Happy New Year to All! The photo is my project to start off 2010. It’s a wonderful Reversible Diamond Pattern Afghan that I started about 2 years ago. The pattern is from Easy Afghan for Knitters, an old but favorite book for afghan patterns and the yarn is Sirdar Aran with Wool. A machine washible acrylic/wool blend that I find perfect for afghans. This yarn is very special to me because I purchased it 4 years ago from a small country yarn shop in England. I had the most wonderful visit to that yarn shop. The woman that was working was delightful. I dream of returning to that small town for a longer visit. I absolutely love the Cotswold section of England.

I try to make at least one afghan a year. I find it so comforting to work on a big project in January, February, & March. While the weather is so very cold, the afghan grows and keeps me warm as I curl up on the couch in the evenings and in the afternoons on the weekends.

And when I’m not knitting, I totally enjoy putting together a puzzle in these winter months. I found this one called “Sew Sweet”. Lots of vintage sewing items. I hope it will inspire me to sew some new projects. One of the things on this year’s To-Do list is to make myself several garments. It’s been a while since I’ve done that but I find those clothes are my favorite and fit the best.

When I need a break from the afghan, I’ve started using the odd balls of yarn in my stash to make more fingerless gloves. I’ve been wearing mine and getting tons of compliments.

So, how do you pass the evenings durng these cold months?