Knitting Goal Update

Since I started knitting again, I've been mostly making cowls, shawls, scarves and blankets. So, for 2013, I had a knitting goal -- try a few new techniques / items. I kept the list short and sweet as I knew I wasn't going to put the other knitting on hold. And, I know me. Here's what I started with and where I am: 

something with cables    a

 

 

 

                                              Pattern from  Novita 7 Veljestä extra

                                              Yarn:Gjestal Jade

 

stranded colorwork   a 

                                          Pattern: 

                                          Lapsen neulottu apina-pipo by Anne-Maija Immonen

 

                                          Yarn: Novita 7 Veljestä

 

 

 

and a pair of socks. r 

Both my cables and stranded colorwork require much, much more practice.  But I look forward to it :)  The socks: coming soonish. I have the pattern in mind and even have the yarn for it. I'm just having so much fun with this relatively new hobby that I’m going in too many directions at once: looking at patterns, yarn, other people’s lovely creations, buying, planning, dreaming and even a little bit of actual knitting! But I’m enjoying every minute of it.

Now, off to do some knitting :)

3rd time's a charm, right?

In starting new projects, I inevitably have to rip out and restart. Many times. My latest is no exception.

Here’s hoping the 2nd rip fest was the last and this mess will eventually resemble Melisa McCurley’s Acadian Shawl/Scarf.

I have a relative in mind for this shawl and she cannot wear wool or any combination of wool. I wanted to try making her something with an alpaca or alpaca blended yarn, but to be on the safe side of her allergies, I have decided to go with an acrylic.

The gorgeous, deep red of this yarn is right up her alley.

Unfinished business...

When I started knitting I set myself a goal of one project at a time. I did very well... in the beginning. Then I started on a big project. A large pillow case that may become a throw. This depends on how I feel whenever I get to the final length, which is as long as I am tall.

                                          This is an old photo, I'm now up to my neck :)

                                          Yarn: Novita Isoveli, Nalle, and Nalle Aloe Vera


Since this pillowcase/throw is such a big WIP (work in progress) I, of course, needed a smaller project to carry along with me in the car, waiting rooms, etc.

                                          Yarn: Novita Pretty Baby

I've made this baby blanket before in yellow, green and white. This is a real simple knit, something great for me when I'm travelling. I only noticed well into the 2nd skein of yarn that there is a flaw in the color scheme. I think I'm going to be practicing my newly learned 'patience when knitting' skill by ripping quite a big chunk of this out.

Who wants to be knitting a warm blanket while on vacation in a place of sun and heat? Not me.  So, while in Spain, I bought some yarn and attempted my first top with some tricky knitting (tricky for me, that is).

                                          Yarn: Katia Linda


Those funky little circles took me days to figure out. Why days? Because I had to put the ripped out mess down many times and step away. Wait. Then come back with a better frame of mind. Yes, this was before the sorely needed skill of patience kicked in :) Unfortunately, I've let this gem sit for too long. I'll have to take some time to figure out this pattern again.

But in the meantime...

                                          Yarn: Drops Alpaca and Drops Kid-Silk


A warm and cozy sweater for a very cold winter! My attempt at Norway's most talked about sweater for 2012  - "Skappelgenseren" by Dorthe Skappel.   The combination of this yarn is unbelievably soft and squishy!

4 WIPs. Not too bad. Well, actually 5, but I'm finished with that one now. :)

Still Knitting...

It's been a long time since I've posted, but I'm still around. Still knitting. Still out walking when the feet permit.

I was enamored by Julie Crawford's (Knittedbliss.com)  "Stockholm Scarf". It took me awhile to find the right yarn and the right color. I found it :)

                                          Yarn: Gjestal Tinde



It took me quite awhile to knit this, but here's the end result.

I saw these Mini Christmas Stocking Ornaments by Little Cotton Rabbits on Ravelry and wanted to try my hand at them! This was a real challenge for me - those needles were so small. But oh so fun!

 

                                          Yarn: Hjertegarn Diamond cotton


Another fun cowl "Drop Stitch Cowl" by Abi Gregorio. I plan on making more of these as soon as I find some chunkier yarn. Fun to knit and so soft and squishy!

                                          Yarn: Hjertegarn Chunky


This past year of knitting has taught me patience and new skills. I've had to slowly work on one project, rip out others countless times and even give up completely on a couple of others. I shouldn't say give up completely as I plan to restart those same projects with different yarn, perhaps,  and with a renewed determination.