New Year's Resolutions and a Few Observations

I have noticed in the past that my "inner Zelda" (the magpie part of my soul that has ADD and loves the new and shiny) tends to be asleep for the first part of the year.  This means January (and often the first part of February as well) is an excellent time to finish off WIPs that had been dropped due to boredom.  Since 2013 began, I've completed a hat begun and finished less than satisfactorily in December (the Eco-Duo beanie) and finished a pair of socks in Mountain Colors Bearfoot that was my travel project for the Rose Bowl.

Once I got home, I started a pair of Shadow Rib Socks (one of my favorite patterns since it ALWAYS fits and looks good in so many yarns) in some Opal from the same yarn box as the Bearfoot.  At the back of my mind, I was thinking perhaps I would finish off the entire bin (10 pair of socks worth) as a New Year's resolution-worthy activity this year.

Unfortunately, I ran into the inverse problem that the Yarn Harlot did today (she had too many rows of garter stitch to knit in a very boring tan color).  I should have figured it out from the color name -- Papagei, German for parrot -- but this yarn is amazingly garish, to the point it is hard for me to continue with.  Don't believe me?  Look at this:

The Hopelessly Garish Sock-in -progress

I can't bring myself to dump this WIP, because I know the resulting socks will fit well and last a long time (and be hidden by shoes).  I also need a vision break as I go, so I am knitting a scarf from some of the Red Heart in my MIL's last knitting basket.  This yarn is about as boring as it gets, and plasticky to boot, but the final product will keep someone warm.  Here it is:

Scarf for Charity in Red Heart

I've decided that since the number 13 is a baker's dozen (which stands for variety), one of my New Year's resolutions should be that I make a good assortment of items this year.  In particular, I need to finish more big projects (sweaters, blankets, etc.), even if my total quantity goes down.

2013 Resolutions

•  Complete at least 12 WIPs from prior years (and, yes, I do have more than a dozen to choose from)

•  Complete at least 12 projects from yarn acquired in prior years (above and beyond the WIPs)

•  Complete at least 12 major projects (some can be started in prior years)

I saw a New Year's resolution a few days ago that one should only knit with yarn one loves.

I have already violated that rule.  However, I know from past experience that it feels really good to create an object of beauty and usefulness (such as the above scarf) from inherited stash.  I also know that new handknit socks are much better than machine knit (or almost worn out handknit), so I will trudge onward.

If Zelda has not yet appeared, I plan to finish off one of several shawls and scarves in hibernation after the above two projects are complete.

Maybe even a sweater if I'm feeling ambitious...