Something Old, Something New

2013: The Year of the Finished Project was not as successful for me as I would have liked although it was very successful for other participants.

Deb at A Simple Life Quilts asked recently what one word described this year. My word was "unexpected" -- I didn't expect my DD and her family (including both our grandchildren) to move several hours away, I didn't expect to spend three months renovating a house I don't own, I didn't expect to get shingles, I didn't expect horrific bush-fires so early in the season, I didn't expect to be so moved by this horrible event that I just had to do something to help, I didn't expect to spend weeks sewing knitted squares into blankets (with more still to be done). Most of all,  I didn't expect to find a deeper, more wonderful relationship with my husband which is the direct result of returning to fellowship with other believers after several years isolation (of my own choosing) and a closer walk with my Creator, my Saviour and my Friend.

As far as my linky party was concerned -- I didn't expect not to meet my goals each month, or to have so many excuses/reasons for not meeting them.

That being said, I have decided to take a more relaxed approach next year. (Perhaps "simplify" is rubbing off on me, Deb.) I still have UFOs I need to complete but I also want to spend 2014 learning and/or practising new techniques.

So I'm inviting you to join me for a year of "Something Old, Something New". The "old" will focus on finishing just one UFO each month (you could finish more if you wish). The "new" is not starting a new project -- there's already a linky party for that over at Cat Patches -- it's challenging yourself to intentionally learn one new technique or skill each month, related to the craft of your choice.

Will you join me?

 I'm already thinking about things like foundation piecing, trapunto, Bargello, piecing curves, FMQ (although that's not really new for me, I just need lots of practice), candlewicking, shadow knitting...

With all four bedrooms (including the sewing room where my PC is located) occupied until next Monday, I can't access my computer to make a linky party "button" and I haven't thought of any guidelines/rules for playing along but hey, if there's anything else you need to know, just ask!

And, because I can't finish this post without any photos, here is Knitted Patchwork II, which I finished on Tuesday. I started with thirty-five half squares, so I had to knit 35 half squares, sew them all together, sew in the ends and add the single crochet border. 

Not bad for seven weeks work (if I do say so myself)! I would prefer it was flatter but the blocks are not square and it was hard to join them in this pattern! I live and learn! Older Grandson likes it -- the first thing he asked was "is that for me?" And he spent a lot of time yesterday dragging it around the house. I need to wash it to soften up those fibres so it isn't a big problem. Besides, I have plenty of yarn, I can always knit a new one; if that one gives him so much pleasure, he can have it!