Maybe another adaptation should be that Mark hides all other WIPS (and wool, hooks, needles and anything spinning related) and only gives them back to you after you have completed the 12 hours on his jumper!
I want to vote for Charlottes suggestion, too! Mark is the second most knitworthy person I know (after my partner, Michael) and he has well earned that Jumper!
We all want to see him in it now! #TeamMarksJumper
I use a variation on this method. I have a project at each of several places and while I'm there it's what I work on. Car, sitting room, bedroom ... you get the idea. I may be doing other things in those places instead, but if I'm crafting it's on that project. Maybe it will help someone else like me who has difficulty remembering to track hours?
Thanks for sharing your approach, I really like that! I used to keep a sock in the boot of my car just in case of heavy traffic and now I think about it, I'm not sure it's there anymore! I might need to correct that and pop a small project in the boot just in case...
I do something similar too: I have a project in my back bag, one on the cupboard next to my sofa and one in my bedside table. It has been working since when watching Youtube stopped my monogamist knitting
I've been keeping a daily log of what I work on since April with a total of cast on and cast offs at the end of each month. I am trying to craft everyday not just knit365! I def get the bug to pick up and work on a specific project at a time. I find dips in my mental wellbeing coincide with casting on all the things because I'm restless, so if I can see I've been on a project consistently then its a sign my brain is healthy (that's just my own experience and in no way an expectation of whats "normal" for anyone else)
I chose the sock project because it sounds a shorter project so a quick win. Until I joined knit n natter groups, I was strictly a one project at a time. Now I have two, a simple knit for when knitting & nattering and a ‘home’ project for anything requiring concentration!
I always liked the idea of different projects for different occasions but I also know I can make my own excuses ten why a certain project doesn't work for various reasons!
I love this idea - and it's simplicity is very appealing. I have (ahem) a number of WIPs that need my attention so I'm going to try and implement this over the weekend.
I'm really enjoying it so far, the stopwatch app on my phone is being very handy haha. Not sure how long I can keep it up for but it will be an interesting month none-the-less!
Yes! This is what I was talking about on a prior comment on your channel but couldn't remember the name. The best part is that it is a "method", and you can set the rules. Deadlines do change your order sometimes too. I mostly knit in the evening while watching TV. I work on one project from my rotation each evening. It is amazing how much you can get done over the course of a week. I also started to keep track of how many rows I do each day. It gives a sense of accomplishment.
I know that Mark's jumper is staring you in the face. But seriously, those Rocker Bunny socks are so close to being finished. I vote to add to your rotation and knock them out. Finishing would give you a sense of accomplishment.
no I like it but I wouldn't want to put a project down is there was some enthusiasm about it still for fear it wouldn't come back. so maybe the 12 hours wouldn't have a limit if things were going well.
This is my thinking too, and how I'll feel at the end of the 12 hours knowing I'm putting it down for awhile again. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it works out this month.
This sound great but at times while working on one project I HAVE to stop to go to another project because I get bored. Therefore if I push myself to continue for the full 12 hours I’m concerned that I’ll really NOT enjoy my knitting. However if you can hang on for the full 12 hours it does sound like it will work. Good luck, I hope it works for you!!!! Don’t forget MKAL season is coming up—- another WIP!!
I'm in! While I never comment on YT, somehow this is easier - I've been watching you religiously for over a year now, and my wife is well used to ”I can cast on something else, I'll still have fewer WIPs than Uncle Martyn!”
I'll be sprinting along with you and my own community on Twitch.
I’ve got tons of project bags with yarn and patterns in them, not yet CO, and 4 active projects. I try to do at least 30 minutes a day on each, but now that the back of my version of “Mark's Jumper” is done, I'm struggling to cast on the front. Perhaps this method will help me get past my “block,” so I thank you, Martyn, for sharing.
PS I’ve decided to modify my Gideon Method by adding a step. Once I’ve worked on each of my 5 projects once, I have to pick one thing I've finished knitting, and block it or darn it or do whatever it needs. Even not-yet-wearable projects pile up.
Hi Martyn, have ventured on here after watching your latest YouTube episode. It sounds intriguing although this 'new to me' seems very daunting; hope I get the hang of it soon. I like the sound of the Gideon method - limiting oneself to a set of WIPs makes sense; being almost monogamous whilst having variety to keep the making fresh. I like it. anyway, all the best with completing your WIPs and hope to join you soon in being equally productive. Am off to select 5 projects to try and complete - don't worry about the number of WIPs you have - I think I may have more!
I think I am going to start with a 3 project rotation. That way I have a pretty good chance of having a clearer work area for this years MKAL. Mine will be a shrug for my sister - currently in a bind off and just needs sleeves. My fall cardi - currently picking up the stitches for the first sleeve. The button band is already done. Lastly will be my shawlography - it got set aside mid brioche and I have picked at it some but it's so close to finishing.
I got inspired by your monthly basket. Having around 10 WIPs at least, it sometimes gets frustrating never finishing anything. So I choose up to four projects in my basket and work on them in the current month. Mostly it is socks, a shawl and a jumper. One of my blanket projects has a permanent home in the basket. Since I started it in April, I got some things finished, some things progressed and I am a happier crafter.
With the basket I have a little variety in my knitting time and don’t get bored by working always on the same project.
An other thing that keeps me entertained is my knitting lottery.
What an interesting idea...I'm going to mull this over. At the moment I'm working on a sleeveless top in fingering-weight yarn....to avoid it being a slog, I'm promising myself to get an inch done per day. It seems to work at moving the project along.
Maybe another adaptation should be that Mark hides all other WIPS (and wool, hooks, needles and anything spinning related) and only gives them back to you after you have completed the 12 hours on his jumper!
Haha I'll have to suggest it and see what he says!
#TeamMarksJumper !! Let's get it completed (with full Youtube video with Mark modelling it!)
I'm on board with this! #TeamMarksJumper - sorry Martyn, that's what your community is called now.
I want to vote for Charlottes suggestion, too! Mark is the second most knitworthy person I know (after my partner, Michael) and he has well earned that Jumper!
We all want to see him in it now! #TeamMarksJumper
When it's finished we need a whole Youtube video, with Mark modelling it and giving comments/feedback etc
#TeamMarksJumper !!!
Oh absolutely! We do need that video! I guess we're all just huge fans of Mark
Ha ha but noooooo I would hate my husband to do that to me…devastating 😂
I use a variation on this method. I have a project at each of several places and while I'm there it's what I work on. Car, sitting room, bedroom ... you get the idea. I may be doing other things in those places instead, but if I'm crafting it's on that project. Maybe it will help someone else like me who has difficulty remembering to track hours?
Thanks for sharing your approach, I really like that! I used to keep a sock in the boot of my car just in case of heavy traffic and now I think about it, I'm not sure it's there anymore! I might need to correct that and pop a small project in the boot just in case...
Ah, that's a clever idea. I always have a 'handbag sock'. But that's less helpful for when I have larger blanket-ish projects on the go.
Thanks, Louise! I came here from your newsletter, so thank you for that!
Oh, you're welcome. Martyn has a fabulous podcast over on YouTube if you are podcast-inclined.
I do something similar too: I have a project in my back bag, one on the cupboard next to my sofa and one in my bedside table. It has been working since when watching Youtube stopped my monogamist knitting
I've been keeping a daily log of what I work on since April with a total of cast on and cast offs at the end of each month. I am trying to craft everyday not just knit365! I def get the bug to pick up and work on a specific project at a time. I find dips in my mental wellbeing coincide with casting on all the things because I'm restless, so if I can see I've been on a project consistently then its a sign my brain is healthy (that's just my own experience and in no way an expectation of whats "normal" for anyone else)
That's such good insight in helping you find a pattern in your crafting. I know I always feel better when I do some crafting every evening.
I chose the sock project because it sounds a shorter project so a quick win. Until I joined knit n natter groups, I was strictly a one project at a time. Now I have two, a simple knit for when knitting & nattering and a ‘home’ project for anything requiring concentration!
I always liked the idea of different projects for different occasions but I also know I can make my own excuses ten why a certain project doesn't work for various reasons!
I love this idea - and it's simplicity is very appealing. I have (ahem) a number of WIPs that need my attention so I'm going to try and implement this over the weekend.
I'm really enjoying it so far, the stopwatch app on my phone is being very handy haha. Not sure how long I can keep it up for but it will be an interesting month none-the-less!
Yes! This is what I was talking about on a prior comment on your channel but couldn't remember the name. The best part is that it is a "method", and you can set the rules. Deadlines do change your order sometimes too. I mostly knit in the evening while watching TV. I work on one project from my rotation each evening. It is amazing how much you can get done over the course of a week. I also started to keep track of how many rows I do each day. It gives a sense of accomplishment.
I know that Mark's jumper is staring you in the face. But seriously, those Rocker Bunny socks are so close to being finished. I vote to add to your rotation and knock them out. Finishing would give you a sense of accomplishment.
I think I'm 2/3rds on the 2nd sock tube so you're right it won't take long at all!
I do like the 12 hour sprint idea. I might try this! Finish Mark’s jumper….🤣🤣🤣
no I like it but I wouldn't want to put a project down is there was some enthusiasm about it still for fear it wouldn't come back. so maybe the 12 hours wouldn't have a limit if things were going well.
This is my thinking too, and how I'll feel at the end of the 12 hours knowing I'm putting it down for awhile again. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it works out this month.
What a great idea ! Hope it works out.
Thank you! :-)
This sound great but at times while working on one project I HAVE to stop to go to another project because I get bored. Therefore if I push myself to continue for the full 12 hours I’m concerned that I’ll really NOT enjoy my knitting. However if you can hang on for the full 12 hours it does sound like it will work. Good luck, I hope it works for you!!!! Don’t forget MKAL season is coming up—- another WIP!!
Need to clear some projects out ahead of MKAL so lets hope this works for me!
You’re really working hard—— your Mom’s sweater looks beautiful—— that’s great work—- Happy Birthday Mom!!!!!
I'm in! While I never comment on YT, somehow this is easier - I've been watching you religiously for over a year now, and my wife is well used to ”I can cast on something else, I'll still have fewer WIPs than Uncle Martyn!”
I'll be sprinting along with you and my own community on Twitch.
I’ve got tons of project bags with yarn and patterns in them, not yet CO, and 4 active projects. I try to do at least 30 minutes a day on each, but now that the back of my version of “Mark's Jumper” is done, I'm struggling to cast on the front. Perhaps this method will help me get past my “block,” so I thank you, Martyn, for sharing.
PS I’ve decided to modify my Gideon Method by adding a step. Once I’ve worked on each of my 5 projects once, I have to pick one thing I've finished knitting, and block it or darn it or do whatever it needs. Even not-yet-wearable projects pile up.
Hi Martyn, have ventured on here after watching your latest YouTube episode. It sounds intriguing although this 'new to me' seems very daunting; hope I get the hang of it soon. I like the sound of the Gideon method - limiting oneself to a set of WIPs makes sense; being almost monogamous whilst having variety to keep the making fresh. I like it. anyway, all the best with completing your WIPs and hope to join you soon in being equally productive. Am off to select 5 projects to try and complete - don't worry about the number of WIPs you have - I think I may have more!
I think I am going to start with a 3 project rotation. That way I have a pretty good chance of having a clearer work area for this years MKAL. Mine will be a shrug for my sister - currently in a bind off and just needs sleeves. My fall cardi - currently picking up the stitches for the first sleeve. The button band is already done. Lastly will be my shawlography - it got set aside mid brioche and I have picked at it some but it's so close to finishing.
I got inspired by your monthly basket. Having around 10 WIPs at least, it sometimes gets frustrating never finishing anything. So I choose up to four projects in my basket and work on them in the current month. Mostly it is socks, a shawl and a jumper. One of my blanket projects has a permanent home in the basket. Since I started it in April, I got some things finished, some things progressed and I am a happier crafter.
With the basket I have a little variety in my knitting time and don’t get bored by working always on the same project.
An other thing that keeps me entertained is my knitting lottery.
What an interesting idea...I'm going to mull this over. At the moment I'm working on a sleeveless top in fingering-weight yarn....to avoid it being a slog, I'm promising myself to get an inch done per day. It seems to work at moving the project along.