Sunday, January 01, 2012

2011 Recap

For the past several years (okay, since 2002-wow, that long?) I have journaled my knitting, both here and on paper and then stuck the FOs into a spreadsheet and tracked number, weight of yarn, and yardage.

This year was no different, though the numbers are (at best) disappointing. It's been a b*tch of a year, and as a result, crafting took a back seat to work (you know, the stuff that gets the bills paid) and exhaustion.

Things are looking up now, and I am hoping for some improvement on all fronts.


My "resolves" for 2012 include:

*weaving a rug (even if it's just a bath mat) and trying a new (to me) weaving technique. I have the tee shirts; I have the Rotary cutter; I have the linen rug warp. Bring it on!

*12 in 12 (sweaters) and making at least 1/4 for me!

*random acts of knitting/crafting gifting

*25 (at least) catnip mice for my favorite local animal rescue charity

*there's something about removing 10% of my body weight again this year (back to South Beach--started today) and destashing bunches. We shall see.


So, I know you've been waiting and here's what 2011 saw:

11 sweaters (I am counting 10 actual sweaters and one baby dress)

18 afghan squares for charity
1 complete full-size afghan
1 bag (woven)
2 holiday banners
10 baby bibs
9 pairs of booties
1 Christmas stocking
10 face/dishcloths
2 doilies (fair entries)
9 hats
2 baby blankets
3 pairs of mittens
2 woven napkins
1 pillow
6 woven placemats
1 felted potholder
2 baby caps
1 scarf
2 shawls
3 pairs of slippers
1 pair of socks
2 toys

That's 100 FOs all together. Better than last year (86) but the second worst year since I've started tracking. I used a total of 389 ounces of yarn (24+ pounds)--25,611 yards, or 14.5 miles (3 miles less than I drive to work each day. Maybe that should be my 2012 target--17 miles!

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// posted by Ann @ 1/01/2012 09:33:00 AM 1 comments

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Shifting Into Neutral



It's time for me to shift into panic mode again! The winter holidays approach no matter what I do to stop them, and so, I have begun the Holiday Knitting.

In our family, the "holiday" starts early with the Tiny Prince's birthday (November 16), followed quickly by The Birthday of His Dadadada (November 25). I try hard to make a Birthday Sweater for the Boy (and now his Son, the TP TM).

Fortunately, the Tiny Prince's Birthday Sweater was a fair entry, so it's done ::whew:: (Are you still here?)

I started the Older Kid's sweater a couple of days ago using the Cobblestone Pullover pattern (IK Fall 2007) by Jared Flood. I'm using Filatura Lanorota Puno (100% alpaca) in the camel heather colorway. Decided to knit the sleeves first, and I'm knitting them intermittently so that both will be finished at pretty much the same time and then I can cast on and knit the body, join the sleeves in and might actually finish in time (but don't hold your breath).

The other item in my bag basket of tricks is the Daughter-In-Law's Christmas sweater. This one's top down, a Knitting Pure and Simple cardigan (#263). I'm using Berroco Ultra Alpaca (50/50 alpaca/wool blend)in the mahogany mix colorway.

By way of yarn review: These two yarns are a pleasure to knit. Various websites assure me that alpaca is not prone to pilling (which is a relief). I have concerns about memory, though.

And on a whole different subject:


I have some plans to get healthy.

I can no longer stand the flab. I have a closet full of beautiful, serviceable clothing that will look and fit so much better with toned muscles.

So, I've started a tiny little lifting program.

Left to right: 1/2 pound ankle and wrist weights (I say, why bother?), 3 pound and 5 pound dumbbells.

I'm on the 3 pound ones now, working my way up. Will need to buy a heavier pair in a month or so.

My guide is this book that I got for 50 cents at a library book sale last spring. There's a website, too, that I discovered when I went looking for the book on-line so that I could link. Must check that out!

Anyway, this disclosure is by way of Keeping Me Honest. (You all know how that works, right?)

Keeping me honest Yarn Diet-wise: Take a look at the sidebar! (I'd be ashamed if I weren't so proud!)

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// posted by Ann @ 10/25/2008 07:40:00 AM 4 comments

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