Year of Projects - May 2015

As far as knitting and crochet work goes, May has been a quiet month indeed!

I bordered the afghan blocks with the light colour and joined the blocks, but having the large knitted piece on my lap is too hot for this time of year, so I'v packed that away for the next few months at which point I will decide on the final size (do I add more blocks?) and do the edging.

It is pulled all out of shape here, but you get the idea.

I did manage to get a bit of sewing done, and would have finished, but for the planting/gardening that just had to be done first. Hopefully I can finish this this week - really not much to do now. I made the top from quilt room scraps gleaned from a place we were at where folks made quilts to give to people in need of a bit of warmth. The scarps were too small for quilt blocks and it took me a long time to piece this together, but it was interesting. I added stamping to tie it all together. I'll add more detailed pictures when it's done and I have better light for a clearer picture. (yes, I've never been scared of a bit of colour LOL)

I also unpacked the cross stitch project that I started many years ago. One thing after another had caused this to stay on the shelf for many years. (like the pet parakeet that would sit on the frame and grab the needle every time it pokes out the top. And if she couldn't get that...well any other part of the piece is fair game. I liked her company so I didn't want to shoo her away. I know...pathetic but true hehehehe) Maybe I'll make progress on it this year? I think it's a nice project for a Sunday afternoon.

Finally I got a few balls of yarn to work on mittens for gifts and I did make the May 3D crochet snowflake :

Queen Anne - it's a pretty one and so far one of the larger flakes. So far so good on this monthly challenge!

Recap of the list and I do confess that I had forgotten about that 'smile' project...ugh! how COULD I?

My Year Of Projects  To Do list
My list is very flexible I’m ‘afraid’ I’m forever changing my mind mid-stride ;)

• I would like to finish the afghan started early in December (that's the one featured above) Coming along with 12 blocks done. 12-15 for the final count with some borders also to be added. Put to rest until the weather turns cool again. The finished blocks are joined and bordered.

• I want to knit 2 pairs of socks -yarn bought for first pair, just need to decide on pattern. Undecided on the pattern. I was hoping for something to knit without too much concentration. I might have found the pattern...

• At least 3 pairs of flip-top mittens (2 will be gifts) I changed this to 2 pairs of mittens and one scarf (done)  Yarn bought for the first pair of flip tops (yay)
• Completed 4 pairs of fingerless mittens (all test knits)
• Set of 12 3D snowflakes, from the book 'Dimensional Snowflakes' Making them 1 per month at least. (5 done)
• Smile project (mystery ;-) ) hoping the new pattern will work! - haven't tried the new pattern yet.

Year Of Projects - April

Well I was doing the weekly posting for YOP, but that just seemed unnecessarily tedious to me, so I decided, after 3 months, to change over to a once-a-month update. Besides, some days/weeks I don't get much done anyway LOL

And then this month was busy with other important family 'things'. I hope May will be 'better'

During the month of April I...

Started adding a single 'log' of light around the blocks on the afghan. By April 10th I had run out of yarn (with 7 blocks done)

I finally got more yarn (after finding empty shelves on one occasion! Ugh.) But by the end of April I had gotten this far with those lighter strips. 4 more blocks need a single light coloured 'log' each still, then I can join them and start on the border. Slightly blurry picture...hmmmm.

and while there was tennis to watch (Miami Open) I knitted a scarf from an 'odd' ball of yarn I had hanging around. This will make a fine gift I think! This is the 'Quilted Lattice Ascot'  This knits up super quick though...not nearly enough for the tennis LOL

The light washed this picture out a bit, but I do like the details of the stitches!

I also finally boxed up the gift scarf:

And did make the 3D Snowflake for the month Prince Charming 

I wonder why I suddenly have blurry pictures? I'm not happy about that!

So let me recap my list :

My Year Of Projects  To Do list
My list is very flexible I’m ‘afraid’ I’m forever changing my mind mid-stride ;)

• I would like to finish the afghan started early in December (that's the one featured above) Coming along with 12 blocks done. 12-15 for the final count with some borders also to be added. This will take  while yet, as I need more yarn to make more blocks. I got more yarn and the afghan is 'growing' once more.

• I want to knit 2 pairs of socks -yarn bought for first pair, just need to decide on pattern. Decided on the pattern, was waiting for the new reading glasses. These finally arrived yesterday, so maybe I can finally make a start on these!

• At least 3 pairs of flip-top mittens (2 will be gifts) I changed this to 2 pairs of mittens and one scarf (which is crocheted and I have finished it - needs to be blocked), Yarn bought for the first pair of flip tops (yay)
• Completed 4 pairs of fingerless mittens (all test knits)
• Set of 12 3D snowflakes, from the book 'Dimensional Snowflakes' Making them 1 per month at least. (4 done)
• Smile project (mystery ;-) ) hoping the new pattern will work! - haven't tried the new pattern yet.

Year of Projects - Week 13

I'm a little late updating this. It has been crazy here at my place since Thursday, and not in a good way. Except for the 'Pride and Prejudice Tea Party' celebration for a friend's 50th on Sunday. THAT was good fun!

So let me see if I can remember what I did last week?

I finished Test Mittens #4 - You can find details and the pattern HERE on Ravelry

Used more of that Herrschner's yarn, but this one, like the pink is nice and soft and will be plenty warm enough for spring and fall. And for warm winters like the one we just had!
I took a picture specifically to show the inside of the mitt, which is textured all the way through. The mitts are lovely and snug and I'm very pleased with them. The pattern is easy and well written.

Next I did manage to add the buttons to the shawl, so that is now all done and I like the result! For details and the pattern link go HERE

I also finished off the crocheted 3D snowflake early in the week :

Love Knots from this pattern book. I headed outside to find a branch that I can 'plant' in a pot so I have somewhere to keep these safe as I continue my collection. BUT it is spring and between the birds and the wild flowers I got 'lost' and didn't remember why I headed out, until much later/too late. It was one of those weeks.

I was having a hard time showing the details on this as it is so thick and so intricate (but easy to crochet)

I'm enjoying making this collection!

I did not yet get round to updating my project list, but I have been looking for sock patterns and since all the other projects are done, I'm ready for something new. I did have to start the 'smile' project over again, and just this morning found a pattern that will hopefully work for me.


So let me recap my list :

My Year Of Projects  To Do list
My list is very flexible I’m ‘afraid’ I’m forever changing my mind mid-stride ;)

• I hope to make at least 6 Feel Better Friend Dolls ( the yarn arrived late January) Changed my mind, won't be doing these after all. 

• I would like to finish the afghan started early in December (that's the one featured above) Coming along with 12 blocks done. 12-15 for the final count with some borders also to be added. This will take  while yet, as I need more yarn to make more blocks.

• I want to knit 2 pairs of socks -yarn bought for first pair, just need to decide on pattern

• I need to knit a blue/aqua scarf for myself Finished this January 31st.

• At least 3 pairs of flip-top mittens (2 will be gifts) I changed this to 2 pairs of mittens and one scarf (which is crocheted and I have finished it - needs to be blocked), Yarn bought for the first pair of flip tops (yay)
• Completed 4 pairs of fingerless mittens (all test knits)
• Set of 12 3D snowflakes, from the book 'Dimensional Snowflakes' Making them 1 per month at least. (3 done)
• Smile project (mystery ;-) ) hoping the new pattern will work!

Year of Projects - Week 12

It was a busy weekend, so I never got round to posting this update -

I blocked the scarf and had hoped to add the buttons on the weekend, but that never happened- still 16 buttons to add is not really that much. All in all this project has taken way longer than necessary, but that is how it goes sometimes, right?

The 'Bernat Baby' blanket is all done. It turned out a bit bigger than expected, which is really nice. I'm pretty pleased with the result.

And I started work on a project that is taking a different route from what I originally planned. I was going to knit some with this variegated yarn and some of the dark blue solid that is in the variegated. Upon seeing this irl, I did not like the amount of orange and the yellow of the green, so I'm revising this project. I made a start with some squares and I have some sketches of roughly where I'm heading with it, but will see how it changes and grows from here. Right now I'm thinking of combining knitting and crochet, but we'll see how it all works out. Instead of being a straight forward kind of project it will now be a 'process' 

The third test mitten just went live this morning. You can find the pattern for Happy Birthday Mitts by Yellow Mleczyk HERE

This pink ball of Herrschner's Worsted Weight yarn is much softer to start with and I really like how these turned out. 

I hope to cast on for test mittens #4 tonight! Whoot!

I'll be revising my list for the year this week, adding more projects that I know I'll be doing/planning etc.

Year of Projects - Week 11

It's been a full week but for once I was able to tick off lots of 'to-do' items on my list. That sure feels good!

The fluffy blanket is getting big now. I joined in ball #9 last night (out of 10 balls) It sure is a snuggly piece of knitting.

The scarf on my list is completed. Just needs to be blocked, which I'm hoping to get to later today. It doesn't look like much now, but with blocking the pattern opens up and it looks really nice. Hopefully I can show you that next week.

The pattern for the second mittens that I test knit has just gone live. Here is my project page and the pattern link. More pictures too. I think this would work for guy mitts too, do you? The pattern is a nice 'neutral' texture...

Test knit #3 is done too, just waiting for release details, but you should be able to see the pictures in my projects.

And that's all for me on the knitting/crocheting front. I am almost finished with the book I picked up from the library on Thursday too. That might just account for a little less knitting this week. <smile>



So let me recap my list :

My Year Of Projects  To Do list
My list is very flexible I’m ‘afraid’ I’m forever changing my mind mid-stride ;)

• I hope to make at least 6 Feel Better Friend Dolls ( the yarn arrived late January) Changed my mind, won't be doing these after all. 

• I would like to finish the afghan started early in December (that's the one featured above) Coming along with 12 blocks done. 12-15 for the final count with some borders also to be added. This will take  while yet, as I need more yarn to make more blocks.

• I want to knit 2 pairs of socks -yarn bought for first pair, just need to decide on pattern

• I need to knit a blue/aqua scarf for myself Finished this January 31st.

• At least 3 pairs of flip-top mittens (2 will be gifts) I changed this to 2 pairs of mittens and one scarf (which is crocheted and I have finished it - needs to be blocked), Yarn bought for the first pair of flip tops (yay)
• Completed 3 pairs of fingerless mittens (all test knits)
• Set of 12 3D snowflakes, from the book 'Dimensional Snowflakes' Making them 1 per month at least. (2 done)
• Smile project (mystery ;-) )

Year of Projects - Week 10

It's been quite the productive week, but the 'revealing' will be slow in coming. I wrapped up more test knits. One (another pair of mittens) I can only show you once the pattern is available.

I can however also share the last test knit, that pattern has now come available : Spring is Coming I found the pattern well written and easy to execute and am thrilled with the results.

Like I said before, I used the left over yarn from this scarf that I knitted earlier this year using Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable - Dragonfly. It is great to have a matching 'set'

I also finished another knit from the Testing pool. The pattern is available HERE - Puffed Rice.  It looks adorable and was a quick and easy knit.

Just see how cute the slight 'frilled' detail on the back looks! I'm looking forward to seeing my precious little friend wearing this one!

Aside from these projects I've also continued on the blanket that is my 'pick-up-whenever' project. It is becoming a 'presence' on my lap especially on row changes! Love the soft cuddly feel of the (Bernat Baby Blanket) yarn though!

I'll be casting on another test knit (mittens) tonight and hope to wrap up the gift scarf this week. Not much to go now.
I did get yarn for the flap top mittens I want to knit myself as well as a ball of sock yarn. I found a pattern in a library book for 'flip-flop' socks. You know the ones that look like foot mittens LOL. I'm thinking I might just try some of those, but we'll see when I get to casting on....

Year of Projects Week 09

Not much to show as far as pictures go for this week.

I finished the test knit, and will show the pictures as soon as the pattern releases. I'm very pleased with the results, that much I can tell you.

The blanket in progress is growing nicely. I just started on ball #7 (out of the 10 that I have), but really it looks just the same. I may still get used to the thick needles and yarn.
The log cabin block afghan is still on ice until I can buy more yarn to make it bigger.

I did however finish another 3D snowflake -White Majesty- and since this is a project of doing something every month for a year, I figured I'll add it to this list for tracking here too. I will add it to the 'master list as well. Updated and added to the bottom of this post.

I'm looking at what I've done and what I have in the works so I can plan for March. the first thing to finish will be crocheted scarf, then I have at least one 'fun' project to do. Just something for a smile and a giggle. More details on that when I get to it. It is a surprise 'smile gift' for a friend.



My Year Of Projects  To Do list

My list is very flexible I’m ‘afraid’ I’m forever changing my mind mid-stride ;)

• I hope to make at least 6 Feel Better Friend Dolls ( the yarn arrived late January) -sample one done -the rest are 'on ice' for know, possibly indefinitely)

• I would like to finish the afghan started early in December (that's the one featured above -log cabin block squares) Coming along with 12 blocks done. 12-15 for the final count with some borders also to be added. This will take  while yet, as I need more yarn to make more blocks.

• I want to knit 2 pairs of socks 

• I need to knit a blue/aqua scarf for myself Finished this January 31st.

• At least 3 pairs of flip-top mittens (2 will be gifts) I changed this to 2 pairs of mittens and one scarf (which is crocheted and I have already started on it), Started a pair of (fingerless) mittens the third week of February.-Finished- (Ravelry test knitting)
• Set of 12 3D snowflakes, from the book 'Dimensional Snowflakes' Making them 1 per month at least.

Done :  01 Crown Jewels, 02 White Majesty,

Year Of Projects Week 08

I did not much to show for this week....the soft fluffy blanket is about halfway (as far as the yarn that I have is concerned, who knows but that I may change my mind and add to it, once I finish up what I have!) and seeing as it looks just the same, I did not take new pictures. I still find the thick yarn and thick needles unpleasant to work with.

Far more pleasant is the test pattern I'm working over, over at Ravelry. It is really nice that I can end up with mittens matching the scarf I made, plus I get to use the remnant yarn and I get to take an item off my list. Not bad getting  3  'flies' with one swipe...

...and the pattern test I'm working on...

I've finished the first mitten and hope to start the next one later tonight. I really like how these are turning out!

And other than turning my drawers inside out looking for my cable needle...that's been it for my knitting escapes this week!

YOP - Week 07

I'm a little late in posting this (this is last week's update) but I just didn't feel like doing this on Sunday afternoon. The book I was reading was much to interesting to stop for a blog post ;-)

Good news is that the needles finally arrived (a couple days late, but that's ok! Patience is a virtue ;-) ) and I made a start on the blanket. It knits up really fast, but I'm not enjoying the thick needles (9mm) it feels awkward and clumsy and is definitely harder on the hands and wrists than thinner yarn. But it is a perfect project to pick up 'whenever' I like to have projects like that at hand.

I also got on with the job and almost finished the 'Feel Better Friends' doll. She just needs to have her hair done. Maybe later today...see  why she needs a stylist?
I gave her 'built in' knickers too.

I opted for embroidered eyes for this one. Safety eyes are also an option. She's having a nice lie on the soft blanket in my work basket :-)

All dressed up and ready for the finishing touches.

And so onwards into a new week we go! Thanks for stopping by!

Edited to add : I also finished this wall quilt (22 1/2" squarish) Although not on the YOP list, it took time this week :-)

YOP - Week 06

Just look how those weeks are marching on!

Had some other things to do this week, not so much knitting got done. The knitting needles have now passed the date at which they were supposed to arrive. I sure hope they are delayed and not lost...sigh...so I have not been able to start on the other afghan.

I did finish the shawl though. Somewhere while the Australian Open Women's final was on (I watched the recording, no way will I miss sleep for that) Squeeeezed it on the needle and it worked ok, just the casting (binding) off was a bit 'tricky'

I thought there was something wrong with the edge though as it curled back onto itself, but a closer look at the pattern picture (on the label) showed that indeed it was correct.

I'm not planning on blocking this, but will see how it wears and washes. It is beautifully soft, warm and cozy though!

I also got the 'popper tape' and wooden buttons to finish off this cowl that I knitted back in December.

I simply love the textures on this! The pattern is by Pam Powers : 'Quilted Lattice Ascot'  I used Patons Decor in 'Sand and Sea' for this. It has no 'owner' at this time..it is a nice little gift to have on hand...

As for the rest of the projects : I have not yet bought more yarn for the afghan in the making. There is no rush to finish that, so I'll get to it again eventually!
I have also made a start on the Feel Better Friend Doll, but nothing worth showing yet.It's been a good and busy week, even if there isn't much in the knitting department to show for it!