So I started reading some other people’s 10kH project ideas. It really got the creative juices flowing in me and I realized I missed the entire point of the 10kH. The point is to take 10,000 hours to become an expert in something. Right now I’m an expert in giving up and starting over. That’s what it feels like. Making a blanket isn’t going to make me an expert in ANYTHING, except how to make a blanket of yarn scraps. Reasonable project if that is your goal.
The other day I outlined the “Whys” of this project. Why am I doing this? What is my goal? I didn’t have an answer then, but I think I have an answer now. I want to do somethign that’s been hanging out in the back of my mind for a while now. Today it has reared its head and has been pestering me all day. Won’t let me stop thinking about it. And it’s NOT knitting a blanket.
I want to make neat things for other knitters and sell them. It all started a few months ago when I started making those magnetic pattern keepers some people use to mark their lace charts, and things. On a whim I just figured out how to do them. Made a few, improved the process, made a few more, etc. Many I swapped away on Ravelry for other notions or yarns. Some I gave to friends around here. Some I kept for myself. The husband looks at me and goes “you should sell those.” I thought he was just being nice, but the thought stuck.
I’m always coming up with things like that (not that magnetic pattern keepers were my idea, they’ve been around for awhile), but small things that make life a bit simpler, or things that are rather useful. Today I was looking at how to make my own project bags instead of trading or buying them online. It’s really not that hard, it just takes TIME! That’s it! that’s the magic thing I’ve been looking for.
Is it okay for me to change my 10kH project? I suppose. I’ve not really invested much time in it? Does it defeat the whole “Don’t give up” part of the rules, yeah…it’s in that grey area right now. I’d rather do something I’m passionate for than do something that I’m in half-heartedly.
What do you think? Stick with the blanket? Go on a more creative journey of creating a small business myself (or at least an Etsy shop)?
-AMU
Chronicles of a Fiber Engineer 
I think there will always be time to knit a blanket. Go for what you really want! If it turns out great, awesome. If it turns out not so great, the blanket will be ready to go. 🙂 Good luck!
I’d go for the passion — it fuels the spirit.
I think you should try to open your own shop. While mine has only had 2 sales, I am really happy with it. I hope that it will eventually profit, but for now I’m happy creating things for it. I have been doing “commission” knits for other knitters lately for yarn in trade, but after I’m done with many of the current ones, my plan is to sell handknits. I already have a cottage license for some kid hat patterns, and will be selling my own. It’s rewarding to do something you are passionate about.
My only advice for you, is try not to get too discouraged if it takes longer than you think to get started. I thought I’d make a few things, open up a shop, and Voila! But, seldom does anything in life work that way. 🙂
Ashley