Thursday, January 5, 2012

Happy New Year!

It's the first Fee-Fi(ber)-F.O. Friday of 2012 - can everyone believe it? This time between the holidays and mid-January is usually a time for me to be still, take stock of the previous year, and envision what I hope for in the coming twelve months. This year is no different, although I've also been incredibly busy with creative and other pursuits (more on this a little later down).

The most firm goal I articulated at the beginning of last year was to craft from my shelf meaning, if I wanted to make something, I would look to my own library of books and periodicals first for an appropriate pattern. Of the 40 projects completed in 2011 (40? That alone is amazing!), 21 of them were patterns from my library - either books or magazines or paid patterns. Of that number, 13 finished objects are from either my own personally designed and published patterns, or designed from books whose main purpose is to provide the tools for one to design one's own items. I'm not certain what measure of success in this goal 21 of 40 actually is, but I'd qualify those numbers as a mild success.

What is far more amazing to me is the number of patterns I wrote and published last year. Folks, I am absolutely blown away. At the beginning of 2011, I never envisioned publishing 7 patterns, never. I already have six confirmed and in the pipeline for 2012. No one is more surprised, pleased, excited, just a wee bit nervous, and absolutely, positively thankful than moi. I think I've envisioned living a creative life from a very early age, but it didn't start to take any real shape until 2007 (although I picked up my first 35mm camera on my way to South Africa in 2000 and that turned out to be a creatively momentous milestone).

I continue to learn that trusting in myself and my own decisions usually pays off. In a culture that constantly seems to reinforce mindnumbing conformity (despite the U.S. mythology of rugged individualism), or manipulating individual action for corporate or other gain, going my own way might seem distancing to some, but space and time are vital for me. I hope I continue to be able to take the time I need in 2012. That has been one of the biggest gifts of all to come out of the imperfect perfection of 2011.

And so, I start off 2012 the same way I started off 2011 - with a painting, a shawl and a book. For the last two weeks I've been painting up a storm, and although the photos aren't perfect, you can see a sample of one of them to the right. Humanity, a tryptich, is a riot of color. It was a lot of fun to paint, and with holiday music providing a great backdrop, I definitely hit my painting zone during its creation.


The shawl I have to share with you was finished January 2nd, but still officially made the deadline for completing my challenge of 11 shawls in 2011. Phew - I can't believe I did it! My Greeny Warmth Stole (from this Drops pattern) is all bulky weight mohair - lightweight and oh-so-warm. It's a generous 21" x 57", so when not around my shoulders, it will definitely keep my lap warm (as it did while I was crafting it).


The book I want to discuss is Tove Fevang's Totally Simple Crochet. Translated into English last year, this is one of the best beginning crochet books I've come across in a while. Fevang starts at the most basic beginning - with the humble dishcloth. Now, I'm usually not a fan of dishcloths, yet in her hands, the dishcloth rises to a thing of simple beauty. Really. And for the novice crocheter, making each of the discloths in this book is the perfect basis for the rest of the patterns that follow - including the stylish cover scarf and a poncho that I absolutely love. Where Marie-NoĆ«lle Bayard's Crochet! (reviewed here) has rather sophisticated patterns for the novice (which I admittedly love), Fevang's patterns are classic and straightforward. They eminate from a designer steeped in the home needle arts tradition. For a beginning crocheter, I cannot recommend this book more highly.

Finally, I want to thank all the blog readers who peeked in during the 12 days of George Bailey. Some of you left lovely comments (George Bailey was blushing, just so you know). If Baa-me Kniits, Erin in Beantown, and Nicole get in touch with me via email, each will receive my La Vitre scarf pattern (still only in limited release) for leaving pithy comments that made George Bailey smile from whisker to whisker.

Thanks so much for being one of the best parts of my 2011; I'm looking forward to more of the same in 2012. Now don't forget to check back with Andrea's blog to see how everyone else is starting off the new year. And to those of you who wish to join us, Andrea's currently hosting a JAL for the La Vitre scarf pattern here on Ravelry.

13 comments:

  1. I love how that shawl turned out...the color is beautiful too. George Bailey was a great. I enjoyed his photos during the holidays. Our little furbabies are the best. Looking forward to your creations for 2012.

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  2. What an awesome way to start the year! Cheers to your prolific pattern-writing success, and the best of luck for all the designs in the pipeline. I'll be checking in for them.

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  3. Congratulations on all of your publications from last year and more to come in 2012 and beyond! I love the painting.

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  4. Great post, I love this time of year, fresh and full of promise. I'm so pleased you had such a successful 2011 and I know 2012 will be even more wonderful!!! I love the painting!

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  5. 40 FOs, 7 published patterns, gorgeous paintings?! You are inspiring. Here's to another creatively juicy 2012 for us all!

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  6. I like the shawl. The lace pattern looks very interesting to do.

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  7. I'm so proud of you! You are living that creative life that you dreamed of. I know that it is easier to dream about than to actually do. 7 patterns is wonderful and it looks like you will easily surpass that this coming year. I love the painting. It reminds me of doorways. Lots of doorways, each to somewhere different. I hope to see more paintings this year. :)

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  8. Looking forward to 2012 with you in the Fiber Arts Friday Fest!

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  9. Great accomplishments in 2011! 40 projects? wow!! and of course, congratulations on all the published patterns! You have great artistry in your designs, photos, painting, I won't be surprised at all to see much more success in the creative arena. I can't agree more about trusting your own decisions. The most important part of American Dream is individual freedom, but it so easy to forget about that in pursuit of our daily comforts.

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  10. Denise--So much of what you say rings true and I'm happy to hear that this year begins on such a positive note for you!! XXO-

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  11. Congrats on all of the patterns this year...you rock!

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  12. Hi Everyone - happy new year to each of you, and thanks so much for all of your wonderful comments. Raise your respective beverages to another productive year (and if your glass has champagne in it ... well ... good on you!).

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  13. Congratulations on a very successful year and wishes for an even better one!

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