Making many crochet motif and granny square blankets at once is a go to yarn stash buster of mine and is also a favorite way of tying in the color of decor in a room, whereas seasonal add on's I like in more uniform color of the season that compliments the base of what colors I have got going in that room... But back to the topic on hand, more directly - multiple WIP creating, turning a WIP (Work in Progress) into WIPs (Works In Progress) is super easy when working with motifs and squares, like I'm doing right now. Overall here are my tips or what I do in my progress or method of multiple WIP/garn stash busting, which will include things not often brought up in the knitting community that may help and that are habits or habit forming, overall;
1) Work Multiple WIPs of the same Type...Working multiple WIPs of the same type, such as the same recipe in different colors or same stitch type, works well with multiple large WIPs such as throws and pillows, and so forth. I do the same with swatches and small WIPs alike when I want multiple color options of the same thing. 2) Break those large WIPs into Sections...Breaking up those large WIPs into sections such as motifs in stages, then to a throw column of motifs completed. An example most don't think of is how a garment is constructed in fabric pieces before being joined and with that in mind one could take that further and make the same tee as an example in multiple colors such as making the sleeve caps in multiple colors then the front piece and so forth. 3) Trial and Error...Trial and error what works for you in WIP break ups and in rotating work on WIPs, everyone is different and even you are different on different days and over times in what you like or what suits your needs, which sometimes is often/even seasonal. 4) Break up the big WIPs with quicker and or smaller WIPs...Breaking up the big WIPs with quicker and or smaller WIPs, helps to dilute any monotony and to keep hands and muscles used fresh. And yes every action including lifting a fork to the mouth requires strength which is what allows us to do any movement in by way of levers and pulleys if you like. Obviously the amount and type of strength required in lifting a fork is different to squatting your own body-weight but alas both create strain which needs healing and recover for greater and or more enduring strength output as a result. Things that are light on the strength recruitment required that are repetitive such as crocheting or moving the same way in a tread creates specific neuron pathways and stresses that over time can cause strain if they are not counteracted with opposing or different movement pathways (Which is one of the reasons stretching in the opposite direction to tension felt is often so relieving) So in much the same way a stretch can counteract the movements in a squat or walk so to can a smaller and or differing WIP, provide relief in large WIP works. 5) Reward...Rewarding work helps to recognize the mile stones achieved in a piece which also allows one to absorb the satisfaction of their accomplishments. Back to a training analogy or dieting one (from when I used to coach strength and compete) 'You will not even distinguish when you have achieved a benchmark emotionally if you don't allow yourself to recognize and reward the achievement in the first place'. Many burn out because they literally don't take time out to smell the roses as a reward for gains in whatever they do and garn piece construction is no different. Rewards can be time out to feed the soul or body, or even lose the structured confinements of time for a bit (Oh the irony) A reward I like is keeping aside leftover yarns in the big WIPs for smaller projects I have been eyeing off which are usually always fun and also serve to break up up big WIP projects if one likes. The rewards can be taken at the end of big WIPs or throughout the completions of the broken up sections of the large WIPs. As example one of my motif throws will leave me scraps of specific colors no longer used after their designated rounds of the motifs and those scraps are going towards WIP bags, needle cases and storage cubes I'm making for my crafters room and Garn organisation, so my reward is when I no longer need that garn in the colorway I can reward myself with the smaller organisational creator WIP. Its that or an Oreo cookie from my Oreo cookie tin (If it isn't already empty that is) 6) Set aside daily time...Setting aside daily time slots when your the least busiest and are less likely to get distracted, which also means turning off/unplugging the phone. First thing in the morning I have animals to tend to and again before/after dinner and for me sneaking in time around then just doesn't work. Just as I'm getting my flow, my rooster starts singing to let me know I haven't tended to him yet and so forth. I had been setting a mid-afternoon time slot but now get up extra early whilst my ducks are still asleep in my office to work the WIPs in the DEN (TV room) as I mindlessly play something like Game of Thrones in the background. Starting the day fresh faced and WIP progress already nailed, makes me feel happy and on-top of it more so. I may also add having a clock right in eye-shot helps keep one on track and I like to play the game of 4 rounds by 15 minutes time etc... Some may have to travel daily and in otherwise idle time they can listen to a headset of tunes as they WIP away, I can't think of a better use of such constant occurring time-slots... 7) Store and file the WIPs...Storing and filing the WIPs in a tidy organised manner and tidy/put aside/away after each WIP bout, is a good habit to form which will limit clutter build up, whilst keeping projects dust and critter free. Options to store are as limited as ones imagination. Personally I love Tupperware, it stacks easy but for big WIPs I like a straw bag that is lined or a drawstring/duffel. Just make sure that if the pieces being worked on are on needles that the needle tips are secured (I use needle tip protectors for that purpose) or in the case of crochet I just remove the hook and add a stitch marker to the chain or stitch to secure - there's nothing worse than losing stitches in the storage of a WIP, esp in things such as lace or cable work. 8) Purge...Purge out and often, any WIPs that have been abandoned and that just are no longer wanted, winding back that garn for something else latter. I RIP back or unwind all the work there and then getting the ball of garn back for something else later on. 9) Prioritize...Prioritize WIPs to be in time for the seasons they're most used for that are up and coming in the overall time management of getting WIPs done. Even if the work being carried out is stretched out over a year for say a midwinter throw, having it ready for when its needed most is not just emotionally rewarding but pragmatic and of a preppers mindset to be encouraged. 10) Right type of tools... Choosing the right type of tools for a recipe, especially when it comes to needles, from composition to shape will impact WIP satisfaction. A slippery needle can make a slippery garn a nightmare and a blunt needle can be a pain in breaking up a yarn it isn't suited for. This is why its best to have an array of types to choose from and most of us build these up over father time. In this area I would also recommend always have a printed up or written up hard copy of the Garn Recipe one is working on as part of having the right tools, one never knows what is happening with or going to happen with things such as energy or technology these days. If the power-grid hiccups during the day or at night if you have alternative lighting, you can at least bliss-out in your WIP achievements as the majority are out running around in a frantic hair on fire frenzy. 11) Rest the Peepers...Resting the peepers by breaking up, say hour bouts, with going to make a pot of tea, getting the morning dishes done, going out to feed the birds their lunch or other non related chores in different locations, not only refreshes ones efforts but also maintains the health of ones eyes. Eyestrain which is repetitive and long enduring be it focusing on small stitched work or looking at a monitor at long bouts may be different but both make for tired eyes that need a break and to look at something else for a bit. My favorite break up bouts is dishes, cooking and or feeding/playing with my critters 12) Lighting consideration...Lighting consideration can make things swim along or feel like swimming through thick muck, and trying to work darker garns when natural lighting isn't aplenty such as late at night, is making unnecessary hard work compared to a lighter colored garn being worked at those times and this consideration also impacts the health of ones eyes. 13) Craft a Nook...Crafter nook and crannies including when on the go are akin to ones favorite nesting boxes bar you are not laying eggs but producing fabrics. I like to have a few, including in different rooms for utilizing natural light at different times of the day and or for when a space is being used such as my office sleeping in the office until 9am in the morning in which I get through some WIPs in my Den (TV room) where I don't wake them earlier than they are used to as an example. Create a special space just for crafting from a sampler size to garnaholic, turning the dial up or down in accordance to your budget, time and or enthusiasm. 14) Fuel Up Top Up...Feeding the brain carbohydrates, is feeding what it wants to actually function 'Glucose' byproduct or end result. It doesn't run on protein or fats, but carbohydrates. In my competitive career at the bodybuilding end now retired, it was kind of funny the shared misery all us pumped up iron bandits would share at the carb depleting phase of things. Everything felt worse, emotions go on a roller coaster and everyone is super cranky-pants. We did or do it to to dehydrate the body which results in 'Water loss' to show the muscles built under it all to the judges, not fat loss which is pre-season that is then tapered off. Fat loss is set at a benchmark and is instigated by muscle function/gain fueled by CARBOHYDRATES and under the state of being hydrated. Every ounce of carbs in the body retains 4 ounces of glycogen bound water or carbohydrate which gives a hydrated and puffiness effect to muscle appearance. Manipulation of carbs in the industry with pros is purely for stage but carried out longer than need results in muscle loss vi catabolism of ones own tissues, most simply put. This in mind how does one think they're going to perform or be productive in any thinking work or repetition without carbs that is adequate? Caffeine to make up for inadequacy will take one only so far. The best carbohydrate source is complex, wholegrain starchy carbs which are also referred to funny enough as 'Comfort foods'. Ideally something complex carb should be consumed every 3 to 4 hours and carbs with a low Glycemic Index is even better for constant energy source without peaks and dips which is otherwise good for bracketing a physical workout or helping with sleep or energy crashes. A good in-between snack option or top could be something like a smoothie with maple syrup and wheatgerm and nuts and a banana or my favorite 'Peanut and Fruit Grain Energy balls or Bars' that I whip up myself once a week in batches. A good preceding meal that I like is my early breakfast oatmeal cooked slow in my dutch or cast iron pot served with a dollop of nut butter and generous sprinklings of spices like pumpkin spice or ginger, another is a homemade vegan topped pizza with lots of green toppings and sun-dried tomatoes. For my carb emergency's I break into my Oreo cookie tin bank. 15) Hydrate...A hydrated mind and body works and functions best, but unfortunately by the time we register that we are thirsty we are actually on average at least 35% dehydrated and it only takes 10% of dehydration to start losing basic yet alone optimal function including cognitive ability. Add to that lack of complex carbohydrate consumption (which aids in water retention/hydration) added alcoholic consumption and calories without the water to properly metabolize the food stuffs required, the average individual out there runs in an almost constant impaired state to point of disability. Water requirements are tied to ones biological gender male or female, one metabolic rate, set point, genealogy/race, stresses and caloric consumption, which all governs ones BMR to start. The second level of hydration is at the cost of energy burned or daily activity's carried out under the influence or rate of an individuals BMR, which includes the physical activity of sleeping which is when the body works tirelessly on a cellular level to grow and recover in many ways. This is why Breaking the fast you have every night (Breakfast) and a large glass of water first thing are good habits to keep and attain if needed to attain. Its easier to mindlessly sip water as a habbit if you have a pitch of water there in your crafting nook to sip at intervals bewtween rounds or patterns to keep hydrated even if its only for minds sake. 16) Unkink...Unkinking (Stretching and releasing tension) of the neck (Traps and Sternoclastoids) Jaw and hands are good habits to hold in these areas that not only store emotional tension but tension from focused and hands on work. Working on a complicated WIP, then increase the need to unkink a notch, or two, or seven... Most Pilates based Range of Motion movements or stretches for these areas work best for those who don't know where to start and the Pilates method is mostly sound and safe, done correctly within ones range of capabilities and not outside of. 17) Share the love...Share the love, encourage others and let them inspire you, no matter how great you are, sparks can be found everywhere around you, outside of yourself, not just from within and the comfort of feeling needed (Wanted) is a human condition of us all, including us introverts in our own quirky way. Also encourage suppliers who supply wool garn to do so in ethical ways that respect and look after the animals. The consumer often is the zytgist for what is allowed by the producer and its within all our best interests including Vegans like me to work with producers and not against them for I prefer a natural product to the unnatural that could never really replace it and nor would I want it to. 18) Benchmark...Benchmark everything mentioned at least once a year and tweak accordingly to grow. Bench-marking is a practice of any good business that produces or supply's anything and is the practice of standards held and maintained, which never be downgraded as we see so much of today but maintained or increased. Managing oneself s productivity (Goal and task achievement) should be no different, but alas you are reading the thoughts of a retired coach, trainer and athlete here. My Current large stash of WIPsMy current large stash of WIPs are getting ready for our next long winter with multiple throws; In Closing...Habits are forming, can be acquired, lost, and regained again and often due to just life changing, getting in the way and so forth and in general its best to adapting a habit or two at a time for a stretch of time before adding anymore. Even if one habit is improved upon or bench-marked or acquired it still puts you in a better place than you were before having it so don't feel overwhelmed if you want to acquire the mentioned 18 habits in WIPs busting I use. Be kind to yourself and give yourself the time you need to actually enjoy the process along with stash busting your garns into WIPs. May your multiple WIPs be fruitful and fulfilling... Thank-you for reading, Stay tuned for more... From a coming Chapter in CraftingAuthor...Ravenmor Fox is a Druid & Witch of the old ways, with Maternal and Paternal blood lines to each respective clans, along with being Priestess of the Morrigan, Permaculturist and Horticulturist. Raven loves crafting in ways of manner including with yarn and prepping for self sustainability, aiming to finally get out on an acreage here in the Australian bush someday. More Posts...
Disclaimer: This is not a paid presentation and any opinions are my own as well as not being affiliate in anyway. © Bohemefit
Originally published January 5th 2023-01-05
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