Another year, another discussion of goals.

This is why I don't really "do" New Year's Resolutions, any more. I totally lack follow-through, particularly in the checking-in-on-goal-progress front.

Anyway.  2013.  21 finished projects, 6 of which were socks (plus another pair which I was half-done with on New Year's Eve.)

Big goals for 2014: Knit MOAR, and knit more socks.  At least 14 pairs of socks this year.  I use my hand-knitted socks more than anything else I make (except maybe dishcloths).

So, more socks.

1/2 pair down, 13.5 to go.

January 2013 Summary

So, I'm at 1,311 yards and 10 projects for the year, so far.  If I continue to work at the same rate (highly unlikely!), I might actually exceed at least part of my 2013 output goals.  Let's all hold our collective breath on that one, yeah?

Anyway, on to the pictures!

52 in 2013: Weeks 1 & 2

Well, well, if it isn't the second week of January.  I can tell I had some time off, because I actually got a few things D-O-N-E at the beginning of the month.  WOO!

Apparently, I am on a pig kick.  In my own defense, the first pig was planned in 2010, started in 2011, and knit (mostly) in 2012.  I did the finishing work in 2013, so I'm claiming it for this year.

My Year Starts Sometime in May

I am currently in the throes of writing a 140-page document that serves as the capstone of my master's program.  I have also in my fourth month of full-time teaching in an interim position of indefinite length.  Bluntly: I have no time for hobbies.

I've still managed to squeeze in a very few number of fiber-related projects, but my production is low, compared to the past two years.

I still found time to spin 268 yards of noms.

Beginning in May (when I - hopefully - graduate with a Masters of Arts in Teaching), I'll renew my efforts to document my fiber-related pursuits while simultaneously trying to use up my stash (as ever).

Until then?  Picture me frantically writing essays while gazing longingly at whatever I've got on the needles or on the spindle.

52 in 52: Week 43

I blame the Harry Potter Knit Crochet House Cup on Ravelry

I'm a bit closer to "on track" with this hare-brained scheme, although I'm not convinced I'll hit 52, between work and school and my work assignment getting extended and extended and extended (which is an AWESOME thing).

Since I've finally figured out spinning, I'm counting yarns-I-make in my "finished object count" for the year. And I've been making yarn like whoa because (a) I can do it in the dark, which makes it movie-compatible and (b) I can do it even when my brain is mush from the over-tired.

Om Nom Nom

 My first useable yarn is a worsted-ish weight 2-ply merino/massam/silk blend that knits and warms like a bulky-weight alpaca.  (I spun the first 45 yards, then started knitting, stopping only to spin more yarn when I ran out.)

52 in 52: Week 31

So, Weeks 16 through 30 were, um, busy.  Between trying to finish up student teaching and all the involved paperwork (including the never-ending portfolio), trying to find a job for this fall, volunteering at summer school, and the Vacation of Awesome, it's been a fairly breathless summer.

 I found time to complete another Umbrous shawl, however, which ... just ... Crystal writes amazing patterns.  Super easy to follow, scalable, and a beautiful end project.  Love.

52 in 52: Week 15

I'm at the end of my semester, so knitting time has been scarce as I try to wrap up all my deliverables for student teaching.  I did finish one object, last week: a simple alpaca cowl/eternity scarf.

The so-called Snuggly Cowl used both skeins of Blue Sky Alpacas that I had in my stash and the end result is smooshable and warm - too warm, in fact, to wear with my winter coat.  Perhaps when I switch over to a lighter jacket, since I still have car lot duty every afternoon.

I like the simple, but not boring to knit (free!) pattern.  This might be a reasonable choice for simple gifts, in the future.  (Mine, for now, though!)

52 in 52: Weeks 3 - 14

Did I mention that student teaching is keeping me busy?!  Blogging has fallen way down the priority list, despite promises to myself about Doing Better about such things.

I've managed to finish a few projects since my last post, however, which brings me to five projects completed for the year, with another umpteen in progress.  I can't talk about one of my recent finishes, knit largely between bronchitis-induced naps over Spring Break, as it is a gift (and a spectacular one at that).  The other two products are less inspiring, but no less finished:

 Yes, a dishcloth.  Previously-knit (as in when I first started learning, back in 2002 or 2003) cloths are starting to develop worrisome holes and other signs of being used up.

So I made a new one.  And attempted to dye it, using Coca-Cola.  (I learned that Coke makes a poor dye base because the "dye" comes out in the wash.  Oh, well.)

52 in 52: Weeks 1 & 2

Despite the challenges of student teaching (I'm even more invested in defending Saturdays as time OFF), I'm still squeezing in time to knit, here and there.  I don't know if I'll be able to maintain this pace, but I'm more-or-less on track to complete 52 projects in 2011.

So far, I've finished two and started a third and, perhaps best of all, they are all for me.  The fourth project scheduled for January is the second mitten of a pair; the first is done (save the thumb).

Christmas time is here, again!

OK, not really, since it's JUNE, but I've finished the first gift for Christmas 2010.

This does not classify me as one of those super-organized people, unfortunately; gifts from Christmas 2009 are still here - they never made it to the intended recipients (family emergency that required me to fly across the country on Christmas Eve plus recipients with address unknown, but still.)

BUT.  I have completed the first Christmas gift for this year.

I am very excited about this.  (No pictures, as it's 11:30 pm and I am tired.)