A Little of This and That....Before the Old Year Passes

Spending time with my whole family for our Christmas celebration was wonderful.

But, at the same time, it was difficult to spend the amount of quality time with Tyler individually.

So, I scheduled a day after Christmas for just us two.

Yesterday was that day.

Sadly, the mud was a bit of a hindrance when it came to helping Grammie with farm chores.

But, we still visited all of the animals.

"Look Grammie...look what's in the wheelbarrow!"

We spent the day out of the mud... playing trains, and playdoh, reading books,

and pretending.

And although it wasn't long enough... it was magical!

5 year olds are very funny little people....the things they say!

The hat that Tyler is wearing is one of several that I knit over the holidays.

And now to answer a couple questions from yesterday...

You can find the baby sweater pattern on Ravelry.... HERE:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby--toddler-tiered-coat-and-jacket

How do I knit so fast?

I don't actually knit all that fast.  That baby sweater took me a few days.

For me, knitting is a winter thing.... as that is the only time that I have enough extra time.

Evenings are spent with needles in my hand.

I am not one to sit and just watch TV or a movie...I have to be doing something at the same time,

so.... I knit.

How did (do) I learn?

I come from a long line of very crafty women.

I grew up with the women around me knitting, crocheting, tatting,

embroidering, sewing, and doing other various types of needlework.

So, I suppose it is in my blood.

As a child, I wore warm, hand-knit items and beautifully hand sewn clothes...

for that I consider myself quite lucky!

One of my most prized possessions is this sweater.

It is almost 50 years old and was knit by and worn by my Mom.
Now it is mine...good wool lasts the test of time!

I would have learned to knit from my mother, but she was left-handed and I right-handed.

So, yes, I learned from watching videos on You-tube.

I started with the basics and kept trying harder things.

I, now, don't shy away from any pattern... knowing that I can still learn what I need on You-tube.

Cowl and fingerless mitts that I knitted for Mackenzie's Mommy

I knitted THIS for my daughter (no picture available...sorry).

My advice to you is this:

The only thing that keeps us from doing anything we choose is ourselves.

We often avoid trying new things because of the fear of failure.

To that I say...

"If someone else can do it, then so can you!"

At the end of my life I don't want to feel like there was something that I wanted to do

that I was afraid to try.

And so... I try.  And usually given enough time and practice... I succeed.

And so can you!

Can you believe that it is the end of another year?
Oh my...how fast this past year flew...and how very full it was!
I am hoping that the coming year is a little slower with less big events
and more tiny moments!