2013 Year in Review: Happy New Year!

I was looking back at my 2012 year in review, to remind myself what my goals were for 2013. Haha, I was so far off! I managed 15 FOs, and 5 designs. Not my most productive year, by a long shot.

Here are the FOs:

Vertical Columns, from left to right: Column 1: Brixter, Sunnyside Baby Cardigan, Rosewater Pullover, Pei. Column 2: Lilacs for Lila, Striped Tank, Moonmist Legwarmers, Mudra cuff. Column 3: Pemba Mittens & Headband, Fairy Mist cowl, Forest Floor hat, Baby Chucks. Column 4: Solaria, Creamsicle Tee, Aerie Scarf. 

And here are the patterns:

Clockwise from top left: Aerie Scarf, Lilacs for Lila, Hedgehog Love Chart, Pemba Mittens & Headband, Fairy Mist cowl. 

Update: The patterns for Aerie, Fairy Mist, and Pemba Mittens and headband were spcial designs for the 2013 Tanis Fiber Arts Year in Colour Club. They will all be available later this month for purchase.

2013 was a strange year for me, with lots of adjustments. I went back to work after my maternity leave in March, adjusted to working full time with Lila going to daycare, and trying to fit in knitting time and designing time in and around work and my little family. We went to Bristol, London, and Paris. And last but not least, I published a book of poetry, something I've always wanted to do. But yet I don't feel like I really lived up to my potential in 2013, you know what I mean? So I'm going to lean a little heavier on the throttle in 2014. I think I've got it in me to push a little harder.

So, my knitting goals for 2014? I'm going to try to do another 6 designs, including a sweater of some kind. And I'd like to get 20 FOs in 2014. And also, I want to revamp the blog a bit- I think it's time for a refresh. That's what the new year is all about, right? How about you- do you have any knititng related goals for 2014?

2012 in Review: Happy New Year!

The round up of 2012's FOs!

My goals for 2012 were to have 20 FOs and 5 new patterns, and I did it! I managed 30 FOs, which is due in large part to the increase in baby knits. I love how quick they are, and it's so satisfying to see Lila in her baby knits.  And for new patterns, I had 6 this year:

Top row: Strada, Wildflower Tank, Sencha Scarf*. Bottom Row: Gin & Tonic, Nashira, Solaria.  
*Strada was an exclusive pattern for the 2012 Year in Colour Club from Tanis Fiber Arts. it will be available for sale to the public very soon!

Although perhaps technically I only wrote 5, as the Wildflower Tank was actually written up last year, but was released in the spring.  I also managed to revamp the blog and then there was that whole 'had an awesome baby' thing. I'm feeling pretty good about my productivity, all things considered.

I spent a lot of time thinking about what my goals should be for 2013. I want to push myself, but also have the goals be realistic. I think I'll aim for another 30 FOs this year, and designing 6 patterns. I'd also like to try a new technique or two, so we'll see what happens! As for you, my bloggy friends, I want to thank all of you. Thank you for reading this blog, commenting, lurking, and just generally being a part of my life here at Knitted Bliss. You guys are awesome. I wish you all a healthy, happy, wonderful 2013.

2011 Wrap Up and Final FO

My 2011 knitting goals were to have 28 FOs and design 3 new patterns. I did hit my design goal:

Make Up Your Mind Tank, Pink Grapefruit Cowl & Mitts*, Velvet Morning. 

*These were exclusive for the Tanis Fiber Arts 2011 Year in Colour Club, but will be for sale in January!

I fell short of my overall FO goal, with only 22 FOs, and I didn't even photograph one of them yet (it was a Stockholm Scarf that I gave to a friend for Christmas, and I wrapped it up the second it was dry) Here are the 21 I did get photographed:

And here is the final FO of 2011, a Christmas gift for my cousin Chantal:

She requested a winter headband that was simple and had a big bow, and I didn't quite find any patterns that were exactly what I had in mind, so I winged it and made up my own. I really love the final result, so I'm glad I kept notes! I'll start working on the pattern in the new year.

I'm not that surprised I missed my target of 28 FOs this year, to be honest. I can pinpoint exactly where the knitting time was lost- my first trimester of pregnancy, when I had to go to bed 1-2 hours earlier than I usually do every night for 3 months. Considering that's when I do a lot of my prime knitting time, I estimate I lost approximately 90-100 hours of knitting time, which would have definitely been some more more FOs. But hey- that's life, right? So- my 2012 goals.  For 2012, my knitting goals are to design 5 new patterns, and have 20 FOs.  that sounds a little more reasonable. Especially since the new patterns count as FOs anyways- I'm sneaky like that. Happy New Year, everyone!! I hope that you all have an incredibly happy, yarn-filled 2012.

Goodbye 2009... Hellooooo 2010!

Ah, there is nothing quite like the Knitting Project Year in Review photo mosaic to really get an idea of what you knit!

My goal for the year was to knit 20 items. I did pretty good, and definitely beat that goal (although a couple never got any FO photos are are not in that square, and I included the big puff that was most definitely an UGH!). My biggest FO has to be getting married in March! Best decision ever. :)

So- time for some Knitting New Year's Resolutions. This year, I want to have 26 FOs, and I want knit at least 6 Christmas gifts for December. Let's get to it!

Happy New Year, everyone!! I wish you all a wonderful, fulfilling, yarn-filled 2010.