multiple different kinds of WIPs, so whatever knitting mood I'm in, I have a project that fits it. One (or more) stockinette/easy project when I don't want to think, a smaller project with a stitch pattern or colorwork, and a large project. I also like to watch podcasts while knitting, so I'll work on one project until the podcast is over and then switch to a new project while watching the next video.
I always have at least a pair of socks going, A hat also. During the lockdown last year I knit a large shawl from expression fiber arts that kept me really motivated, if I get bored I change things up. Sometimes I've just done dish cloths or scrubbies
These are all good tips, Caleb. As others have said, if a pattern has many repeats, Iput a marker in the first row of each repeat as I do it, so I can easily count my progress in the growing set of markers.
But sometimes I get bored, especially on big projects, so then I might switch to a small or a quick project, like a holiday ornament, some handwarmers or a hat: quick knits that give me the satisfaction of finishing. Or if I get discouraged because I'm designing something but struggling to solve an issue (current example is a clerical stole for my brother who is a minister), then I might switch to a favorite pattern that reminds me of previous dilemmas I've solved in the past. After a few days or weeks, when I return to the stalled project, I often find that a solution has been brewing in the back of my mind.
I also knit with good friends one evening every other week, and in between I knit with you and other knitter-podcasters who give me fresh persectives. Thanks for being good company!
I have a tendency to cast on lots of things especially when I’m stuck on a bigger project or section of a project that is monotonous but I find that setting aside 30 minutes of my knitting time to that project not only helps me get through it but doesn’t feel like a chore because I’m only working on it for a certain amount of time.
This is really helpful for me right now. I am trying to get back to my projects. I am knitting my first large project and it is taking forever. I think the progress keeper tip will help.
I pretty much do those things, too! I’m a numbers girl so breaking the project down is sometimes just the number of rows; if the project is 150 rows and I get a few rows done each day…. When I get 15 rows done…. I think “I’m 10% done!!!” I knit and crochet and in the past I was notorious for not completing projects. Now I only allow myself to have one of each going at a time. I always have a ton of other projects I want to start and the fact that I won’t allow myself to start a new knitting project until the current knitting project is done helps me stay motivated even when I’ve become bored of the current WIP. I know lots of people who have multiple projects going at a time but that doesn’t work for me…. I need to keep it streamlined and that gives me the motivation…. “Can’t start the new project until I finish this one!” Thanks for an interesting video!
Hey gorge
I have 14 rows left to finish my current project. I just can't in this Toronto heat. So I am taking it with me to house sit for the week, where I can blast the AC and tell myself it's a chilly fall day. Next up is a cardigan for my daughter for Christmas...deadlines usually work for me. I need deadlines, and I too use benchmarks to keep myself on track. And a big reward at the end!
I try to figure out when I want to complete a project and then determine best I can how many inches per day I need to knit to get there. Progress keepers a must. On another topic, I took your advice for the shadow wrap heel from earthtones girl; you are right, it's the best heel ever..thanks
I'm glad you made this video. When I first learned to knit and crochet years and years ago, the psychology behind it was never discussed, to say nothing of motivation. The crochet projects always began (and ended) the same way: ch 325. No matter what I wanted to make, it always started with what seemed to be a 10-foot chain. I'd get excited to gloss over the pattern before beginning, only to realize early on that I'd be spending an entire afternoon on just the first step. So I switched to knitting. It wasn't much of an improvement, particularly for afghans: CO 200, work for 5 feet, BO in patt. It did, however, teach me patience, which is becoming harder to find these days. Perhaps more folks should learn how to knit...
I am working on a 2 color linen stitch Afghan and it is pretty slow going so I do the stitch marker thing and set myself a goal of a certain number of rows It makes me feel like I am accomplishing something
That’s a great idea as long as you’re still enjoying yourself 😊
Breaking a sweater into more sub-projects or tasks has been beneficial. As examples, the neck, the cuffs, and the hem are those additional tasks. If color work is involved, then add in color work section(s) and solid color work sections.
I stay motivated by changing projects. For some reason I always think “if I’m gonna put so much time and effort into a sweater or whatever project, I want it to be the least basic pattern”, something that I wouldn’t dream of spending the kind of money on at a shop because of its color work or cables, or intricate design. So I take on ambitious projects and then I get frustrated, put it down, and pick up this Ron Weasley blanket that I’ve been working on for a few years (2017, I think). It’s pretty basic, just a bunch of knit squares, a few with some stripes. After 3-4 squares, it feels painfully basic so I switch back, lol. And when I finish, then I pick another ambitious project and it’s a vicious cycle. My blanket has about 15 squares to go, so I imagine I’ll be finished in 2021!
I get unmotivated when my arthritis flares so bad in my hands that I struggle to hold the needles and end up dropping too many stitches. Is so upsetting plus I struggle trying to keep my concentration suffering from a brain tumor. I have tried to just give it up completely but my heart keeps bringing me back to it.
The progress keeper you used on your Osse Sweater is very pretty. Where can I find it?
I love that progress keeper! it’s from a previous collection by Hello Lavender. It’s handmade and no longer available. You should follow her instagram to see when she has new collections. She sells out quickly.
Hi! I mostly insist on working from digital patterns as you are here. What program are you working in? It looks very easy to annotate.
Hi! I used to use KnitCompanion, but I grew tired of the interface (it’s unfortunately lacking for me) and I didn’t like that I had to pay just to write on the patterns (which is just a feature of my iPad that I feel shouldn’t be behind a paywall). So I switched over to GoodNotes. It keeps my files organized really well and I can write on the files very easily. There aren’t row counters, but I just write down what I’m doing instead 😊
@@DrowninginYarn Thanks and I'm kind of sorry to hear that, being an android person. A friend was using goodnotes years ago and I thought it looked very attractive but alas. Writing notes is also a feature of my devices but I guess I'm staying with knit companion for now. Maybe I should suggest a feature upgrade....
I'm currently making a cardigan and I prevent burnout by making the smaller parts first - like sleeves and pockets. By the time I get to the tedious back panel most of the work will be done. If I get tired of it I reminded that's all that's left to go.
I always have a few projects going, sometimes if I'm not motivated, I'll just do one repeat (like if it has a 4-row repeat) then put it down & go to the next until I find what calls to me...
I know it's strange, but I always do the sleeves on a sweater before the body, (Not to mention I do both at the same time, the way I look at it different day, different tension) partly because I know I can always make the body a teeny bit shorter if I'm running low on yarn, but I can't do the same for a sleeve...not to mention, less bulk to work with..
Oh, there are actually days I don't pick it up at all & that's ok too, why have a perceived deadline when there is none.....
I do the same, always have a sock on the needles or mitten !
I try to make specific goals for myself, usually what I want to do that day. I find that working on the body of a sweater can be a bit long so I tell myself that I need to knit 2 inches a day, or 1 worsted weight 50 g skein. That way, I really see my progress. Also, especially for long stockinette bodys, progress keepers are needed. Usually one that I replace everyday and one that I put in if I suddenly start working on it after not working on it for awhile.
Also, I have many wips at a time, but I usually set myself other goals (like a sweater a month) that require me to go somewhat monogamous to complete.
I am plus size so the body of a sweater takes forever! Progress keepers are really good. I do not put down the big project to work no a small one, though, as it might take a while for me to get back to the original WIP. I will start planning the next big project or even the next small project to keep my mind occupied
Always look for new projects and 🆕 stitches...
I haven't met a lot of people who stay motivated the same way I do. I find if I have too many projects, nothing gets finished and I feel stalled. So instead, when I get to that slump on a big project, I pick out my next project, which I'm not allowed to even pick out the yarn for until I finish my current project. That usually gets me through the slump until I start enjoying it again.
I have a suggestion for quirky knitters like me. I am a leftie who knits right-handed and crochets left-handed. Oy. No wonder I have a hard time teaching people! lol. I always keep a crochet project going as well as several knitting projects. I prefer knitting but when my hands are tired or my fingers are getting poked too much by pointy needles, I swap to crochet. My alternate hand is "fresh" and provides that needed relief while continuing my love of yarn!
I'm in this place is multiple WIPs that they're more tedious and not as exciting. I've it's very motivating to have 2 or 3 in arms reach and work on 1 for 10 mins and rotate through them. Smaller chunks keep me slowly going through sleeve island or the body of a sweater.
When I get tired of one project or want to put it down, I put it down and pick up a small project like a hat and I can finish that hat and then pick up the other project. If I'm really not feeling the project and have gone through several put downs of it and just feel dread thinking about it, depending on what it is, I will either cast it off right then and there or I'll rip it all out. Most recently, I was working on this blanket with this yarn that I hated and I ended up casting off the blanket and giving my sister the rest of the yarn.
Marking time helps me....some days it is all about trying to get as little as 10-15 minutes DONE to feel like progress. Some times, if I pick up a project for the specific 15 minutes it all quickly becomes 60 ;-)
I know that sounds weird buuut... Star Trek TNG keeps me knitting xD My sister and I found that this Star Trek is perfect to knit to... so whenever I'm working on a project with lots of repeats - I watch Star Trek :D just recently I made a hat in just 4 episodes :P we've been trying to knit to other TV series but Star Trek works best for us ;)
please dont stop making videos! so many knitting channels just… stop posting. you’re doing awesome!
I have to convince myself to slow down and enjoy the process. If I’m not careful I just focus on finishing and forget to enjoy the craft.
I do that at times as well too… always good to keep that in mind!
For me it's the zen space knitting creates. A place where the world doesn't exist. If I have a complicated part I am the marker queen. If the c I until off it will show in that small zone between markers. Then I cam backtrack find the ut-oh and continue. I do agree with having another project to escape with. But to many of them stressed the OCD part of me!!!
I change between knitting, crocheting, tatting, diamond painting and other crafts
Your video are very interesting, I do enjoy them a lot. This time I dont know why Ive been really distract by the cut in the video, I would nt mind pause in the video I know you need to breathe😉
Bahaha just started knitting and I could knit all day everyday if it was socially acceptable and my hands could take it