I fell in love with a really wonderful guy, and that's why I had such an amazing year. I won't get all mushy here, except to say that I'm happier than I've ever been! I don't know how I got so blessed to have Kenny in my life, but I thank God for him. I can't believe that a year ago today, I was a nauseous, nervous wreck about going out on our first date that night, ha.
2015 was a big step for me in getting out of my little bubble, because I started going to knitting group every week. And that continued on in 2016 because it turns out that, of course, as a quiet and awkward introvert, being in a relationship really pulls you out of your comfort zone. I've met new people (his family and friends) and gone new places, but more importantly, I've had to learn how to open up to another person and let him see who I really am. And hey, I'm still awkward and quiet, but Kenny doesn't mind. :)
Another good thing that happened this year was that I got two wool sheep. I didn't write about it at the time, but sadly the smaller one, Violet, died after we'd had her a couple of weeks (due to an accident with some netting/fencing). But it turns out that Agatha was pregnant when we got her, and she unexpectedly had a lamb recently. It's a female, so I'll be keeping her, though I haven't decided on a name yet.
Okay, so moving on to my knitting for the year. In total, I finished 41 projects. 20 of those were items to sell at craft shows, and 12 were gifts. The remaining nine were for myself, but about half of those were socks, so I really didn't knit myself much this year. I really need more sweaters, so that's hopefully going to be my focus in 2017.
Favorite knit of 2016: My In Stillness sweater! (Though I really love my Elder Tree Shawl, too.)
Least favorite knit of 2016: Happily, I don't have one. I knitted so few things for myself, but they were all things that I really thought about and planned out, so they're all loved and worn often.
I didn't do so great with my yarny resolutions, except for the one about being selective with my purchases. I didn't buy much yarn at all in 2016, so I feel good about that. I'm knitting up my stash! But I didn't make time to spin weekly, or take that drafting Craftsy class, or learn how to weave (I started experimenting with a small piece, but that's it), or start making craft fair inventory early in the year. Oops.
But if I failed those, then my sewing resolutions were laughable. I only had two: sew a pair of jeans, and start a new quilt, and I made no progress on those at all. Except that I did begin sorting my fabric scraps by color and prewashing them for the quilt. However, I did combine a couple of patterns to make my ideal dress! I'm very happy about that...I made three of those dresses this year and plan on making more in 2017.
How did you do with your 2016 resolutions?
I'm happy with my knitting for this year (picking up continental style plus discovering Ravelry plus your blog has really helped me push off my laziness these last few years) although I don't think I did anywhere near 41. I didn't buy much for most of the year (not out of self-control, unfortunately, lol), but I did get some yarn for Christmas. I know I've made progress in downsizing my stash, but it is still too much. For the winter I'm planning on making a bunch of small baby items to have on hand for last minute gifts.
ReplyDeleteYarn for Christmas is always a good thing! I got one skein of sock yarn that I picked out back in the spring. That's a good idea, I need to plan ahead like that. It seems like there's always a baby coming along in need of handknits. :)
DeleteMy life didn't change (outwardly) in 2016, but it felt like a really good year. I feel like I learned a lot, which is always a good thing. It's a sad thing if we ever stop learning. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad your year was nice, Kristin. :)
Some years are like that: overall good, though without any huge changes. Learning a lot is always a good thing! Here's to a wonderful 2017. :)
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