New Years Knitting & Spinning Resolutions

It takes me some time to think about what I want to focus on in the coming year. And generally I am not a News Years Resolutions kind of person. But I did take some stock in last year, and it made me realize some things I would like to do this year!
In 2011, I knit 6.6 miles of yarn. For me, that is quite an accomplishment. So I decided that I could easily try to knit 7 miles next year. It's a modest goal based on last year, but at least it's more!
My next goal in 2012 is I would like to track the yardage (grams/kilos/pounds/etc) of yarn that I spin. I did alot of spinning in 2011, but I cannot figure out how many yards; Some of it I did not label, some I did not log into ravelry, and some I knit into projects.

As for things I would like to knit this year. Well, with me that kind of goes with the wind. But in 2011, I explored knitting different kinds of projects. I did triangle lace shawls, mittens, colorwork hats, etc. I realized that for the most part, I like knitting sweaters and socks!!

I only knit 2 sweater and 1 vest this whole year. I have to say, I really missed having that "big" project on the needles. So I am trying to plan out a bunch of sweaters for 2012 and try to top my goal 5 sweaters in 2010. Even if I match it, I will be happy, because I will be knitting sweaters all year round.

As the compliment to knitting sweaters, I am planning to work on knitting down my modest stash of commercial spun and handspun sock yarn.

And in NO WAY am I going to go on a YARN DIET. My stash is actually quite slim, as I have been very mindful of purchasing yarn since my 2010 yarn diet. I am only buying stuff I really love and want to knit with and wear.

I think that covers my goals. I'll keep posting my progress. And I keep my projects up to date on Ravelry. Friend me, I'd love that!
Have a great 2012.

More Pictures to Share

Spinning:
I've completed 4 oz (of the 8 oz) of Frabjous Fibers Merino Top braid( Colorway: Summit 125) I bought at Knit-On. It's 2 ply woolen spun. For about 460 yards. I tried to do a high twist woolen spun to make it more durable in case I decided I wanted to do socks out of it, But I think this is crying to be a shawl or Infinity scarf, It is very soft and squishy!!






KNITTING:
I've completed a Chullo and mittens from Colorwork Creations: I love them both.
Bluebird Chullo:



Mittens:
These are for my Daughter. She picked the colorway so It would not be so Dramatic. But I like the subtle patterning.


For these pattern I used a fingering weight yarn. It was a combination of some Vintage (Patons brands - Nylox and Beehive and York Brands - looks like about 1960-1970's) sock yarn and KnitPicks Essential. I bought the vintage sock yarn off Ebay about 5 years ago from a lady in Canada who inherited it from her grandmother. It's not superwash (I found that out the hard way!!- Felting a pair of socks) But it is very nice to work with.


Fylingdales, In Progress:

This is being worked in Cascade 220 sport in the lightest gray colorway.

Dish Towel
In Queensland Haze Yarn (Corn and Cotton blend. Purchased at Main street Yarns. The pattern is from Mason Dixon Knitting