Crocheters are notorious for having many many projects going on at one time. Works in progress, WIP's, as we lovingly call them can take over our homes. There are so many new techniques to learn, new patterns with amazing new yarns to try. It is amazing how fast they pile up on so many of us.

It is important to keep up with your new projects, otherwise you end up with a lot of unfinished projects and no new gifts, or sense of completetion. Aunt Ann will be waiting for many christmas', birthdays, and anniversaries for that beautiful afghan. Beth and Joe's baby will be three years old when they get their baby shower gift. It is an ugly cycle we get into. So what to do?

Make a list of your WIP, all of them, not just the crochet, but any of the other crafts that you are working on. Make a list of anything you need to finish them, any little hard to find notions and keep your eye open for those great deals as you complete each project.

Next, find some motivation, sometimes that is a little reward. After you finish a project you can buy some luxurious yarn for a new project, or you can get that new handmade hook you have had your eye on. There are always little ways to reward yourself for finishing a wonderful piece. Not to mention the reward of giving in itself. When your piece is given to that loved one, the smiles, the oooh and aaahs are a reward in itself.

CALs are also a wonderful way to stay motivated if you need that extra push. Crochet-a-longs (CALs) are a great way to add a little competition kind of atmosphere to your crocheting. You are often up against yourself, pushing yourself, to complete an item or items in a certain amount of time. Perhaps before you can buy any other yarns you have to use a certain amount of yarn from your own stash.

There are many kinds of CALs, all over the internet. Baby afghan CALs, sock CALs, wedding CALs, weightloss CALs, you name it there is a CAL out there. My favorite are the stashbuster CALs. So first ask yourself what it is you are working on or what you want to work on and join a CAL.

So where do you join such an amazing group of people? I am so glad you asked...there are many crochet sites out there that have great people. I would love for you to visit our forum here at bellaonline. The link is at the bottom of the page. Please join or suggest a CAL that you are interested in. There are also great forums at Crochetville, Craftster, Raverly, just to name a few. The online network of crocheters are a wonderful inspiration to us to get those projects done and make new friends at the same time. The best of both worlds.