January 01, 20082007: My Knitting Year in ReviewIt always surprises me that it can be so difficult and take so much time to learn what I like and what I do not, and to learn how to spend my time in the way that really makes me the happiest. With knitting, I feel like I was very capable of doing this for many years before blogging, but that after I discovered internet knitting I often followed a circuitous path. It is really interesting to me that the existence of peers has such an effect - positive and negative - on what I do. Both watching and being watched have impacted me in surprising ways. I have spent a lot of time in the last year or so thinking about how I spend my time - knitting and otherwise - and if spending my time in the way that I do is fulfilling to me. We are only given so many days and so many hours. I want to use them in ways that will make me happy.  2007: My Happiest Knitting Year Yet. This culling of activities is an exercise that reminds me of the time I spent making a budget right after law school. I went through college and many lean years afterwards living on plastic and a prayer, so when I found myself with an actual salary (and real-world law school debts that put my college loans to shame), I decided that I needed to take some action and get my financial house in order. I read a lot of articles on how to best go about doing this, and they all suggested going through a year of bank statements and determining how you spend your money. The ways in which we spend our money are often surprisingly unknown to us. Mine were shockingly unknown to me.
With a large dose of discipline to accompany it, that spending self-awareness has paid off. Five years later I am free of credit card debt, with my private school loans substantially paid down, a nice savings account and 401K, and a closet with a reasonable number of well-chosen shoes. I have had to make some choices to get to this point. I've been driving the same beat up pickup truck since 1996, I eat out infrequently (especially compared to most Angelinos), I scour the sale racks (quality brands, low prices), and you cannot shove me into a taxi cab, because I believe that it is a ridiculous way to spend money. My indulgences are yarn, groceries, and books - likely in that order. And that is absolutely fine, because that is how I want to spend my money. Budgeting this way is not all about sacrifices, because just like dieting, it is impossible to come up with a successful plan if it is not a plan for life. And life should have carrots as well as sticks. My budget has been about my reality. I like cute shoes. I like having three colors of toe nail polish from Target, as well, but that's not nearly as high on my list. So the answer is to reign in the Target spending, put those dollars aside, and after they accumulate, go out and buy a few pairs of fantastic shoes each year. It's not really about avoiding spending, as much as it is about avoiding spending on things that only bring me a modest amount of pleasure so that I can spend on things that I truly want.
Over four years of blogging, I have spent a lot of time knitting, writing about knitting, photographing knitting, thinking about knitting, and coding for the purpose of knitting. I have taken several long breaks, and I have seriously considered quitting the blogging scene altogether. This year, I came extremely close to signing off, but as I thought about it, I realized that for me, this blog is a lot like the cute shoes. I enjoy it a great deal - I love the thinking and the writing and the coding, and most of all the friend-making - I just don't need to spread myself thin with it. For me, blogging too much is like having 10 pairs of winter shoes in my closet. The shoes may be pretty, but they go to waste, and I can find myself unable to find the funds for toilet paper! The balance that I have been slowly striking over the years is working for me. I blog regularly, but not frequently, and when I need a break, I take it. I blog for pleasure and not out of obligation. My pace changes as my life changes. Most importantly for me, I spend more time knitting than blogging. Choosing projects is much the same. I've found that the more that I have in an "active state" on my needles the less happy I am. Having a lot of WIPs makes me put pressure on myself and doesn't give me a lot of room to follow either knitting or designing bliss. For the last few years I have generally had no more than three WIPs at a time, and that has really added to my knitting fulfillment. To counterbalance that discipline in the active knits arena, I have allowed myself to swatch for whatever I please, and I often have many "live swatches" (swatches that may actually become something) hanging around at any given time. This allows me to explore all my knitting daydreams and provides a great starting ground for design ideas without scattering my energy or resources. It also helps me to see the potential of the yarn that is already in my stash. I have nothing against buying new yarn (and I have a stash to prove it), but I really enjoy using what I already have, and I love using things that have been in my stash for a long time in really pleasing ways.
At the close of any other blogging year I could give you a list of favorites - winners, losers, what I would make again or wear forever, what I would not. This year is different. There will, of course, be some items that have more staying power than others, but this year was by far my favorite knitting year ever. I made enough items to keep me engaged, but not so many as to overwhelm. There are gifts, designs of my own, patterns written by friends, several pieces that incorporate some very old stash yarn, and a few that employed techniques that I hadn't used in ages. Most of all, each and every piece, for its own unique reasons, has real substance for me. This year my resolution is simply to enjoy doing more of the same. I hope that your knitting for 2007 has been equally fulfilling, and I can't wait to see what all of us do in 2008. Happy New Year and Happy Knitting! 
In main | waxing poetic
Comments
So much to savour in one post! I admire your perspective! Posted by: Meg at January 6, 2008 10:51 PMhi julia, i feel like you are writing my thoughts, only with much more fluidity and eloquent use of words. and please send me a mail when you come to new england. i think we will have a blast. currently i'm in search of worthy cashmere wool for my coat making, thanks for a lovely comment! happy 2008. Posted by: blossom at January 6, 2008 10:07 AMTarget can be a budget killer, can't it? I also hope to be a more thoughtful spender and knitter this year. thanks so much for your thoughtful and inspiring post! Posted by: Ava at January 6, 2008 08:43 AMHi Gia, I have three patterns in the Knit Cafe Book, but I did not write it! Suzan Mischer, the owner of Knit Cafe did. I must admit that I feel a connection to both Greetings from Knit Cafe and Boho Baby that is beyond the normal contributer bond. I worked at Knit Cafe for over two years and taught there, and it formed part of my family in my early LA years. Boho is written by Kat Coyle - who has five patterns in the Knit Cafe book - and only contains patterns written by our group of knitting friends. Kat worked to give us all a lot of leeway in our designs in that book, and we often met to share ideas and enjoy each others' FOs. It was a great collaborative process, and I feel a real connection to it, as well. If you have a little one to knit for, pick it up! It is as great as the Knit Cafe book. Kat's designs are so imaginative and unique. xox, J Posted by: Julia at January 6, 2008 08:16 AMBTW - Fantastic Blog entry. THAT is a true winning blog entry. Straight from the heart. Hubby and I moved to NY for his career (doctor), and the plastic has just ran out. We also live with what we have - and if we don't need it to survive, we don't get it. Once every 2-3 months we can get something nice - yarn or electronic or whatever (like my new Bond knitter) - isn't that all we need anyway? - simple pleasures? Thanks Posted by: Gia at January 6, 2008 04:13 AMOM GOSH! I have been reading your blog here & there for about a year, and I just realized that YOU WROTE MY FAVORITE BOOK! The Knit Cafe! I remember it clearly.... I was in Barnes and Noble, and fell in love! I bought it instantly, and vowed to make everything in it. Life happened, and I at least made one thing :). I then moved across the country (form Kansas to New York). Somehow the book that was supposed to be in storage for a month, had been there for almost a year. Recently going back on a shameless attempt to find this book in the midst of 2 storage units and unmarked boxes, under the covert operation masked in "I need to find (hubby's) things for his work...". I walked over boxes and washer/dryers and mattress's piled high in 3 inch stilletto boots from Nine West. (I do not suggest this)... I found it - and allot of needed clothes. after packing my clothes for the plane - no room for hubby's things or book. Thinking this through... Minus 2 of hubby's jeans - the book fit :) I am happy to be re-united :) Thank you! Hi Julia, Thanks for your thoughtful post for the new year. Feel free to blog whenever you feel like it - I will keep appreciating your posts whenever they come! Posted by: Dalila at January 3, 2008 07:30 AMI hope you never stop blogging because I enjoy your posts too much. I almost withered during that log stretch where we didn't hear from you. You are an inspiration when I feel like chucking my latest cabling project out the window after having to frog several rows for the tenth time over the past fifty rows. I do have a wonder (not so much a question as a wonder)...... know a good book for finishing techniques, mainly weaving in ends. I just finished a baby blanket that I'm going to have to back with cloth because of all the little tails. Is that normal or do I need help with finishing? What an interesting post. I just graduated med school and fortunately my loans are in "economic hardship deferement" for now...but a budget is in my very near future. Anyway, I'm SO very glad you didn't abandon blogging altogether. Yours is one of maybe 3-4 of my "must reads" and I'd be so sad without it! Posted by: Mia at January 2, 2008 01:10 PMSo much to think about. I really enjoyed reading this post. Setting goals and actually achieving them are two very different things and I can't help but be amazed by how disciplined you can be. I've managed to eliminate what little debt I've acquired over the years, but never with so much thoughtfulness. I tend to do things, instead, that eliminate my opportunities for weakness, like using direct deposit to automatically set aside my rent in a different account, automatic bill pay that sends money before I have a chance to spend it, on pay day. Your way sounds so much more grown up. hehe Posted by: Marnie at January 2, 2008 10:20 AMThank you for your well considered and thought provoking post. I've been struggling with my knitting lately, not the physical component (well, sometimes), but the reasons behind my knitting. Why do I knit? What is it about knitting that I enjoy? When do I get to be a "real" knitter? I have no answers for any of these questions, but I'm sorting it out as I go along. Your comments about being more mindful, whether of knitting or financial concerns, really struck a chord for me and are sure to keep returning to me the next time that I consider a "want," rather than a "need" item. Thanks again for such a great blog and I'm looking forward to your posts in 2008. Best wishes for the new year! Posted by: Rebecca at January 2, 2008 10:05 AMThanks for such a great post about fiscal planning. That post is one of the main reasons why I like coming to your blog so much. Your 2007 year seemed pretty great and I wish you all the best in 2008. Posted by: Cathy at January 2, 2008 06:35 AMbeautiful post! thoughtful, thought-provoking, and inspiring. i like the parallels between how you manage blogging and how you manage life. have a wonderful 2008! Posted by: jody at January 2, 2008 06:17 AMWell said, Julia. There are times when we go with the flow and it's good, and times when it's necessary to stop and let it carry on, if only for a while. We (BFF and I) are quite fortunate to know you both on- and offline (what a phrase). Here's to happiness--satisfaction--in 2008! Ein glückliches Neues Jahr! Posted by: MJ at January 1, 2008 11:41 PMsuch a thoughtful and fascinating post. can i tell you that manly booties picture was not my fav and i kept checking your blog and checking your blog and going please please post again. i don't care if it's months between posts your posts are amazing and i learn so much from you about knitting and enjoying life. i'm really glad 2007 was your favorite knitting year and i'm happy you are still sharing with us. all best for 2008. Posted by: michele at January 1, 2008 06:39 PMOh, that was such a wonderful post! So liberating! I am so inspired! Posted by: Tana at January 1, 2008 05:01 PMJulia - Your blog is one of my top favorites, and I always make time to read it! I'm glad you've decided to keep blogging in a way that works best for you. Your post really struck a chord with me, for the reasons other commenters have alluded to already - discovering the most fulfilling and meaningful way to spend time, energy, money and knitting effort is an ongoing process for me. xoxo Jennie Posted by: Jennie at January 1, 2008 04:33 PMVery well said. I'm glad you didn't quit blogging this year, because I really enjoy your posts on designing and life as a knitter. I find myself thinking a lot lately about how I spend my time as a knitter and what makes me happy as a knitter, and it's great to read other people's thoughts on those subjects. I look forward to seeing what all of us do in 2008 too! Posted by: Lauren at January 1, 2008 03:56 PMHappy New Year my friend! I'm always so happy to see you! Posted by: Cara at January 1, 2008 03:33 PMThis was such a wonderful post, J, with so much of what you're describing ringing true to me as well. Spending time (and money) on fewer things that are really special has increasingly become my focus, too. Like, this photo, which is truly one of my all time faves. It makes me smile every time I see it! xo-S. Posted by: Nonnahs at January 1, 2008 03:32 PMRather than just doing the typical skim, I savoured your well composed post. The arc in the middle really had me wondering if you were going to sign off for the last time. Congrats on your successes! Good luck in the upcoming year! I hope to see you soon! On a side note: I wonder how many bloggers will call it quits due to Ravelry suiting so many needs. I know it has crossed my mind. Posted by: loriz at January 1, 2008 02:01 PMI am so glad that you did not decide to call it quites on the blogging scene. I enjoy reading your blog. Yours was one of the first that I started reading about a year ago. I look forward to each of your posts. I also really enjoyed reading the CAL posts and blog. Posted by: chrispy at January 1, 2008 01:18 PMJulia, Yes! You remind me of one of my best friends...she is very rational, down to earth, and self critical...but in the best, happiest way, and is good to come to when you need a little perspective and "balance". I'm currently thinking about the same things in your post: budgeting, assessing the things that make me happy and that are "worth it", and getting creative with limitations instead of letting them, well...limit you. My husband and I are realizing the ideal new apartment for us is a bit out of our price range, and instead of getting down I'm trying to see it as an oppurtunity to weed the unnecessary time and money expenditures in my life (not such a big deal for Joe, he is already very frugal). Thanks for sharing your perspective! Posted by: Julia at January 1, 2008 10:46 AMOnce again you've written a beautifully thoughtful post. I often think about what kind of knitting I like to do. It helps me decide on what designs to submit and where I want to go creatively; and I've realized that what I like to knit changes subtly over time. Happy New Year! Posted by: kat at January 1, 2008 10:33 AMJulie: This is a great post, Julia! Well-written and insightful. I love reading about your knitting adventures and seeing your beautiful work. Best wishes for a happy 2008! If there was one thing I wish my parents would have taught us its how to budget. I'm almost 30 and I have absolutely no idea how to stick to one. I've tried over and over, but in the end, if I want it, I buy it. This year I'm going to get out of debt! (Ok, everything but the school debt...I don't even want to talk about that!). I'm impressed by your determination to stick to the budget yourself! Have a great new year! Posted by: Jenni at January 1, 2008 09:04 AM |
