Happy new year!

I spent the morning trying to get an eye exam before my insurance runs out, only to find out they don’t accept my current insurance. Ah well… it is not so bad, and my new contacts are much more comfortable!

I’ve started my Veste Everest. I’m using the green Cascade 220 that I bought a year ago for Ariann. I love the color – I think the heathered Cascade 220 shades are softer than the regular ones. I’m knitting the smallest size, even though it is super tiny, because this fabric is really stretchy, and I won’t wear vests if they aren’t pretty tight all over. It seems to stretch out to my size really easily, so I think it will be ok.

I love the heathery yellow bits!

Our exciting new year’s eve plans involve going to Michaels (30% off yarn and yarn accessories – what are yarn accessories exactly?) and then to somewhere cheap for dinner, before becoming hermits for the night and hoping that this year there won’t be any fist fights on the neighbor’s lawn at 2 am. I have a pretty early mass Tuesday, but that’s ok because it gets me out of having to go to any parties (I really don’t like parties.)

I’m participating in the best of 2007 event hosted by Knit lit. I love lists!

1. Your best FO of the year – I would have to say my Central Park Hoodie. I wear it far more often than I would have thought, and it’s just so snuggly and warm!

2. Best FO by a blog you link to. – This is so hard – there are so many creative knit bloggers! I’m going to go with Indigo Mouse’s Autumn Rose, simply because it turned out so beautifully, and I am so in love with this pattern (someday!)
3. best yarn you tried – My favorite remains Cotton Fleece, which I tried for the first time early in the year. I must like it – I’ve made 4 sweaters out of it so far!

4. best new book/mag/pattern of 2007 – I thought Knitting Lingerie Style was a really fabulous book, and it was the most unexpected love for me – I haven’t cared for knitted lingerie type books before, but this is so beautiful and elegant!

5. best new knitting technique or gadget you tried in 2007 – I learned how to seam this year, and it has opened up a whole new world of knitting possibilies to me!

6. top 5 inspirations–what five things inspired you the most over the past year?

1. Japanese Crochet books- although I haven’t made any of the patterns yet (soon!) I am so inspired by the beauty of the crocheted lace and motifs in these books. It has inspired me to crochet again, and I am loving it so much!

2. Ravelry. Seriously – I could never have imagined what a valuable tool this would be. I have met many lovely people, and been inspired countless times.

3. Knitting books – the amount I own has reached critical mass, but I embrace my book stash. I love to go and flip through them, looking for ideas and inspirations.

4. Modifying sweaters – I found out that you can make changes to patterns and it is ok. Until I started knitting I doubt I owned any sweaters that truly fit me. I have come to a better understanding and acceptance of what does and doesn’t look good on me.

5. Fashion. I’ve always loved fashion, but now I find myself watching for knitwear inspiration in particular.

7. designer who most amazed & inspired you throughout the year –Veronik Avery has become my favorite designer by far. Her aesthetic is refined but not fussy, and most of her designs work well for my body. I love her book, Knitting Classic Style, even if I haven’t made anything from it yet!

8. knitting resolutions for 2008–what’s next for you and your blog? I will conquer colorwork this year. I have made some moves this direction, but I have yet to finish any colorwork projects. I’m hoping the Transition gloves will be my first, and maybe I can finally work on my endpapers as well! I’m going to make some of those Japanese patterns I love, and maybe try my hand at some designing? We shall see. I will, of course, continue blogging. This has been such a wonderful experience for me!

Exactly one year ago, I finished the Rib and Cable socks by Nancy Bush, in Mountain Colors bearfoot.  I wore them out today for their birthday – they are, I will confess, my favorite socks, warm and comfortable and very cushiony.  I hope everyone has a lovely new year!