Kninja Knitter

I don’t understand how it’s already late in the second week of the new year already! It’s really wild how quickly time flies these days.

As one does transitioning to a new year, I took a look at what 2023 held for me. The most impactful event was the birth of my grandson, which kinda blew me away. Hats seem to be the only knitwear that he consistently wears, and I knit all the hats he wore in his first months in the world.

Looking specifically at my knitting accomplishments in the year, I completed 35 projects during the year. The highest number of projects were in the sock category (15), naturally, and hats (9) were the second highest. Other projects include cowls (4), mitts (one pair), shawls (3), sweaters (2) and the monster afghan that I completed at the end of December.

All told I used up 3,283 grams or 11,898 yards of yarn in weights from fingering to worsted. (The afghan accounts for 574 grams/1,263 yards of that.)

The afghan isn’t “finished” from a presentation perspective, as I have to block it and finish trimming the ends. I’m also considering applying a fabric backing as well since the color work is less attractive on the back side. 😉

Looking at those totals for the year, my productivity has dropped considerably from previous years (I peaked in 2016 with 36,725 yards.). But then I also spent a lot of time with my grandson. Holding an infant is not conducive to knitting productivity. And once he gained mobility, I had to keep my projects out of reach. I wouldn’t trade my time with him for knitting time in any universe. But recognizing the reality that time with him is time away from knitting.

The only concrete knitting goal I have for 2024 is the Desert Vista Dyeworks’ Monthly Sock Club, as this is the last year for the challenge which provides yarny benefits for completing. I completed the challenge in 2023, my fourth success since learning about the challenge in 2016. Note that I had opted to only participate in odd-numbered years due to the expense involved. The challenge awards hefty discounts along with some free yarn, but it’s still indie-dyed self-striping yarn, so discounted yarn is still an expense.

The other personal goals I have for this year include the continuing decluttering efforts I started last year, and overhauling my financial management plan. I’ve been listening to a LOT of podcasts on both topics and watching YouTube videos as well.

And my birthday celebration this year will be a big one as I venture across the pond at last! A trip to the UK and Ireland has been in my plans since my last globetrotting adventure in 2017. I hope folks won’t mind if I share some tales of the trip even if they’re not knitting related! There will be knitting on the trip as well as visits to local yarn shops, of course. So the trip itself is knitting adjacent. 🤣🤣🤣

Before I sign off, I will share one more photo. The munchkin celebrated his first birthday last week, though clearly he doesn’t quite understand what the fuss is about. I took him in December for his first portrait sitting in a JC Penney studio. He didn’t know what to make of the photographer, so no smiles, but he still cooperated nicely.

Knit on.