Tuesday, December 29, 2009

you're living through another year

resolutions of all kinds spark and catch in my mind at this time of year; i suppose it natural to approach blogging with the same sort of goal-setting. but this blog? well, i'm not sure of what to think as i sit here, staring at the blank(ish) dialogue box, knowing that i've only posted 18 times this year. are 18 posts a sign that i'm blog-fail? are 18 posts indicative that life only gets busier and more chaotic each passing year? are the mere 18 posts a testament to my lack of consistency? how do i reconcile my occupation of this space with the obvious lack of voice? do i renew the vow to be more diligent, etching out the time to publish in this little part of the interwebs? rather, do i just cast aside the feelings of disappointment in myself and push onward, not looking back and dwelling on the quiet that was?

in reality, these days have been anything but quiet. the weeks of november, and then especially the first two weeks of december, were filled with the nutcracker commitments. laurel danced again this year, with the regional professional ballet company, so not only was she rehearsing and performing a lot, but as a family, we are required to donate time on tasks that help the production run smoothly. the calendar was peppered with nutcracker responsibilities, and everything else was fit in around them, too.

holidays came and holidays went. many pictures were taken. lots of goodies were baked and cooked. i made lemony snickets and pumpkin cheesecake, spatchcocked a turkey and rocked turkey gravy, decorated sugar cookies, perfected shortbread (finally), and indulged in peanut butter cups. we hosted a traditional scandinavian smörgåsbord for christmas. we will be having a quiet but happy new year's eve celebration.

spatchcocked turkey... it's roasted flat.

and though not as prolific as last winter's knitting session was, i've had the needles going. november saw the finish of the beautiful chevron love mittens, one of my favorite knits to date.



over thanksgiving break, i whipped up a cable comfort throw for annika's teacher (and now need to make another, bigger one!) in bulky yarn. when knitters tell you this is a quick and economical knit, believe it! and, at last, i earned my seaming badge with this project.


an unseasonably cold december made everyone's soft california bones ache, but especially those of our chihuahua-dachshund mix, stitch. i carefully measured her, then knit her a wool sweater, only to find it too tight to be comfortable. i am not going to give up, however; other design options are being explored.

stitch is not so happy.

the only handknit i really wanted complete for a christmas gift was a pair of socks for the dear husband. but what's that about always abusing those we love the most? well, i don't abuse him, but he isn't getting his socks for another few days...




reinforced heel -- the first one i've done...

the pattern is roger sock, the yarn is heritage sock. partly due to a hectic schedule, and partly due to backordered reinforcement thread, i'm only about 75% finished. as always, it took me a few repeats to "get" the pattern; i'm *so* not a one-glance-at-the-chart-and-i-get-it knitter.

as this post and year come to a close, i want to thank those of you who do stop by once your blog readers flash that i've decided to make an appearance. every one of your comments make me feel like there is a reason i eke out the time to write. each of the readers that take the initiative to reply earn a new blog reader themselves. blogging is fun, once i sit down and get to typing. i'll have to remind myself of that more often.

happy holidays, and the best new year's wishes to you and yours.

xoxo,
melana

20 comments:

peaknits said...

What a post full of goodies! I love your mittens too - they are fabulous! I think you should blog when you feel like it, keeps it more fun and less about pressure then:) Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Your mittens look so lovely. I'm with peaknits....blogging should be when you feel like it and only then. Otherwise it becomes a chore. I enjoy popping past and seeing what you do even if it is 18 times a year.

t does wool said...

love the mitts Melana...
and Happy New Year to you all.
{visit blogging without obligation}
http://www.tartx.com/blog/?page_id=233

Danielle said...

I'm new to your blog, and I love the inspiration! It doesn't matter how often you post, people like me will see it and enjoy it. Happy New Year!

Jodi said...

Happy New Year! So many lovely projects to end 2009 -- the chevron mitts are gorgeous, and the blanket looks so cozy. Mine is 1/2 done, so I need to get back to work on it!

I'll all for pushing forward and posting when you feel like it, not b/c you ought to. ;-) There are already enough things in life we do b/c we "should."

amanda said...

Oh but Melana, when you do post we absolutely love it - quality not quantity. Lily still loves it over here too.

Happy New Year!

btw...I'm lucky if I've 'got' a pattern by the end of the first sock let alone the first pattern repeat! :D

Peggy said...

Your mittens are beautiful. Happy New Year to you too.

IrishGirlieKnits said...

Such gorgeous mittens!! And hubby's socks are so nice! He won't mind waiting a few extra days!

Here's to a very Happy New Year!!

And know, that this reader loves when you blog...no matter when it is!

Linda said...

You have knitted some beautiful things, I love those mittens. I am new to yuor blog so enjoy the posts. It really doesn't matter how infrequent they are with blog readers does it?!
Have a happy 2010.

a friend to knit with said...

i will come whenever you post.
ALWAYS a pleasure to visit!
love all you knit... and that blanket as a teachers gift! SO thoughtful... andrew has the best teacher of all time right now... i should SO make her a blanket!!
happy new year! xx

Jane said...

I loved making that throw! I had two requests at Christmas for ones of their own. So good to see you! Happy New Year! Here's to a great 2010!

Rachel said...

No matter how infrequent the posts may be, I always enjoy every one that you put up. They are a inspiration in both projects and words. And this one is no exception. I love this color pattern on the Chevron mitts the best of any I've seen...and wow on both the blanket and the new sock. I'd see the sock pattern before but your photo just made it a 'must knit' on my list. I wish you and your family a great 2010!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
rosemary said...

such beautiful knitting!
Happy New Year....love reading your blog :)

Hilary said...

I'd like to echo what those above have said - no matter how frequently or infrequently you might post, each one is a gem and I will not stop coming back. Blog when you want to, and not any more than that!

I hope you all had fun with the Nutcracker despite the huge time commitments. (I remember those commitments well...it's definitely a 40 hour week when performances start). I desperately wanted to see the CWB performance this year (as usual), but my mother in law had given me tickets to the SF Ballet version the same weekend. And honestly? Central West's is better. (Well, I guess I haven't seen the newer, Renee Devaluy version yet, but I have high hopes.) Maybe it's just because it's burned into my mind, but I especially liked our party scene and Sugar Plum Fairy *much* better.

And to make this comment even longer...your knits are beautiful as usual. The throw looks so squishy and warm...I can't believe it was a quick knit!

larissa said...

Personally, I think you've posted so little because you're busy producing so many gorgeous knits. Those of us posting more often have no handknit socks to warm our feet - i'll speak for myself here but you get what I mean. Happy New Year to you M.

Anonymous said...

The throw design and color are gorgeous! Also, how cute is your dog with his/her outfit on. I look forward to seeing what you knit next. (Loved your sweater too!) PS. I am Laterg8's Mum & I saw your site on her list.

kim said...

Such pretty knits. Those mittens and the cabled throw, and that cute, little guy in the blue sweater. Happy New Year to you!

Kristyn Knits said...

I love visiting just as frequently as you post!
your new header is perfect! because those mitts are to die for!! and the blanket...how generous!! looking forward to your new year of posting just as it fits you.

Renee said...

Your mitts are beautiful!
Life happens and blogging sporatically is a good thing -- and that's what I'm going to keep telling myself too. I always enjoy visiting with you.
Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year.