Happy New Year! I for one am looking forward to 2013. I love a brand new year all laid out before me and this one looks like it might be a goodie :)
Above, is my knitting from the last week. Beautiful hand-dyed fingering Alpaca/Silk/Cashmere yarn from Skein Queen, delightfully named Enchanted, in a colourway that I can't find a name for, but am calling "Caramel Delicious".
I've started 2013 as I mean to continue: knitting for myself. To be precise, making myself a handmade wardrobe. It's been my dream for a while to knit, sew and make most of my clothes, accessories, including bags and jewellery. Finally, I seem to be a relatively steady size and Tess is nursing less often, it feels like a good time to get started. I'll try to get out of my jeans and might even risk a dress occasionally. Although I'd love a totally handmade wardrobe, I'm not intending to make absolutely everything. I'll fill out the gaps with lovely bought bits and, where I can, will buy handmade things too. I don't intend to make underwear or shoes (although slippers are in the pipeline) and I do love good cotton socks, but I'd love to wear more clothes that I've made. I'm thinking that I'll go at it outfit by outfit - that way I'll mix up my crafting; knitting here, sewing there, and hopefully trying a few new things too. Sound fun? I can't wait!
I also have a second, but related, plan for 2013. I described it to the Myrtle kids as "back to school", a title to which they looked a little dubious. Don't fret, I'm not actually going back to school (I have four little kids to cook, clean and tend to, remember?) but I'm going to pretend that I am. I'm a sucker for wanting to know all the stuff and this year I'm going to try to learn a whole lot more about knitting and sewing - especially designing my own patterns. I'm starting with a photography night class... that way I can show you all what I'm up to a little more artfully. And after all, deep down in my heart, that's where it all starts for me. Art. I'm feeling excited already.
The lovely "Caramel Delicious" in my pictures is the beginnings of an Audrey in Unst, a very popular pattern by the super clever Gudrun Johnston. Thank goodness I took these photos. Do you see my major boo boo? I hadn't noticed that the left front and the right front don't match. I haven't knit enough lace on one side. I misread the pattern and skipped a bunch of rows! What a twit. I've unpicked it already and am ready to re-knit the top of the left front....
My project notes on Ravelry are here.
I have the same dream of a 'me-made' wardrobe and am going to work towards producing it this year. I love that your second goal for the year is expanding your own knowledge base. I think one of the best things a person can do for herself is to continue learning everyday!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how much I don't know! It's exciting how accessible learning new stuff is these days - the internet is amazing :)
DeleteAll of that sounds wonderful! It's a little bit like you read my mind and then published it on your blog to make sure you actually follow through. Whenever I find I'm talking myself out of making changes that I know will make life better, I'll think of you and hopefully that will spur me on to get started. Happy New Year to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteHere's to a bit of follow through!
DeleteOh a photography night course sounds awesome - as do all your plans for 2013! Can't wait to see what you create!
ReplyDeleteI was talking to my husband about a photography course today, something I would be interested in pursuing, I will await your comments.
ReplyDeleteLove that you have such a strong desire to keep learning ... I'm right there with you!
ReplyDeleteYour goals for the year are inspiring!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an awesome plan for your year! The sweater is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent goal for 2013. It's interesting how looking at one's work from another perspective (eg a photo) can show up things we wouldn't normally see. I find that all the time! Looks like 2013 is set to be a fulfilling and wonderful year for you.
ReplyDeleteso beautiful! wishing you a year full of successful and satisfying 'making'! ♥
ReplyDeleteLove the new top!
ReplyDeleteI think you have a splendid goal. It will be fun to watch this come alive.
ReplyDeletethis looks just beautiful - can't wait to see it finished!
ReplyDeleteOhhh! That sounds ambitious but super fun. I have a fabulous Nikon SLR camera and have no idea how to use it. ;-). I really need to work on my photography skills and maybe I will get into a class soon. You're very inspirational.
ReplyDeleteHi Libby
ReplyDeleteThat top is lovely - beautiful colour and wonderful knitting. I like your resolutions A LOT! I am a huge fan of lifelong learning. I have recently become totally obsessed with Craftsy classes for both knitting and sewing. I have a few I could recommend if you are interested. I have just started one about sewing with knits (eg jersey fabric). I'll look forward to watching your handmade wardrobe grow... I love your blog. I am sorry I don't comment as often as I should, but I am always lurking!
Happy new year
Martine
Thanks, no worries about the commenting, I find it so tricky to get around to commenting, even reading lots of blogs too. I love the inspiration but it does eat into your time, and can be a little overwhelming!
DeleteI am a total addict to Craftsy too :) I have the knits class, bought the walking foot... Watched the first few classes but need to get back to it. It's the same with a bunch more! Although I bought the shawl class after you recommended it and watched it right to the end. Isn't she wonderful? I learnt sooooo much.
I've been "practicing" my photography on the kids all afternoon. Off to see how they've turned out. Might have to bore everyone with some snaps :)
I love the cardi and thats a brilliant resolution that one day I hope to emulate. I'm pretty much that was with the op shops but knitting is a whole other story!
ReplyDeleteOH NO boo to having to reknit. I think rekniting is my life! I am not a very patient knitter. I love the idea of a handmade wardrobe, I might have a go at that too. I really want to try a jumper for me and once I have done that I think I will be well away. Good luck with all the learning, it sounds wonderful, pattern writing especially. - Annie
ReplyDeleteI love the cardigan. It has been on my list for a while, maybe I will get to it this year. I love your NY resolution. I too would love to do more for me and continue to learn more. I did a photography course two years ago and love what I learnt out of it.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing the cardi finished