Knowing when to say "ENOUGH"

So I have this crochet blanket (not from a pattern, just alternating rows of single and double crochet) that was started sometime late 2002 using Lion Brand Pound of Love. I've used nearly 2 pounds and it is approximately wide enough for a twin bed and so twin bed size was my original target for length. However, I just don't think I want to crochet the last pound of yarn so I think I will stop it after the current skein runs out. My 5 year old daughter loves the blanket just as it is now and it is certainly big enough to snuggle with on the couch :)

Coming to this decision has lifted a big yarn monkey off my back! And so, I have great hopes for a productive 2008... Looking back on 2007, I am thankful for all of the KIP opportunities the local knitting group has provided -- without their encouragement I never would have started knitting socks!

Back to Business

Ok, I've frogged it, cast on again, and I am now well on my way to my first sock for myself :) The yarn, a Christmas gift from my dear friend Jo, is Austermann Step in pretty pinks and purples.

A little whine...

I'm feeling overwhelmed and uninspired. I'm currently in the middle of a stressful week with doctor appointments, meetings at school regarding our soon-to-be kindergarten student, a spelling bee for my second grader (who refuses to study because its "easy" stuff), and another book review deadline. So long story short, I've had little knitting time. Add to that, I had to frog the sock I was working on at our last knit group meeting and go down a needle size. Plus, I just experienced my first Ravelry snub... Ok, I'm done.

What progress?

Admittedly I haven't been knitting as much as I usually do and as you can see, I haven't even posted my 2007 year in review yet. Well, a huge stack of review books and sick children have kept me pretty busy... but I have been catching up on podcasts and after several attempts, have finally given up on the idea of making my mom a hat from LB Suede to match the scarf I gave her for Christmas. While I may attempt a sampler shrug in the LB Suede, it is more likely that my stash will be transformed into scarves and given as teacher gifts for Christmas 2008. I hope to start a pair of socks soon just to save my sanity!

Christmas Sweater Mission - 50% Complete!

My 5 year old loves her sweater now that she can get it over her head!

First, I unraveled the neck band. Next, I picked up as many stitches as I could, 78 in all and knit a K1P1 rib. Once it was as long as I wanted, I bound off with the aid of my trusty crochet hook :)

In all, I believe the project took me around 5 hours as I was often interrupted but didn't worry about losing my place... Now it is on to the green sweater for my 2 1/2 year old, who is not convinced though she sees her sisters wearing theirs. I am afraid I traumatized her a bit Christmas morning trying to get the sweater over her head!

The Christmas Sweaters

My mother, bless her, knit a sweater for each of my three daughters and was late coming over to our house yesterday because she was finishing them up. The sweaters are lovely with cables but sadly only my oldest could get hers over her head. My mother was mortified and I was dismayed, though my daughters quickly got over it. So, I rec'd the leftover yarn and discussion between myself, mom and my grandmother yielded a plan which would involve me steeking a small opening in the back and the installation of a button. However, upon further inspection of the sweaters it seems to me that it would be far less risky to just unravel the neck band and re-do it with more stretch. It won't be exactly like the original band but it will be close enough and more importantly, my daughters will be able to wear the sweaters my mom worked so hard on!
So now all I need to do is find out what size needle my mom used. I will be documenting my progress step by step and include pictures, of course! I am a knitter on a mission baby!

Success! Stocking #5 is done :)

I'm so happy with how the stockings turned out! Now there is only one item I need to finish for Christmas and then I can start on something just for me :)