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!

Better Late Than Never

My break at Thanksgiving zoomed by without having time to post pictures and update the blog.  Then the next three weeks I was at the mercy of work.  Finally, I have some quiet time to share the charity knitting update.

Thanks to some wonderful knitters and crocheters, from beginner to experienced, we have around 55 scarves to donate to a local women's shelter.  Nine of the best were wrapped for special gifts, with the others available as the need arises this winter.  This does not include the hats and mittens that were also made.  And we had hoped for 20!

Here are pictures of some that I made.

#1 My first crocheted scarf - basic double crochet.  Leftover yarn from a project my mother had made years ago.

 #2 Stash yarn.  Ravelry pattern Tiles Scarf

#3 Basic garter stitch.  One skein Encore Mega and some stash white.

#4 Basic garter stitch.  Encore Boucle

#5 Leftover yarns from other projects.  Basic ribbed hat.

#6 Leftover yarns from other projects.  Basic stockinette hat - child size.

These have all been made since the beginning of November if I remember correctly.  Now I need to take pictures of the headbands I have been churning out and the scarf that is waiting for binding off.  Scarf was just started today while riding in the car.  It will be finished before I go to bed tonight, so it will not wait long.  I didn't realize I had been doing this much knitting or crocheting!

Until the next post, Merry CHRISTmas!  Keep those hooks and needles moving!

Now I Understand!!

I need to confess that I am saddened when the time between posts is longer than I would like on my favorite blogs.  How could they keep me hanging??  What is the latest work-in-progress or finished object??   I definitely have more appreciation for the time and effort it takes to create meaningful posts, especially when the blog is not the person's main source of income!  Work commitments and other responsibilities have hampered my time to post the past few weeks and I have made the conscious decision to knit with my few spare moments rather than blog. With a few days off from work, my goal is to take pictures and post about my recent encounters with sticks and string....stay tuned!!

Too Many Projects???....Nah...

I had a very brief moment of panic today - too many projects I thought!  But that moment was very fleeting.  It all started when I went to my stash for one last look at what might be used for hats and scarves and uncovered more than expected.  The Stitchin' Sisters group at my church (which I help lead) was asked to make scarves for a local shelter.  Another group in our church is already collecting toiletries and thought this might be a good addition to their gift bags at Christmas.  The Stitchin' Sisters jumped at the opportunity - even the beginners! - and we thought hats might be a better option for the children at the shelter.  Donations of yarn are coming in from members of the church and even those who do not attend the group are pitching in to help make items.  I had already started on two or three items, but decided to look at my own stash one more time.  There must be enough leftovers to make 8 or 10 additional items!  Hence the moment of panic.  But, if put my vest on hold for a bit and use simple patterns, I think I can use up most of the stash I pulled out today.  Using my metal needles helps me knit faster too!!

Thanks to those who replied to my thoughts on needles.  After the holidays I think I will have to pull out that lace yarn and try to make a scarf out of it again - this time on my metals needles.  I'll use my bamboo needles again, but choose the project carefully!