I’m not usually much of a resolution making type of person, but I’m making a new plan this year. I’m creating a Gift Box for crafted items. It’ll be a long range planning box, inspired by the Yarn Harlot. I’d like to have that kind of magic also – prepared with a lovely handmade for any occasion. I think that’s something worth working toward. The beauty of this is that I can knit whatever inspires me throughout the year, then sort out the recipients later. Knitting for fun, inspired by yarn and patterns – for me, that’s the fun of it all.
Another aspect of this new plan involves stash. I’m going to work through mine this year. Not all the way through it, because Holey Moley, that would be impossible. But it’s long outgrown it’s original containers and is threatening to take over the place, so I’m reducing it, for sure! I’ve heard it termed going Cold Sheep. Yep. That’s what I’m doing. Cold sheeping. I’ll pick my projects based on the yarn I have and put this lovely stash I’m so lucky to own to its intended use.
Yarn clubs aren’t in the plan this year. It’s not that I don’t love the idea – it’s just that I already have far too much. Last year, the Yarn Harlot, a source of unending inspiration, described her plan of creating your own sock club from your stash - which involved spending some time picking patterns you already own and pairing them with stash yarn, then sealing them in bags for use throughout the year. A new project at your fingertips whenever you like. How’s that for brilliance? Using those things you’ve already spent good money on. Smart cookie, that Stephanie!
I’ll knit for myself too! I’d like to make a real, live grown-up cardigan. One that is larger than a breadbox. I’m starting with a bulky weight cardigan – Iced by Carol Feller. I’m doing it as part of a January/February Knitalong with the Stockinette Zombies Podcast Ravelry group, because even though I’m awfully excited about it, my first adult sized sweater knit is going to require a little hand holding.
2012 is going to be a very good year. One I can be proud of.
And yourselves?
We’d love to have you join our new Simply Notable Ravelry Group and share your own crafty plans for the New Year.
Let 2012 be a spectacular one, Crafty Friends!
9 Comments
I made my own “Promises to Try” for this year, just as I did last year. I found the promises to try are way better than resolutions, which simply set me up for failure. If I simply promise to try, then even if I don’t succeed in the endeavor, I’ve succeeded overall by simply attempting it in the first place. It’s amazing what a change in mindset can do – because I actually obtained all that I had planned to do last year by following one of my sources of inspiration – the lovely Mrs Paula Deen. You can read all my promises on my blog and I’ll share them in the group too – but I love what you’re doing and I am thinking seriously about joining on the Gift Box idea.
That’s what I love about the New Year. A fresh start always feels good. It’s just that little change in mindset….makes you feel like anything’s possible.
I’ve been on/off my yarn “diet” this year. Much like a regular diet.. sometimes you fall off the wagon. If that happens I just try again. But I to am trying to use what I have… I have less than most.. but more than I would like. My last purchase was last night at 1130pm! oops… I couldn’t help myself.. 50% off and the first 200 people get a grab bag… ok.. I digress… this year… I will use what’s in my stash. …. I promise!
I’m with you, Susan. I try not to be hard on myself. After all, it’s only knitting.
And I’m not a big spender on most things. Just on yarn. 
Oh, and spindles. And fiber….and….uh, well, nevermind. 
I am not much of a resolution maker either, and when I have tried to be I have failed miserably. In fact, I have just blogged about this very thing.
It will be fun to read at the end of the year to see what you have collected in your box. It is a great idea! And I love the Iced sweater! Now I am off to join your new Ravelry group. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Kristie! I love your blog! You’re such a good writer. Isn’t the Iced sweater great? Nice and comfy looking -loosely fitted. My kind o’ sweater.
I’m with you on the grown-up cardigan. I want to make mine this year too. I have the yarn…. I just need to figure out what to do with it. And, um, you know, DO IT.
Yep. It’s the DOing it that gets me every time.
Do you have any pattern finalists?
I have absolutely nothing near a shortlist… just a gazillion ideas.
http://www.ravelry.com/people/gravitytester/stash/silvana-2