When the year began, I made one knitting resolution: to put myself first. Looking at an empty sock drawer and wearing a scarf that I knit years earlier, I realized that I had been giving all my knitting away. I resolved to make 2010 the year I knit only for myself. And you know what? With the exception of the one baby blanket I knit for a special baby, a project that you all made me realize really was just as much for me as the adored baby, I kept with it. I feel really good about knitting for myself if 2010. And my feet feel good too!
So what do I have to show for it? Many pairs of socks. The projects I knit in 2010 vary in number, depending on whether you count the ones that were actually started in 2009 and finished in 2010, but here's a list of many of the projects I finished in 2010:
Opal Antonia Socks knit in color 2802,
Alchemy's Vintage Jade socks (and I started another pair but only finished one sock so far)
Pagewood Farm Alyeska socks in the special edition SSYC Club color Garden Party,
CTH Fingerpaints socks (which I love so much and can't believe I haven't done another pair)
Sundance Socks (with a free pattern) with the store's 5th Anniversary colorway
Halloween Mitts (with a free pattern)
So do I have any knitting resolutions for 2011? Nope. None. I'm not going to put together a list of things I may or may not accomplish. I'm not going to impose any restrictions this year on my craft. I'm going to knit or stash the yarn that I like and let this part of my life be the selfish part. I'll buy what I want, knit when I want, and finish the projects that I want to finish and not have any bad feelings if I don't finish a project in a timely manner.
And do I have any non-knitting related resolutions? Nope. None of those either. 2010 was such a fabulous year. The store was super busy and my yarn line was featured in several sock patterns in Knitty Magazine (and in even bigger publications coming in 2011), Joe and I got away for our first vacation (without child) since James was born, James started preschool (which was a growing experience for both of us), and I've finally found some balance in my work and personal life in hiring a new employee, who is the mother of that special baby that received the blanket. In the store, I sponsored awesome events and contests, designed patterns, introduced limited edtion kits, and with your help donated money to those in need... you can expect all this to continue and expand in the coming year.
So what do I want in 2011? Joe and I made a committment to improved heath, and we will continue. I'd like to find time for a family vacation. I'd hope to visit my sister and brother more often. I want to make weekly date nights a priority with Joe- too often we make excuses for why we are too busy. And if none of these come to fruition, I'll be fine with that. I'm just putting it out in the universe that I have hopes and expections, and I hope it comes back to me.
What about you? How did your 2010 resolutions fare? And what are you looking forward to in 2011?
My resolution is to knit more and less guilt.
Posted by: Lisa Viviano | January 03, 2011 at 08:49 AM
I commit to finishing up some half-done projects from last year and knitting more from the stash. It's spilling out the doors right now! Allison, I love your Obsession scarf. I was wondering what size needle you used and if it took 1 or 2 hanks of that glorious yarn? I downloaded the pattern and would like to begin one immediately!
Posted by: Janet Miller | January 03, 2011 at 09:31 AM
I also would like to know what size needles you used on the scarf. I have the yarn and pattern and was going to start on a number 5. My mom just downloaded the pattern to do in the car during her trip to Florida.
Posted by: Allise | January 03, 2011 at 10:06 AM
For my scarf, I cast on the number of stitches indicated in the pattern and then knit on a US 7 needle. I wanted a scarf that was kind of open and lacey. I used one skein of Oilve and I would like the scarf to be a bit longer than it is. But I haven't blocked it yet and when I do block it, I anticipate the dropped-stitch pattern to stretch out quite a bit and it will turn out to be much longer than it is pre-soaking/blocking.
Posted by: Allison | January 03, 2011 at 10:40 AM
Thanks for the info. I plan to cast on soon.
Posted by: Janet Miller | January 03, 2011 at 10:51 AM
One other question: How many stitches did you cast on? I know the pattern calls for 26, but that's worsted weight.Thanks!
Posted by: Allise | January 03, 2011 at 10:58 AM
Sorry, Allison. I didn't realize you mentioned the number of stitches. Now I just have to find the time to start my project!
Posted by: Allise | January 03, 2011 at 11:01 AM
Allise, I originally increased the pattern by one repeat (as indicated you can do in the pattern), but I then tore it out after a few inches because I realized it would be wider than I wanted it (especially after blocking it). And I wanted to just make it a one-skein project and not have to dip into a second skein.
Posted by: Allison | January 03, 2011 at 11:32 AM
I started the Obsession scarf using Pashima yarn by Madelinetosh. Used the size needles that Pashima calls for and it is beautiful!!
Posted by: Connie Kinsman | January 03, 2011 at 12:18 PM
I am going to learn to knit socks!
Posted by: marsha salcedo | January 03, 2011 at 12:28 PM
Great year in review blog. Your photos are so good and make me want to knit with all the yarns shown. Resolutions are pretty much the same as last year.
Posted by: mary | January 03, 2011 at 01:06 PM
I quit making New Year resolutions back in the 70s LOL! I always have lists and this year is no exception.
My first list item has nothing to do with knitting. I would like to volunteer more this year in and around the local area. This is one list item I know will happen: I just need to find the right fit for me and what I can offer.
Posted by: Kay | January 03, 2011 at 02:19 PM
Thank you, Allison. Last night I cast on 52 on a five so I will take your advice and stay the 26 on 6 or 7. Just have to finish dinner first!!!
Posted by: Allise | January 03, 2011 at 06:45 PM
I am dying of anticipation for the winners of the 12 days of sock yarn! When do we find out who won?
Posted by: Connie Kinsman | January 04, 2011 at 12:36 PM
I put on Socknitters.com a thread called Knitting Resolutions for 2011. I asked all the folks on this site what their knitting resolutions were for 2011. I told them that mine was to knit for ME. I knit so much for others and my knit wishes languised...some for more than 10 years (one sock pattern in particular). I put all of my knit wishes in a folder on my desktop called My Patters for 2011. As a knit wish is finished I take that pattern out of the folder.
I have already knit one wish...that being the Summerflies shawl pattern. I was so happy when it was done because I knew it was MINE and would not go out the door to anyone else.
Do for yourselves folks. You deserve and need it!
Posted by: Barb R | January 07, 2011 at 06:08 PM
I tried to knit for myself also this past year but those darling daughters and grandchildren kept inspiring me! I will try to knit more for myself this year....maybe!
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 07, 2011 at 09:49 PM