Finished Project: Cozy V Neck Sweater

I finished my first sweater! And, I cannot wait to start another one. I loved working on this project, which took me 1 month and 2 days to complete. I love the finished product, although it is still blocking, but I have been trying it on as I go and I think blocking will just make it more fabulous.

I wound up using this bind off for some extra stretchiness and I like the result much more than the traditional bind off I had done on the body (p.s. undoing the original bind off was my least favorite part of the whole project).

I intend to wear this sweater Saturday and will have pictures taken of me wearing it, stay tuned!

BFF Sock Update

I totally forgot to mention on Tuesday that I used a new cast-on for my BFF Socks. Over the weekend my friend taught me the Long Tail Cast-on. Tackling those 2011 Knitting Goals early!

Now most people who only know one cast on know that one, but I didn't, I had only ever Knit On. I had read any number of books about Long Tail and could not get the hang of it, but just watching her do it a few times and I figured it out.

Cookie A recommends a Long Tail Cast-on for her sock patterns, so it was timely to learn as I was preparing to start the BFF Socks.

Here is an updated photo of those socks, it is slow going, but I am also knitting a sweater at the same time.

New Project: Cozy V-Neck Pullover

So I am planning to cast-on this weekend for my first adult-sized sweater. I have opted to do the Cozy V-Neck Pullover from Stefanie Japel's Fitted Knits for a couple of reasons:

1. I really like it
2. I think I possess the skills needed
3. A friend has already made it, so I have some resources

I bought the yarn the pattern calls for, Cascade Pastaza, in a lovely deep red. Here it all is:


I still need to get the needles as my gauge swatch indicated I needed to go up a size. If my plans for tomorrow or Friday work out I will be able to get the needles at Windsor and be ready to go come the weekend!

2011 Knitting Goals

So last year I made some knitting goals for myself and am happy to report that I accomplished all of them. I learned Magic Loop, did a color work project (actually did 3 or 4) and made stockings for my nieces.

This year I have the following goals:

1. Learn a couple more cast-on methods including long tail and provisional.
2. Knit my first adult-sized sweater
3. Write a simple pattern
4. Try Toe Up Socks

I am well on my way to the first 2 goals, setting up an afternoon gathering on cast-ons and choosing my sweater pattern, yarn and swatching for gauge for my sweater (more on that soon!).