Reviewing My Goals

Back in January, I mentioned that I don’t really adhere to New Year’s resolutions.  I don’t think may people do.  Instead, I gave myself some goals I’d like to achieve.  If I went above and beyond, that would be great, but I wouldn’t let myself be disappointed if I didn’t reach my goals.  They could always continue into the next year.

I don’t think I ever wrote a formal list.  I’ve had in my mind what I wanted to accomplish, but it was never put on paper.  But as Christmas approaches (I know – it’s so early to think about Christmas…but you know we knitters like to try and think ahead…), I’ve been reflecting on what I’ve learned this year. 

In no specific order, here are a few items that I can remember were on my list (this next year, I plan to write them down so if I forget, I have something to refer back to):

Finishing up any UFOs and WIPs lingering in my stash (I had 8, I think)

            I DID finish many of these.   I’d have to go back and look at how many I got through, but I did finish a large chunk.  Then I ran out of steam and needed other things to knit.  I still have 8.  But the list has changed.  Only 2 real WIPs and 5-6 UFOs.  One I’m not really counting as a UFO because I never started it, I only purchased the yarn for it.  I even finished a project that had been lingering for over a year and a half!!

Intarsia – I haven’t done a lot of it, but I have done a little.  Little bits here and there, enough to consider myself well versed enough to do bigger projects. 

Stranding/Fair Isle  - I don’t know where the line is drawn as to what is true fair isle, but I have done a little of this as well.  The Plaid Hatter is sort of my “wow, I did that!” project.

Shawl for myself:  That project that sat for over a year?  It was the Traveling Woman, for me.  It’s done, blocked, worn and loved.  I can’t wait for cooler weather to wear it more.  I’d like to make more shawls for myself so I see this as a continuing goal mostly reminding me it’s okay to make things for me.

And lastly, socks.  I’ve knit baby socks, several in fact.  I think I could now handle adult socks.  I know the yarn I’m going to use.  I’ve been saving it.  I’d love to have a pair knit before Lovebug arrives. 

Those are just a few of my goals.  I’m sure there were more I was aiming for, but I can’t remember them.  I’m pretty proud of my accomplishments and what I’ve learned.   Techniques like applied I-Cord, provisional cast-on, Judy’s Magic Cast On, intarsia, stranding,  and the list goes on.  My tool box gets bigger every day!

So now that we’ve marked the halfway point (and more) in the year, what goals have you achieved?  What do you have left you’d like to try and learn?  What’s one thing you’ve done this year you’re extremely proud of?