I know I'm a bit late, but it's the effort that counts right?

I hope everyone had a Happy New Year, and that you spent it doing something you enjoy, with the people you like to hang out with. I spent New Year's Eve with my brother (who was very sad his fiancee was visiting a friend in TX) and another friend. It was fairly low key, we mostly just watched some movies and ate good food. Then at midnight I enjoyed a glass of cheap champagne and Emma gave me a kiss. It was a much better New Year's than most, just like Christmas was better than usual this year. I didn't really do anything different, I just suppose that my attitude on life has changed a lot recently. And even though I was still a bit bummed to be spending New Year's without a lady companion, I was more optimistic than I've been in recent years.

So to wrap the previous year up, and to help start off the New Year, here's my recap of 2006.

Knitting

* 2006 was a bit year for me in the knitting world, as it was after the start of 06 that I really got into knitting. I began to be amazed by what I could do with my hands and some free time. Suddenly I could make scarves, hats, socks and blankets, and have lots of fun doing it!
* Some of my favorite knitted items include Emma's Dog Blanket, the Felted Apple Tote, and my first pair of socks. I also knitted a few scarves, some hats and a couple more pairs of socks.
* For more details on my knitting exploits in 2006, check out my Knitting Recap set on Flickr.

Dyeing

* 2006 was also big in another aspect of knitting...Yarn! I started experimenting with hand-dyeing and hand-painting yarn, and even started a little shop!
* I learned a lot about dyeing techniques, and have evolved and refined my process greatly over the past few months. I have a lot of new stuff that I am working on too, and I can't wait to debut it!
* Also, as a teaser, I'm going to be opening up my own storefront and changing the business name fairly soon. I'm still working on getting everything just right, but I can't wait to unveil the new shop for you!
* Finally, thanks to everyone who has supported me, either through encouragement on the blog or by buying my yarn. I appreciate you guys a lot, and wouldn't have gotten to where I am now without your help and support!
* For more dyeing pictures, check out my Dyeing Recap photoset on Flickr.

Personally

* 2006 was a very big year for me personally too. In the span of a few short months, I graduated from college, started a new job and started work on my Masters in Electrical Engineering.
* I also moved back to Albuquerque from Socorro, changed churches, and my parents moved from the house I grew up as they started a new chapter in their lives.
* To round it all off, I adopted Dallas, my wonderful Standard Schnauzer who is the sweetest companion to both me and Emma, even if he can be a wild child at times.
* Oh yeah, and one year ago yesterday I started this humble little knitting blog. Happy Blogiversary to me! And thanks to you for all the visits and comments!

Wow! I can't wait to see what next year brings. :)