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?