Knitting Resolutions
Oh I've got lots to share with you. First up is my big old pile of books that I received as gifts. I am looking forward to starting the new year with some reading and more reading. I'm not making a resolution to read a certain number of books in 2014. I'm toying with reading three or four books before purchasing another one. I have so many books in my personal library that need my attention.
I started this shawl some time before Christmas day. I've named it Tea and Jam since I was watching Sound of Music with Julie Andrews (there can be no other). It's a simple knit and quite addictive. The yarn is from deep stash, I think three or four years old. I bought it from a fiber festival and let's say the wool is rustic in it's feel. I love the springiness but boy I sure do hope it softens up when it's soaked.
I finished this hat before Christmas and so far I think my husband will be wearing it. The design is my own and it was fun creating the patterns on grid paper. I've cast on another one going up a needle size to make it slightly bigger and slouchier for me or my daughter.
I also started a simple scarf in lace weight, the pattern is already memorized and I do like working with ultra thin yarn.
My knitting goals for 2014 are similar to my reading goals. I'd like to knit from my stash two or three projects before purchasing new yarn. I have such a lovely collection of yarns and I only need to focus of finding a yarn then a pattern-poof-I have a project!
Sure I'd love to have mitts, socks, hats, shawls, and sweaters always on my needles but making specific goals leads me to fight against the rigidness. So I'm being quite broad and flexible with my knitting. I do know that my husband would love another wool pullover sweater and that might be in the knitting future. Lucky for me I do have some wool at the ready.
What are your knitting goals for 2014?
Joining Ginny
Knitting and books! Now those are resolutions I could get excited about. Your stack looks fascinating! I stumbled over from Ginny's blog. So nice to meet you.
ReplyDeleteI want to finish 10 fiction books and 10 knitting projects. considering how last year went it is quite a lofty goal... sweaters for the kids and a vest for my hubby (gulp!) would be great :)
ReplyDeletehave a lovely start to 2014, Karen!
Your hat is amazing! And I loved seeing your stack of books...I have some of my own that I need to finish. And now, I have a Nook e-reader...so I have access to thousands and thousands of books. That is both exciting and scary. :) Knitting goals include: a sweater for me. Also knitting something from the Rowan pattern book that my sister bought in England a few months ago....and more socks. Always more socks. :)
ReplyDeleteKaren, your knitting projects are gorgeous! The hat is awesome and I adore the lace weight scarf. The shawl is such a pretty shade of blue and I hope it does soften up after soaking. I don't really have any knitting goals other than keep knitting and enjoying it. The same goes for my reading. ;-)
ReplyDeleteHave a great start into a happy, healthy and wonderful new year!
I'm a more fly by the seat of my pants knitter. I'll see what comes along to capture my attention and I'll go with it.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!!
I would like to focus more on the process and less on the product this year, in both my knitting *and* my reading. I find that I get very worked up about finishing things—especially at Christmastime, when I have an actual deadline looming!—and I don't like the way that feels. So that's my resolution for the year. :) All the best to you as we begin a new trip around the sun. xo
ReplyDeleteLooks like you got some good books there to read! I've no knitting goals what so ever GRIN But the daughter loves knitting and she has plenty. Hope 2014 is awesome for you. Love Leanne
ReplyDeleteThe hat came out nice - you're so darn creative! I have tons of knitting goals which I'll probably post about tomorrow or Thursday. I just can't get into knitting with thin yarn. I have some in my stash that I should probably send to you - at least somebody can use it! I'll get back to you after I dig through the stash this weekend!
ReplyDeleteOoooh, Karen, your projects are so beautiful (as always). I particularly like that lace weight scarf. ;) I have so many things I want to knit... but, I am easily distracted and caught up in the next thing I see. So, as usual, I'll be jumping into rabbit holes as I come to them. LOL! Wishing you all the best in 2014. blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteHmmm... knitting resolutions? The only real one right now is to finish the sweater for my friend in Oslo and get it sent! I would love to do stranded mittens, and I was thinking how a light lovely lace scarf would be so nice to wear right now. All in good time, eh? Happy New Year, Karen!
ReplyDeleteMy friend and I have made a pact to work through unfinished projects this year. She wanted to say NO new purchases until we've done so but I've balked at that, a step too far! I do want to decrease the stash though and also pass on to others in my craft group any yarn I really think I won't use.
ReplyDeleteI have read all the Nella Last books, I think there are three. I have them somewhere, but this is the house of a thousand books, so goodness knows where. Have you seen the TV drama about Nella, Housewife, 49?
I would like to learn to knit "magic loop", I also hope to finish a pair of socks -- they intemidate me so
ReplyDeletehoping this year will be the YEAR of SOCKS!!!!
Happy New Year !!!!
Books and knitting...sounds like 2014 will be pretty awesome. Happy New Year Karen!
ReplyDeletemy goal: crochet an afghan. and knit socks for me, socks for mr. not many goals but i know how i'll stumble upon a pattern then another and another and... well, you know :)
ReplyDeleteOh I love all three projects!!! The blue of the yarn & the purple in the scarf! And the hat!!! Awesome!! My knitting goals for the year...the first part anyway...is to knit up a bunch of newborn hats for the NICU where Veronica spent her first week of life. I'd also like to knit up some more socks...for me!! I got some beautiful sock yarn for Christmas!! Happy New Year my friend!!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty projects. I love your hat design and the colors in the yarn for the lace scarf. I'm still pondering on 2014 goals. Have a Happy New Year, Karen!
ReplyDeleteMy knitting resolutions for the year is to complete 4 modules of my City & Guilds Hand Knit Textile Design course. Other knitting on a month by month basis!, January is to complete 5 yoga socks ( along with module one of my course), I've knitted one already :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not a knitter, but do hope to finally finish the crocheted afghan I started a year a a half ago. Maybe I will work on that today...I do love your projects. You are very talented! I am like you with books...I have so many currently in my library that I need to concentrate on reading those before buying more. Happy 2014 to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteKaren, I am loving that hat! Wonderful colorwork! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your books. I just threw that Anne Lamott one onto my wish list. :)
ReplyDeleteHmm, knitting goals...I don't really have any. I take the knitting as it comes, at this point. I have a sweater on the needles, that got put aside for mittens and hats for small people. I should finish my oldest's socks, but socks bore me. Every night I look at it, somewhat balefully, and wonder why it's not getting any bigger while I read or draw or sew instead. His teacher is due in April, and I have the yarn to knit her a baby sweater. That's about as far ahead as I've thought, as far as the knitting goes!
Happy New Year!!
My goal is to rely completely on stash yarn. I have more than enough yarn to get me through the year, but do I have the self-control?
ReplyDeleteAll your projects and goals look and sound good :) That pattern you came up with looks great! I too have some yarn I'd like to use up before I start buying any new. As for knitting, well as you know I crochet, so my goal there is to crochet some piece of clothing this year. I've never done that apart from wrist warmers and scarves.
ReplyDeleteYou are SO right...there is only one Sound of Music. I haven't given much thought to my knitting goals this year. Actually I haven't given much thought to any goals for 2014! Have a happy new year!
ReplyDeleteGreat hat. So wonderful that you designed it yourself. I love the pattern of the scarf. It is always nice to use stash yarn. It makes room for more purchases.
ReplyDeleteLove your idea for knitting your stash. I'm trying to knit up my stash, but I like your idea a lot. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen and Happy New Year! Love your books! I'm reading Nella Last's War and find it most interesting. I have set few goals except to quilt, knit and read a lot....hehe.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
Gorgeous knits Karen- love your hat and the shawl look divine!
ReplyDeleteNo knitting resolutions for the year to come- just enjoying what and when I am knitting.
Happy New Year to your and family.
Hugs!
happy new year, Karen!!!
ReplyDeleteRather than 'goals' I've decided i need an attitude adjustment. I decided to do the 'word' thing....and while I usually live my knitting-life (actually life in general) rather frenetically and compulsively, I'm going to try to be more mindful (as in---being in the moment). I will most likely have blown this idea by the end of the day!!!!
I'm with you on the knitting goals. I did, however, set myself a reading goal of 85 books.
ReplyDeleteNo specific goals for knitting or reading, other than to use what I have on hand before purchasing new. I thought about not letting myself bookmark another pattern on Rav until I had knit through the ones I already tagged. Yeah... NOT! As always, all your knits are lovely. I think I especially like the scarf. I also have a "thing" for sock and lace weights.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful projects you have on your needles. There is something very rewarding about stash busting. Good luck with it and Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteAh, I really like your approach to new year goals with reading and knitting. Keeping it manageable, allowing for flexibility. :) I hope you share that hat pattern with us, it's gorgeous, and I love the color of the shawl!
ReplyDeleteI love the hat. I don't know where to start with my goals I have so many unfinished projects and a list of patterns that I haven't even had time to get the yarn for yet. I think it's going to be another busy year with moving home on the cards. But I will try follow you in making my Christmas gifts throughout the year and not leaving them til the last minute.
ReplyDeleteHave a happy knitting and reading year.
debx
Karen, your knitting is absolutely gorgeous! The colors you choose...the patterns you use...it all comes together to make a beautiful end product!
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