Goals for 2015

I'm a little disappointed about 2014; I didn't blog as much as I wanted, and I definitely didn't finish many projects.  Started a lot and planned more, but didn't finish many.

I'm not one for resolutions, but I think setting a few tentative goals for 2015 might not be a bad idea.

1. Sew more

I have a large, fully stocked sewing room and two weeks out of each month to get in it.  I think I just need the motivation to get in it.  So I'm joining SarahLiz's Make a Garment a Month.  I'm not sure if I'll dive in as deeply as others, with project planning on their facebook group every month, but I think it'll be a good challenge to get sewing!

2. Make garments I'll actually wear

Looking back at my 2014 projects, I'm starting to recognize what I wear vs what I want to wear.  There's a big difference.  For instance?  Since I finished up my Linden sweatshirt in November, I've barely taken it off.  In fact, my January garment is going to be another version of it because the original needs a break every now and then.  Obviously it's a win.

In contrast, I started knitting my Marion cardigan last June and finished it by August.  Well, finished the knitting.  I never did sew in the ends and block it.

And it's not the pattern's fault!  It's a lovely pattern and I really enjoyed knitting it.  I just, don't wear cropped sweaters, and I'm not a fan of the uber bright, grass-green colour.  You'd think you'd know that considering how much time you spend staring at the yarn and fabric as you work with it.  But I cast off the last sleeve and just didn't like it.  Colour and length were both off for me.

I do want to re-knit this pattern, but in a neutral colour and hip length at least - then it'd work in my wardrobe.  For now though, this sweater is getting shoved into the Ignore Drawer; maybe I'll revist it in 2016 and see if it's a better 'fit' then.  It is a pretty sweater, it's just not me.

So yeah - need to pick out patterns that I'll actually wear.  Hint?  This RTW top is my absolute favourite right now.  Can anyone guess what pattern I'll be revisiting soon?

My co-worker keeps calling my style 'lumberjack chic'.  Considering that I wear a lot of plaid shirts, wool work socks, and jeans, maybe my style inspiration should be Paul Bunyan.

3. Blog more

There are so many things I want to blog about, but I get hung up on something (like this post - obviously it had to be the first post of the year) and don't get them done.  Or I don't have decent pictures.  Or that my posts need to be perfect.  Or I'm in camp and out internet is being ridiculous.  Or any number of other excuses. 

I'm not going to commit to a specific number of posts per week or month or anything like that, because that's just not realistic for me.  But I'm going to try to stop thinking that the blog posts need to look and sound clean and professional.  I'm not a professional and hell, I'm a geologist - I'm often not clean.  I'm not going to let that be my excuse anymore.  And if I'm hung up on one project post, I'm going to try not to let that block other possible posts.

I am my own worst enemy sometimes.  Silly Heather, move on and keep writing!

4. Play time with rocks!

Vesicular basalt sample found in the Yukon River.  Oxidized to the reddish-purple.

Seriously guys, I am the biggest geek when it comes to rocks.  If anyone comes into my office at work, they're lucky if they escape without a 5 minute explanation about this rock or that structural feature.  My underground buddy dreads when I bounce into his office with yet another pretty rock or a fist-full of maps.  I need to start sharing this stuff with you all more, because geology rocks! 

It's in the blog title.  You were warned.



So yeah, goals. 
Here's to a fun a production 2015 everyone!