2011...a Retrospective

2011 has been a pretty good year for me. I didn't keep an exact tally of all the garments I made, but looking in my closet and seeing mostly me-made items tell I'm on the right track. I made the Jalie jeans (which are now too big...happy or sad??? Not sure) Probably my favorites would include the Jalie Scarf tops, cardigans and Vogue 1250, considering I made multiples of all in rapid succession.

I also was fortunate to be a test stitcher for Sewaholic's Minoru jacket. What a great pattern! Tasia really has a finger on the pulse of pattern development and I love my first "muslin" jacket. I have another cut out and ready to sew. Here is the original:

Other highlights of 2011 include meeting Gaylen (sorry, not a picture one was taken to commemorate the event) and of course our trip last month to visit the kids and cheer for Sara at her original marathon in Athens, Greece!

Getting to spend time with this little man was a big highlight of the trip. He really loves his Pop!

I vaguely remember a goal last year to step up my knitting. I became a mad sock knitter over the summer and cranked out multiple pairs while traveling back and forth to LaPine (when Tom was driving...I don't support knitting and driving at the same time!) I just tackled 2 socks at a time, even though everyone at the fire station made fun of my attempts! I'm happy to report I got past the difficulty of the cast on and the socks are looking pretty good, despite the fact that my circulars are old and stiff. I just ordered some ChiaoGoo circulars with a 47" cord so I can magic loop them and do 2 socks with one needle. Crazy, huh? I made a lace scarf and several cowls this Fall. I was able to purchase steal a yarn stash from a gal who was leaving the country to teach English in an Asian country. Sadly I have made a big dent in that stash and need to seek out more fiber. Luckily that is not a problem.  I tackled cables and yes Gaylen, you were right...they're not that difficult! The embroidery business kept me busier than I would like, but I can't complain...well I can, sewing for others seriously cuts into my sewing time for me, but at least people like what I do, so that's nice. I just wish they wouldn't dream up all these wild impossible tasks for me to do!
Tom bought me an iphone for Christmas and who knew...I love it! I keep my phone charged now at all times. I play Words with Friends. Sara is majorly kicking my butt, but she always was good with words!
I can't really think of anything negative about 2011. I'm sure there were times, but most of the time my memory sees the glass over half full. There may be something to this getting old thing! I am not going to set any resolutions (although I would be happy if 10 pounds just dropped off!), but my wish for 2012 is to be healthy, happy and productive! Happy New Year!!!