Though I always enjoy writing about my favorite books and films of the year, every year I almost decide against doing one of these general recap posts. Sometimes it feels like there's not a lot to mention, but I do like reflecting on the past year. And I think that since I post my resolutions each year, it's only fair that I'm honest about how they turned out. :)
2015 was a pretty quiet year. Looking back, there weren't any big events for me personally. A couple of people who are close to us have been fighting cancer this year, and it's been hard seeing them and their families having to go through that.
One good thing is that I feel like I've ventured out of my comfort zone more this year than I have in a long time. I'm an introvert (a rather awkward and quiet one), and social stuff doesn't come easy for me. I'm okay with that, but I don't want to miss out on things in life just because I'm scared or intimidated. A couple of months ago, I started going to knitting group: just a little thing that I never would have imagined myself doing, but something that I really enjoy. It's so nice to hang out with other knitters every week. :) I also sold at three craft fairs this fall and did at least a little demonstrating with my spinning wheel at each of them...I still get nervous about doing those, but maybe it's getting a bit easier?
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Because I'm a nerd, I like looking back over my knitting projects for the year and figuring out the statistics for what exactly I made. :) In 2015, I completed at least 63 projects! That's not including my current WIPs and a couple of hats to sell that I didn't document. Of those projects, 35 were things to sell at craft fairs (mostly hats...lots of hats) and about 12 of them were gifts.
Favorite knit of 2015:Antler Cardigan. I absolutely love this sweater and wear it all the time.
Least favorite knit of 2015:Fields of Wheat cowl. There's nothing wrong with it, but I just don't wear it nearly as much as I expected to!
As always, my knitting resolutions were the ones that were easiest to keep. :) I learned how to knit colorwork and simple lace this year. I wanted to knit myself six pairs of socks, and I ended up with 8.5 pairs (still working on that last sock). I had planned on knitting two sweaters, but I only made one (for myself...I also did two baby sweaters and a toddler-sized one for my niece). I kept a knitting and spinning notebook (though I'm a little behind with it at the moment), bought much less yarn and fiber, and tried to focus on American wool when I did buy it. Really, the only knitting/spinning goal that I failed was to finish the Craftsy class on drafting. I think I'll start it over in the new year.
My sewing goals had mixed results. I did sew at least five garments, but they were mostly t-shirts so that feels a bit like cheating. :) I finished my fall quilt! And while I did use up some of my special fabrics to sew knitting accessories (big project bag, medium project bag, and DPN case), I still need to sew a case for my interchangeable needle set and a pattern holder.
As for my other random goals, they were mostly fails. I did open my new Etsy shop and journal somewhat consistently. I only purchased three items of new clothing, and they were all either made in America or ethically sourced (two t-shirts and a pair of boots). I saved money each week...I got behind during a few months when I was out of work but caught up later. I completely forgot about donating money each month and about finishing my Disney animated film reviews. I didn't learn how to cook and I can't remember the last time I walked outside (for exercise)....oops.
What were some of the highlights of 2015 for you? How did you do with your resolutions?
2015 was a pretty quiet year. Looking back, there weren't any big events for me personally. A couple of people who are close to us have been fighting cancer this year, and it's been hard seeing them and their families having to go through that.
One good thing is that I feel like I've ventured out of my comfort zone more this year than I have in a long time. I'm an introvert (a rather awkward and quiet one), and social stuff doesn't come easy for me. I'm okay with that, but I don't want to miss out on things in life just because I'm scared or intimidated. A couple of months ago, I started going to knitting group: just a little thing that I never would have imagined myself doing, but something that I really enjoy. It's so nice to hang out with other knitters every week. :) I also sold at three craft fairs this fall and did at least a little demonstrating with my spinning wheel at each of them...I still get nervous about doing those, but maybe it's getting a bit easier?
Because I'm a nerd, I like looking back over my knitting projects for the year and figuring out the statistics for what exactly I made. :) In 2015, I completed at least 63 projects! That's not including my current WIPs and a couple of hats to sell that I didn't document. Of those projects, 35 were things to sell at craft fairs (mostly hats...lots of hats) and about 12 of them were gifts.
Favorite knit of 2015:Antler Cardigan. I absolutely love this sweater and wear it all the time.
Least favorite knit of 2015:Fields of Wheat cowl. There's nothing wrong with it, but I just don't wear it nearly as much as I expected to!
As always, my knitting resolutions were the ones that were easiest to keep. :) I learned how to knit colorwork and simple lace this year. I wanted to knit myself six pairs of socks, and I ended up with 8.5 pairs (still working on that last sock). I had planned on knitting two sweaters, but I only made one (for myself...I also did two baby sweaters and a toddler-sized one for my niece). I kept a knitting and spinning notebook (though I'm a little behind with it at the moment), bought much less yarn and fiber, and tried to focus on American wool when I did buy it. Really, the only knitting/spinning goal that I failed was to finish the Craftsy class on drafting. I think I'll start it over in the new year.
My sewing goals had mixed results. I did sew at least five garments, but they were mostly t-shirts so that feels a bit like cheating. :) I finished my fall quilt! And while I did use up some of my special fabrics to sew knitting accessories (big project bag, medium project bag, and DPN case), I still need to sew a case for my interchangeable needle set and a pattern holder.
As for my other random goals, they were mostly fails. I did open my new Etsy shop and journal somewhat consistently. I only purchased three items of new clothing, and they were all either made in America or ethically sourced (two t-shirts and a pair of boots). I saved money each week...I got behind during a few months when I was out of work but caught up later. I completely forgot about donating money each month and about finishing my Disney animated film reviews. I didn't learn how to cook and I can't remember the last time I walked outside (for exercise)....oops.
What were some of the highlights of 2015 for you? How did you do with your resolutions?