Finding the Motivation to Keep Going

This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. After the holiday season January can be a tricky month. Personally, I'm trying to take a breather from my day job and try to get myself ready for a tough few months. My kids have appointments and there is plenty to do for the cub scouts. With so many things, keeping up on the same project or two can be daunting.

Sending off my pattern to a Tech Editor last week felt like a big win and I received compliments on one of my samples at my knitting group last Sunday. I've already determined a few errors in the pattern I sent her. Also, I'm coming up with a summer and fall knit idea that I can start swatching for as soon as I'm done with my second sample of the hat. It's easy to get sidelined or to want to focus on other things. Trying to get ready for an 8K and keeping up on household things definitely get in the way.

PomPom Magazine announced accepting proposals for fall of 2019. I'm totally excited and also do not expect any of my ideas to be approved. My goal is to propose my hat idea this weekend. Next weekend a crocheted sweater, and the following week a knit cardigan. If they don't take any, I can draft up the ideas for self-publishing. PomPom is where I found the fabulous pattern for the my first completed WIP of 2019!!!

How do you stay on task? How do you stay motivated?

I have critical day job work goals at work each year. Making them happen is important, but the day to day work gets in the way. There are a couple of that I've been willing to let go of and others that I'm keeping aiming towards. With a new staff excited to join me, I'm getting some much needed assistance. Hope is still there :).

The pros and cons to test knitting. It's critical to keep your motivation going when testing someone's pattern. I've worked on large and small projects. Currently, I'm working on a pullover for Irmian Designs. It's the pattern I was discussing last week. The timeline gives me a little shy of 4 more weeks and I've made good progress.

I'm coming up with some fun ideas for my second design self published. Based on my timeline, it would come out in June. A summery top sounds nice, right? Some stripes? Color blocking?

Knowing that my day job and family come first, it's going to be a tricky year to keep up on the fun stuff. Stay motivated!

Have a great week and happy crafting!