Hello 2 Thousand 9!

As a way to stay on track this year, starting this blog should keep me disciplined and determined. I want to accomplish many good things. This is a photo of the first smocking I did, way back in 1991, for my niece Salina. It was fun and turned out beautiful and I should have made a dozen!

I'm making a second one, the sleeves still have to be added. The colors are the same as in the original.

Spring Knitting

The pattern for the socks I'm knitting is 'Embossed Leaves' and it will be my first attempt at lace work.  The yarn, 'Navajo' from Sunshine Yarns, has lovely colors and a substantial feel to it.  The pattern uses size 2 needles, but I'm using size 1 in case my knitting is a little loose.

The second Striped Blanket used up a lot of stash and passed the time.  I like the section with the colors in the photo below.

The Hermione Everyday socks are done, unblocked in the photo.  The two skeins were so different, even though the lot numbers matched.  If I make them again, I'll use a heavier yarn.

Knitting thru March

The Retro Rib socks are done.  I watched a video over and over to learn the Kitchener stitch to close the toes.  Now, it's easy.  I was totally lost at first!
The yarn was wonderful to work with, definitely a new favorite.
And there's been more color added to the blanket, but I still love the blue & yellow the best. 

Retro Rib

Started a pair of Retro Rib socks in Mountain Colors Crazyfoot yarn in Cedar.  It's 90% merino, 10% nylon.  I like the colors.

And I've started another striped blanket, using up my stash of wool, using up little remainders of yarn.  No plan, just knitting.  The light blue and pale yellow is a sweet combo.  The black and yellow-orange is very 'bee'.

Blanket wrap-up

These pictures show the colors accurately.   

Blanket Part 5

Although it seemed like a good idea at the time, I removed the lime stripe (Cascade 220 wool, 'Citron') as soon as it was completed.

 

The "knit 2 together, yarn over" detail on the sides is nice.

There are only a few more rows till it's done.  The grey marle is a perfect neutral to alternate between the nine color stripes.

Blanket Part 4

I've knit up to the royal blue stripe at the top, and am thinking of removing the red and denim stripes at the bottom, and restricting the color palette to blue/green/purple.  It's going to be 37" long when I complete the blue stripe.