gorjuss | Joeyanne Crafts

I’m really pleased that I’m finding more time to spend on crafts – I find it a great way to relax and it’s good to have non-work projects and targets.

Knitting

The big surprise of the year is how much I love knitting. I’ve been sucked in completely and most of my thoughts now revolve around knitting – what yarn to buy, what projects to make, what to work on next, how to work new stitches, etc etc. So the big revelation of 2012 was learning to knit and totally falling in love with it!

According to Ravelry, I’ve knit 31 different things this year (and have 2 in progress). I love the fact that even a novice knitter can make so many things in just one year – so much quicker than cross stitch! I started with a scarf, and some baby booties, hat and mittens for a friend. Then I progressed to cowls, shawls, hats, fingerless mittens, socks and toys. I still haven’t dared attempt a fitted item of clothing yet; I suspect that may be a challenge for 2013.

I seem to have a growing list of projects in my Ravelry queue, and an expanding collection of yarn waiting to be knit, so I’m going to try to be a bit more careful with my planning for future. I have a few items I’d like to make for myself next, as I’ve been mainly knitting for others these last few months. I do also have a couple of requests though – some Malabrigo mittens, and a scarf for my brother.

Cross stitch

I’ve done hardly any cross stitch this year. I still have the finishing touches to make to Regal Tiger, but I haven’t done those yet as I’m not sure where I will put it once it’s finished. Over Christmas I’ve been working on a kit I bought a couple of years ago, based on The Snowman. I’m hoping to finish it soon and find a frame. Once framed it will be going in the Christmas decorations box with my framed penguin cross stitch and will come out each Christmas.

I think I’ll be mainly knitting next year (I have Henslowe and Lacy Baktus high on my list of priorities), but I would like to make a start on a Gorjuss cross stitch – I have two Gorjuss kits waiting to be made.

Crafty aims for 2013:

Finish The Snowman cross stitch
Finish Regal Tiger cross stitch
Start a Gorjuss cross stitch
Knit a garment (e.g. jumper/cardigan)
Continue to learn new knitting skills – cast ons, bind offs, colour work, lace work etc.
Only buy yarn if I have a project in mind for it (or it’s a MASSIVE bargain)
Meet up with other knitters (this should be happening in January and maybe later in the year for shows)
Maybe try crochet again

Bring it on!

Just a quick post, though I will post one soon with some of my stitching progress. For now though – I wanted to share the news that Gorjuss cross stitch kits are now available! I’ve been looking at Gorjuss stuff longingly for some time (since my incredibly talented crafty friend and ex-work colleague Lisa introduced me to the stamps – check out her blog and subscribe, she does some amazing stuff!). I’ve recently bought some Gorjuss merchandise – an organiser, letter writing kit, and some pens, but I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the cross stitch kits.

They are now available in 8 different designs, and my favourite cross stitch supplier, Sew and So, have them available from here. I just can’t decide which design to get first! I’ve always loved the New Heights design (typical librarian!), but I think The Foxes kit is gorgeous so I can’t make my mind up which to do first! Think I’ll be treating myself to one of them after payday once I’ve decided which to get.