Happy New Year to everyone! May it be filled with joy and wonder; and for the crafters, with lots of fulfilling new projects!

I have some new finished objects to show off, but a) my usual photographer (i.e. my mom) seems to be on a strike and b) I’ve twisted the same ankle for the second time and have to wear a cast now, so I don’t really feel like having my picture taken. For now, I’ll just show two of my works in progress:

1) Made So Quickly by Susan Crawford. I’ve finished two patterns from A Stitch in Time Vol. 1. I’ve posted about Enchanting in Black and White in 2012, but I’m afraid I didn’t get much wear out of the pullover – the mohair tore after wearing it twice and I couldn’t bring myself to repair it (a project for this year?). The other one is the Cable Bolero, which I’ve finished during the Christmas holidays. I’ve yet to take pictures of it, and I have also a few word to say about this pattern, because boy was it a maddening experience. That, however, doesn’t change the fact that the patterns in “A Stitch in Time” are gorgeous and I keep going through both volumes just to admire the pictures. As there are a lot more finished projects for “Made So Quickly” than for the “Cable Bolero” on Ravelry, I really hope this will go over better – I really like the pattern so far, too.

2) It’s winter here, and I should probably be working on some winter clothes, but nah. When have I ever chosen to do the pragmatic thing? I rescued this fabric from the sales bin (it was about 3€/m, what a find!) and immediately knew it was destined to become a cheery summer dress. I’ll have to fiddle around with the zipper for a better fit and buy more bias tape for the skirt hem, but this will have to wait until I come back to my Dad’s place.

These two basically sum up my new years resolutions when it comes to crafting: make more items suitable for everyday wear, make more jumpers and less accessories (I have too many hats and scarves already), sew more items with sleeves (=wearable in seasons other than summer). Regarding sewing, I also want to branch out more to other fabrics and patterns; I’ve already tried sewing with jersey and wool last year and I’ve made some shirts, so I’ll work on that further. Maybe I’ll try my hand in trousers? Or jackets? That seems daunting, but I think it’s time to try new things!

What are your crafting resolutions for 2014?