Knitting & Crochet Blog Week: Day 1 & 2

So I totally forgot that this week was Knitting & Crochet blog week, so I dropped the ball yesterday (whoops), so I just figured that today I would combine the two.

Day 1: Part of any fibre enthusiast’s hobby is an appreciation of yarn. Choose two yarns that you have either used, are in your stash or which you yearn after and capture what it is you love or loathe about them.


I haven't been knitting really all that long compared to a lot of people. Combine that with the fact that I'm cheap, and it's no surprise that I have yet to try most of the yarns many people probably blogged about during day 1. So far, one of my favorite yarns to use is Malabrigo - and I love it all. Lace, worsted, silk - it's just amazing. And the colors? Don't get me started.

{lavender haruni}

{hooded scarf}

And while I love yummy, out-of-my-budget yarns, I must admit I also love Knit Picks. Gorgeous yarns at a more-in-my-budget price? Who could say no? I have yet to meet a Knit Picks yarn that I don't love.

{spring swallowtail}

{pumpkin spice handwarmers}

Day 2: Look back over your last year of projects and compare where you are in terms of skill and knowledge of your craft to this time last year. Have you learned any new skills or forms of knitting/crochet (can you crochet cable stitches now where you didn’t even know such things existed last year? Have you recently put a foot in the tiled world of entrelac? Had you even picked up a pair of needles or crochet hook this time last year?

This time last year, I had just started working a Girasole blanket for my Grandparents, which was a huge undertaking (literally! it ended up being over 8 feet!).

{love & comfort}

I feel that this is the year I've improved the most - both in techniques and knowledge of craft. I made my first sweater, tried my hand at stranded colorwork, and knitted my first socks.

{comfy cozy socks}

{between green and grey}

{oatmeal pullover}

If there's one thing I've really realized the past few months it's that I've been knitting in my comfort zone, and it's time to step out. 2011 will hold many things for me, knitting-wise, and I'm so excited about it.

absence

A little over a week ago, our computer got sick and wouldn't turn on. We feared the worst, and dropped it off at the computer doctor, but picked it up today and only had to spend $30 for all their doctoring. Such a relief. Anyway, that semi-explains my longish absence.

This past week was a long, rough, emotional week. I won't go into detail, but just know it's been hard. And I'm struggling. But the good news is that it will get better, and life will go on. And positives will come from life's hardships.

On a brighter note, Jake and I got to take a nice hike a couple of weeks ago - to an amazing frozen waterfall! It was perfect - there was no one else around, the trail was covered in snow and ice, and the end result was just breathtaking -

I also finished up a couple of knitting projects! First off, my Oatmeal Pullover - it's been finished for a little while now, but I finally got some pictures while we were out hiking

And that thing I have around my neck? It's the fun pattern from Melynda Bernardi of French Press Knits! It's supposed to be an ear warmer, but I prefer wearing it as a cowl. 

Hope you all are having a wonderful Monday and are spending time with the ones you love.

365 day 23

Snow Days...

...mean baking!

homemade potato garlic bread

We got about 8 or 10 inches of snow Monday topped with some ice Monday evening, so I've been stuck  at home, working on various knitting projects and baking (the bread was so good, in case you were wondering). I realized I've got no less than 5 knitting projects going on right now, and all I can think about is what I want to cast on next. I'm pretty sure I have a problem. I'm all finished with my oatmeal pullover - it's blocking now. 2 of my projects are the majority of the way finished, and the other 2 are just beginning. Goodness. I need to get some of these projects off the needles, because there are other things I want to make. But.... I can't decide which one. Should I start these awesome socks in some of Springtree Road's yummy new sock yarn (i have the framboise colorway - so beautiful!)? Or should I start the fiddlehead mittens I've been wanting to make forever? Help!

FO: Sweet Potato Sweater

It's been a while since I've finished something that wasn't a Christmas gift, and it's been even longer since I finished something for myself. So I'm very pleased to show you my Sweet Potato Sweater!

ravelry link

I love everything about this sweater - the color, shape, fit - everything! You can read more about it on my ravelry pattern page.