Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year...and a contest!

Greetings from windy (and cold!) Skagway!

To ring in a new year and a new decade, I thought I would start things off on the right foot by having a little giveaway!

Like me, I'm sure many of you have thought of things that you'd like to accomplish this year, things you'd like to do more of, things you'd like to do less of.  Basically, a new year means a clean slate to many of us and it's a great time to better oneself in whatever way seems fit.

Something I'm going to be concentrating on this year is designing.  I've got about 6 or 7 partially finished designs that I hope to have done within the next couple months.  My goal this year to is be published either in print or online.  I know that I don't have a lot of control as to whether or not a publication chooses my designs, but what I can control is focusing on finishing something.  Anything, really.  I have confidence that my ideas are on the right track.  I just need a little sticktoitiveness to see my design through to a finished product.

Okay, so that's what I'll be working on.  What will your focus be in 2010?


Leave me a comment regarding your #1 new year's resolution and you'll be entered to win a 250 gram hank of Kangaroo Dyer's Merino/Alpaca/Silk yarn in the Caliph's Sunset colorway.  That's 620 yards of yummy goodness!

I LOVE this yarn and had grand dreams of making a shawlette or large cowl out of it, but I seem to have accumulated a lot of yarn in 2009 with very similar color schemes and there's no possibly way I will ever use it all.  So, I thought I would share it with one of you!

If you'd like to enter more than once, just post a link to my contest on your blog and you'll be entered twice!  Just leave a separate comment with a link to the post letting me know that you did so.

ETA:  Thanks to those who let me know I did not post a deadline!  Contest will close January 8th at midnight Alaska Time.  I'll notify the winner on January 9th.

Good luck and here's to a prosperous 2010!

ETA:  JuliaA, you're the lucky winner!  Thanks to everyone for entering!

126 comments:

  1. Happy New Year! My goal is to improve my lace knitting, and by the end of the year design an unusual lace pattern of my own. Oh, yeah, and declutter the house. Wishing you some sunshine soon in Skagway!

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  2. My #1 goal is to continue pursuing vet school. Right now I'm waiting to hear if I'll be invited to interview. I still have one my pre-requisite classes to take as well.
    And in knitting, my goal is to do a real lace project with laceweight yarn.

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  3. I want to graduate from college in one piece, which means surviving the thesis process.

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  4. My number one goal is to keep it all together as my oldest daughter graduates from high school and leaves for college. Also, a huge amount of decluttering in my closet.
    I am La Verna on rav.

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  5. My goal is to continue to improve my knitting skills by taking workshops, test knitting (need a test knitter?), and stepping outside my usual boundaries.
    Tami
    squiggi@earthlink.net

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  6. Found you through Rav. I have so many goals. Major ones are improving photog skills, knitting more socks and a couple of sweaters, along with increasing the range of my spinning skills. Lovely yarn! Also I will be checking back on your blog. I like it.

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  7. Happy New Year...

    The yarn is beautiful...

    My #1 goal this year - Knit Lace! Have yet to do that! (other than a simple little dishcloth)

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  8. My #1 goal is to finish my Cable and Rib cardigan - complete with a zipper (this will be a sweater of many firsts)!

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  9. Happy new year, and good luck with your goal! Would you want to self-publish at all?

    I am primed to knit a sweater for me this year. Soon. Yarn has been ordered! Apparently 2009 was the year of small projects; I hadn't realized it until I looked at my mosaic of FOs.

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  10. Happy new year--beautiful yarn.
    My goal is to start on the fingerless mitts I meant to make for this past Christmas and actually get lots made throughout the year. This yarn would be perfect. marilynmckinnon@hotmail.com

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  11. Jan 9th is my birthday! :) My goal this year is to get through the acrylics I've been given, knit up and given away. My 'real' stash is only a few skeins, and I'm bound and determined to knit something for myself too. Beautiful yarn! I'm naughtyknots on rav

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  12. I want to do more colorwork projects.

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  13. my #1 news year resolution: "Going Off My Yarn Diet" I put a self imposed diet of yarn purchasing on myself last year Jan. 1 2009. I told myself I've got to use the yarn I've stashed! 1 year, no new purchases! I did it!! I can't wait to dive into some beautiful hand died, hand spun,YARN!
    I've got so many ideas for projects, Maine Morning Mitts, socks, socks and more socks, yarn for scarves, yarn for hats...the possabilities are endless!

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  14. I think my #1 goal would be to finish tying up all loose ends to establish my own Fiber business. It has been my dream for a long time now and I am excited to see things coming together.

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  15. My goal for this year with knitting is knit for myself. But my personal goal is to be a go getter. stop waiting for everything to be right and do the stuff that is fun and the stuff that needs to be done. Then again that can aply to knitting too. (fourpeanuts on ravelry)

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  16. My number one fiber related goal for 2010 is to learn to use my spinning wheel so I can work my way through the vast fiber stash taking over our house. My second goal is to learn to knit socks.

    (InJuneau on Ravelry)

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  17. great minds! my primary goal is to self publish (or otherwise get published) 1-2 small project patterns/month (socks, mittens, hats, etc).

    I have a slew of other goals I posted on my blog a couple days ago...

    (StephCat on Rav)

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  18. my resolution is to finish up all the projects i've promised people!
    knitmit on rav

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  19. My New Year's resolution is to declutter and get organized. I say this every year, but this year I really mean it. I won't hold onto unimportant things anymore.

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  20. Number 1? Well that would be to a better mother and housekeeper (house esp!!!).

    Other than that I want to do a MR. Linky (google it... it is cool) every week for a full year about WIP on my blog too keep me accountable and actually FINISHING something. This WIP can be anything from designing, knitting, crocheting, or just something crafty. I don't care what. I just know that if I have others keeping me accountable I will actually knit every day.

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  21. My #1 goal is to start my etsy shop.

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  22. My goal for this year is a simple one - to knit my way through Sock Innovations!

    I think that's a much more manageable goal than saying I'd like to lose 40 lbs, and organize my stash, and declutter my house! LOL!

    I'm posting as Anonymous but I'm 'beedragon' on Ravelry.

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  23. I'd say my number one is a two-parter: A is to bring up my gpa and B is to get more scholarships.... they kind of go hand in hand.

    I'm zenfluence on rav... but my email is afloyd@oglehtope.edu

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  24. RachelAnderson on RavelryJanuary 1, 2010 at 8:13 PM

    I'm rachelanderson on rav ... and this is beautiful yarn! Winning it would help me move towards my goal of knitting twice as much as I did last year, to knit down my stash. That, and to not add to my stash without taking away from my stash, eihter by knitting or destashing. Of course, winning a contest wouldn't count, since it would be yarn I can knit down ... Oh, and this would tie in to one more goal for me ... knit more FOR ME! I have knit more for other folks this past year, so now I want some selfish knitting!

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  25. I am going to loose that pesky 15lbs that is making me crazy! I have a plan and I am going to do it!!
    I love this stinkin yarn, I must say! Thanks for offering a giveaway! Fun!

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  26. In 2010 I definitely hope to branch out and try some new things in knitting... such as not shying away from every pattern with seams.

    Also going to try to take an Independent Study in my major and take the GREs :)

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  27. My resolution for 2010 is to lose weight. Yes, I know it is cliche but I've really enjoyed cooking and tasting new foods in 2009 a little too much. It was worth it but now it's time for a little moderation.
    monkalicious on Ravelry.

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  28. Happy New Year! My knitting goal in 2010 is to branch out and start designing my own things, instead of relying on patterns so much. Of course, to do this I'll have to get over my irritation with swatching. :)

    I'm Marlitharn at Ravelry.

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  29. Happy New Year! My knitting resolution for this year is to finish my sister's sweater that's been in my closet for longer than I care to state. Great blog!

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  30. My #1 goal is to get my brand new nonprofit, Global Knit, off the ground and get a few shipments of warm, handknit (and crocheted) clothing to some needy kids around the world. We're planning on helping Bulgaria, Afghanistan and here in Columbus, OH so far. Starting a nonprofit is a lot of work, but very rewarding.

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  31. My number one goal for my hobbies this year is to have fun! To follow up on that, I'm going to work on giving myself more time to do those things.

    I'd love to be entered into your generous giveaway!

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  32. Two of my goals are two learn to knit socks, and to improve my dyeing.

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  33. gorgeous colors!! i can totally see why you'd be collecting them......my current goal is to finish some of my wips....beyond that, who knows?!?

    -oonaghfibersmyth on ravelry

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  34. My #1 goal is to spindle spin and knit either a lace shawl or a really gorgeous scarf!

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  35. Oooh goodness, it's a hard one isn't 5t! I will be working very hard towards paying off a third of our property loan by the end of 2010!

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  36. Happy New Year! Good luck on your resolution. That definitely will be exciting! My #1 personal goal is to continue eating healthier and exercising. My #1 crafty goal is to finish (quilt and bind) at least 10 tops.

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  37. would love to finish mates to all my one socks which may actually take longer than 2010! yes, i am THAT bad!

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  38. My goal in 2010 to decorate my house the way I want it. I have lived here since I was four, my mother passed away in June 2009. I bought the house from my brother and 2 sisters. I have been to Skagway on an Alaska cruise. I loved Alaska. Skagway is a pretty town.

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  39. Resolving to get off the sock obsession and start the sweater for ME that has been on hold forever!

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  40. My goal is to knit 10 shawls in 2010 -- there's a rav group with that goal. And decide on a cool ravelympics project.

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  41. I'd love to learn to like socks in 2010. I knit one pair and they don't excite me, but I'd love to have more handknit socks in pretty colors. So I want to learn to like socks.

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  42. My #1 goal is to organize my craft room and keep it that way. It is way out of control and I don't even really know what I have at this point, I want to turn it into a more productive area
    tanyainjville@yahoo.com

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  43. My goal for this year is to knit bigger projects as lace shawls, sweaters, blankets etc. I love laceknitting but have been to afraid to dive into it.

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  44. I have lots of new years resolutions and goals. One of my biggest goals is to start an exercise regime. Knit-wise, I have several UFO's to finish, and I want to knit some lace.

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  45. That yarn is beautiful. My resolution is to go on a yarn diet to try to use up my stash. Free yarn doesn't count. thanks patsycoats@bellsouth.net

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  46. My 2010 goal is to knit 10 projects from my stash and finish my wip's.Hugs Darcy
    darcysknottyknitter@gmail.com

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  47. My #1 yarn goal for the year is to Shop the Stash ... little to no buying of new yarn this year. I went pretty crazy over the last two years and my closet is overflowing.
    I also want to improve my knitting skills (just started learning 3rd qtr 2009)

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  48. my number 1 goal is to knit at least as much for charity as for anything else....if not more

    I am canuckchick on rav

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  49. My #1 goal is to take the time to do things I enjoy, and to just be good to myself!

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  50. my #1 goal...is to be better at making and achieving goals.

    (beforesunrise on ravelry.)

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  51. I was so totally with you. That 2010 was a year to reduce stash. Then I scrolled down far enough to see the skein of yarn.

    My name is Debi, I am addicted to yarn. Ok I did finish a pair of socks today and I am really thinking of finishing a WIP before casting on anything else. Need my needles back.

    Thanks for a fun read.

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  52. Happy New Year!!

    My #1 goal this year is to knit with some of my handspun stash and to work on longer projects more satisfying projects!

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  53. YAY :-D----I love contests!! My absolute #1 goal for this year is to knit a Dale of Norway sweater.... not sure which one. I ordered the booklet and am waiting patiently for it to come in the mail!!!

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  54. ok..... You're on my blog in the CONTESTS section :-)
    http://stonehillranchsales.blogspot.com/

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  55. Like you, I am trying to knit from stash until August, when the major fiber festival is held here in Michigan. I want to devote more money to home improvement, and so much money went toward building a stash in the past couple of years. This year, it's going to go toward making my house a home that is cozy and ME.

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  56. My goal(s) are to knit from my stash, finish more projects and continue the healthy eating I adopted for my pregnancy! There's a whole slew of them that go with raising my new son, but that's a whole other story!!
    Good luck with your resolution! I hope to hear about your success soon!

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  57. Ella posting as Anonymous: My New Year's resolutions are to knit many winter hats for charity and to complete the throw I began in 2004. I am knitella on ravelry.

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  58. LOVE this yarn! So beautiful!

    OK, I never seem to make any headway with resolutions, so this year I'm just focusing on improvements...my mind, my health, my home, my dreams...they could all use a bit of a boost. My goal is to make little improvements wherever I see opportunities.

    Oh...and I'd like to learn how to do the two-finger whistle. That's a yearly resolution for me. ;)

    Thanks for the contest. I'm carrieg777 on Ravelry.

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  59. My goal is to NOT make resolutions! I never keep them anyway. I do, however, strive to finish some of my WIP knitting. I also love your yarn and would love to have it here and pet it till the perfect project comes along to show it off.

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  60. my number one resolution is to minimize my hand pain so that i can knit more! i'm doing this by working on loosening my death grip on pens and needles, using my left hand/arm much more when i can (i'm a righty), and trying to limit my time doing anything hand-intensive. if i do things in smaller bits, i can still get a lot done over time, while not hurting myself!

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  61. I don't make resolutions in the usual sense, but my #1 knitting goal this year is to try stranded colourwork.

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  62. Well my #1 resolution has nothing to do with crocheting or knitting (I do love the craft) but it is to excercise as a family.

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  63. My main goal for the next couple of months is to finish my sweater UFO's prior to Stitches West. I actually started my own blog back in August with a list of 7 WIPS to finish before the end of February 2010--- now I can say 3 down, 4 to go!

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  64. My resolution for 2010 is to be more frugal. Use the library more and the bookstore less, listen to the radio more and buy fewer CDs, use the yarn I already have before I buy more and start a new project, dig into my closets and drawers and make sure I'm wearing all the clothes and shoes and jewelry I have before I buy something new, etc. In this economy cutting back is essential, and I really and truly have everything that I need or (mostly) want. What will I do with the extra? Save some and donate some to my favorite charities.

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  65. My resolution is to be more money conscious. I must save save save.

    Can't wait to see who wins!

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  66. My goal for 2010 is to bring in less yarn that what goes out. I think this would work better for me than going cold sheep.

    What a great contest!

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  67. so nice! i have just the shawlette pattern in mind!

    i thought your destash addiction story was cute. I can understand how this could happen but, sadly, i do not have this issue.( We gave up credit cards, lol..those pesky folks keep raising interest rates grrr! and sadly i have to shop for most indie style yarn on line)

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  68. my goal: to master my spinning wheel to start making more yarn vs buying it!

    i linked back to you!

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  69. My number one goal in 2010 is to learn how to knit a sweater that ends up being wearable.

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  70. blogged about your giveaway. :)

    http://juliaas.wordpress.com/2010/01/04/early-january-giveaways/

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  71. my goal thus far is to actually finish a cabled throw. the colors and yarn are beautiful, it just requires a LOT of patience!!

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  72. My goal is to keep knitting and spinning!

    I also have hand pain and it is so hard to just do something for 15 minutes, so I usually end up not doing it at all. Very sad. So I'm trying to work on the self control and keep doing things in small bits.

    Thanks for the great contest!

    curlykate on ravelry
    curlykateknitter(at)aim.com

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  73. My goal is to finish the UFOs that are starting to creep over the top of the big felted tote they are currently residing in (so I can retrieve some needles and use the tote again!). I am not a big fan of finishing so most of the UFOs (2 baby sweaters, 2 tanks for my youngest daughter which now will also have to have a couple of inches added to the bottom, several stuffed animals...) just need sewing together, button bands added, etc. Maybe once the knitted UFOs are under control, I'll finally layer, quilt and bind the 5 or 7 quilt tops at the bottom of one of the fabric bins. Stash is staying manageable thanks to 2 of my daughters who have been gift knitting for friends and the small loom my youngest got from Santa.

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  74. So interesting to read what everyone has written - my #1 resolution? It's so hard to pick just one - craft wise, it would be to get the designs from my head onto paper. Personal-wise, organize better. ANd make sure my family is happy and taken care of! Happy new year!

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  75. So, I don't do resolutions, but one of my goals for 2010 is to spend more time spinning.

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  76. My number one goal this year is to run in the St. Jude's relay race and donate at least $300!

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  77. My number one knitting goal is to knit a sweater for ME! I always give away what I make, this year I am determined to make something and keep it. I will appreciate the time and energy that went into the sweater, and I will enjoy the good bits, and know where all the mistakes are, and wear it with elan.

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  78. My #1 goal was to learn to knit. I've been crocheting for years and needed to expand my skills. I'm happy to report that I'm working on my first project now and will hopefully have it finished by the end of the week :-) I've decided on a felted bag with the hope that it will be a little more forgiving of beginner mistakes. Love your blog!

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  79. Tracey (knittinella on ravelry)January 6, 2010 at 4:28 AM

    Thank you for the contest! My MAIN gola this year is to help my daughters knit. They have both learned recently and my goal is to keep their interest in it up so that this wonderful old skill will not be lost for the next generation.

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  80. Happy New Year! My number one goal is to learn to crochet fluently.

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  81. New Year, Old Resolutions - continue knitting whatever jumps at me, inspire non-knitter to take up knitting.

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  82. Happy new year! This year i'm going to focus on sweater knitting - eek - and working ruthlessly through my various unfinished projects. They must be either picked up and worked on, or ripped.
    Just found your blog not long ago - the yarn is beautiful and your giveaway is very generous :)

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  83. Hi Allison, I hope you are starting to feel better. It is definitely not fun being sick. I would love to enter your yarn contest - the colors are gorgeous. I just discovered your blog on another blogger's website - Lazy Kate Creates.

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  84. Sorry, I forgot to put my #1 Resolution - it was to organize all of my knitting books, patterns, etc. but maybe it should be to proofread properly before posting my comments! Sorry about that, I could not edit it.

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  85. I don't really "do" new year's resolutions...but I do have some knitting goals this year. I want to adventure down the path of doing my first lace project. I'm also thinking I might tackle a sweater. I want to finish my first pair of fingerling wt socks as I've only completed a worsted weight pair to this point. And then there's those gifty projects that didn't quite get made for holidays '09 that still need to be knit. And I'm sure there will be many other projects that NEED to make it on the needles this year too ;)

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  86. Okay, aside from the usual "lose 30 pounds by summer" resolution, I've also vowed to make all of my Christmas presents this year. It's going to take every bit of creative thinking I've got, but I'm determined! Wish me luck!

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  87. My new years resolution is to plan less and do more; starting with planning less resolutions! Happy New Year!

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  88. My #1 resolution is to enjoy what I knit more - last year I worked to goals, I want to work towards enjoyment this year. Oh, and to stop back here - thanks so much for Kate's linky to your blog, I'll be back :)

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  89. My goal is to knit, knit, knit. And to find other knitters who share my passion to travel to fiber retreats, workshops,etc with.

    ravelry: elizmcryn
    email: elizmcryn@aol.com

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  90. My #1 for the year is to get in to dentistry school, I am working hard, the 2nd time is the charm! ravelry: Angela678

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  91. I have blogged!

    http://knitlitandbullshit.blogspot.com/2010/01/resolution.html

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  92. I have a hope to have more patience this year. As last year was ending my nerves seemed a bit frayed and I seemed to be out of patience with a lot of things. I frogged some of the projects I was making due to it.
    msgb245 at gmail dot com

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  93. My resolution is not to have a resolution.

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  94. My #1 project/resolution for 2010 is a multiple one :) Im hooked on small shawls and I want want to knit more of them for gifts for next xmas. Ive got many in mine. Definately Ishbel though.

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  95. My resolution for 2010 is knitting a lot more than last year and trying to share my work as much as possible with the world.

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  96. Hello to you in Alaska! The yarn is beautiful!

    My goal is to become a more accomplished knitter and also to start designing. I am in love with knitting, but want to move beyond basics and master colored knitting, and do some fancy lace.

    Happy New Years!

    ReplyDelete
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