Stop Crocheting Everything You See! Choose Projects That Fit Your Life

For many years, most of my crochet time was spent making things for you.

And I really do love that. I love designing crochet patterns, coming up with new ideas, choosing yarn and colors, and then turning the idea into something I can share with you.

But after doing this for years, I started to realize something.

I have made a LOT of crochet projects for my business.

Maybe now it’s time to make some things for myself.

For my home.

For my family.

And things that I will actually wear.

So lately, I’ve been thinking differently about what to crochet.

Instead of seeing a beautiful pattern online and immediately thinking, Oh, I want to make that, I’m trying to stop for a minute and ask myself:

Does this fit my life?

And that little question has changed what I want to crochet.

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Why I’m Making More Crochet Projects for Myself

I started crocheting professionally in 2020, when the pandemic started.

Of course, I had crocheted before that. But it was more of a hobby. I would make something here and there, and then move on to something else.

Once crochet became my business, my thinking changed.

I was always thinking about the next pattern.

What would people like?

What should I design?

What would make a good tutorial?

What would my audience enjoy making?

And that became my crochet life for years.

But I have hundreds of patterns now. There are plenty of things for people to make!

So lately I’ve been giving myself permission to crochet differently.

I want to make practical crochet projects that have a place in my own life.

And I want to show you what that looks like.

Crochet Projects for My Home

We recently decided to redecorate our balcony.

We have a beautiful view from our apartment, with the mountains on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other, so I really want to make the balcony a place that feels nice and personal.

And then I looked at two old wooden stools we have out there.

And I thought:

Why don’t I crochet covers for them?

So I designed a stool cover.

But I didn’t want to use regular acrylic or cotton yarn for this project. I wanted something much more sturdy.

I went to Dollar Tree and found some thin rope in the tools section. It was inexpensive, and I thought it would be perfect for the stool covers.

So I made one.

And now I’m making the second one.

I love this kind of crochet.

I’m not making it because I need another pattern for my business.

I’m making it because I have two old stools that need a new life.

And that’s exactly what I mean when I say I want to choose crochet projects that fit my life.

I’m also making a crochet wall hanging for the balcony.

We have these beautiful gray stone walls outside, but I wanted to add some color.

So I crocheted this shape in a rich mustard color, and I’m planning to hang it from a dowel with some really chunky tassels.

I still have to figure out how I’m going to stiffen it so it can stay on the wall because we can get some very strong winds here.

But that’s part of the fun.

I’m making something for my actual home, looking at the space and figuring out what will work.

And if you’re thinking about adding some crochet to your own home, there are lots of little projects that can make a space feel more personal.

For example, you could try my Granny Square Pillow Cover or my Rocco Placemat and Mug Rug Set.

You don’t have to completely redecorate a room. Sometimes one handmade piece is enough to add some color and personality.

Before you get started, check out A Few of My Favorite Tools

Yarn Winder – a perfect crochet accessory

Steamer for Clothes – Portable ideal for crochet projects

Blocking Mat – 12.5″ for all your squares

Crochet Projects for My Grandchildren

The next thing I’ve started making is something I never thought I would be making.

Blankets.

I always said:

I’m not a blanket girl.

I thought blankets were too boring. You make row after row after row, and I wanted to be designing something new!

But after we made the Stitch Sampler Crochet Blanket together, I started thinking maybe I was wrong.

Maybe I could actually enjoy making blankets.

So I finally joined the party and made the 6-Day Star Blanket by Betty McKnit.

Very late to the party, but I did it!

And this blanket is going to my grandson.

Now I’m making something for my little granddaughter, who is only one year old.

A pink blanket with hearts.

It’s very girly, very pink and very different from the star blanket.

But I love that I’m making these specifically for them.

I’m not thinking about whether this is going to be a popular pattern.

I’m not thinking about whether I should turn it into a tutorial.

I’m just thinking:

I want to make my grandchildren a blanket.

And if you enjoy making blankets for little ones too, I have a Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern that you might enjoy.

There is something very special about making something by hand for someone in your family.

Especially when you know they will actually use it.

Did you make any of these? Share a picture and tag me on Instagram @sandrastitchesil

And Then There Is Something for Me

After talking about my home and my grandchildren, I realized there was one more person I needed to include.

Me!

I have designed lots of wearable crochet patterns over the years.

Vests.

Ponchos.

Shrugs.

Tops.

Cardigans.

And yes, I wear some of them.

But not all of them.

Actually, there are probably quite a few that I designed because I liked the idea, but I don’t really wear them.

And I started thinking:

Why am I making clothes that I don’t wear?

So now I’m making something specifically for myself.

A very light cardigan.

I found this beautiful, very thin color-changing yarn with pinks, greens and beige. The colors have such a calm feeling to them, and I thought it would be perfect for something lightweight.

Where I live, our winters aren’t usually very cold, so I don’t need a huge chunky sweater.

I need something light.

Something I can actually wear.

Something that fits the weather where I live and fits my life.

I also have a V-Stitch Cropped Cardigan on my blog if you’re looking for a lightweight crochet wearable.

And if you like lighter layers, you can also have a look at my Crochet Poncho Tutorial or my Easy Crochet Mesh Shrug.

So What Should You Crochet?

I think this is the question I’ve been asking myself lately.

There are so many crochet patterns and ideas online.

You open Instagram and there is something beautiful.

Then you go to Pinterest and see another project.

Then YouTube.

Then TikTok.

Then Facebook.

There is always something new to make.

And I love that!

But sometimes I think we need to slow down a little.

We don’t have to crochet everything we see.

We don’t have to make something just because everyone else is making it.

We don’t even have to make something because it’s a beautiful pattern.

Maybe we can ask ourselves:

Does this fit my life?

Do I need it?

Will I use it?

Would someone I love enjoy it?

Does it fit my home?

Will I actually wear it?

And if the answer is yes, then make it!

Because I think crochet becomes even more satisfying when what we’re making isn’t just beautiful.

It actually belongs in our life.

For me, that’s what I’m enjoying right now.

Crochet for my home.

Crochet for my family.

And crochet for myself.

And honestly?

It feels really good.

Watch the Video

I made a video about this change in the way I’m thinking about crochet and show you all of these projects.

Stop Crocheting Everything You See! Choose Projects That Fit Your Life

A quiet place to keep crocheting

If projects like this one are your kind of calm, you might love the V-Stitch Club.

It is my little corner of the internet for women who crochet for the joy and the quiet of it, with new patterns, gentle company, and the steady rhythm of always having something beautiful on the hook.

Join my Free Facebook Group for community, coupons, and lives: Crochet & Stories with Sandra Stitches

And now I want to hear from you.

What are you crocheting for yourself, your home or your family right now?

Is there a project you’ve chosen simply because it fits your life?

Tell me in the comments. I would love to hear what you’re making.

Happy crocheting,

Sandra

Sandra Regev

Hi my crochet friend!

Crochet has followed me from Argentina to Israel and through every crossroads since. Now I design calm, achievable crochet, made to feel possible.

Come find free patterns, tutorials, and the V-Stitch Club right here on the blog.

 

sandrastitches.com