Stashbusting 2014

One of the things I consistently mean to do is be more productive in various ways, but manage to procrastinate even in things that I want to do. So I am trying to get back into the habit of making more things. I have quite a decent stash of yarn and can make a lot of projects from it, which is one thing I hope to start working on more.

This past week, I have been on a crochet kick. I think because it's still a newer craft for me than knitting it holds some interest in getting to learn new things and experiment with the different forms it has to offer. I'd like to delve into some knitting techniques I haven't tried before more, as well. For now, here are some of my creations.

For this hat, I used this Gumdrop Slouchy Hat pattern. I only had one ball of the main yarn and was running short so decided to use some coordinating gray yarn for the last few rounds around the band of the hat. (Also I am wearing the Mario shirt made by my friend Amanda at Dustbunny Paradise).

This next project I started a few months ago and sat unfinished, so I decided to pick it up and complete it.

This pattern is the Brain Waves Beanie. I like the result of this pattern and may end up using it again with different yarns and colors.

Finally, I made this hat from pattern Phannie. I liked the original red of the hat in the pattern and had a skein of red Ella Rae classic wool in my stash that was perfect for it.

I have been up to some more crocheting besides that as well, to be shared at another time.

New Year, Old Blog

With new years come new goals and inspirations, with people making all sorts of resolutions which often come to nothing. That is one reason I've never really bothered making them. If I want to do or change something, it shouldn't wait until some arbitrary change in the calendar. But if that's the kick in the pants that it takes, maybe it's time to go with it.

I remember a year ago, as 2012 was turning to 2013. I had done a lot that year. I had gone and studied in London, where I had dreamed of going since I was a little girl. I graduated college. I moved back to Vermont, which had been planning for years. And I spent the last moments of the year feeling miserable, lost, and confused.

I knew that I needed to change things, and I'm so glad that in 2013 that was able to happen, even if it completely strayed from the path I had originally intended to follow. The proverbial "they" caution you never to say never, so by being so adamant that I would never return to Utah, it's only natural that should be what happened. Of course, falling in love seemed like a pretty good reason to do so, and it has served me well so far. While I miss Vermont and my family and friends there, I ended the year in a much better emotional place than I started it.

Now, I don't know what will happen in 2014 and I don't have grand plans and schemes--I know their tendancy to fall apart too well. What I do know is that I would like to spend it doing more of the things I love, with the people that make me happy.

Happy New Year