YoP 2014-15 List (a week late)

So my list is getting posted a week late but....
I didn't take part in last year's YoP but I'm back for 2014-15! We're expecting our second little girl in September so here's the rundown of what I hope to accomplish over the next year (starting July 1, 2014) as I adjust to stay at home life with two girls :)

1. Continue knitting at least ONE pair of socks per month

2. Make at least FIVE things off my current Ravelry queue (items 1-120) and try not to add to my queue more!

3. Make at least FIVE things from one of the many knitting/crocheting books I own that I haven't had a chance to go through yet.

4. Finish at least TWO of my current larger wips.

5. Make both girls Christmas stockings this year (and hopefully finish ones for my husband and I as well)

My goal for July though is to finish up a TON of baby gifts I have to make for friends! Most have to be done by August 1st because that's when the Mom's group that I'm a part of is having a baby shower for several us that are expecting! Here's THAT list! If you're a fan of FreshStitches, you'll be a fan of this list ;)

1. Stretch the Giraffe
2. Vera the Ladybug
3. Kepler the Lion
4. M. Richard the Whale
5. Jonathan the Bumblebee
6. Nelson the Owl

Just a short and sweet update of my list this week! I'll have plenty of finished baby gifts to show off next week! :)

YoP Round 2 Update: 9/11/12

So I decided to join in the 1 Million Rows Challenge (thanks to whoever blogged about it recently, speak up if you did because I'm drawing a blank!).

The way I see it, I'm using stash yarn for my Year of Projects list and that's one of the premises in the challenge so why not kill two birds with one stone! I'm also curious as to how long it will actually take me to do 1 million. This is my counter:




Don't worry, it won't say ZERO for long, I just created it 5 minutes ago!

I figure we leave for vacation soon and that'll be 14 hours in the car up and then another 14 when we come back plus a side trip day that will be 4 hours so with 30+hours in the car I'm curious as to what I can get done!

I did decide to add to my list since my amigurumi portion of my list is going to be complete very, very shortly!

I added a home category:

I bought some Dishie from KnitPicks and had every intention of making washcloths to keep in the kitchen for my toddler daughter to use. That was a couple months ago so they're being added to the list for motivation!

Also going to work up some new placemats, throw pillows and a few motifs that I'd like to work up, block, stiffen and just frame individually for wall art :)

Sorry for the lack of pictures, it's been a crazy week! I did get started on the two cowls off my list that will be traveling with me!

YoP Round 2: 8/12/12 Update

So now that the Ravellenics are coming to a close (Yes, that's why I was quiet last week), I've got some FO's relating to my YoP page to show off! My Paintbox Frog was put on hold over the games so I'll be back to him shortly but until then, enjoy these!

My Ruffles & Buttons Cowl, designed by Lisa Gentry

M. Richard the Whale, designed by Stacey Trock, available free here

Frankie the Lobster, designed by Stacey Trock
This pattern was available FREE in the amigurumi calendar on crochetme.com from Aug 1-7. I was waiting and waiting and waiting for what seemed like forever and snatched it up as soon as it was available! You can still grab the remaining patterns during the first week of each month but you can also buy the calendar if you missed the previous ones.

Finally, my most prized amigurumi so far on my list:

Petey the Pufferfish, designed by ME!! That's right, I cracked and started dipping into designing :)
He's too cute to leave my house though so this one won't be sold or gifted. Kind of like people who frame their first dollar they make when they start a business? He's the first of his kind in my designer world!

YoP Rnd 2: 7/29/12 update

Yes, yes, I know...I failed when it came to posting last week. We were out of state at a wedding and when I came back I was so focused on getting my Ravellenic Games materials/patterns together, it completely slipped my mind!

Still working on my Paintbox Frog but it likely won't be finished until after the Games.

I did decide to incorporate a book into my list this year so I could explore more into the knitting world than I have in the past being that I'm primarily a crocheter.

Working my way through "The Knitter's Life List" one chapter at a time.

I absolutely love some of the quotes thrown in,

"It might seem that one would need more than one lifetime to explore all the many intriguing patterns, luscious yarns, and various stitch combinations, to say nothing of going to all the yarn festivals and inviting yarn stores and knitting retreats that are so tempting. But won't it be an adventure to try!"

In the first chapter, they discuss the "Top Picks" in techniques to learn, garments to make, specific patterns, yarns to use and other fiber loves. I will say some of the "top" choices surprised me when compared to what I personally would rather learn. Somehow cables are at the top of the techniques where as fixing mistakes is at the bottom? Weird.

The "Yarn Life List" is next up for me to read. I think that chapter needs a "touch and feel" section included ;)

So yes, not a lot of project progress this week but next week I should have a few FO's to share (I think) because I worked some of my YoP list into my goals for the Games :)

I'll leave you with a picture of my Kool-Aid dyed yarn that I worked on yesterday. First time I've ever done it and have to say a) I'm hooked and b) I'm proud of my first attempt!

YoP Rnd 2: Week 3 Update!

So this week for my YoP update I have another FO and a WiP! :)

I finished up my first dragon from the Choose Your Own Dragon Adventure. There is still a debate in my house as to what kind, if any, horns he may or may not be getting at some point but here he is!

Showing off her wings, ears and arrow tail

I'm just now realizing that both of those pictures have a convenient baby sized finger print on the lens in the same spot...argh! Will have to give the lens a good cleaning!

As for my WiP this week, I started the Paintbox Frog from Classic Elite's Quick Knits book. The frog is originally done in seed stitch but a) I have a bad attention span with turning seed stitch into accidental ribbing (especially with increases and decreases involved) and b) I'm not really all that much of a fan of seed stitch's look so I just went with regular stockinette stitch on it.

Obviously nothing has been blocked so hopefully you weren't looking for a "pretty" picture on this one!

So yes my friends, if you can believe it, that pile will become a cute, cuddly frog shortly. I promise!

Year of Projects - Round 2!

Today marks the beginning of the second round of Year of Projects and this year (like most) I've been smarter about my list and maybe not quite as ambitious as last year.

Last year when it was time to compile a list, I was going on 9 months pregnant, just finished up at my job so I had a full month before baby to just craft and relax. Of course the amount of time I had on my hands made me feel like "Oh sure, I can get all of this done"...and several months later it turned into "What was I thinking?"

So without further ado, my 2012-13 Year of Projects list!


It's time for the 2012/13 YoP lists, so here's mine! I'm using this page as more of a "worksheet" this year. I have categories for things and the specific items will fill in as they are decided upon and finished if that makes sense.

At least ONE amigurumi per month

I ADORE making amigurumi and in particular I'm oh so fond of Stacey Trock (www.freshstitches.com). I'm constantly making my daughter (and myself) animals and monsters from her patterns! Most of what goes in this category for year of projects will likely be things from her patterns but I do have a few others that I'd like to do as well.

Read one chapter of my Knitter's Life List book

Having been mostly a crocheter, I'm still learning the ropes when it comes to learning some things about knitting and I 'm really interested in this book. My husband got it for me for my birthday at the beginning of June and I never have time to sit down and actually read it and take it in. I decided to dedicate one of my Year of Projects goals to focusing on various chapters of it.

Make at least 6 accessories from the Classic Elite Quick Knits Book

This one sort of goes hand in hand with the previous goal. I bought this book as a way to try out some new skills when it comes to knitting so 6 accessories is more than enough for me to aim for here. I haven't quite picked out specifics but I'll get there!

Make at least one crochet/knit cowl from Lisa Gentry's new books (EDIT: This is going to be per month so 12 total)

Another one of the many designers I'm fond of :). Her new cowl books just came out and I can't get enough of them! I'm already on a cowl kick as it is! One is knit and the other book is crochet, each having 10 patterns in it! Check them out, oh so beautiful!

_____________________________________________________

Just like last year, I made a tab at top of my blog entitled, "Year of Project" where I can easily go in and edit my progress. I've decided to go with the above category kind of theme this year instead of being so so specific in the patterns I want to do so my progress page is more like a worksheet. It has each category from above and a numbered list. That list will be filled in as the year progresses and as projects are finished. It seemed like the best fit for me this year organization wise.

I'm so happy to be back in the saddle for Year of Projects and feeling much more confident about it this year!

Knitting & Crochet Blog Week Day 6

Day Six - Saturday 28th April, 2012

Improving Your Skillset
How far down the road to learning your craft do you believe yourself to be? Are you comfortable with what you know or are you always striving to learn new skills and add to your knowledge base? Take a look at a few knitting or crochet books and have a look at some of the skills mentioned in the patterns. Can you start your amigurumi pieces with a magic circle, have you ever tried double knitting, how's your intarsia? If you are feeling brave, make a list of some of the skills which you have not yet tried but would like to have a go at, and perhaps even set yourself a deadline of when you'd like to have tried them by.

I'm going to keep today's post a simple list (mostly so I can bookmark it and reference it for myself later):

Since crochet is my main focus, here's a list of skills I'd like to master. Some of which I've briefly tried but not enough that I don't have to reference a book to do them again or to the extent I'd actually design something using them.

1. Tunisian
2. Broomstick Lace
3. Hairpin Lace
4. Entrelac
5. Learn new stitches
1. This is probably the only thing I want to attach a date too. I really want to start swatching blocks to learn new stitches. Maybe learn at least 2 per month based on the amount of time I actually have to do it.

So my crochet list is fairly short because I am pretty confident in taking on any WELL WRITTEN crochet pattern. Usually there's not a crochet pattern that will intimidate me at all :)

And then here's my sundry list of things on the knitting side that I'd like to try. Keep in mind I'm a pretty novice knitter. I've done it for years and can figure things out in patterns but the extent of what I make isn't all that complicated.

1. Successful colorwork in an item
2. Master double pointed needles (this includes socks and hexi-puffs)
3. Really sit down with my knitting books and absorb all the goodness in them
4. The easiest way to put any of these in the list is that I'd love to work through "The Knitter's Life List"

For those of you familiar with the "Year of Projects" I think sections out of her will make up my list for the second round of "Year of Projects" :) Just to force myself to sit down and really improve my knitting skills!

Maybe I'll tag this post as a "Year of Projects" post so that I'll remember to snag the idea when the time comes!

YoP #9

I've been few and far between in the blogging world the past week and a half due to all the holiday madness but I'm back! I know I did a recap of my list last week and I do have a FO to share. That lovely ballet camisole I've been working on? I finished it about a week ago! Here it is!

Yes I have purple lounge pants on, oh well?

I still plan to embellish it with some fabric designs cut with my new Cricut but I need to go get myself the Toolkit for the Cricut first!

One of the Rav groups I'm in is doing a contest for the month of January using our choice of Lisa Gentry scarf patterns. I already had the Sensational Lacy Scarf on my YoP list so hopefully that'll hop on my hook this week!

YoP #8

Going to keep the update short and sweet this week with it being the holidays!

Finished up my Snowflake throw if you didn't see it the other day. Here's a quick shot of it!

And the picture below is the one I mentioned Friday where I posted it and now all of a sudden I have three more of these to make!! Yikes!

 

I did some small revisions to my list based on some things (and patterns) that have come up. Here's the rundown as it stands:


Small Projects: (4 of 7 completed)
1. Granny Square Cowl - Make with stash odds and ends for lots of color (COMPLETED 11.9.11)
2. Divine Hat - Moda Dea Eclipse in stash (COMPLETED November 2011)
3. City Girl Cap - Vanna's Choice in stash
4. Sensational Lacy Scarf - Crochet Thread in stash in several different colors
5. Lace Fingerless Mitts - Patons Stretch Socks in stash
6. Crochet Button Slippers - Green/Yellow boucle in stash (COMPLETE December 2011 but haven't shared the final yet)
7. Crochet Mile a Minute Scarf - Simply Soft Ombres in stash (COMPLETED Dec 2011 but haven't shared the final yet)

CALs (done by end of 2011): (3 of 3 completed)
1. Chevron Lace Cardi (COMPLETED 10.23.2011)
2. Snowflakes Throw (COMPLETED Dec 2011)
3. Vortex Throw (COMPLETED Dec 2011)

Crochet: (0/6 completed)
1. Pinecone Top
2. Lacy Cropped Cardi
3. Custom Tank Version #1
4. Cap Sleeve Top (in progress)
5. Custom Tank Version #2
6. South Bay Shawlette

Knit: (1/7 completed)
1. Clapotis (next to be cast on as soon as I'm caught up on a few things)
2. Ballet Camisole (in progress and flying along swimmingly!)
3. Peacock Shawlette
4. Sagrantino Shawl
5. Haruni
6. Saroyan (COMPLETED Nov 2011)
7. Walnut Grove

The top of my list looks great, the bottom not so much. The ballet camisole is nearly finished and I'm hoping to get it off the needles soon so that I can join in on a Walnut Grove KAL that starts Jan. 1 and runs through Feb. 14 so that'll get me another completed and another started. The crochet part of the list doesn't bother me as I crochet fast so really I was making sure I get the knitting out of the way and/or started first.

Hope everyone's having a fantastic holiday!

YoP #7

In case you missed it, I did manage to finish one blanket this week, my Vortex! Little one has been enjoying its swirly goodness as she rolls around on the floor :)

I didn't share a progress picture of my ballet camisole last week so here's an update!

I have two more inches to go on the body before I start the upper back and front so not much longer! I ended up making a lot of progress on it this week because I decided after I finished my Vortex Wednesday I'd take a good few days and just focus on this.

This week's goal is finishing up that snowflake throw that has one more row to be attached! It should take me no time at all so those two blankets will be finished and I'll be able to start my next two blankets.

Once I finish the snowflakes, I can start something else off my YoP list (or catch up on my cap sleeve top which I should do).

One is a ripple blanket for our queen size bed and the other will be my blanket I'm doing along with the Crochet Block A Month group so it'll be this time next year before I share those :-P.

YoP #6

More progress than I thought this past week and hopefully EVEN more on the two blankets this upcoming week!

Made it through quite a few more rows of my Ballet Camisole but no picture this week because that way next week's picture will make the project look that much bigger ;) It has very much become my evening knitting with some hot chocolate. I'm such a kid, not much of a coffee drinker and have to be in the mood for tea but I never turn down hot chocolate! I do need to make my mug a cozy but I hate covering up the Mickey Mouse ears!

I did finish off the 3rd Vortex square and started the fourth one a few days ago.

4th square in progress!

Three squares patiently waiting to be put all together

Ended up doing my button slippers in a red Soft Yarn as the boucle wasn't co-operating much when it came to crocheting so I'll have to see about a small knitting project for those skeins. Someone disappointed but I still love my red slippers! I'm saving the full reveal for Friday!

Today is my day to work on snowflakes so obviously I don't have an update picture. Honestly I'm hoping my next update picture is that it's finished. Nothing like being SO close to finished on two bigger projects that I can't make myself sit down and just finish one!

OH! And before I forget, I for the life of me cannot decide which shawl to use my Caron Simply Soft Light in black on so on my blog's homepage (on the lefthand side) is a poll. Pop in your vote and help me decide! If you vote "Other" make sure to leave a comment with your suggestion here

YoP #5 - Not the update I had hoped for

First off, Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow U.S. friends. I was up at my in-laws for most of the week and missed out on blogging (and missed out on making much progress but more about that in a paragraph or two). I was quite bummed that usually I'm just about finished my Christmas gift shopping/making by Thanksgiving but that was before kids. This year, it was Thanksgiving and I had barely started but that has since been remedied!

Well, first off let's start with this news about my YoP list: I finished my Saroyan and I'm in love with it! I was hoping to have it blocked before I left for the in-laws house but it wasn't quite dry so it had to stay at home but was a nice surprise for me to come back to yesterday!

Isn't it lovely? Honestly I'm tempted to make another because of how quick it was!

Now, for the tragedy of the week. Remember my Peacock Shawlette that I was so excited about? This one with the unique colors in it?

Well, about 40 some odd rows in I decided it'd be a nice project to take with me to work on over Thanksgiving holiday. Apparently I was wrong. I happily took it out of my bag and began knitting away when several rows later I noticed that there were several random stitches added and a few stitches dropped as I went along. Long story short, the rows that aren't pattern rows are to be purled and it appears I took out the project thinking I was on a purl row when I wasn't so I purled two rows straight and then on one of the following pattern rows I somehow didn't follow the pattern very well (this is why I don't knit and talk, I should know better at this point).

Without a lifeline anywhere and me being quite rookie on fixing my own knitting mistakes AND knowing that I have started and restarted this thing at least 4-5 times, I decided that I was going to have to forfeit the project, frog and save it for another time. I'm not taking it off my list because it was my own stupidity that caused on the confusion and I do want to complete it, I just don't think the holidays are a good time for me to do my first knit lace shawl. It was rather sad to unravel it all :( but I'm optimistic about the next time I start it.

Poor yarn looks so sad now.

I think I'm going to cast on my Summit Shawl or Ballet Camisole this week. Eventually I'll cast on both and work simultaneously as I think the Ballet Camisole is a prety repetitive pattern so I'll need some variety going too.

Next time I'll know to listen to myself and take the simple project to work on while I talk. If I had done that, my 3rd vortex square would be complete instead of behind! Darn holiday madness kicking in!

YoP #4

I guess there's good news and bad news to this post. The good news being I've been productive on my Saroyan, the bad news being that's ALL I've been productive with off my list this week. I've officially been invaded by outside projects which is keeping me from my list! I did finish my Granny Cowl that I posted in this past week's FO Friday!

I finished the first increase section and am working on the fourth or ten leaves on the middle before doing the last six leaf decrease. My guess is that this will be done fairly quickly but once again, we'll see how those non-list projects take over my life :-P.

The fourth row on the snowflake throw is finished but I won't bore you with another repetitive picture of more snowflakes. Two rows to go so that is moving at a good pace too!

GOALS FOR THIS UPCOMING WEEK:

* Must do more rounds on the Vortex throw to ensure my third square is finished by the end of November. I've only completed 9 of 22 rounds, yikes!

* More work on the Saroyan/Peacock Shawlette

* Get going on items for the upcoming craft show Dec. 1st or 6th (the date hasn't been finalized yet)

* Complete a baby gift for a friend we're seeing over the Thanksgiving holiday

*Row number FIVE on the snowflake throw

*Finish something on my "quick project" list which really should only take an hour or two

On top of all the crafty-ness I really do need to clean the house so it'll be an interesting week. I'm hoping for long naps from the little one to help me out! I figure if I can get some non-YoP things done during the day with the cleaning, then the evening is mine to work on YoP things!

Sorry there's no exciting pictures this week, I do already have at least one FO for FO Friday this week, hoping for two!

YoP #3 / Squee Sunday #2

Not sure that I'll have time to do separate Year of Project and Squee Sunday posts today so I cheated and tacked my Squee Sunday onto the bottom of this post instead :).

I've been busy busy knitting away on my Peacock Shawlette and haven't had to rip it out again yet *crosses fingers*. Let's hope at 26 rows in, we're good to go (but probably good for me to start stringing in some life lines in case I have to frog anything else).

Also decided I couldn't hold off and had to start my Saroyan this week! Loving this pattern so far, it goes so quick!

I think the pattern shows up best in a solid color but I really like this yarn and it's so soft that I can't resist! I'll probably make another in a solid to show off the pattern better.

It doesn't seem like much yet but I also started the first few rows on my Cap Sleeve Top. I'll have to get a better picture of the yarn because it looks grey in this one and it's not! It's Bernat Baby Stretch in a medium purple color, very pretty. I hate when pictures don't do the yarn justice!

My snowflake count on my throw is at 21/42 (counting large motifs only, not fillers). Looks like this will be finished by Thanksgiving!

Yes, there's one filler motif I have to put in at the bottom left but I had to take the updated picture for today's post.

YoP-wise, I think that's my progress for the week. Two starts and two continuing WIPs so four projects total off my list in progress right now, not too bad! I guess there's really five since my Vortex Throw is on there but the only progress on that was the first several rounds of the third square so no pictures I haven't already posted.

Don't forget to click the link above and read about others' squees too!!

My Squee for this week? Little One, who was previously accidentally getting her thumb in her mouth, can now purposely get it in her mouth! We thought it was the usual accident until she pulled it out and promptly put it back in. Can't believe she'll be 3 months on Monday already! Time is flying!

YoP #2

So I completed my Chevron Lace Cardi and shared it in a FO Friday post on here (thus I won't repost it, don't worry) and I made more progress on my snowflakes throw this week. Being that it was snowing outside was the perfect motivation to do another row on it. It goes surprisingly quick since it's join as you go.

I do have a somewhat dilemma though. I'm dying to continue my Betty's Tunisian Tee because I love the pattern so far, love the way the final product looks, however I don't think I'm too keen on the yarn I'm dong it with. I'm using Caron Simply Soft which is fine but being that it's Tunisian, it's a little thicker. I've decided I think I'm going to frog it, use the Simply Soft with some other skeins I have for a blanket or throw and save the Tunisian Tee for some yarn that I find when I go to Maryland Sheep & Wool next May :). Therefore, I'm replacing it on my list with a Saroyan. I have a yarn I'm very much looking forward to making this with. To me, the colors in it just seem like nature-ish colors with the red being a nice contrast as well.

I feel like I'm lacking pictures this week because the peacock shawlette had to be frogged and started over (it's looking lovely this time around so far), and for whatever reason I couldn't find the motivation to do my ONE remaining fingerless mitt. It was just an off week apparently.

Peacock shawlette is about 8 rows in (many to go) and the Snowflake throw is through two rows now (4 more to go!). Ideally the throw should be done in three weeks which will be perfect time for me to start a new project and work on it in the car over Thanksgiving!

I am starting my 3rd square for my Vortex throw this week so that'll be interesting to see how the colors start working up there!

Overall:

CALs (done by end of 2011):
1. Chevron Lace Cardi (completed 10.23.2011)
2. Betty's Tunisian Tee (frogged and replaced) Saroyan
3. Snowflakes Throw (in progress, 2/6 rows done, 3rd row in progress)
4. Vortex Throw (in progress, 2 squares done, 2 to go)

Crochet:
1. Pinecone Top
2. Lacy Cropped Cardi
3. Custom Tank Version #1
4. Cap Sleeve Top
5. Custom Tank Version #2
6. South Bay Shawlette

Knit:
1. Clapotis
2. Ballet Camisole
3. Peacock Shawlette (in progress)
4. Sagrantino Shawl
5. Summit Shawl

Now I somehow need someone to tell me to STOP adding things to my list :-P. At least everything listed already has yarn assigned to it that's in my house already (no more needs to be purchased).

Speaking of adding though, I am thinking about a few small things to have nice little FO for the week's update instead of the "Um, I did another row of snowflakes on my blanket?" posts. Have to keep it new and refreshing! So I think for every large project I have up there, I'm going to look into my queue and bookmarks for smaller filler projects to feel more productive (and add to my "when I need a quick gift") stash.

What are your favorite small, quick projects? I've seen plenty on others' YoP lists!

Year of Projects!

Being that I wasn't able to join this back on July 1st, I figured now would be just as good a time as any! I've joined in on the Year of Projects group on Rav to complete my list of projects by June 30th of next year. I had already lined up a list for myself when this had started and then began blogging again so here goes!

I'm more of a crocheter than I am a knitter so I have my main list of crochet items but them sort of a mini list of "I'd love to knit these but may throw the needles across the room in frustration before they're completed". Also known as, I'm a slow and still learning knitter but I'm hopeful. Plus, I've got four in-progress CALs that I'm determined to finish by the end of the current year:

CALs (done by end of 2011):
1. Chevron Lace Cardi (completed 10.23.2011)
2. Betty's Tunisian Tee (in progress)
3. Snowflakes Throw (in progress)
4. Vortex Throw (in progress)

Crochet:
1. Pinecone Top
2. Lacy Cropped Cardi
3. Custom Tank Version #1
4. Cap Sleeve Top
5. Custom Tank Version #2
6. South Bay Shawlette

Knit:
1. Clapotis
2. Ballet Camisole
3. Peacock Shawlette (in progress)
4. Sagrantino Shawl

Lots and lots of garments of course! 16 projects in 8 months? Helllooo at least 2 projects per month, ideally. We'll see! Update coming later tonight or tomorrow on my Chevron Lace Cardi that I went on a random streak with and will most likely be done tonight or tomorrow! Can't wait!