What I've Been Up To...

Lately I've been guilty of jumping from one project to another without finishing ones originally started. I guess I have my life set up to see just how well I can multi-task. Eventually I do get around to finishing knitting projects unless I just can't stand the yarn or the pattern that I am using. The first thing I look at before starting a knitting project is:

1) Do I like the yarn? Is it a color I am excited about; because if it isn't, I am won't be able to spend hours, days and weeks looking at it;

2) Is the pattern easy, yet challenging enough to keep me interested and excited about the outcome?

I love the "look" of quite a few patterns, but when I read the instructions, I realize it will drive me crazy trying to keep track of the intricate movements I need to maintain on every row. This is a guarantee of failure for me and ripping out rows is not a wonderful exercise!

I finally finished knitting two Spring sweaters for two year old Ruth Drake. One is a cardigan, and the other is a pullover. She looked so cute in them both (I forgot to take my camera when I delivered them) so I can't show you pictures! I intend to knit two winter sweaters for her using wool yarn for this coming Winter (bite your tongue at the thought of that word girl!). And Ruth's mother told me there will an addition to their family late this year. So; the needles will be smoking again!

I knitted a scarf for my Aunt Monica who blissfully celebrated her 60th birthday this month. I was supposed to block the scarf when I finished it, but I like the way it looks unblocked, so I am keeping it that way. The scarf pattern was harvested from a "Vogue on the Go" book on Scarves. I have had the book for years, and the first time I tried to knit this pattern, it did not work out and I finally had to let it go. Since then my pattern skills have greatly improved and this time I was successful.

I found an AC Moore Craft Store in Augusta a few weeks ago (I thought we only had Michaels) and was so delighted to find Sculpy Clay in individual packs and great colors! I spent $21in clay. I dared peek at the yarn section to see if they had anything I absolutely MUST take home with me, and thank goodness I was able to avoid buying some. I think their yarn section is kind of small; and that can sometimes be a "good thing."

I am also knitting a vest for a young friend of mine who is going to have a birthday next month. And I still have to finish knitting the scarf and hat for my friend Steve who lives in Arizona... Yes! I know. It's desert country and why would he need a scarf and hat?? Because, it is cold in the wee hours of the morning, and he walks his dog Riley before going to work.

So, enough talk! Here are the photos.

Here are some buttons I made recently with Sculpy Clay


Here is a close-up view of little Ruth Drake's cardigan (knitted in Carons Simply Soft)


Here is the pullover sweater for Ruth (knitted in TLC Cotton Plus)


Here is a full view of the cardigan sweater


Here is the beginning of the scarf for my Aunt Monica


I am almost 3/4 finished


All finished..


A close-up


Close-up of the metal ornamentation on the corners in lieu of tassels.


Now for the vest. I know it doesn't look like much yet.


Here are photo of the pattern I am following.


It is a very easy, quick pattern. The yarn is a heavyweight wool or bulky. I am actually using Brown Sheep's "Shepherd's Shades." Less than seven dollars for 131 yards. I think the value is great!
The pattern is Susan Esser's "Midnight Express Vest," a free pattern on the web.