It's Been a Long Time!

Whew! Life and work are finally at a manageable pace - blogging should resume on a regular basis in another week.  I have finished objects which need blocking and pictures taken.  As soon as that is finished, posting will resume.  And I finally finished my January socks!!!

Back in Business!!!

My new size 0 needles arrived yesterday, just in time for the double-whammy storms in Eastern PA! Here is a pic of my SIP (socks in progress).

So, while I was waiting, I went back to work on my Mobius Cowl.

And made another Encore Mega Headband!

While the winter weather continues, I can be snug and warm inside, knitting on the socks (a little behind on my January socks) or the mobius.  OR I can plan more baby knitting projects for the little ones on the way for family and friends!

Best Laid Plans...

I am now quite doubtful that my attempt to knit a pair of socks this month will come to fruition.  Several things have contributed to the downfall of my plan.  First was the charity knitting of 6 headbands (Plymouth Yarn Pattern 1958) in Encore Mega. Then there is the fact that some evenings I have simply been too tired to knit.  (Husband has started a new job which has changed his getting up time and therefore affected mine.) To add to the delay, my size 0 circular needle has broken.  I think it caught on something when I pulled it out of my basket in the dark.  That will mean I will attempt to finish one pair of socks and knit a second pair in the shortest month of the year with a work schedule that is filled to the gills!  And I was just asked to knit another item as a surprise for someone, but that doesn't need to be started until March.  If only I could knit faster.

New Year...New Projects...New Goals

In 2010 I discovered several knitting blogs (see my list) which I follow on a regular basis.  Thanks to their inspiration I have set some goals for my knitting this year beyond baby gifts and the enticements of my favorite LYS "The Knitter's Edge".  Inspired by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, aka the Yarn Harlot, I have created my own personal sock-of-the-month club with sock yarn from my stash (I have this thing for sock yarn) and patterns from the following designers: Melissa Morgan-Oakes, Wendy Johnson, and Antje Gillingham.  I am currently using Melissa's technique for toe-up socks, two at a time, on one long circular needle.  Because I am trying to improve my skills knitting socks, I have started with a very basic sock pattern and a self-striping yarn: ONline Supersocke 6-ply Wellness II - Color in #1203.  My goal is one pair of socks each month in addition to whatever other knitting I do.  Two of the pairs will go to one of my sons, the other ten are for me.  My hope is that I will have the know-how to knit myself a perfect fitting pair of socks out of any sock yarn I desire.  So I will keep notes and measurements on each pair, and if they don't fit me, I will find them a home on someone else's feet.

 I am still knitting on my mobius cowl which I ripped out after about 7 inches and started over.  Somehow my first round of knitting had extremely uneven stitches which I had not noticed until 6 inches and thought I could adjust.  But I soon realized I would not be satisfied unless I  corrected the situation.  The do-over has produced a much more even first round.  This will be my mindless knitting for now: knit 3 rounds, purl 3 rounds.

Pictures next time!