Skip to main content

On the Needles

Finishing so many projects not only feels good, but gives me permission to start new ones - perhaps the best part about knitting.  There's really nothing like starting a new project - even though I try to keep my startitis in check these days, I really love the feeling of casting on for something new that excites me.

Here's what's currently on the needles:

1.  Super secret sparkly cowl!  I can't show you the particulars, but I'm working on a new sparkly cowl design using The Wool Dispensary's Useful Irradiant. 
2. Socks!  I started these while in Phoenix, and over this past weekend I finished the first sock and started #2!  The pattern is based on Judy Sumner's Kyoto Socks from Knitted Socks East and West (I'm just using the chart, since the pattern is for a different weight of yarn).  I got this yarn (Trekking XXL) at the Sweatshop of Love Holiday Party/yarn swap last December!
3.  Laceweight Shawl! Wait a second....after that last lacy shawl debaucle, wasn't I swearing off such projects?  Yeah, that lasted long.  The thing is, I've been wanting to use these two pretty skeins of Malabrigo Laceweight in Ibiza that have been in my stash for a few years....and I couldn't resist the Pear Drop pattern from Ysolda's Saturday Treat.  This past weekend I finished the lace border and picked up for the body of the shawl.  It's at that tough-to-photograph stage, but it's going to be gorgeous!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Overdyeing A Finished Knit

Even after just a few years of knitting or crocheting, you're bound to have some finished projects lying around that never get worn or used. After 10+ years of crafting, I have more than just "some" or "a few"....and with my ongoing quest to declutter my house this year, I've become obsessed with going through these forlorn projects and making some Big Decisions. Sometimes, they are perfectly fine and just need a new and loving home. Other projects may have not turned out quite right: there might have been some mistakes in the knitting that I thought I could live with, or the yarn was gorgeous but not well-matched to the pattern, or my  taste has drastically changed since I finished making the project...in any case, why on earth did I keep knitting?! Who knows, but I don't feel good about gifting anything that falls into this category to someone else. These projects have been relegated to the "frog pile" (or should I say, frog pond?), to b...
Post a Comment
Read more

Easy DIY: Beaded Vintage Snowflake Ornament Kits from Solid Oak Inc.

I was really excited to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new as part of my "Christmas in July" theme this month. The kind folks at Solid Oak Inc offered me a chance to review one of their Nostalgic Christmas beaded crystal ornament kits I couldn't resist. My tree is already full of ornaments I've inherited or been gifted from other family members and friends,  so these pretty crystal beaded ornaments will fit right in I think! I was super impressed with  this compact little kit , which includes everything needed to create three gorgeous vintage-style ornaments - just add a pair of round nose pliers (I found mine on Amazon for less than ten bucks).  The instructions had some fabulous tips for newbies like me; for example, it recommended sorting the beads and laying them out in order on a towel or beading mat to prevent them from rolling away. That may seem obvious, but I was totally ready to start beading on my kitchen table without a...
1 comment
Read more

What If I Didn't Add Heels?

Last weekend, I finished the first sock with my Waterlilies yarn , and just for yuks, I tried it on even though it was basically just a tube sock. Much to my surprise, it fit really well, even without a heel. Who knew? So, that got me thinking: what if I just didn't add the heels?  I never thought a tube sock would actually fit nicely, but I genuinely like the fit, so...why spend time to add the heels? As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.... Let's say I decide not to add heels once the second sock is done - there will still be placeholder yarn for the afterthought heels, as you can see above, so should I leave it in and just weave in the ends? Or should I remove it, put the live stitches back on needles and at least graft them together using more of the Waterlilies yarn? I plan on mulling all of this over as I knit the second sock, and I'd love to hear your opinions of what you think would look best (or if you think this whole "n...
3 comments
Read more