Not a year in review...

Well,  I had great plans to write a year in review type post here, but that just isn't going to happen.  I also had great plans to blog more while I was on vacation.  I return to work tomorrow, and obviously that never happened either.  I will say that 2007 proved to be a year where the majority of  my knitting seemed to consist only of socks.  My Gallery (see sidebar) is hopelessly out of date (was hoping to remedy that while on vacation too....never happened. I'm thinking that I won't create a new Gallery for 2008 but will just list my projects over on Ravelry) but I know that I haven't completed any new garments since it was last updated.  So, in 2007 I knit only two sweaters (malabrigo top down cardi and the pinwheel), two shawls (one still needs to be blocked) knit one bag, crocheted two bags, as well as lots of socks. I will always have socks on the needles, but really want to accomplish more than that in the New Year.

My first Finished Object in 2008 will likely be Mr Greenjeans:

Unfortunately, this sweater isn't as close to being done as it would appear in this picture.  I'm going to frog back to about two inches above where the cable rib pattern begins, as it is too low on my body.  I was initially going to leave it, but know I will enjoy this sweater more if it fits properly.  I've really been enjoying the cable rib pattern (it knits up much quicker than I thought it would thanks to cabling without a cable needle) so I really can't complain.  Maybe I am a process knitter after all?

2007 was also the year that I got into papercrafting and started my Etsy store.  It's been a lot of fun, gives my hands a break (since I do have some carpal tunnel like symptoms), and I've met an awesome group of fellow Canadian Etsians in the forums.  I also enjoy having a Finished Object in much less time than while knitting or crocheting.  Here's one of my last card creations for 2007, again using a Stamping Bella stamp. 

I made three of these cards as a thank-you to some awesome friends who supported me in my journey to a promotion at work.  I chose this particular stamp as we had recently enjoyed a day at the spa together, which ended with a soak and a clay scrub.

More camaraderie was enjoyed through knitting events such as retreats and fiber festivals.  I met lots of fellow knit bloggers for the first time this year, including Peg, Lisa, Raven, Michelle, Shannon (just yesterday, finally, even though she lives only a kilometer or two away from me), and even the Yarn Harlot herself.  I also enjoyed continuing friendships with Shelley and Uli.

I don't make New Year's resolutions, but I do have hopes for the 2008.  I want to spin more, I haven't touched my spindle for a couple months at least.  Was also planning to do that during Christmas vacation....  I will start Kauni as soon as Mr. Greenjeans is off the needles (really!).  I want to add more pages to my scrapbook and not just make cards.  And of course I need to eat healthier, exercise more, and loose some weight.  And I look forward to some interesting challenges ahead at work as I start my new position on January 7th.

Hmmmm, looks like I just wrote an end of year post, how'd that happen?  I wish each of you New Year filled whatever makes you happy!

Comments

[Vera]

Mr. Greenjeans is cute, and it's best to frog and adjust it so you'll wear it.

The spa card is darling.

[Shannon B]

Hey, it was GREAT to meet you yesterday. I want to meet up sometime so you can teach me to spin, okay? I am dying to get my hands on a drop spindle.

Mr Greenjeans looks nice. I didn't remember the cable rib being that deep - I'll have to go look at it again.

[Uli]

Mr. greenjeans looks awesome and you and I can work on the Kauni alongside ach other as soon as my needles get here. I have high hopes for 2008 but I think I'm trying to work through a whole lot more of my sock stash. I can't seem to commit to big projects these days. Good luck at work tomorrow. I still have all next week off.

[Jan]

Happy New Year to you and your family Brenda :) I watched a television special Saturday and again on Sunday about a plane that had gone down around Quattra Island after having left Campbell River. My ears pricked up, knowing that's where you live. The story was so sad but when they were doing interviews with the people living on the island I fell in love with the scenery and I would love to live there.

I always love reading your blog. Happy New Year hugs to your kitties :)

[Paula]

Happy New Year! Wishes for joy, happiness to you, Joe, the kitties and your families.

[Miss Scarlett]

I love that card you made! Fantastic and lighthearted. You have a real talent. Also, a soak and a clay scrub sounds marvelous!

It was wonderful meeting you this year and getting to know you better through your blog. Sounds like we have some of the same goals for 2008, :-p

[Felicia]

Sounds like excellent plans for the new year!