End of Year Report

It is the end of the year, therefore time to look back at what has been accomplished.  2008 was a great year in many ways - a year of growth and change.  

The highlights, in chronological order, include:

1.  Being a guest on Great Day Houston,

2.  Hosting Louisa Harding at Yarntopia,

3.  Yarntopia being written about in our national trade magazine,

4.  Yarntopia's first annual retreat was a huge success,

5.  La Mer scarf pattern published in Interweave Crochet (and staying at the top of Ravelry's most popular crochet pattern for 3 weeks),

6.  Robyn Chachula, Marty Miller and The Crochet Dude at Yarntopia,

7.  Participating in my first art show and selling some of my pieces.

  

This year I made:

Sweaters/tops - 9

Accessories - 8 (that I can count as I didn't photograph everything for Ravelry)

Socks - 3

Art Pieces - 10

This was my most productive garment year yet!  So, what is my plan for 2009?  Well, we all know that I make big plans that don't always materialize.  I am so easily..."Oh look a duck!"....distracted.

As of right now, 7:13 p.m. on December 31, 2008 - this is what I am thinking I would like to accomplish in 2009:

Knit at least 1 fine gauge garment 

Knit a Twinkle garment

Crochet other designers' garments - Robyn Chachula, Doris Chan, Kristin Omdahl to name a few

At least 1 crochet project from each issue of Interweave Crochet in 2009 (4)

Knit or crochet an afghan

Knit up some of my sock yarn stash

Stretch myself artistically - submit work to art shows and galleries as well as sell my wearable art.

Make at least one more garment next year than I did this year - at least 10 garments.

Ready...set....go!

Two More for 2008

I am so excited to show off two finished items for December.  This is Pea Coat a pattern from Sublime.  The yarn is their Merino, Silk & Cashmere blend.  It produces beautiful stitch definition and is springy and soft.  I absolutely love this fiber.  

I found the pattern to be accurate and well written...very important items for me.  I am very impressed with the entire Sublime line and have already chosen my spring project!

This is Brigitta from Coco Knits.  We are loving Coco Knits at Yarntopia!  Her patterns are stylish, innovative, well written and accurate.  Absolute beginners needed a little help but I recently guided 3 first time garment knitters to completed sweaters.  They did an awesome job and required very little help.  I highly recommend this pattern.  It is also a fun, flattering design to wear.

Now, I am off to do something fun for me.  Details and photos to follow.  I wouldn't let myself really get into this project until I finished these two sweaters.

Until next time, Take It Easy,

Sheryl

Elemental

Elemental3
Originally uploaded by Hip Cat

It is the end of the year and I am trying to get projects finished for my year in review. I absolutely love the way this turned out and will be using this technique on other projects in the future.

I have finished my Brigitta and am nearly finished with Pea Coat from Sublime. Pictures to come before the 31st!

No Pictures - Lots of Words

You can decide based on the title if this post is something you want to read. I am writing it for me and you are welcome to come along for the ride.

Like many people I tend to get philosophical about this time of the year. I think back on the people and events that shaped the year and then formulate an idea of where I want to go next year.

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am easily distracted, and my moods and passions tend to flow with the breeze. For most of my life I have considered this a character flaw. I saw others who knew what they wanted and went after it; who suffered for a cause or threw themselves into their life's work. Not me. I think the term "flip-flopper" was invented for me. Amy has helped me see this as just who I am, therefore nothing I can change. So, with that I make no concrete plans for 2009 of what I will "do" rather I am planning for what I will "be."

In 2009 I will be

Creative - I will explore my creativity and see where it takes me. I will live creatively and not stereotype myself, my skills, talents or moods. Today I love crochet, tomorrow it will be knitting and who knows what will catch my fancy after that.

Forward Thinking - Having turned 50 this year (and struggling mightily with the number) I want to let go of all that has passed and focus on what is ahead.

Self Assured - Can one be too nice? I have to stand up and refuse to allow others to use, manipulate or control me. At my age one would think I would have mastered this already - but I haven't.

A Friend - I don't always do such a good job of this - I tend to be selfish and self focused - I want to look outward more than I look inward.

Of the things I would like to do - I would like to read more, watch tv less; go to the symphony, ballet and opera at least once; find an exercise that I enjoy and can be dedicated to accomplishing (there's that "dedicated" word again); reconnect with God and rediscover a deep spiritual life - I miss the peace that brings.

In 2009 I will celebrate my 20th wedding anniversary - who knew we would make it this long? Our big celebration will be a trip to Ireland. We have literally waited 20 years to go see "the old sod." Both John and I have a long, and likely checkered, Irish past. The danger will be in not wanting to come home - thank goodness for grandchildren and Yarntopia!

So, despite the fact that the new year is still over a week away I wish one and all a very Merry Christmas - and a peaceful and prosperous new year.

Take It Easy,
Sheryl