Today is the last day of 2020, can you believe it? And what a year it has been. Who'd have thought, this time last year, what this year would bring, that this Christmas and New Year we'd be essentially still in lockdown, unable to meet many of our loved ones. Hard and strange times indeed.
But let's not dwell on that. This week, mostly spent at home apart from a few long walks, has been actually really lovely and relaxing. I've enjoyed the lack of pressure to be anywhere or do anything much, except crafting and walking - I completed my North Pole Challenge to walk 200km in December.
I've decided not to enter a January challenge, instead I have signed up for a "5 weeks to 5k" programme in order to get me running again, I used to run, and loved it, but putting on weight made it a lot more difficult. Now that I've shifted some of that weight I feel ready to get back to running - at least I think I do! Ask me again after the first run!!
I can also report that I have finished my Attic24 Cottage Ripple Blanket - more on that in my next post. But here's a sneak peek ...
My Stitchonomy stitch-along continues: part 3 - snowflakes - was released last night.
It was all going very well until I realised I'd made one snowflake too narrow so of course I had to unpick a load of work and redo it. I'd love to be more relaxed about these kind of things but I just know they would always annoy me.
Oh, do you like my new needle minders ? Aren't they super-cute ?
I found them on ebay, from a little shop called Wood and Cat, I thought they were just adorable ....
I'm also progressing my Christmas cross-stitch - more snowflakes ....
... but now I have a decision to make. Should I keep on with this one, bearing in mind its only just over half-finished and is very obviously Christmassy, or do I store it away with all the other Christmas bits and pick it up again next year ? What do you think ? Also bear in mind I have umpteen other cross-stitch projects requiring my attention, including a new one that I received for Christmas, and one I started 20 years ago for the millenium !!!!
Meanwhile I have picked up another WIP to finish - the Triantan Shawl from issue 52 of Crochet Now ...
So how are you spending your New Year's Eve ? We will be on a zoom call with friends, doing a quiz and games night, including Countdown, Wheel of Fortune and Bingo! And lots of bubbly!
your ripple blanket is so nice - I made one with other colors last year. I tried to email you early in thanks to your comment on my blog but it comes back as undeliverable - thanks for stopping by
ReplyDeleteWow.. you've been busy with outdoorsy endeavors and wonderful crochet projects. A good way to keep a positive outlook. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
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*H*A*P*P*Y* *N*E*W* *Y*E*A*R*!*
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Gorgeous crochet makes! I do like the needle minders...going to check it out. Happy New Year x
ReplyDeleteThe needle minders are so cute and the crochet projects have such a wonderful texture! Keep going on the Christmas cross stitch!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your walking medal--good job!!
ReplyDeleteThat was not easy!!
I love your ripple blanket--so pretty...
Hugs for a HAPPY NEW YEAR julierose
Lots of pretty stitching going on at your place! And congratulations on your 200km! I walk every day, but haven't kept track of the totals in awhile. I just know a day doesn't feel right without a little time outside going for a walk! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteYour needle minders are adorable! I keep telling myself to invest in some because I am forever losing my needles.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on getting your steps in! That is a huge accomplishment considering the circumstances.
Pretty Shawl I love that color and I can just feel the alpaca:) Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Jill! Well done on your walk and all the crafting, can't wait to see what you're up to next year, let's hope it's a good one. x
ReplyDeleteYou've got so much going on, it's a wonder you managed to fit in all that walking in December, well done, you certainly deserve your medal. Wishing you all the very best for 2021. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait until you share your medal! Well done, you.
ReplyDeleteThe coral colour of that shawl is absolutely gorgeous. I'd be racing to finish it.
Happy, Happy New Year! May it bring us all much joy and good health.
Your finished blanket is lovely, so colorful and I love the color of the yarn you are using for your new shawl. Congrats on completing your challenge, good for you losing weight and getting ready to run. Happy New Year Jill, so happy you are back posting.
ReplyDeleteThe blanket looks so pretty and that shawl will be gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Jill, and well done on your challenge! The stitching is so fine and lovely -- just beautiful. That would be my challenge!
ReplyDeleteWell done for completing your walking challenge. You've earned that medal. X
ReplyDeleteCongrats on completing the walking challenge. I try to walk at least once or twice a day and am doing a yoga challenge this month. The shawl pattern looks absolutely beautiful. I have cross-stitch from the 80's that I've never finished. And still haven't finished my second born's birth sampler (He's 22 now). I used to do huge projects, now I stick with quick and easy. :) Wishing you a very happy, healthy new year.
ReplyDeleteI think we are all delighted to see the back of 2020, though I think we have a ways to go yet to recover any normalcy, if ever. Let us hope that 2021 will be kinder to the world. I love your colourful ripple blanket and your sweet little friend. Gosh that is a lot of walking. Good on you. You have many lovely hand stitching pretties on the go. Loving the colour of your pretty shawl.
ReplyDeleteWell done completing the walking challenge.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy cross stitch too. All of your projects are lovely.
Happy New Year!
Carla