Rules of juggling (knitting) projects

The art of starting and finishing (knitting) projects - Part 5 , design updates etc.

This is the fifth and final essay on my series about the art of starting and finishing (knitting) projects. Thank you for reading them and indulging me with your kind comments and feedback. 💝

One of the most common problems knitters face is having too many projects simultaneously. While some of us are serial knitters, working on one project at a time, many others have multiple projects going at once. 🧺

Having multiple works in progress (WIPs) at once is often seen as a sign of poor time management, inefficiency, laziness, or boredom. But what if it is not? What if I tell you having multiple works in progress is an essential part of my creative process?  It is common for artists and other creatives to have multiple ongoing projects at any given time for various reasons.

For example, the other day I mentioned starting a new sock project while juggling multiple projects with tight deadlines. This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. I had been wanting to try out double-pointed needles (dpns) again and knit a pair of socks for my husband. I had already taken his measurements and researched ways to adjust the heel fit for him.

Sock in progress

In other words, this sock project was ready and waiting for me to fall back to, just as I was closing pattern release works that week. I was facing hours of calculations and thinking before I could get started with the next designs, so the sock project was a great way to recharge. 🧦

Giving myself permission to work on that sock project is one way I insure myself against potential setbacks or disruptions in my creative journey.

It took me a while to learn to take care of myself in this way—by having the right project ready at the right time. 🤎 Gradually, having multiple projects in progress has become a normal, regular part of my creative process.

Here are some rules that usually work for me. However, they are also flexible depending on what else is happening in my life.

💗SET AN UPPER LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF WIPs

Honestly, there is no single magic number that will make juggling easy and allow you to keep doing it smoothly. Set the number to suit your lifestyle and current situation so that you don't feel overwhelmed and miserable about unfinished tasks. Most of the time, most of your projects should feel exciting and something you look forward to working on.

💗ADD VARIETY

Work out some variety depending on your crafting goals at the moment. Not every project needs a deadline. Set aside one for learning a new skill, and another for the fun of a KAL (knit-a-long). Consider starting a project to use up your leftover materials. Some projects are about the finished product, while others are about the enjoyment of the process. Remember to play!

💗ALLOW PORTABILITY

A lot of knitting can be portable. Apart from obviously small projects like hats, socks, mitts, we can also knit the parts of a sweater, baby clothing👶, small cowls, swatches, squares for blankets on the go. Many knitters find separate times and locations for multiple projects, such as while waiting to pick up children, traveling, park or TV knitting 📺 etc. Because we are occupied with other activities, we often don't notice how much these projects progress. It is often a pleasant surprise when they get done somewhat effortlessly. 

💗JUGGLE

Like actually, juggle. Review all the projects as regularly as possible and identify any that have lost their appeal.  Consider the reasons why a project might no longer be interesting: the yarn or pattern may be wrong, the color might be off, or there could be a gauge problem. Perhaps you chose a project beyond your current skill level. Decide whether to abandon the project or set it aside until you regain mojo.

Remember to customize this mix every few months or so. Review the projects to see if you can add something as well! You might find that you have gotten better at some things and want to do more projects with your newly acquired skills.

💗START AS IF YOU MEAN TO FINISH

Successful jugglers are mindful  of the projects they take on.  In fact, spending more time thinking about and planning a project can help ensure smoother progress over a longer period. This includes breaking the project down into smaller parts, estimating the time required, understanding your materials, and setting aside time to practice new skills.

Are you a serial knitter or juggler? What kind of strategies do you have in place for healthy crafting and enjoyment? I’d love to know! 💗

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FEATURED PATTERN

I released a hooded cowl pattern last week. Matte Hood is available on Ravelry and Payhip now.

Enjoy 20% off this pattern using coupon code MATTELOVE until Mon Feb 12, 2024 midnight PT. ❤️

Matte Hood

I posted a reel on instagram featuring all the lovely tester projects for this one. Click here to watch the reel.

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CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATE

1. My next design is for a beginner-friendly Brioche scarf. Testing is underway.

2. Manzil Socks, my next design is currently being tech-edited. I will be calling for testers soon. If you like to be notified as soon as my tests go up, please JOIN MY SLACK COMMUNITY and send me a private message. I will add you to “test-announcements” channel where I post my testing calls first before they are out in other social media. 🫶

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OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE

If you have missed earlier essays in this series, please go back and read them here:

Part 1: The art of starting and finishing (knitting) projects

Part 2: Muse or the mailman

Part 3: The importance of graceful exits

Part 4: When art becomes habit and your habit becomes art

Just Finished Reading 📚

• Then she was gone - Lisa Jewell

Currently Reading 📚

• Essentialism: The disciplined pursuit of less - Greg McKeown

• Watchmen - Alan Moore

Until next time,

Kavitha. ♡

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