Natural Stitches: Knitting On

It’s the time of year for resolutions, but yet when I sat down to make mine, I realized that so many resolutions are phrased in the negative. Resolutions that I might have made were things like “I will not cast on for new projects before finishing old ones” or “I will not buy sock yarn in 2010.” I came to the conclusion that resolutions of this sort only set me up for failure. (Note: I broached the idea that I would knit only from stash in 2010 to my coworkers and they looked at me and laughed and laughed hysterically like Snoopy and Woodstock in the Peanuts cartoons.)

So this year, we are not making resolutions we can’t keep. We are focusing on the positive and stretching our skills, striving to learn and grow all the time. Our theme for this year is “Expand Your Fiber Comfort Zone.” Along those lines, I asked the staff what goals they’ve set for themselves for 2010.

Anna: I am going to make some colorwork mittens, complete a toe-up sock (perhaps finish my Cat Bordhi Personal Footprints sock), and learn how to do a picot hem without handing it to Yvonne and crying “fix it!” I’m also going to finish my poor husband’s Cobblestone, which has been on the needles since 2008.

Carla: I am going to knit the Elizabeth Zimmermann Green (or lost) Sweater. As this project involves steeks, that is how I am going to Expand my Comfort Zone!!!!!It is knit in worsted weight, in the round, with mitered hem, kangaroo pouch neckline, phony seams, and steeked. [Note: Please continue reading for information on how you can Knit A-Long with us on this ambitious project].

Kelli: I want to continue to enjoy what I do and keep on learning new skills.

Martha: I resolve to knit at least two pair of socks for myself and at least START on a Christmas Stocking so I’m not scrambling on December 22nd to finish one in time.

Monica: My plan for the New Year is to hopefully get more of my “ready-to-go projects” started and worked on before I buy more yarn and find new things to add to the queue. I have the yarn for at least half of my Ravelry queue already, so I need to remember to prioritize my paycheck for things other than going right back to the shop.

Steven: I would like to learn Fair Isle and steeking. I also want to knit an entire garment in the Continental method.

Yvonne: My New Year’s resolution is going to be to finish some of those UFO’s that I have hanging around the house for no good reason. Goddess Anniversary Shawl (almost 2 years old) needs to be DONE. Also I need to finish the monkey socks (going on 3 years here) that I need to finish. One is done, and I’m at the heel for the 2nd one! What is my problem!!?? [Ed Note: Um…] I would also like to learn colorwork – I’ve never done anything other than inserting a stripe, and even that wasn’t a jogless one.

What’s your resolution?