[YOP] Year of Projects - 2017 Year End Wrap Up

In typical Gwenny fashion, I have been very lazy at updating this blog! I have had one hell of a year dealing with a new job, illness, a son heading to college, and so much more!

On a positive note, I have finished several projects this year, including a sweater for myself, and I am very proud of that!

Project #1
I started and finished a test knit for a lovely shawl by designer Deborah Arnouts called My Heart in the Highlands. It was made with a super squishy Aran Tweed gradient set dyed by Pandia's Jewels.

Project #2
I also finally finished my first Stephen West MKAL project from 2014! This is the Exploration Station from the WestKnits Fall MKAL 2014. I don't know what took me so long to finish it. It's lovely! I blame the brioche section and i-cord bind off. I used multiple yarns I purchased back in 2014 specifically for this project from a LYS called Lettuce Knit that has since ceased business. 2 skeins of Shantiknits Sock Yarn in Pumpkinfest and Spring Time, 1 skein of Julie Asselin Nanos in Jaipur, and 1 skein of Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock in Stumptown Brown.

Project #3
I started and finished a simple hat for my husband for Christmas. It has been the only thing he has ever asked me to knit for him. This is the Barley hat by Tin Can Knits. I knit it in Estelle Worsted in a basic black (because that's all he will wear).

Project #4
I started and finished the Lemongrass sweater I have been wanting to knit for a long time. I already had the yarn, and the designer, Joji, has a KAL every fall. Since I was on sick leave this year I decided it was the best year to do it. With the motivation of the KAL and the time due to sick leave, I was able to accomplish my goal. I knit it in the denim colourway of Americo's Cadena Alpaquita. This is one of my favourite yarns. I am sad that Americo will no longer be carrying it. Luckily they have many more gorgeous yarns to ogle over.

Project #5
And finally, I was able to start and finish a shawl for a co-worker as a Christmas gift. I completed it on the evening of December 23rd. It will be gifted to her when I return to work (hopefully) in the new year. This is the Rushing Tide Shawl by Felicia Lo of SweetGeorgia Yarns. I used SweetGeorgia Yarns Tough Love Sock yarn in Mulberry. I just need to block this to open up the lacework.

I am going to be focusing on WIPs and using up stash next year. Look for my 2018 goals post in the new year for more details.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and have a fantastic New Year!

[YOP] Year of Projects - 2014 Year End Wrap Up

I have lost track of what week number this should be. I am going to move to a fiscal year tracking instead as it makes it easier.

Last year was a year of great illness for me. I spent almost just as much time healthier as I did sick and in pain. I have a new specialist and hope for 2015 to be a much healthier year, and therefore a much more productive year as well!

Below is a short list of projects I completed over the course of 2014.

Pioneer Cuff (not blocked) completed February 22 2014.

Sleeveless Sweater completed May 28 2014.

Lace Bookmark completed June 4 2014.

Simple Armwarmers completed July 5 2014.

Simple Hat completed July 20 2014.

Show-off Stranded Socks completed August 17 2014.

Saundra's Mitts completed September 30 2014.

My goal moving forward to is to focus on less projects at a time and complete them, buy less yarn and use up my stash including WIPs previously started.

Currently focusing on my Boo Knits Wintersweel MKAL and my Americo Mulberry Pullover.

[YOP] Year of Projects - Year 4 - Week 3

Welcome to week #3 of a year of projects!

I did a lot of knitting this week, but not a whole lot of finishing. We had a family emergency Thursday afternoon and had to rush out of town and didn't return until very late Friday. We then went back out of town Saturday to check in and make sure everything was OK. I took some mindless seed stitch knitting with me so I at least had something to do.

I did manage to cast on my second sock this week and at least complete the ribbed cuff and the first repeat of the pattern.

I also managed to whip up the matching Simple Hat to go with last week's Simple Armwarmers. Sadly it didn't fit me very well. I will have to add at least two more inches before the decreases if I am going to make this one again for myself. It fit the hubby pretty well though. (Don't tell him I shared this picture with you all...)

 

On Friday I won a pattern (#163 Cable Love Cowl Neck Poncho) from SweaterBabe. This obviously required a visit to my favourite LYS, Amercio, to pick out the right yarn for the job. I settled on one of my top picks, their fabulous Cadena Alpaquita in a lovely natural cream colour. While I was out of town dealing with the family emergency I visited one of their LYS and picked up some nice ChiaoGoo needles in the correct sizes. I almost succumbed to picking up their whole interchangeable set! But was strong...at least for now...

My new favourite Knitter's Pride Karbonz DPN needles set was waiting on my desk this morning, which will make my son happy because now I can start his Vinovia Socks I mentioned last week.

In summary:

• I finished one project (Simple Hat from my list)
• I did start a new project (Added to my list)
• I did not use stash yarn (Plan on doing so with the boy's socks)
• I did buy new yarn (1 skein to gauge swatch new project)

Specific Project Goals

• My Nerd Wars T11 Dissertation project - show off stranded socks
  (Over 50% completed July 20, 2014)
• New Life Building Blocks Baby Blanket
  (Over 50% completed block 6 of 25 July 13, 2014)
• Simple Hat
  (Completed July 20th 2014)
• The West Linton Cowl
  (25% completed July 13, 2014 - no new progress this week)
• Smock Coat
  (This is my travel knitting project right now, did quite a few rows this week)