Goals check-in

I can't believe January is almost over! I'm starting to get used to writing 2012 now, and getting in the habit of keeping the blog updated! So, feeling good about keeping up with my once a week blog goal, and thought it would be good to take a moment to reflect on where I'm at with my other goals for the year.

I'm currently working on a cabling project, and could have used this as an opportunity to try cabling without a cable needle, but it was so natural to keep using the needle! Some habits are hard to break... but before I started beating myself up for not trying a new technique, I realized that this project is entirely from stash! Pattern, yarn, needles, stitch markers, and even the cable needle. So, one goal at a time, right?

Also "finished" one WIP. OK, all I had to do was weave in the ends, but it took me over a year to do that!

And contemplating joining a knit-a-long on ravelry for the February Lady Sweater. Still nervous about making a sweater that will fit, but seems like a KAL would be a good way to have some support and encouragement... Also tempted by Decouverte, since I wouldn't have to knit sleeves!

What was your first sweater? Any suggestions?

Goals

Keeping up with my goal of one post per week! Also updated my profile in case anyone is interested.
I have also been thinking about my knitting goals for 2012. There seems to be an abundance of groups on Ravelry dedicated to making 12 of something (pairs of gloves, socks, shawls, other item of your choice) in 2012. But, as a typical Gemini, I don't want to commit to knitting 12 of any particular item this year. So instead I came up with 12 general goals for the year:
1. Knit a sweater (I've been thinking about this for awhile, so it's time to do it already!)
2. Make a yarn budget - and stick to it! (This should include yarn, fiber, patterns, knitting books)
3. Knit 12 things totally from stash - yarn, pattern and needles (note I'm not committing to knitting the same items, but trying to use down the ever-growing stash)
4. Knit a shawl from yarn I spun (so far I've only knit ornaments from my handspun, so would like to try something bigger)
5. Complete a knitting project with beads (I've started one, but haven't finished)
6. Knit a pair of convertible gloves (something else I've been thinking about for awhile and haven't gotten around to)
7. Knit a pair of socks from the toe-up (I've only knit socks cuff down, so want to try toe up)
8. Knit a pair of socks 2 at a time (enjoyed doing fingerless gloves 2 at a time, so want to try socks)
9. Organize UFOs (not sure how many projects have been started and not finished). Want to decide which ones to frog and which ones to finish - and finish at least one from the pile.
10. Update my Ravelry project page and include pictures
11. Learn to knit cables without a cable needle (I've heard people say this can be a faster technique, and have been wanting to try it)
12. Knit something for charity (always good to give back!)

Do you have any crafty goals for the 2012 that you'd like to share?