There’s no way I’ll ever stitch all, or even a large portion, of the cross stitching charts I have here. It’s so easy to see a new chart, fall in love, buy it, stick it away and then, a few weeks later, buy another one that catches my eye.
While I’m not making any “resolutions” for 2025, there are a couple of things, maybe a few more than a couple, that I want to work on improving. I’m making less “written in stone” plans. I do want to work more on finishing WIPS.
Over the next few days, I’m going to go through a lot of my charts – not even going to attempt to go through all of them, and creating my “Stitching Bucket List”. I figure I may have 10 – 12 good stitching years remaining. If I have more years, I’ll be happy but my plan is 10 – 12 years. On average, I think I can finish 10 – 12 pieces per year. 2025 will be a test. I’m not even sure how many larger charts I can start to finish in a year. Maybe one per month. Maybe six large projects per year and eight smaller projects. I have no idea.
I’m not saying I’m not buying anything new but it seems kinda senseless to have more charts than I’ll ever stitch, really want to stitch most all of them, and keep buying more. There will be charts that I fall in love with and may buy but the days of buying everything I see are over. I think my lack of interest in floss tubes will help a lot with cutting back on the new charts.
Once the Bucket List is finished, I’ll share it. I reserve the right to delete and add projects but any time I feel the need to start something new, I will try to pull one off the list.
I’m excited to start new stitching journals. Yes, there are two but they will be used in somewhat different ways. Once I’ve started using them, maybe around the end of January, I’ll make a post about those journals and share my progress.
Sherry Bobak says
Judy, I have the same problem. More charts and supplies than I can do in my lifetime. I also have a huge stash of quilt patterns and fabric. I guess my husband will have a huge yard sale when I’m gone.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I’m betting there are more of us who do crafts that have way more than we’ll ever use. Not sure why we do that but we do seem to be in good company.
Karen B says
It’s good to have a stash! My son wanted a book sleeve and I had everything I needed-including elastic cord and a button. Then I decided to make myself some glasses sleeves for my cheaters-I keep a pair in every project bag-and I had everything I needed. That said, I do think I need to whittle my stash down so it will fit in the space I have available. It’s getting a bit unruly!
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Stashes do tend to multiply while no one is watching.
Pat D from KS says
Your stitching plans sound similar to my knitting/crocheting plans for 2025. I have nice yarn and patterns5 that for years I’ve been saving for the “perfect” occasion. A recent birthday made me realize that I’d better start using and enjoying it while I still can! (And may we both be underestimating the number of good years we have left!)
judy.blog@gmail.com says
YES! It’s amazing how quickly the years pass these days. Good luck with getting your knitting stash of patterns and yarn stitched!
Amy in NJ says
Same problem…in my early 50s and I could probably never buy another pattern between all the needlepoint, cross stitch and quilting existing in my stash. And then there is paper crafting…oh my. I need to quit looking and keep stitching. Good luck with your endeavor.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
It does make me feel good to know so many of us are in the same boat. I’m sure I will buy more but there’s so much I want to stitch that I already have.