Works in Progress

So I got a bunch of stuff done in August and now that I am almost half way into September and I haven't finished a thing. I have a bunch of things in the works, but nothing complete yet. I even have one of those "mistakes" I need to unravel and start over again. I have been knitting a beanie for my nephew, and it's just too big. I was in denial and just kept knitting hoping foolishly that it would miraculously work. I just hate checking my gauge for knitting and I suffer the consequences! I should know by now but I'm just a rebel!

I'm taking a sock knitting class at my local knitting shop. Yes, I've knitted socks before. I have even posted about them on my blog. The thing is I wanted to push the envelope a little farther and work with actual sock yarn. The yarn I'm using is a gorgous hand dyed wool. The photo doesn't do it justice. I'm so excited to finish them, but it is very slow going.In my quilting world I'm working on a version of "Stacked Coins". I'm modifying it a bit and flying by the seat of my pants. That's usually how I work best. I'm using charm packs of "Chocolate" by Moda. I'm hoping I'll have enough fabric to do a queen sized quilt.

Well, I better get back to work if I want to finish anything this month!

Getting busy

Okay, so I entered this challenge on Kim's Big Quilting Adventure Blog to "Finish it in August". Here is my latest project to check off my list.

This quilt called "Kaleidoscope" has been on my to do list for awhile. I made one for my sister a few years ago and had alot of fabric left. When I went to visit her, I got to sleep under it and decided I just had to make one for myself. It still needs to be quilted, but Yay... I got the top done! All the fabric was from my stash except the black border which I will also use for the binding.

I've been madly knitting (happily actually) a pair of slipper socks for my friend's birthday. I used a wonderful wool acrylic blend of yarn that is machine washable. I even crocheted a little picot edging to add to the girly appeal. They are done and she loves them.

Now I'm off to finish my next project...

The year of the socks

Well, I've decided to give "Blogland" a try again. I spend many hours visiting my favorite blogs and I feel maybe I should give back a little by sharing what I do in my part of the universe. So here it goes....again.

2008 will go down in history as the year I learned how to knit socks on double pointed needles (dpns). I have been knitting and crocheting since I was in elementary school with many thanks to a patient mother and grandmother. When Christmas 2007 was over and thoughts of Christmas 2008 loomed in my mind (you crafty handmade people know what I'm talking about). You know, that panic that sets in to your mind and says "what am I going to make for Christmas gifts next year?" My answer came when I entered my local yarn shop and was directed to a simple sock pattern which I proceeded to purchase. I also purchased a sock book that had diagrams and good instructions on using the dpns, yarn and patterns. With the help of the shop owner I was on my way to a new addiction...knitting with dpns, and socks of course!

Above is a photo of the socks I knit for my sister and my niece. The adult pattern is called Hellen 's Favorite Socks and the kids pattern is called Bright Blocks for Kids .

I simplified them by using varigated worsted weight yarn in an acrylic and wool blend for easy care. The yarn is called Encore Colorspun by Plymouth Yarn.


Above are the socks I knit for my brother-in-law and nephew. I used the same pattern and type of yarn as above. The boys are big Florida Gator fans so the yarn color was perfect!

I also made my Dad, my Mom, and my other neice and 2 nephews a pair. Hmm, did I leave anyone out...maybe myself and my own kid? Isn't that always the way?

And in case you are wondering, I have started on Christmas 2009 of course!