Hello everyone! Tara here—
With the new year officially in full swing, I’ve been seeing a lot of crochet plans floating around online platforms.
So how do you put together a list of things to make throughout the year? One that you’ll actually be able to do and not be completely overwhelmed by.
First, set reasonable goals. A challenge is always good to keep you learning and growing, but setting a lot of crochet goals and not being able to complete them can be defeating.
Think about your skill level and the amount of time you have. Think about where you crochet the most often (if you usually crochet on the bus or in the doctor’s office, it may be difficult for you to work on large, multi-colored afghans that require you to carry multiple skeins of yarn).
If you need to, set open ended goals.
The first crochet bucket list I made, I kept vague. I didn’t say that I wanted to try 15 specific techniques and patterns. I left it as, “Try 10 new stitches/techniques/joining methods”.
It made it easier to meet that goal, especially since I kept making new projects throughout the year that I hadn’t originally expected to make and the job I had at the time left me very little energy or time to crochet in general.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas that you can adjust to make your own:
#1- Try 5 new techniques/stitches/joining methods.
If you’ve never tried mosaic crochet, make make that something you try this year. Start small with a placemat or a mug rug, or go straight for a blanket. Whatever you feel comfortable with!
Personally, I have granny squares on my bucket list this year. Even though I’ve been crocheting for years, I’ve just never gotten around to them and that’s something I’m going to change this year.
#2- Try a new yarn.
Sirdar’s Happy Cotton yarn is new on the Annie’s Craft Store site. There are a lot of colors to choose from, and it’s only $1.99 per skein!
#3- Make something you can wear.
It doesn’t have to be a garment, though there is something magical about wearing a sweater you’ve made yourself. Make yourself a hat or a scarf, and actually keep it for yourself instead of gifting it to someone you know.
#4- Make a blanket.
You don’t have to make a queen-sized blanket if that’s not something you have time for. You can make a throw blanket, a lapghan, or even a baby blanket. Do something that you’ll actually have time to do and WANT to do.
If you want to knock out two bucket list items at once, you can try Annie’s Kit Clubs. Every month, you get all of the yarn you need, video access, and part of the pattern of a stunning blanket. These kits are all about learning new techniques and you’ll have a stunning afghan at the end of the year.
Right now, I’m in love with the Mandala Afghan club, but you can do a Block of the Month Afghan or a Striped Afghan club. You’re guaranteed to learn something new, which ever blanket you choose.
#5- Donate something you’ve made
It always feels incredible to be able to give back and there are so many places that accept crocheted donations. Make sure you check out Britt’s post from last Thursday and this post.
The biggest thing with crochet bucket lists to remember: this is supposed to be fun. Don’t worry too much if you don’t finish everything on your list. There’s always next year. And the year after that, and the year after that….
Happy Crocheting!
Let us know how what projects you’re putting on your bucket list in the comment section!
– Tara Orchard, Editor of Crochet! Magazine
Need inspiration? Check out Annie’s Craft Store for some incredible crochet patterns!