2012's list of unachievable greatness

I am sure I have mentioned it before; I don’t really buy into the whole “New Year’s Resolutions” thing.  But I am a list maker, and therefore, theoretically, goal-oriented.  So, I do like the whole goals list (which really, is just a list to tasks...which is kind of a list of goals...which are kind of like resolutions...maybe I am more resolutions-oriented than I thought, oh well, moving on...).  Also, the late date in my entry on New Year's Goals (or what have you), is not due to any sort of procrastination on my part...I just like to be thorough (and set impossible goals for myself. It takes loads of time to set yourself up for failure the way I tend to do, really.).

I have thought really hard about what I want to accomplish this year.  The original goal I came up with was: finish up (in whatever way possible to bring said project to termination) all my unfinished objects (UFOs) or works in progress (WIPs).  While this might sound perfectly doable for a normal person/crafter, we have to remember, I am not the normal person/crafter. 

I am somewhat magpious when it comes to crafting.  All things are shiny and they attract me, thus I start projects readily and move on to other projects before started projects are completed.  I listed all of my UFOs and WIPs, got a little depressed, drank something fizzy and uplifting; and, after coming up with a list that was completely unfeasible, I added a few more things to it just to give myself something to ruminate over, because, that’s what I tend to do. Here are my crafting goals for 2012—if you are drinking anything, I suggest you desist in that until you are done reading my list…you know, for your own safety:

Knitting

1) 12 in 12.  Yeah, not original, but so catchy.  I am going to knit twelve sweaters this year.  More precisely, I am going to knit/finish twelve sweaters this year.  I will tell you up front that I have a few sweaters that are, for all intents and purposes, done (one of them just has to have the ends woven in and a good soak and blocking); but, whatever.  I have a ridiculous amount of yarn that needs to be used.  What I am showing you is just what is in the visible cabinet.  This doesn’t even take into consideration the stuff in bins and bags elsewhere in my craft space.  So yes, twelve sweaters (and by sweater, I mean anything that in some way covers some part of a torso of any size.  Therefore vests and baby sweaters totally apply here.  See?  Bam, doable.  Sure.

2) Knit other things in addition to sweaters.  This is purposely ambiguous.  Because aside from the mittens Little Sir has asked me for and something I will knit next month for a knitterly friend, I don’t feel any great need to be specific…but I should knit other things… and well, I have at least three things that are already done, they just need to be blocked.  No really, that is how pathetically busy I was last year.

Crochet

 

3) Do some. I like to do a little bit of everything just so I don’t lose the skills.  Also, I have a few crocheted things that are done (see above, on the left)…but you know, the ends need to be woven in and the pieces blocked.  Broken record, right?

Spinning

4) Um, just do some.  Spinning a sweater’s worth of yarn would be great, but this is not a high priority goal for me, I just want to do some spinning this year (just to keep my skills up).

Weaving

5) So maybe a scarf?  Maybe two?  Why don’t we just fold it under the umbrella of “do some”?  Yeah, as Little Mister would say (as he nods and flashes me a look that seems to suggest that he is trying to figure out how he can possibly be related to me), “yeah...that’s a good idea, okay.”

Stitchery

6) Again, just do some. This includes embroidery as well as cross-stitch.   I have a design/pattern that I need to “test-stitch,” I did the drawing last year, I just haven’t stitched it.  I wouldn’t mind doing a few other things, which I probably will in the summer when I don’t enjoy working with wool so much...but I want to knit 12 sweaters, so.... 

Dyeing

7) Well, you know, just do some of it.  I still owe Stacey 8 ounces of dyed BFL (I have not forgotten you, Stacey!).  And well, I have a shop, so there’s that.  But I only list what I have, and I like to get it out of my house as soon as possible so I am not tempted by it.

Sewing

8)I absolutely need to get a few boxbags done.  I have promised them to people…so I should do that.  I am not a welcher, I am just slow.

9) I would also like to try and sew some clothing this year, but this is low priority, I won’t resort to self-flagellation should my efforts in this pursuit fall flat, but there you are.

Quilting (really, if you are drinking or eating anything, now is the time to put it down)

10) 24 in 12.  I know; but, the sad part is: this is me showing restraint.  It seems lofty, but I felt like shooting for 12 in 12 would be a bit cheaterly of me considering that I have 8 quilts that are all quilted and just need to be squared up and have the binding applied. 

So 24 quilts this year…I actually listed out all the quilts that I want to finish and the complete list has 40 quilts on it, and well, no.  That would just be a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure, wouldn’t it?  So 24 quilts.  Yep.  Get excited.

Blogging

11) And yes, I intend to actually blog about all of this in-process this year.  I would like to start next year off with a post looking forward, not necessarily backward...because I am progessive like that.

If you look at the list, you probably get the sense that 2012 will be a productive year for me, craft-wise (presumably).  You probably also get the sense that any success in accomplishment this year could, really, be attributed to diligent starts (but unfortunate stops) in previous years.  But mostly, you probably get the sense that I am completely out of my mind.  Let’s be honest, this list is stupidly unfeasible when you consider the other factors of my life (husband, children, job, school, side business ventures, etcetera).  But well, you know, I like a challenge (and yes, I am probably a little nuts too, I will own it).  So here’s to 2012, may she be craftily productive.

Okay, you can resume consuming culinary delights now.  I know I could certainly use a drink.

Comments

[Kathy]

Oh, you make me feel woefully inadequate. Really, truly. That said, I wish you mad success, particularly with 11. Because I've missed you and love to see the things you make. I need to list my knitting goals soon. One goal is making it's third consecutive appearance on the list, so yeah, no judging here!

[Kathleen]

Good luck to you! I really enjoy seeing/reading about the work you do. Normally, I like lists too, but I just can't seem to commit my goals for 2012 to paper. Simply, the goal is to finish everything that has been started and clean the basement. The specifics are too much to contemplate. Take care.

[cauchy09]

I find your ambition inspiring! Best of luck. And I look forward to seeing your progress.

[Deborah Kindel]

48 quilts! You are certifiably mad, and I am so glad you're my friend and neighbor. If enough of us nutcases gather, then everyone else looks odd.

I only have one thing on my list this year -write. It's amazing how loaded that single word becomes.

[Angela]

I wish you luck! Your goals reminds me of all my sorely neglected craft hobbies, too. Alas designing has taken over my life right now, so I am knitting, but not for myself. One huge goal on my list is to "sleep more" which would mean taking on less work. Hahahaha!

Btw, I have missed your blogging.

[jill]

Awesome goal list. I'm inspired to make one for myself - though much less ambitious. I'm looking forward to reading about your sweaters!

[Adrienne]

So... did you quit your job and give the kids away??!? ;) I was with you up 'til the 48 quilts part! I will enjoy seeing what you make, though!

[carolyn]

24 quilts in 12 while ALSO knitting 12 knits in 12. It's the addition there that makes me call you crazy. I am super excited to watch it all though!!!

[Jacey]

You're a girl after my own crafty heart! I love to make similar goals for myself. I'd honestly rather have high standards for myself (and not make it), than have easily attainable goals and complete them. Bor-ing.
I'm excited for 24 in 12! And spinning! Picking up the spindle and giving it a REAL try is one of my goals.

[Rachel]

No laughing here. Just nodding along in disillusioned agreement that yes, all these things seem perfectly reasonable. We crafters...you have to hand it to us...we take what most people consider ambitious and go 10 steps higher.

I hope you do blog more...you are always an inspiration with your crafting. And your posts always make me laugh!

by the way...somehow i started spinning and am looking for some fiber to buy/play with. I found one listing on your site I love but was wondering if you are going to be adding any more in the near future...cuz why buy one when you can buy two?

[Stephanie B]

Just want to tell you that I love your list and can't wait to see what 2012 actually brings! =)

[Loren]

That is a great list of crafty ideas to do throughout the year. I, too, have an ambitious list to knit year round, no matter what!! Good luck.

[Vicki]

Well, with a list like that you will surely achieve greatness on some level. You always do. ; )

[diana]

Nova, 24 quilts? Twenty-four?!!? I'll be watching.

[diana]

Not that I doubt you. I realize that you are a superwoman...but 24?