New things and thoughts.

As I mentioned in my last post I have been doing other crafts, not just knitting. Come to think of it, both my previous post did touch on the fact that I have several other crafts in my life. There are times when one just takes over. Lately I have been on fire about my garden, but honestly this is the time of year when you are starting little plants and hoping they survive whatever is lurking in the night. LOL Ask me why..... I lost all my bean and cucumber plants the other night!So no garden talk, I may take some pictures to share when things get really hopping. I hope they will!

Other than that I just really want to make use of all the fantastic creative items that are all over my house! The fabrics! The Paints! The sculptables! LOL

I think that my goal will be to get more all over crafts into my life, not just knitting... I haven't been doing very well. So I hope that when I re-evaluate my goals for the year next month that I can be inspired by other crafty stuff. Honestly I am trying to use this month to get as many projects completed as possible. I want to clear up a bit. so  on that note I have to finish off......

1. The Blue Top-Down Raglan
2. The Essential Cardigan
3. Christmas Stocking
4. Socks (three pairs)
5. Dover Castle Shawl
6. New Beer Gloves

Does that seem like alot? I can't think of anything else on the needles at the moment. I know that a few are less important to get finished, like the socks. I usually have a few pairs on the go so if I don't get them done, I really won't be beating myself up. The decision to re-evaluate my goals at the half year point will happen at the end of this month so I better get cracking. How is it going with your goals? I can say that I am not jogging as mush as I want and I am the only one to blame for that. How do you create a good habit. I have to look into that. Happy crafting! Let me know what you think of my list! Oh, and don't forget World Wide Knit in Public day Saturday at Douglas Park! It's Love Langley Days too, so it should be great and I think there is free hot dogs! LOL

Keeping busy

This week had flown by. I think that somtimes it's not a good thing even if work goes quick. I have stuff to get done and if my week is over so fast, how will I get to it all. I have a goal list for 2011 that I have yet to share here, and I keep forgetting honestly. Sounds silly, but the reason I wanted to make another list this year is because I felt that last year it kept my head in the goal game.

That being said I would like to share it.

But first, what I have been dabbling with this weekend.

The green/ orange/red tube is a new hat for my niece. I tried to make her one already, but it was only big enough to fit my nephew who is one month old. Ooops... take two. Good news is my sister liked the yarn, and it's a washable wool so it will keep the little head warm. I do so  love knitting for my family!
Secondly, I was trying my had at CROCHET! I love the look of granny square blankets, and it's on the list this year, so I figured I better familiarize myself. I am not understanding the instructions in the book so far, but I am going to try the Attic 24 blog tutorial and  see how that goes. She makes lovely blankets.

Okay so on with my knitterly goal list for 2011. Even though it's late Feburary, I assure you I have had this list since at least mid-Janurary. LOL

1. A Yoke Sweater (to be determined)
2. A Bog Sweater in Purple Cascade 220
3. Fair Isle Inspired vest or sweater
4. Urban Aran sweater modified to a Cardigan
5. New sweaters for the kids in my life (6)
6. Crochet Granny Square Blanket
7. Rogue Kit knit up
8. Green Superwash top-down sweater
9. Brown sweater or vest for husband
10. Nephew's Christmas Stocking
11. Wedding shawl for a special bride
12. All 2010 WIP's complete or resolved.

Ta da! There it is. I am feeling pretty good about it so far. I have my own set of rules to go with it. One of which is a re-evaluation in July, to allow myself revisions. I am keeping track of yarn used for the 100 ball challenge and I am not restricting myself to JUST THIS LIST (as you may have noticed with my other project post this month) Too much restriction = no fun. That isn't the point. I really just have a few things I want to get done, so I think that this is helpful. Three of the WIP's from last year are sweaters that were on the list. Just need some finishing.... or a front, or some sleeves...... and I'm done! Progress to come of course. Can't wait to show you wha't up next. Oh! On that note......

Here is the yarn and needles ready to begin the Christmas Stocking for my nephew. No time like the present. I anticipate begining the bridal shawl in the next month. Happy crafting!

My geek cred.... and the first offical 2010 FO

Seriously... I knit a great project for my Brother in law

Just finished it today. It's the only Christmas project that I didn't finish on time. At least it's done.
here ya go.....

Thanks to my hubby who provided the head- model!

The first official FO of the new year was a second Multnoma shawl in the fantastic hand-dyed Berroco that I showed off in the fall HERE .

Here is the FO I really like it... but I am unsure if it would make a better gift...... I have someone it could be great for. However I have so much other great yarn that could work.

There it is.  The flash does have something to do with the colour... It isn't quite so "brassy" lol.

Maybe this is a better image...

Well.... I guess so.... I do like it. I did a larger middle section as reccomended by Hello Knitty. I think that I like having a longer lace section. I was also compelled to do some frogging. I had a Minimalist Cardigan on the needles, but I started it in a wool and it wasn't draping well, so I ripped it out and began a plain cardigan base. K2 P2 with a centre steek. I will just knit it in the round, steek the centre and arms, then give it a k2 p2 button band.
Nothing fantastic, just simple and useful. Nothing really spectacular, so no image at the moment it's just red wool. I was also going to knit up a acrylic sweater too, but I have never steeked Acrylic. I think that it can be done, but first the wool one, then the purple with some patterning. It is just sitting in my stash anyway. i may as well. I think that is the way I feel about several stash yarns that I have. I like it, I am not waiting to use it... why not use it.

I have re-thought the Tangled Yoke Cardigan. I will knit it... I just need to get a longer needle, I have the size I swatched on, but I tried to cast on the required stitches..... and it was very inadequate. LOL Oh well. I really want to make that cardigan too, so why not.
Maybe that is what I will keep as my goal the year of "Why Not?" LOL

I hope all is well in your knitting, I haven't quite decided what goals I would like to have for the year. Some people have decided to knit 52 projects in 52 weeks, there is also a goal of 100 projects a year from blogger-pal Toni ,go Toni! That would be fantastic. I really haven't given myself adequate time to think it through, or write a bit of a list. I like lists... 

So, I have been considering a goal of 50 books this year. I also want to consider lots of other things.... listen to me, vauge and off beat. I can't wait to browse the blogs and see who has what. I will add my own when I can.