Finally, a new post!

For a while there, I really wasn't knitting anything adventurous. Then, I just got out of the habit of blogging about what I am doing. But lately, I have taken on some new knitting adventures, so it is time to post again.

One new adventure I set for myself involved converting a pattern for a baby bunting that was written to be knitted in pieces and joined by seaming into a nearly-seamless pattern. This was very complicated. I managed to do it, but I am not sure I would do it again. I certainly would not for such a complexly-shaped piece.

Another new adventure was knitting a project I designed myself: baby boots. That went very well, and I am considering making the design available on Ravelry.

And, the adventure in which I am currently immersed (mired?) is knitting a sweater for my husband, on size 3 (very small) needles. This could take a while. If I'm lucky, I'll finish it by his birthday in January. Wish me luck!

Sweater accomplished

I've done it! Finished my first project that I designed myself, the celtic cross sweater for my dad. I'm very pleased with how it turned out. The picture above doesn't show the cross to its best effect, but it does prove that I have in fact finished it!

Having a new project I am so excited about really gave me the kick in the behind that I needed to finish this one, when the stockinette got too tedious. Otherwise, it might have taken until Dad's birthday (in November)!

Now I need to decide what to do with the design. I am considering posting it on Ravelry and debating with myself whether to charge for it or make it free. I've checked, and there are no similar patterns for sweaters on Ravelry. It took a significant amount of time and effort to create the design, and it seems to me that it deserves the respect of being paid for. On the other hand, as a pattern-buyer, I'm not sure I would want to buy a pattern that includes only one size. I think I may compensate for that by offering my suggestions in the pattern itself and email support for needs above and beyond that.

Well, that can wait. Time to start on that cashmere wrap...

Frogging frustrations and new adventures

I had never before had to frog an entire project. Now, I've done so with two projects. Both because of failure to make a gauge swatch. The pair of lovely cabled socks I had started on wouldn't fit over my heels, so I had to frog them.

Last time I wrote, I swore I wouldn't change my ways and start making gauge swatches because of a single frogged project. Now that it's happened twice in a row, even such a stubborn fool as I can eat my words.

I have started on a new project, and my most ambitious adventure yet. I am writing my own pattern for a sweater, with a cabled celtic cross design. And, in an even bolder move, I have announced my intention to make this sweater for my father, and let him have a say in the yarn.

Taking Dad to the knit shop was fun. He was a little overwhelmed, but I guided him toward appropriate choices, and let him fondle a few skeins. Mostly, he just pointed out the colors he liked, and left the final choice to me.

This is by far the largest yarn purchase I have ever made. I hope it lives up to my expectations, and my father's!