Thank you to "All" that entered our "Motivational Tips Contest!"

name = Cathy C comments = I always carry mine with me. I can find time almost anywhere to add a little to my project.

name = Carol M comments = I have a well lit area where I sit in the evenings to watch tv with my current project at hand. (No excuses now!)

name = Donna S comments = tell everyone what I am making and they keep asking how much do I have done so I have to work on it so that I have progress to report.

name = Debbie comments = keep smaller projects handy to ward off boredom

name = Carol M comments = Make sure you have a well lit area to sit and work in while watching tv, and of course, your current project within arms reach.

name = Marie comments = Put yourself on a deadline. If I have to have something finished by a specific date, I will work harder to complete it.

name = Judy H comments = keep a 3x5 card paper clipped to your pattern. Note any changes made to original. IE: thread, hook, how much thread used, errors, added rows, motifs. Either keep with pattern, or note book, page and pattern name & date worked in a card file just for crochet. Refer to for future used or pass on to future generation, friends etc. Start a heritage.

name = Deb Y comments = I keep my big round tablecloth in a tote bag with the instructions, thread and now for sure, a hook so whenever my DH says "Let's go", I grab it and hopefully get another round done.

name = Deb Y comments = Pick a pattern that doesn't have a stitch in it that I hate! If you dislike making the first motif, the next 100 are going to be really hateful.

name = Cheryl comments = Pick a project/pattern that you enjoy. name = Naomi W comments = My tip for keeping motivated is not to worry about leaving it sitting out getting kitty fur all over it, that way, I have to pick it up to dust off, and then decide I need to do a few more inches :)

name = donna (4 tips) comments = if doing motifs, carry a tote with it inside where ever you go. tip 2, work on while watching tv, thats where i do most of my crocheting. tip 3, i make copies of my pattern and keep one in my tote and one at the house, so i can work on it without worrying about not having my pattern handy. tip 4, and most importantly have patience with a large project.

name = Mary Ann Coe comments = Hi everyone I am in a wheelchair so i have a project bag with me at all times. I keep yarn thread crochet hooks patterns a scissors, non greasy hand lotion. I have been known to crochet where ever i am except in church. Always keep hooks, yarn, thread, markers, scissors, pattern copies, in your car, luggage, purse, tote, camper. Your friend in crochet Mary Ann Coe

name = Joyce H comments = I leave the picture of the finished tablecloth lying around.

name = Joyce H comments = I leave motifs lying around where I will see them often

name = Bea N comments = Work on two projects at once so you don't get tired of just the one.

name = Deb Y comments = I make little promises to myself. If I get a rnd of the tablecloth done then I can work on another project for a bit.

name = Judy S comments = My biggest motivation to work on my tablecloth is my age (66 years). I told a friend that I want to get it finished and enjoy it for a few years before it becomes a part of my estate.

name = Susie J comments = I'm making a "Countdown Calendar" (like you do for children for Christmas) with X number of weeks until Thanksgiving - which is when I want to have my tablecloth finished.

name = donna (3) comments = hint 1, the thrill of knowing that i have created an heirloom that will be passed from one generation to another, hint 2. knowing that i have a deadline to finish the item such as for a gift, keeps me going, hint 3, well this isn't a hint, i can NOT stand to have something unfinished, i must work until i get the project done.

name = Evelyn B comments = reward yourself with something for every row you finish.

name = Evelyn B comments = Self talk helps me to continue. How nice it will look and how proud I will be when it is complete.

name = Evelyn B comments = Put a quarter in a piggy bank when you finish a motif or a 1.oo with every row completed and then spend it on yourself when finished with project.

name = Bea N (3) comments = 1. For every 2 inches I complete on my tablecloth, I go out and buy some more yarn towards my next project. 2. The time spent working on my project is time not spent cleaning the house. 3. when i start to get tired of working on my tablecloth, I picture it sitting on my table and I don't feel as tired anymore.

name = VIcki T comments = I bring my tablecloth to work with me. There are people there who are interested in my progress, so working on it there is an incentive to keep going on it, so I can show them the progress I've made.

name = Dee (5) comments = Tip 1. I always photo copy my patterns. Then I can add notes and keep track with a highlighter or pencil as I go along. This keeps my originals nice and I am able to add notes and comments about the pattern as I go along. Tip2. I always keep my wip in a ziplock bag with a copy of the pattern marked off where I am at. It keeps it clean and I know where to begin. Then I clip the baggies (I use the gallon size to a skirt hanger) I use the one that holds about 6 skirts. Tip 3: I am short on space and I purchase a canvas sweater holder to hang in my closet. I put all my yarn in it and I can see it quickly at a glance. Tip 4 I keep a 3 ring binder with the plastic page protectors to store patterns that I may have cut out of a magazine. {Such as family circle) so I don't have to keep entire magazine. I have a large collection and it makes a great rainy day read. Tip 5 I also save EVERY plastic bag that I may get curtains, sheets, even quilts, anything. You know the ones. Some of them have snaps or zippers. Seems like all you buy at wal-mart comes in these sturdy bags. I save all of them and when I have a doily or gift. I put it along with care instructions in one of those bags. They are wonderful!

name = Katherine (7) comments = 1. Keep track of your progress through a chart or database. 2. Choose a design that is "easy" for you to do -- not something that is irritating every time you pick it up. 3. Make your project for someone special (even yourself!) to help keep that good energy going. 4. Make a special time every day to work on your project, and no matter what, stick to it. 5. Work on your project when you have a little free time -- every minute counts, and it is surprising how much can be done. 6. Post pictures of your progress on a website, or other venue where people can view and admire your work. 7. Be sure to check your e-mail every day to see if new motivational messages have been posted through [tableclothhookers] -- they really help!

name = Evelyn B comments = Have a buddy system via phone/internet to contact everyday to report progress.

name = James - Panda Man (2) comments = Here's 2 things that keep me motivated: 1.) When other members post their "Progress Reports" it helps me to keep going! 2.) Knowing how much my Mom is going to LOVE her tablecloth keeps me working on it! :o)

name = Cathy B comments = To help keep me motivated I have several projects going at once and keep them in different places, for example.... I have a bag ready for when I'm riding in the car - i have a bag i keep at work with a project i can work on during breaks and lunch - i have a plastic container by my rocking chair in my bedroom and I have a plastic container by my chair in the living room - i also have crochet books and mags in the 2 carry bags and i keep books and mags in the living room, bedroom, and bathroom for everyone's reading (and looking enjoyment).

name = coffeehound (3) comments = 1. after completing a goal, like end of a long hard row, treat yourself with nail polish or hand massage w/fav lotion 2.after reaching a crochet goal, allow yourself the time to share yourself with others on TCH, post your progress or help others 3. allow yourself another project to give yourself a break,

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Other helpful tips:

name = Barbara(Long Island, NY) comments = Not an original but I wear the gloves used to support your hand inside out. That way the seams don't irritate you hands!

name = denise comments = I photo copy my pattern so I can write notes on it and keep track of where I am on the pattern with a pencil. SO I don't ruin the original.

name = Kathy M comments = I put my pattern in a protective sleeve and use sticky notes to mark my place.

name = donna comments = hint 1. use lite colored hook for dark thread, hint 2. use a row counter, hint 3. use a bobby pin to mark rounds, hint 4. use a self stick note to mark your place on a pattern, hint 5. use a safty pin to keep my stitches from unraveling, (ooo i hate that!) hint 6. use a tapestry needle to weave in loose ends. hint 7. dab nail polish on the ends to keep them in place, hint 8. when giving as a gift i always include a how to wash and dry instruction sheet.

name = Bea N comments = 1. Starching - Go to your local furniture store or large screen tv store and ask if they have any styrofoam (protects large furniture) they are throwing out. This is perfect for stretching out your project. 2. Use plastic toothpicks instead of pins to stretch out your project. Doesn't rust. 3. Use an empty pen to make it easier to crochet with small size hooks. 4. Read all your instructions, before starting your work, you can sometimes catch something that isn't right and you can find a fix solution for it before you get to that area.