I'm back!!!!!

I can't believe it has been over a year since I posted any information. I have been busy travelling. I think I over extended myself--at the end of the 2008 year, I had three trips planned in the last six weeks!! Since then I have completed a number of projects--a red vest, purple sweater, several totes, and a pillow, I have started a number of other projects, including socks, another sweater, scarf, gloves. With the addition of Ravelry, Facebook and Twitter pages, I hardly have time to post to my blog. I don't even remember how to post the pictures!!!

Many new projects completed

Well, here it is January 21, 2008, and I have completed a number of projects since October. I have been busy trying to conquer a new diet. I think it is working because I have lost 30 lbs. I made a shawl for my daughter, Lisa, and completed my vest that ended up being a bit too big and needs a couple more buttonholes. Since I didn't figure this out until I was completely finished, trim and all, I am going to try adding them with my sewing machine! I also felted a pair of clogs, as well as pairs for Britney and Cassidie. I am still working on my Alaska yarn socks and just started another vest. I have yarn to complete four sweaters, but am waiting to receive a swift so I can wind the yarn.

Update

Wow. I can't believe I haven't entered any information since July. I have been on several trips--end of July to Tina's with Cassidie and to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon the end of August with my sister. I have started several more projects: socks with Tina's pattern ( I have completed one), socks with yarn I bought in Alaska (in progress), and a vest for me!!! I have finished one project--a pair of tennis socks. I found a pattern on line and used white Bernat Softee Baby yarn that I already had on hand. They came out great; nice and soft as well as cushiony.

Sock done with Tina's pattern; Sock knit with yarn from Alaska

Felted tote and purse

Since coming back from Alaska I felted my tote as well as knitted a purse and felted it. I am really pleased with the tote. The purse directions were a little confusing and I continued to rip out to try to fix my errors. I guess I got the stitch markers screwed up because one of the handles ended up toward the front of the bag and the flap ended up toward that messed up handle. Better luck next time. I plan to put a felted flower on the flap of the bag but haven't gotten to it yet.

Britney's Shrug and Halter

I was finally able to track Britney down and take a picture of her shrug and halter. I finished the shrug a while ago and knitted the halter in two days. Britney and I had seen the halter on Knitty Gritty and thought it was cute. So I decided to knit it. I already had yarn that she liked and it went together very easily.

Back from Alaska

Got back from Alaska on Monday. Had a fantastic time travelling with my sister on the cruise and was so busy I didn't have much time to do any knitting! Since I have been back I have been busy unpacking, etc., but I have picked up the tote that I am knitting and hope to get it done in the next week so I can get it felted. It was good to get back into the swing. Another project I am working on is a pair of ankle socks. I haven't gotten very far; only the ribbing on one sock. I still haven't put Britney's shrug together but hope to get that done this weekend. Another project is trying to knit a pair of socks from my daughter's sock pattern. I started this before I left on my cruise, but got too frustrated trying to make it come out correctly. So I ditched it until I could come back and have plenty of time to concentrate on it.

Practice Sock / Shawl

Since one of my next projects is going to be knitting some socks, I have been busy making a practice sock, and, although I had to redo the heel several times, I think it came out pretty good. I have also been busy knitting a shawl. Originally it was for my sister to take on our cruise to Alaska, but it is a little small. The pattern was only to use one skein, but I used two and it still wasn't big enough. Therefore, I am giving it to my granddaughters.

I am still trying to finish the shrug for Britney, have started a felted tote, and am trying out a sock pattern my daughter, Tina, created. Hope to finish the shrug before I go to Alaska next week, although it is hard to put down the other items I am working on. I have, however, finished one of the blankets I was crocheting, and started another for one of the five babies that are due this year!!!!!