Wednesday, January 1, 2025

A New Year

Hello Gentle Readers. Monday rain fell. Briefly, the rain became wet snow but by Tuesday morning temperature rose above freezing leaving wet streets. New Year's Day promises to be sunny, clear, and chilly. Perhaps I'll walk. I don't mind bundling up against the cold but I don't like to walk in the rain. 

As I link with Kat and other Unravelers, I'm enjoying a cup of decaf green tea while reviewing my making in 2024. All but one of last year's projects were a success. The yoked colorwork sweater I finished early in the year does not fit well. In spite of the alterations I made, it's too big. The neckline continues to grow as does the circumference around the hem. Sometime this year I may rip it out and reclaim the yarn.  

For Kate's July Birthday

I very much enjoyed learning more about slow-stitching. My first project, a cloth pouch, holds stitching notions: a thimble, a pair of embroidery scissors that were a gift from my Mom, a small needle book, and whatever floss I'm using on a current project. I made and gave other pouches to my daughter, nieces, and sister. This year, I plan to create a Stitch Journal and will share as I work on it.

My current knitting projects are the holiday socks, a shawl, and a sweater. I finished the first sock Monday evening and cast on the second one. I am making progress on a current sweater but don't have a photo to share. I am pleased with the fit - so far. I'm working the body and sleeves in tandem. The mental gymnastics and yarn manipulation is fun - for awhile. One night I needed a quieter more predictable project so I pulled out a shawl cast on last spring. Garter stitch and easy lace to the rescue. 

I read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho as it is the January selection of my local book group. First published in 1993, it felt like a book from a time gone by, a time when I was more idealistic. The metaphorical story centers around one young man, a shepherd, and another man seeking their "Personal Legends." I wonder what my feminist group will have to say about a story where women are portrayed only in secondary stereotypic roles. An older woman features as a fortune teller. The other two young women are passing romantic interests waiting at home for men to return. The book is readable. Perhaps I am old and cynical and/or missing something. 

I reread Clear by Carys Davies in book form because I wanted to see the words of the old lost language in print. I found the writing just as eloquent and the story touching. I continue to think about all the meanings and nuances of the word, clear, and the ways that simple kindness radiates in unknown ways. 

With kindness on my mind, I ease into 2025. Happy New Year. 



10 comments:

  1. Oh how I loved reading "Clear." Such a good, good book. Your shawl is so pretty - love the color combination you have chosen and the pattern. Lovely. Your holiday socks are fun! Happy New Year!

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  2. Your holiday socks are so pretty and I really like the lace in between the garter stitch on the shawl. And your stitched pouch is lovely, as I'm sure all of them are. I look forward to seeing glimpses of your stitch journal. What a good idea to reread Clear in print. I listened to the audio, but may borrow your idea and reread it in print to better appreciate that wonderful story. Thank you for your kind and peaceful posts.

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  3. I am hoping to reread "Clear" this year on the page; it was only available on audio from my library when I read it the first time, and I'd really like to see the words on the page.

    I hope you were able to get out for a walk today and that you stayed dry. Happy new year!

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  4. I need to check out that book Clear. I hope that 2025 is a good and positive year for you and yours. See you again soon!

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  5. The notions pouch is so sweet. I like the shawl too. Sometimes "restful" stitching is the perfect thing.

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  6. I still haven't read Clear! I'm adding it to my February TBR. Thank you for the reminder! And I love reading about your slow stitching - such a wonderful way to spend time.

    Happy New Year, Jane!

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  7. I really love how Clear is the book that keeps on giving. This year, I hope to hone in on more books like Clear... short, tight writing that packs a huge punch... and lingers!

    I saw something rather funny on Instagram the other day... Froggit Friday... as in the day you sit down and rip out those projects that did not work. My aim is to begin the process tomorrow and continue for as many Friday's as it takes to get my two sweaters all undone!

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  8. Happy New Year!! Beautiful projects and I still have company so I haven't been doing much knitting, this weekend that will change :)

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  9. What lovely projects you've shown us, jane. Your Christmas sock is absolutely charming -- and I love the shawl. The yarn/stitch combo is perfection. My favorite, though, is your stitching project. I'm looking forward to seeing your Stitch Journal as it unfolds. I read The Alchemist a few years ago, and felt much like you did, I had heard so many good things about it (really . . . high praise), and it just didn't live up to my expectations or hopes. C'est la vie . . . Happy New Year, Jane.

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  10. It feels like the new year is gently unfolding at your house.

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