My Sock-Centric Year

I will remember 2011 as the Year of the Sock. I had a goal to knit 12 pairs of socks…which I didn’t meet…even with participating in TWO sock knitting competitions (Sock Sniper and Tour de Sock). I knit 11 pairs…and actually only finished the 11th pair on January 3rd of this year…but I’m still counting it as a 2011 sock! These are some of my favorites-

What do I do with all of these socks, you ask? Some (very, very few) are given away, but mostly they live in my hand-knit sock drawer. When I lived in Scotland I wore them nearly every day...but here in south Florida they are worn a bit less frequently.

Sometimes I peek in there to get a boost of happiness and satisfaction. I can’t even imagine what my friends who have knit dozens of sweater or blankets or shawls feel like when they look in their closets!

New Year Happiness

I have completely fallen behind in my blog reading. Today I finally sat down with some coffee and no agenda and caught up. I was so inspired! (As an aside, one of the first downloads I made when I got my iPad last year was Pulse, and that is what I use as a blog reader. But I’ve never done any research or gave any more thought to if there is a better reader out there….so I’d love to know if you have any other recommendations!)

Feeling inspired includes not only wanting to learn and do things, but also to document and share my adventures, which has me planning to update my blog more often. Which ties into my 2012 goals.

I have a lot of goals for this year. I really love making lists and planning, so New Year’s resolutions are always abundant…I actually really love the process of making lists and thinking about what I want to accomplish for the year.

I have SO much I want to do this year; I definitely need to make a lot of changes to make me happier and healthier. I don’t want to freak you out by publishing my omnibus of goals, so I thought I would start with my knitting-related goals.

1. Dye yarn. I’ve never done it, and I have 7 hanks of undyed yarn just waiting for me!
2. Choose a pattern-keeping system. They live in a couple of boxes right now and on my computer. I need to decide if I want to go completely digital, or organize them into binders, or leave as is, or what.
3. Complete at least one stranded colorwork project (probably fun mittens).
4. Make at least 5 projects to donate for charity.
5. Knit Hemlock Ring Blanket with yarn spun from my friend’s sheep.
6. Knit shawl for Mom with yarn she picked out on her birthday. Last August.
7. Knit through stash. If I’m aching for new yarn, I will only buy as many yards as I have already knit out of my stash.
8. Re-attempt my failed Niebling.

Here’s hoping 2012 is better than 2011 and filled with joy, friends, and new beginnings!