This is the slowest I've ever ambled into a new year. I've been shuffling around, filling my house with hacking coughs and crumpled tissues. I believe this is Day 11 of the stupid cold that won't go away. But I'm ready to shake it (hear that, stupid cold?) and embrace 2014 and all the possibilities the new year holds.
Last July I started a colorwork hat, but I quickly put it aside because the colorwork felt too taxing for me. I just couldn't get my hands and mind to work together (I think having a baby around may have contributed to this). But after my Christmas knitting was finished, I picked this hat back up again, and you know what? I could do it! It's not perfect by any means, but it's a start. It felt amazing to learn a new skill, and more importantly, to stop being intimidated. I'll admit that Kevin's "I'm not afraid anymore" monologue from Home Alone ran through my head. Learning to do stranded knitting is a small victory, but it opens up a whole world of patterns that were off limits to me before.
All of this is to say that I want stop being such a chicken in 2014. I'm never going to learn new skills unless I try, and trying means I'll probably be bad for a while. I am truly a terrible beginner. I want to know how to do things right away. All the fumbling will be worth it, though, to get that Kevin McCallister feeling again.
I usually choose a word for the year, and this year I'm choosing brave.
Crafting-wise, that means I want to continue experimenting with colorwork, learn to use a drop spindle, and finally figure out how to make a dang zip pouch.
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Did you choose a word or resolution this year?
Are you planning to learn any new skills? I'd love to hear about them!
I think brave is a great word for 2014. It could easily be my word for the year too, since there are plenty of things I've been avoiding out of fear. But, I think either "frugal" or "work" are more apt for me this year. (Wasn't your word frugal last year?) I need to work harder and save/manage money better this year.
ReplyDeleteAnd promise me that if you take on the drop spindle, you'll share it here!
I totally agree with you, unless we try we don't know. Good post and good advice. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteLluisa
http://bitsofmydays.blogspot.com.es/
Standing is so fun. It's like revealing a knitted puzzle slowly bit by bit. Love what you've done so far!
ReplyDeleteI think my main word this year should be heal, I'm trying! I'm going to learn to knit socks this year! I'm waiting on my supplies right now :)
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I love trying new things. Challenging ourselves it such a brilliant way to grow as individuals.
ReplyDeleteThe colorwork is looking beautiful
I've only tried this kind of knitting once, with a sweater yoke I was working on at the time. It took me two tries, over 2 years, but I finally felt like I was getting the hang of it! It is so empowering, for sure! ... if only I had swatched the sweater so it actually fit me instead of looking like it shrunk in the laundry :-\ lol.
ReplyDeleteLOVE this hat! Keep up the great work; I can't wait to see it finished!