Coasters and Procrastination

Good evening friends!  I thought I'd post about two different things today.  My dear friend Antonio reminded me this evening that I have not completed the coasters that I promised I'd make him.  Oops.  He has found out my darkest craft secret.  I procrastinate.  Yes, folks, I am just darn lazy when it comes to completing projects.  I get so psyched about a new project that my in-progress projects get way-laid.  I'm working on this.  Here are a few tips I've come up with to prevent craft procrastination. 

1.  Create a Craft Pact
   One of my besties came to visit me a month ago and we both lamented over the fact that we are lazy when it comes time to finish our projects.  We decided to create a Craft Pact.  We both selected a project that we would start and complete once we returned to our respective "normal" (I use quotes here because who really leads a normal life?) lives.  You must ensure to hold each other accountable by texting in-progress and then completed photos of the project.  Make sure you're creating a pact with someone who is willing to hold you to it, and vice versa.  You wouldn't want to waste a Craft Pact on that co-worker to whom you barely talk.   Pointless!

2.  Craft for 15min. every day
  What's 15 min?  That's the time I spend hitting the snooze in the morning or lounging on the couch after work.  If you can spend just 15 min. every day on your project, it will be completed in no time.  Plus, more likely than not, you'll want to work longer once you get into it.

3.  Craft with friends
  In grad school, my friends and I used to hold "Crochet-a-Thons" with each other.  Basically, we just crocheted in one of our apartments while eating pizza and watching old episodes of "Golden Girls."  It's so much more enjoyable to do crafts in a group!  Try packing up your supplies and head to a coffee shop with friends!

4. Learn to use your craft time as your relaxation time
  One of my favorite ways to unwind is to put on a favorite DVD and just mindlessly work on craft projects at the same time.  Since I've seen that DVD a thousand times it doesn't matter that I don't devote all my attention and it's just on in the background keeping me company. 

5.  Create a goal
  My goal for this year is to make all or part of every gift I have to give.  Sounds overwhelming but I think I can do it.  Now that I've set this goal, I feel more inclined to complete my projects!


Hopefully, this list will encourage you to be persistent.  I completed Antonio's coasters this evening in a bout of craft determination.  I created them by simply crocheting a Granny Square using two different colors of yarn that match his apartment.  If you've never made a Granny Square, they are very easy and so useful!  I recommend this website to teach you: http://crochet.about.com/od/learntocrochet/ss/Crochet_Granny_Square.htm

My top uses for Granny Squares:

1.  Coasters.  Obviously!  I make small Granny Squares of 3 rounds using 2 to 3 colors.  Easy, cheap and functional!

2.  Blankets.  This is the traditional use.  This takes awhile, but since crocheting the squares is rather mindless, you can just keep making them until you have enough to stitch together.

3.  Scarves.  I've made some really cute scarves by stitching 15-20 squares in a line and then crocheting a ruffled edge around the sides.  So fun!

4.  Dishcloths. Make them 5-10 rounds big and they make great washable dishcloths (or use them for dusting.)  Plus, isn't cleaning so much more fun when your products are cute?

5.  Table doily.  Perhaps this is a little old school, but a large Granny Square, several rounds large, would be so cute on a table under the centerpiece.  Add a fun ruffled edge for a little more pizzaz!

Don't know how to crochet?  I learned years ago, and I firmly believe that it's easy to pick up by using a book.   This is one of my favorite books about learning to crochet and it has some fun projects.  Not Your Mama's Crochet by Amy Swenson

Antonio's Coasters