I've been avoiding writing this post for a while, even though I have been thinking about it since before Christmas. Christmas, by the way, was really great. A few shots from our week that we took off:
Handmade swift--a great present that I've been enjoying immensely!
Lobster Pot Pie....Mmmmmm, soooooo goood.
Oysters, eggs and grits--breakfast of champions!
Every New Year I like to
look back at all of my finished knitting projects and achieved goals and make a plan for completion of some more. Glancing back at 2010, I really didn't KNIT much. Which in the end, was a surprise to me, and something of a disappointment. I suppose the default notion that I always have needles in my hand isn't quite as accurate as I thought. The projects that I did complete, however, have already gotten a lot of use, and the windowed wardrobe in our bedroom where I store handknit objects is happily becoming a bit fuller.
I did learn to spin in 2010, and that was a very happy accomplishment.
Spinning is amazing. I can't believe that it had never occurred to me before to engage in this most fantastic craft. Salmaan gifted me with a gorgeous wheel for my birthday, and it has taken off from there. Few things are more relaxing than sitting at the wheel. The mind wanders in a manner that for me is such a mental and emotional release. I joined a couple of fiber clubs, and now have more fiber than I can expect to knit even in this coming year. I love it when you have a braid of something beautiful, and you have no idea what it's going to look like all plied up. It's an exciting thing.
A couple of resolutions important to me last year were not realized. I did not learn to sew, I only cleaned my car once, and there are numerous patterns that I never cast on for. However, I think the big stuff...the important stuff that I wanted to address and change, did in fact happen.
As for what's important now, there are quite a few things. I've started a rigorous workout routine, and have started to eat better. Losing weight is a goal that both of us have, and getting active has been so worthwhile, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. I think our financial motto as a couple this year is to eat out less, and save more. I want to concentrate on cooking more seasonally. As an individual, I'm just trying to take care of myself in general, and that has meant sticking up for myself more, and so far, I feel great about it. I need to curb my yarn/fiber spending habits and knit out of the stash this year. A recent cleaning/organizing of my yarn study has yielded quite a bit of beautiful yarn and fiber that I had forgotten about. And until I get some projects off the needles, there's no need to add to the stash.
About the study--I'd like to share some pictures with you of how it has evolved from
this, to this:
First there came the paint--we switched it up from the purpley-blue grey (which actually ended up feeling pretty cold to me) to a warm almond color.
I'm pretty proud of the paint job. I even did the ceiling, and ALL of the moulding, which was quite a task. In the end it turned out to look so crisp and fresh--definitely worth it!
The next task was filling the room with things that would inspire me, and make it a warm, personal space. Both the Hay bale and House Mountain paintings were huge purchases for us, involving a lot of disciplined saving. Both of us adore them, and make a point to enjoy them every day. The window boxes were on sale purchases from a couple of years ago, and I had no idea what I should do with them. Then one day, it occurred to me that they were meant to be filled with yarn.
The last few weekends have been spent organizing the closet and armoire with all things fibery. As that isn't completed yet, the doors are closed in this view, but it's a beautiful piece.
Perhaps my favorite wall--that's an antique spinning wheel, a last minute bid on ebay landed that on the wall. The cubbies are full of all my favorite skeins--reminders of all the projects in store.
I have to say something about this, as it's one of my favorite things in the study at the moment. Like a lot of you, I really enjoy trolling around etsy when I'm looking for inspiration, or just want to kill 5-10 minutes. A few months ago, I stumbled upon this shop, and fell in love with her work. Not only that, but when it arrived, everything was packaged with such care and creativity, I felt like I hadn't even paid for it--it was like receiving a gift! Check her out, for yourself or others--you won't be disappointed!
Work is going well, albeit busily. I am going to be taking on some new responsibilities this year, and am excited about that. Salmaan and I are going to take some weekends away, and try not to let ourselves get worn out with work. On that note, by the end of the summer, I'm hoping to share with you some very exciting news regarding Salmaan's career, but more on that later.
As for right now, it's time for some veggie soup, and a little bit of housecleaning. Happy Sunday!
This is a lovely post, Laura. The changes you made to the study are really wonderful, and I absolutely love those paintings. Gorgeous! I'm looking forward to another year of following along, reading about your knitty/spinny/cooky adventures.
Posted by: mick | January 23, 2011 at 01:43 PM
stunning! this is so inspiring, as i'm starting to daydream anew about the next space boh and i will call home. i'm glad you waited to do your look back -- this was just what i wanted to spend some time looking at this afternoon!
Posted by: barefoot rooster | January 23, 2011 at 02:55 PM
Awesome ! Your study is very warm and inviting. I marvel at our creativity..you are so talented. What a wonderful post.
Posted by: Claudette Benavitch | January 30, 2011 at 04:30 PM