Knittinggarden

Since I'm determined to keep track of what I knit this year, I will post photos when I finish something and also add it to my Flickr set of 2008 knitting. How's that for organization? Now if I could just make a schedule of what's next and stick to it.....The bags of projects are piling up around my knitting chair again. Here are the fingerless mitts I made for a niece's birthday. I used Cascade 220 Superwash and a size 6 needle; Addi Turbos 32" cable for Magic Loop. I started them two-at-a-time but made a mistake in one so had to separate them, rip one back and then finish. The pattern is Cableback Gloves by A. Karen Alfke. I also finished a pair of baby socks to send to afghans for Afghans . I used some leftover Regia tweed sock yarn and the Infant Socks pattern by Judy Ellis. These are quick and so cute! I did make both of these at the same time - I started with two circs, got mixed up with the cables, put them on Magic Loop (after separating them to do...

Okay, okay, I know my oldest is 20, but how can it be possible that my baby is 17? Wasn't it just yesterday when I looked like this and then you looked like this? You always had the most amazing hair. You had more hair than most babies, more hair than most two year olds, and lots more hair than most three year olds. And then there was the talent! The lovely bunny ballerina who decided that dancing wasn't her thing; the little girl who played the huge piano (and who still plays very well, even after deciding not to pursue it seriously.) The sports have always been important. Soccer from first grade, basketball from second grade. We went to a lot of games! It's been great fun watching you play, grow, and change. Buddy was mascot for awhile. You and your "twin" had lots of fun playing last year. And we can't forget the year of the track champions. You girls were fast! Marching band has taken you around Seattle, to Victoria, BC and this year will be Ir...

Need I say more?

2008 is going to be a year of new experiences, knitting-wise. You've probably seen or heard of the beautiful Kauni cardigan , publicized by the Yarn Harlot , among others. I saw that sweater and thought it was just beautiful, but possible for me to do? Probably not. (Aside: I just went back and read some of the Harlot's trials and tribulations with this pattern, and now I'm REALLY concerned about my foolish decision to try it. Oh well, on with the story.) My LYS got the yarn in stock, and since I like to get the things that are not readily available (examples: yarn from Sheri's Sneak-ups , inaugural session of the Yarn Pirate Booty Club ) whether I need them or not, I visited the shop immediately and purchased the Kauni in the Rainbow colorway. It comes with a free pattern. The pattern includes all sorts of fun things to do like two-color patterning, sweater knitting in the round, and the best thing - steeks. I haven't done much, if any, of these things,...

Here I go, just as I promised, documenting all knitting of 2008. This scarf has a bit of a story, as I wasn't planning to make a scarf right now. I participated in ISE5 and volunteered to be an "angel" if needed. An angel knits a scarf for someone whose assigned partner falls down on the job for one reason or another and doesn't come through with a scarf. Anyway, an e-mail went out the other day calling for angels for three scarfless people. I've been fascinated with the book, 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders, and saw a scarf pattern in there that I wanted to try. I had enough yarn (Classic Elite Beatrice, bought on closeout from WEBS) so I decided to get going. It took me only one day to finish the scarf. Waterfall Scarf, 3 skeins Classic Elite Beatrice yarn, Size 11 needles. I blocked it when I finished, which makes the "holes" show up more than in the photo in the book. Anyway, back to the story. After I volunteered to make this for a scarfle...

Documentation of finished objects. Seems simple, right? Finish a project, take a picture. Save the picture to look at forever and ever. My routine is: finish a project, send it to recipient, charity, etc. Forget to take a picture. Never see it again. Forget exactly what I've made. 2008 routine: Make a folder for 2008 Knitting. Save on my computer and also on Flickr. How many things can I make in one year? We'll see....... Here's something to look at while pondering. Zen String Bambewe in "Moonshadow". December sock club yarn. Can't wait to use it.

I hope your year started safely and happily. We made it to midnight with a group of friends, toasted with champagne, and tried not to worry too much about our kids who were out. Everyone came home safely, I just got home from the group cast-on for the Peace Fleece Knitalong at my fabulous LYS , and life is good. I wish happiness, peace, and lots of good knitting for everyone in the new year.