The Best of 2013

Happy New Year to all.  Renewing the blog with a fresh look for the new year.  It's an understatement to say that 2013 went by in a flash. 

• From retirement to working a couple days a week to keep the mind fresh (and afford my yarn habit);
• Leisure travel - Atlantic City, Williamsburg, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Dover;
• Knit trips - Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival; Stitches Midwest; Shenandoah Fiber Festival; New York Sheep and Wool Festival
• Family fun with the girls & the grandkids;
• A spin on the relationship wheel (enough said) 
• Purchase of my first sheep fleece and lots of knitting

Plenty has been written about the peaceful nature of knitting and how it can restore a person's sense of peace & tranquility.  I am a testament to the truth of that assertion.  Even with everything going on, my mind always reverted to the fact that this was the first year without the physical presence of my Mom.  But her angel spirit remains with me everyday.  To keep life in balance, I relied on family, knitting, knit-sibs, &  a vast array of luxurious yarns.  Here's the "Best of the Year-In-Yarn":

 

 

Hats and cowls were my projects of choice for the year.  A few projects not shown are a second Hitchhiker Shawl, another Beanie in Fort Hunt Federals colors, two cabled beanies (Icicle pattern), and a second pair of leg warmers.  I'm not ashamed to say I have developed a deep appreciation for llama, cashmere, and silk yarns that will continue into 2014. 

 

My fleece was purchased at the Shenandoah Fiber Festival and has been processed into DK-weight yarn by the Central Virginia Fiber Mill.  I should receive it shortly so stay tuned for the pics.  I welcome all suggestions for a large, intricate project that will showcase its beauty.  In the meantime, here's the progress on my first project of 2014.  It's the Lineage Cowl by Lisa Mutch.  It's a very simple, classic style cowl with garter stitch and a few stockinette lines.  I'm using Madeline Tosh Merino Light purchased at Vogue Knitting Live in 2012.  The colorway is Midnight in Manhattan which was created for that first Vogue Knitting event.  Loving the pattern, loving the yarn .......