Year End Craft Report

   This year, I made a lot of stuff. Sweaters and shawls, and afghans too. Even a few scarves. But as of a few weeks ago, I have stopped knitting and crocheting. I don't know why. I just lost the urge to create. So I am taking a break.

   However, I am looking forward to making some new things next year. I have plans for a do-over on the sweater for my granddaughter. It just wasn't working for me. I also am nearly ready to cast on a new shawl. In fact I was going to do that last night. I got out my swift and ball winder, and wound the skein of gorgeous lace weight yarn from my friend Kim, of atknitsendyarns.etsy.com. The pattern I want to make uses two different size needles, and I borrowed the size 11 circular that I don't have, from Kim.  I know I have size 6 circulars here somewhere. I looked for them last night. I even remember that Kim had given me a spare set that she didn't need. But I have yet to find them. When I do, I will cast on the shawl.

   So that's it for this year. Nothing on the needles or hooks right now. Actually that is misleading. I have an entire large tote bag full of partially finished projects. I had just decided to put them all away for the time being. So I think that they don't count. Out of sight, out of mind.

    Isn't it amazing that I can still find things to write about! And darn near every day! I guess I have a lot to say. I am looking forward to what I can come up with next year.

Peacefully Knitting!

   Today I am peacefully knitting, working on my sweater.  I was supposed to have most of the day to myself, as Hubs was going to get up at 4:30 a.m. to go hunting. He turned off the alarm when it buzzed rather loudly, and mumbled that he would go out later.

   I wanted to wait until he was gone to knit, because I was at the three row sequence that involves the decreasing, as well as short rows on the edges. It's not complicated, I just like to do all three rows without being interrupted.

   Hubs finally got up, and after drinking lots of coffee, and complaining that he doesn't feel well and can't get warm, he finally took his shower and got dressed for hunting. I don't know how long he will last, and neither did he. But now I'm through my three rows, so it doesn't matter for five more rows.

   It's just so nice to be able to sit here, knitting peacefully, without worrying about laundry, dishes, or anything else. I did some dishes earlier, and laundry will get done later.

   Yesterday at Sheep and Wool, I got an autographed copy of At Knits End, a book by The Yarn Harlot. I've been reading it this morning, and have already found my favorite, and it's so very true, and typical of me!!

   "My knitting is in a constant state of competition with the household chores. After years and years of painful juggling, I have almost completely decided to give up on the housework. The way I see it, I can always clean up the house when I am old, but I'll never get this knitting time back." - Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

   Here is a photo of the cover of the book the quote is from:

 
   Here is my progress on my awesome sweater, after the pocket inserts were added!

   Now I think it's time to get back to my knitting, I don't know how much longer I have to myself!