How many times have you been so excited to start a new project? I know I have. Especially when I just bought a new book, downloaded a pattern or received some great new yarn. That bug hits when I go stash diving for another skein for a current project and I have to exercise some self control.
Now I want you to think back to how often does that spur of the moment project go well? I know there are hiccups in every project but these spur of the moment projects are usually a bit extra. I have been guilty of suddenly finding myself without anything to stitch as we are heading out the door for a day of visiting family. In an effort to not sit and pick my nails the whole time, and to be able to pay attention to the conversations I’m involved in, I grab some needles, a skein of yarn, a pattern and toss it into a bag. I’m good for the day.
About three hours in, an hour of which was driving, I realize that I have left a key tool at home and I can stitch no farther. There are some choices here, but this post isn’t about how to troubleshoot when you are missing a tool, that can be a future post, this one is about planning so that you aren’t missing a tool. I also go into detail HERE about traveling with your stitching.
I’m also not going to cover swatching here, though it is part of the process for a successful project and you can read more about that HERE. Back to the issue at hand, planning for a successful project.
What I am going to talk about is how to set yourself up to succeed with your stitching.
How focused of a project is this? Is the goal to complete something, fill time, keep the mind monkey busy, learn something new? All of the above? One project can fill all of these if planned well.
First thing is to read the ENTIRE pattern before you even start packing your bag. You probably have yarn all picked out, that’s fine, but please read the pattern next. Reading the pattern from beginning to end will help you to see anything that might be unusual in the construction, any techniques or abbreviations that you aren’t familiar with. Take some time to learn what the abbreviations mean, where you can learn more about the techniques, bonus points if you try them before casting on the project, make notes of things that are new or unusual for you so that you aren’t surprised when you arrive at that point. Look up anything that you don’t understand. If you still have questions reach out to the designer for pattern support.
The next thing to do, even before swatching is to gather everything on the materials list, even buttons, zippers or those things you don’t need until later. These items could have bearing on color choice if you decide to make some changes after swatching. Pay special attention to the kind and number of stitch markers and progress keepers needed. Scrap yarn or extra cords for needles. All the tools gathered into a pouch or baggy and put in the project bag with the pattern. Of course you will want to include your usual scissors, tapestry needle, tape measure, pencil, pen, notepad and sticky notes. Place all these items in the project bag as well.
If this is an item that needs to fit or you have a limited amount of yarn, you will want to swatch first to avoid heartache later. Even if those things don’t matter I suggest swatching, especially if you are working this project to learn a new cast on, bind off or stitch pattern. With swatching complete place all of your yarn in the project bag. Project is ready to go.
While working the project take notes of any modifications that you make, in case you want to make this again or so that the other side, or half of the pair will match, things you liked or didn’t like and changes you’d make next time. Taking progress pictures as you go is a fun way to record what you’ve done and they might come in handy in the future.
Begin the way you intend to to end. Planning and prep work are the foundation of having a good experience with your stitching.
Add to this list things that help you to personally be more prepared and have more successful projects. Please share in the comments below what works for you, it might work for someone else too!
Happy making!
Azariahs Fibre Arts 