New Year's Resolutions!!

I just read my knitty galpal's blog, Susie, aka KnittingKnoobie, about New Year's Resolutions and, boy, do we have a LOT in common!

I had two projects on my list a year ago...I only half finished my Norwegian Selbu Mittens. They always seemed to small but I found out that I love colorwork! .I've pulled theses mittens out to work on over the holiday break but alas! that was as fas it went. I also have a very minimally completed Beatnik sweater...did I not like the yarn or is it too warm in Atlanta? So...with these projects still in the works, I am going to make a few knitty resolutions of my own for 2012.

First, I am really going to try to stashbust!I have enough yarn to last me for a while so I certainly don't need to buy too much yarn this year!  When we get home, I'm going to design a counter of some sort...naughty vs. nice  so to speak. I'll put in on the sidebar of my blog... something like, I delved into my stash (nice) - yarn browsing got the better of me (naughty)! :)

Next, I'm going to try to complete some lingering UFOs...those mittens, a sweater and a few pairs of socks are still on my needles.

I'd like to knit some more shawls and wraps this year. Sometimes, lace is difficult to knit because it requires so much attention and I revert to mindless (although enjoyable) knitting. Time to step it up a bit.

Lastly, I'd like to design some socks...and mittens...and shawls...and...well, you get the idea! Lots of ideas...not always lots of time!

What are your New Year's Resolutions? Share here!

Nutcracker Knitalong Update!

The Nutcracker performances are over and I'm still knitting gifts!!!  How's everyone fairing with their Holiday Gift Knitting?  Mine is coming along although I might not finish everything quite on time...That's what the 12 days of Christmas are for, right?

I've finished a few Irish Hiking Beanies...might have to try a few more since they are a superfast knit and I need a few "boy presents".  I've also got a stockpile of mittens and shawls in my knitting drawer to share with family members.

Right now, I am working on a Raha Scarf by Nancy Bush.  The pattern is in Knitted Lace of Estonia by Nancy Bush which would make a lovely gift for any knitter on your gift list.  This scarf is about 50% complete.  I'm using The Sanguine Gryphon Skinny Bugga Yarn in Starry NightCracker.




Raha Scarf

I've also completed a few Noro Striped Scarves. What an easy knit! Here's one that I've completed. I love the way the colorways worked out. I used two different Noro Silk Garden colorways; one with primarily brown/gray tones and the other with pink/blue/green shades.



KCMomof2 shared her knitted Christmas Tree Skirt.  Wow! I love this pattern and have added it to my queue:

Snowball Tree Skirt

So, what knitting gift projects have you completed?  Share here!



Irish Hiking Beanie!

Just in time for last minute, holiday gift knitting, the Irish Hiking Beanie is a quick and easy knit...in just a few hours and with less than one skein of yarn, you can have a hand knitted hat ready to wrap!   The Irish Hiking Beanie is, of course, a companion to the Irish Hiking Mittens and the Irish Hiking Mitts, all which were inspired by Adrian Bazilia's Irish Hiking Scarf.  The Irish Hiking Beanie pattern, which is available free on Ravelry includes written and charted instructions.  Using worsted-weight yarn will keep someone toasty warm in no time at all!

Let's Celebrate!!!!

Crimson Tide Socks - Free on Ravelry - Click Here!

By now, all of you must know that the University of Alabama's football team will be playing for the National Championship on January 9, 2012.  I've been following Alabama football all season, mostly because of these socks that I designed.  To celebrate, my Crimson Tide Sock Pattern is now available as a  FREE download on Ravelry!  I have to admit,  as I decorate for the holidays, I might try to knit another pair before the holidays because they almost have a peppermint look to me!