If you follow me on Instagram or know me in real life, you know I’m a very creative person. I write fiction. I crochet. I’m learning hand lettering. I thrive when I’m being creative, and when I’m stressed, the first thing I want to do to relax is make something.
The downside of being a creative person is that I tend to be easily distracted. I have so many ideas it’s easy to bounce from one to another, never getting around to some of the projects I wanted to finish. This year I decided to set some goals for myself. I’ve got some ideas I really want to work on and skills I want to build. I don’t want to get distracted. Here’s what I want to work on:
Build my intermediate level crochet skills.
I started crocheting about three years ago. I’m comfortable with advanced beginner projects, but I really want to move beyond that. I’m ready for finer yarns and more detailed projects, including socks, color patterns, and a sweater. I won a pattern for a gorgeous sweater recently, and I’d love to make it this year. I’m also doing my first ever crochet-a-long. It will consist of a square a week for 50 weeks, learning new stitches and techniques with each one. At the end of the year they will all be crocheted together to make a blanket. I’m really excited about it!
Finish the blanket I’m loom knitting for my oldest.
I started this blanket forever ago. Actually, I started it in January 2018. It should have taken me a year, but remember how I said I’m easily distracted? I want to finish this year and start my youngest son’s blanket in 2021.
Make Christmas gifts.
I obviously can’t go into a lot of detail here because the recipients of my gifts might be reading. I do want to make quite a few of my gifts for 2020, though.
Make projects with my “wish list” yarns.
I’ve used Red Heart Soft Essentials for a blanket and it’s so soft and snuggly! I want use some of their solid colors. I’ve also used Scarfie and loved it, but that new pink and gray is stunning! And the new Mandela Tweed…my first crochet blanket was made with original Mandala. I’m excited about this variation! I haven’t used Red Heart Chic Sheep but I’ve heard so many good things about it. Of course, I have tons of yarn…but look at this yarn! I need it. My rule is that I’ll only buy yarn if I have a project for it. I see some blankets and scarves coming soon.
Make a cowl with the yarn I got from Knitcrate.
In November, I saw a special offer for Knitcrate. I’d wanted to try their premium yarn subscription service for a long time, so when I saw an offer to get a month for only $5, I had to try it. The yarn I got was absolutely stunning-a merino/silk/alpaca blend with a crochet pattern for a gorgeous cowl. I really want to make this cowl for next winter.
Learn and practice more hand lettering.
I’ve dabbled enough to know which pens I like best (Tombow Fudenosuke) but I’m ready to get down to serious practice.
Tweak my finished novel and pitch my idea for a romantic suspense trilogy.
I wrote a book a few years ago. After lots of polishing, it won the ACFW First Impressions contest one year and semifinaled in the ACFW Genesis contest shortly after. I searched for a publisher for a few months, then life happened and I had to put writing on the back burner for a while. Now I’m ready to get back. I’ve got some ideas for minor tweaks, then I want to pitch my book and see what happens.
Write a book to pitch to Love Inspired Suspense.
I’ve had several short stories published, but my dream is to become a published suspense author. As I work on finding a home for my first novel, I’m ready to write another one for a specific audience: Love Inspired Suspense.
What projects are you excited about this year? If you want to follow my progress on my projects, be sure to follow me on Instagram.
Amanda Holland 