2015

For all the best-laid plans that we can make at the start of a year, none of us really know how our year is going to turn out.

For me, 2015 has without question been The Year of the Sock.  Socks feature quite heavily in every year for me, but this year was definitely an exception!  In January I posted a 6ply Boot Socks pattern which followed on from the Basic 4ply Socks pattern that I had posted in 2014 and thought that it might be nice to create some tutorials to help people get started knitting socks.  I called the tutorials a Sockalong, which sounded like less of a mouthful than a sock-knitalong and the first pre-Sockalong tutorials appeared on the blog in April, followed by the main tutorials in May. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect that it would have been as popular as it is, or that I would see so many pairs of socks knitted!  I finished the tutorial paperback and Kindle book in July and created a teeny tiny sock which people could be knit and wear to recognise fellow “Sockalongers”. Then came another hugely exciting Year of the Sock moment – Yarndale!  The Yarndale Sock Line was born from the idea of having sock bunting to display at Yarndale but it had to be useful bunting, which would warm people’s toes instead of collect dust in my garage year after year.  Finally, in December, the socks winged their way to their new homes where they have been happily received.

 

It’s easy to think that I haven’t done much else this year, and it’s true to say that socks and the Sockalong have filled a great many of my waking hours (and I’ve loved it!), but I have also been so fortunate to have been able to get out and about with family, friends and with the dog, into the garden and around the country, visiting places new and familiar.  It’s this mix of the old and the new that keeps us grounded but lets us spread our wings, knowing that we always have somewhere safe to come back to.

We forget so quickly, don’t we, in the rush of our day to day lives.  As I looked through my photos I thought, ‘was that really only this year?’

It’s looking back through these photos that reminds me how blessed my life is and how grateful I am to be able to live it, and for the people who are part of it.

Looking back and looking forward, that’s what New Year is about.  Celebrating the good with the bad and knowing that it all adds up to make a year and that’s what lives are about.  We’re never given any more than the day we have, so we have to make the most of every one and look for the extraordinary in the everyday.

Thank you for being part of this year.  I hope that 2016 is everything that you wish it to be xx

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7 Responses

  1. sustainablemum says:

    I have just found your blog and missed all your amazing sock knitting this year, it all sounds wonderful. I look forward to reading more next year. I agree that New Year is the time to look back and forward. Like you I had a look through my photos and couldn't remember half of what we had done in the year until my memory was jogged by them. A Happy New Year to you.

  2. eclectichomelife says:

    I have enjoyed this socks long journey so much with you Christine. Thank you for adding cheer to the year. For your comments if my blog and your unfailing help to all both here and on fb. Happy new year to you and yours x

  3. Unknown says:

    I have now purchased your sock book so hope to start some socks for myself very soon. The problem is my son wants some thick boot socks but he has size 13 feet and only likes drab plain colours (where's the fun in that)! Happy New Year. xx

  4. Amy at love made my home says:

    Yes, definitely the year of the sock for you! But a good one and fabulous socks all round! Happy New Year! Here's to a good 2016! xx

  5. The Prayerful Weaver says:

    It's been lovely getting to know you as I've followed your blog. I was delighted to be able to take part in the Yarndale Sockline too. Thanks for all you've done and shared with us. God bless. Liz xx

  6. Lilly's Mom says:

    Christine, you are such a blessing to all of us! Wishing you a very Happy New Year and all the best to you and your family for 2016! Hugs, Pat

  7. Christina says:

    I enjoyed your journey very much this year. I have always liked to knit socks and I love the way you have inspired many to learn to knit their own. Happy New Year! x

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