Looking back

I thought long and hard about doing my usual year end blog post; started it, deleted it, and eventually decided that I would write something about the past twelve months. Everything falls into one of two times - before or after Mr JK died. I can't believe almost three months have passed by. Time flies and all that, but I've definitely not been having fun. Mr JK and I always had a very low-key New Year. A lovely meal and then enjoying each other's company before heading up to bed, usually fast asleep way before midnight, with Flo snuggled in between us. Now I'm moving into 2017 and feel like I'm leaving Mr JK behind in 2016. Life is still incredibly sad, but sharing things with you does help me in my grieving. I'll try not to be too much of a misery guts!

These were the resolutions I made at the start of 2016:

1. To knit from stash as much as possible.

2. To sew a garment that is actually wearable!

3. To continue designing and publish some more patterns.

4. To improve my free motion stitching.

5. To start spinning again.

6. To finish my Cosy blanket and my Love Squared blanket.

So how did I get on?

1. To knit from stash as much as possible. 

Well although my stash seems to have grown exponentially, most of it has come as gifts from friends. I did buy a little at Fibre-East and Ally Pally, but I have tried really hard not to buy more yarn. Who knows what will happen in 2017 - I suspect there may be a little 'comfort' buying, and I already have a trip to Loop planned for later this month as well as Unravel in February. I promise to share any new squishiness with you!

2. To sew a garment that is actually wearable!

Yes, I did it! I did a workshop at the brilliant SewMeSomething in Stratford-upon-Avon and made a Kate dress. I have the pattern to sew an Imogen top and that's going to be my next sewing project. Here's the photographic evidence that it is wearable!

3. To continue designing and publish some more patterns.

I published five new patterns this year. There are several more in the pipeline that need writing up too! You can find all my patterns free here on Ravelry. 

4. To improve my free motion stitching.

I really love free motion stitching, having been inspired by the work of Poppy Treffry. I've made a few cushions as gifts for people this year and would like to do more of this kind of sewing, perhaps on some project bags too.

5. To start spinning again.

I did do some spinning last year - ready for the spinning competition at Fibre-East and also during the Tour de Fleece. Sadly, it hasn't carried on. I don't really understand why, except that there aren't enough hours in the day for me to do all the crafty things I'd like. It is very soothing so I really ought to find time again.

6. To finish my Cosy blanket and my Love Squared blanket.

The Cosy blanket is done! I love it, it's so colourful and happy. Its new home is over the back of one of the sofas, and as I often find a pussy-cat shaped dent in it, I think Florence is rather fond of it too! The Love Squared blanket is still in its individual blocks. I'll have to try and work on it this year.

So what for 2017? I'm not going to set myself lots of specific goals this year. I'm continuing to work with Stylecraft as one of their Blogstars and am very excited about that. Mr JK was so proud of me when I was asked to be part of the team and I want to keep making him proud with all the things that I achieve in the coming year. I'm so thankful for all my friends for all their kindness. Both at home and in Blogland, I have been really touched by the support I've received. I think that my knitting and other crafting is going to be one of the things that helps me as I begin my journey into 2017. I'll be taking you along with me, sharing the highs and lows, as I go. Please keep me company. xxx