....And A Happy New Year!

I hope everyone is have a terrific 2008 so far! The end of my 2007 was great - busy, but rewarding. My parents came out for Christmas, which was such a wonderful treat. November and December were insanely busy when it came to my knitting. I didn't mean for it to be, it just happened. Here is everything I've finished since my last post....

For: My mom (she bought the yarn & ask that I knit them for her!)
Pattern: Garter Rib Socks by Charlene Schurch, from More Sensation Knitted Socks

Yarn: Steinbach Wolle Aktiv Effekt in colorway 09, 1 skein @ 460 yds, with plenty left over

Thoughts: I didn't like the yarn much, very splitty, but after soaking and blocking the socks looked great.

For: Shaner, my very tall husband
Pattern: Leo by Kristi Porter, available on knitty.com
Yarn: Knit Picks Merino Style in Coal, 19 skeins (about 2300 yards)
Thoughts: This is my first completed adult sweater and it turned out well. I had to add about 4 inches of length to the pattern since Shaner is 6'5" tall, but it fits him perfectly and he loves to wear it.
For: My darling sister, Hillary (she called me crying Christmas morning after opening this)
Pattern: Starsky by Jordana Paige, available on knitty.com
Yarn: Plymouth Encore Chunky in coloway 515, 10 skeins (1430 yards)
Thoughts: This project has been full of problems. It took 8 weeks to get the yarn, back in 2006. I finished all the pieces when a friend pointed out that the front panels were way wrong (which was okay!) so it sat. And sat. When I finished Leo I told myself I HAD to finish this sweater, so I reknit those front panels, seamed it together and knit the shawl collar. It isn't perfect, but I am so proud of it and my sister has declared it her "favorite blue sweater". That made it all worth it.

For: Mom, a Christmas gift
Pattern: Garter Heel Socks by Susan Lawrence, from Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Sock Book
Yarn: Socks that Rock Medium Weight from Blue Moon Fiber Arts in the Scaponia colorway, 1 skein (380 yds)
Thoughts: Great pattern but that short row heel? Yeah, it kicked my ass. I finally got it on the 11th try, but a new skill learned and a great pair of socks done!

For: Supposed to be for my future brother-in-law
Pattern: Swell by Kimmie Kemper, from knitty.com
Yarn: Cascade 220 Wool - off white, Cascade 220 Heathers - blue; I have 1/2 of each skein left
Thoughts: I love this pattern, I'm just doomed never to get it right. The first time I tried this it was big enough for a baby, not an adult. The second time I tried this it was big enough for a toddler, not an adult. I did gauage the second time but didn't realize how far off row gauage was...so, he didn't get this for Christmas.

For: Dave, my future brother-in-law
Pattern: Hot Head by Alex Zorn from Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook
Yarn: Malabrigo Chunky in forest green colorway
Thoughts: How can I not love knitting with Malabrigo? Quick, easy knit (aka. just what I needed).


For: Dave, my future brother-in-law
Pattern: my own, using the K2P2 ribbing to match the hat
Yarn: Malabrigo Chunky in forest green colorway
Thoughts: Chunky yarn knits up so quickly and these were squishy and comfy!


For: Dave, my future brother-in-law
Pattern: K2P2 ribbing until I ran out of yarn
Yarn: Malabrigo Chunky in forest green colorway
Thoughts: I love patterns like this - brainless.


For: Dad a Christmas present, for cold weather running
Pattern: Hat - Hot Head by Alex Zorn from Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook; Mittens are based from The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash in red & black, 2 skeins of each color (held doubled throughout) @ 880 yards.
Thoughts: My first pair of mittens! I enjoyed knitting mittens except for the stupid join over the thumb. My dad really liked them!

For: My mom, a bonus Christmas gift
Pattern: Merino Strips Curved V-Neck Vest by Gail Tanquary
Yarn: Crystal Palace Yarns Merino Stripes in the Pacific Sunset colorway, 5 skeins (575 yards)
Thoughts: I started this the Thursday before Christmas and figured I would just give it to my mom when I finished. I finished it the Sunday before Christmas! I forgot how quickly projects go when knitting with big yarn on big needles. I misread the pattern (of course) and forgot the ridges, but I love the way the yarn works with this pattern, such unique construction.

Needless to say, I didn't knit for 8 days after Christmas! I'm currently working on my first pair of Fiber Trend Clogs and Go with the Flow socks from Interweave Knits Favorite Socks book.