The last weekend in October was Stitches East. That vast knitter's haven where you can take knitting classes, buy anything knitting related, talk about knitting, knit at breakfast, knit at lunch, knit at dinner... just knit, knit, knit! My husband claims that a Stitches event is the only place where it's not rude to knit while you eat (at a banquet)!
I usually promise myself I will not buy too much at Stitches, and almost always break my own promise. This past year was no exception. However, this time, unlike previous years, I actually completed several of the projects I purchased there before the next Stitches event! This is in addition to the inevitable holiday projects!. I'm quite fortunate in that my family and close friends really like hand made knitted gifts, and each year I take it upon myself to make a little something for each one. This past year was no exception, and I have to say it is getting increasingly difficult as the family expands with the next generation.
Here's the
Holiday Projects list:
 |
| Pointed Elf Hats |
9
Pointed Elf Hats in all (made out of Malabrigo Gruessa - pattern from "More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts") - 4 adults and 5 kids!
 |
| Armwarmers |
5 pairs of
fingerless armwarmers (from Sally Melville's "Warm Knits Cool Gifts), using Madeline Tosh DK, JKnits DK, and Elsabeth Lavolds Cool Wool). Just love Tosh DK. This became a totally addictive project! One of those pairs was for me, and I still have some yarn left over for next year!
2 Scarf in a Scarf kits (from Hand Painted Knitting Yarns)
1 Short Row Scarf (using Poems worsted and Beth Whiteside's pattern in Created Knitting Accessorize with Style Magazine Fall 2010)
3 pairs of fingerless (men's) gloves - used Berroco yarn left over from last year's gifts, since, as usual, I purchased too much! A;lso from "Warm Knits Cool Gifts
Here's the list of projects purchased at Stitches that have already been completed:
 |
| Curlique Coverlet Shawl |
Curlique Coverlet Shawl - used Mini Mochi. Purchased the pattern and yarn from The Mannings booth.
 |
| Trellis Scarf |
Maggie Jackson's Trellis Scarf kit - just loved making this, and am a big fan of Maggie's designs. Have since purchased 2 more kits.... read on!
Now, everything else completed thru March....
 |
| VKL Scarf |
VKL Scarf - from Maggie Jackson. This is a limited edition kit she made especially for Vogue Knitting Live in NYC. Purchased January 22, 2011. Finished it in less than a week. So much fun!!
 |
| Triple 'S' Shawl |
Triple "S" Shawl - pattern from Knitting Fairy and yarn from Brooks Farms. I purchased this at NYS Sheep & Wool in Rhinebeck last October (before Stitches). One of my knitting friends suggested that it would be a good project for a workshop at our local library... so..I agreed. I completed the shawl the weekend before President's Weekend, and the workshop is still in progress.
 |
| Hex Afghan |
Hex Afghan from "Knitting Nature" by Norah Gaughan, aka "Jeff's Afghan". Started this project when my nephew became engaged. Well, he's been married almost 4 years now, and I finally finished it! Maybe the 4th anniversary is "afghan"!
 |
| Bermuda Scarf |
Bermuda Scarf - by Ilga Leja. Found it on Ravelry by searching for a project that uses Kauni yarn. I bought this yarn at Adirondack Yarns, Lake Placid, New Year's weekend 2011. Finished it end of February/beginning of March.
 |
| Neverending Cowl |
Neverending Cowl from "Cowl Girls" - bought the yarn at a Super Bowl Sunday sale, and finished it about a week ago.
 |
| Stainglass-Afghan |
Stained Glass Afghan (crocheted) - this came from a Leisure Arts book by Vannah White. I started it around 1998, when I was commuting on the train to Newark. Lots and lots and lots of crocheted granny sqaures, made out of cotton chenille, and connected with a black cotton chenille. Started to put it together, but then put it aside when I couldn't stand to work in black anymore. Gave it to my friend Lynette, who crochets a lot and contributes many of her afghans to charity. Thought she would either keep it, or pass it along to a worthy cause. Well, she finished it in just a couple of weeks, and then gave it back to me! It now graces my living room sofa.
