Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Happy 2013!

Happy New Year!

2012 was a hell of a roller coaster for me - how about you? I wanted to try to do a wrap-up of this year, but honestly, it feels a bit overwhelming, so how about I just do "selected highlights from 2012", sound good?

SisterRoadTrip

Most importantly, I moved from Chicago to LA this year! My sister and I drove across the country at the end of January, and now I get to look at this kitschy apartment building every day.

apartment complex

I honestly couldn't be happier in LA - it was a life change that has brought so many interesting challenges, new friends and so much fun. 

Chevron3

I wrote and published knitting patterns for the first time this year. Holla Knits was huge for me. Thanks to Allyson's urging, I had the courage to put my designs (and myself) out in the world. I was equally lauded and criticized, and it's been amazing seeing finished knits from my designs. 

Honors Geometry Cowl - Shawl-like


Meg's Sweater - BackHolla Back Tank BackBack of Lace Stripes


I knit a lot this year. I'm talking 5 sweaters, 2 baby blankets, 10 cowls, 10 misc. accessories, 4 pairs of gloves, 1 hat, 1 pair of shorts, and 72 mini mittens.

72 mittens

Oh, and socks. This year, I finally conquered socks, and knit 3 pairs. 

socks, two at a time

I dyed my own line of yarn for WORK+SHELTER using tea, and knit a few cowls with it.

Yarn hanging to dry

The yarn looks beautiful, and it was so inspiring to get involved with this wonderful organization, but overall the yarn line was a failure. It's kinda weird to type that, but it's the truth. I learned a lot from this experience, and I'm so happy that I went through it. Would I do it again? Probably not like I did the first time, but we'll see what 2013 holds for the ladies of W+S.

chevron scarf


iphone case Louise's Bridesmaids' Hair Pieces

I sewed very little. Much less than I did in 2011. In fact, these pictures are pretty much all the sewing I did in 2012, plus one wedding dress (still waiting on pictures!), and 5 sets of fabric napkins. I really miss embroidery, so that's one thing I'll be doing more of in 2013.

closeup

But I did make this sweet Instagram Wall. It is, hands down, the thing people ask about most when they come to visit my home, and I love it. I'll probably trade out a few of the pictures soon!

my instagram wall DIY

And lastly, this year I traveled a lot. Beside my cross-country trip, living in California has opened me up to a ton of weekend adventures, and I've loved seeing this side of the country. From Disneyland to Portland, Chris and I have seen a lot of awesome sights this year. 

us on the beach

14 comments :

  1. You are so awesome and I'm so proud of you, lady! I have loved reading about your adventures in 2012, and I look forward to seeing what you're up to in 2013.

    xoxo
    C

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    1. Thanks, Christine! Hopefully 2013 will bring another trip to Portland to visit!

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  2. That's an impressive amount of new challenges to tackle in one year, especially in a new city, far from home! You make it look easy. I gotta say there is so much variety in your designs. I've already made a sailor top and a clutch and will soon start on the shorts. I was just thinking, I don't believe I've ever knit so much from one designer, except maybe Jane Richmond. Hope your New Year is as rewarding as your last!

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    1. I'm blushing! Thank you, you are so kind, and I'm relishing you comparing me to Jane. It's pretty much the ultimate compliment!

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  3. Happy New Year! Can't wait to see what you do this year.

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  4. Happy New Year! I hope 2013 is just as productive and happy as 2012 has been :)

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  5. Wow! What a crazy year you've had! It really seems like 2012 was bananas for a lot of people! Here's to a good year in 2013 (and hopefully a more restful one for you)!

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    1. Thanks, Sonja! Thus far it's been relaxing, so let's hope that trend continues!

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  6. i am in absolute AWE of your creations!! THOSE MITTENS! what are they for? a garland? your knitting makes me want to learn how to knit and i haven't really had that urge to learn. Your projects are so pretty!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! And yes, those mittens are a little garland I put up at Christmastime!

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