How am I supposed to find time to craft AND manage everything else?

Introduction

How do I make time to crochet while managing real life? First, let’s just come right out and say that there is no such thing as “uninterrupted crafting time.” There are constant interruptions in our everyday life so finding time to crochet with a busy schedule feels almost impossible. A text message comes through, a kiddo gets into your supplies, an alarm goes off, you get a phone call, breaking news, health issues, etc. 

The truth is that we craft in chaos. To be completely honest, we do A LOT in chaos, not just crafting…but that’s another post for another time!

I certainly don’t have it all figured out, but I’d like to share some crochet-friendly ideas that you can incorporate into your daily life to help you squeeze in a little more crochet time in an efficient and low-stress way.

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Crochet-Friendly Scenarios

TV Time Crocheting

I LOVE working on simple and repeatable patterns while watching TV. Not having to worry about counting stitches, changing techniques on each row/round, etc makes it easier to crochet while distracted without making a bunch of mistakes.

Some of the best projects while watching TV include:

• Projects with no/minimal counting
• Repetitive patterns
• Freehand projects that don’t require writing a pattern

Personally, re-watching shows or movies that I love works great in this situation. I try not to watch anything too complicated so I won’t have to keep going back to re-watch something for key moments I missed. 

Keeping a “project bag” ready to grab always works for TV crocheting as well. Being able to just grab a project to continue working on limits the amount of decision-making for choosing which project would be best for distracted crocheting.

TV Project Ideas

• Simple blankets
• Dishcloths
• Hand towels
• Scarves
• Simple winter hats
• Simple amigurumi shapes (heads, ears, etc for attaching and adding details later)

Crocheting While Parenting

It doesn’t seem like it, but crocheting while parenting can ACTUALLY work. Though, it depends on the situation. Obviously if you are watching kids that get into everything all the time (aka toddlers etc) or children that require a high level of care, it can be tougher have a moment to crochet.  So let’s think about the times when crocheting while parenting works:

• When you just need to be present in the room, but the kids keep themselves busy productively and safely (older and more mature kids)
• Bringing smaller and more portable projects for sports practice and other activities where you are waiting for the class to finish.
• Waiting rooms are great for working on small projects (i.e. small WIPs, granny squares, etc).
• Teaching crochet: crafty kids usually love watching/learning and trying new things

Parenting comes with its own challenges, but always remember to keep your hooks and other crochet supplies in a safe spot so others don’t accidentally get into it, especially during play times when the kids are very active and moving around a lot.

Audio Entertainment

I listen to audio frequently while crocheting. Whether it’s music, podcasts, or an audio-book, I can multitask or just zone out while crocheting. Since there is no visual distraction with audio, you can often tackle slightly more complex projects and patterns while listening to something. 

RELATED: Reading and Crochet

My System for Making It Work

What Works For Me

Here are some things I personally do to when the opportunity presents itself:

• Having multiple WIPs for different situations (without WIP count getting out of control!)
• Project bags or containers organized by level of complexity
• “Grab and go” pouch of essential supplies (scissors, hooks, a few stitch markers, etc)
• Remembering that any progress is better than no progress!

What Doesn’t Work for Me

Sometimes my kiddos are like velcro and feel they need me for EVERYTHING. On those days I don’t often get too much of my crocheting done, but I remind myself that this is just part of life as a parent. 

Sometimes my household is at work and school but I still get interruptions from phone calls for appointments, work I need to do, housework, etc. To be honest I get really frustrated in this scenario. I think to myself, “everyone is out of the house and I STILL got nothing done! UUUUUGH!” Let’s just acknowledge that saying this to ourselves isn’t fair. We do a lot everyday as adults and are constantly bombarded with information, so it’s easy to get exhausted. If you find the time to squeeze in a few rounds or rows, then give yourself a big pat on the back! 

Trying to tackle complex patterns or stitches that require lots of focus don’t always work while distracted. Think about whether the opportunity to crochet allows for more focused work that doesn’t require you to constantly redo your efforts. Complexity requires focus and time.

There are also times when I’m all set to crochet with a project in hand, the TV on , and all I need to do is move my hands, but it just doesn’t happen. Sometimes, it’s OK to just watch TV! Many of us are constantly multitasking ALL DAY. Sometimes we just need to focus on one thing and nothing else. There is absolutely nothing wrong with days like this!

RELATED: Crochet Wellness And Burnout Prevention Guide

Summary

A few minutes here and there can still go a long way when it comes to crochet projects. How I crochet while managing real life may not be the same as what works for you, but I hope that by sharing some of the things that do and don’t work for me can give you a better idea of things to try that may work for you.

Life is messy, but we can still fit crochet into it. When is your BEST time to crochet? Let us know in the comments!