Thursday, January 03, 2008

2007: A Retrospective

I don't usually do a big year-end recap, but I've enjoyed reading other people's, which makes me want to do one this year...of last year...so I'm gonna!

How can I put this delicately? Parts of 2007 really sucked. But, let's keep the Summer of Hell out of this,* and concentrate on happy, knitty memories instead, because on the knitting front 2007 was a great year! Among the highlights: I knit my first colorwork project; I finished my first lace shawl (about time, right Mim?) which really gave me a love and appreciation for lace work; I finished those knee highs (again, finally); I knit my favorite sweater to date; and perhaps my proudest achievement of the year- I designed my first garment(s)!


Overall, I look back on '07 with much gratitude.

I am grateful for Marnie and Julia for many reasons, among them being the creation of the Create Along, which gave me the extra nudge I needed to test the designing waters. It was quite a learning experience, but I love the dresses I created, and I look forward to designing more Nonnahs originals in the future.

I am grateful for Ravelry. I mean, seriously- how did we survive without it? Ravelry has opened the doors to a whole new world of project ideas, inspiration, and people. It was through Ravelry that I made a wonderful new friend. I'm certain we were destined to cross paths eventually, but I'm glad it happened sooner rather than later. Thanks for finding me, SFAM!

And as always, I am grateful for the friendships knitting has brought me. Some of you I just met this year, while others I've known for a while but have gotten to know better. Thank you for stopping by and for encouraging me, supporting me, and inspiring me. I'm sure I sound like a corn dog, but I really mean it. The knitblog community continues to inspire me in ways I would never have discovered otherwise. I owe my knitting achievements, in part, to your knitting achievements. Over the past year, some bloggy friends became *real life* friends, as I had the privilege to hang out with Dis and her SD knit group on occasion; and some established friendships deepened through knit & spin ins (not to mention numerous run-ins at LYSs and various fiber fests. ;)) I am very lucky to have found a niche amongst a group of such fantastically lovely women (both near and now, sadly, much too far away). I appreciate your warmth, your humor, and your talent. You inspire (and yes, enable) me, and I look forward to many good times in the upcoming year! And of course, where would I be without my Dis and Nasus? I can't even fathom. You know me like no others and are unwaveringly supportive and the truest friends a girl could ask for.

Okay, it's sounding like I'm accepting an Academy Award or something, which obviously I am not, so I'll shut up now. As I look forward to what this year has to offer, (aside from a birthday literally right around the corner that I haven't quite wrapped my brain around yet) I think this year is going to be a good one. I have high hopes. But I will leave that for another post. :)

* It goes without saying that I'm glad that work is back to being normal-crazy and that I'm beyond on-my-knees thankful for B's health. Summer of Hell, you are but a distant, grotesque memory.

15 comments:

margaux said...

what a fabulous post! you did some really fantastic knitting this year Shannon! I'm so excited to get to know you better in 08!! And maybe a trip to Cali is so in order! :-)

Thanks also for being so inspiring! WOO!

Theresa said...

That's a wonderful year! Here's to more knitting in the future :)

jillian said...

Such beautiful projects! And Summer of 07 be GONE!!

Knit Devil and I were also talking about hanging at Descanso - perhaps a group meet of some sort?

fluffbuff said...

How did I miss those adorable peanut dresses?
That's a great collection of projects. :)

Marnie said...

Yay, I'm thankful for you too. It was a great knitting year for you even if it wasn't a great year in other ways.

So whatchya going to design next? ;)

Jennifer said...

You've had a wonderful year! I'm glad to have met you last year too at Stitches. :-)

lori said...

Its been a great year getting to know you too. May there be many more get togethers. I've got a lot to learn from you, as your a super sweet and thoughtful lady.

Anonymous said...

Fabulous post! I love the recap of all your projects. I want to knit Josephine now! Very, very cute. And keep designing! You can do it. Here's to a great 2008.

Julia (MindofWinter) said...

Despite your summer o hell you have a wonderful group of fo's and great friends, which is a real achievement. This month is ugly until around the 15th, but soon after that I will throw us a joint birthday bash. I'll be celebrating the 7th anniversary of my 29th birthday!

mle said...

I feel the same way about the knit-blogger community! And you triumphed over the challenges of 2007 and it has made you a stronger person. I just know 2008 will be a good year for you!

Lolly said...

A wonderful and reflective post, Shannon :) 2008 will be great!
Best wishes and Happy New Year!

Kara said...

I love speeches! You are so cute. It has been great to get to know each other and bond over something like knitting.

And I love all your 2007 projects. What a great knitting year.

mary said...

Great retrospective of your FOs! Happy new year and you're rolling along with the hats too, I see. Excellent!

Disentangled said...

Yes, 2007 was quite a year, but look what a vibrantly colorful year it was! Here's to more knitting inspiration in '08!

Madge said...

Warm and fuzzy knitblogfriend smoochies! ('coz don't all knitkisses come with a little bit of yarn fuzz?)

Beautiful post. And here's to a beautiful, crafty 2008!