I had made a couple of New Year goals with a particular theme in mind. Seize Opportunities. Not so much, 'seize the day' but rather seize or take hold of chances to do something I might usually have declined . Often I talk myself out of a whole lot of good ideas.
I read a great quote online that convinced me to take advantage of every opportunity. Especially ones that I was inclined to pass on. As a result, we made a good start with a trip to the Woolery in Frankfort, KY. We were often making trips to see our kids in Nashville, (we now live in Mobile, AL) so this was a good opportunity to branch out and take a little side trip. I have a friend who lives about an hour from Frankfort, so we decided to make the trip, see my friend, visit the Woolery, and even visit the birthplace of Lincoln, which is in KY, not Illinois. The cabin has been preserved at a National Park.
On the trip I purchased several bags of wool roving to spin in hopes of making socks, etc. (Why does one really need a reason to make purchases while on vacation?)
I also bought a new Jenkins spindle, some unspun cotton and a few acid dyes. A truly great haul for me!
SOCK KNITTING
Lots of sock knitting groups on Ravely inspire me with free patterns. I finally learned to do a toe-up sock, giving me no excuse not to seize the opportunity. Last year I knitted a whole drawer-full of socks. Some were given away as gifts but many are still in the drawer; a sort of 'collection' if you will. I have found however, that living as far south in the United States as we do (an hour from Florida) that I hardly ever wear wool socks. All those beloved socks just sit in the drawer like a stamp collection, waiting to be admired but never used.
SWEATER KNITTING
This year I determined to knit sweaters. Inspired by Barkingknitter on Ravelry, who also has a blog showcasing her lovely handmade sweaters, I decided to start small and make sweaters for the grandkids. Its March already and I've almost completed three. The one for my new grandson was mailed a while ago and the Post Office lost it.
They are doing a search, but I am doubtful about ever seeing it again. I will knit another one. The one for my first grandchild is done and in a box waiting to be delivered, but I will not mail it. No way.
The third is for my soon to be granddaughter, and its almost finished. So is she.
I made a sweater last year for my other granddaughter, and it fit perfectly and I believe she wears it a good bit. I will soon start a sweater for my other grandson. I made him a hat earlier this year, with blue and white Egyptian cotton, with a little wave design. So cute.
And for me, well, I've purchased a pattern and some yarn to make a pullover summer sweater, perfect for the office.
SPINNING
In November, I signed up for a fiber-of-the-month club with Paradise Fibers. It never disappoints. I look forward to that box with lots of anticipation and it always has more fiber than I can spin in a month. I'm changing to part-time on June 1, and maybe I'll be able to spin a little more when the time comes.