Happy new year, friends! 2017 was a whirlwind, wasn't it? In many ways it moved too fast- kids grew up way to quick, I got another wrinkle or pound, and memories flew by. And in other ways it time trickled slowly- let's not talk about those, ok? I'm looking forward to 2018 being a lot like 2017. I learned a lot more about work/life balance, continuing to put family first (and sleep last), taking advantage of small moments, and taking care of myself. Hard to believe it took until I was 40 (well, I will be in 6 days) to learn about self care and how important it is to put ones self first when needed.
Poste Yarn, Common Room sock above
How did my knitting fare this year? Well, I did complete several projects like shawls and socks,. I don't post on Ravelry much and track stuff there, so I look through Instagram to see what I've made. Here are a few of my faves. Brights Grove Socks, Girl from the Grocery shawl, Harry Potter socks, Walk in the Woods Shawl, Drop Stitch Shawl.... and the list goes on.
One of my fave knitting moments of the year was hanging out with my oldest son, James, while he knit. He really took an interest in knitting this summer. Then of course, he broke his wrist. Then he got the cast taken off and then broke his other wrist. So, there wasn't much knitting after the summer! But in a week that brace will be off and perhaps we can get going again.
I don't have any resolutions this year. As usual, I always want to be more healthy, spend time with my loved ones, and be a more kind person. But I really think that 2017 was a great year for me in all that. I've learned a lot more patience, I've loved more and more fearlessly, and I've recognized that there shouldn't be guilt in putting ones own needs at the top of the list. Later this year my youngest will go to school, and I know my life will change a lot, as I won't have a sidekick around me all the time. I'll actually go to the grocery alone, won't have constant snuggles, and will be able to leave the house and get things done much more efficiently. But I also won't be taking mid-day trips to the park or playing cards or Sorry on a whim. Sigh.
As far as knitting resolutions go, I don't think I have any of those either. A few years back, I decided to knit only for myself, as my own sock drawer was quite bare. This year, I'd like to start by knitting a few hats and cowls for my kids, my man (who wears last year's Christmas gift daily!) and myself because the weather is downright horrid. Here in NE Indiana we are covered in snow with temps below 0, and that makes me need to knit all the warm outerwear. But I'd also like to knit a beautiful shawl to wear this summer with a dress. Something that makes me feel feminine and pretty. So we'll see what happens!
Do you have any resolutions, knitting or non-knitting, that you'd like to share? What do you want to change in 2018?
Well an early Happy Birthday, Allison! I too, am putting myself "on the list". We have to take care of ourselves, before anything else, or it impacts everyone else. I learned it doesn't really take much time to do that. As far as knitting goes, I really wanted to make two sweaters for my husband, and more socks. He only has 26 pair, but he can always use more. My son wants socks as well as my brother, so I spent this weekend sorting yarn and putting skeins in bags for each person. I have alot of knitting to do - wish I didn't have to work. I have recently bought some knitting bags from Bird leg Bags as Vickie makes the best bags, and each person has their own bag assigned to them. Talk about OCD, but hopefully this will make things easier. Have a very Happy and Healthy New Year. Denise
Posted by: Denise Walsh-Horowitz | January 02, 2018 at 10:02 AM
My baby goes to kindergarten too! I am already dreading it. I feel like it is the end of "babies" all over again.... making me sad!
Posted by: Lauren | January 02, 2018 at 10:32 AM
Lauren, you can I will have to meet for morning walks or something for the first month to cry with each other- I'm sure everyone else will think we are nuts for being sad all the time about our "babies" being gone all day. But I know it's going to be a hard change for me!
Posted by: Allison | January 02, 2018 at 12:16 PM
Happy Early Birthday Allison! My knitting resolutions are to knit MYSELF a sweater or three (Le Scarabee Bleu, Shusui Shrug and Breathing Space) and to finish my lovely Marley Shawl. I'm new to brioche and I'm addicted!
Posted by: Amy Hesting | January 02, 2018 at 04:24 PM
I've had a lot of fun plain knitting self-striping socks but they don't always go with wild leggings, so my goal is to knit more solid-colored socks in interesting designs. Also, weave more, spin more, dye more, etc. And maybe I'll clean the carpets. ;-)
Posted by: bittenbyknittin | January 02, 2018 at 06:20 PM