In With The New

The start of a new year is such a convenient time to set goals. It’s a catalyst waiting to happen. It’s a cleverly placed node for ending/beginning followed by a couple of months of sketchy weather (“just sit indoors and think about what you’ve done”). As I read my favorite blogs at this time of year, I find I learn a lot about their writers by reading what they’d like to change. This year, I’ll share a couple of ways I’d like to grow in the coming year, knit-wise and life-wise. It seems to me that, without goals, I’ll never get anywhere. Who ever heard of jumping in the car and just driving without a Point B in mind?

1. Be more active on Ravelry. I’d like to be more present in groups and forums and really learn to use Ravelry fully. I love the community; we’re fortunate to have such an incredible reference at our disposal.
2. 16 in ’16. I’m happy to say that I have no shortage of ideas, nor do I have trouble actualizing on the good ones most of the time. Why then, do I have a stack of unwritten, unpublished knitting patterns on my desk? Your guess is as good as mine. 16 patterns in 2016. Go!
3. Teach less, learn more. I taught a lot last year. I wrote 3 new classes and refreshed my samples on 2 others. That’s a lot of time and expense when you consider that they all need to be tested, timed and have samples knit for them. I really love teaching, but I think I’d rather focus on teaching less often and to larger groups. (And there are a couple of classes I’m dying to take 😉
4. Explore new yarns and tools. When I look back over the last 2 years of knitting, I find I’m in a bit of a rut. Now, this would be the perfect cue for me to say “I’m going to knit from stash or I’m going to ‘finish or frog'” but that’s not quite right. I need a fresh approach. To this end, you can find me at Romini this Friday, touching things! (Thanks, honey 😉
5. Trust my style instinct. One way or another, I’ve bought lunch as a designer for almost 30 years. That’s a lot of silk purses out of sow’s ears. You’d think by now I’d have a little confidence. Stop second guessing, Cheryl and do it; there’s no need to dress it up, which leads to my next point…
6. Keep it simple.
7. Launch the damn podcast, already! You can catch the very first episode on Friday, January 15. I can’t promise you a rose garden, but I think I’ve got to stop planning and start doing. See you there!