December 2011

2011 was an up and down year if I’ve ever had one.  I think I will look back on this year and remember exactly that – lots of highs and lows.  There were definitely some great things – my trip to Harrisville, fun times with friends and family, a fabulously snowy winter, the success I’ve had at work with getting my new program.  And there were some rough things that I don’t particularly want to look back on.  I am instead looking forward – at what parts of those rough spots were in my control and what I can do to fix them.  I want 2012 to be a better year – and if I have any say, it sure as hell will be.

I can say that it was a rather successful year for the knitting.  My grand total for the year – 21 finished projects.  Two of those were long on the needles UFOs – Wisteria (“only” a couple of years) and Oh! Canada (it moved with me – once across state lines and once across town).  That was one of my goals for the year – one of the few I managed to complete (we’re not going to discuss the non-fiber goals, which went to hell in about March).  It was big for me to finish them and is absolutely motivating me for 2012 – I plan to tackle my biggest and oldest UFO next year.  2011 turned out to be the year of the accessory, whether I meant for it to be or not.  Of my knits for the year, there was just one adult sweater.  The rest: 4 kid things (3 pairs of slippers and a sweater), 4 home accessories (a pillow cover, stocking, ornament and key chain thing), 4 scarves/cowls, 4 shawls (including one handspun!!!), 2 pairs of socks, a hat and a pair of fair isle mittens.  I’d love to add one more shawl to that total but its not looking so likely

There of course was other fiber-y stuff – spinning and learning to weave and a couple of dye days (not enough).  2011 was a slow year for The Painted Sheep.  I think I’m at a point where I’m OK with it just being what it is – my little “hobby” business.  There was a point at which I had dreams of growing it much bigger.  Life has changed so much since then that its just not in the cards for the foreseeable future.  Now, if I win the lottery or figure out how to add 6 more hours to the day and get an “investor” to pump a little cash in, I promise to jump right back in with both feet.  Until then, I’m content with what it is – some online sales, some fun events and a great excuse to play in my studio from time to time.  It still brings me great joy so I plan to keep at it.  There’s still lots more fun to come.

I plan to see this year off and welcome 2012 with a bang – Jenni’s coming over for Cheap Wine and Chinese Night, New Year’s Eve style, which involves the usual mix of exceptionally cheap wine (I went boxed!) and take out from Great Taste, with a tequila toast at midnight and quite possibly, boozy cupcakes.  There will be knitting and gossiping and a lot of laughs.  I’m ready to see this year off and can’t think of a better way to do it.

To all of you, have a safe and happy New Year!