Year Long Gift-A-Long

My Friends in Print

2009-11-22T14:43:00.003-05:00

My online knit buddy, Del wrote an awesome 2-part article over at Meylah

The Benefits of Hooking Up with an Online Craft Community

Check out Part 1 & Part 2 (you may see a familiar face in here) :-)

Zach Attack Hat (free pattern)

2009-11-13T16:23:00.001-05:00

Zach Attack Hat

I wanted to make a hat for my great-nephew, Zach, for his 3^rd birthday, but couldn’t find the exact thing I had in mind. So I headed to The Knitter’s Book of Handy Patterns, by Ann Budd, to find the basic sizing for a three-year old, as well as an idea of how much knitting to do, etc.

In the end, I had exactly what was in my brain! And it was apparently a big hit when he opened it – he wanted to wear it everywhere.

I’m offering this as a free pattern, since it’s not necessarily anything new, or anything that doesn’t exist someplace else. It’s my version, sized for the average three-year-old, according to the book referenced above, where it is listed as the size for 18 months to 4 years.

You will need:

Worsted weight yarn –single color for base of hat (I used Brown Sheep Nature Spun, color Scarlet, less than 1 skein); additional colors (B and C) for stripes and/or tassels, less than 1 skein.

Gauge: 4.5 - 5 sts to the inch

16-in. US size 7 circular needles.

8-in. US size 7 double pointed needles (for finishing the hat, though you may be able to use the circular needle).

1 stitch marker, to mark beginning of round.

To begin:

Cast on 90 sts; join to work in the round; place marker.

Work k1, p1 ribbing for 8 rows (approximately 1 inch).

Switch to stockinette stitch for remainder of hat. Continue until the hat measure 7 ½ inches from cast-on edge.

Continue until the hat measures 7 ½ inches from cast-on edge.

Finish:

Turn hat inside out; transfer stitches to double pointed needles if necessary, placing half on each needle; bind off stitches, using three needle bind off, pulling thread through last stitches to close.

Make two tassels or pom-poms using your preferred method, and attach to each corner of hat, with approximately 1 inch of yarn remaining on outside of hat (as pictured, so they move when the wearer does). Weave in all ends.

Making tassels:

I checked various books, and though they had the basic idea, I ended up just winging it for the ones I used. I wanted ones that were longer, looking less like pom-poms on the ends of the hat.

Copyright 2009 by Bridget Arthur Clancy. Available at The Ravell’d Sleave (http://the-ravelld-sleave.blogspot.com). Not to be reproduced, sold, or taught for profit. Questions or pattern support available at: thekittyknitter@gmail.com.

2009 YLGAL (at our new home)

2009-01-02T19:46:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Gifters!

You have done such an amazing job this year - you've totally convinced me that there is a BIG place left for the art of the handmade gift. Thank you for your enthusiastic participation - and congratulations on the wonderful finishing you've done!! I know it's not easy to stay the course for a whole year, but many of you gave it an honest try.

I used a short survey as a way to decide where to house our group in 2009. I wanted the administration components to be manageable, and I wanted participants to have easy access to the discussions and postings we all love. The overwhelming majority vote was for us to move this group 100% to Ravelry. I know that not everyone who has been using this blog has a Ravelry account, so if you don't yet - sign up is quick and very easy! You can email me directly if you need help getting signed up.

To continue gifting all year long with us in 2009, go to the YLGAL Ravelry group and click the "Join this Group" button in the top right corner of the main page. You'll find much of the same discussions there that we've been maintaining here - Monthly Goal Lists, Quarterly Challenges, and more suggestions and links for great gift ideas.

As always, reach out with your questions and suggestions. This year - invite a friend to gift-a-long with you too!

Sally's 2008 Wrap Up

2009-01-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

This is my last post to the Year Long Gift-A-Long blog. I know they are moving exclusively to Ravelry, so I probably won't post these lists on my blog anymore. (But you will see the resulting FOs.)

You may have noticed my recent barrage of FOs on both my blog and the gift-a-long blog. I'm trying to catch up and wrap up 2008. Here's an update of the last list I posted.

Things to Finish
1. ~~Chevron Scarf~~ finished
2. Even More Boogie Time (who knows what will happen with these. I ended up giving the recipients another gift.)
3. ~~I have a partially finished Reversible Cable Scarf.~~ finished

Things to Make
Forgive the all the code names - the recipients read this blog.

1. Code Name: Turning Japanese (I owe Mom and couple of Wishy Washy Fish Tawahi.)
2. ~~Code Name: I'm a Mac~~ finished
3. ~~Code Name: Pink~~ finished
4. Code Name: Wally World (I owe my sister's boyfriend a Nintendo Controller Cover for his DS.)
5. Code Name: Hollywood (I'm still working on Jules' gloves.)
6. ~~Handwarmers 1~~ finished
7. ~~Handwarmers 2~~ (These didn't happen. I gave the recipient something else.)
8. ~~Hat~~ finished
9. ~~Scarf~~ finished
10. ~~Calorimetry for Grandma. Kiri just ain't happening this year.~~ (This didn't happen either. I plan to send her some nice pictures and a letter and try the shawl again this year.)

FO: Tychus

2009-01-01T20:57:00.000-05:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

Keep your fingers crossed that this will fit an eleven year-old boy. It may be a little small on me, but I have a big head.

This is Tychus, the first FO of 2009. I just finished it a little while ago. Before I seamed it up, it looked like this:

I had a big debate whether to do 4 sections or five, since I'm making it for a small head. I decided to go with 5, since the gauge is smaller than suggested. My gauge is approximately 32 rows and 18 stitches per 4 inches. The pattern suggests 15 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches.

You can also see that the seam is a little wonky. I had to fudge a couple of stitches. Even if the seam is perfect, I don't think there is a way to avoid a obvious seam.

It's also pointier than I prefer. Maybe the recipient can stretch it out.

To recap, I used a little more than half a skein each of Cascade Greenland in colors 3510 (blue) and 3523 (green.) This was some of the yarn I bought at Wildfiber. I used only one strand, not two as suggested by the pattern. I also used US Size 6 needles from my Boye Needlemaster.

FO: Wrist Pillow for Dad

2009-01-01T18:01:00.001-05:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

A couple of years ago I made several of the "Earthy Computer Mouse Pad Wrist Pillows created by Jennifer Tallapaneni, and I gave them as gifts. But I didn't give one to my Dad. (At least, I don't *think* I did. If I did, oops.)

I know Mom was asking a while back if I could make one for the computer she shares with Dad. I figured Dad would like that as a gift. He spends the most time there.

Even if I have given one to him before, this one is nicer. I used some of the leftover Malabrigo Worsted in "Red Java" that I used for the Malabrigo Mini Mitts. I probably used less than a quarter of a skein. I still have plenty leftover for another project.

I also used my US Size 5 Brittany Needles.

I think I didn't cut the cardboard perfectly, so the bottom is a little wonky. But it does the job.

When I visit my parents, I'll have to see if this is getting used.

FO: Reversible Cable Scarf

2009-01-01T00:37:00.001-05:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

This is another FO that's been a long time coming.

It's the Reversible Cable Scarf from Lion Brand. I started it in fall of 2007. (Yes, you read that correctly, 2007.)

This was the scarf that made me fall in love with Berroco Ultra Alpaca Yarn. It feels so good on the wooden needles, and it has very crisp stitch definition.

I used US Size 5 Brittany Needles. (BTW - I broke one of these needles, and they did send me a new one, as promised by the company.)

It's been so long since I started that I'm unsure of what went wrong on the wonky end. I think I bound off with US Size 3 needles, but cast on with the US Size 5. That still left the beginning of the scarf all ruffly.

I didn't count this as an FO until Christmas Eve, when I tucked in the loose ends. I meant to try to block the ruffly end, but I ran out of time.

I think (but I'm not positive) that this color is discontinued. It's 6276 Woodland Mix. I was trying to go outside my "comfort zone" and try some earth tones.

I highly recommend Berroco Ultra Alpaca. It's great stuff. Especially the heathered "Mix" colors like this one.

FO: Foliage: Purple, Version One

2009-01-01T00:09:00.001-05:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

It's revenge of the chunky Foliage hats!

Remember last year I made three of these? One in red, one in Emerald and one in lime alpaca.

This one was made with Malabrigo Chunky, like two of the other three, This color is "Purple Mystery." Like the other hats, I used US size 10.5 dpns for the main hat, and US size 9 dpns for the ribbing. I'm pretty sure I used bamboo needles.

I actually made this one in one sitting for last year, but it never made it to the recipient until this Christmas. It's been on my coffee table ever since.

This one turned out like the rest. I'm pretty happy with it.

FO: Malabrigo Mini Mitts - Man Size

2008-12-31T21:53:00.000-05:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

I managed to finish my Malabrigo Mini Mitts (Ravelry Link) on time. The last time we saw them, I was frantically trying to finish them before a get together the next day.

To recap, these were knit with US Size US and about half a ball of Malabrigo Worsted in "Red Java."

They seem to fit the recipient pretty well. Here is what I did to "man size" the mitts from the original size (to the best of my recollection.)

I cast on 40 stitches, not 32.

I think I may have worked a little farther than 2 and a half inches before making the the gusset, 20 rounds.

Then I added an two additional increase rounds for the gusset.

I cast three stitches across the gap for thumb, not two.

Then I knit for 20 sounds before binding off. The whole mitt was 8 inches in length, not 6 inches

I did 7 rounds for the thumb

The thumb was where I messed up the most. The ribbing was screwed up, and one thumb had less stitches than the other. But for the most part, I think my conversion was successful.

A few more gifts: the Family edition

2008-12-31T09:00:00.002-05:00

Because I spent most of my knitting energy on gifts for people at work, I only picked a few family members to knit for this year. I mean, they know where to find me if they think of something they want, right?

1. Socks for Mom. Basic stats: two at a time, toe up on one 40" circlular needle, size 2 (I think). Heelless! No heels! I like this.

2. Hat for Chris L. Basic 2x2 rib, 100% wool sent to me from Sera Star almost a year ago. Nice and wooly warm for his cold life in Madison, WI.

3. Scarf for Chris M. All the best in browns, tans, charcoals. Suave. My 1st foray into the madness that is the Noro striped scarf; there shall be more in my future.

4. Shawl for Keto: an absolute dream to knit in Cascade Venezia Worsted. Within a few rounds this yarn had shot up to somewhere high on my favorites list. (Thanks to one of my 5th graders for modeling!)

5. Felted Bag for Karen: I wanted to make this for so long. Last Xmas, I rushed out and bought the book from Charlotte Yarn, and it took me until Election Day to cast on. I bought all the findings at the Windsor Button in Boston, which was almost as fun as actually knitting it.

My Whole Year in Gifting: the Workplace edition

2008-12-31T08:52:00.004-05:00

Last year I knit loads for my family & my fiance's family, but this year I wanted to put the most work into my work colleagues. At some point last year I decided that this year I would try to knit for every single teacher/administrator/assistant at the (small) school where I work, and I so almost made it. It was fun, it was satisfying, but I have to admit, at times... it was stressful. I think I might take next year off from that particular kind of guerilla gifting. I managed this project by having a word document with a big table where I kept everyone's name and notes about what I thought I might make them, or if there was an FO or WIP I could check off the list.

In any case, here's what I managed to produce! Thanks belong to my little ones at school who got to practice modeling knitwear. You never know where that might take them.

1. Socks for Vickie

2. Socks for Sandy (yep, two pairs squeezed from the same ball! Luckily, one pair is a size 6. Teeny tiny.)

3. Scarf for Elizabeth: modular diamonds in a fancy Noro angora blend)

4. Scarf for Beverlee (a fiery Chevron scarf- so addictive to knit!)

5. Scarf for Mary-Lou

6. Scarf for Kristen (pattern is My So-Called Scarf, which for some reason I found really boring.)

7. Scarf for Nicole- longways Noro stripes, anyone? SO much fun.

8. Shawl for Holly (my 1st lacework, and totally a pattern I want to make again)

9. Cowl for Katie

10. Ballband dishcloth for Charlotte (see group pic above; somehow I missed taking an individual shot!)

11-12. Hat for Shannon (middle) and hat for Lisa (right). [I'm keeping the one on the left for now]

13. Beret for Angela

[there were a few more presents but I ended up doign quick polymer clay projects... at least they were hand-made.]

FO: Chevron Scarf

2008-12-30T19:00:00.000-05:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

I may have done a crummy job blocking, but I finished the Chevron Scarf and gave it to the recipient without too many problems.

To review, this is the Chevron Scarf from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. I used two skeins of Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino, one in P136 (the lighter color) and one in P527 (the darker color.) I got the yarn at Wildfiber. I used US Size 2 bamboo straight needles.

I think the colors suit her well.

FO: Stash Genius Scarf

2008-12-29T21:31:00.000-05:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

The project I was working on before I went to hospital is on hold at the moment. It's secret, so I can't show it here. I've been working on this instead.

I missed the fiber festival this year. I meant to give a shout out on here before the event, but I never got around to it. I'm so disappointed about everything I had to miss. I missed the company Christmas party and several church events.

But at least I can knit a festive scarf.

This scarf is for a seven year-old girl on my Christmas list. I looked through my stash for some good ideas, and this is what I came up with. I used one skein of Yarn Bee Mosaic Twist in "Grotto" for the main part of the scarf, and a small amount of Yarn Bee Gilt Eyelash in "Aqualights" for the sparkly stripes. (Yarn Bee is the Hobby Lobby house brand.) I felt like a genius when I came up with this combination. It reminds me of snowflakes for some reason, even though snowflakes aren't blue.

I cast on 12 stitches, and the stripes on the ends of the scarf are four rows wide. The stripes add sparkle without being itchy.

I knit the scarf with US Size 8 wooden needles, although I cast on and bound off with US Size 9 needles to keep the ends from being too tight. Also, I held two strands of the Gilt Eyelash together for the stripes.

It's not very long, but I think the length is about right for a child. And it's sparkly.

FO: Le Slouch (Code Name: Pink)

2008-12-29T21:18:00.000-05:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

This is the first of a long parade of holiday FOs. We're starting with the Le Slouch (Ravelry link) that I made for my sister.

Her boyfriend tried it on too.

Here's the hat in it's infancy. My sister asked for a shawl, but I was running out of time for this Christmas. (And this was before I was sick.) I recommended a "jaunty beret."

I originally called it "Code Name: Pink" because I was originally planning to use some pink yarn in my stash. I ended up using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in Amy's Vintage Office, the precious yarn I got on the Hill Country Yarn Crawl. I was hoping to save it for myself, but the color was too perfect for my sister.

Here is the hat from the bottom. I used US Size 6 needles for the ribbing and US Size 7 for the rest of the hat. This was unusual for me because US Size 7 is recommended on the yarn label. Normally I go way under what is recommended. However, the recommended gauge for the hat is smaller than the one on the yarn label.

I think seed stitch is a really good choice for this yarn. It adds some depth to the variegated colors.

Mom and I debated whether the ribbing was too small. It was a little tight on my head. But I knew if would get stretched out, and my head is bigger than most. Also, we debated exactly how it how it should sit on your head.

It fit Pancho Pig ok.

The good news is that there's half a ball of Amy's Vintage Office left so I can make something for myself.

Photos of some Christmas Gifts

2008-12-27T13:05:00.002-05:00

I actually made 5 scarves for Christmas but didn't take photos of the first two as I was away for training with work. Just forgot to do it as I did have the camera with me.

The white scarf was yarn my mil had and asked me to knit her a scarf. One of the red ones (longer one) was for me to go on a grey sweater that I had bought to wear for Christmas and I made a shorter version for my mil as she commented that she liked the colour.

Sad to say I still didn't complete everything on my list this year but hopefully will get some of it done for next year.

Tomorrow's it!

2008-12-24T19:08:00.001-05:00

I still can't share all of my gifts on here because I am not giving them until later, but here is what I am giving my sister tomorrow:

Hand Made December Gifts. Final post for 2008

2008-12-24T15:57:00.004-05:00

Its been wonderful participating in the Gift-A-Long. Though I did not do nearly as much as I wanted to, I did way more than I would have if I had not participated in this group. These are the last things I made to give this year.

Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments for all the kids in my life:

A necklace for a friend:

Finally some hats for my friends:

One for me:

one for my daughter

2008-12-24T00:56:00.002-05:00

cinderella in rags...

flips over...

into her ball gown...

details on my blog

"For the Love of Granny" Baby Blanket

2008-12-22T22:53:00.000-05:00

For more details on the project, click here.

YLGAL 2009 is a Go! Please Take the Survey

2008-12-21T07:47:00.004-05:00

I've received such warm and supportive notes about continuing the Gift-a-Long, and I think it deserves one more year! :)

I'm making preparations to continue this group adventure in 2009 and would like you take the survey linked here to help me decide on a home for the group and find out the level of participation for next year.

Please take the 2-question survey at THIS SURVEY LINK by December 29th, 2009.

Thank you for you support and enthusiastic participation this past year! I sincerely hope you'll join up again, and this time - bring along a friend or 3!

2008-12-20T21:59:00.000-05:00

Okay... I am really pleased to finally have this gift finished. It's actually a sage green colour, but it looks a little blue in the photo.

It's the first time I have knitted a scarf in a 4ply (fingering weight) yarn... and it seemed to take forever! For a while there, I wondered if it was ever going to be finished...

I do love the pattern though. As far as lace patterns go, it's quite simple to follow and easy to remember. And I love the finished effect, too.

More details on my blog...

alien life?

2008-12-18T08:45:00.001-05:00

This Christmas, I asked my boys to design a 'creature' and I would make it in to a cuddle toy for them.

Master Nine made this play dough alien:

which became my inspiration for this cuddle toy

Pirk's Crochet and Knit

2008-12-18T06:49:00.001-05:00

december FIFTEENTH!!!

2008-12-15T18:30:00.002-05:00

i can't believe that it is sooooo close to the end of the year. and i also can't believe that i didn't update my November list. well... actually i can. i didn't do very much. there was a hat and scarf set that i didn't take a pic of before i sent it off, and a watchcap for a friend of mine that i did get a pic of.

it was very hard to send this off, as it is quite warm and comfortable.

other than that, i have been chugging along trying to get as many special olympics scarves done as i could by today. i will be sending them out tomorrow! i am happy to know that i finished eight! i can't believe that i finished six scarves in two and a half months! (two i started before the challenge)

i don't really know what it is about the special olympic that got me fired up, but it sure did! and i am glad it did, too!

i hope everyone's holidays are going well, and that all the things that were made throughout the year are well appreciated!

Winter White Ripple Scarf

2008-12-15T15:52:00.002-05:00

For more details about the project, visit my blog!

on track...

2008-12-12T18:27:00.002-05:00

I'm feeling on track with the holiday gifts.... I've strayed a bit from 'the plan'... but everything SEEMS to be under control

Recently finished these rainbow scarves for the pre-school teachers... click here for pattern details

December Update

2008-12-12T17:35:00.007-05:00

Well, I didn't finish all of my November goals but I made a good start:

1. Scarf for FIL - done and ready to be gifted. This is the Men's Cashmere Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts done in Classic Elite Princess.

2. Scarf for MIL - 2/3s done, so it should be ready on time. This is the Airy Scarf also from LMKG, done in Rowan Kidsilk Haze.

3. Chemo caps - 1 done, at least 1 more to go. This is the Hurricane Hat done in Vanna's Choice.

4. Finally, at long last, I have started a sweater for my DH. Probably won't be done for the holidays, but should be done in time to keep him warm for much of the winter!
This is the Boyfriend Sweater as a cardigan from the book, Hip to Knit done in Catalina Baby Silk.

Goals for the rest of December include finishing the MIL scarf, making at least 1 more chemo cap, and finishing the DH sweater!

YLGAL 2009? Your Feedback Please

2008-12-05T19:55:00.003-05:00

Greetings all!!

I know that many of you are either happy to never have to see another gift knit again, while others might be putting on the finishing touches.

I've been thinking about plans for next year for the last month or so, and I'm posting to get your feedback. My first priority is to find a moderator for this group. I have LOVED being the list "mama", but I'm already getting indications that work travel won't allow me to do much in the way of coordination next year.

So item 1 - Any volunteers for managing the group? (This involves reaching out to sponsors for prizes, coming up with Challenges, and just generally setting the guidelines). Of course, anyone who volunteers will have my help and support to get rolling and, of course, more than one moderator can take on this task.

Next - I'm welcoming any and all feedback on the flow of this adventure.
What did you like about the GAL and what can we do better or differently next year?
Did you find the challenges helpful? Was the quarterly time frame reasonable? Were the rules and guidelines clear?

What about prizes? Any suggestions here? How did you feel about your opportunity to win something based on your efforts? Do we need prizes or are you just happy to participate for the joy of good time management?

And finally - group activity. I know this board was quiet at times, but in our main areas (finished gifts, monthly challenges, and Gift Lists) I thought there was a good amount of posting and sharing. What did you think?

I'm going to keep moving this post up so you have all month to comment; hopefully we'll have a good plan laid out with your suggestions for 2009. I'd love if this group could keep going, so weigh in here with your comments. If you prefer to message me privately, I welcome that too!

~ This message has also been posted to our Ravelry Group ~

Baby Jasmine's New Clothes

2008-12-03T18:07:00.001-05:00

Made from stash! Yay! For more details about this project, please see my blog (www.yarnydays.com).

Thanks!
Rima

Elizabeth's December List

2008-12-01T23:59:00.002-05:00

I can't believe how well this Christmas season is going for knitting. I credit you, dear bloggers! I have knit 17 gifts for Christmas, including the one in progress right now. So I present to you, my December list!

1. Gift Item: Sherbrooke Cowl (ravlink)
Recipient: Gisèle (fiancé's grandmother)
Pattern: Sherbrooke by Lauren Weinhold (free PDF download)
Occasion: Christmas 2008
Finished: Dec 1/08
Notes: This cowl went a little slower than my other knits. Maybe it was because the stitch pattern was a teensy bit boring… maybe it was because I needed a break from knitting… either way, it turned out quite nicely. Yay! One gift down, one left before christmas!

2. Gift Item: Hedgerow Man Socks (ravlink)
Recipient: Chris (fiancé)
Pattern: Hedgerow by Jane Cochran (free)
Occasion: Christmas 2008
WIP: Nov 30/08
Notes: Finished the cuffs of both socks, and got them both on the needles for two-at-a-time. Man this yarn is tiny! I love it though, very soft, I’m sure he’ll love them. I can see this stitch pattern getting a little boring, but that will make them great for a travel project. I’m already a good couple inches into the legs.

Once those items are all done, I'll get to start working on birthday and wedding knitting for 2009!

3. Gift Item: Gloves or mittens
Recipient: Joel (brother)
Pattern: Ken Gloves or Tweedy Mittens
Occasion: Birthday
Due date: Jan 7/09
Notes: To go with his hat

4. Gift Item: Undecided
Recipient: Auntie Julie
Pattern: …
Occasion: Awesomeness
Due date: Feb 7/09

5. Gift Item: Lace knitting
Recipient: One of my bridesmaids: Lise, Rin, Ve, or Elsa
Pattern: undecided
Occasion: Wedding
Due date: September 2009
Notes: I would like to start one of these in December

Other gifts I'm thinking about:

Joel and Chantelle — Wedding Gift / May
Dad — Birthday / June
Auntie Julie and Auntie Linda — Thank you gift / September
Holly — Thank you gift / September
Fran, Pete and Blip — Thank you gift / September
Mom — Thank you gift and Birthday gift / September

Sally's November and December Gift List: I'm not dead yet!

2008-11-27T17:17:00.000-05:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

Ok. Ok, ok, ok. OK.

Christmas is coming, and the Year Long Gift-A-Long has helped a lot. But between Christmas gifts and the Fiber Festival, I'm completely overwhelmed. So I'm throwing out the mold, and starting a new list from now until Christmas.

Things to Finish

1. Chevron Scarf
2. Even More Boogie Time
3. I have a partially finished Reversible Cable Scarf.

Things to Make

Forgive the all the code names - the recipients read this blog.

1. Code Name: Turning Japanese
2. Code Name: I'm a Mac
3. Code Name: Pink
4. Code Name: Wally World
5. Code Name: Hollywood
6. Handwarmers 1
7. Handwarmers 2
8. Hat
9. Scarf
10. Calorimetry for Grandma. Kiri just ain't happening this year.

Another FO... days are flying by...

2008-11-23T23:23:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it's Nov 23rd! One more FO (and another is just waiting for buttons).

This wasn't even on my list, but this Prismatic Scarf is for a coworker:

(great pattern that looks good on both sides!)
- JavaNut

Elizabeth's 6th November FO

2008-11-21T17:12:00.002-05:00

6. Gift Item: Bulky Lace Cowl (ravlink)
Recipient: Joyce
Pattern: Quickie Cowl by Fawn Pea (free)
Occasion: Christmas 2008
Finished: Nov 18/08
Notes: I finished a cowl on Tuesday night for my fiancé's aunt (who I'm pretty sure doesn't read this XP) that turned out great. The pattern is the Quickie Cowl by Fawn Pea. The pattern is available for free on her website, and through ravelry. My ravelry project page is here. I loved this pattern. It was a quick as promised, knit flat and seamed (I did a 3-needle bind off because I'm lazy). It was easy to memorize and turned out really nice.

I also finally managed to get some photos of the hat I knit for my fiancé back in October. I never thought I would want him out of the apartment so badly! I'm really happy with how it turned out too. Please ignore my spaced out look, I was having trouble getting a good angle on the hat lol. Pattern is loosely based on the Fibonacci pea cap (free pattern)

Gift Knitting

2008-11-18T20:05:00.003-05:00

I finally have some gift knitting to report. I am making a scarf for my best friend's girlfriend.

I'm also knitting some fingerless gloves for several people, but just in case they click the link from my blog to here, I' rather not mention who or what :)

Elizabeth's 5th November FO!

2008-11-16T23:35:00.002-05:00

Gift Item: Alpaca/Bamboo Cowl (ravlink)
Recipient: Lise
Pattern: Zig Zag Cowl by Mandy Powers (free)
Occasion: Birthday December 1st
Finished: Nov 16/08
Notes: I started the Gemma Beret pattern first, but got so frustrated with how the pattern was written, and with how it was turning out, that I gave up and started this cowl instead.

I do have a minor complaint with the pattern though. When it tells you to cast on, it really should tell you to do a provisional cast on. I know there are people out there who hate prov. cast ons, but isn’t picking up stitches for a picot hem EVEN WORSE? Anyway, it was a really quick knit, and I love how it turned out.

ETA: I took a few more pics last night! See it in action :)

Elizabeth's 4th November FO!

2008-11-13T23:37:00.004-05:00

So I'm crazy and I decided I needed to knit a hat for my FBIL for his birthday. Um… his birthday is tomorrow! **headdesk**. The wool arrived YESTERDAY, and I just cast off now. I'm going to be weaving in ends on the car ride over, but it's DONE. Gah. I don't know what possessed me… I'm fast at hats but now my hands hurt lol I think I need a break from hats. I know it looks tiny, but it stretches a lot, soo it fits, promise ^_~

Gift Item: Wool Toque (ravlink)
Recipient: Mike (Fiancé's Brother)
Pattern: Hat Fit For a Boyfriend/relative? (free)
Occasion: Birthday
Finished: Nov 13/08

Back to work

2008-11-11T22:36:00.006-05:00

October sort of went by in a haze of work and presidential election involvement.
I did manage to finish one holiday gift - a small shawl for my mother.

Now, however, holiday season looms and so I am back to work:
Goals for November are:
1. Scarf for my FIL
2. Scarf for my MIL
3. Two chemo caps for the Knitters for Obama charity project (for the 4th quarter challenge)
4. To FINALLY start the sweater for my DH

Looking forward to knitting with you all again

Piper Purse Present...

2008-11-10T19:25:00.001-05:00

Finished this knit last week, but wasn't able to get to the lining until this past weekend... It's the Piper Purse by Louisa Harding... I changed the pattern from handles to long i-cord shoulder straps and added a lining w/ 3 pockets. A friend gave me the book for my bday and pointed out this pattern... so she's getting it for Christmas!

Elizabeth's 3rd November FO!

2008-11-09T13:54:00.004-05:00

I ordered this yarn through my LYS, Knit-knackers, a few weeks ago. Originally I had planned to reverse the colours for the original pattern; a blue hat, with brown fair isle. When the yarn arrived in the store, only the blue had come in. I really didn't want to wait, so instead, I used white for the colour work. I love how it turned out, and I love the tassels.

My only real change to the original pattern was to knit it in the round, instead of flat. I also decided to use both yarn colours in the tassels, instead of just the blue. This hat took no time at all. A real quick knit!

Gift Item: Fair isle Tassel Hat (ravlink)
Recipient: Kim (Fiancé's Sister)
Pattern: Emma Hat by Louisa Harding (not free)
Source: BOOK — Knitting Little Luxuries by Louisa Harding
Occasion: Christmas
Finished: Nov 9/08

Elizabeth's 2nd November FO

2008-11-09T00:51:00.002-05:00

My friend, Anna's birthday was last weekend, and a whole bunch of us are getting together tonight to celebrate. Being the knitter I am, I decided I wanted to knit her something. I bought some variegated yarn and tried to make a cowl, and I hated it. So I made a hat with it instead, and I really don't like how it turned out. Back to the yarn store I go, and I picked up some Louet Gems Chunky on sale and spent the last two days making a pair of mittens. ^_^ Love these! I'm glad she loved them too ^_^

Gift Item: Basketweave Mittens (ravlink) — Late addition
Recipient: Anna
Pattern: Basket Weave Mittens by PolarKnit (free pattern)
Occasion: Birthday
Finished: Nov 7/08

November knitting

2008-11-06T16:29:00.006-05:00

I don't think I will be knitting very much at all this month. we've had a sudden unexpected death this past weekend. My stepbrother died. thank goodness I have been knitting all year otherwise I would be in quite a pickle.

During October I have knit some baby gifts: little fishies, baby bear, Peter Rabbit and Patti Rabbit, orange elephant (still needs a scarf)

As well I crocheted my blocks together for the NYOBE fall group block exchange that we did August/September. We are just finishing the second one, I am in the winter group. If you are at all interested look up our group on Ravelry. NYOBE. I want to do one more, perhaps the spring or summer group. each person knits 12 squares, we each keep one and mail out 11 to those in our group. after 6-8 weeks you should receive 11 other squares from all over. And then sew them together and voila! a beautiful afghan made from all over North America!

As for charity knitting, not this month. Happy knitting everyone! oh, I can't rotate the pictures. not sure why they won't rotate. Barbaa

Elizabeth's November Wrap-Up

2008-11-04T23:50:00.008-05:00

November was crazy productive. I finished all of my November goals, and am now two gifts away from Christmas. This blog rocked my socks, and definitely helped get me finishing my knits faster than I would have otherwise. I still plan to knit a cowl for my fiancé's grandmother, as well as a pair of socks for him. Hopefully I'll have those done in the next couple weeks. Happy knitting!

~ Elizabeth

1. Gift Item: Picot Mittens (ravlink) — Rollover
Recipient: Anik (Fiancé's SIL)
Pattern: Picot Edged Mittens by Carolyn (free pattern)
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: Dec 25/08
Finished: Oct 26/08
Notes: These were actually finished in October, but I finally got the buttons in the mail (which I purchased from pinksupply's shop on Etsy), and sewed them on. Yay!

2. Gift Item: Basketweave Mittens (ravlink) — Late addition
Recipient: Anna
Pattern: Basket Weave Mittens by PolarKnit (free pattern)
Occasion: Birthday
Finished: Nov 7/08
Notes: My friend, Anna's birthday was last weekend, and a whole bunch of us are getting together tonight to celebrate. Being the knitter I am, I decided I wanted to knit her something. I bought some variegated yarn and tried to make a cowl, and I hated it. So I made a hat with it instead, and I really don't like how it turned out. Back to the yarn store I go, and I picked up some Louet Gems Chunky on sale and spent the last two days making a pair of mittens. ^_^ Love these! I'm glad she loved them too ^_^

3. Gift Item: Fair isle Tassel Hat (ravlink)
Recipient: Kim (Fiancé's Sister)
Pattern: Emma Hat by Louisa Harding (not free)
Source: BOOK — Knitting Little Luxuries by Louisa Harding
Occasion: Christmas
Finished: Nov 9/08
Notes: I ordered this yarn through my LYS, Knit-knackers, a few weeks ago. Originally I had planned to reverse the colours for the original pattern; a blue hat, with brown fair isle. When the yarn arrived in the store, only the blue had come in. I really didn't want to wait, so instead, I used white for the colour work. I love how it turned out, and I love the tassels.

My only real change to the original pattern was to knit it in the round, instead of flat. I also decided to use both yarn colours in the tassels, instead of just the blue. This hat took no time at all. A real quick knit!

4. Gift Item: Wool Toque (ravlink)
Recipient: Mike (Fiancé's Brother)
Pattern: Hat Fit For a Boyfriend/relative? (free)
Occasion: Birthday
Finished: Nov 13/08
Notes: So I'm crazy and I decided I needed to knit a hat for my FBIL for his birthday. Um… his birthday was the 13th! **headdesk**. The wool arrived on the 14th! And I only cast off at 11:30 the night before. I'm going to be weaving in ends on the car ride over, but it's DONE. Gah. I don't know what possessed me… I'm fast at hats but now my hands hurt lol I think I need a break from hats. I know it looks tiny, but it stretches a lot, soo it fits, promise ^_~

5. Gift Item: Alpaca/Bamboo Cowl (ravlink)
Recipient: Lise
Pattern: Zig Zag Cowl by Mandy Powers (free)
Occasion: Birthday December 1st
Finished: Nov 16/08
Notes: I started the Gemma Beret pattern first, but got so frustrated with how the pattern was written, and with how it was turning out, that I gave up and started this cowl instead.

7. Gift Item: Gulp Scarf (rav link)
Recipient: Mike (FBIL)
Pattern: Gulp by Donyale Grant (free)
Occasion: Christmas 2008
Finished: Nov 23/08
Notes: I finished a scarf for my fiancé's brother, and also a pair of mittens for myself. The scarf took awhile, since it was knit the long way. I knit it using the Gulp pattern (free) by Donyale Grant. Yarn was: Knit Picks Essential Kettle Dyed and Knit Picks Imagination Hand Painted Sock Yarn in Frog Prince.

Elizabeth's first November FO!

2008-11-04T23:46:00.003-05:00

1. Gift Item: Picot Mittens (ravlink) — Rollover
Recipient: Anik (Fiancé's SIL)
Pattern: Picot Edged Mittens by Carolyn (free pattern)
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: Dec 25/08
Finished: Oct 26/08
Notes: These were actually finished in October, but I finally got the buttons in the mail (which I purchased from pinksupply's shop on Etsy), and sewed them on. Yay!

Elizabeth's November List

2008-11-03T13:43:00.000-05:00

November List!

1. Gift Item: Picot Mittens (ravlink) — Rollover
Recipient: Anik (Fiancé's SIL)
Pattern: Picot Edged Mittens by Carolyn
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: Dec 25/08
Notes: The mittens are actually done, but I have yet to sew the buttons onto the cuffs.

2. Gift Item: Drop-stitch Scarf (ravlink)
Recipient: Mike (Fiancé's Brother)
Pattern: Gulp by Donyale Grant (free pattern)
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: Dec 25/08
Notes: Ordered the yarn from knitpPicks.com

3. Gift Item: Toque (ravlink)
Recipient: Mike (Fiancé's Brother)
Pattern: A Hat Fit For a Boyfriend by Stephanie Nicole (free pattern)
Occasion: Birthday
Deadline: Nov 14/08
Notes: Ordered the yarn from knitPicks.com

4. Gift Item: Fair isle Tassel Hat (ravlink)
Recipient: Kim (Fiancé's Sister)
Pattern: Emma Hat by Louisa Harding (not free)
Source: BOOK — Knitting Little Luxuries by Louisa Harding
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: Dec 25/08
Notes: Ordered the yarn from Knit-Knackers

5. Gift Item: Bulky Lace Cowl (ravlink)
Recipient: Joyce (Fiancé's Aunt)
Pattern: Quickie Cowl by Fawn Pea (free pattern)
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: Dec 25/08
Notes: Ordered the yarn from KnitPicks.com

My 'If I have time' list:

Socks for Chris (fiancé)
Hat for Chris' grandma

Once these items are all done, I'll get to start working on birthday and wedding knitting for 2009!

Nov List...

2008-11-03T10:17:00.002-05:00

Why is it that the time 'til the holidays gets closer, knitting time gets less and less!

So here's my Nov list, including a couple of roll-overs from Oct:

1. rollover - Vest/TJ/Christmas
2. rollover - Baby Blanket/TJ
3. Aleita Shell/Mom/Christmas
4. Thrummed Mitts/DK/Christmas
5. Mittens/AM/Nov bday

Special Olympics Scarf Project #

2008-11-02T21:55:00.003-05:00

My latest scarf for charity:

october FOs and November list

2008-11-02T10:38:00.005-05:00

yay!!! i finished things in october!!!

there is a watchcap for jakies...

a hat and scarf set for a gift...

a sushi scarf

a special olympics scarf

and i finished weaving in ends of a special olympics scarf i started in september.

for November i want to finish a hat and another couple scarves. and maybe start a sweater, or something big.

are you sure it's november already???

2008-11-02T10:18:00.002-05:00

wow! this is crazy... where has the year gone???

this month I will work on:

a care bear toy for Katie
a beaded scarf for Toody
christmas decorations for Fred and Kay
gameboy case for Ben
ds lite case for Sam

Post Your November Gift Lists

2008-11-02T09:53:00.003-05:00

For many of us, this will be the last month that we will be busily stitching and seaming and putting items away for holiday presents. Our original plan was to be able to take the month of December off this year, and avoid the pressure of last-minute finishing. How have you done this year? Post and tell us where you stand with your present plans.

Feel free to track your entire gift list here, or at least put down your goals for November. We're all in this together - cheering each other on to a stress-free finish!

Special Olympics Scarf Project 2 and 3

2008-10-30T21:33:00.006-04:00

Scarf #2 and #3. I made up both patterns. They were pretty quick to make. I still have a lit more delft blue yarn left so I will keep crocheting scarves for this charity.

October Wrap-Up, with a whole lotta FOs

2008-10-30T10:05:00.001-04:00

I'm working on my very first pair of gloves with fingers. I'm knitting a picot edged pair of gloves for my mother in law to-be, and I'm very excited about them. The yarn is a mix of merino wool and silk, and they're really warm and soft. I'm sure she'll love them. Christmas knitting has been plugging along. I've made it really far down my list, and think that I can get a few more done yet before Christmas.

I already have knits done for my parents, my brother and his fiancée, my niece Emma, and my future father-in-law. I'm working on a secret project for my fiancé and have so far been able to keep it a secret from him, and would love to make a pair of mittens for his brother and his brother's wife. A pair of mittens for me wouldn't hurt either.

As of last night, I finished my goals for October.

October Wrap Up:

1. Gift Item: Llama Striped Hat for my brother, Joel (ravlink)
Pattern: Turn A Square Hat by Jared Flood (free pattern)
Progress: I finished this hat in record time. I think I started it on the last day of September, and it was done by the following evening. COMPLETED Oct 1

2. Gift Item: Baby Jacket for my new niece, Emma (ravlink)
Pattern: Buttons Hat and Jacket from Naturally Yarns
Progress: The jacket went surprisingly quickly, and the hat too. I had to wait a few weeks for the buttons to arrive, but once they did, they were adorable! COMPLETED Oct 13

3. Gift Item: Simple Hat for my FFIL, Gerry (ravlink)
Pattern: Jacques Cousteau Hat by Typy (free pattern)
Progress: Another really quick-knit. The yarn is from knit picks, and it's a big, warm hat. I know he'll love it. COMPLETED Oct 12

4. Gift Item: Embroidered Gloves for my FFMIL, Diane (ravlink)
Pattern: Cashmere Picot Edged Gloves by Insaknitty (direct PDF download link)
Progress: These took longer than the others. The picot edging on the first glove took forever but once I figured out the picot, I was much happier. after the edging, they went quickly enough. doing the fingers were a lot of fun, since I'd never done them before, and I learned some embroidery!

5. Gift Item: Striped Hat for my Fiancé, Chris (ravlink)
Pattern: Fibonacci Pea Cap by Lisa Bennett (free pattern)
Progress: Chris keeps complaining about being cold, and I've never knit him anything before. So, I went and bought a skein of some lovely alpaca, used up some scrap yarn, and made him a warm hat. This hat is very loosely based on the pattern above, but I didn't really follow it at all. This item wasn't on my original list. COMPLETED Oct 24

6. Gift Item: Mittens for FFSIL, Anik (ravlink)
Pattern: Picot Edged Mittens by Carolyn (free pattern)
Progress: These were fun to make, and a really easy pattern. Instead of seaming the cuff, I'm attaching buttons that I bought on Etsy. I'll post photos when it's done. This wasn't on my original list either. COMPLETED Oct 24

October FOs

2008-10-29T23:22:00.003-04:00

Well I got 2 of my 4 gifts done from my October list...

Clapotis made with Plymouth Boku... (this worsted weight made a wonderfully huge wrap!)

And a pink/brown (bad photo!) scarf in a half-linen stitch pattern made with Bernat Alpaca blend.

Special Olympics Scarf Project 1

2008-10-24T00:41:00.004-04:00

Here is my first completed scarf!

Q4 Challenge: RULES UPDATE (see #2)

2008-10-17T10:13:00.000-04:00

A couple of months ago, one of our wonderful Gift-a-Longers Deborah (ravelry link) suggested that Q4 might be a good time to do some charity knitting, and I thought this would be PERFECT for our Q4 Challenge.

Knitting for others is clearly something that all of you in this group already do VERY well, so I know this type of giving will appeal to many of you. There is no shortage of people and animals in need everywhere, so the guidelines for this challenge will be somewhat loose - all knitting/sewing/crochet for a charitable cause counts!

This challenge will run from October 1 - December 12th.**

Here are the “official” rules to complete the challenge:

Post a link out here to your favorite charity - this only takes a moment if you do a Google search or look through Ravelry groups, but it will make for a great resource when we’re finished! I’ll keep updating these links on our sidebar for easy reference.
You’ll receive one entry for each item you donate. For anything over FOUR items you will get TWO entries for the prize drawing. (e.g. If you knit 5 items, that’s 6 entries)
BONUS - If we have more than 8 participants, I’ll draw for TWO WINNERS!
Post your projects as you go out here, and email Marce when you’ve completed the challenge.
In your final Challenge Post tell us a little something about your finished items and please include a note about why you chose the specific charity/cause. This will help to inspire those of us who want to start (or continue) doing this kind of giving.

Yarn, pattern, and goodies will all be part of your reward for winning this challenge, but giving back to others is the real prize.

If you’ve been gifting along all year, you are probably feeling better about your finished gifts for the holidays, and you DESERVE that good feeling. Now let’s share it!!

Who’s in??

**If you had already started items for charity since October 1st, they count toward this challenge. We'll use the honor system ;)

Q4 challenge

2008-10-12T19:20:00.002-04:00

i'm in too! and i also will be making scarves for the special olympics.

Jacques Coustea Hat: FO!

2008-10-12T16:21:00.004-04:00

Plugging away at the Christmas knitting, I finished a hat for my fiancés dad today. I knit the larger size.

Gerry Cousteau Hat (rav link)
Pattern: Jacques Cousteau Hat by Typyhttp://pirouette.vuodatus.net/blog/402495
Source: http://pirouette.vuodatus.net
Recipient: FFIL
Occasion: Christmas 2008
Started: October 10, 2008
Completed: October 12, 2008

Yarn: Just under 2 skeins of Knit Picks Swish Worsted in Lava Heather
Needles: US 2.5 / 3mm

My October Progress:

Turn a Square Hat for my brother — FINISHED
Baby Cardigan and hat for my niece — WIP
Jacques Cousteau Hat for my fiancé's dad — FINISHED
Picot Edged Gloves for my fiancé's mom — Have the yarn, need to start

Quarter 4 Charity

2008-10-09T23:51:00.005-04:00

I am in. My charity is:

Special Olympics Scarf Project

october list

2008-10-06T09:53:00.002-04:00

i know i have been totally MIA, and i am sorry. it isn't that i haven't been making things, i just have posted. i guess i hit a bit of a blogging slump... anyhow, my list for this month is short and sweet.

three hats, and three scarves. anything else is cake.

Q4 Challenge coming soon...

2008-10-04T22:08:00.002-04:00

Greetings Gift-a-Longers!

I was given a GREAT idea for a Q4 challenge, and I’m in the process of coming up with the guidelines and info for this next quarter.

Sorry this one is starting a little late, but I’ll have the details posted here by Monday.

Wishing you all some great stitching time this weekend!

Sally's October Gift List

2008-10-04T00:13:00.001-04:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

Obviously, I didn't finish the Q3 Challenge. My Rainbow Socks aren't finished. I'm not sure where they are right now.

I did finish Center Square.

Right now I'm past the halfway point on my Entrelac Scarf. This was the "something just for you" (me.)

September Wrap Up:

1. Gift Item: A lace shawl. (Rollover)
Progress: No progress this month. I need to restart the thing with new needles. There are more details here, here and here.

2. Gift Item: Finish Boogie Time (2 of them) (Rollover)
Progress: No progress this month. I'm still stuck. I still need a watch face that works for a boy.

3. Gift Item: Rainbow Socks (Rollover)
Progress: No progress.

4. Gift Item: Jen's Purse (secret knitting - Rollover)
Progress: Jen found the yarn. Hopefully I'll get this done soon.

5. Gift Item: The mystery gift. I made a Mario Mushroom for Jules' birthday.
Progress: finished.

October Gift List:

1. Gift Item: A lace shawl. I'm really going to finish it! (Rollover - Again)
Recipient: Grandma
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: June 2008, for the Second Quarter Challenge.

2. Gift Item: Finish Boogie Time (2 of them) (Rollover - Again)
Recipient: Family Friends
Occasion: last Christmas
Deadline: Overdue

3. Gift Item: Finish the Rainbow Socks (rollover - Again)
Recipient: Sister
Occasion: Birthday
Deadline: Overdue

4. Gift Item: Jen's Purse
Recipient: Friend
Occasion: Birthday
Deadline: Overdue

5. Gift Item: TBA
Recipient: TBA
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: December 2008

Our Q3 Challenge Winner is....

2008-10-02T18:01:00.005-04:00

LIZ! (aka riizu)

Her challenge finishes are so well knit and they are great inspiration for gifting:

Something old:

Something new (and blue!):

...and something special for her too!

You can find project details for these at this Ravelry link.

Congratulations Liz!!! I'll be in touch soon about your prizes - I'll spoil the hint now though :)
You'll be receiving 10 balls of really great yarn from our sponsor Webs and an autographed cartoon from Franklin Habit over at The Panopticon blog!

I also want to say WAY TO GO to our other challengers Ceylan, JavaNut, Kimberly, poochita, Spiraling, and suzenew. You all made excellent gifts and I hope you're enjoying what you've made for yourself.

October

2008-10-02T06:55:00.002-04:00

Hi there,

it's October and I hope everyone is fine. Without any cold or something else.

I do not write often but normally I look to see all those beautiful finished objects from you. But unfortunately every plan I made did not take place as I intended to be.

So I'm awfully behind with my to-knit-list.
Nothing is finished so I'll change my list and I prefer to knit the 3 pairs of baby bootz before the second baby blanket. Thus I hope I will catch up with my list till the end of this month.

Bye Birgit

Elizabeth's October List and an FO already

2008-10-01T18:55:00.002-04:00

I finished the socks too, but more about that later. I finished a hat for my brother for Christmas. I love it. It was fast to knit, it's soft and sqooshy and warm, and I think he'll love it. Hooray! Quickest FO in awhile. This probably counts more as September, but it felt like October already to what the hell eh?

A Llama Squared (rav link)
Pattern: Turn A Square Hat by Jared Flood (brooklyntweed on ravelry)
Source: http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com
Recipient: My brother
Occasion: Christmas 2008
Started: September 29, 2008
Completed: Setpember 30, 2008

Yarn: Just under 2 skeins of Mirasol Yarn Miski in Green and Jade
Needles: US 4 / 3.5mm

And here's my list for October. Hope I can do it all, it's a big one. May change once the Q4 Challenge has been announced.

1. Gift Item: Turn A Square Hat
Recipient: Joel (brother)
Occasion: Christmas 2008
Deadline: Early December, and it's done alread! WOo!

2. Gift Item: Baby Cardigan
Recipient: Emma (niece)
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: December 25, 2008

3. Gift Item: Jacques Cousteau Hat
Recipient: Gerry (FFIL)
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: December 25, 2008

4. Gift Item: Picot Edged Gloves
Recipient: Diane (FMIL)
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: December 25, 2008

Q3 Challenge

2008-09-30T11:46:00.002-04:00

Well, I haven't finished the curve of pursuit afghan for my son, but I have finished a baby sweater and jumper for my neighbor that had a baby girl last week. Forgot how fast baby clothes knit up.

So I don't think this counts for my 'something new' and there is no way I will be finished the 'cop' by tonight. I'll have to catch the Q4 challenge.

Knit on peoples!
Barbara

Haven't been around

2008-09-30T10:53:00.002-04:00

Sorry for not being around but I haven't knitted anything in months. I did finish a dishcloth (the breast cancer one) last month. I started it in April. Just been busy with work and life.

Will hop on for the 4rth quarter challenge though.

Happy knitting!

Leigh Ann

Q3 Challenge Countdown...

2008-09-28T16:37:00.004-04:00

Hello GALs!

Just over 2 days to go before our month-end deadline for the Q3 Challenge. I'm so happy to see that many of you who accepted the challenge have completed your list of 3 items - more gifts for your loved ones, and something for you too, which I hope is bringing you much fiber joy :)

For those of you still pushing for the finish line, I'll accept posts and emails or PMs on Ravelry indicating your finish until Wednesday morning, Oct. 1st. I will doing a random drawing from the list of successful Challengers and announce the winner by the end of the week.

Watch this space - the Q4 Challenge will be announced very soon...I think this is one that we're all going to really get into.

Have a wonderful week!

Finished the Q3 challenge!

2008-09-25T21:56:00.004-04:00

I am thrilled that I was able to finish all of my projects for the Q3 challenge:

1. Something old:
I finished the socks for A, which will be on their way to her this weekend:

This was my first pair of "serious" socks and I am very proud!

2. Something new:
This was my assortment of charity knitting, most of which I did last month, but I did add one more hat here:

3. Finally, something for me was this camisole, which was an experiment for me to use some special yarns in my stash:

I am pleased with how it turned out.

Though this is not my "official" October list, I hope to start a cardigan for DH, finish a shawl that I have been working on for Mom for Hanukkah, and perhaps start some towels for my in-laws as well.

Finally...

2008-09-22T22:00:00.003-04:00

Finally finished the Baby Poonam sweater for my cousin's baby...

Made with Cashsoft... one of my favorites!

Now on to the rest of my list...

Q3 Challenge

2008-09-19T15:37:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday Everyone,

I am not sure where the last two plus months have gone, but I really don't wish to repeat them. Our computer died mid-July, and my husband had to have two heart surgery/angioplasties in late July and mid-August. So, I have not posted in some time as my life was turned upside down.

Luckily, things are much on the mend, and I am feeling like I am on top of things in my life again. I have been working along on the Q3 challenge, and wanted to post about what I am working on before I was actually done with everything. So, here goes.

1. My in-progress item is a lace washcloth and soap cover that was started for my sister back in April, and never finished. It is in light blue cotton yarn, and at present only 25% done.

2. My new item is the Cobblestone Pullover for my brother for Christmas. I have really been enjoying knitting this sweater, and am ready to connect the body and arms.

3. My something for me is a pair of socks in yarn that I hand painted myself. I call the color "Back to School", as it reminds me of the Fall and going back to work. I am hoping to post an image of these socks finished on Monday, as I would like to wear them on the first day of Fall.

So, these are my projects for the Q3 challenge. I am looking forward to having them done in the next two weeks.

Great work everyone. This group has really been inspiring me to keep on knitting!

Valerie

First September FO

2008-09-18T21:53:00.002-04:00

I finished the hat attack hat tonight. WoO!

2. Gift Item: Hat Attack (website)(ravlink)
Recipient: fairyknits(ravlink)
Occasion: crazy swap thing
Deadline: September 16
Notes: FINISHED!

FO: 1-Up

2008-09-18T02:49:00.000-04:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

I should have taken a better close up, but this is as good as it gets. This is cropped out of the following photo:

When Jules and I visited Wildfiber during the last trip, Jules asked me to make him a stuffed Panda. The trip I took last weekend was partly a birthday celebration for Jules, and I was going to knit him the panda as a gift. But I ran out of time and I had trouble finding a good panda pattern.

At one point I remember he had asked if I could make a mushroom pillow. I didn't have time for a pillow, but I did find the Super Mario Mushroom Knitted Toy pattern from Skyline Chilly.

The night before I left, I grabbed some Cascade 220 in Palm and White and threw it in my knitting bag along with a Ziploc bag of stuffing and some US Size 4 bamboo needles. Acrylic would have probably been a more practical, but I couldn't quite find the right colors in the right weights. I bought the Cascade on hand for another project, but it only took a little bit of each color, so I have plenty left.

The original pattern calls for KnitPicks Palette, a finger weight yarn. I ended up with a bigger mushroom because I used worsted weight. (The pattern says you can adapt it to pretty much any weight of yarn.) It still fits in the palm of your hand.

The colors are also different from the ones called for. I only used two. I think his might be closer to the original 1-Up mushroom from Super Mario Brothers, although I'm not sure. (Video game geeks, feel free to correct me.)

Going through security didn't take nearly as long as I had expected, so I had time to work on it while I waited for the plane to take off.

This is how far I had gotten after about 45 minutes of waiting. I napped on the first leg of the trip and finished this up on the second leg. The whole thing probably took less than two hours. I "wrapped" it in a barf bag from the plane and gave it to Jules along with a wallet and a yo-yo I bought him. He loved it.

The pattern itself is quick, but a little bit challenging. Mostly it's the colorwork for the spots that's difficult. There's a pretty big gap between colors, so you have to be careful with tension.

I should have taken a better close up.

Elizabeth's September update

2008-09-17T22:29:00.003-04:00

September is going well so far; of the three items on my knit-list for September I am almost done the first:

I am partaking in the Hat Attack 2: The Death Hat only knocks Twice. We received our target assignments yesterday, and I am nearing the end of my hat. I'm having fun, but want to go knit other things! lol

I really need to finish the socks… just for my own piece of mind. Still no photos yet, sorry, but be satisfied with this WIP photo of my death hat, named Inigo Montoya. Cheers.

And have made minor progress on the socks. I'm hoping to finish the hat tomorrow, the socks this week, and at least start the shawl. Maybe it can be my at-home-in-front-of-the-TV project… hmmm

Happy knitting!

Q3 Challenge complete!

2008-09-15T23:48:00.004-04:00

Whoo - hoo! finished my 3rd item for the Q3 challenge... definitely wouldn't have these done if not for the motivation of the challenge... thanks, Marce!

Q3 Challenge:
1. Make Something old - finish the Woodland Shawl for E. =>DONE

2. Make Something new - socks for L.C. => DONE

3. Make Something special just for you - pair of STR socks

Yippee!

Elizabeth's September List and Completed Q3Challenge

2008-09-11T22:12:00.006-04:00

Okay, August went by WAY too fast. It was a blur of activity. I did manage to finish a few items, and I think I'm done the Q3 Challenge. Woo!

Muir for my sister-in-law (ravlink)(bloglink) / Christmas and Q3Challenge / September 30 / Notes: Using up stash yarn / FINISHED and blocking as we speak. YAY!
Bridesmaid scarf (ravlink) / Wedding / September 2009 / Notes: Each bridesmaid is getting something different, and this is the first of five / FINISHED! Started over, and finished in record time! It still needs to be blocked, you'll get more photos then.

September List!

1. Gift Item: Woodland Shawl (ravlink)
Recipient: Myself
Occasion: me!
Deadline: N/A
Notes: I have yarn just waiting to be knit up!

2. Gift Item: Hat Attack (website)
Recipient: Target
Occasion: crazy swap thing
Deadline: September 16
Notes: The contest starts september 16th, and it's a "kill or be killed" thing. Lol. Fun times!

3. Gift Item: Socks (ravlink)
Recipient: Mom
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: December 25-2008
Notes: Mom requested some warm woolly socks, and that's what she'll get!

Q3Challenge Complete!

1. Make something Old: Slippers for dad (ravlink)
Recipient: Dad
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: December 25-2008

2. Make something New: Victorian Scarf (ravlink)
Recipient: Kim
Occasion: Bridesmaid Gift
Deadline: September 2009

3. Make something Special Just For You: Arbor (ravlink)
Recipient: Myself
Occasion: Q3Challenge
Deadline: September 2009

baby afghan

2008-09-11T01:52:00.000-04:00

finished this for a newborn baby boy

Good to be back

2008-09-03T21:42:00.005-04:00

Sorry that I did not post to close out July but I really did not have anything to report. However, August has been a more productive month and I am on my way to completing all of my Q3 items. So here is my update:

For my Q3 challenge,

1. Something old was to complete the socks I am making for A. When the challenge started I had completed one sock. I am now working on the foot of the second sock and expect to be done this weekend.

2. Something new was to make hats and scarfs for a charity drive for homeless veterans. I completed 7 items during the Ravelympics so I have this part of the challenge done!

3. Item three is something for me and I have started on a tank top for myself that is about 1/3 done, so after I finish the socks, I will be knitting furiously on that.

That should be enough to keep me busy through September, though I hope to complete a few more charity items AND to finally pick out yarn and a pattern to make a sweater for DH.

Happy fall knitting everyone!

Q3 Challenge FO & September Goals

2008-09-03T11:59:00.005-04:00

One of my Q3 challenge items was to knit these mosaic cloths for my swap buddy. Actually I was only going to knit one cloth, but curiosity got the best of me and I wanted to see what the alternate color combination would look like. They satisfy the "knit something new" requirement of the challenge. Two down and one to go.

My September goal is simple: to finish my last Q3 challenge item, which is the Evangeline tunic just for me. I started it with the hopes of finishing it for the Ravelympics, but...

Sally's September Gift List

2008-09-01T23:30:00.001-04:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

I have one FO for August, and hopes for a good September.

August Wrap Up:

1. Gift Item: A lace shawl. (Rollover)
Progress: No progress this month. I need to restart the thing with new needles. There are more details here, here and here.

2. Gift Item: Finish Boogie Time (2 of them) (Rollover)
Progress: No progress this month. I'm still stuck. I still need a watch face that works for a boy.

3. Gift Item: Rainbow Socks (Rollover)
Progress: No progress, but they are my "something old" for the Q3 Challenge.

4. Gift Item: Jen's Purse (secret knitting - Rollover)
Progress: Jen found the yarn. Hopefully I'll get this done soon.

5. Gift Item: Wickerware Socks (socks for a male relative.)
Progress: finished.

August Gift List:

1. Gift Item: A lace shawl. I'm really going to finish it! (Rollover - Again)
Recipient: Grandma
Occasion: Christmas
Deadline: June 2008, for the Second Quarter Challenge.

2. Gift Item: Finish Boogie Time (2 of them) (Rollover - Again)
Recipient: Family Friends
Occasion: last Christmas
Deadline: Overdue

3. Gift Item: finish my sister's socks (rollover - Again)
Recipient: Sister
Occasion: Birthday
Deadline: Overdue

4. Gift Item: Jen's Purse
Recipient: Friend
Occasion: Birthday
Deadline: Overdue

5. Gift Item: Top Secret
Recipient: Top Secret
Occasion: Top Secret
Deadline: September 10, 2008

August update

2008-09-01T16:59:00.004-04:00

Well... again, I lost track of my list, but do have 2 FO gifts to share:

First are River Rapid socks which are toward the Q3 challenge. These are for my best friend's Chrsitmas package...

And then a second Dumpling Bag (the blue one)... while I was felting it, I further-felted the first one I made. These are also Christmas gifts for 2 sweet girls.

So here's the status of my list... the Baby Poonam will be next to finish since the recipient is due any day now!!

Baby Poonam/NR => rollover
Dumpling bag/Mia => DONE
Tidal Wave socks/tbd => DONE
KISS Purse/tbd => DONE

September has begun!

2008-09-01T06:48:00.002-04:00

September has just begun and I hope everyone had a lovely summer!!!

Concerning the knitted gift projects:
I am hopelessly behind with my projects:
I did not knit the birthday socks for my friend ( must be finished at the end of this month) and the christmas gift for a little girl - a blanket!

But nevertheless I'll try to finish them this month and my September knitted gift item shall be socks for my elder son.

Bye, Birgit

Elizabeth's July re-cap and August List

2008-08-31T21:31:00.004-04:00

Let's go over how August finished off.

Muir for my sister-in-law (ravlink)(bloglink) / Christmas and Q3Challenge / September 30 / Notes: Using up stash yarn / FINISHED! I still needs to be blocked, and so I will post photos then ^_^ Yay!
Bridesmaid scarf (ravlink) / Wedding / September 2009 / Notes: Each bridesmaid is getting something different, and this is the first of five / Frogged it. Starting over.
Neck Warmer for Rin (ravlink) / Random / FINISHED!
Woodland Shawl (ravlink) / Recipient: Myself / Q3Challenge / September 30 / Notes: I didn't even start it. I had better get on it though!

September List!

1. Gift Item: Bridesmaid Victorian Lace scarf (ravlink)
Recipient: Kim, fiancé's sister
Occasion: Wedding
Deadline: September 2009
Notes: Made some progress, and then decided to start over. The new pattern is called Victorian Ruby (rav link) and can be found in Victorian Lace Today. It's a fantastic book, and I'm really enjoying kitting this piece. I finished the first section yesterday, and made good progress on the center panel.

2. Gift Item: Woodland Shawl (ravlink)
Recipient: Myself
Occasion: Q3Challenge
Deadline: September 30
Notes: I had better do this! Good thing the victorian lace project (above) is going so quickly! I think with this project I won't have enough time to do anything else, so the socks will have to wait until November.

3. Gift Item: Hat Attack (website)
Recipient: Target
Occasion: crazy swap thing
Deadline: September 16
Notes: The contest starts september 16th, and it's a "kill or be killed" thing. Lol. Fun times!

August update

2008-08-31T14:19:00.002-04:00

August was an odd month - mainly baby clothes, for me! I managed to finish a gift bag of new baby things for my neice[ execting her first baby in October] as well as a bundle of baby clothes for the new arrival's Christmas gift. Also got a Merino hood/scarf done for my middle son's partner to go into her Christmas stocking. I'm already thinking I need to keep up with this blog next year!!

FO: Wickerware Socks

2008-08-29T01:11:00.000-04:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

These socks have been a long time coming.

I've had to rip back several times. I screwed up the stitch pattern more than once, messed up one of heels and somehow did the Kitchener Stitch backwards. And those are just the mistakes I remember. The pattern isn't hard as far as sock patterns go, but these socks lost their "mojo" at times.

To recap, this is the Wickerware Socks pattern. The pattern calls for two sizes of needles, a smaller size for the ribbing and a larger size for the rest of the sock. I used US Size 0 and US Size 00 dpns from my Susan Bates Sock Needle Set

The yarn is Austermann Step in colorway 04. This yarn is infused with jojoba and aloe vera to make it extra soft. The jojoba and aloe vera are supposed to last for 40 washings. The recipient is diabetic, and I thought the aloe vera would be good for his feet. These socks are "man socks" so they took almost all of the ball, although I probably have enough left for a pair of baby socks.

This is a Christmas gift for a male relative. It feels good to get these done.

pics of the goods

2008-08-27T18:20:00.006-04:00

pics are out of order. #2- this is the orange shell. finished and frogged. made it out of cotton and it just doesn't fit right. off to start the blanket, curve of pursuit.

3.-I purchased this yarn last summer during one of Elann.s bag sale. Esprit yarn. very stretchy and didn't know that when I ordered it. shell fits comfortably well and is perfect for work.

1.-this is the shrug I purchased the alpaca/silk yarn for last summer as well. started and frogged a few times. Still have to block it, but it fits nice.

Have finished a baby jumper and almost completed the matching kimono sweater.

Happy knitting everyone!

Barbara

Finally... another FO

2008-08-22T23:47:00.002-04:00

Finished the KISS Purse (Sally Melville) and finally put the grommets in... it was a fun knit and pretty quick once I got the pattern going. Even the inside looks pretty good post-felting!

Now off to work on my Q3 challenge!

I'm back with new goals

2008-08-20T22:24:00.004-04:00

I had to take a step back from the year long goals. My mojo left me for a bit but it's back. I have two goals.

1. Finish a pair of fingerless mittens by mid September
2. Start a Lady E stole (although mine will have a different name) - completion goal for this one is Christmas.

I'll have new goals ones the fingerless mittens are done.

Everyone's Finished Objects look great!!!!! :)

~Saffron
http://www.saffronknits.net/

easy peasy crochet bag

2008-08-19T05:49:00.002-04:00

Just finished my easy peasy crochet bag for a friend who is turning SIX next week. There is a free pattern for this on my blog. It is a perfect beginner project... you only need to be able to work chain stitch and single crochet (US) It is worked using three strands of yarn held together, so it works up so quickly! There is also a simple lining tutorial so you can finish off the bag beautifully.

I'm definitely going to make some more of these to set aside for gifts.

FO: Center Square

2008-08-19T02:14:00.002-04:00

Cross posted at Sally Comes Unraveled and Year Long Gift-A-Long.

This hat defies math. Or something.

I'm proud of my first stranded colorwork project. It really evened out after I blocked it. The problem is that it's waaaaayyy too small.

What really confuses me is that the gauge measures at 4 stitches per inch, what the pattern calls for, now that it's been blocked. (Actually, it's a little on the large side. The pattern calls for 16.5 stitches per four inches, or 4.125 stitches per inch.) But it seems to be toddler size, or child size. I thought I might be able to stretch it over my head if I pulled hard enough, but I didn't want to stretch it out of shape.

I just double checked the the pattern and it says the finished circumference is 15.5 inches unstretched. I measured the finished circumference at around 16 inches. (I tried to stretch it a lot when I blocked it.) Is this really an adult hat? The math adds up to a kids' hat. I know my head is a little on the big side, but the Craft Yarn Council considers the average adult woman to have a head that's about 20 inches in circumference. The pattern says snug fit, but four and a half inches of negative ease?

So I'm debating what to do with my tiny hat. Will it fit an adult? I have some kids on my Christmas list, but no toddlers. If all else fails, I'll probably donate it to the Dulaan Project or Afghans for Afghans. It's very warm.

To review, this is the Center Square hat from Knitty. I used Cascade 220 Superwash in 801 Army Green and 819 Chocolate. It took less than one skein of each color. I knit it with 40" Addi Turbo Circular Knitting Needles in US Size 4. (I used the Magic Loop Technique.)

The completion of this hat fulfills several goals. It's a Ravelympics entry in the Colorwork Cross Country, Hat Dash and Gift Knits Pentathlon events. It's also part of the Year Long Gift-A-Long Q3 Challenge as my "something new." Finally, it fulfills number 21 on 101 goals in 1,001 days list - knit a colorwork project.

I'm such a knitting geek.

Can't believe it's August already

2008-08-18T00:39:00.003-04:00

I've been busy knitting for the Q3 challenge. finished a shell, shrug and cast on the third item.

Hope to be finished this week. Have a couple more afghans and a table cloth to complete.

What happened to July?

2008-08-16T03:28:00.003-04:00

Where did July go?! I'm impressed with everyone who has kept plugging away at their gift list! I have to admit mine has completely been waylaid by lack of knitting time due to the baby, and then we just moved last week so now I can't find anything! I do have plans for the holiday season and I hope to get back on track soon.

Here's my very short list for August:

Koolhaus hat / Brother / Christmas
2 advent baby socks / Family / December

I might as well post the rest of my list as well!

2 felted strawberry bags / Nieces / November (need time to ship!)
Market bag / SIL #1 / November (same as above)
Log Cabin Socks / FIL / December
Socks / Mom / December
Mittens / Aunt D / December
Teapot Cozy / Aunt S / December
24 advent baby socks in total (so far I have done 6)

Of course there are other ideas out there -- I want to make some things for my boys and my hubby but I haven't decided what yet. I considered taking part in the Q3 challenge in that I'm trying to finish a cardigan for me, I should finish the felted squirrel for the lad, and I need to do that hat for my brother! But I'm not sure I should commit because I might not get there! It would help if I could find my needles first.

Two more pairs finished - five to go ...

2008-08-14T20:01:00.003-04:00

I managed to finish two more pairs of socks, in my quest to knit 10 pairs for my nieces and nephews and their respective partners for Christmas 2008.
The pair on the left are Blueberry Waffle Socks, for my nephew in Arizona. The pair on the right are Bon-bon Socklettes, for one of my nieces.

Here are the details, if you are interested.

Pattern: Blueberry Waffle Socks

Yarn: Socka 50, colorway 9420, 2 skeins.

Needles: US 1.5

Modifications: The original pattern is written for worsted weight yarn, but I used the Socka which is a fingering weight. Basically I just applied the pattern stitch to my usual sock pattern.

Comments: These are an easy knit, very cushy, and they look great! One of those times when they look more complicated than they actually are ...

Pattern: Bon-bon Socklettes (Ravelry link)

Yarn: Regia Color 4-ply, colorway 2060 (yellow) and 5026 (multi), 1 skein each.

Needles: US 2

Modifications: Unintentional. Only when I went to check something on the actual printed pattern when beginning the second sock did I realize that I failed to do the p2 in between the stitches that created the faux cable. I just made sure that I did the same thing on the second sock and it was all OK. Another time when the actual pattern called for worsted weight wool, and I used fingering weight. I had about 3 yards left of the yellow yarn when I was ready to start the toe.

Comments: These took some concentration (even though it turned out that I wasn't following the directions!), but the rhythm is established, they go pretty quickly. I'm really pleased with the final result.

I must admit that I would like to be a little further along on my 10 pairs, but I think halfway isn't too bad either ...

August FO--Cutest Booties

2008-08-12T20:11:00.002-04:00

After messing up, running out of yarn and starting over, I finished what I call the cutest booties ever -- the Moc-a-Soc booties. I'll definitely be making more of these.

July/August...

2008-08-10T17:45:00.004-04:00

Aaaacckk! I can't believe it's Aug 10th already...

A couple of FOs to share (I haven't even really formed my Aug list yet!)

Tidal Wave Socks (tbd):

Dumpling Bag from She-Knits (pattern was in new IK) for M. for Christmas

(it's much cuter in person!)

For the rest of August:

Baby Poonam sweater for my cousin's baby
Sally Melville's KISS Purse
and the ever-rolledover Jaywalkers

If I'm lucky I'll start another one of my challenge items - socks for L.

August list, and july recap

2008-08-05T10:16:00.005-04:00

First July, then August.

July was painfully bad for “planned” gift-knitting, and surprisingly awesome for ‘unplanned’ gift-knitting. To re-cap:

Slippers for my Dad (ravlink)(bloglink) / Christmas and Q3Challenge / December 08 / FINISHED!
Muir for my sister-in-law (ravlink)(bloglink) / Christmas and Q3Challenge / September 30 / Notes: Using up stash yarn / Oh, how I fail. I worked diligently for half the month, then got bored and worked on other things instead. Boo.
Bridesmaid scarf (ravlink)(bloglink) / Wedding / September 2009 / Notes: Each bridesmaid is getting something different, and this is the first of five / I actually got pretty far on the first one. I feel reasonably close to the end, and am proud of my progress!
Headband for Alexandra (ravlink)(bloglink) / Birthday / July 26th 2008 / Finished in record time. Used up some yarn in my stash and knit up something quick for a lady who wants for nothing but time :)
Neck Warmer for Rin (ravlink) / Random / Pending buttons / Photos coming soon!

And so! I have much more hope for August. I am going to try and be more organized about August, and plan better for gifts. No more like July!

1. Gift Item: Muir (ravlink)(bloglink)
Recipient: Sister-in-law
Occasion: Christmas / Q3Challenge
Deadline: September 30
Notes: I am determined that I will not flake out on this project this month. Just because I hate working with the yarn does not mean that the final result will not be worth all this effort.

2. Gift Item: Bridesmaid Saigon Scarf (ravlink)(bloglink)
Recipient: Kim, fiancé's sister
Occasion: Wedding
Deadline: September 2009
Notes: I made a lot of progress last month, and think that I can finish it in August.

Close-up of chart 2:

Close-up of chart 4 (in progress):

3. Gift Item: Fuzzy neck warmer (ravlink)
Recipient: Rin
Occasion: Just because
Deadline: August 30
Notes: I need to sew on buttons, weave in some ends, and ship it out to her.

4. Gift Item: Woodland Shawl (ravlink)
Recipient: Myself
Occasion: Q3Challenge
Deadline: September 30
Notes: I keep putting other projects ahead of this one. This is probably why it's in the Q3Challenge to knit something for yourself, because we always leave ourselves til the end. I WILL start this project this month.

July Wrap-up and August List

2008-08-05T10:12:00.003-04:00

Here was my July List:

1. Keep working on the Modern Quilt Wrap, Grandma's Birthday, August 15th -DONE!

2. Keep working on the Honeymoon Cami, for me, for funsies - ROLLOVER

3. Keep working on Seascape, for someone, for xmas - 1 CHART REPEAT LEFT

4. Finish You are my Sunshine, for mick and sam's baby, end of July -DONE!

5. Finish pair of Dashing if the mood strikes me, gift box, Christmas - ROLLOVER

6. Elope, Caryn, July 19th (bridal shower) - DONE!

And my Q3 Challenge List:

Something Old- my so called scarf- i knit a little on this

Somthing New- Socks for Betsy- DONE!

Something for Me- Slouchy Beret- Swatched for.

So my list for August:

1. Keep working on the Honeymoon Cami, for me, for funsies

2. Finish pair of Dashing if the mood strikes me, gift box, Christmas

3. Something Old- my so called scarf

4. Something for Me- Slouchy Beret

5. Teddy Bear (2) - new babies- plane knitting

August Goals

2008-08-05T07:29:00.003-04:00

My August goals are to finish some WIP's.

* Burgundy Cup Cozie - for ? - for Xmas - finish by end of month
* Flourish Bookmark - for Pat - for birthday in November - finish by end of month

and then maybe start on a few new gifts:

* Knitted wire bracelet - for Rachael - for Xmas - finish by December 1st
* Helter Skelter socks in Brown - for Cath - for Xmas - finish by December
* Bookmark - for David - for birthday in October - finish by October 1st

Q3 Challenge FO

2008-08-04T09:45:00.005-04:00

I finished one of my Q3 challenge projects: make something old. These chevron socks have been hibernating for about a year. They're not hard, but for whatever reason I just wasn't in the mood for working that heel. The pattern/template is from "Sensational Knitted Socks." When I picked it back up, I breezed right through it. I guess sometimes giving a project a rest is a good thing.

lost

2008-08-03T19:44:00.003-04:00

I've completely lost track of where I was heading with all these gifts! I need to do some more planning to make sure I am organised for the holiday season...

Meanwhile... this little guy is for a baby shower gift

(details on my blog)

July FO and August To-Do

2008-08-03T09:32:00.003-04:00

I was able to finish my first toe-up socks for my pre-schooler. I used Knit Picks Risata. I'll definitely use this method again. I was almost finished with the booties for my friend when I messed up and had to start one of them again, and then ran out of yarn.

My gift list for August is kind of full for me, but I'll give it a shot:

Moc-a-Soc booties/friend's newborn/August 8

Evangeline tunic/Ravelympics and Q3 project for myself/August 24

Gift for my swap buddy/August 31

Holidays in August - Birgit's gift list

2008-08-01T13:11:00.003-04:00

Hi there,

now it's August and in two days we're going on holidays and I did not even begin the July gift. My friend gave the envelope with her foot measurements to the post office just this morning. Maybe I'll knit them in the holidays.

My gift list for August is as short as always:
it's a baby blanket for the daughter of my best friend!

Sunny days
Birgit