Christmas Review: 1

Well, now that the packages have been sent off and are going to be opened soon I can finally get what I've been so busy with all month up and out here!

It's been a busy busy month around here with lots and lots of changes up on the horizon. I can officially say I am college graduate (!!!) not to mention all of the fabulous projects I've got lined up for 2011. So, before 2011 begins lets recap with what I did in the end of 2010.

One of the projects I've been working on the longest has been my Nautical Nights Blanket started back in July this has been something I've pulled out every few weeks to chip away at. I can't say enough how much I love the Knit Picks Shine Worsted yarn. It is absolutely one of the softest things I've ever felt, silky and smooth to the touch. Just a delight!

I added a single crochet around the border to give it a little weight and definition. I do really enjoy the granny square technique but it feels just a touch flimsy without something to anchor it. Over all I'm very happy with how this project turned out (and to be done with it!) and hope that it brings some color and warmth to a bed or couch.

I can't wait to keep digging into all my Christmas project photos. Although I realized more as I went through them that there was more crocheting that I had thought. I've also thought of my self as just a knitter but its becoming clear I just need to update that title to crafter.

More Socks! Holiday Edition!

Starting December off right! I've working on my holiday gifts ferociously for the past few weeks.

The latest installment is a gift for my lovely step father. I found this delightful pattern on raverly a few days ago and realized that this yarn would be perfect:

Knit Picks Imagination Hand painted yarn. A lovely blend of alpaca and merino wool. The best part is the color name: WILD WEST. I have to admit that's part of what attracted me to it.

I've finished the first one and just need to plow through the next one. So excited to get these done! They are super super soft and I love how great the yarn looks. You can't really see the colors very well in the pictures but its a soft brown with some olive, blue and red through it. DEEEElightful.

Chilly Birthdays

My baby sister turned 17 at the beginning of this month. Knowing how cold it gets in Minnesota I decided to whip her up something to keep warm with this winter.

My friend Lydia has a pattern that she wrote that I knew would be perfect.

Knit up in super chunky yarn with a swirl of rainbow candy goodness all through it this was such a quick and pleasant knit. I do feel kind of silly with GIANT knitting needles in my hands. But quick! It's the holidays and the end of my school year, I need all the help I can get even if I feel silly.

I also managed to finish my mother-in-laws blanket in the few weeks I've been gone, plus finishing up some other small odd and ends gifts. I've still got lots to work on, some socks, some slippers. Let's just say its going to be a busy few weeks over here.

Good Intentions

Despite my best intentions I've been sucked into the black hole of school. Unfortunately even my knitting has taken a hit and I haven't been nearly as productive as I would have hoped too. I did manage to start in on some of my holiday projects and finished my first of six headbands for my nieces by marriage. A slightly modifited version of Sweatshop of Love's Detriot Tiger's Bow Headband these will look so cute on all of them. Can't wait to get started on the next ones!

Tube Tops!

Just in time for winter I finished a lovely tube top. This is the first item I've made following a chart. The diamond pattern is made up of knits and purls and just repeats itself. Other than losing my place constantly I really enjoyed following a chart. I felt so accomplished watching the pattern come together.

It's really difficult to take pictures of yourself in a tube top where you can actually see the item and still see the person. I'm sure I looked a little crazy if you saw me during the process.

knit out of a nice light weight sport cotton with these adorable fabric buttons I bought from Allyson over at the Sweat Shop of Love booth at Renegade this top is going to be great to break out in about...six months.

Guess I need to get my winter knitting into hyper drive!

Stripes!

Just a little sneak peak of what I've been working on.
Even though I haven't been posting much I've been knitting up a storm- I swear!
I've got to get some good sunlight to document my recent projects and then there will be a flurry over here soon.

Busy, Donations

Well, contrary to my best intentions I haven't made it over here very often and have sorely lacked the time or will to actually make a post. So, we have lots and lots to catch up on. It's my goal to post at least twice this week- here's hoping my homework schedule will cooperate with these ambitions.

Before all of the madness started around here I did have some time to knit up a few pieces for a donation to a silent auction to my high school.

A stash busting hat knit in lambs wool pride worsted (one of my favorites). 

And a little pattern that I've working on/trying to figure out for a beautiful textured cowl. 

I love the way that the pattern pops out but there are definitely some alterations I will make next time around in the fit and transitions. I'm excited to get working on my next one but unfortunately there a quite a few big projects in the works right now and that pesky holiday list is creeping up closer and closer so it will probably be awhile before I really get to work the kinks out of this all.  But for a first shot in the dark at making a pattern up on my own, I don't think its too bad.