It's been, emotional

daymer bay
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

So, 2008, your time is up.

You've given us some of the most devastating heartache, and the greatest joy.

So much loss, it's hard to comprehend, but also hope for the future. I won't ever forget the sadness of this year, but I owe to those who I have lost (and those still fighting to stay with us) to live life fully and appreciate all that I have.

This year, I taught knitting for money, participated in a high-profile exhibition, met some amazing new crafters, and revelled in the crafting community in it's many guises.

I took a long hard look at my stash, and cleared a lot of it out - letting go of past mistakes is never easy, but just because something was cheap doesn't always make it a bargain!

I made peace with the fact that I don't enjoy working with KSH (um, and forgot this in the JL sale last week, but I'm sure someone will take it off my hands) no matter how pretty and squooshy it is.

I finished the epic crochet project, which nobody thought I would do.

I had a blast.

2009 looks as if it will be equally exciting, how could it fail to be with my son due in the next couple of weeks?

Happy crafting, you inspiring (and often crazy) people xxx

YAY! and BOO!

staircase tam
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

This hat was one of those almost-instant gratification projects that make you glad to be a knitter.

It was made for my friend Carole, who specifically requested a beret-shaped hat in neutral shades. Look, orange is neutral in my palette, okay?

In less auspicious news, I offered to knit Ian something for christmas, and he chose a scarf. I found some lovely yarn, but realised there wouldn't be enough. No problem, 3 online yarn stores showed it in stock.
They've all now said that they don't have any, but they'll probably have it in within 3 weeks. Not really very helpful for a gift to be given in 3 weeks and 2 days, eh?

mystery socks

mystery socks
Originally uploaded by celestine_e2

I'm currently all about the instant gratification.

Sure, I have my February Lady Sweater on the go, and a Sekrit Thing, but neither of them are inspiring me lately.

No, what I needed was a 5mm project that required very little thought.

I have no idea what this yarn is, but it's lovely to work with and the colours are fab. I remember it came in a mixed bag from a yarn swap at Adrienne's, and I thought I'd make a scarf from it, with some plain pink from the same pack.

In the current climate of financial hardship, it's nice to get something out of nothing!