Happy New Year!

Happy 2008 everyone!

This year is going to be a good one. I insist on that. I normally don't do resolutions but I have made one. I am not spending money on yarn (other than my current Sundara yarn subscription) unless I sell something I already have. With that in mind.. I sold a bunch of my yarn kits this past week on Ebay. I really don't think I will ever knit a second Hanne Mermaid, my sister had too many problems knitting a Kimono for which I had bought a bunch of Tilli Tomas yarn, I'm still having too many hot flashes to wear the two Poetry In Stitches pullover kits I bought, and frankly - I don't enjoy knitting dark colored yarn (my two Bohus kits)..

So I allowed myself to indulge this week (plus using the Blue Moon Fibers gift certificates I got for Xmas). I don't have everything in my little hands yet - but here is my favorite so far:



I really wish the Internet had "touch-a-vision". This is the softest cotton yarn I have ever felt. This is Hifa Luxor Cotton yarn (the same manufacturer that makes the yarns for all the Poetry In Stitches garments) in ice blue. I bought the yarn from here to make this - Poetry In Stitches - page 128:



I love the long sleeved version (the book also contains a sleeveless version). It will be high on my list for next summer.

I have also ordered Handmaiden's Lady Godiva yarn in color Straw and this pattern to make the Ilga Leja Antique Lace cardigan. This is the same designer that did the gorgeous Fleece Artist vests and jackets:



And a Sivia Harding Shetland Garden Shawl kit using Nature's Pallette Merino fingering yarn in seafoam:



And Tilli Tomas's new Voile de la Mer yarn (Burnt Orange as per below) and the new Mystique Shawl pattern:



So - I've been busy replenishing my stash with my Ebay winnings. So much fun!

As for my Southwest - I just finished the second sleeve:



This is NOT a portable project. The pattern involves 9 colors - which change every two rows and the skeins are huge. Rather than lug it into the office tomorrow - I decided to start this:



Yes - it is the Embossed Leaves sock pattern from Interweaves Favorite Socks book and the yarn is Smooshy. Yes - I'm in a blue lacy mood. The pattern is done over 64 stitches (rather than my normal 56) - but if I can't adjust the pattern down - I have decided to try it since I adore the pattern. If it is really too big - I can always give them away or reuse the yarn for something else.

So - my vacation ends but my mind is finally relaxing (Charlie is still fine) and maybe work will help me to get my mind on something else.

This vacation has taught me something. I'm not sure I will be content retiring 100% and not doing anything outside of the house. As much as I love to knit and read - I think I need more mental stimulation. Not sure yet exactly what that means and maybe I'm just reacting to the stress I've been under with Charlie getting sick. But I'm actually kinda looking forward to work tomorrow. Go figure!