More on my plate

Like I don't have enough challenges ;-)
I decided to add three more to my list:

- I joined the 11 shawls in 2011 challenge on Ravelry

- I also joined, also on Ravelry a little Guild war in the Ankh-Morpork group. I'm a member of the Guild of Ecdysiasts, Nautchers, Cancanieres and Exponents of Exotic Dance. Go look that one up. And read Terry Pratchett, because it's worth it. As a former belly dancer, musical performer and overall music and dance nut this was the logical guild to join. Well, Feegles weren't allowed in ;-)

- And to top it all of I decided that I would not buy new sweaters, blouses, tanks or other upper-outerwear in 2011. I will use what I have and make what I want extra. Underwear is an exception, but other than this - upcycle, remake, make, create and be creative. I have plenty of yarn, a sewing machine, some fabric and lots of patterns. So...make use of it.

While on the subject of creativity:

This is Emma. And me. In action. I look somehow guilty. Which I'm not.



This is what became of my first ever wheel-spun yarn.



Shawl
Pattern: Josephinentuch
Yarn: silver: Sirio, the varigated one is my wheel-spun Antique Burlesque
Needles: 9mm

Nice and soft and warm, perfect for the cold shoulder.

I managed to get a little mirror for our little toilet and it's hanging nicely.
I also managed to get a little cupboard for our kitchen, but it still needs some TLC. I have stripped off the unlovingly applied white paint it had been covered in. The wood underneath is rather scratched, so leaving it natural is not a pretty option. So it will be sanded, primed and painted petrol. But that is for better weather (as it will take place outside) - it's so wet and damp out there that the fishes are taking a stroll down the road.

That is the first process on my 2011 resolution list! Yay me!

2011 - Resolutions

I never made New Year resolutions before.
Since so much has changed in my life I think I can change that habit as well and see how it works out for me. If I don't like it then I don't have to repeat it next year, right?

So, here we go, my resolutions for 2011:

- don't grow out my hair. Been there, done that - and it just makes me look older. So stop that nonsense already.

- get new glasses. I think I need to get my eyes checked out. It's an age thing, but I might need reading glasses. Switching from long distance to short dinstance in an instance is getting...interesting. And I would like less obvious frames since I'm such a colourful and loud person already.

- Use up my Donegal yarn that resides in my stash since 2004. I have about 6 or 7 balls left - so, go, find a pattern and get going, girl!

- Fix my bike! Or get it fixed, since I wasn't able to find the problem... And then use bike more often...helps with another goal as well ;-)

- Finish the small toilet. It needs a mirror and some decoration and should be good to go.

- Finish the kitchen. It needs a shelf for coffee and tea, and that is exactly the problem. I can't find the style I like and need to do more research. Ikea is not an option.

- Use up most of the yarn in my stash. Should be good for a couple of summer tanks, more sweaters and a couple of shawls.

- Loose weight. No, seriously - loose weight! That should actually be at the top!

- Keep on spinning. Learn new techniques!

- Look for a part time job.

- Visit Flachsmarkt in Germany for the first time since aeons.

- Get second tattoo. Design is ready, so go and make appointment.

- Go and see more Folk concerts. I'm a folkie, a political one at that and I would love to see the Oysterband and Show of Hands. Preferably at The Big Session, but that is a bit unrealistic, also because I don't even know if the latter will play at the Big Session. So I keep it simply at more folk concerts.

- Plant veggies on balcony!

- Think local and sesional when shopping.

- Spend less time online.


That's about it. I will still drink too much coffee and tea and still be around here, but I want to shift my focus to life and not virtual dreams.

With this said - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!