HOPE

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My word for 2023 is singing to me because I have felt hopeless a lot of 2022. 

I have avoided a second surgery for now, had a clear MRI over the past month, and my leg pains seem to be easing up as my body adjusts to new normal. Hopeful this trend continues in my next 6 years of treatment/follow-up.

​My daughter has had a doozy of a month recovering from COVID followed by what we assume to be RSV. Judging by the empty grocery store shelf of cold/flu products, she is not alone. 

For years I created a New Year's Eve tradition of making a huge sweet-sour ratatouille recipe with hours of veggie chopping and hours of cooking until midnight and then giving away the fruits of my labor the next day.

This year I decided to start a new tradition to cast on some new knitting project for fun instead. 

After unraveling all my half-finished 2022 projects, I am ready to transform the wool into other things. Aside from completing my nephew's Christmas Dog Star sweater (better late but still in winter than never), putting sleeves to two 2022 sweaters, these are my plans. 

2023 Planned Projects

Rowan Sweater by Meghan Babin of Hudson and West Co.

​I intend to start (not complete) this and it may take me a decade. I'll post more about wool choices for this, as I have searched high and low for a way to make this much yardage affordable and quality. When/if complete, will go in my Knit Hall of Fame for sure!

Azor Sweater by Orlane Sucche

​This was my New Year's Eve cast-on. Version by sheebsg on Ravelry is closest to colors I'm using. I had never seen this sweater pattern until mentioned by Stitches and Starlight podcaster, Tazhi, who blows my mind by being a self-taught wool worker, spinner, and knitter in a short amount of time. 

A second Dathan Pullover by request

Serein Sweater by Caidree 

​Using cloud-like Önling wool I unraveled from a project I took with me to daily medical treatment. Too many negative associations for me, so I'm transforming it into this luscious garment thanks to inspiration by the bougie sweatshirt knit-along by Kaci of Youngfolk Knits podcast. I have never successfully made something that fits me to lounge around in, so let the lounging commence!​

A second pair of Erica Heusser's Wishmaker Mitts by request 

​Using cashmere rather than woolly wool for this set per request​

Ilha Sweater by Orlane Sucche

​Pale green wool, short-sleeved version for summer. Love the delicate design.

Over the holidays, I was lucky enough to receive a gift certificate for Spincycle Yarns, favorite wool on the planet made in the county North of me. Since I have enough green Cascade 220 wool (non-superwash), I am choosing between this Trinigan Cardigan by Andrea Mowry or the Easy V sweater by Caitlin Hunter. The Trinigan requires twice as much yardage of Spincycle as the Easy V (and twice my gift certificate) but I do have other color shifting yarn I can use for the Trinigan that will just add to the super colorful effect. What a lucky decision I have to make. 

Crazed Scandinavian Cowl by Wendy Johnson in Mountain Meadow wool colors lupine and cream

Anthology Throw by Helen Stewart

Great way to make something beautiful and light with leftover yarn.

Three white doves were seen in back of my house and taken as a sign of Peace on Earth. I can only hope so.

My dream for humanity includes: A global laying down of arms, meeting more basic needs so people do not need to resort to corrupt means to obtain them, healing for all who've had violence perpetrated upon them, shelter for those unsheltered. 

May you have a gentle entry into 2023.