I’ve been thinking about my last post of 2007 for the last few days. This has been another year of change for my family and I - another new job for me and Dan moved into his own apartment. This has been a good year for us - lots of good times, and (knocking wood) everyone is healthy, happy and doing well.
From a knitting perspective - this has been a busy year. When I look at my FO2007 page and compare it to my FO2006 I realized that I really finished a lot more. 21 non-sock items and 14 pairs of socks (as compared to the same amount of socks in 2006, but only a few non-sock items and most of those were small) I think it is due to my commute - having all that train time really has helped. Plus since August, I’ve been trying to focus on completing (not starting) projects, and only working on one (maybe two) projects at a time. Although I love the feeling of starting a new project, I just don’t like having a lot of projects hanging around. And I think the feeling of completing projects is much nicer.
I saw a meme on Knit Lit that I thought would be good for me to use to review this last year….
1. Best FO of the year….
This was a hard choice - I loved so many of the things I finished. But I think I’d have to say that the best was the Kimono shawl
2. Best FO of the year made by a blog you link to….
This is really hard - there are over 300 blogs in my Bloglines, and each person has made amazing things this year. I’ve been amazed and inspired by so many….a pretty shawl from Opal, a beautiful top by Chris, a gorgeous sweater by Lorraine, amazing socks by Tracey…this is just the tip of the iceberg. I’ve been so inspired by all of the blogs I read this year and I know that half of the things on my Ravelry queue are because I saw them on someone’s blog….in fact, in one case, I was “meh” on the sweater pattern in Interweave Knits until I saw it on Tiennie’s blog (in fact, I’m constantly inspired by Tiennie’s gorgeous knits). There are just so many that I could list - hard to choose. Believe me if I read your blog - I’m inspired. And if I don’t read it - please let me know who you are! I always like new inspiration.
3. Best yarn you tried.
OK, this isn’t glamorous - but the best new yarn for me in 2007 was Cascade 220. I used it to make Ariann, and have loved it ever since. This is my yarn. I’m using it now to make Cobblestone for Larry, and I just love the way it feels, and how it looks. If you haven’t tried it - you realy should.
4. Best new book/mag/pattern of 2007.
Yikes. This is another hard one. I certainly bought a lot of books and patterns. I think the favorite book I bought was Knitting Classic Style (although I haven’t made anything yet). As far as patterns - anything by Anne at Knitspot - I have purchased a lot of them - all are gorgeous and I really need to start making them.
5. Best new knitting technique or gadget
I was sort of stumped on this and had to think about what I’ve done all year - and then it popped into my head. The best new knitting technique I learned this year was cabling without a cable needle. Thanks, Grumperina! It really helped with the endless Fetchings and Dashings I did for Christmas this year.
6. Top 5 inspirations - what 5 things inspired me the most over the past year.
Ravelry is obviously the number one (and maybe 2, 3, 4 and 5) choice. It is an amazing site and I can’t tell you how many times I browse through the patterns there and see what people have done with them. I don’t really use the forums, and there is no way I’m putting my stash on it but I do think its a great site. Other than that, I’d have to say that I’m constantly inspired by what I see other people’s blogs. And I’ve also been inspired by my knitting group - amazing group of women and their projects are just wonderful.
7. Designer who most amazed & inspired you throughout the year
Again, I think this would be Knitspot. Her designs are gorgeous, and even if I’ve never made any yet - I love looking at them, and I think I’ll be starting one very soon.
8. Knitting resolutions for 2008 - what’s next for you and your blog.
In 2008, my knitting resolutions are:
a) Knit from the stash more than I buy new yarn.
b) Knit a large, triangle lace shawl
c) Knit a fair isle sweater
As far as non-knitting:
a) Learn how to crochet (and make a ripple blanket)
b) Become a better spinner - learn to spin a certain weight because I want that weight (now I get what I get)
c) Spin more!
d) Attend more classes or retreats (SOAR is going to be very near me this coming year!)
As far as the blog - continue it as I have been. I have really enjoyed doing this, and the friends I’ve made through it.
So there you go - that’s my year in review. It really has been a good year - knitting and otherwise, and I look forward to next year.
It is time for me to get going, so I’ll end with a wish for you and your family to have a very Happy New Year - I hope the coming year is good for you in every way that counts!
