Why am I starting this blog? Let me count the stitches.

My new passion in life is knitting. I have joined the knitting world a little late in life, but so be it. My mother used to knit and crochet, and I'm not sure why she never taught me -- or if she tried, maybe I resisted. That sounds like me.

But two years ago, I taught myself to knit using every book I could find. That, and YouTube videos (thank GOD for YouTube videos). And a friend showed me a couple of basic techniques, too.

The first knitting year, I didn't try very hard. Made a few simple scarves, but that was it. For some reason, even though I enjoyed the process of knitting, I wasn't inspired.

This year I decided it was time to try a little harder. So for Christmas, I set a goal of giving several hand-knitted gifts to family and friends.

I'm happy to say, I met my goal: I made 6 hats, 2 cowls and a scarf to give as gifts. For myself, I made a scarf plus 3 hats (trial-and-error hats, mostly error, but I kept them and wear them anyway!).

While I enjoyed making hats, scarves and cowls and want to try more difficult patterns, my goal for January is to knit myself a sweater. It doesn't have to be stylish -- I just want it to (sort of) fit and be decent-looking enough to wear at home. On the weekends. When I'm doing laundry.

If the sweater looks any better than that, it will be a bonus.

One thing I learned over the past 2 years is that while 100 percent wool yarns are lovely, they are just too expensive for a beginner like me. I did break down and make a cashmere cowl for my daughter for Christmas (still have some yarn left -- debating what to do with it). But mostly, I just need decent yarn that is comfortable enough to wear.

I discovered Lion Brand Yarn and haven't looked back. Although I love shopping for yarn in the store -- they have one where I live -- their online service is great. I just buy the sample cards so I can see the colors/feel the textures, and I'm set.

So here I go, off to find myself the simplest sweater pattern I can possibly screw up.