What We Can Learn From Our Unfinished Crochet Projects
Do you ever wonder what the statistics are on unfinished craft projects…unfinished crochet projects in particular? I mean, everyone has some, right? Today I’m giving a peek into my crochet UFOs (unfinished objects) and lessons to learn from each of them.
I’m good for going gung-ho on a new crochet stitch, a new pattern, or even a new series of yarn colors. After making multiples, I start to burn out and tune into something else.
Sometimes, that means the last of that series doesn’t exactly get finished until I get the gung-ho-ness back. And sometimes, well, that takes a reaaalllly long time. :-/
Here are a few of my unfinished crochet projects, along with a few lessons.
1. Pink and purple polka dot baby blanket
I decided I wanted to learn how to “carry” yarn and this happened during that phase. Using a single crochet stitch also makes it feel like it will take F.O.R.E.V.E.R.
UFO (UnFinished Crochet Projects) Lesson #1:
Carrying yarn is sssoooo the way to go when you have a repeat pattern like this, or need to stop and start colors repeatedly. It also uses less yarn. Can you imagine the number of ends you’d have to tuck? I get anxious just thinking about it.
2. Clam Shell blanket
Second up is this clam shell stitch blanket I thought I’d make and use up leftover yarn scraps. The clam stitch is actually a 2-row stitch so you have to have enough yarn for two consecutive rows.
Lesson #2:
While changing colors every two rows looks gorgeous, tucking that many ends is awful. Have I mentioned how much I despise tucking ends? I know, I can tuck as I go, but I don’t ever want to because I’m too excited to get to the next row.
3. African Flower blocks
Third up is an African flower block. I wanted a blanket in red, aqua, and white. I think it screams summer and it screams vintage. It also screams ‘FINISH ME’.
Lesson #3:
Blocks are a good way to take a project with you, but do you see how many different colors are on each block? Can you say ‘lots of tucking’? Are you noticing a trend here?
4. Gray sweater
Fourth up is a gray sweater I started a long time ago. I actually still like the design, but here’s the thing, I worked up to the top of the bust as the pattern recommended, then I paused and did sleeve #1. Now I have to go back and do sleeve #2 and I remember having so many problems with sleeve #1 and improvising that now I have no idea if the sleeves will even be remotely the same size. Would you say this one is probably 80% finished? {sigh}
This one might be in the unfinished crochet projects pile a while longer.
Lesson #4:
Just bite the bullet and finish it up. If it doesn’t turn out the way I want, just donate it.
5. Hexagons
Fifth up (we’re almost to the end) is this hexagon block blanket. I decided to try a new block style blanket and thought why go with traditional (and much easier) squares when I can go with HEXAGONS!!!
Lesson #5:
Brilliant ideas are not always brilliant ideas.
6. C2C Christmas blanket
Sixth, is a corner-to-corner (C2C) crochet blanket for Christmas. This was my first project using the C2C method and my tension, or lack thereof, caused some of the blocks to turn out wonky. I feel compelled to re-do them since the finished blanket won’t lay flat because of them.
Lesson #6:
When trying a new technique, try a simple version first, (Obviously I should take my own advice!) otherwise you just contribute to the unfinished crochet project pile.
7. Baby pom pom blanket
Seventh, is a blanket made out of baby pompom yarn. Nothing fancy, no intricate stitches, just a pretty basic blanket. Just haven’t finished it. Probably bored with it.
Lesson #7:
To play off of Nike, Just Do Finish It!
8. Yoyo blanket
Eighth, is a yoyo blanket. This is probably THE first UFO of my UFO collection. Does yarn have an expiration date?
Lesson #8:
Use the accounting method of first in first out and get this one done and out! It sounds much better in theory.
9. Charlotte’s Dream blanket
Finally is Charlotte’s Dream Blanket. This is one I have to follow the written pattern for every row because EACH.ONE.IS.DIFFERENT. Not a good one for on-the-go-travel, or crocheting with chatty friends, or even after a long day when my focus has waned. I’m still trying to find when a good time is to work on it. I have 9 blocks done and 3 more to go. And then TUCKING?!
And the final unfinished crochet project Lesson #9:
If you’re going to have a project where you need more focus, be sure to have other projects that don’t require the focus. Yeah, another one that’s good in theory. LOL.
So there you have it. Another peek into my organized chaos of crocheted UFOs. How many unfinished crochet projects might you have hanging around? Drop me a note in the comments.
What We Can Learn From Our Unfinished Crochet Projects
