WHY, THANKS FOR ASKING!

Many Gentle Knitters had been graciously offering encouragement to me as I struggled to complete Mike's Christmas sweater on time. Some have written to inquire about it's progress. I know Knitters are generally compassionate by nature, so it is without too much shame that I present this status report.

Shoulders seamed, and steadily knitting away on the bands. I'm nearly ready to place these stitches on scrap yarn in order to check the accuracy of my band stitches. I've been using the Ann Budd Sweater Pattern book as my guide, so all's well so far. Then onto the sleeves.

Yes, I know, this sweater needs closure.

What I've knitted when not knitting the sweater......

I designed this bib for a new baby in the family. I was inspired to try the feather and fan stitch after seeing the nice way Rainy used color and stitch pattern in her pattern submission to the 2008 Dish Cloth Hang Ups Calendar. Of course, since babies slobber, this is a totally impractical bib, given feather and fan is a lace-like pattern, but I thought it made a nice fashion statement any way! I'll post the pattern if anyone is interested.

By the way, I ordered the hard copy of the calendar and it is worth every penny! Lots of great stuff in there by very talented knitters!

Charity knitting for my Knitting Ministry group continues. I'm getting some of the mitered square bug out of my system by knitting a masculine-type lapghan out of 9 inch squares.

I calculated that 4 across and 4 down (16 total) with a nice garter stitch border should give me a decent size lap throw. You can find the basic pattern here. It's a nice take-along project, since the sweater is much too big these days to travel. Ahem.


I always wanted to knit one of these. A nice lady at my church has a little girl who turns one year old in a few weeks, so this will fit nicely. Find this pattern here. It's with DK instead of worsted, but the size is still ample. You can even knit a newborn version.

More Knitting Ministry work....

This time for a baby. We all like knitting these baby hats, don't we? Get the basic pattern here and make your own easy adjustments.

Didn't want to forget to mention that I was a contest winner again! Read my winning entry about "Why I Knit" at Christy B's blog. Received two lovely plummy skeins of Silky Wool. Thanks, Christy!


I've been fortunate to have made a long distance knitting pal, Maggie, from participating in the 2005 Ample Knitters Secret Pal Exchange. Six months of spoiling from her! Well, after all these years we still are in touch with each other weekly, though we have never met face to face! Maggie, daaaaaaarling, get a blog, already!!!
Anyway, whipped up a little something for her before Christmas. La Petite Sweet Sweater knit with Christmasy Sugar and Cream cotton from the stash. Technically, at the time I was still knitting a sweater. Just not my husband's.

Maggie included me in her Christmas knitting!
Look at these adorable felted teapot coasters she made for me! Way to go, Mags!!!! Love 'em!

I may have mentioned I teach a few knitting classes during the year at our local community college. This is my sample of the neck warmer project some of my workshop students worked on in November.

Made up of several sections of different stitch patterns. That way they could practice different stitches and have something nice to wear. I used a natural wool I found in the sale bin from Shadyside Farm at Stitches this year. It was nice to see this pattern knit by others in different yarns.

Last minute hat for a lady in my Knitting Ministry.

Knit with 2 strands Baby Soft in a pretty coral color.

The thing I am most proud of is this:
My son, Shaun, finished his first hand knit scarf and presented it to his little friend. And promptly retired from his short lived knitting career.


Happy knitting in the new year!