Holiday Project Round-Up

As the world’s slowest knitter, I should’ve started my Holiday gift projects last summer, but I get the impression that there is still time for those who knit at an average pace to get some gifts made and make loved and well-liked ones happy (and warm). Some of my favorite projects from around the Yarniverse:

Alpaca Mini Socks Pattern from Classic Elite Yarns – pattern for these adorable little socks is free. Make a bunch and create a nontraditional advent calendar.

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Pretty in Pink: Knit a Playful Pink Ribbon Hat – granted, this post and project idea was designed for October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but each of my sisters would love something like this.

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Glass Flip-Flop Crochet Pattern – I was just at WineStyles this week and saw some wine glass flip flops that I thought were pretty cute… not quite as cute as handmade, though. These are adorable and come via The Crochet Dude.

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Puff Daddy is in the House – I would love this! It looks easy and quick and tons of fun. You can get the info and the pattern via Mason Dixon Knitting.

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Image via Twisted Knitter

Delores Park Cowl – A one-skein project that knits up quickly and I can imagine it in a variety of colors for mom, best friend, office mate… who knows! I might have to try this one.

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Image from Megan Young via Flickr

Right now, I’m leaning toward creating little “bath kits” with a knitted (or crocheted if I can get my act together on that) washcloth with a bar of homemade soap (not by me, but from my local crafter’s market) in a pretty bag of some sort. There are tons of patterns for washcloths and dishcloths on the internets.

I like the Bernat pattern for knitting.

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And finally, humorous look at “knitter’s calculus” from Mary Mooney at K2TOG.

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First Project: Garter Stitch Scarf Complete

Whew! done.

This scarf probably needs another 10 inches or so to really be a good length. But I was tired of the yarn, bored with lack of pattern and frankly ready to move on. I’m glad I found my scarf groove. I’m moving onto a couple of other projects. Both are scarves, but I’m playing with yarn and needle sizes. Which honestly, is my favorite part of knitting so far.

I used size 10 Laurel Hill forest palm needles and Vanna’s Choice Baby yarn in Sweet Pea.

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Found My Scarf Groove

It took a while. I’ve started, unraveled, started, unraveled, started, unraveled… started, had my toddler unravel, etc. etc. etc. When at my folks’ house for a short vacation, I picked up some clearance yarn at Michael’s craft store just to play around with. I might have been the ability to focus a little more clearly, but I think I just finally found my groove. No extra stitches, no split yarn. Yay!

The yarn is Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in a bright lime green. It was on clearance for a buck-fifty.

An early photo of the scarf-in-progress

My biggest challenge now is that the end of the skein is a big knotted mess. There’s gotta be a better way. I think I’m (literally) going to cut my losses and start with the second skein.

Will post more progress soon.

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Endless Possibilities: My First Knitting Project

Just two days away from my first knitting class, I’m excited about all the possibilities. They seem endless at this point! While I know I have to grow my skills to do things like this gorgeous sweater, it’s definitely on my wish list. Of course, by the time I’m able to knit this, it’ll be out of style. 

There are lots of scarf patterns out there that are very pretty and I’m making a list of everyone who wants a scarf for Christmas (and their color choice!). My pilates instructor has requested leg warmers, we’ll see.

This one is beautiful! Maybe I’ll give it a try. From fillambulle.

And I’m a sucker for purple. This one looks fairly easy and I’d love it! From Crystal Palace Yarns (free pattern).

Do you have a favorite beginner project? What was your first knitting project?

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