Christmas List

Seems like I am perpetually knitting for Christmas. I have been trying to knit with more goals and purpose this past year (which is why last year I joined the Year of Projects crew) and it has definately given me more focus.

6 Dish Basic Cloths
A vest for Stomper
Maybe start a vest for Jason
2 Owl Hats one for me and one for Jason
2 pairs of Fingerless Gloves  I'm not quite settled on the pattern(s) yet
mittens for Stomper
Socks for Stomper and maybe Bumpa

Here is what I have knit so far:

2 Ribbed Hats using my favorite ribbed hat pattern.

2 Dish Cloths - no pattern just plain garter stitch. The orange one is t-shirt yarn and the red(ish) one is cotton

1 Hedgehog/Squirrel (Rav Page)

For some ideas of fun things to make check out last years DIY Christmas List. I am working on some really cool ideas for this coming year. I hope people like what I come up with!

Yarn Along :: Three's Company

Last week in my post about my project list I mentioned that I might cast on a toy or three. I came close. I started a Soft Kitty and a turtle. Soft Kitty is for a friend and is based on this pattern by Linda. I think my vision and yarn availability are not matching up. Not sure yet what I will do, I might turn it into a fuzzy monster for Stomper or pillow or something, because it's not big enough for a kitty. If that is the case I will just cast on again for the kitty, if at first you don't succeed....

Yarn: Homespun by LionBrand

I also cast on a turtle, one of two, for a friend of my SIL. Do you recognize the yarn? The pattern is one of my favorites from Susan B Anderson. So simple and cute it doesn't take me long to make a pair. You can find my rav notes here. I made a crazy amount of these turtles a few years ago and I highly recommend the pattern.

The third thing on my needles is my beret. Gosh how I wish it was finished! There have a been a few times when I could have used it, but alas I must wait. I got a lot done while I was at a friends house last week. I probably would have finished it, but I ran out of one of my yarns. Not to worry I have more of it!

I went to the library this week and got some new books. I just couldn't get back into the Princess Academy. Maybe I'll try again in a few weeks. I got one from the series, A Series of Unfortunate Events and #8 in the Rangers Apprentice. I am really enjoying them both, the humor is so perfect in the SoUE, so spot on. Rangers Apprentice there is only a few books until the series end and I'm sad. It's been a really great journey.

Next week I hope to show you some epic finishes!

Linking up with Ginny today.

Year of Projects: UFO #1

I have started my first UFO, a mitten, and I am having problems with it. At first I was knitting it using the two needle method, but that wasn't working out quite right with my stripes so now I am knitting it flat. My advice: self striping and variegated yarn for mittens if you want your life easier. My next option it to locate dpn's in the correct size and give that a try. My fear is that if I knit them flat the size will be off since I knit tighter in the round.

the first mitten

I polished off three very cute projects for a baby shower, you can check them out on my pinterest board, and so I haven't really worked on my beret. I managed a few rounds while watching Total Recall (the new one) with the hubs and it is quite possible that I'll have it finished in time to not need it.

I forgot to add a few things to my list. I want to write a sweater pattern (for a baby) and a toy. I already knit the prototype for the toy. It is a little bunny rattle (perfect for Easter Baskets!). I have the rough draft of the pattern worked out I just need to reknit it to make sure I got it right and then I'll test it on rav. If you are interested in testing let me know (message me on Rav: DeliaMae) and I'll tell you how testing works. Here is a link to the bunny toy and a video of her sweet "song". I am having issues getting my vision of the sweater onto the needles. I think I may need a few designing books: suggestions?

Belle Bottom Bunny

My other projects are beckoning me in my list, but I still only have the two hands. I think I'll accept a little startitius and cast on a sock and some Easter stuff next.

Belle Bottom Bunny

I needed a toy that would whip up in a moment to finish off the gift my mother and I are putting together for a shower. I didn't want to add legs or arms and I didn't want to spend a long time knitting it. I also wanted to incorporate a bell I've had kicking around for a year or so waiting for the perfect toy. I wound up knitting Belle Bottom Bunny. She has a soft head, an i-cord loop for attaching a link, and a sweet jingle bell in her bottom. Best of all she only took 2hrs of furious knitting to make up.

Check out the video to hear her sing!