2016.........word!

We are 11 days into 2016 and I have noticed on social media people associating a word to 2016.

It's not all about setting new year resolutions but having a more meaningful year.  So I am going to share some of the things I am doing to have a meaningful 2016.

In 2014 I had a happy jar.  Basically you write down all the positive things and moments that happen to you, then put them in a jar.  Then on new years eve you empty the jar and remember all the good things that have happened.  Throughout 2014 I would dip into the jar and re-read some of the things I had written down to cheer me up and keep perspective.

My word for 2016 is: consistency.  I want more consistency in my crafting, photography, blogging and life.  For me it's not all about finishing things but having a steady stream of positive experiences throughout the year.  So if I knit and exercise regularly I know I will feel physically and mentally better.  I  don't knit to sell things, it's because the process has a meditative aspect for me.

So I will tell you more about my photography journey in a separate blog as it is four years since I bought I bridge camera.  I am hoping to blog more regularly health permitting and get involved with some more projects that will challenge me and benefits others.  Also I want to get making and selling again.

I am consistently posting on social media and you can catch up with me in the following places:

• Pinterest
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• Gluten free Blog

Love Your Blog: Gratitude

I have been meaning to post this blog for some but health, basketball and life got in the way.

The Love Your Blog Challenge has helped me get my blogging mojo back.  I have been getting more organised and now plan my blog entries.  This helps when I don't have the chance straight away to write my blog entries.

It also gave me the opportunity to buy more stationery, I do love washi tape, sharpies and filofaxes.

Thanks Kate from A Playful Day blog & podcast for helping me get back on track.

My First Shawl Anniversary

Around this time five years ago I knitted my first shawl.  I could knit but had started again in order to re-balance my mind.

I was due to go home to London and thought I would search out a yarn shop.  So I found online that Loop was moving and having a party.  Off I went to Islington and found the most delightful shop full of yarn and people.  As I made my way through the shop not knowing what to buy  I came across a friend of a friend.  She was very helpful in me choosing my purchase.  I think the free Pimms helped too.  I purchased Malabrigio lace  in the Bobby blue colourway. 

I couldn't wait to cast on so I got my mum to hold the yarn  whilst I wound it into a ball.

I worked away at this shawl until I kept ending up with the wrong amount of stitches. I also found out this lace weight yarn was difficult to unpick.

This was when I decided to make stitch markers.

Then in between my games at the World  Wheelchair Basketball Championships, I would work away at the shawl.  I learnt to challenge myself as I started to knit, lace work and kitchener stitch.

Five years later the shawl is still going strong and if successful I am looking to knit another shawl at another Championships, keep your fingers crossed for me.