Closing a Door, Opening Another... and then some.

2012 has departed and 2013 has arrived.  With it, I have many things to celebrate and new objectives to occupy my time.

"Regrowth" - 1550 yards of 100% Wool
Brown Sheep Nature Spun Fingering - Red Fox
Pattern by Toby MacNutt

First, I'm very proud to report that I not only met, but fully surpassed my 2012 Mileage Goal.  I had set a goal to knit 6.5 miles of yarn last year.  Calculating completed projects only, I'm proud to report I achieved 7.75 miles.  Some of my projects were quite small (25 yards) and took less than an hour to complete, and some were extremely large (1550 yards) and took 3 months of steady work, but all were fulfilling and fun.  I learned a great many things over those miles, experienced new techniques, and met many wonderful new people in my classes.  I don't begrudge so much as an inch of it.  And because it was such fantastic and enlightening experience, I'm going to do it again!

In 2013 I'll be adding several more classes to my usual offerings, including a sock class, a color and texture workshop, a gauge and blocking workshop and a short row shaping class.  I'm also expanding my schedule to different days of the week for wider availability.  I'm excited about the new offerings, and looking forward to developing even more classes for the Winter 2013 schedule.  If you are in the Albuquerque area, or looking to visit, and have interest in attending one of my classes, be sure to check out my Classes page for information on current offerings.

As this is a milestone birthday year for me, I've decided to treat myself with a little selfishness.  Too often knitters craft gifts for everyone but themselves.  I'm guilty of this, so for 2013 I'm going to attempt to knit one project for myself for every year I've lived.  I'm not going to say how many that is... if you don't know, just go with say 29 and call it good.

"Dance Lessons with McGonagall"
Pattern by Jessica L'Heureux
Release Pending.

I've joined a couple of new Ravelry groups to inspire me throughout the year.  One of which is Dozen Pairs of Socks in 2013, which I'll also be helping moderate.  These groups are free and open to your dedicated or occasional participation - there is no obligation.  It's a great way to gain exposure to new (usually free) patterns and techniques, whilst having a built in support system to answer your questions and cheer when you show-off your completed projects.

Along with the new classes and selfish knitting, I've got several new patterns in development and/or being plotted.  I'm eager to expand my design line into socks, and cowls.  With all this in mind, I'm setting a new Mileage Goal of 8 Miles for 2013.

What are your knitting goals for 2013?  Are you interested in learning a new technique?  Is there a new addition to your family on the way you'll be knitting for?  Share!!

Remembering

I saw this picture online today and it made me think of Nana - my maternal great-grandmother.  She used to make these with crochet cotton.  I actually remember seeing her working on some.  She was a real crocheter - doilies on tables and arms of chairs, and backs of chairs, and about anywhere with a flat surface.
I miss them.  I never really liked them, but when I had them I was too young to understand the value of good hangers.  Now I know.  Wire hangers are horrible (insert your favorite "Mommy Dearest" reference here) and the fuzzy covered ones are weak and break easily and even plastic aren't that great.  I have some plastic hangers with little rubber grippies on the shoulders, but even then, they aren't like Nana's hangers.

This Thanksgiving I find myself thinking of family members that have passed away.  I seem to come from a long line of crafty and artistic people.  I hope wherever Nana is she is proud of my knitting, and understands why I don't crochet.

New Pattern Available: Sine Wave Men's Hat

Textural, with subtle scientific slant, the sine wave men’s hat offers even the most stubborn to knit for an attractive, yet intellectually stimulating, source of warmth.  This reversible hat even offers styling options.  Right-side offers high-texture look, the reverse a low-texture alternative.  Fold it, roll it, wear it slouched, this hat is for every man.  High elasticity ensures comfort; no more avoiding hats that squeeze and give headaches.

Sizes: Men’s - Will fit head 22-25”

Yarn Requirements: Approximately 155 yards of worsted weight yarn. Shown in Malabrigo Rios (color: 121-Marte) Superwash Wool, 210 yds/100grams . 

Supplies: 5 Stitch markers, tapestry needle.  Row counter is helpful.
Needles: Size 5 (3.75mm) 16” circular needles and a set of double pointed needles (DPNs) in the same size. 
Gauge: 24 sts and 32 rows = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch in the round. Change needle size as needed to obtain gauge.

Available via Ravelry just in time for Christmas gift knitting - $3.00

Online Learning

Have you tried Craftsy yet...?
I'm taking this class and LOVING it! (No, they aren't paying me or providing any considerations for saying so - I just tell you about things I love hoping you'll love them too!)



Actually, I'm enrolled in nine different Craftsy classes.  I'll be doing an in-depth review of my latest enrollment very soon - so keep your eyes peeled!

Giveaway Winner!

I'm sending two skeins of di.Ve Autunno 100% Fine Merino (50g/98yds each) in Naturals-33410 - Valued at $15.00 to "ahappyaccident" who shared Judy's Magic Cast-On from Cat Bordhi's video tutorial.  Congratulations to ahappyaccident and be sure to check out this great video!

New Pattern Available: Ms. Billey's Owl Beret

She’s smart, stylish and a fierce advocate for those without a voice. Bold, brave and definitely someone you want on your side, Ms. Billey is a friend to the end.  This beret makes its statement with Fair Isle and cables.  For extra punch, sew on beads and give your owls true vision.

Sizes: Women’s - Will stretch to fit head sizes up to 22”.

Yarn Requirements: Approximately 160 yards of Color A (Dark) and 90 yards of Color B (Light) worsted.
Shown in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Tweed - 50g/110yds Colors: (a) Farmhouse Heather and (b)Down Heather
Needles: Size 4 (3.5mm) 20” circular needles and a set of double pointed needles (dpn(s)) in the same size. 

Supplies: Stitch marker, cable needle, tapestry needle.  Row counter is helpful.

Gauge: 24 sts = 4” (10 cm) in stockinette stitch

Change needle size as needed to obtain gauge.

Available via Ravelry just in time for Christmas knitting - $3.00.