Resolved not to stress out in December . . .

I am gift knitting throughout 2008. In addition, I plan on knitting for myself. Last year I learned to knit socks and not one pair was for me. Sockamania has a beautiful pattern this month called "New Years Socks" which I plan on knitting with gorgeous red yarn purchased for me in China. My goal is to have them ready for Chinese New Year (February 7). Must finish second sock of a pair in progress before I will allow myself to cast on for these.

I'm so excited!!!

My LYS is hosting Lily Chin this weekend. I've loved her patterns for as many years as I've been knitting. I was lucky enough to get a spot in her three-hour class on Reverse Cables. A couple years ago I bought the Reverse Cable Afghan pattern - but was intimidated by it after reading through the instructions. Perhaps I'll gain confidence to tackle this project after her class.

Maisy . . . Maisy . . .

I finished my first Maizy sock this weekend while watching Maisie the Mouse with the kids. Will start the second sock as I begin reading the second Maisie Dobbs mystery. Better work quickly on that sock, because I really enjoyed the first book (initial read/knit with WhoDuKnit) and breezed through it.

The backordered item arrived on Saturday and on Monday the Trick or Treat box went to my pal. It was so much fun gathering up goodies for her. I look forward to future WhoDuKnit swaps. This group makes the reading and knitting fun. I'm so glad I stumbled upon them during my internet surfing.

Progress - Slow but Sure

I finished the Pumpkin Hat for DD2. (She wants to dress as a pumpkin for Halloween.) Finished the second sock for Alicia, I think she will love the bright stripes. Hope to complete the first Maizy sock for Brisley and the Cardinal Hat for DD1 (she wants to dress as a cardinal) this weekend. Next week I can focus on the second sock for FuBaba and the second Maizy sock.

My WhoDuKnit "Trick or Treat Swap" box is ready to go . . . except one item is backordered and I am waiting impatiently for it to arrive. This is my first swap and I am like a little kid, antsy with excitement to see if my pal likes my gift!

It's the first day of autumn . . .

a beautiful day! Last week I made progress on my Simply Splendid Sock #1 (k2, p2 ribbing) - worked the heel flap three times before I was satisfied with it. Have also worked SSS #2 (stockinette) to the heel flap. This week I'm going to have to really focus to meet the September 30 deadline for the 4Socks-a-Season KAL. The first Maizy sock will have to get my attention too! Since SSS#1 needs to be at the toe decrease by Tuesday's class (and I'm trying to keep SSS #2 on track with the first) I might actually have four completed socks by next Sunday.

My New Blog

This blog has been a work in process. The blog has been updated a little at a time as I learn how to customize it.

As I checked out blogs, it has been fun to see what others are creating on their needles. I've gotten a good kick in the pants to complete projects and take on new challenges . . . just by checking in on the KAL's I've joined.

The WhoDuKnit has been fun this past month. I am leisurely reading a previous month's selection, Maisie Dobbs, while knitting a pair of "Maizy Ruffled Socks" for my niece.

In August I completed my first sock. That month I joined the 4 Socks a Season KAL to keep me on track for my Christmas knitting. I am taking a sock class at my LYS this month. The buddy to my first sock looks better than the initial sock. Hopefully they will look similar after blocking. Then there is the Maizy Ruffled Sock which has been fun. September Goal: to complete four socks for the summer sock knitting with 4 Socks.

Obsessive person that I am, I also signed up for the Minimalist Cardigan KAL. I've swatched for gauge and started it. Progress is slow since the sock class has been my focus.

After I finish the class socks I need to get started on the Jigsaw sock . . . yes, I joined that KAL too! (But these FO will be a twofer - Jigsaw Socks & 4 Socks A Season)