52 Project Challege, 2012

[OkiMom]

Its a new year so to quote what was put last year (since it was put so well)..

Those of us who craft tend to accumulate stashes of projects to complete, and UFOs (Unfinished Objects), etc.  We'd all like to finish them ... but they can feel overwhelming!  I think those of us who participated last year found our thread very motivational and supportive as we all worked towards this goal. 

Is anyone else up for a challenge? One project a week, we can report back here about what we've finished each week. Kudos for those who work ahead (and demerits for any 'new' projects we add to the stash) -

So for example, if I sew three projects Week 1, I am at 49/52. If in Week 2, I sew a project but buy two new projects, then I am at 50/52 in Week 2.  The object is to finish what we have, and avoid increasing our stash. 

Bonus points for "upcycling" items - old tshirts into PJs for kids, or old sweaters into wool longies, etc. 

C'mon, folks - let's motivate each other!

Lets have some fun and do some crafts.. Try to remember to add pictures so we can all ohh and ahh with you

[OkiMom]

I got around 39 projects done last year, not bad considering I also completed an international move, had a 3rd child and my husband deployed.. This year i hope to actually pass 52 projects! I have so much 1/2 done projects in storage that I couldn't complete before we moved and ones I started in December but got way-layed by a sick child.. I don't have much of a stash (most, if not all, my supplies are for a certain project) so I only count demerits when I buy something not intended for a certain project.

Usually I start with a list of projects I want to get during the year.... but I have to many projects to accomplish in January.. Ill think of the rest of the year in the middle of February when birthday season is over

Week 1 Goals

Finish Christmas gifts that still arent done (December was a bad month so I have a ton of stuff that got started but never finished):

- blasted flippin knitted bus sweater.. Its a thorn in my side

- Finish the girls dresses by adding buttons and button holes

- Finish the owl messenger bag, which needs its strap made and sewn on

= finish crayon rolls by adding buttons and bands to close them and find the crayons/coloring books for them.. They will be birthday presents for two of the children and a moving fun thing for the third

-finish the knitted monster that needs to be sewn up and its giant eye ball emboridered

Prep work for other projects this month:

-wash pink and blue cammie material and press. cut out childrens outfits

- make knitting pattern for washcloth for DH

-pick up yarn for a vest for the boy

-pick up fabric to alter a dress for me

-decide on picture dress fabric/pattern.. got ideas.. not sure if they will work. Its hard when you can't SEE the whole thing completed in front of you.

If I have time/energy/desire pick from this list of things to do- try to start one of these:

knitted grenade (Hubby is going to get a big laugh from this one)

Bomb washcloth (need pattern first)

mug cozy (need to finish sweater first because Im using the extra yarn from the sweater for this)

start sewing outfits

horse washcloth

horse scarf

Car organizer for each child for the move

[mamaofprincesses]

I don't know that I have 52 projects, but I have a couple of really big ones to finish so. . .can I join?

[OkiMom]

Of course! A lot of us don't finish 52 projects.. Just join in and have some fun. We are a friendly group (I think )

[AfricanQueen99]

As long as I can work this thread in conjunction with Homemade Holidays 2012 I'm in.

Week one is sort of hard as my oldest is still home from school, but I forsee big things happening around here to clear out my stash. :)

Projects to work on first:

Hem master bath curtains.

Hem Kid2's curtains.

Hem Kid1's curtains.

I'll report back when I get those done!

Ok, here's my list to try to work through for 2012:

1. Master bath curtains - DONE - 1/2012

2. G's curtains - DONE - 1/2012

3. Photograph beads and string birth bead necklace - DONE - 1/2012

4. Lacing board for C - DONE - 1/2012

5. Sweet baby Q - DONE - 1/2012

6/7/8. Crafting and preparing for an awesome 6th birthday party - success! - DONE - 4/2012

Embroider C's drawing

Magnetic paper doll (general gifting idea)

Felt circle pillow

"I love you" cards

Silhouette art faces of all the kids

Freezer paper stencil clothes

Embroidery ring of our family tree

Baby legs

Stunt man shirt

Hand embroidery of all the kids

Felted wool bike bag

Sidewalk chalk paint

Etched wine glasses

Wine glass coasters

Cupcake pin cushion

Photo frame

Puzzle blocks

Cloth rings

Poinsettia pillow

Poinsettia pillow

Ornaments

Best of my Days calendars

PJ pants - C

PJ pants - G

PJ pants - ?

Monogrammed pillow

Wool stockings x5

Tree skirt

Advent calendar

Fishing game

Table tent

Edited by AfricanQueen99 - 4/5/12 at 1:33pm

[OkiMom]

I do both as well.. I use the homemade holidays as a way to track my gift giving crafting but I can never stick to just gifts because honestly I have a ton of household projects that need my attention other than gifts..

[zebra15]

I'm working on 'the list'.

I was very pleased with what I accomplished last year.  52 won't ever happen but I love to see what everyone else is doing and I just crochet along at my own pace and possible do a bit of needlework as well.

This thread keeps me from going overboard with buying yarn and projects that I won't ever complete.

I will post my list in the next couple days.

[OkiMom]

Zebra- I think our goal this year should be to complete those darn pillowcases.. I think Eeyore is depressing us all Honestly I would be really happy to get that done and given to the intended recipient sometime in 2012.

[lifeguard]

I'd love to join. Not a lot of unfinished projects I can think of but always lots of one day I will on my list.

The first ones on my list are:

-a small purse for myself that will easily fit in the diaper bag

-curtains for the spare room

-carrier for firewood

-there is a special cross-stitch project I have in mind but I don't think it'll be started this month & even less likely to be done by year's end.

I love the idea of 52 projects & will try but not entirely sure I'll have the time.

[kitchensqueen]

Fifty two; dang why didn't you guys choose twelve!? I think I'm in... this is crazy, but I think I'm in. I did start the Handmade Holidays 2012 thread the day after Christmas so I suppose I should walk the walk.

Okay, so you do guys make a master list of everything you want to do in the year or do you just do a rolling list? And if I understand this correctly it's just 52 projects total and you get ahead by completing stuff and "demerited" for letting it pile up and not get done? Is that right?

[zebra15]

KQ- there are several ways to do this.  Whatever works for you is good.  I just keep a running list of things I would like to accomplish.  Some of my projects get abandoned, some get modified, other ideas get added to the list.  Its just 'rolling' around here.  

For example I homeschool my 11 yr old. I KNOW there is going to be a Valentine's Day project of 'something' but what or how many is a mystery for a few more weeks.  I won't add that to the list until I get details.   We are part of postcrossings.com and sent out numerous postcards.  I will probably take a point every x cards this year.  Last year I took a point when I finally got around to hanging up some pictures, this was a household task that took me forever to do, but was very simple.

I can not handle demerits.

Clear as mud right??

FWIW  I would prefer 12 projects as well but then it wouldn't be a CHALLENGE  lol.
 

Originally Posted by kitchensqueen 

Fifty two; dang why didn't you guys choose twelve!? I think I'm in... this is crazy, but I think I'm in. I did start the Handmade Holidays 2012 thread the day after Christmas so I suppose I should walk the walk.

Okay, so you do guys make a master list of everything you want to do in the year or do you just do a rolling list? And if I understand this correctly it's just 52 projects total and you get ahead by completing stuff and "demerited" for letting it pile up and not get done? Is that right?

[zebra15]

Originally Posted by OkiMom 

Zebra- I think our goal this year should be to complete those darn pillowcases.. I think Eeyore is depressing us all Honestly I would be really happy to get that done and given to the intended recipient sometime in 2012.

I will look for the pillowcase this week.  Part of my projects this year is to organize my projects and my brand new shelving in the closet!  I HAVE SHELVES!!!!  I HAVE BINS!!!!   Its not going to look like the house puked in the living room!!   This is my closet and no one is going to take it away from me - child do you hear me!!

Sunny- thank you for having the 'small space' challenge in December- I you.

[Momsteader]

I'm going to try it!

Be back with a longer list <I hope!>

So far:

I need to sew up some pants for my baby with the cool skull sweatshirt fleece I got and a second pair for sale.

Finish curtains for my sewing room--have to find that darn fabric first.

Nightgown for a friend's daughter.

[OkiMom]

Originally Posted by lifeguard 

I'd love to join. Not a lot of unfinished projects I can think of but always lots of one day I will on my list.

The first ones on my list are:

-a small purse for myself that will easily fit in the diaper bag

-curtains for the spare room

-carrier for firewood

-there is a special cross-stitch project I have in mind but I don't think it'll be started this month & even less likely to be done by year's end.

I love the idea of 52 projects & will try but not entirely sure I'll have the time.

I think 52 projects is more like a goal but not one that most of us make.. Good luck on the cross stitch by the way, I think a cross stitch project should count for at least 10 projects, those things take forever and they are a pain after a while :) Or maybe that is my total lack of the ability to concentrate talking.

[OkiMom]

Originally Posted by kitchensqueen 

Fifty two; dang why didn't you guys choose twelve!? I think I'm in... this is crazy, but I think I'm in. I did start the Handmade Holidays 2012 thread the day after Christmas so I suppose I should walk the walk.

Okay, so you do guys make a master list of everything you want to do in the year or do you just do a rolling list? And if I understand this correctly it's just 52 projects total and you get ahead by completing stuff and "demerited" for letting it pile up and not get done? Is that right?

I think each person counts a project and demerits in their own way.. I count anything I buy not directly relating to a project I had planned. Like I just bought 5 yards of black fabric and 7 yards of pink to make dresses for me and my daughters.. I don't count it because it was bought for a specific project but if I bought some extra fabric because it was cute then it would count. Its a way for me not to buy something that is not planned or needed.

I have a tentative list of things Id like to do for the year separated between gift giving, personal, family and household.. But if you haven't guessed I like to plan, I feel more in control of my time when I have things planned out. I also added home school this year since DD1 is of age to start kindergarten and there are a few things Id like to do before the beginning of the school year to make things easier during the year.. Like plan the year, make a huge pillow for me to sit on in the front room because Im getting to old to sit on the cold floor etc.

Oh another thing, a lot of people last year included things that weren't crafting but were a huge project in their family. For example, I included a move we did from Japan back stateside, Sunny (where or where is the sunny??) included some projects that had been piled up around the house etc so you are more than welcomed to include household projects that while not crafting were needing to be done.

[OkiMom]

Originally Posted by zebra15 

I will look for the pillowcase this week.  Part of my projects this year is to organize my projects and my brand new shelving in the closet!  I HAVE SHELVES!!!!  I HAVE BINS!!!!   Its not going to look like the house puked in the living room!!   This is my closet and no one is going to take it away from me - child do you hear me!!

Sunny- thank you for having the 'small space' challenge in December- I you.

Thats great! I need to do that when I get everything out of storage and figure out what exactly I have that is still useable. Im worried what everything will be like after 8+ months in storage. Heck I don't even REMEMBER whats in there.

Am I allowed to use another move as a point? Im not looking forward to getting 3 storage units worth of stuff dumped, especially since one of the units is over 5 YEARS old. Dear Mr. Man who sends us places, please stop.

[lifeguard]

okimom - I've been in the process of unpacking boxes - some of which have been packed for 10 years! I'm not lying & although a lot of it was given away or chucked I still needed to go through them 'cause I knew there was stuff in there I wanted. It was kind of like a treasure dig though - exciting to open a box & find things I knew I had but hadn't seen in years!

[kitchensqueen]

Originally Posted by zebra15 

KQ- there are several ways to do this.  Whatever works for you is good.  I just keep a running list of things I would like to accomplish.  Some of my projects get abandoned, some get modified, other ideas get added to the list.  Its just 'rolling' around here.  

For example I homeschool my 11 yr old. I KNOW there is going to be a Valentine's Day project of 'something' but what or how many is a mystery for a few more weeks.  I won't add that to the list until I get details.   We are part of postcrossings.com and sent out numerous postcards.  I will probably take a point every x cards this year.  Last year I took a point when I finally got around to hanging up some pictures, this was a household task that took me forever to do, but was very simple.

I can not handle demerits.

Clear as mud right??

FWIW  I would prefer 12 projects as well but then it wouldn't be a CHALLENGE  lol.

Hahahaha yeah - clear as mud. :-) And I suppose you're right about twelve not being an actual challenge!

Being a compulsive list maker, I think I'm going to compile a master list of everything craft/project-wise that I want to do this year. I've got so many things on Pinterest that I want to do, and so many projects dog eared in books... This year is THE year! Okay, I'm totally motivated. This could be more dangerous than New Year's resolutions. I love that fresh, motivated start of the year feeling. We have to make it last! I too, cannot handle demerits. I want to WIN. Even if I'm only playing against myself. :-)

ETA - and Okimom, I am totally the same way. I am addicting to planning! Now, to put the plans into action.

[rere]

Ok,I'm in!Although,I'm not sure how many things will be unfinished projects instead of just things I need/want to get made.I will also be adding gifts to encourage me to get them done early.

Here's the start of my list:

1.t-shirt hat

2.t-shirt hat

3.doll shoe storage

4.pocket pillow

5.felt sweater bag

5.cardigan(finished)

6.remake slippers(finished)

7.shorts for under my girl's skirts(finished)

8.star garland(finished)

9.car orginizer

10.snack bags(finished)

11.re-do skirt

12.make paper

13.bedroom curtains(finished)

14.living room curtain

15.piano bench cover

16.-20.stepping stones

21.bird bath

22.mittens for my girl

23.slippers for my nephew

24.b-day gift for mom(beach bag?)

25.m-day gift

26.b-day gift for sister

27.b-day gift for daughter

28.storage boxes(ideally I would like to make a whole bunch of these but we'll see what happens since I don't even have a prototype yet.

29.fix stepfather's pants

30.raised bed

31.message board

32.bag for Mary

33.peg people for nephew(finished)

34.beach bag

35.bday gift ss(finished)

36.finish doll cushion

37.pillow cover 

38.house numbers

39.cord keeper

40.mittens for my nephew

41.sweater blanket

42.S&T baby gift(finished)

43.J baby gift

44.Z baby gift

45.v day present for my husband(finished)

46.v day present for my gal(finished)

47.finish husband slippers

48.hooded scarf

49.T baby gift

50.cat bed
51.cat mask(finished)
Edited by rere - 2/26/12 at 4:44pm

[rere]

I finished one already!

I've been needing to remake my slippers (I swear my feet aren't that different in size.just a weird angle or something)for quite awhile now.I had to tear them apart and start over because I originally made them way too big.

I'm just going to try to ignore that the stripes don't match up.uhg.Oh well,they're warm!

I really should go work on curtains but I find that soooo boring.But my daughter is happily playing checkers with my husband so now would be a good time.ok,here I go....