A Knitting Manifesto for 2008
I'm refusing to call it a resolution. Resolution sounds so doomed before its begun, and I'm feeling a true resolve here - one which I really believe I can stick to for the coming year. Manifesto seems like the right word in this case. But first, let us say goodbye to 2007.
I just popped over to Ravelry, and I'm counting about 15 finished objects in 2007, mostly small things like socks, mittens, hats, but also pants for the girls. And that's not even counting the bazillion hours I poured into the blankie. Not bad, not bad at all. Especially considering the limited knitting time available and all the yarn dyeing and other extracurricular activities I've participated in. And I know there are a few other little things that didn't quite make it into Ravelry.
Like the clogs I just finished - I ran them through the wash again and reshaped them, including a bit of hand-scrubbing for the remaining trouble spots. They look a lot better now...
And even better with some feet inside...
I've started what I hope will be my first FO of 2008 - another pair just like this one, only in the size smaller. Boor-ing!
And you're thinking "What the heck does this have to do with a Manifesto for 2008?" Well, the manifesto is simple. I will not cast on any new projects for anyone but myself in the coming year. Aside from this pair of clogs which I've promised Joe and were supposed to be a Christmas present, I am going to knit only for myself this year.
I have been looking around my office room, organizing and cleaning, and it's become painfully obvious that the shelves and project bags are full of projects either started, or waiting to be started, for me. Inevitably, I start something for myself, or in more cases barely make it to the planning stage, and am sidetracked by some gift that I desperately "need" to whip up for someone I care about. Of all the projects that made it onto Ravelry this year, only one was meant for my immediate use, although two more were shop samples that are now in my closet.
It's time to finish up some projects, and time to maybe start some more for myself - once some of the UFOs are cleared out. First up to bat will be the beloved mitered-square blankie. I'm going to finish that sucker, and I'm going to start cranking away at it as soon as Joe's clogs are finished. Until that blanket is done, I will work only on it when I am at home, and keep one other project - plain socks - on the needles for mindless in-public knitting.
That's it.
2007 has been a pretty good year overall. I can easily say that I've had many much-worse years. That's one of the unfortunate advantages of having had a less-than-easy life - it makes your current situation look a lot better than it might otherwise. 2008 looks to be at least as good, probably even better. Happy New Year, everybody!
I just popped over to Ravelry, and I'm counting about 15 finished objects in 2007, mostly small things like socks, mittens, hats, but also pants for the girls. And that's not even counting the bazillion hours I poured into the blankie. Not bad, not bad at all. Especially considering the limited knitting time available and all the yarn dyeing and other extracurricular activities I've participated in. And I know there are a few other little things that didn't quite make it into Ravelry.
Like the clogs I just finished - I ran them through the wash again and reshaped them, including a bit of hand-scrubbing for the remaining trouble spots. They look a lot better now...
And even better with some feet inside...
I've started what I hope will be my first FO of 2008 - another pair just like this one, only in the size smaller. Boor-ing!
And you're thinking "What the heck does this have to do with a Manifesto for 2008?" Well, the manifesto is simple. I will not cast on any new projects for anyone but myself in the coming year. Aside from this pair of clogs which I've promised Joe and were supposed to be a Christmas present, I am going to knit only for myself this year.
I have been looking around my office room, organizing and cleaning, and it's become painfully obvious that the shelves and project bags are full of projects either started, or waiting to be started, for me. Inevitably, I start something for myself, or in more cases barely make it to the planning stage, and am sidetracked by some gift that I desperately "need" to whip up for someone I care about. Of all the projects that made it onto Ravelry this year, only one was meant for my immediate use, although two more were shop samples that are now in my closet.
It's time to finish up some projects, and time to maybe start some more for myself - once some of the UFOs are cleared out. First up to bat will be the beloved mitered-square blankie. I'm going to finish that sucker, and I'm going to start cranking away at it as soon as Joe's clogs are finished. Until that blanket is done, I will work only on it when I am at home, and keep one other project - plain socks - on the needles for mindless in-public knitting.
That's it.
2007 has been a pretty good year overall. I can easily say that I've had many much-worse years. That's one of the unfortunate advantages of having had a less-than-easy life - it makes your current situation look a lot better than it might otherwise. 2008 looks to be at least as good, probably even better. Happy New Year, everybody!
posted by Shelly Kang at 9:12 PM
7 Comments:
Darn that manifesto.. and I was going to beg and plead for my very own pair of cool clogs... :(
Well, I'll just have to be satisfied with store bought socks from The Great Canadian Super Store. :D
Happy New Year!
Hugs,
April (aka aprilmae)
Great manifesto, IMO. You make sucj lovely things, it will be neat to see what you can produce for you!
Wow, you've taken it even further than me--I just want to knit more for myself after realizing how few things I make for myself.
I love your manifesto! In the past year, I have knit things for my children, my husband, my siblings, friends and complete strangers -- not a single item for *myself*. I may have to adopt your manifesto, too -- as soon as I finish that sweater for my daughter, the shawl for my aunt, the... sigh.
Josie
Good for you. I started off the new year by starting 2 more projects for me and decided that the month of January will be devoted to me as far as knitting goes. I am impressed that you have the balls to declare the entire year for you. Maybe someday I'll be like you (sighs). Hey, I didn't know you were on ravelry too. Look me up, I'm yarndork, if you want.
It amazing how easy it becomes to put others at the top of the list and bump ourselves down. and if we don't watch it, we find ourselves att the bottom of the to-do list and very very cranky. At least, I do!
Its a great plan...I can't remember the last time I knit anything for myself other than boring dishcloths.
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