Summer Knitting Goals

Yikes! Did I say that? I did. Nothing like free yarn to motivate a meandering knitter.

Thanks to Valerie at Knitting in Pink I found out about this very cool contest hosted by Ali at Skeins Her Way . The winner will receive 4 hanks of Blue Sky Dyed Cotton in the color of his/her choice and the pattern for the Fitted Tank. Click here so you can join in the fun! But hurry...the contest closes at the end of May. Make sure you let her know that I sent you.

My Summer Knitting Goals:



1. Finish the gray Cable & Rib sweater. Including the zipper!

2. Knit my first pair of adult size socks. No more talking about it, no more fantasizing - just do it.

3. Knit the Myrtle Leaf Shawl from Victorian Lace Today seen below.

4. Last, but not least, finish inputting my stash into the spreadsheet. I'm 1/3 done and I've been entering new yarns that sneak into the house before I put them away in the bins. That's my new rule - must enter yarn in computer before putting it away. That way the amount of yarn needing to be entered doesn't continue to grow and overwhelm me.

I think I'll keep it at that. I have a tendency to make some pretty lofty goals. These are some big projects and I want to remain realistic here. I better get knitting!

This weekend I'll post a WIP report on the gray sweater.

Quick & Easy

I was inspired to knit up something quick for my new nephew. I recently bought the Itty Bitty Hats book by Susan B. Anderson. There are so many cute patterns in this book. I'm going to have fun making many of them for the little people in my life. I started with the Simple Baby Cap 1:

The yarn is Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in color 300501. I used size 5 dpns, which is smaller than the recommended size for the pattern & yarn, but I wanted the hat to be on the smaller size so that it will fit him right now. This was a super quick project. Started May 16th - finished May 19th. Done in two sittings. Now I hope it fits!

Have you heard about Raverly? It's going to be an online knit & crochet community where you can organize and share your projects with others. Pretty cool. It isn't up and running yet for the public. They're testing the system to work out any kinks. But you can put your name on the waiting list. They're slowly adding people to the system. Another way to meet fellow yarn addicts around the world!

Special Delivery!

Let me introduce you to my new nephew Adam Ryan, born on Mother's Day weighing in at 6 lbs., 2 oz. He was a month early and both he and my sister are doing fine. I went to visit them at the hospital yesterday. He's very tiny and cute. The doctor came in while I was there and said that since he's considered a preemie it's very important to keep him warm at all times. My ears perked up and I realized I better cast on for some baby items. I think I'll make a hat first and then a light weight sweater. We are in SoCal after all and it's the beginning of summer...but doctor's orders!

When I came home the mail had come and there was a package on my doorstep.

My secret pal struck again! Everythink was wrapped just so inside a pretty gift bag. With handmade labels like this one:

Inside there was stash enhancement:

2 skeins of Berroco Ultra Alpaca in color 6275. I've been wanting to try ou this yarn. I keep petting it and squeezing it. It's a nice heathered green with bits of gold. I love it. : )

There was also a pretty handmade card, some skincare products from Crabtree & Evelyn to pamper myself with, some Lemon Dill mix for dip, lemon candies, a photo album, a cat book and a blank card that I can use to send to someone else.

I'd like to send out a sincere thank you to my secret pal!

Knitting R&R

I'm leaving for Arizona for three days. Jeff has been working in Chandler (a suburb of Phoenix) of late and I managed to get some extra days off so I could visit him. Since he'll be working during the day, I'll have plenty of time to catch up on some knitting.

I'm taking two projects with me. The gray Cable & Rib sweater and a lace project that I haven't yet cast on. I thought it would be a good time to start the lace project since I won't be distracted. I can give it my full attention. I'll show you my progress when I get back.

I need to finish packing....have to leave in a couple of hours.