How to stay on top of projects

Let’s face it: as someone who knits or crochets (or weaves, spins, or bombs), you probably have several projects going on at any one time. It can be tempting to set down a project and start a new one, or set down several projects. Sometimes that new pattern is too cute to pass up!

While it’s not bad to have several projects going on at one time, it can easily become overwhelming. Not only do you need somewhere to store your many skeins of yarn, but you need to keep up with each individual project and figure out a place to house your patterns.

Well fear no more, because the Craft Yarn Council has come up with a list of handy tips to help you keep track of all your amazing projects. Read on for our best tricks to stay organized!

Tip #1. Try a project-tracking app or software Technology is a tremendous asset and this is no exception with yarn crafts. As long as there are intersections between the worlds of crafting and technology, there will be new and innovative ways to simplify crafting projects. Software like Evernote allows you to keep all of your notes, links, thoughts and images in one place and the best part is that you can sync this information from your computer to your phone and vice versa. Other helpful apps include Love Knitting, Stash2Go, Ravit, Knitting Buddy and more.
 
Tip #2. Make a calendar (paper or digital) to remember when you start and end each project Calendars are essential for anyone with a hectic schedule. Whether you’re a parent, student, career-woman/man, or any combination of these, calendars and planners can be a life-saver.
 
Tip #3. Set realistic goals for when you want to finish a project Everyone is busy and while it can be tempting to assume that you can finish a project rather quickly, it’s helpful to take stock of what’s going on in your life and avoid setting unrealistic expectations.
 
Tip #4. Dedicate a folder/file/binder for all of your patterns and project ideas Several projects require several patterns. Whether it’s digital or physical, having a place to store not only your project ideas, but your patterns as well, can help keep you organized and frustration-free.
 
Tip #5. Resist starting too many new projects Sometimes, having too many projects going at one time can be overwhelming. Using the apps in tip #1 can help you keep track of each new project and set guidelines for when you want to have them done. The best tip is to “know thyself,” i.e., you know your schedule and how much time you usually dedicate to your projects. If having too many projects is too overwhelming for you, scale it down. If you enjoy the process and don’t mind starting several new projects, then yarn away!
 

Want even more tips to help you with your yarn projects? Check out this article, this article and this article for even more fun apps and ideas!