A Little Like Quilting

They say quilters are a little crazy. They take perfectly good fabric and cut it up to make a different perfectly good piece of fabric. I should know, I am a quilter. There is something rewarding and comforting about creating something both useful and aesthetically pleasing. Knitting has a similar affect. We take wool from a sheep, clean it, spin it and use tiny strands of yarn to create something both useful and beautiful. Fair Isle or stranded knitting is especially tedious and time consuming. I don't know if I really like the looks of the sweater but when it is finished and blocked, I'll let you know.

Projects started

At the beginning of the summer I took a picture of all the projects I was working on. Some needed minimum work to complete like adding buttons or piecing together while others needed considerable more work and were in the beginning stages. I had a cardigan to complete, a pair of socks, an Ishbel shawl, a fair isle sweater and other random projects. Mostly, I worked on completing projects but I did start, and complete, a few so I could work on something new for my trip. Here is a picture at the beginning of summer. In a few days I hope to show a completed version of this picture. I can't wait to see it!

It might be a girl....

I found out a few days ago that one of my best friends is going to be a grandmother. I sense some knitting may be in order. Who knows, it may be a girl!

Knitting for a Friend

Okay, I know this is a crocheted blanket and I just gave it to a friend when I missed her baby shower but I like the idea of knitting for a friend. Crocheting for a friend just doesn't have the same rhythm. Isn't it crazy how you go through times and you want to make things but you feel like you don't have anyone to make them for and then when you have someone to make things for everyone ends up pregnant or celebrating something special!

Entrelac

I love learning new skills. I've been watching some videos on Craftsy and Entrelac has captured my attention and I can't wait to see where this goes....

I'm weaving - where are you going?

My husband has an interesting sense of humor. Often when I say that I'm sewing he will respond with, "so what?" Last week he topped himself and responded to my comment "I'm weaving" with "where are you going?" He was cracking himself up! Looking back, I'm sure he thought that was hilarious.

Check Up

In order to really make progress, you have to occasionally check in and see how you are doing. It seems like I'm always working on a project but I also have so many looming in the back of my mind that I forget how much I actually produce. Looking back at the list from over a month ago puts it all into perspective.

13 hats - I think this is the first one I want to complete but we'll see what I really end up doing. I think the yarn is what makes it so pretty and I may not like it as well if I don't choose my yarn wisely. I also like this hat because it has that unisex look to it and I can decide after knitting who it may go to. 

I've completed 4 of them

13 scarves

I've completed 2 and started the 3rd

13 mittens/gloves

13 socks - I have a great pattern idea for Stacy and I to work on Christmas gifts this year. I'm going to share it with her tonight and see what she thinks!

13 dishcloths- mostly I like knitting these and found that several of my family members also like receiving them which makes for a perfect combination.

I've finished almost 8 of them!

13 ornaments - I think I want a tree with all knitted ornaments. It may just be a small tree at first but I'd like to at least begin. I think these may also be a good idea for tags on presents.

13 rows in my sock blankie. There are four diagonal rows all the way across with the exception of the ends.

13 baby booties

13 baby hats

13 charity items - these might be for GAGE or for another charity. I'm actually thinking about getting involved in the ministry at my church which may or may not involve knitting for infants.

13 baskets

13 cup cozies

13 random items

 I'm certainly not finished but I like that I'm making progress and checking some of the items off the list I have ideas about getting started on some of the other items like socks and baby sweaters but that will happen when it happens.