My New Year's Resolution

I only made one this year. One resolution. Well, two actually, now that I think about it, but they're both under one main resolution - to learn something new. Last year, learning to sew was SEW much fun and opened up such a whole new world to me, that I don't want to stop. I want to continue to challenge myself and open new creative doors for myself. So this year, my resolutions were to learn to knit and to learn to quilt (which is really just an extension of sewing).

For Christmas, my little sister, Kristina, who overheard me say I wanted to learn to knit, got me a "learn to knit" kit. So, the day after Christmas (or was it later on Christmas day?), I sat down and started knitting. I quickly fell in love with it, and have used some gift cards to purchase yarn and more needles. I found a wonderful yarn store in Redlands, about a half hour from my house, with a great selection of natural fiber yarns, including some wonderfully soft merino wool yarn from Uraguay, called Malabrigo.

My first project was a pair of fingerless mittens that I made out of some acrylic Homespun yarn. They turned out "okay," but they're a bit too big and loose. My second project - my "Mackenzie" project - the one that has kept me sane this week - turned out completely wonderful. I used worsted weight Malabrigo yarn in a gorgeous brown colorway called Marron Oscuro. It is kettle-dyed, with many shades of brown and even some maroon-mauvey tones thrown in. It is gorgeous and soft and buttery. The original pattern is here, with the modified version for worsted weight yarn here. I can't wait for it to cool off again so I can wear it!!

So...I think I'm doing well on my New Year's Resolutions! It's only January 15, and I can check one off! I have to say, knitting is VERY calming. Oh, and Deanna - it involves some counting - so you would LOVE it!!! ;)

(P.S. Sorry the pics are fuzzy - that's what happens when you take pics of yourself in the bathroom mirror!!)