« A Happy Holiday | Main | Makin' Progress »
December 28, 2005
Accomplishments and Resolutions
I've been inspired by all of you reflecting on your 2005 knitting accomplishments and your goals for 2006. So, I'm jumping on the bandwagon (and I'm blatantly stealing Felicia's format).
Top 5 for 2005
1. New Technique: I learned so much this year that it's hard to narrow it down to just one technique. I guess my favorite was learning to knit socks. My first pair were top-down socks, and then I tried toe-up socks, ankle socks, and I'm now teaching another knitter to knit socks. I love having a portable project that you can so easily pick up and put down and the end result is so very functional and useful.
2. Favorite Finished Object: My Lotus Blossom Shawl. My first lace shawl experience and I find that I wear it fairly often. It's in my office and it's wonderful to have when it gets cold.
3. Favorite Knit Along: The Stitch Ya Neck Out scarf swap. I had such fun knitting a scarf for Blossom and got a wonderful scarf in return.
4. Favorite Shop: Knit Happens. I am warming up to my LYS, but they don't stock a lot of the yarn I find you all using and that's recommended in the patterns I'm knitting, so I find that I don't buy a lot of yarn there. The customer service and selection at Knit Happens is wonderful and I find that I go there first.
5. Favorite Tool: My Holz & Stein circular needles. I love these needles. They're ebony, so they are wonderful to hold and knit with and the points are nice and pointy. The joins are good and the cord is pretty flexible. I need to order more in additional sizes and I'm thinking of getting dpns to try too.
Resolutions for 2006
1. Fair Isle: I'm going to start my color career with the Vinternatt Nordic Mittens and move on to Butterfly. I can hardly wait. This is number one on my list of things to do.
2. Knitting for my husband: I want to knit him some socks and a sweater. I may have to modify an existing pattern to find something that he'll actually wear, but he should have a beautiful, functional handknit sweater.
3. Learn to Spin: Next weekend I'm going to dedicate some time to my spindle - it's time to try again. And if I don't get a wheel for Christmas (we still have to go to Travis' parents' house, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed), I'll be in the market for a spinning wheel. Then I'll have to find some good books and maybe a class. It's just something I think I want to learn to do.
4. Knit for Charity: I haven't done any charity knitting, and I'd like to knit some blankets for the animal shelter and maybe some hats and booties for babies. I am so blessed in my life and I really need to do what I can to help those less fortunate.
5. Dyeing: I'm going to start with some Kool-Aid and go from there and I have a great book to use when I'm ready to branch out into acid dyes.
So, what are your goals for 2006, and what are you most proud of from 2005?
Comments
Some good goals, and great fodder for an entry of my own - thanks!
Posted by: PumpkinMama at December 28, 2005 11:44 AM
Interesting... I never you knew were a (aspiring?) spinner! So far I have not been tempted down that road. I am really looking forward to seeing and reading about your experiments in color work -- so far I haven't had much success with it.I'm sure your husband would be thrilled to have to knit something for him -- get him involved in picking out the pattern, yarn, etc.
Posted by: Zarah at December 28, 2005 11:47 AM
Sounds great, Stephanie! One of my goals for 2006 is learning to spin as well. Wow, it would be SO cool if Travis' parents gifted you with a wheel!! If not, then perhaps we can compare notes when wheel shopping. =)
Posted by: caitlyn at December 28, 2005 12:12 PM
In the first place, you are going to be in big trouble once you make your husband a pair of socks! They want MORE all the time! As for the spinning and dyeing, let's talk....I have lots of book suggestions for you, even some wickedly good videos that helped me a lot. Happy New Year, and good luck with that wheel...I'm pulling for you!
Posted by: Marcia at December 28, 2005 12:32 PM
Great review and goals. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and the spinning wheel.
Posted by: Rebekah at December 28, 2005 12:46 PM
what a great way to wrap up a year!! and all your 2006 goals are great. attainable, too! i can't wait to see your butterfly. that's going to be the best to watch.
Posted by: blossom at December 28, 2005 1:31 PM
Wonderful idea!!! I'm going to go make up my lists now. Your Tops for 2005 are great :)
Posted by: Lisa at December 28, 2005 2:10 PM
What a great way to look back and look forward too! If you don't mind, I am going to use this format as well. I will look forward to seeing some spinning content in 2006!
Posted by: emily at December 28, 2005 7:44 PM
I just found you blog through Eunny. I'm the other Stephanie. Your shawl is amazing.I'm jummping into lace with both feet. I'm starting with the "Flower Basket Shawl", as I feel it will be somewhat easy.
Steph
Posted by: Steph at December 28, 2005 7:54 PM
That is a whole lotta progress in one year. Nice!
Posted by: claudia at December 28, 2005 9:10 PM
Oh! Spinning! That's a good one.
Posted by: Becky at December 29, 2005 9:59 AM
