Sunday, July 3, 2016

Year of Projects July, 2016 - June, 2017

I'm looking forward to joining fellow bloggers again in my second Year of Projects. The concept is simple.   Each blogger creates a list (however s/he wants to fashion it) and for a year posts about the progress made on this list.  Ideally, posts will be made every Sunday (July through June).   Clicking here or on the image above will bring up all my Year of Project Posts for 2016-17 (most current posts first).

The first part of my list is about processes. Techniques and new skills I hope to challenge myself to do, to learn, to practice go here.  It will be nice if practicing and sampling produces some end products, but for the purpose of the first half of the list learning is the project, per se. Then the second part of my list (Projects Completed) is basically an idea mill where I can plug in things that grab my attention (or as I start or finish them) during the year.




Here we go:

Techniques/skills/tools/education/experiences

Tunisian crochet - learn new stitch patterns.

Knitting - practice - use Moogly's tutorials (?)
             - make one knit item a month (even if just a dishcloth)

Soft sculpture/Amigurumi

Use a crochet or knitting tool I've never used before.

Try to learn how to read a charted crochet pattern.

Challenge myself regarding photos of finished objects.  Learn about and practice better picture-taking. Learn how to better use my camera.
         Read and apply lessons in Understanding Exposure
    
         Participate in Ravelry: Project Photography group:
         
    
Read & review 1 book on fiber or textile arts.

Explore joining a local group of fiber artists.

Attend a fiber arts festival.

Attend some craft fairs to see what other's are making.

Get to know a charity/ministry through which I'd like to benefit others with my crochet or knitting.

Create a crafting space that is inviting and that works well for me
     (both for working in and storage).

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Projects Completed

In the spirit of creating actual projects my idea list includes:

- Item(s) for the home
      practical, but pretty:
          Pillows
          Blankets                 
          Doily
          Mandala

      and purely aesthetic or whimsical:
         Mountain Pillows
         Kitty Softee Pillow
         

Sew a project bag (a bag to hold a crochet project and accompanying yarn)
         
- A blanket inspired by Cherry Heart
          Spice of Life Blanket 

- A shawl or poncho
         
- Gifts        
   
- A garment

- Something made with thread

- Something vintage

- Something completely whimsical
         
- Something one of the guys in my family would wear/use
         
- Something(s) for charity ministry

- A "SURPRISE!" gift for someone
      
- A container  (a basket, a bowl, a box...)        

- Any number of items that just strike my fancy, but don't seem to fit anywhere else
        
- Crochet a large project and reveal parts in weekly posts

- Knit items

- Try felting

- Embroidery and/or cross stitch (this is wide open)

- Sew something for the home

- Sew an article of clothing 

- Crochet (or knit) from my stash - goal: diminish stash by 50%

- Crochet my library - crochet from books or publications I own
~~~~~~~~~

Okay...that's good for starters.  I'm sure this will evolve over time, but I work best with a list that's open ended and idea-generating and, most importantly...flexible... as I progress through the year.

Several things are currently on the hooks, but I'll just leave you with the colors I'm working from in my Spice of Life Blanket:





Happy New YOP Year!


36 comments:

  1. Yay, what a splendid list. I really look forward to seeing you get through your challenges.

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  2. Great list!!! So many fun things to do and make! Love your choices for Spice of Life. Your color choices are always so pretty!!! It's going to be a great year!!!!!

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    1. Thank you, Dianna. It IS going to be a great year!

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  3. Great list! I look forward to seeing what you come up with this year.

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  4. Okay, that is THE BEST list I have ever seen! I like that you left it open-ended yet were specific about what you wanted to accomplish. I love the Spice of Life blanket and it is on my board for crochet. You also reminded me of several categories that I would like to do that I have put on the back burner and that is photography and charity. Only because I am trying to get my house in shape for selling and moving. But after that happens they will definitely be on for next year! What a wonderful and inspiring list and now I can't wait for next week when I see what you are working on! Best of YOP 2016-17 to you! Also, thank you for being a moderator last year and this year.

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    1. I'm actually doing two Spice of Life Blankets. At the same time. One bright and one with more earth tones. I think doing two different ones will help keep me from getting tired of one and overwhelmed by the other. ;) Thanks for all your kind words, Sam. You are a great encourager.

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  5. Love this idea and love your list! I am especially happy to see that you will challenge yourself to knit something every month! I am also glad to see that want to learn how to read crochet charts, it i a game changer! It is so much faster and easier to comprehend than the written instructions, at least for me - you just see the whole project at a glance! Have fun with all your amazing craft goals!

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    1. Some of the prettiest crocheted items seem to have charts as their patterns. I get the basic concept, I think, but I am not comfortable (yet) committing to a pattern than only has a chart. I'd like to change that. :) And you, Alina, are quite an inspiration for learning to knit. :) We will see how I do...

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  6. Becki, what a wonderful list. I so look forward to seeing it progress throughout this YoP.

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  7. You people with lists are crazy...just kidding. :) great list. Cant wait to see all your FOs .

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    1. Same backatcha, Erin - about seeing your FO's. It's going to be a great YOP year.

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  8. Such a fine looking list ;)
    Many goals too! Good for you!

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  9. Your list is amazing. I think it's one of the best I've seen. You will learn new things and finish some very beautiful projects. I can't wait to see what you create.

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    1. What a kind thing to say. I feel very inadequate when I compare myself to all the accomplished people who participate in this YOP project. But they are all so encouraging I get over it quickly. And you inspire me, Lisa. With your lovely blog and your pretty creations. Have you considered YOPPING? :)

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    2. Thank you for your very kind words about my fledgling blog. I have thought about joining the YOP. I worry about being so slow in all of my crafting. What if I'm the one who only finishes three projects for the whole year?!? Is it too late to sign up for it? Your projects are so beautiful and you have finished so many this past year. I am in complete awe of you. Inadequate? Absolutely not!! More accurate is amazing : )

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    3. There is no slow when it comes to YOPing. Everyone is on their own schedule, and has their own goals - to meet, to change, to ignore even. In truth, I mostly just crochet whatever catches my interest. That is why I keep my goals list completely open-ended. I think anyone can begin participating at any point they want. If you create a list this week, you can post in our first thread of the Yop year on Ravelry. The past week's thread gets locked when each new thread is created. You could post your list at any point, I suppose, but I suspect you'll be glad if you post it this week (July 3-9) Check out Erin Grant's blog (link is above with her comment). She doesn't make a list per se, but this year is doing something different. Truly...everyone can fashion this YOP project however they like. We're all pretty relaxed about it.

      You're really sweet, Lisa. I don't see anything I do a amazing. I just love to crochet and am so thankful for the time to do it and for the friends I'm finding online who love yarny crafting too. :)

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  10. Wow your list is awesome, cant wait to see how you go!

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  11. Great list! I'm so looking forward to reading posts about you attending a Fiber Festival and joining a local group - both can be such great experiences!! Also, I love the idea of surprises!! Can't wait! Hurray for a start of this Year of Projects!

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    1. The group thing is sort of on my wish list, but it isn't a longing like it used to be. I keep poking around to see what might be out there, but nothing has surfaced. The truth is, though, I really love crafting alone (or maybe with a friend or two), so my efforts are pretty half-hearted. We'll see what comes of that "goal". If it happens it will be a bit of serendipity in my life.

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  12. That's a fantastic list Becki. I love how it's all open with lots of wiggle room and I really love the learning aspect to your list this year. Can't wait to see what you produce and learn along the way this year. Now the Spice of Life Blanket colours are just gorgeous, I really love the warm spicy oranges and browns mixed with the slightly cooler shades!

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    1. I need wiggle room or my inspiration withers. I'm excited as I'm beginning my Spice of Life blankets (making 2, very different ones, I've decided). They are fun to watch grow!

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  13. Backi, this is a wonderful list. It's so organized and I like how you're challenging yourself with new skills, fun, and also thinking of others.

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  14. You've made a really great list, can't wait to watch your progress :)

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  15. LOVE the colors of your Spice of Life Blanket!!! Your list is great encompasses so much--you will be in for a great year.
    xoxo

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  16. A lovely list. It's good to expand our knowledge along with our skills and learn new things. Great to see that on your list. I look forward to following your YOP posts.

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  17. I really like that you included skills on your list. I tend to be a one trick pony-knitting and knitting only !! so am impressed by your goals to expand all that you can do craft wise.

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  18. That spice of life blanket will be amazing with all those colours. I love your list - and I am glad to be part of this group.

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