Catherine Hollingsworth

You have probably enjoyed knitting your project, but now you are finished. Maybe the boring dishcloths just need some extra pizzazz.

Most people try to make some New Year's resolutions at this time of year. I love the idea that you get to begin fresh: a new page on a clean calendar, a new month full of possibilities, and a whole year of days, weeks and months stretching way out into the future.

It may seem early to make predictions for the new year, but I can see that 2009 will be a very good year for traditional knitting and serious knitters.

The holiday season is a wonderful time for dressier garments that glitter. The Christmas lights on the tree and the warm glow of the fireplace or a few candles set the mood so much better when you sparkle just a little bit too.

As the mentor of all knitters, Elizabeth Zimmerman, once said, "Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises." Well those are good words for this somber holiday season, but a little humor is a welcome break to all the doom and gloom.

You are probably just getting your holiday gift list together. Well, if you have a knitter or two on your list you can breathe easier, because it's no problem to find the perfect presents for your stitching friends and family.

On this Veteran's Day, I am reminded that this has been a historical week. We have just elected our next president, who has already united the country with the promise of hope and possibilities. I can't imagine a nobler gift than to serve as president of our nation or in our country's armed forces.

Today is the most important American day of all. It's election day. The political candidates have drawn our attention to their virtues, their foibles, and for some, their appearances on Saturday Night Live. But like many other knitters, I want to know if they knit.

Everyone is wearing handmade sweaters these days -- even dogs. And don't think we left out the felines, because cats can have their own knitted or crocheted treasures and toy projects.