2014 Goals

I've been putting a lot of thought into the goals I have set for myself for this glorious new year and wanted to share.

• Find a full-time job: I've started the full-time job search! Working two part-time jobs is taking its toll. My resume/CV is up-to-date and I've drafted a few cover letters. So far I'm limiting my job hunting to two to three times a week. But I'm not really set on any particular state.

• Volunteer more: Last year I had the opportunity to volunteer at several conferences and the Natural History Museum Los Angeles County Research Library. This year my goal is to find additional volunteer opportunities outside of my comfort zone of library settings.

• Read 12 books: This is one of my hardest goals. I read comics and graphic novels frequently, but can't remember the last time I actually read a book for fun. This is something I really want to accomplish and it's definitely possible now that I have a Nook! 

• Go on a road trip: It has been much too long since I've been on a road trip and there are so many possibilities! Arizona is definitely on the top of my list of must do roadtrips.

• Write a blog a week:  I don't think I've ever successfully written a blog once a week for a whole year. I'm determined to keep this blog going! 

• Complete 1 knitting project a month: Knitting is a relatively new hobby, but I'm embracing it. Though my knitting projects are bound to be small at first, I hope to complete a really big project (a sweater or blanket) before the end of the year.

New Year, New Blog

Welcome to The Crafty Darling!

As my first post, I'd like to wish you the Craftiest of New Years and thank you for stopping by.

I've always thought of the new year as a fresh start and plan on taking complete advantage. I am so excited to fill 2014 with crafts, adventures and even some crafty adventures. A new year is the perfect time to start a new project. My first project of the year is actually my first attempt at knitting two socks at the same time. A good friend of mine turned me on to Judy's Magic Cast on for toe up socks. I used this method to cast on 16 stitches on each needle (per sock) and am working on my increases. I'll stop increasing when I have 30 stitches on each needle, 60 total (per sock). This is only the second time I have ever knit socks and I'm finding the process a little challenging. I plan on using the Fish Lips Kiss Heel by Sox Therapist for the heel. Since I'm not using a solid color, I don't plan on adding any sort of fancy knit work. Check back for picture updates and many more projects throughout the year.

Beginning: Two toe up socks at the same time.
[Try to ignore the sad face my yarn is making]

Close-up: I'm only about 8 rows into the toe

My Supplies:

• Knit Picks
• 2 Simple Stripes in Snap Dragon
• 75% Superwash Wool
• 25% Polyamide
• Needle Size 0-2, 7 stitches / 1"
• Circular Needles 
• 2  Harmony FC US 1 (2.5mm) 40in
• Stitch Markers
• 2