Reformation of a Busy Person

I find myself frustrated by a lack of progress on knitting projects. When I was working full time, I managed upwards of 24 knitting projects per year, plus a little sewing along with everything else. When I hit burn out in 2022, everything changed.

Now I work part time, almost never leave the house, and finish 5 or 6 projects per year, plus a bit more sewing now. Granted, I spend more time with a cat on my lap staring at a screen, or out the window, or even sometimes at the wall. I have been healing.

But that doesn’t mean I can go back to the person I was before. I am still trying to reconcile my previous productivity with what is possible — even desirable — now. I am overwhelmed by my queue, which leads to a feeling of ineptitude. I want to continue to participate in Year of Projects in 2025, but I need to take a different approach.

I think I’ll end 2024 by celebrating my accomplishments for the year. That’s an easy one. But how will I move forward into 2025? A to-do list does not feel in alignment with who I am now. I’m not certain what direction my creative path will take.

I have also decided there will be no demands in 2025. The only “have-to” will be work. I will stick with my 2025 word “enrich,” but it won’t be including external obligations. I am learning to say “no,” especially to myself.

Happy Winter Solstice!

I baked a ginger and orange Yule Log today to celebrate.

Okay, so there’s not much of a swirl. But it’s a gluten free, ginger sponge with apricot jam (not homemade) and ginger and orange buttercream filling. I made the buttercream with fresh orange and ginger juices, plus orange zest. And I covered it in the buttercream and decorated it with candied orange peel (homemade) and candied ginger (not homemade.)

This isn’t my first Yule Log. My first was chocolate and made for an expérience culturelle for french class in high school. This is my second Yule Log. I’m exceedingly pleased with myself.

Happy (Not Scrappy) Holiday Flannel Nightgown

I stitched up my flannel nightgown quickly. I used the Mocha Betsy Tunic and Dress pattern. This was an easy pattern to sew. I think it would be good for someone ready to sew their first garment. I will definitely sew this pattern again, probably in linen.

However, this pattern is not designed for 45” wide fabric. It needs to be 58-60” wide in order to fit the pattern. I tapered the skirt so I could get the pattern on 45” wide fabric.

Because I could not extend the arms for long sleeves — which is preferred for a winter flannel nightgown —with the fabric I had, I ended up buying half a yard of the cardinal flannel for the foresleeves and inside half of the pockets. First I tried using flannel scraps I had, but I didn’t have enough. I looked for the same tartan flannel, but Joann had them packaged 2 yards for $20. I did not need that much, so I found something complementary instead.

I sewed down the facing. I thought it would be more comfortable for a nightgown.

It’s a little big for me. I sewed a medium, and probably could have sewn a small. But it’s warm and comfy and jolly. And it cost around $12 to make, instead of $90 for a good quality flannel nightgown. (And no ruffles or lace, which makes me happy.)

Here is my project on PatternReview.com.

Also, I found a link which will embed a google photo in WordPress. I already pay for Google Photos, so this works for me. I have to resize it in html, but that’s not a big deal. Here’s the link!

Fa La La Friday

I went to a Wine and Wreath event at Dawe’s Arboretum and made this beautiful wreath from fresh greenery. Another guest told me I could do it professionally, to which I responded, “NO.”

I finished opening my 13 Day Black Christmas advent from Knitting is Metal. I got all kinds of goodies, but of course the real prize is the yarn.

Speaking of yarn, Dye Mad came out with a Hocking Hills yarn box. This place is near and dear to my heart, so I had to act. And, they have a nonsuperwash worsted now. What should I make?

I’ve been wanting a flannel nightgown. I realized I have three yards of this holiday plaid fabric. I decided to sew one. I think I will use the Mocha dress pattern, which I already have.

I’ve decided my 2025 word will be “enrich”. I want to enrich my life with activities that get me out of the house. Teach a simple sewing workshop at the library? Maybe. Join the Women’s Choir? I’m thinking about it. I have to be careful not to overdo it. It’s a constant balancing act.

Friday Finished Object

I finally finished knitting my Cozy Autumn Socks! Pattern is by This Handmade Life. Yarn is Fall Sangria by Cornbread and Honey. Here is my Ravelry project link.

These socks have been three years in the making. In Fall 2021, I purchased the yarn and planned the project. Each Fall thereafter — 2022 and 2023 — I told myself I was going to make them. In Fall 2024, I finally did!

I’m ready to focus on holiday projects now.

I had a lovely Thanksgiving. I hope those who celebrate did as well!

First Post!

Hi, I’m Alissa. I blog about knitting, sewing, other fiber arts, gardening, and smallholding. When deciding on a title for my new blog, I figured it’s mostly about making things.

You may know me from headknits or snakesandcranes. Please subscribe to this new site, as my old sites and domains will be deleted in January 2025.

Thanks for following along!