New Year Approaching

Last New Years, I put together a list of my bests as well as a list of things to work on for 2006. Recently, you saw some of my favorites/bests of 2006. Let's see how I did on my things to work on for 2006:

1. Seaming sleeves- I put this one off by not doing any projects requiring attaching sleeves
2. The perfectionist in me that has now decided to rip out projects that are not up to my standards - all projects were finished up to standard this year
3. Finally learn socks on 2 circulars- didn't get this one done
4. Quality over quantity (I am going to pick my projects very carefully this year)- I came close, but when I look back at my galleries of knits, I have about the same number for 2005 & 2006 (20+ finished projects)
5. Vacation planning- we did this, and will be a focus for 2007 as well

Things to work on for 2007
1. Socks on 2 Circulars
2. Learn to spin with my drop spindle
3. Quality of Quantity continued
4. Vacation planning- looking at going to France this spring, we will see what else is in the mix
5. Make more of an effort to be committed to my personal fitness
6. Use my laceweight yarn (that I have had in my stash for at least 2 years)

Secret Knits Revealed!

Well, there is a story behind these knits.

This year I decided to make a new tradition for myself...one person to knit for each year. And by choosing one, I would knit a high-quality, well thought out, super special gift. This year's recipient? My sis, Knittripps!

I immediately picked out a shawl to knit from FolkShawls (the Wool Peddler's Shawl from the Victorian England section) and some KnitPicks Andean Silk yarn in Cranberry. I thought, what a better knit, than a nice cozy shawl to wear around the house while knitting and relaxing...Knittripps loves relaxing about the house. After about a month of knitting frenzy (I am guesstimating about 60-80 hours went into this shawl) and hiding my project from her (not easy to do because we like to talk about our projects with one another), it was complete!

Hopefully, Knittripps will get some more pics up on her blog so you can see the Wool Peddler's Shawl over there too! She was totally in shock upon opening her package...hehehe!

What is funny though, is that after I had decided to knit this for her as my one big knit, there was a little experience at Thanksgiving. Remember my recent knit, the one cable vest? Well, I wore it over to my parents on Thanksgiving as planned, and not more than 5 seconds in the door, my mom exclaimed, "That's it! That's exactly what I have been wanting!" (you see, ever since I started seriously knitting, my mom told me of a mystery vest that someone long ago had knit her, that was simple in shape, and design, and that she loved and wore and wore and wore until it was no more). Apparently, One Cable Vest is just what she was looking for :)

One of our good family friends was over for Thanksgiving as well, and my mom pointed out my vest saying how much she really liked it. The friend asked me how long it took to make, and once I said 2 weeks, he said, "well, I think you have time then to get going on a Christmas gift", and half joking he asked my mom what color she would like. "Navy, or green" she said. And so, it was meant to be. A 2nd knit for the season. And off to KnitPicks I went and ordered some more Andean Silk, this time in their Olive. And did the knit get finished? Yes indeed...in a quick week where I cranked away on her gift.

And she loved it! (I think that hers turned out better than mine...guess that how it goes for knitting the same thing twice)!

Next big Project on the list

Sad news here on the local yarn store front---the only yarn store in the metro is closing. Right now they are doing 40% off, and so Knittripps and I went out today to check it out and support them.

I have been intrigued by the Lady Eleanor Entrelac Stole from Scarf Style, and seeing Fig & Plum's done in Noro Silk Garden only confirmed that it should be on my list. So, with 40% off, this was the perfect time to pick up some Silk Garden (the link shows what color I picked up...208)! Who knows when I will start it, but hey, another big project on my list now since I completed my sis's Christmas gift.

I also scored several pairs of Addi Turbos to get me ready for Socks Soaring away with 2 circulars!

Spoiled Rotten

I am in knitting bliss. I think I will call it Knit-mas this year, because I scored big in the knitting department. I did receive many lovely gifts beyond knitting, but I will spare my blathering to knitting related items.

My sis spoiled me rotten with a Golding Drop Spindle, fleece, and the best instructions (according to Knitty and the folks at Golding) to get me going. You see, this is one of my 2007 knitting aspirations, so I now I am ready to roll....er...spin!
In the book department, I am overloaded with good choices now. I really love knitting books, many of them are artfully done and make good coffee table books (although hubbs would probably disagree). New to the collection:
Vogue Knitting on the Go: Knits for Pets
Knitting Nature
Romantic Style: Knits and Crochet to Wear or Display
Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles (another one of my 2007 knitting aspirations is to learn this technique)
2007 Knitting Pattern-a-Day Calendar

In my stocking was also the cutest little kit: a Cap-Puccino, Mocha flavored...ingredients for a cozy hat included. Too cute!

I think my relatives are picking up on to my obsession :) Who would have known the my fidgeting could be so productive?

Accessorize your packages!

If they handed out report cards for wrapping presents, I think I would definitely be in the C- category. Nothing special, and usually a little wonky. I decided last night to whip up a few little crochet flowers to add some pizazz to this years gifts for the girls. Debbie Stollers Stitch & Bitch Crochet (the Happy Hooker) has some cute "pinups" and I made these with the 6-petal flower pattern, added a self adhesive pin back to each one and voila...something to add a special touch to my gifts (and something the recipient can add to a blazer that needs flair or a bag)!

Seasons Greetings!

Pre-holiday treat!

My fantastic-o sis couldn't help but give me a pre-holiday goodie....Good to Be Girl stitchmarkers!! I have been eyeing these for a while on her blog as she made them and sold them off for the holidays. How lucky am I? I love my little penguins. Not much right now to put these markers on (working away on my mittens bit by bit), but I might throw them on just to look at how cute they are with knitting :)

Ein wants to wish everyone a happy holiday from the zoo. Warmest holiday wishes to you and your loved ones!

2006 Favorites

Since there is sneaky holiday knitting around my house, I have decided to put together a list of my favorites for 2006 (2007 aspirations to come later this month).

In no particular order:

1. My boys

Always there for me, I couldn't ask for better companions

2. A glimpse of paradise

Our trip to Trinidad & Tobago this year showed me once again that the Caribbean is an amazing place. We just picked up Pirates 2 this week on DVD as well and so as the weather cools, I dream of being on the islands.
3. Breckenridge, Colorado

Our second home (we wish anyways). This state has so much to offer. Absolutely amazing views and tons of outdoor activities

4. Hubb's races

It has been really great to watch hubb's this year move forward with his goals. He finished 3rd in the state this year as a Sport rider and will be moving up to an Expert this year...he is remarkable and it has been fun to share this with him

5. Yes, my knitting

Is knitting the new yoga? Well, I have found it to be relaxing, sometimes challenging, therapeutic, and a great way to develop friendships (here with our little knitting group) and on the web with this blog. By the way, are blogs so 2005? Maybe, but I will keep mine going for now anyways.

I think I will stop with 5 (my lucky number), although there are many other things in 2006 that I have been thankful for and have made an impact on me. What are your 2006 favorites?

Tis the Season

Right after a good Thanksgiving, we were ready to get our holiday decorations up. That meant a family trip out to the tree farm. I don't know of too many other years where the weather was so nice picking out our tree.

To the left, are the workers at the farm "shaking out" any loose needles.

Our blue & white lights are up outside (thanks Hubbs) and a few choice decorations are up indoors. The tree is adorned with our small stash of favorite ornaments (this will be our 4th Christmas tree together). Hubby has some Peanuts ornaments from his childhood and I have a few owl ornaments from mine that are dear to me. I am such a sucker for cute owl stuff. Which, by the way, have you seen these? I am not much of a sewer, but hey, I could try for one of these cuties.

Boy has the weather changed this week. It is now VERY cold outside, but with no snow. I am sure that it will come soon enough one of these days though.

What decorations get you in the holiday spirit? I really like Nutcrackers, and we have St. Nick figurine that definitely gets me excited for Christmas.

And, what are your favorite Christmas albums? Diana Krall has a nice new one out this year, but I am very parial to Chris Issak's Christmas CD.