Last year I sat right here in the Coastal Cottage at Sunset Beach, South Carolina and set eight knitting goals for the year. They weren't extravagant or far reaching, they were just things I wanted to do in 2015. Before I set my goals for 2016, I thought I would review how I did in 2015.
Goal #1 was to continue Knitting: A Love Story and I did. Who would have thought that I would have had 22 months of knitting to talk about?!?!?! It has been fun and challenging and rewarding. I have met so many people both f2f and online because of this little project. I got invited to participate in the Detroit New Stitch Together. It has been a blast. Please don't think any publishing company has picked up Knitting: A Love Story. My Mom can't/won't read from a tablet or a computer so I had Knitting: A Love Story printed last year so she could read it. I did the same thing this year, but don't have a picture and didn't bring a copy of the book with me. I've always wanted to be published. I've dreamed of writing something so good that after I'm gone people would still be reading it. I really don't think Knitting: A Love Story falls into that category but it is kind of a kick to see my name on a book.
I am going to lump Goals 2 and 5 together because they happened in the same place. Goal 2 was take a knitting class and Goal 5 was visit Crafty Lady Trio. I accomplished both of these at Crafty Lady Trio. I took a class on using the iPad for knitting and learned lots but two things really brought it home. I was introduced to Pinterest and I learned how to put Ravelry and Patternfish patterns into iBooks and carry them with me always. I must admit my addiction to Pinterest. I will put something into search and the next thing you know 2 hours have past. I found Tess's Fine Yarns (my gradient blanket, and YES I believe I will finish it while we're here!), a beautiful gradient teal yarn on Esty and so many exquisite patterns. Linda and I made a visit to Crafty Lady Trio to reconnect with the friendly atmosphere and fabulous fibers. Unfortunately, the marvelous Martina wasn't there but her equally marvelous (I just couldn't come up with another "m" word) daughter Megan was there. Crafty Lady Trio is where Linda's and my mutual love affair with knitting began. We have taken many classes and learned many things: The Crayon Box Jacket, knitting with Koigu, knitting with Valentina Devine and her game changing module knitting, finishing tips, knitting with Maggie Jackson and her production approach and many more things. Check off Goals 2 and 5 and seal it with a kiss.
Goal 3 was to finish my Kauni sweater which I didn't. I love this piece of knitted fabric so I know I will finish it. Unlike the Noro Silk Garden jacket which is becoming an afghan.
Goal 4 was to knit with Twisted Fiber Arts yarn which I did. Not only did I knit with it, I stalked Hazel's Grandma to get this pattern which I loved. I knitted with Twisted Fiber Arts but not enough. I would check this off with hesitation. I really wanted to use one of my big cakes for a glorious shawl but I did technically complete my goal.
Goal 6 was to visit Knit Purl in Portland, Oregon and meet the fabulous Oleya. Dick and I were going to fly to San Francisco and drive the Pacific Coast Highway in September/October then the fires happened. We decided 2015 was not the year to do this. But Linda got to go to Knit Purl and meet Oleya.
Someday, this picture will be of Oleya and me.
Goal 7 was to begin working on The Knitter's Life List. I decided to start with knitting swatches of exotic yarn then comparing the feel. I did buy several yarns and I did knit one swatch, so technically I did BEGIN work on the Knitter's Life List. To paraphrase Bill Clinton, "It depends on what you mean by begin." I do love this book and will begin working through it.
Goal 8 was to knit more with Linda. I forgot what I used to tell clients when I facilitated strategic planning. "Never set a goal for yourself that is dependent on somebody else. You only have the ability to effect what you do not what somebody else does." Linda is just so busy. The life of an elementary principal is not a predictable one. Linda is the very best building principal. Many nights she will call at 7:00 or later and will be just leaving school. Some day Linda will retire and we will have time to knit to our hearts content. Until then, this is a dream rather than a goal.
This is how life interfered with plans. Last year at this time when I set my goals, there wasn't such a thing as Ann's By Design. My goals were plausible and possible. I really did have time to commit to each one. Then I committed to working for Ann both in the store and teaching classes. Factoring this new commitment in, I really didn't have enough time to complete my goals but I wouldn't change a thing. I love being a part of Ann's By Design. I love the people I work with and the customers who come in. I love the people in the Friday social knitting and have made two new friends. (Hi, Thea and Dawn!) I committed to Ann for a year but in December I told her I would volunteer for her as long as it is working for her.
Dick is going to golf on Tuesday but it's too cold for me. I'll finish up my 2016 goals then.
Dick is going to golf on Tuesday but it's too cold for me. I'll finish up my 2016 goals then.
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