WIP Wednesday
I used to belong to a yahoo group called "Productive Knitters" or something like that; the exact name escapes my memory bank at this point. Every week you'd check in with a list of goals for the upcoming week (no more than 3) and update the list with how successful you were towards reaching that goal over the previous week. Nothing was too big or too small, so if you thought it likely you'd have a busy week without much knitting time, fine - have as your goal to knit 1 row on each project. I actually got a LOT of things done when I was a member of that list, and while I don't think I'm going to rejoin the group (no time to read long involved emails from tons of people), I decided I'd like to try to get back in the habit of keeping track of my projects and where I stand on them. So, with that in mind, I'm going to also try to get in the habit of posting every Wednesday with a WIP Wednesday report.
Project 1: Flatiron Clog Socks

I've had sock #1 finished for a while. This is a fairly easy pattern and I'm not really sure why I put it down other than the dreaded second-sock syndrome issues. Anyway. Sock #1 is done. Sock #2 is on the needles and I turned the heel on it last night.
Weekly Goal: Finish the heel gusset decreases.
Project #2: As-yet unnamed socks
I just started these and I'm designing as I go. The concept is a bunch of intertwining cables back and forth across the ribbing. I'm knitting these with a new superwash merino sock yarn I just got in, which is a lot like Louet Gems. The colorway is also a new one - "Mountain Glen" and while it is extremely hard to capture on film, it is a mixture of dark pine green and dark blues. Once I've got these done, I'm thinking a free pattern for the store will be in order.
Weekly Goal: Figure out what I'm doing with the cables on the leg/ankle portion and get that knitted.
Project #3: Bison Roving
No new pictures of this, because it currently looks exactly the same as the last picture, only now on a different bobbin. I've gotten bobbin #1 of singles spun up and started on #2.
Weekly Goal: Finish spinning bobbin #2 of singles.
I'm going to limit myself to 3 projects a week to post here, but if I finish my "homework" on these, I may work on other things. I also reserve the right to take a week off from one of the listed projects and substitute something else I'm working on (like Lizard Ridge squares) for a week or two (or more).
I'll be back tomorrow with an FO!
Edit: From the sounds of things, folks think this is a fine idea. I've thrown myself at Mim's feet to ask if she'll make a button for a WIP-Wednesday-Along and I'll post it here when I've got something together. If you want to participate, feel free to grab and save the button to YOUR server and check in on Wednesdays with your progress!
All for now.....
How nice to know that there are people out there that have the same trouble I do finishing things. I am with you, I think starting to name goals is a great idea...I just have to figure out what is reasonable in conjunction with working full time as well as homebased tasks. Hmmm... maybe I will do it by time to spend since I have multiple projects and interests. At least 20 minutes? Yeah, I will start there and see how it goes...Thanks! Kim
Posted by: Kim | December 12, 2007 at 06:25 AM
I think this is a great idea to keep yourself on track. I just may follow suit on this for myself. I could use a good swift kick back on the ol' track. :)
Posted by: Karen | December 12, 2007 at 06:27 AM
Mountain Glen sounds beautiful. Maybe I'll consider joining in on WIP Wednesday. Uh, next week.
Posted by: mary lou | December 12, 2007 at 06:34 AM
Funny, I used to do something similar. I posted a WIP on Monday and an FO on Friday. I got A LOT of stuff finished that year.
Posted by: susan | December 12, 2007 at 06:35 AM
it is interesting how blogging can keep us accountable & productive ;-) !
Posted by: cyndy | December 12, 2007 at 06:35 AM
As usual, a great idea! I could use a Wednesday WIPing myself.
Posted by: Chris | December 12, 2007 at 06:46 AM
I like the idea of a WIP Wednesday - it might force me to finish some of the 3-year old projects I've got on the needles (I kid you not!)
Posted by: AmyP | December 12, 2007 at 07:47 AM
I LOVE the idea! You know how I feel about sharing WIP's and having weekly goals may help me finish those single sock sisters :-)
Beautiful Blue!
Posted by: Kim | December 12, 2007 at 07:53 AM
I can't even think with more than 3-4 WIPs on the needles. Good luck with your goals!
Posted by: margene | December 12, 2007 at 08:05 AM
I like this idea and it will get me posting again!
Good luck with your goals, I love the color of those blue socks, pretty.
Posted by: Meadow | December 12, 2007 at 08:17 AM
I remember that yahoogroup. It's always fun to see someone else's WIPs.
Posted by: Cathy | December 12, 2007 at 08:46 AM
I'm still a member of the group (ProductiveSpinners, btw). ListMom Talia just had a baby girl! :) The list is pretty quiet, actually. T is a great cheerleader for everyone's common cause - turn those UFOs into WIPs and then into FOs!
Posted by: June | December 12, 2007 at 09:08 AM
I participate in Lime & Violet's WOYNW: What's On Your Needles Wednesday. It's quite handy in keeping me on my toes. :)
Posted by: Kit | December 12, 2007 at 12:01 PM
That was the theory behind the about-to-be defunct Holiday Headstart blog that is now down to about two participants. From over sixty. Hope you have better luck than I did!
Can't wait to see that blue sock all grown up! (Coming to you from beautiful downtown Park City, by the way.....)
Posted by: Marcia Cooke | December 12, 2007 at 03:39 PM
I'm afraid to post goals. I have great ambitions...and little with the follow through. But, maybe I'll be inspired by all the goal setting on Wednesdays! I think I need a little motivation right now. Excellent idea!
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | December 12, 2007 at 04:52 PM
Nice idea. If I can swallow the pride, I may join in on this.
Posted by: Laurie | December 12, 2007 at 06:17 PM
I'm in! I've been doing an occasional WIP roundup, but doing it more often, and setting smaller incremental goals sounds good to me.
Posted by: Margaret | December 17, 2007 at 04:57 PM