After reading blogs for almost a year it is apparent that most knitters are goal oriented. Not just with knitting but in their everyday lives as well. The demands of daily posts (if you choose to do that), joining KALs, and having too much knitting on the needles helps to keep the motivation high in obtain these self imposed goals. KALs have time frames and some even have deadlines and then there are the gifts at this time of year (or anytime) and desire for something warm and beautiful to wear. A grrl can get overwhelmed with goals.
As we approach the end of the year I look back at the accomplishments and see how much my having a blog has been a motivation. It has also made me a better knitter and my production has been higher than at any time in my past. (Of course other parts of my life are not so fruitful because of this blog.) Looking at the KAL and FO photo albums makes me stagger at the time spent on knitting but 'oh so pleased' with the results. A grrl can give herself a pat on the back.
It's too soon to set goals for 2005 knitting (which will mostly entail knitting the stash) because I must finish up things for 2004. The evenings have been a little too busy so far this month to get in much knitting time and my mornings are now compromised with a trip to the gym. But the next two weeks there is little on the calendar and knitting time will be a big priority.
Look at the WIPs album...it's just full of partially knit items that need to be finished. My Domino and Seaweed are languishing and I don't want them to become UFOs. I'm putting the indeterminate goal of 'soon' on them. Blaze will be first as she is very close to the finish line. The slow burn should heat up to a roaring fire this weekend. My goal for Lotus is less ambitious as I'm shooting for the end of January. The Beaded Sock is a portable project and will be finished before the January 31st deadline and the Desert Sock has been declared DOA for the time being. The Oriel Lace Shawl needs to be ready by the end of March as a birthday gift for my second sister, so the pressure is off on that one for the moment (is it ever really 'off'?). That really DOES mean I can blaze along on Blaze. That's if I don't get side tracked by a 'little splash'.
Sharon sent a letter to Santa with her Christmas Wish List. She has some good requests. My list, which isn't as creative, would consist of two things, World Peace and this. Keep smiling!
Happy Weekend!
Thank you for the RAOK! It arrived just as I was rushing out of town, and both little pressies have been a great addition to my travel bag. :)
Posted by: chelsea | December 10, 2004 at 04:26 AM
I can confirm what you wrote. Having a knitblog had definetely helped me keeping my motivation and inspiration for knitting high - and I have even become a better knitter.
A pity I now have less time for other things ;-)
Posted by: Marta | December 10, 2004 at 06:09 AM
Hey, did you used to be a beauty queen? That World Peace makes me think of beauty contests. How come we never hear a contestant say "World Domination"?
I am planning to do Oriel too. I love that pattern. I have my eye on some Alpaca at my local store, celery green, luscious stuff! Hmm, will I lose weight while working with the celery? A "grrl's" gotta try.
Posted by: chris | December 10, 2004 at 06:34 AM
Have a great weekend! Sorry for the Bloglines trouble--I've found out that folks need to re-subscribe to my blog, with the new URL. Geeeeeeeeez. Does everything have to be SO hard? ;)
Did you get those Bryspuns? Do I need to go get them & drive them down to you? Hmmmm?
Posted by: Kim | December 10, 2004 at 06:45 AM
I've only just started blogging my knitting adventures, but I'm loving it! And it really does help me focus - as well as tempt me into loads more projects because I read too many knitting blogs! Lol.
Posted by: Tatjana | December 10, 2004 at 07:31 AM
Margene, are you a biker chick? ; ) I love it!!
Posted by: Vicki | December 10, 2004 at 07:51 AM
I found that having a blog has been helpful in reminding me what I have going on -- like a knitting daytimer. It prevents me from forgetting about projects and ultimately motivates me to finish them off.
Margene, your finished objects are just gorgeous! I'm looking forward to a knitting year as prolific as yours next year!
Posted by: Felicia from sweetgeorgia | December 10, 2004 at 09:09 AM
You look completely different in my mind's eye on that hog! The blog has been a huge factor on my knitting and also on my thinking. There's no way I would have knit as much stuff without all those percentage bars staring at me. I'm already making my 2005 knit goals, but only because the goal is to slow down a little.
Posted by: jenifleur | December 10, 2004 at 09:41 AM
Hey, Margene, I have the PERFECT pattern for your frogged sock yarn.
Posted by: Susan | December 10, 2004 at 09:43 AM
love the christmas list!:-) can't wait to see the finished blaze.
Posted by: mrspilkington | December 10, 2004 at 07:25 PM
You would look so BOSS on that bike! Go for it! I know you've got the duds for it.
Posted by: Laurie | December 10, 2004 at 08:07 PM
Good for you that you're getting to the gym! I haven't been to yoga for a month now, and I'm feeling the ill effects of it.
Posted by: Norma | December 10, 2004 at 11:41 PM
Cool! A Harley! Have you been good? I remember years ago when my DH wanted a Harley and a ponytail! :-)
Posted by: Eilene | December 12, 2004 at 10:20 AM
"Goal-oriented" is an understatement, isn't it!! And yes, your 100 things have a lot of overlap with my 100 things, which I haven't written yet, but...it's one of my goals. :)
Posted by: Sharon | December 12, 2004 at 08:27 PM