Wednesdays Are For Knitting

I have quite a few knitting projects that I want to get finished before the end of the year. The problem is that my knitting time is pretty limited. I am hoping that putting this out there will push me to get these things done.

1) Preemie hats for October, November and December. October is the first month where I did not finish a hat but I am committed to meeting my goal of knitting 12 for the year.

2) Baby sweater. At my last checkup my doctor told me that she is pregnant after trying for several years. I have my next appointment on December 14th and want to have it done by then. I also want to make a hat and booties if there is time.

3) Clark's blanket. I would like to have this done for Christmas. I do need to buy some more yarn to make it a bit bigger.

It may not seem like a lot but since I knot about 5 rows per day this will be a major stretch for me. Wish me luck!

Wednesdays Are For Knitting

For today's post I am going to revisit some of my favorite finished objects. These will not always be the best projects but are the ones I like or am proud of for some reason. All of the links will open in Ravelry just in case you are having issues with the new layout.

1) Clapotis - this was my first project that wasn't a dishcloth, garter stitch scarf or stockinette in the round.

2) Irish Hiking Scarf - my first big cabled project.

3) Fruity Pebbles Sock - my first paid of socks.

4) Rainbow Blanket  - the first blanket I knit for Clark before he was born.

5) Jello-O Shawl - I dyed the yarn for this project.

6) Judy the Precious Pig - I made this in memory of my mom who collected pigs.

7) Alix's Prayer Shawl - my first big lace project. This was a major test of my patience and determination.

8) Clark's Spidey Blanket  - another project that tested my patience and perseverance.

9) Bumpy Road Shawl - my first design project.

10) Birthstone Color Affection - a very sentimental project for me. Thankfully Preston was also born in September so he fits in the project as well.

11) Clark's Christmas Monster - the best knitted toy I made.

12) Little Angel Baby Blanket - the first thing I knit for Preston and my second design project.

Wednesday Are For Knitting

Progress on my projects is slow. I had to rip out quite a bit of the prayer shawl for my coworker so that has set me back. Then the skein of yarn became a tangled mess so I have spent the last 3 days untangling it and winding it into a ball. I have not touched Clark's blanket at all so there is no point in showing it again. So what to write about knitting when I have no knitting progress to show? I guess I will retell my knitting story.

I first became interested in knitting in the early 2000's reading a few now defunct blogs who were knitters. I do not know why it struck my interest so much. I was never a really crafty kid and up to then had no interest in crafting. I was newly married, living somewhere I knew no one other than my husband, working a job I really did not like. Maybe I was reaching out for something that would be comforting who knows. I bought a learn to knit kit and started to try teaching myself. I do not learn by looking at diagrams and You Tube was not a thing yet so I got very frustrated and gave up.

Eventually I signed up for a beginning knitting class at JoAnn's. I was the only student so I got the teacher's full attention. At first she was concerned because I am left handed but I am able to learn how to do things right handed pretty easily. In high school I threw shot put left handed but was taught to throw discus right handed. As I went through the lesson I quickly realized that I was knitting correctly when I was trying to teach myself but I would only knit a few stitches, think it looked wrong and rip it out. I finished the class though and went on my way.

I have gained so much from knitting. I went to knitting groups and made local friends. I joined social media and listened to and watched podcasts and made friends all over the world. I have learned patience and persistence. It has helped me keep my anxiety at bay sometimes. I am not sure what made me want to pick up the needles all those years ago but I sure am glad that I did.

Wednesdays Are For Knitting

Back in March right before the world went crazy I was at the dollar store. I usually take a look at their books and crafts sections because they sometimes have some treasure. On this day I hit the jackpot. I found two novels (which I have since read ad really enjoyed) and two knitting books. Today I am going to review the first of those books - Sock Yarn Studio: Hats, Garments, and Other Projects Designed for Sock Yarn.

There are some big names designers with projects in this book - Wendy D. Johnson, Veronik Avery and Franklin Habit are the ones listed on the cover. The book begins with a basic lesson on sock yarn, how to avoid pooling, swatching and substituting yarns. The we get into the projects. There are 3 sections of projects - one skein, two skeins and three skeins or more. Here are my favorites.

1) Roselein Hat by Franklin Habit

2) Vert Lace Cap by Hunter Hammerson

3) Habitude Lace Scarf by Brooke Nico

4) Furbelow Shawl by Carol J. Sulcoski

5) Alexander Street Hat by Carol J.Sulcoski

6) Bliss Caplet by Carol J. Sulcoski

7) Varese Shawl by Carol J. Sulcoski

That is 7 projects out of 28 that I would knit. There were a few other patterns that I thought were cute but would never make so I did not include them. All in all not bad for $1.

Wednesdays Are For Knitting

The other project that has been occupying my time lately is a blanket for Clark. For Christmas he bought me some yarn and since they were in his favorite colors I decided to make something for him. I am not sure if this is what he was expecting or not.

The yarn is Caron Simply Soft in Autumn Red and Dark Country Blue. The pattern is Molly's Blankie (this link will open in Ravelry - just a warning if you have issues with the new layout of the site). I am really enjoying this knit since it is pretty meditative and mindless. That is just what I need right now.

Wednesdays Are For Knitting

I have been trying to get more time for knitting lately. There are two projects that I have been working on for the past few months. The first one is a prayer shawl for my coworker. I started it back in September when her dad was diagnosed with cancer. I put it away for a while because messed it up but I started it again last month when her father passed away. It may take me awhile to finish but I am determined to get it done. 

Last week I went to the Dollar Tree to get a few supplies and I checked out the books and crafting sections. I came across some yarn that was actually worth looking at.

This is called Just Yarn and is a worsted weight by Premier. The colors are Aran and Light Blue. There are 131 yards in each ball. It’s surprisingly soft and I figured for $5 if I hate it I am not out much. I am not sure what I will make with it but I am thinking maybe something for Preston. Of course at this rate he maybe in college before it is finished.