Setting Your Crafting Goals

I always finish the year with some great intentions for the coming year relating to my crafting.

At the top of the list is always sorting out my stash – I actually got ahead of it this year and it’s already done!  Although I haven’t really documented what I have!

But it’s the actual ‘crafting’ that I really choose to focus on, and plan.  My approach which you might also find useful is to break it into categories and identify key things which I call my ‘Must Dos’ They could also just be ‘Want tos’.

1. Must Makes – here I note down the things that I really want to make – whether for myself or someone else. It doesn’t have to be everything, but I do generally have a good list.  This could include things such as:  summer top, mosaic blanket, Christmas gifts, jumper, amigurumi koala, etc.  You don’t have to have the pattern name, but if you do that’s a bonus.
2. Must Attend – with craft events and shows back in full swing it’s good to identify early which ones will be on your list. There are also many CALs and other crochet events to consider.  Things to keep in mind are:
   • Crochet Tournament (opens February)
   • Crochet Retreats – ours are May and August
   • Crochet Workshops and Classes
   • Crochet Guild Conference – June
   • Crochet-A-Longs
   • Craft Alive Events Near You
   • Agricultural Shows Near You
   • Quilt & Craft Shows Near You
3. Must Try – with so many new brands of hooks and tools emerging it’s always good to try them to see how they compare to what you are used to – do they make your crafting easier? You will often read about people’s experience or get recommendations – so think about the ones you’ve heard or read about and are worth giving a go.Similarly new yarns are appearing often – and there are some beautiful yarns out there – which ones would you like to have a go at using?And as we never stop learning, there are always new stitches and techniques that can be interesting to learn.  This keeps the brain active and provides you with confidence to tackle many new projects.
4. More advanced goals may also relate to designing – do you have something you’d really like to make and can’t find a pattern for? Design it yourself.  Or you may not like the ones you’ve seen as they don’t quite fit the view you have – again, you can design this yourself.
5. If you are a designer – what are your publishing goals?

Attached is a simple form that you can use to help you get started with your 2025 Crafting Goals.  Once you’ve done it, put it up in your crafting room/space so you can see it often to remind you of what you want to achieve.

You can also consider assigning months to each one to keep you on track.

PS Don’t forget to cross them off as you achieve them!