• A New Year of Crochet
• More Great Ideas for a Fun-Filled Crochet Year!
• Crochet Fun Facts

A New Year of Crochet

Yes, it's that time again! It's hard to believe another year has passed so quickly, and once again we find ourselves in a bright, shiny new year full of fresh expectations, exciting promises, and of course, a variety of resolutions that we're determined to fulfill.

How about incorporating crochet into your New Year's resolutions to help make achieving them more enjoyable and successful? Here are some simple suggestions to help you have a bright new year blessed with crochet fun and fulfillment.

• Put all of your New Year's resolutions in a resolution box on individual pieces of paper or cards. Take out one at a time and complete that resolution before tackling the next one.

I think that's why we so often fail in our resolutions despite our best efforts. We simply try to do too many of them simultaneously and end up failing at all of them because our time and energy is divided up too many ways. Put all your focus and effort on just one goal at a time, and you're sure to see results!

It's too easy to give up when accomplishing the result seems so far down the road.

For inspiration, how about crocheting a resolution box? Perhaps you already have a favorite pattern for a crocheted box, but if not, it's easy enough to create your own unique box that reflects your personal tastes in color and design.

First, take your favorite pattern for any 4 to 6-inch square (a design that's not too open) and make 12 of them. Cut six pieces of heavy-duty plastic canvas, each just slightly smaller than the squares.

For each box side, bottom and lid, crochet two squares together with a piece of plastic canvas between them. Sew four completed sides together for the body of the box and then stitch the bottom and lid in place. Add any additional decorative accents you'd like, such as a fancy closure, beads, fringe, tassels, ribbon, buttons, jewels or flowers, and voila! -- you have a beautiful box to inspire your resolutions resolve! When you have successfully completed your goals, you will have a lovely table accent left over to dress up your decor.

• For many people, having their New Year's resolutions in plain sight every day keeps them focused on their goals. If this is your preference, why not hang up a pretty decorative crocheted chalkboard -- preferably in your kitchen where you might need extra-special help with those diet-related resolutions -- and write all your goals for the new year on the board? Again, as with the box, take the smart route and work on only one resolution at a time until it's achieved. Then, mark it off and move on to the next.

It's easy to decorate a small, purchased chalkboard with a variety of crochet embellishments. Stitch up your favorite pretty edging pattern to outline the board and then add your choice of crocheted flowers or other decorative motifs to suit your own personal tastes or complement your decor. Let your creativity shine! When all your goals have been completed and erased, you will have a decorative message board to use.