Several good things have happened due to the Use Your Stash Challenges 2017, besides the obvious of using up stash yarn or finishing up projects. One of those things is it made me aware of several bad habits I have had. Had, because I am changing them and making new habits in my life.
Those pesky bad habits aren’t going to be comfortable anymore. Working to kick them out can be a struggle, but it is worth it when the new habit is one that I want to keep.
Struggling is what makes us grow. So, if there is a struggle in creating new habits then I can rest in the knowledge that I am doing the right thing.
Wait. Does that sound right? If it is hard, then are you doing the right thing?
The answer is Yes (most of the time).
Struggling to Make New Habits
Here is my list of five ways to know if the struggle of the new habit is one to continue:
- Does it help you lead a better life?
- Is it within the realm of your gifts?
- Is it in line with your dream for your life?
- Can you break it down into achievable steps?
- Will you have cheerleaders among your family and friends?
How does this list translate into crochet in my life?
- Keeping my crochet to-do list pared down helps me lead a better life by eliminating clutter.
- It is in the realm of my gifting. I can do this, I just need to make it a priority.
- Yes, this is in line with the dream I have for my life.
- I can crochet at least 30 minutes every day. This will help me achieve my goals.
- My family will be thrilled to see me reduce the amount of stash yarn I have.
What I’ve Been Up To
This pattern is one I have been procrastinating on writing. It is the perfect scrap afghan, so I haven’t included an exact yarn shopping list. There are about 28 different yarns in this Flower Garden Afghan; it is perfect for using up small, leftover bits of yarn.
This pattern uses so much yarn. The finished afghan weighed about 6 pounds upon completion. Every flower is bordered with navy yarn. Each flower requires 3 times around the circle to finish each petal round. It took from January until almost June for me to finish it. Most Chocolate Dog Studio patterns are either “beginner” or “easy” levels, but this one isn’t.
You can find the pattern in the shop here, or on Etsy or Craftsy.
It has been a great week.
Talk to you later,
Karen
P.S.
My new habits (in case you are wondering what they are):
- Plan projects that use my stash yarns.
- Keep set work times.
- Finish my projects rather than let them stack up.
Do you have new habits? Leave a comment about what they are and we can hold each other accountable!