Finished the Shawl

I finished my first shawl and can't wait to use it. Who knows what I am going to wear it with, I'm a jeans and tee shirt kind of person. Yet, I did some research and it seems that shawls are most appropriate with a black dress -- a reason to go shopping!

I started a pair of Elizabeth Zimmerman Mitered Mittens. It is an easy pattern, they are just a bit too big -- I did a gauge swatch though. They are Penn State mittens (blue & white). I'm using a yarn that has acyrlic, so not the warmest, will need to be used with glove liners.

Going to start back with the local knitting guild, I have missed getting together with these ladies, they are so inspirational.

Current Knitting

Finished Mom's "Scalloped Shells" scarf in July. Now working on a shawl from the book "Folk Shawls" and a pair of socks. As soon as I finish the shawl I am going to start mittens. It has been a challenge for me to not start swatching for the mittens project -- I am committed to keeping my working projects to a minimum (one large and one small). Would like to make a pair for both Bill and Zachary. Am looking for ways to get more knitting done during the day. I have taking my knitting with me everywhere -- even to the Little League World Series game this past weekend -- to the dismay of my boys. Lots of eye rolling, for sure.

babylambknits

My sister, Laura, and I are in the process of starting a web knitting business called babylambknits. We know we won't make tons of money, that is not why we are doing it. We both want to be able to express our creativity and talent through the things we make and then make these beautiful items available to others. Additionally, we are hoping that the business will encourage both our mother and baby sister to participate. We all are very creative and if we pool our resources (abilities) we are likely to have success in the business. I have my first baby sweater started and want to give it to a friend who is expecting. Both Laura and I feel that word of mouth will be a start to the business. Giving things away initially is comfortable to both of us.

I am half-way finished with Mom's scarf. Had no idea that this project would take so long, it is fun and I love doing it. I am using size 4 needles and it is my first lace project, so probably going a bit slower than an experienced lace knitter. I am hoping to give the scarf to Mom for Mother's Day.

Guitar practice has been sporadic due to other things taking priority.

My knitting group is making a baby blanket for a fellow knitter who is expecting in June. We are making the Circle of Friends Blanket from Last Minute Gifts. It is a fun community project. I have yet to start the baby sweater.

My Gift-a-Long Goals

I'm thrilled to part of this knit-a-long. What a great idea to keep the gift knitting under control. Here are my current gift goals:
1. Socks for Julie (a dear friend) to be finished by Jan. 31
2. Scarf for Mom, due March 10
3. Baby sweater (EZ Baby Surprise) for a knitting group friend (due June)
4. Santa Cruz Hoodie for my husband (due October)

Joined the Gift-a-long

TO PARTICIPATE...

(a) Post a Gift List each month including Gift Item / Recipient / Occasion/ DeadlineFirst Gift List deadline is January 31st; ex. Lace Shawl/Mom/Mother's Day/May 1

(b) Post regular updates here by the last weekday of each monthUpdates = Work In Progress (WIP), DONE, Rollover (see housekeeping)

(c) Contribute to the Gift Ideas ListThe gift ideas list will be for pattern sharing when you find something great. Provide links to items that are easily "gifted" - easily adjusted for different sizes and body types, easy to pack and ship, easy to obtain the pattern (free, inexpensive, or a kit), and easy to complete in one month's time.



HOUSEKEEPING...- Monthly Gift Lists should be 5 items or less(In reality your list size is up to you - 1 item or 10, but keep the spirit of this KAL in mind - Stress Free Giving!)- Sets and pairs of things count as 1 item (bath set, a dozen discloths for one person, a pair of socks, etc.)- You can rollover an item to a new month, but you should maintain your list limit of 5; this might mean bumping an item that was planned for the upcoming month (remember, minimize the stress!)- You can change out items at any time, but you must post about it here so we can all help keep you honest and on track - full disclosure is key!- Post Work in Progress photos and Finished photos if you have them - Cheer others on - Keep your pom poms nearby and use them often; offer help with a pattern or suggestions for keeping up with goals. This goodness will come back to you!- Stay in touch...regular posting here (at least once per month) will pay off in the end.

Back to the Sweater

Finished Julie's socks. Had the chance to work on my sweater again. I am working on the first sleeve. I really want to wear this sweater before winter is over this year. I think another goal I'll have this year is to keep the number of projects in progress to a maximum of two. Any more is too overwhelming. I love making sweaters and socks. I wore my cardigan this past weekend and it was a nice feeling wearing something I made and it actually looks great!