Monthly Musing – December 2020 – Happy birthday!

Winwick Mum was 10 years old this year.

It was in August, to be precise, but in the gradual way that Winwick Mum started as a column in our local church magazine and has grown to fill my every waking thought as a blog, books, yarn and sock patterns, it feels quite natural to be talking about an anniversary a few months later!  And besides, as we reach the end of this peculiar year, it’s quite nice to have something to celebrate!

I had absolutely no idea, all those years ago (when even the thought of writing something to be published for and read by my local community filled me with some kind of terror) that I would be feeling extraordinarily grateful that my husband said “What a great idea!” when I showed him the request in the church magazine for some extra content and said I thought I could write something, and telling you now that 10 years have passed and I am still writing my Monthly Musings.  I certainly had no idea that writing my musings each month (and not being tapped on the shoulder in the village shop by someone who though they were terrible!) would help me to feel brave enough to publish them online as a blog, which later became far more about socks that I would have ever thought, led to friendships I never dreamed of and opportunities I never imagined.

Not all of us are born fearless, for many of us it’s something that we have to learn and I still spend a lot of time telling myself “Just do it!”, whether it’s pressing “send” on an email, picking up the phone or deciding that I’m going to try something new.  I do believe it is something that we can learn, though, and that’s why I try my best to encourage other people to be fearless when they can – whether it’s my girls or my husband wondering whether to start something new or whether it’s someone about to cast on their first pair of socks.  Looking back over the 10 years of Winwick Mum, I can see how I’ve got past many fears of my own – and even more wonderfully, seen other people do the same.  It’s been amazing!

I’m sure I’ve mentioned this before, but one of our favourite Christmas films is The Polar Express and one of my favourite lines in the film comes right at the end when the conductor tells the small boy, “One thing about trains: it doesn’t matter where they’re goin’.  What matters is deciding to get on”.

I will be forever thankful that I decided to get on the train the day that I emailed the church magazine editor about an idea I had, and forever grateful that you are now all here with me.  Here’s to the next 10 years!

You can find the Monthly Musing archive here, although I must warn you that it’s not up to date … a job for next year! 🙂

And we had snow this morning, so although this photo is nothing to do with happy birthdays, it is very definitely to do with a happy me!

A view across a field. A black horse is in the centre of the photo with black tree silhouettes behind. There is snow on the ground, a faint pink glow to the sky

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16 Responses

  1. Richard says:

    Happy Birthday/Anniversary to you and your Blog from across the Pond! I believe that I first got directed to your blog/website for a sock pattern at some point back in 2019. Only God knows for sure how I came to read your blog; I turned 65 on December 12th and it may only be this past year (such a dreadful 2020) but my memory isn't what it used to be! Best Wishes for your New Year and another wonderful 10 years for your blog.

  2. Coastal Ripples says:

    I rarely comment Winwick Mum but feel I should add my thanks to your blogging milestone. On retiring five years ago I was spurred on by you to make my first pair of socks through your carefully written instructions. Now five years later I have made numerous pairs and all seven members of my family wore winwick mum socks on Christmas Day. And very cosy they were too. Here’s to the next ten years of your blog. B x

  3. Susan Rayner says:

    We are all very grateful for that email to the editor of the Church Magazine! Congratulations on a great idea and a group that inspires and educates every day! Happy New Year and here's to the next ten!

  4. Carrie says:

    Congratulations! I am so pleased you put one foot on the ladder 10 years ago, and that your enterprise had grown so! I love to see your email in my inbox. Happy New Year to you and yours xx

  5. Jennyff says:

    Congratulations on 10 years of delightful blogging. Particularly this year blogs have made such a positive difference, both reading others and writing our own have helped us through.. Here’s to better times and many more enjoyable posts. Happy new year.

  6. Susieknits says:

    Happy birthday Christine. Who knew that your first article for the church magazine would lead to this? I agree that we have to face our fears from time to time, as it opens up opportunities we may have missed. Thank you for all you do and a Happy New Year to you and your family.

  7. MidgePorterDesign says:

    Happy anniversary. What a difference a few years make. So glad you decided to start writing. Wishing you a happy and successful 2021 xx

  8. Chris Knowler says:

    Happy 10th birthday Winwick socks! I started my sock journey in 2017. I knitted a mini sock at a course in Covent Garden. I thought they were beyond my capabilities. But with the basics under my belt I went for it following your pattern and the help of many on the sockalong page. I think I'm up to 20+ pairs many still the basic pattern but I have tried lacy, cables etc.
    I have found friends all over the world through knitting socks! Who would have thought a simple thing could bring such happiness!
    I look forward to the knitalong in January. Have a lovely New Year!

  9. Bunnygirl says:

    Happy Anniversary to you! I only found your blog this year while I was looking for sock patterns. What incredibly detailed tutorials! You helped me take the plunge to make more socks (9 pair this year!), although I had made one pair years back without much confidence. I especially like your toe shaping technique – no uncomfortable, baggy toebox fabric scrunched into my shoes.

    I also love all the pictures of your walks; you live in such a beautiful area. I will continue to eagerly await your new blog posting in my e-mail as long as you enjoy writing them. You, and your blog, are just too brilliant!

  10. Unknown says:

    So happy I found your blog – was it a couple years ago??? You are always a bright spark of encouragement, positivity, and just general niceness. As my old piano teacher used to say to me as a child "keep up the good work"

  11. JulieL says:

    Congratulations and thank you for sharing your musings and sock knowledge. Eternally grateful!

  12. happyneedles says:

    You are such an inspiration to me and no doubt many others. Thank you for being you and all you have done and continue to do.

  13. selina says:

    CONGRATULATIONS & HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY!
    for our new sock knitters on our forum i always recommend your Tutorials
    i for one probably would never have had the gumption if it wasn't for your tuts & the encouragement from our forum to continue on with socks but now i get so much satisfaction when i finish a pair; though i stopped doing the kitchener stitch, i have never worn a more comfortable sock than my own handmade socks (no seams)
    here's to another 10 years enjoying your socks & your walks
    thanx for sharing

  14. NekoJ says:

    Happy Birthday. I found your website last week. I am now half way through my first sock!!

  15. happy hooker says:

    Happy birthday/anniversary. There are many people out here in blogland who have been able to board that sock-knitting train thanks to you, myself included. Here's to the next 10 years! xxx

  16. RhianPennant says:

    Loving the colour of your yarn – it’s sumptuous. Wishing you a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda from Llandudno and all the best for 2021. Rhian

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