I Need To Spring Clean My Knitting Basket

I really want to start a new knitting project, but with a deadline project currently on the needles and more coming down the pike for spring, I really can't justify doing so unless I finish one of the many projects which have been languishing in my project basket. While I'm totally ok with the crochet handspun blanket being a WIP for a prolonged period of time, it's pretty ridiculous that the bulky weight sweater I started last August isn't even at the halfway mark.

This stripey cowl in Seraphim yarn has been on the needles since the beginning of September, and I've moved it to my office so that I can sneak in a few rows here and there during conference calls. The last time I did that with a project, it became an FO pretty quickly - of course, that project was worsted weight, not lace weight yarn!

Technically, the Find Your Fade KAL ends on March 31, but it seems to be pretty laid back in terms of the rules. I'm totally fine if I'm not eligible for prizes, so I'll try to finish my Fade by the end of the month, but I'm not going to make an extraordinary effort.

And these stockinette socks are still very much on the needles, hanging out in my purse for whenever I leave the house and need something to knit on that doesn't take a lot of brain power!

Wouldn't it be amazing if I finished one of these projects over the weekend? I won't be holding my breath....

Comments

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...

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...

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...

handmade by stefanie

Search This Blog