New Year, Same Fabulous You!
Happy New Year Loveys!
It’s finally a brand New Year!! Our chance to start fresh and leave all the things behind that did not serve us in 2023. More importantly, we want to remind you that you are perfect just the way you are and you do not need to become a new version of yourself just because a ball dropped at midnight and you may have bought a new planner. You are fabulous and 2024 is lucky to have you!
With that being said, fresh starts aren't the worst idea. This year I’m looking into my own lifestyle and working towards improving small things that will make a large impact on my mental and physical health… I’m also trying to find a bit more joy in my everyday, spend more quality time with my boys and make a point of smiling much much more.
To those changes I say yes, and hope to inspire you to lean into them as well. After all, isn't the entire purpose of life to spread happiness and find your own in the process? This week we introduce you to the possibilities awaiting all of us if we consciously choose to slightly alter our everyday actions and thinking. Simply committing to the smallest, most pointed changes, can make 2024 into the year we thrive instead of just the year we survive.
I hope these suggestions will allow you to see the beauty already inside of you and eliminate anything standing in the way of you showing the world y0ur full sparkle!
It's the VanRey (Kn)IT LIST, Fabulous You Edition!!
But First, Let Me Introduce You To…
The Crystal Visions Cowl!
A VRK for Clinton Hill Cashmere design
Behind the scenes I’ve been working Becky of Clinton Hill Cashmere on a small capsule collection for Vogue Knitting Live in NYC at this month’s end… well, the first pattern is here and I’m so excited to show it to you!
Made from only one skein of CHC’s luxurious Bespoke DK, this beginner friendly crochet pattern will have you hooking like a pro in no time! An adorable accessory comprised of mixed stitches, it’s crocheted flat and then seamed up the back to form the cylindrical cowl shape! It’s that simple! Repeat the pattern once for a small cowl (pictured above) or repeat twice or thrice for a longer, more smooshie neck warmer!
This pattern will be released at the Clinton Hill Cashmere booth at VKL 2024, where I will be with Becky, hoping to say hi to all you beauties…
More to come, but I hope this gets you excited for the upcoming happening, and I’d love to see you there! If not, no worries, we will be planning a future CAL (Crochet-along) with Becky for these fun little collaborative patterns.
Twirl! ✨
Let Me Convince You To Try…
Needle Felting!
One of the things on my little ones Christmas list was a smaller version of a hat I love to wear and designed. Of course I had to whip him up one since this was just one of 3 things that he asked for and the result was adorable!
I found a bitty version close enough to my hat, crocheted the band and needle felted the flowers that adorned the circumference. Now my kiddo not only has a hat that matches mine, but a reminder that mommy will always drop what she’s doing to make a special gift for him.
Needle felting is a wonderful way to use yarn scraps to make something bright, fun and new!
Check out some fun examples of this fiber art (below) and give it a try for yourself. You just need to grab a starter kit and your off! Seriously though, another way to use fiber and your scrappy stash for said new fiber hobby… uh, yes please!
A few reminders that prove Less is More!
Give ‘em a try to reduce stress and increase joy in this new year!
✨ ✨ ✨
Less
Clutter - We are makers. We all have homes overflowing with useful materials, and we don't part easily with anything. Consider taking the time to re-home what you don't need and only keep what you really love! This can also mean clothing, kitchen items, make-up drawers. Pass on what no longer serves you!
More
Focus - Down-sizing doesn’t only mean tangible items. Take the time to rid your mind of the things that don’t need your space & energy, and focus on what really matters to you. This gratitude journal, by Jennifer Walkup, can help you wade through your mental clutter for a more focused 2024.
Less
LESS
Screentime - We can all be enraptured by our devices. That is the unfortunate truth… but did you know you can set your phone to calculate and notify you with how much time you spend on it? Turn on this feature and make a conscious effort to lower that number each week.
More
Being Present - As you try to put your phone down more often, remember to look up and be present in your everyday life. Plan family / friend game nights, brunch at home with besties or a weekend trip away with someone special. You are the author of your own story… write it.
Less
Being Present - As you try to put your phone down more often, remember to look up and be present in your everyday life. Plan family / friend game nights, brunch at home with besties or a weekend trip away with someone special. You are the author of your own story… write it.
More
Doing - Every time the ball drops we are all ready with a new planner. What if we fill this planner with the things we want to do instead of only the things we have to do? Make yourself a seasonal to-do list and sort everything right into the pages of your planner. Winter: onion soup night with friends; Spring: plant veggie garden; Summer: go antiquing; Fall: Rhinebeck!! Less wanting and more doing!!
BTS here at VRK!
The 7 Wonders Shrug is finally being released!!!! Getttt ready to partyyyyyy!
Sunday, January 7th is the long-awaited release date, so please watch out for the pattern release email in your inbox… In no time you’ll be able to get that baby on your needles!!!!
Le Backpack will be released next, and then on to all the Clinton Hill Cashmere collabs at VKL 2024!! Upon completion of these current projects, we will move on to the tons of other patterns I have swimming in my head… and there are literally tons! I look forward to sharing them with you!
I know I say it often, but sincerely, thank you all for being here with me week after week. It truly is a dream! I hope 2024 brings you health, happiness and immeasurable laughter! xoxo
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Have an incredible week full of fiber, love and sparkles!
See you soon!
♥️ Vanessa
