A Year In Review

Wow, another year nearly over and my second Blogiversary on the horizon. I have some good crafting resolutions to share with you in the new year, most of them revolve around making things for me!
The last 18 months has been full of 30th Birthday celebrations for me and my friends and I have made something for just about all of them.
TOP ROW: Some that took a very long time - like James' tie and some which were far more enjoyable and successful; Lauren's Ms Marigold and Kerry's obscenely short crocheted skirt. I even managed to make a birthday shawl for me. My birthday was also an enabler, I now have a sewing machine and I can make bags! Horay.
SECOND ROW: I have had some amazing swaps this year, my Sockapalooza socks from Roobeedoo are just fantastic, in fact I am wearing them now. Secret pals, Hogwarts Sock Kit Swaps and Sockret pal have all bought some fabulous parcels and new friends like Wendy and Adele.
THIRD ROW: I've also had a fairly productive year on the knitting front. My favourites are my stripy Jaywalkers - which fit perfectly and I love. My Mystery Shawl, a real challenge to knit, but I adore the results. It makes me want to knit more lace. Owen's baby blanket, my favourite of the three blankets I've made so far. He loves it too and uses it all the time, which makes it even more special and surprisingly the booties I made for a friend far away and her new little girl, these were so easy but look great.

FOURTH ROW: Tony and I had an amazing trip to Canada: Toronto and Niagara.... such a wonderful 30th birthday present from my man. Thank you! I've designed a couple of things this year... well maybe design is not exactly right, I've managed to make a pair of Sockapalooza socks from my own pattern, as well as cricket jumpers for my two favourite little men. The garden has reaped a few rewards too .... all that is left to show for it now is one fairly spongy carrot and about 10 jars of green tomato chutney (Wendy - I promised to send you one ages ago, I will put it in the post in the new year! If any one else fancies some, let me know!) And yes, you guessed it, I still haven't done anything with my practice patchwork!
FIFTH ROW: Presents! Sidney - Toby's Christmas present. A wonderful pattern from ysolda. Hattie's Birthday jacket - which was started last Christmas! Matching Christmas socks for Non and Carys. Magic cashmere mittens for Lolly. Finally, the Kureyon Hexagon blanket- will it ever be finished?

Happy New Year Everyone. Wishing you a healthy and happy 2008!