How is 2008 so far?

We're more than half-way done with the first month of the new year. Christmas is done, down, packed up, and put away for another year. The turning over of the calendar has brought a yearning for positive change. Instead of trying to follow resolutions this year, I've begun to make small adjustments here and there. First and foremost, I am spending more time with God -- reading, listening, thanking Him, resting in Him. My Sunday night Bible study group has started Dee Brestin's study A Woman of Moderation to change our poor eating habits. Secondly, I am really listening to my family and friends -- trying to tune in to what they are saying, needing. Thirdly, I am decluttering my life using the "If you don't love it, toss it" philosophy -- paring down the schedule, ridding my house of unused items, unsubsribing to e-mail lists, throwing away junk mail and catalogs as soon as they arrive.

With all that said, I have taken a selfish turn in my knitting. I am determined to knit myself some things this year. So far I have knit a pair of fingerless mitts (my own design, I am proud to say) -




I am working on a lace scarf and am 2/3 done with my first French Market Bag.

My knitting pal, Liana, keeps me inspired to try new things - thanks girl! I have been considering the Fiber Trends Felted Clogs for a while, after hearing about them from Brenda at Cast-on and Jenny and Nicole at Stash and Burn. Liana is planning to embark on a pair, and I think I may as well.

I finished 2 pair of baby mitts for the new nephew. The first pair were my own design.




The second I made from a charity pattern I found on the web that I modified a little. The body of the mitt I did in stockinette instead of seed stitch. And I made a 2-stitch I-cord in place of the ribbon.