Kickstart Your Christmas Knitting: Introducing Our Christmas Planning Blog Series

We are excited to introduce our brand-new blog series to help you plan your Christmas knitting (or crochet) projects. 

I know how essential it is to stay organized and inspired as the holiday season approaches. To help you, we’ve created a planner and a blog series which will hopefully make your holiday gift giving projects extra special and keep you motivated.  For me, sometimes day-to-day life being a wife, mom, and business owner can get a bit overwhelming and when the holidays roll around it’s hard for me to enjoy the season with all the tasks looming.  Last year I purchased and decorated my Christmas tree on Christmas Eve… yep!

In my “pre-yarn-dyer-life” I worked as an IT project manager for state government for the last 25 + years managing multiple teams over multi-year project implementations and multi-million dollar budgets. I’ve even had the “joy” of merging two state agencies into one.  So I know the importance of organizing and planning.  My motto was always you don’t plan to fail, you fail to plan. Putting that into practice in my holiday planning was the trick.  

Would you like this planner to help you organize your Christmas Knitting Projects? Get yours here. 

What’s inside the planner you ask? Here’s an outline: 

 Holiday Knitting Planning

A solid plan is the foundation of any successful knitting project. Our first blog post will guide you through brainstorming and organizing your Christmas knitting projects. Whether you're creating gifts for family and friends, festive decorations for your home (last year I used my advent to create Christmas tree decorations that I’m looking forward this year to put on my tree), or personal projects to enjoy the holiday, we have you covered. We'll share tips on how to effectively use your planner to jot down ideas, sketch designs, and make a detailed plan for each project.

Supplies Checklist

Next, we will make sure you have everything you need to get started. Inside is a comprehensive checklist of knitting supplies, categorized for easy reference. From yarn and needles to patterns and embellishments (can’t knit a hat for a gift without a giant faux fur Pom-pom, am I right.), you'll find everything you need to complete your Christmas projects. Check out our favorite products at [Southern Skeins](https://www.southernskeins.com) for the best materials for your creations.

Budgeting

Budgeting is crucial for any crafting project. Our third blog post will help you keep track of your expenses. We'll offer printable budgeting pages where you can plan your spending, track actual costs, and note where to purchase supplies. Let’s face it, the holidays are expensive enough without breaking the bank on project supplies.  Plus discover tips on finding deals and making the most of your budget.

Gift Ideas

One of the most exciting parts of Christmas knitting is creating handmade gifts for loved ones. In our fourth post, we’ll share pages dedicated to brainstorming and organizing your gift ideas. You'll have space to list recipients, jot down project ideas, and track your progress. We’ll also offer inspiration and suggestions for unique and heartfelt gifts that will make everyone on your list happy (hopefully). 

Knitting Patterns

For our fifth post, we help you narrow down your gifting options with areas to track your favorite patterns. 

Tutorials and Tips

Sometimes, a little guidance can make all the difference. Our sixth post will feature helpful tutorials and tips for knitting Christmas projects. We’ll cover essential techniques, provide stitch guides, and offer troubleshooting advice to ensure your projects go smoothly. With our expert tips, you’ll gain confidence in your knitting skills and tackle even the most challenging patterns with ease.

Shopping List

In our seventh post, we’ll help you create a detailed shopping list for all your knitting supplies. You’ll have sections to list items needed, quantities, and where to buy them. We’ll also include recommendations for the best places to purchase high-quality materials, both online and locally. This post will make your shopping trips efficient and stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your knitting.

Progress Tracker

Keeping track of your progress is essential to staying organized and motivated. Our eighth post will introduce a progress tracker where you can monitor each knitting project from start to finish. With columns for project names, start dates, completion dates, and notes, you’ll be able to see your achievements at a glance. This tracker will help you stay on schedule and ensure that all your projects are completed in time for Christmas.

Reflection

As the Christmas knitting season comes to an end, and the actual holiday season begins, it’s important to reflect on your journey. In our ninth post, we’ll provide pages for you to evaluate your experience. You can jot down your successes, challenges, and ideas for next year. This reflection will not only help you improve your future projects but also allow you to cherish the memories and joy that come from creating handmade gifts.

Resources

Our tenth post will offer additional resources to keep you inspired and informed. We’ll share websites, books, and podcasts that provide valuable knitting tips, patterns, and ideas. Plus, we’ll include contact information for support or questions, so you can connect with our knitting community and get the help you need. The Yarn Craft Council has a wonderful free standards and guidelines document. 

Wrap-Up

In our final post of the series, we’ll wrap up with some final thoughts and a heartfelt thank you. We’ll encourage you to continue your knitting journey, whether you’re creating gifts, decorations, or personal projects. Our planner and blog series are here to support you every step of the way, and we’re excited to see what you create this holiday season.

We hope this series inspires you to start planning your Christmas knitting projects with joy and enthusiasm. Remember to check back every Tuesday for a new post, and don't forget to visit [Southern Skeins](https://www.southernskeins.com) for all your knitting needs. Happy knitting! - Jenna 

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Christmas knitting planner?

• The planner helps you organize and manage your Christmas knitting projects, ensuring you stay on track and enjoy the process.

How can I get the most out of the planner?

• Use each section as it is introduced in the blog series, and personalize it to fit your specific needs and projects.

Where can I find the best materials for my projects?

• Visit Southern Skeins for a wide selection of high-quality knitting supplies.

What if I need help with a knitting project?

• Our Tutorials and Tips post will provide guidance, and you can always reach out to our community for support.

Can beginners use this planner?

• Absolutely! The planner and blog series are designed for all skill levels, offering patterns and tips for both beginners and experienced knitters.

Will there be any additional resources provided?
Yes, our Resources post will share websites, books, and podcasts for further inspiration and information.