Ready Set Go

I've been thinking about resolutions, taking a hard look at my personal and professional life, and the sometimes great differences between what I say and what I do, between what I put out there for all to see and what's really going on inside. I don't know that anything concrete has formulated itself, but I do know the kind of person I WANT to be, and I guess my resolutions are whatever will allow me to become that person, you know? A better, more patient mom, a more relaxed spouse, and just generally a better WOMAN. That last one's the key, I think.

Hmmm, so what does that mean? Hell if I know... Actually no, I definitely want to be more open to new experiences, to be more of a YES person, to be more spontaneous...

So, in the spirit of spontaneousness, I give you 2 newly cast-on projects! WOO-HOO!

First up, and I think you all knew this was in the works, a new hat for my Dad. I was really on the fence for a while with this project. I've got some lovely DIC that I want to knit up, and some great patterns queued, but either the pattern didn't suit the yarn, or vice versa... Then I remembered I've got about 3(?) skeins of Manos Del Uruguay 100% wool in the stash, something I bought over a year ago to make Dad a scarf (which he's still patiently waiting on - Whoopsee!). Anyway, it's a nice forest green and it's sort of rustic, and I really think it'll suit him perfectly.

After browsing all 527 matches when searching for free hat patterns using Aran weight yarn, I settled on the Marsan Watchcap. I really hope he likes it!

Earlier in the week, Kate-the-Enabler and I finally got our acts together and had a SnB à deux (technically à trois, since her husband Chris sat in and contributed the occasional comment). As I was getting ready to head over to her place, I realized I didn't have any suitable knitting. I had finished most of my WIPs, the hibernating projects were firmly ensconced at the bottom of the knitting bag and there they would remain, and all I had going was a lace stole (that doesn't work so much with the talking and drinking). So I ran upstairs, grabbed a couple of skeins of Noro Silk Garden and a pattern I'd printed up a few weeks ago, and was off to the races.

Can you guess what it is?
It's the Multidirectional Diagonal Scarf, and I'm absolutely loving it. I want to knit it all the time. I want to wear it naked, or possibly with high heels and a tiara. The colours are just SO. ME.

Turns out I don't have enough to knit a proper scarf though (I only had 2 skeins). Not to worry though, I've already scoured the Internet and placed an order with Pick up Sticks (Sorry Robyn! You didn't have any 205!) whicyh should be arriving shortly. I MAY have also picked up a few additional skeins while I was at it...

And that's all there is for today! I've got the last of my Christmas concerts coming up at 4 this afternoon, so I should probably go get ready. I wish you all a very Happy New Year. My wish for everyone is that, whatever life throws your way, you have the courage and grace to rise up to the challenge. And of course...

Happy Knitting Everyone!