Flickr Slide show (does not include all projects done in 2012).

A year end review of the items I made in 2012. This was my sixth year of knitting. I completed 10 projects (worked on 13). Compare that to the 33 I completed in 2011, the 2012 number is very low.

I do still love to knit, but this year, I’ve taken on more hobbies. I’ve gone back to blogging, reading more, played badminton for a bit, tried to spin for a bit too, play the violin again, socialise and much more. All of this means I am spread more thinly in my leisure time, and honestly, that’s alright. I think I knit so much the last couple of years 2010 and 2011 – especially, the big three S’s: sweaters, scarves/shawls, and socks – that I will have enough handknits to last me awhile. I just am more careful about the projects I start, and I don’t feel the need to start projects as quickly after completing them.

The problem is that I still continue to accumulate a lot of yarn. Not as much as when I knit more before, but still a good amount. This year had me joining the Hazel Knits sock club for a couple of months and the occasional yarn purchase. I also took up spinning briefly which means I now have a small spinning stash of fleece and roving.

Here’s a summary and notes of the projects of this year.

Frustrating Projects: There was a higher number of these projects this year which is one of the reasons I have become choosier about what to knit.

Garter Yoke Cardigan: This wasn’t as frustrating as Paris, but this took me a long time to finish. I rushed the buttons sewing. I remember feeling like I lost some knitting mojo with this project. I have worn it out, and I would wear it again.

Paris: ran out of yard, had to shorten the sleeves.

Girasole: Only for the time it took me during a record high summer.

Andrea’s Shawl: This pattern did not work for me. I did not the yarn I chose and it came out super small. I never really finished it even though I bound off. It was so frustrating that I didn’t even take a photo of it.

Projects That I am Most Happy/Proud of: Frustration leads to success and more sense of accomplishment

Girasole: it took so long and it is the biggest thing I have ever knit.

Paper Totoros: It took a lot of work and time, but I finally got to knit it.

Striped Study Shawl and Margot: They are both so gorgeous because of the Kauni yarn.

Project That I Wear/Use the Most:

Girasole which is on my bed.

I also have worn Margot a couple of times, but it is the Girasole in winter.

Accessories I will probably never use: This happens at least couple times a year because I do knit for the sake of knitting. I’m trying to do that less now.

Taska: This is a cute purse, but not really my style. Good stashbuster for fair isle yarn though.

Tiny Shoes: Even though this was meant for a baby. I don’t know when I will have the time to give it to one. Also, it doesn’t seem to be a proper fit. We’ll see.

Luxe Neck Warmer: I made one for a friend years ago and wish I owned it. I made this pattern again with the Eco wool and I didn’t like it as much.

Project that I am Ripping: For the first time ever, I will rip one of my finished projects completely.

Paris: I had wanted to make this project for a long time. Veera Välimäki is one of my favourite designers. I ran out of yarn even though I had the recommended amount. I had to eliminate the pockets, shorten the panels and the sleeves. I don’t think I will ever wear it and the yarn is too nice to stay as as an unwanted sweater. I’ll have a WIP Post next week about my progress ripping this cardigan.

What’s ahead for 2013:

I plan on knitting more or less the same amount of projects (10-12). I want to continue this balance.

Socks and Scrap Blankets: Unbelievably, I didn’t knit any socks this year, but I knit 12 in 2010 and 2 more in 2011 so my handknit sock area is overflowing. I’ll definitely get back to socks in 2013 if only to use the yarn for the two scrap blankets I have been making. Also considerable yarn sock stash.

Hat: I think I’ve knit a hat every year since I started knitting except 2012! I’m planning on  doing a Shedir to replace my old Shedir.

Sweaters/Cardigans: I have to do this because I have a substantial sweater stash. I made four sweaters/cardigans in 2012. I think 2-3 is all I can do in 2013.

Mittens: Probably one pair. I have many, many stranded mitten patterns since I went through a phase of collecting them.

Thank you for reading my review. How was your year in crafting? What do you plan for in 2013?