New Years Resolutions for Crocheters (That are Actually Doable)

Now I’ll be the first to admit that I SUCK at keeping to resolutions for the new year, but I think this is because it’s so easy to set lofty goals. However, I’m trying to be much more realistic with my goal-setting this time around. If you’re stuck or want to make some specific crafty goals, check out these New Years resolutions for crocheters (that are actually doable).

As we go through this list, remember to be honest with yourself about the amount of time and energy you can put into these goals. Everyone is different, with different circumstances, so adapt your goal to best suit you!

New Years Resolutions for Crocheters (That are Actually Doable)

1. Stash-Busting

This one will probably always be at the top of my list mostly because I personally have a very small house and need to keep my yarn at a manageable level, lol.

And just to be clear, when I say stash-busting, I DON’T mean: “get rid of all your yarn.” It’s all relative depending on your personal stash, the space you have, and what you do.

In my case, I’ve been gifted or collected a lot of random skeins over the years–everything from Faux Fur to (*ugh*) Homespun. That was all fine and good when I was just messing around, making random items. But when I started my business back in June 2020, I settled on a few yarns that I like to work with when making amigurumi. Now I know I’ll never use the majority of those various skeins.

So over the course of the last year, I’ve used and donated a lot of yarn I no longer want. Then I completely reorganized my stash to make room for the new yarn I ordered for my business.

Decide WHY you want to bust your stash

Maybe you’re like me and have a small space or your focus as changed and now you have a bunch of yarn you won’t use. Maybe you’re focused on reducing waste, so you want to use what you have before getting more yarn.

Once you know why, then try to think of a realistic goal.

Set REALISTIC goals

For example, “I’m going to sort through my yarn and donate/sell anything I absolutely won’t use.” Or maybe, “I’ll clear out one tote/shelf/cubbie each month.”

I went a bit extreme and went on a bit of a yarn ban (where I refused to buy yarn and worked only from my stash). Plus I donated a lot of my random yarns to my local thrift store.

Basically, decide what’s most important to you and focus there first.

Set REASONABLE time frames

If you work 60hrs a week and take care of a family, it’s likely you won’t be able to do everything all at once. Even if you’re retired, you might not have all the ‘free time’ people think you do.

Depending on your goal and the size of your stash, you might need the whole year to work on it. Or you might be able to get it done in a month.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. If you go on an impulsive yarn binge or fall off and don’t accomplish your goal for that month, IT’S OK. This isn’t a test and no one’s life is hanging in the balance. Just try to do better next time!

For some more stash-busting tips check out this article: 4 Great Tips to Bust Your Stash

2. Learn a New Skill/Stitch

Want a goal with more instant gratification? There’s literally TONS of tips/hacks/tricks tutorials floating around the web and it’s never too late to learn something new!

I even have this one: How to Crochet a Perfectly Round Circle

And you don’t even have to make an entire project if you don’t want to. For example, I love how pretty Tunisian crochet looks even though I make primarily amigurumi. So just for fun, I use up random skeins making swatches while I practice various stitches.

Then you can sew all the swatches together into a lap blanket or display them another way. I’m gonna block mine and create a stitch reference binder because why not, lol.

The sky’s the limit and you never know when you’ll come across that game-changing trick or technique.

Bonus challenge: Set yourself the goal of learning a new technique or stitch each month of the next year!

3. Create a Project Bucket List

Yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like. What are those projects that you’d love to make but they seem out of reach for some reason?

Maybe it looks too complicated or it’ll take forever, etc…

I’ve got a couple on mine:

• Create a large pixelated wall hanging with tiny granny squares (…because I’m crazy, lol)
• Crafty Intentions pattern (I made her Velociraptor pattern this year)
• Make a granny square blanket (I ran out of yarn…otherwise this one would totally be crossed off)
• Organize temperature project
• Design a complicated no-sew amigurumi

No dream is too big! Just write it down and then decide which one you’d like to try and tackle this year. For me, I’m gonna create a temperature amigurumi!

And it’s OK if you don’t finish this year. Take your time and enjoy the process. That pixelated wall piece I mentioned, yeah I started that in 2019, but I haven’t given up on it yet. I really just need a bigger table to work on, lol.

Anyway, the point is, don’t be scared to try and tackle those scary projects. Trying new things and practicing is the only way we’ll get better and gain confidence in our craft.

4. Start Business (or Side Hustle)

Total disclaimer, this one isn’t for everyone. If you love making for fun and don’t have any desire to turn it into a business, just ignore this one.

However, if you want to write a pattern, sell at craft fairs, make commissions, open an Etsy/Ravelry shop, etc… then I say DO IT!

Don’t worry about everything perfect because chances are, if you decide to stick to it, you’ll change things anyway. Plus there’s a wealth of free information online. Whether it’s setting up a Ravelry account or learning how to prepare for a craft fair, there’s lots of great resources.

So if you’ve been wanting to open an Etsy shop, for example, just do it! The process is pretty self-explanatory and you don’t need to worry about things like tags, SEO, and conversion rates just yet. I opened my shop in 2019 with a single pattern that I didn’t even have tested (I had no idea what testing was at the time, oops).

But don’t I need a lot of tools/technology?

Nope. Especially not when you’re getting started. You’ll learn and grow as you go. Heck, here’s what my photo set up looks like right now:

The image on the right is taken obviously from a more straight-on angle and cropped, but there’s no other edits. I’m no professional photographer, but it’s actually pretty easy to set up decent photos with what you have around the house.

What if I don’t succeed?

You won’t know unless you try. I know, I know…you’re probably rolling your eyes at that because I think we’ve all heard it a thousand times. BUT, that doesn’t make it any less true.

Now I’m not an expert and I most definitely can’t guarantee you’ll find success, but I think it’s absolutely worth a shot. Don’t let fear hold you back from trying something you feel passionate about.

And if you decide to take up this challenge and want to learn more about running a crochet business, check out Pam Grice over at The Crochetpreneur. She’s an AMAZING coach and her blog is full of great tips and resources. Plus, in May 2022 she’ll be hosting another Crochet Business Summit. It’s totally free to virtually attend and let me tell you, her 2021 Summit was what inspired me to stop being scared and dive in head first.

If you want to get notified about the summit, be sure to sign up for her newsletter here.

Summary

Are you feeling inspired? If you liked this article remember to Pin it for later and share it with your crafty friends. What are your crochet goals for 2022? Leave a comment below or connect with me on social media @cbfiberworks.

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Have a Happy New Year!