Monday, December 30, 2019

Looking back, looking forward


Here we all are, at the threshold of a new decade. Do you gaze at the doorway timidly, or do you leap over to the other side with giant steps?

If I look back to the whole decade, life happened with the good and the bad. If I think about my crafts, I will need to check my photo files... 

I made a little collage of my years, the best I could. I have files labeled with the years, but sometimes I move around the pictures and now that I look back at the collages, I am sure some of the pictures are not in the right years… but I’ll ignore the mix-ups.

Some of the pictures you have already seen, as this blog has been around since 2005… all the years are already documented here, some more and some less. Let’s have a look… and start from the year 2010.

2010

Ruusu was born in 2010 and Mr Kille was still with us. He was such a mellow and nice little cat. We lost Kukka, the happy, mischievious little dog.  And Tina, my soulmate, was by my side. 

I knit beautiful colorwork socks, I think the only pair I have ever made in colorwork. There was some very serious sewing (see the amount of pins) and I think I tried double knitting for the first time. The mittens on the right are probably the best mittens I have ever made, they were double knitted and worn to threads, they were so loved. Socks, of course... even made labels for a few pairs. The sneakers are there because that year I walked a lot, walked for hours, and a few times that summer I did 25km trips. 

 2011

It seems to me that in 2011 I did not have a theme, did various things, even tried my hand in cake making. There was sewing and if I remember correctly, I started to crochet a little bit after a truly long break. I moved my loom upstairs the previous year, and there it has stood ever since. It is such a beautiful loom, I should love her more. I have wanted to make rag rugs for the longest time... maybe soon.

 2012

Now, these pictures I am not so sure about. I think I drew a lot and made my first wool flowers back then. And maybe the bunnies too... I so often have things maturing on my table that it is difficult to say when I really made them... my process is so slow. I come up with an idea, make first sketches and maybe even swatches and then the project sits and waits... and waits... sometimes I finish something, but I am not sure if that is good or if it still needs something and so I don't show it to anyone until later...

2013

Another batch of pictures that I don't have any memory. I must have made them because they are in 2013 files, but don't recall them at all... except for the embroidery on red, but that picture there must be older... I included it because I still love the embroidery and probably it inspired me to try the wool embroidery that is on the mittens on the right.

 2014

I drew a lot in 2014. I took Carla Sonheim's online course "Year of the Fairy Tale" and all the assignments were interesting and I loved doing them. On the corner in the upper right, there is my illustration for the Princess and the Pea fairy tale. There was some knitting too, but not that much. 

2015

There is needle felting and crochet, a lot more crochet. Some knitting too... I think that little sock picture on the right, is the best sock picture I have ever taken. Actually the file where it was, had many good pictures, and it was difficult to choose the best one. In the other ones, the reflection was even better... hmmm.... I wonder how this slipped into this collage.
 
2016

That year had everything in it and it was a year of boys in this house. I had to say farewell for my darling Tina. The charming Burmese Väinö came to live with us. Cat who does not believe in restrictions, he knows how to open doors, he can pull drawers open, obstacles are only hindrances to him and is not tame at all.

Then there is my dear Piki. He is my bodyguard, my little, brave man who is there to watch over the house and to accompany me in my walks. He has a way to look deep into my eyes and I respect him and love him dearly. 

2017

More and more crochet. That year I started to take a close look at my stash and began using it. I also made a commitment not to buy more yarn, unless I really loved it... I cannot not to buy at all, because that would just kill my inspiration... have tried that and it was terrible. There were these lovely red, striped socks and the sheep. I never made him a mate but will remedy that some time soon. I would love to make a collection of sheep, taking the inspiration from specific breeds and use that specific wool for the making. (Must remember this.)

2018

Piisku was born. My sweet little girl. I did various things until Piisku came; she more or less took all of my time... I don't think this year was a good one in being creative. I don't think I came up with anything new... same old, same old and I did not like that at all... I started to worry that my best creating days would be over... and that I would never come up with anything new any more... This thought shadowed a lot of my makings. My doubts and questions weighted on me.

 2019

The blog went quiet for months. This year was a difficult one for Piisku and me. We both had health problems, I am almost fine, just need to get accustomed to this new me; but I am not relaxed with Piisku. She seems to be fine, but she was so ill, that I probably will never forget. I almost lost her.

Väinö is there because he provides more than enough inspiration to knit new kittens. I knitted few bears and after much trial and error, finally settled into this look. Made many Westknit shawls and found a new way to love my stash and see its possibilities. This past year was a year of growth. In many ways.

Next year I will turn 60. The theme from 50 to 60 was giving up, letting go and trusting the choices I have made during the past years. All the children moved out and I had to let them go and pick their own ways and make their own choices. This aging body forced me to make adjustments. After 50 I started to think about life coming to an end some day. Where after 50 was saying good byes to many things, the closer I have gotten to 60, the more I have felt that again, there is so much left, there is so much to do and finally there is time to do it. There is even time to breathe, and to stop and to think, and more than ever, I can set aside the musts and just think that the world can wait...

So, let’s cross over to the other side, with brave hearts, because none of us knows what is waiting for us on the other side, and do that in good faith that there is plenty of good.

Once again, 
the best wool with you, today and the next decade,
Lene

40 comments:

  1. I so enjoyed reading this post. As I am ready to start my 7th year of retirement I too have learned to give myself permission to make whatever. I now have plenty of time to find me.

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    1. Thank you for reading, xx. Isn't it funny somehow that after taking care of so many things and never having much time to oneself, all of a sudden there is time to ask yourself, how are you and what do you want to do?

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  2. Anonymous18:15

    Lene,
    As always, you have beautifully captured your feelings and views and shared them with us. I have crossed into my middle 60's and have had to accept my body's limitations and have done so begrudgingly, to be honest. But I keep moving and accepting the new normal as quickly as I can. It would probably take 3 more lifetimes to get through my accumulations of fabric and yarn but I am going to enjoy every minute of trying to get through it,if I can. Please keep posting as you can because it is always relevant and heartwarming, as well as inspiring. Happy New Year!! Denise in Ohio

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    1. Hi Denise and thank you for reading, xx. It does feel good to stop and see what you have and be inspired by it and then finally work with it. Enjoy your stash!

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  3. Lene, a big "thank you" for you!

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    1. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx!!!!!

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  4. What a delightful post, Lene. Looking at your pictures, I can remember some but not all. Glad to hear you're starting to feel better. I'm turning 65, retired 2 weeks ago & in 3 days will be moving 500 miles away. What a way to start a new decade! Looking forward to more of your inspirations.

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    1. Hi Cathy, hope your move went well and you are settled into your new surroundings. Best of time for your retirement, xx.

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  5. Anonymous22:40

    Beautiful, your collage of pictures. And your companying words I found very moving. Emotional! I admire your work, but even more I admire your courage to go on in life despite difficulties, not giving up and entering the new Year with so much positivity! Thank you, and I wish you a wonderful 2020. Am looking forward to your new creations. Liesbeth

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    1. Thank you Liesbeth, xx. Wonderful 2020 to you too!

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  6. May 2020 bring you the health and inspiration to create. Thank you for taking us down memory lane. You have so many wonderful memories and you inspire us all when you share on your blog. Happy New Year.

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    1. Happy, happy new year to you too! xx

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  7. Very beautiful. I especially like your last sentence. We all need to move forward with brave hearts these days. Happy New Year.

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    1. Thank you Jane, xx. We all need so much courage every single day. Happy to you too.

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  8. Thanks for sharing your life and creativity with us. hopeful for everyone's health.

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  9. So well phrased, this coming to terms with our aging curve (or not). Altho it is flip to say that aging beats the alternative, thinking of facing one's mortality or having to face it directly is a difficult process. You are graceful. I love reading your blog. Laurie Etherknitter

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    1. Lovely to hear from you Laurie, xx, all the best to you!

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  10. I must have found your blog shortly after 2010 or so. I've loved the world of creativity you have shared and missed it when you would go silent. To another ten years!

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    1. Thank you Helen, xx, I am so happy to have you here! Another ten years is somehow a scary thought, but then, why not??!!

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  11. Beth in Maryland18:05

    You may not be able to imagine how much you contribute to the lives of your devoted readers, but you have enriched mine in so many ways! I have recently introduced my 9-year-old granddaughter to your blog. She is fascinated by the concept of embroidery on knitting! And she loves your knitted cats and-needless to say- the doll's house. How wonderful that you share all these things with her and with me! I hope 2020 will be a year of "clear vision" (20-20!) for you and yours.

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    1. 2020 is the year of clear vision. I agree.
      Ellen

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    2. Thank you Ellen, xx.

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    3. Thank you Beth, xx, and hello to your Granddaughter, xx!! Nice to have you both here!

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  12. Happy New Year! I love this post. Love seeing all your pictures. I have only been reading your blog for a couple of years, so I enjoyed seeing earlier pictures (the bunnies!! your beautiful and incredible knitting!!). Cheers to the new year and a new decade. May we all have contentment, joy and some fun!

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    1. Thank you Vera, xx, so happy you found me, joy to you!

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  13. This is such a thoughtful and lovely retrospective.

    I love your blog and am in awe of your creativity and talent. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

    I'm sorry to hear that 2019 was not very kind to you, I hope 2020 proves to be more agreeable.

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    1. Thank you Carol, for reading and encouraging, xx. Nice to have you here.

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  14. I have been reading your words since you ever started, and thoroughly enjoyed looking back at many of your creative ideas. Thank you, just thank you!

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    1. Thank you Lyn, xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, for being here for such a long time!

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  15. Thank you for your beauty and grace and including us in your magic. Hopefully I will be joining in retirement this year (even though I am much older) I hope to follow in your creative footsteps and embrace it all. Happy New Year!

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    1. Thank you Kitty, xx, and hope you find joy in retirement!

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  16. I realise now that I've been following your blog for more years than I had thought. I love your creativity and I'm looking forward to seeing what the next 10 years will bring. Here's to a happy and creative 2020!

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    1. Thank you Ros, xx. Another ten years... it feels such a long time but it is not, it will not feel like ten, more like five and that might be stretching it too...

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  17. Anonymous14:34

    I miss your December daily posts! Each day I look to see if you've returned to us.
    You are an inspiration! Cheryl

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  18. Lene! What a beautiful decade. I am writing this in between reading and looking at the photos:
    I am weaving rag rugs lately. It seems silly to buy fabric to do it... But if there is not enough of the right colors, I do. Often friends can help out, though, with pieces from their stashes.
    Some people here in New England cook the fish over the fire like this, but they use a wooden board, strap the fish down with strips of bacon, and attach the bacon with roofing nails!
    We have moss like that - so pretty with the sun shining through it from behind!
    Ah, 60. I am now 60. My husband and I are planning to move to a smaller home with less maintenance and less stuff to clean. After I pack up my beloved Things, will I ever unpack them? Do I need three teapots, when I rarely drink tea? Do I need the mismatched china and silver and crystal, inherited in pieces from various relatives and yard sales? I need to get rid of a lot before we leave here.
    I am counting on living about 24 years more, to 84 years old, which seems like a good age. I have lots of projects to finish, to start, to think of, to learn, many walks and gardens and meals to create. But we both know that 24 years is a long time, so I am not worried. Unless I'm wrong.

    Best wishes for you and your family, from New England,
    Ellen Anthony

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    1. Thank you Ellen, for every single word, xx. So, not only to think what the next decade brings, but rather two or three... (My Mom just turned 87 and she is in very good health!) Yes, yes, all the projects, walks, meals, gardens... thank you!

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  19. Well, goodness me, it seems I've been reading your lovely blog for at least 10 years.
    I look forward to the next ten.
    No pressure! ;)

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  20. I am like most of above commentators in that I have been reading your blog for a very long time. I check every so often to see if you have come out of hibernation. Now would probably not be a good time for that with the covid-19 virus going around. Are you staying in more or are there many restrictions in your area? Keep safe and healthy.
    Anna

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