"Seize opportunity by the beard, for it is bald behind."



When I was little my parents bought me a set of modelling clay called Fimo. You probably remember the stuff - it came in bright coloured little blocks and cost so much that it seemed very precious to an 8 year old. Anyway, I would dream about all the stuff I wanted to make with this clay but I was so worried about wasting it that I would only ever use tiny amounts to make miniscule things. Eventually one day I decided to risk it all and make something incredible but when I came to unwrap the clay I found that it had gone hard and crumbly and difficult to use. That is what my New Year’s resolution is going to be this year - I don’t want to be nibbling at the edges of life only to find when I come to take a big bite it has all gone stale. This year I am going to grab my opportunities by their beards like the title of my post (a Bulgarian Proverb - don‘t you love it?) suggests.

I did make a huge list of resolutions to post but then I realised that really they all boiled down to this - having the confidence to do the things I want to do.

Knitting content? Please take a look at my finished Jaywalkers! Plus my resolution applies to my knitting too. Less procrastination: more knitting.


Pattern: Magknits - Jaywalker by Grumperina
Yarn: Hip Knits Cashmere sock yarn (sorry I don’t know what the colourway is called but it is pinks, rosy reds, and greys. This yarn is lovely and soft but feels very strong and hardwearing. The only downside is it is a little bit 'splity' but not enough to make it unpleasant to knit with - I'd definitely use it again.
Needles: Long story but started on my Monkey Sticks and then moved on to Blue Sky needles both 2.25mm DPNs.


I’ve also started a reading blog to record all the books I read in 2007. Just because I thought it would be fun. I’m not going to post there as often as on my main blog but I wanted a way of remembering what I had enjoyed this year.

23 comments:

Brahdelt said...

I love this Bulgarian proverb! I could also shorten all my resolutions to this one sentence - it says it all! ^^ I behaved just like you in my childhood (and I'm afraid I haven't changed much...), so this year this is going to change! ^^
I added your book blog to my links and promise to follow your reading suggestions.

nat said...

Those are beautiful jaywalkers. :) I love the tights, too.

That is a great resolution, and I think it will make you a lot happier in your life. :) Don't let anything stop you from doing what you want to do.

artyfartykat said...

The proverb is oh so true!! I love it!
Ilove your socks and hope your resolution is successful. I would like to think I could be strong enough to do the same.

dreamcatcher said...

Love the Jaywalkers (and the fab lacy tights) :-)

Great resolution, all the best with achieving everything you want to do :-)

Sarah said...

Good luck with the resolution, such a good way to approach life.

Bee-yoo-tiful jaywalkers, I shall seize that beard this year I think!

Anonymous said...

Fimo was my knitting when I was eight! I adored it. One of my friends and I would spend entire weekends moulding things and scorching the kitchen with it!

I'm going to start my Jaywalkers next weekend I hope... wish me luck!

T said...

Great proverb and great Jaywalkers!
That Fimo looks almost edible :) Know what you mean, I think I've gone a bit dry and crumbly myself!

Sam said...

...thinks must knit tights.... oh and smashing socks too! :-)

Mary-Lou said...

Love the socks, and the tights are pretty too! As for dry crumbly fimo, you can buy special stuff to soften it up again (have seen it in Hobbycraft and also try googling 'polymer clay pit') - just in case you ever decide to try it again!

Alice said...

I really liked reading your story. It was very poignant and so, so true that that's how we often behave. I must remember it when I'm worrying the days away.

Lovely socks. I like the socks/tights combo.

Will look in on your other blog.

Anonymous said...

I know you'll make your resolution a reality and what a good one it is! I hope you'll make something with Fimo this year. I never did that as a child, but I'm thinking you could teach us.

Your Jaywalkers are beautiful!! Love the leotards as well. Very posh!!

Frankie said...

That's a very salutory story, and excellent resolution. Good luck with it.
I'll be following your book blog too.
Thanks for pointing me to BBC Radio 7 and Librivox in 2006.

Anonymous said...

Wow those are some crazy socks and stockings! =)

Lara said...

Love the Jaywalkers. I bet that cashmere is simply yummy! I will have to keep up on your reading blog too. I LOVE to read, though knitting has taken over a bit, but my book club is always looking for a good book.

Artis-Anne said...

Happy New Year to you and yours and I think your resolution is a good one to live by , go for it & enjoy. I have very fond memories of Fimo and Kath growing up,we had such fun and even sold jewellry made with it when I used to do craft fairs. Love the Jaywalkers ; I REALLY must do some socks soon . You make the most beautiful garments and you should be proud of the results. Oh and hubby is still spinning away on the grey Gotland just hope he doesn't mix it with his grey beard !!

José said...

I loved the quote so much i put one up on my blog too!!
The jaywalkers are beautiful, it's such an addictive pattern.

Heres to grabbing life by the B****!! hehe

Alison said...

That's a fab resolution, and one I should be making, too! In fact, I also need to resolve to go out and *find* the opportunities, not to sit whining that they never come my way... Oh, and that happened to my Fimo, too

Anonymous said...

Just caught up on your blog posts and I am agog at your Cobweb. That is so amazing and lovely!! You must be so proud!

I really enjoyed your post theme, about being more confident to try things. It's a theme in my life too this year -- learning how to do a blog last year really boosted my confidence and I've met so many nice friends like yourself...the rewards have been worth the risk of falling flat on my face. The bicycle thing may be another story, however, but that's what band-aids are for, right?! Anyway, best wishes to you on achieving your goal.

acrylik said...

Marvellous post, it is so true. Good luck with your resolution.

Your Jaywalkers are just beautiful.

I? said...

What a great resolution. Sounds like a good way to outgrow your imaginary limitations. Go for it!

Rosie said...

I love the proverb - must remember this :)

lovely socks too :)

Kath said...

Great inspiring words for a new year! Love the socks! have enjoyed all your other project through 2006 - keep it up! I have dried up Fimo too! That was great stuff! Will have to seize the bread this year except when bearded Step-Dad is around! LOL!

Michelle said...

I've probably got some crumbly Fimo of my own. It was a splurge a couple of years back, then I was afraid to ruin it, or not use it for the right thing, so it's been sitting ever since.

Love you celtic knot stole!