A new year, like a new project, can be filled with hope, expectation, and always uncertainty. As in life, we never know if that mistake we made back on the foundation row will come back later to bite. Maybe it will be a small insignificant purl in a sea of knit stitches. Or we might find ourselves unraveling hours of work to start anew, with a better base, a stronger beginning.

Our annual Self-Indulgent Knit-a-long, #SIKAL2016 is about beginnings. Taking that special yarn, that special pattern, perhaps something new, perhaps something that has been in stash, and crafting and creating something that brings us happiness. Maybe it is the process, maybe it is the promise of the finished object, but we all craft because on some level, we enjoy the journey.

My challenge to you, is to knit that too-precious yarn, take a chance on that pattern you've been stalking, and especially to wear and use your knitted objects and garments. Don't hide your carefully crafted items away, afraid to let them out in the world. Wear them with pride! Use those crafted objects daily! I believe the joy we find in crafting only increases with the use or giving of the object. 

Whatever the new year brings, we hope your stitches flow flawlessly together, creating the beautiful fabric of your life.

Sharlene