Recounting isn’t really my thing. I’m completely a process person, so it is only necessity that ever makes me finish things. As a younger person I made all my clothes, and I was famous in our household for deciding at the last possible moment that I needed a new outfit. I was always “hemming as I went out the door.”
I am really no different now. Things get done when there is a deadline that I cannot ignore. So I thought I should do a Top Nine, but I wanted to do what I thought reflected my year, not what Instagram liked. So that makes it more complicated.
Top 9 – Recounting in List Form
Birthday Trip. To celebrate my 65th birthday we went to Paris, Morocco, Gran Canaria, and London. That we got to take a month was awesome. That we had a cold almost the entire time was a drag, but didn’t dampen the trip. The camel rides and glamping in the Sahara were truly unique experiences I am glad we undertook!
Somerset Stole for the Identity e-book. I love collaborations, and this one was easy and very satisfying. Somerset Fingering is available now.
Other Patterns that got published. Ormt, Naples, Jupiter’s Rings LGF Suri, Kaikoura Cosy.
Things awaiting re-release or Publication. Boot Toppers, Queenstown, Southeast Light, Ischia, Ormt Fingering, Sorrento, Kormt, Somerset Lace, Firenze, Assen Gansey, Aukland Hats, Limestone, Four Corners, Karmoy, Emmen, Lake Alta, The Remarkables, Positano, Assen Cosy, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Makkah, Capri, Jupiter’s Rings in 3 other versions, Somerset Lace, Taos Fingering.
Patterns launching or re-releasing in 2020. Sakai Cardigan & Sakai Pullover, Ravello Tank, King’s Road, Santa Rosa, Eden Park, others . . . .
Projects launching in 2020. Knitter’s Math, Yarnover Class: Yoke Sweater Construction for Real Bodies, A System of Grading in 4 Sections, Knitwear Design Intensive.
Other Trips. A trip to LA where we actually enjoyed what it has to offer. A visit with Nancy in Napa and Healdsburg. TNNA in Cleveland and in Portland. Vancouver in May to see the Chatterjees who were enroute to Alaska. Vancouver in November.
Drawing. The awesome sketch I did in my figure drawing class.
My Life. All the time I spend with Mitch, whether on the couch, traveling, dining, or otherwise enjoying our life together.
The Piles of Projects
Finished, unfinished, not yet begun. My studio/office is nothing but piles. I’m sure there is a list somewhere of projects I did this year. But I usually lose interest, or lose the list. I keep a file of floating lists. I’ve recently combined it into just a couple of lists, but then there are all those daily notes I write. I did notice recently that Mitch goes through his weekly lists and makes new ones. A good practice, I’m sure.
So I don’t expect Recounting 2020 to be much different from 2019. As Jane used to love to say, “Leopards don’t change their spots!” I have always thought of that in terms of other people, but clearly it is equally true of me!
Planning 2020
Some of you have dutifully downloaded the 2020 planners. I love that the planners appeal to people. My goal is to get more out of my head and onto paper. The planners are a solid tool — even though I’m just as likely to grab a piece of scratch paper as I am the pretty planning sheets. They provide structure and guidance and are a size that makes you focus. They are available for the first quarter of 2020 at no charge.
I do know my limits. It amused me when I was asked if I had dyed my scarf in the photo of me with the giant table set. I cook, I knit, I take care of both Mitch and me, I write patterns and other educational materials, I travel, and sometimes I do little sewing projects. There is no time for anything else. I limit my areas of focus, if not always my focus.
Living 2020
Maybe I’ll try keeping a list in 2020: Reading, knitting. Nah. I love the doing, not the recounting!
Although my structure is unstructured, I am known to get tons done. Stick with me to see how you can do what you want too. There is always planning going on! Here’s to a product- or process-driven 2020 — whichever works for you!
These final photos are of Moon Moth from FiberDreams which I thoroughly enjoyed knitting (and barely changed!) as part of the 2019 GAL. The yarn is Breeze from Anzula, a linen/silk blend. Can’t wait for weather suitable for wearing it.
You’re wonderful. Keep at what you’ve been keeping at.
Thanks so much Louise! I will keep at it.