paint it, black

Penelope the Empathetic Monster by Rebecca Danger

julekuler by Arne & Carlos

Here are some of the things I knit in the lead up to Christmas. Pure wool yarn in beautiful colours, employing new skills, developing them, even, sometimes mastering, them (that's a good feeling) and although I follow a pattern there are happy decisions to be made about colour choices and finishing details.

Morning Owl tea cosy by Debi Birkin

This time of year is a time of reflection and I have a knitting bucket list. It's not written down anywhere, it's in my head growing, changing, percolating and ... putting pressure on me. I get impatient with myself for getting distracted by cute small patterns, starting projects impulsively and putting off the challenging projects.

Christmas gifts of yarn have added to my stash and one surprise gift caused a minor crisis. Luxurious black angora with a pattern for a cardigan, a thoughtful and generous present that I was tempted to return! This is my most dreaded type of project, a project that is all about the product. A product that is only reached by hours of black stockinette knitting and then five fluffy pieces that require expert sewing (a skill I am still working on).

I could not let this expensive yarn sit in my stash making me feel guilty, on Boxing Day I cast on the angora. I am on a mission, I will be monogamous.

I have also joined a Ravelry group called IntSweMoDo2013. I am looking forward to a productive year of knitting. Wish me luck.