2010 Resolutions

It's that time of year again. And while I don't usually think about resolutions, (probably because I know I'm terrible about sticking to them; then I have loads of guilt about that) well, I have several knitting resolutions that I should make. But I feel that once I vocalize a resolution (even just in my head), then I am doomed to never follow through on it! At the risk of completely destroying any hope of productivity in 2010, here are my knitting resolutions:

1) Finish my mom's kimono. It's the Komon kimono (on the cover) from the Knit Kimono book. I started this thing at least 2 years ago---maybe even 3 years ago. I make mention of "not being able to finish it by Christmas" back in 2007. So it's working its way to 3 years. I'm knitting it in a lovely red Malabrigo worsted, so it's not the yarn that's holding me back. I'm not sure what it is that's caused me to put this on the shelf for over 2 years. But anyway, I REALLY want to get this done for her. At this juncture, I should probably frog it and start over again. Maybe?

2) Finish the wedding shawl. Ever start a project and then wish you hadn't? Yeah. Over the summer, I got the brilliant idea of knitting a delicate bridal shawl for my future sister-in-law. She's a lovely person and certainly deserving of a nice, hand-knitted keepsake. I bought laceweight cashmere/silk yarn in ivory (to match her dress) and purchased gold Czech glass beads for the project, which is this one from Elann.com. (She's planning on accessorizing her gown with gold.) I got through maybe one pattern repeat and then just stopped. One problem is that the chart isn't very easy to follow. It MUST be printed in color, or else you will go batty trying to figure it out. Second, knitting with beads is quite possibly the most tedious thing I've ever done, and I've painted triple coats on window sashes, so I KNOW tedious. Also, the combination of intense chart concentration + bead knitting = I need several hours of uninterrupted time in order to knit 2-3 rows. Moreover, because the yarn is ivory and is silk and cashmere AND is for a bride, I have to keep my knitting environment as sterile as possible. You can all laugh out loud now. Oh and this all needs to be done fairly soon. The wedding is May 7, 2010. I certainly need it done by then, but I was hoping to have it finished by the time of her bridal shower, which is yet to be determined. But aren't most showers several weeks before the wedding? ACK.

3) Knitting more socks. I've already been told by my sisters-in-law and my brother-in-law's girlfriend that they want socks for Christmas. Sigh. Maybe he'll break up with her by then. LOL. Still leaves 2 pair for sisters-in-law. I have 1 sock done of a pair that I am knitting for my friend Jen, so I have to finish that and I am knitting a pair of socks that I designed myself for her husband Josh. I am about ready to turn the heel on the first sock in that pair. The resolution is to have both pair completed by the time we visit them around Valentine's Day. I think I can do this!

4) Knit a cardigan for me.

5) Continue the practice of keeping knitting purchases to a minimum. I've been pretty good about this since I started my self-induced austerity program back in August.

6) Continue the practice of knitting from my stash as much as possible.

I guess that's about it!

Gina