where did 2017 go?

Seriously. It seems like yesterday, that I was at my dear friend's house, attending one of the monthly get-togethers for foreign women in Algiers. We chatted and laughed, drank copious amounts of coffee and tea ("English" tea in a country where milk and tea don't go together), feasted on snacks and cakes and conversed in English. But that was in December ... 2016! Somehow, a whole year and a bit has passed me by and I am sat here wanting to give my blog some attention. I am back in the UK, albeit in a new city. I am getting to know my surroundings once again. This time in Nottingham. I am missing friends and sensing a teeny tiny bit of reverse culture shock. After all, it has been almost 14 years since I've lived here. So I'm finding my feet again.

For now, I've kicked off this year with a finished object. A Half Moon Oracle shawl! 

It's a pattern by Kristin of Voolenvine, a wonderful yarn dyer and podcaster. I used 3 yarns that were hand dyed by 3 inspiring women. Last summer, my sister in-law met Sheena of Casual Fashion Queen in Florida and picked up yarn for me. Then, later in the year, I managed to get over to the Nottingham Yarn Expo and have a little chat with Amy Florence of Stranded Dyeworks and the Stranded Podcast. That was brilliant!  I also got to meet the dyer behind Dusty Dimples. I love that this shawl is made up of yarn from these 3 dyers! It was my first attempt at Brioche knitting. I love the squish factor!

I've started another project with my CFQ yarn. I think this shows the effect of the colourway much better.

I am having to deal with PROPER winter after quite some time. This has got to be the only way I can do that!

I was lucky enough to have a yarn wish granted over on Instagram, by a former swap partner. Once again, she spoilt me rotten!

And so my other more long-term wip is my Granny Stripe blanket using up all my mini skeins and scrap yarn.

Funny enough, I first crocheted a Granny Stripe blanket about 7 years ago!

And speaking of Instagram, I tend to post there more than anywhere else. Feel free to follow me!

I also have socks on the needles.

The Charade socks

And because I'm really appreciating hand knit socks this winter, I have cast on another pair for the Commercial Yarn-Along hosted by Amy. 

Smooth Operator socks

And if you're still reading this humble blog ... or perhaps you've just stumbled across it somehow, thank you for reading! How have YOU started this year?