[YOP] Week of January 25th, 2020

2 years??? I haven't made a post in 2 years??? My goodness...where have I been?

Well, long story short, I was sick and depressed for a year. I lost a really good job due to being so sick. It was a dark year. I don't want to share much about it, but let's just say it was bad.

But then things started to get better, I started to feel better, I started a new job, and things are overall much better. The only negative thing really, was the fact I lost my dear dog in later November. She had been declining for many years, and we knew it was finally time to let her rest. She was my first dog, and she broke my heart. Her brother is still around to comfort me, but it's just not the same.

Anyhow...here I am! Back to crafting, and sharing that crafting with you all.

Once my knitting mojo started to come back, I decided to start small and pick up some cotton and make some dishcloths. Here is my first one, my first finish of the year. If you are bothered by swear words you might not want to look...

This is for a Sassy Craft Along a friend is running, and it made me laugh. I know it will make the recipients laugh as well. I already cast on #2.

I also picked up the yarn required to make the Nightshift Shawl. I was so excited I cast on right away.

I am really liking the color combination, but I am thinking of swapping the background and the contrast color every block, so the next block will have the Noro in the background and the lime as the contrast.

What do you think? Or should I just keep the lime as the background the entire way?

[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.