End of the year

In contrast to that cold November post, December has been so warm it is silly. No log fires lit! The odd geranium still in flower, marguerites doing their third flower, delicate delphinium leaves up to a foot high, daffodils out near pal Bobbie's nursing home. Have machine knit a new blue cardi up to yoke level by Christmas Eve. Boxing Day I started on the handknit yoke. As the wool shop in the village closed for good at Christmas, my last purchase was buttons, although they are not all quite the same, so may get replaced if I ever get anywhere that sells them. My New Year Resolution has to be to finish all the half-done things in my workbaskets (plural). I don't count the cardi! 1. A stupid crocheted cotton headscarf, from a 100 year old pattern, does not have a very good edging. Got the main part finished last night. Have played about with two alternatives and only waiting until I see Margaret, my world's most expert crocheter, for her opinion as she has already done this scarf in wool. 2. The endless multi-coloured entrelac shawl - a good project for grabbing for a knit n natter group, don't need the pattern until I come to the turning ends. 3. Multi-coloured scarf that looks as if it is worked in layers of lace squares, then shifted one along. The other half of the yarn was used for same pattern given to a long lost friendship, so it tugs at me every time I knit it. 4. The Waiting Room Blanket. So easy to pop one square in my handbag for all those appointments. 5. Hand-spun Shetland hap shawl. Hmm. Need to do more spinning for it as well. 6. Blue and white tam in sock yarns. Won't suit me if I finish it anyway. 7. Crocheted coaster with rose on it. 8. Various ongoing socks, gloves and handwarmers to sew up and finish to replenish museum stock. 9. Line Christmas hamper with sheepy material meant for a baby dress and use for storage What I would like to start: Entrelac sheep Aldi sheep - but it's that nasty eyelash yarn Another owl jumper as I have such a huge ball of grey wool left after making E's cardigan. More Christmas baubles - I know it is silly, but can usually finish one in a day, and Margaret gave me such a HUGE stack of plastic playballs Plus there are a few favourited items on Ravelry that deserve re-visiting. Most of them complicated ... I counted up and had done 8 shows with either my wheel or my CSM last year. Sutton Bonington, usually the best, was disappointing financially, I blamed it on position of stall in a smaller room (slight change of venue, and a hell of a lot further to unload), plus the fact I had quite a lot of stuff in a bargain box and people were diving in that instead. Not one single pair of sheepy handwarmers, my raison d'etre, sold! As I had already just about decided to make it my last year, that put the lid on it. Long Eaton Machine Knit Show last year I was competing with Dennis (although I was publicising the museum rather than trying to make money). However, just yesterday heard that Dennis just had a big heart op, so he may not be there next time. If he goes, I won't. Calke Abbey Craft Event people retired. If no-one else takes that over, I shan't go there either. I was about ready to drop out of WSD, but latest newsletter shows slightly more interesting events. Plus the AGM has now moved from a Friday evening to a Saturday, which means more time for judging comp at the very least. So will probably join again, and see how the rest of the year goes. This leaves four yearly events - three for Long Whatton, and hopefully Winter Woollies again at Nanpantan, their sister farm. Think I am much happier when I don't expect to make money, and they are more local. Haven't really mentioned the museum at Ruddington - this is a given, or as Prince Charles would say "non-negotiable". I added up and have been able to give them £530 this year, apart from what has been raised by shop sales. Hurrah! Matt is trying to get me to go back on the frames, with a bit more training - they need to fill a gap on Fridays as Andy only goes in Wed and Thurs now, but I am hesitating. We'll see.