On the Needles

My knitting obsession started when Judy L. at the Patchwork Times, generally a quilting site, kept posting pictures of her socks.  These were some of the coolest socks.  As I had learned how to knit as a child (and hated every minute of it) I knew that at some point I would attempt my own pair of socks.  The time came when I was off to help my dad recover from hip surgery.  A quilting project was much bigger than I wanted.  A couple books checked out from the library followed by a stop at a yarn store and I left for my journey home.  A few dishcloths were made the first couple days.  After I was sure I could knit & purl, the socks were started.  When it was time to "turn the heel" I found our local library had a knitting group.  Now a regular member, MJJR also enjoys going to the group and working on her homework while we visit and knit.  In the last 2 1/2 years: 4 pairs of socks, a tank top, boot liners and a winter outer cowl (which I promptly lost) have been completed.
This project, Clapotis, was started on March 12th.  My gauge is off just a bit and it isn't as wide as I had hoped.  Maybe an edging is needed.  Currently three more dropped stitch repeats were added past the pattern requirements.  It is supposed to measure 21" x 55".

  Lola is making the trip home from college for the weekend.  MJJR has a last minute basketball tournament out of town.  DH…working. : (   Lola is home for good at the beginning of next month.  Yeah!  She doesn't really come home to see us….the boyfriend is also home from college for the weekend.
Come back and check out the results of the fabric dyeing class from last week.  Also stop over to Patchwork Times and see what others have on their needles.
Just Another Quilter

Knitted Project

My knitted projects don't always turn out quite as I expect.  As a beginning knitter and a lifetime crafter, I often take on projects that are beyond my experience.  Last week, I learned my purl stitches were created wrong—oops. Sometimes it doesn't matter, sometimes it does.  Consistently is often more important that right.  This does make a difference for stretch and drape of a project though.
Has it been cold and snowy this year?  YES! I love the snow.  My favorite exercise of all time is snow blowing.  I love working up a good sweat and watching more snow come down.  The fresh snow is a lovely sight.  A few animal tracks through the snow is even better.  Usually that means more snow needs to come down to keep me happy.  Happiness is this winter.  It's snowing again now!  Already hit my driveway today, worked on the neighbors too!
So back to the knitting project—something was needed to keep me warm out in the snow.  The old scarf would get loose sometimes and stopping was necessary to get everything all tucked in.  This Burberry Inspired Cowl is working great.
The project only took 2 days and that's after a doing some ripping.  Some alterations to the pattern were made to decrease the size and work with the bulkier yarn and larger needle size. 
This project has to date been my most successful!  Another pair of socks went on the needles last night. (My other socks are slightly tight, hope these are better.) These small projects are great for the car.  DH drives to most of MJJR's away games.  MJJR has 2 games left in conference play.  One games is a reschedule of the reschedule.  Snow!
Keep those fingers busy,
Just Another Quilter