Welcome 2022
I’ve decided to kickstart this year with a post, if I don’t, the next time I would probably say something to you would be December 2022, asking where has the year gone. So, let’s conservatively aim for a monthly post and if I have anything additional to share then perhaps something in between, but let me not get ahead of myself.
Firstly, let me wish you all a Happy New Year. I am not going to say hope it was better than 2021, because some of you may have actually had an awesome 2021, but I will say this – let it be memorable and I wish you happiness.
For years I felt myself searching for a feeling of absolute joy that is not tinged by feelings of fear or anxiety – you know what I mean, like at your wedding you are absolutely giddy with joy, but you are anxious, because at the back of your mind you are wondering if your guests are having a good time. At the birth of your child there is that moment of absolute stillness as you gaze down at this little marvel and then it’s overcome with thoughts about will my child be ok, is he or she healthy? If you are anything like me then you probably never stop thinking, planning and asking what if…. My goal for 2022 is to live in the present – I am not going to dwell on things that have happened or things that may happen, but just be in the moment, and because I am a “What if” person, and usually focusing on the negative, someone suggested I read a book by Dr Robert Sapolsky called “Why Zebras don’t get ulcers” – you can watch the shortened version of one of his presentations here. So this is on my reading list for January 2022. I’ve set a goal of 2 books per month and will be tracking what I read on Goodreads here. Are you on Goodreads too? Come find me, I’m always looking for the next good read. I read widely and one day it will be a romance and the next day I would be reading about murder and mystery.
My crafting plans for January is focused mostly on my kids and creating clothes that fit. I found that they both seem to have had a growth spurt during the holiday that they have grown out of everything including their shoes. As they don’t wear uniforms to school, I have found that most of my evenings and weekends to date have been in front of my sewing machine. I am not a seamstress by any means, but as I am not willing to spend a fortune on clothing that will only last one season, I prefer sewing.
The trick I found is to find patterns that work and then create a number of garments in different colours with the same basic pattern or slight variations to the pattern, i.e. if it’s a t shirt then long sleeves on one and short sleeves on the other. I also like mixing and matching it up a little where you need just one bottom that can be paired with a number of tops and vice versa. The second day of school for Atalia had me in a state of panic. It was cold – firstly why is it cold in the middle of January? None of her long-sleeved t shirts fit. So, guess what I will be doing this weekend – yep, sewing some autumn/winter clothes in the middle of summer.
I usually post pics of my projects on Instagram. If you are on Instagram and would like to see what I am working on, you can follow me here. For now, I will share of a pic of my little girl on her first day of school in a mummy made outfit.
What I haven’t shared in a post before is my one skein Celebray Shawl I released in December last year, named Celebray because it was a season of celebration. This free knitting pattern is available here. I am reminded now, that I haven’t uploaded this yet on Ravelry, so that is being noted right now on my to do list.
If I can get my act together, and figure out this website thing, the crochet pattern for Time and Tide will also be made available on the website for free this week. The ad free pattern will be available to purchase on Ravelry.
I am currently working on the Misurina tee by Caitlin Hunter of Boyland Knitworks. I’ve had the yarn for about a year and a half, so for me that’s actually pretty good going. I don’t have enough to share progress, but I can say that I am enjoying it so far. It has cables, lace and colourwork so it’s a really interesting pattern. I will share progress pics next time, if all goes well perhaps even a pic of the finished item.
Just before I go, I must say that these banana chocolate chip muffins from Preppy Kitchen are amazing. I used very very ripe bananas, because my kids don’t eat them when they start getting all spotty and soft. Yes, I know, how very snobbish of them, but on this one, I have to admit, even I can’t eat super sweet, ripened bananas either. At first Matthew was not keen on banana muffins and was hesitant to try, but he was hooked and needed another. They were all gone before I could take any pics, I must remember for next time. I did halve the amount of chocolate chips though…you know in an effort to be a little healthier. I also weighed out the ingredients using my kitchen scale because, well I don’t know…I am a scientist after all, so I can’t vouch for the accuracy of the cup and teaspoon measurements provided.
Ohhh, and I almost forgot, I have a new logo, it’s a work in progress, but I am excited as it better reflects my message to you. You can see it at the top of this page. It is very simple, as I believe it reflects me, but have to agree that it may need some work to liven it up a little.
It’s almost weekend, so until next time, Create, Craft and Inspire!
Best wishes
Kogi