This trend isn't good but...

I blogged about the Vogue top here but it ended up...

HERE! (that's not me but I know how she feels)

Two items for the year, both trashed.  I told my friend they were Wadders (not the way you'd typically say the word but think wadded up and thrown away).  Sad but true.  Now I have no desire to sew at all. 

On the other hand, my knitting is taking off.  I'm better than 1/3 of the way done with the cardigan and am planning other projects.

Nashua Handknits has some great designs:

This design is part of the Isabella collect.  I love the detail.  It's called Jasmine.  The color definitely doesn't look good on me but I thought maybe a nice navy or lavender for the Spring???

Photo courtesy Nashua Handknits.com

Next item to consider is another design by Nashua-

This design is called Chestnut.  (Photo courtesy Nashua handknits.com)  I have a favorite acrylic cardigan that is toasty warm but sadly falling apart and it is very similar to this design.  I would probably attempt to change the collar and make it without a closure.  Any suggestions?

Jennifer

First Projects of the Year

Knitting
Plymouth Yarn Company- Llama Cotton Grande 1570

 Photo from Plymouth Yarn.com  http://www.plymouthyarn.com/index.php?nav=cYarn.yarnDetail&yarnid=001035&searchcollection=000005&pattern_id=002125#pattern-tab
Changes to this pattern- it has significant swing to it so I'm not doing the increases.  Also, it measures 42" which is way too much ease for me.  I will be altering the back to narrow it but will need more of the ease  through the front.

Made with Cascade 128 Superwash Chunky in Amethyst Heather

Sewing

Vogue 8634 Cowl-neck top in the long-sleeved version in a lovely turquoise jersey knit

Photo from Voguepatterns.mccall.com

I have read that this top needs a bigger cowl.  I'll keep you informed regarding this alteration.

As most of you know, I'm in a fabric fast.  Problem is, I don't have a warm long coat.  So, the plan will be this summer to make a coat for next year and buy the fabric when it goes on sale.  Does that count?  Hopefully the stash will be almost depleted and the business with be busy, necessitating more fabric to purchase!

Twenty-Eleven Just Doesn't sound right...

First off, what are we going to call this year?  20-11?  '11? One-one?  Don't ask me, guess I'll listen to what others call it and figure it out from there.

A recap of the New Years Resolutions from 2010.  2010 resolutions and how it turned out.

1) Yep, told more people that were doing great that they were actually doing well.  I can't tell you how that has changed how I interact with people.  It definitely made me a happier person overall.

2) I planned until Spring and then it went out the window.  Lots of contracting, working on the new office and no sewing really put a damper on this resolution.  Maybe I'll try this one again this year.

3)  As far as the new hair style is concerned, I tried it, tried different people and have ended up with a complete mess that only looks good for about a week after it gets colored.  Not a good resolution.  So, this year I commit to getting my hair back to the way it was before 2010.

4)  Professional and personal learning- nailed it and am still working on it.  Sewing-wise, learned how to do more couture sewing, tackled some advanced projects, worked on welt-pockets and sewing better in general.  Professionally, I stared down some demons that have kept me from doing the procedures I want to be good at.  Started sedation again after a little hiatus and am loving it.  Opened my own office and am now learning to be an accountant/janitor/boss/mechanic (a.k.a.- dentist).

5)  Ran a lot, walked a lot.  Still didn't get that body into 20s shape but I'm still trying.  Ended up in the ER this year and not planning that for next year.

On to the year with a number and no name.  Resolutions 2011:

1)  Clear out the stash, sew it up, donate the rest, teach someone else.

2)  Run a 1/2 marathon.

3)  Be around my family and friends more but keep the business going.  No more workaholic.  This will be tough.

4)  Continue what I started last year and make people happier, myself included.

Jennifer