As the new year draws closer, many of us start thinking about the future and what we want to make in the coming months ahead. This is a great time for reflection and goal-setting, as we ponder on the things we want to accomplish in our craft.
Planning for the new year can be an exciting and fulfilling process, but it can also be overwhelming and daunting. In this blog post, we will explore some ways to help you make effective plans for the new year, so you can start 2025 off with a bang!
Why Make Plans?
Making a plan can have several benefits. Firstly, it gives us a sense of direction and purpose. Setting specific goals and having a plan can help us stay focused and motivated throughout the year, ensuring that we make progress on our WIPs or get that long overdue sweater on or off the needles!
Secondly, making plans allows us to prioritize our time and energy. By identifying our crafting goals and determining what is most important to us, we can avoid scrolling on our phones in the evenings after work, looking for inspiration, and instead, pick up our project and relax while we craft!
Additionally, planning enables us to track our progress and celebrate our achievements! By regularly reviewing our plans and revisiting our goals (sometimes even changing our goals altogether), we can see how far we have come and acknowledge the milestones we have reached. This can boost our confidence and provide us with a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, motivating us to keep moving forward in learning new techniques.
Reflecting on the past year...
Before diving into what we what to make in the coming year, it's important to take some time to look back on 2024 and see what you've accomplished.
Some questions to help with this reflection might be: Did you finish a languishing WIP, or cast on that project with a difficult stitch? Did you learn a new craft altogether? Maybe spinning, weaving, or sewing? Most importantly, what projects brought you the most joy and happiness? Reflecting on these questions can help you identify what truly matters to you and guide your future plans accordingly.
Setting realistic goals for 2025!
Now that you have taken the time to reflect on the past year and gain valuable insights, it's time to set realistic goals for 2025. When setting goals, it is important to be realistic and specific. It helps to set not just big goals, but smaller ones too. For example, one of your smaller goals could be to knit or crochet a hat for a friend or someone in need. And maybe one of your big goals is something like learning how to make your first sweater, or learning to crochet (if you only knit) or vice versa.
Remember to make sure your goals are attainable, this might mean only setting a few major goals for the year, making it easier to accomplish them and check them off. Some find it helpful to break them down into actionable steps and create a timeline for each objective. (Check out this podcast for more tips on creating timelines and general project planning.)
Creating micro goals to achieve the bigger goals
Now that you've figured out what you would like to accomplish in the new year, let's figure out how to achieve these goals!
Start by breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable action steps. For instance, some small steps to take would be select the yarn you would like to use and get it wound up for your upcoming projects, or knit those dreaded swatches, or maybe start even smaller and create project pages on Ravelry for what you would like to work on throughout the year.
Staying motivated through support
As you embark on your journey of achieving your creative goals for the new year, it's important to recognize that you don't have to go it alone. Some fun ways to stay motivated are through Knit- or Crochet-Alongs hosted on Ravelry or Instagram. Every year we host our Spring and Fall KAL's in our Ravelry group, that are open to those who knit or crochet, or really any craft, using Plucky yarns. We love being cheerleaders for your making and would love to have you join us!
Another fantastic source of support can be found at your local yarn shop, or through one of the many knitting, crochet or spinning guilds in the area. These are great avenues for making new friends that help build your confidence and provide encouragement when you need it the most.
Adjusting and adapting as needed
As you progress on your journey towards achieving your creative goals for 2025, it's important to remember that flexibility and adaptability are key. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, so don't hesitate to adjust your plans as needed.
And, don't let fear of failure or the fear of not being perfect get in your way. It's important to recognize that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of the creative process. Instead of letting them derail you, use them as learning opportunities to grow in your craft. And if you need help, we are here to support and continue to encourage you!
Whatever plans you decide to make for the new year, remember to celebrate the victories, no matter how big or small! And let's make 2025 a fantastic year for creating and learning new things!
Happy Making, Friends!
The Plucky Crew
P.S. We love seeing all of your beautiful creations made with Plucky yarn! Please tag us @thepluckyknitter or use the hashtag #pluckyknitter on Instagram and Facebook so we don't miss them! And sign up for our newsletter emails for a look at upcoming yarn and kit updates!