2016: my favourite things

I knit a lot this year.  Many accessories, and a few sweaters.  My favourites:

Paloma - pattern Babycocktails, yarn LionBrand Wool-Spun

Love the fit, the colour, the warmth. Easy to style, cozy to wear.  Perfect.

Four Seasons - pattern Never Not Knitting, yarn Briggs and Little Regal

First Mystery KAL - Love the final product, which is interesting as I wouldn't have chosen this to knit had it not been a complete surprise! 

Twin Leaf Loop - pattern Never Not Knitting, yarn Diamond Luxury Baby Alpaca

Love the yarn, easy pattern, cozy cowl.  I find alpaca a bit itchy but not unwearable.  Haven't knit with pure alpaca before.  I knit two of these this year, but the second is from different yarn and has a denser feel.

Sitka Cowl - pattern Tin Can Knits, yarn Cornelia Hamilton Yarns Heaven's Hand Classic Wool

I 'hacked' this hat to make a cowl.  Love the tree images, but the twisted stitches were very hard on my hand joints.  Would love to knit the hat and mitts as a set but may not be able to manage the pattern. 

#7 Fair Isle Hat - pattern Vogue Knitting Fall 2016, yarn various DK weights from stash, mostly Patons Superwash DK, Loyal DK

I knit mitts, hats, cowls, a pullover poncho for a friend, and finished several things I'd started well before 2016.  Still several WIPs on the go as I head into 2017, but I'm quite happy with all of the knitting I've done this year.  I tried new techniques from complex (mosaic knitting) to simple (making a tassel).  I've knit a mystery project and 'hacked' a pattern.  I've knit a lot from stash, but also purchased yarns with projects in mind.  I have lots planned for 2017 - some already shared in my post about Botanical Knits, others still in the works.  Looking forward to another productive and creative year!

stash plans once the gifting is done

I'm knitting gifts until mid-December.  Then, I'm knitting up my stash using my Botanical Knits book.  I have plans for almost all of the patterns in the book, and have already knit one, my Twin Leaf Loop:

Up next I have yarn for 2 sweaters and the rest of the accessories (minus the socks - I can't knit tightly enough to get gauge for socks in sock weight yarn):

Think I'll start with the accessories while I finish my Sambuca sweater since it will be cozy and warm for winter and I'm (just) on the body now, having finished the raglan shaping.  I'm determined to knit them within the year.  I love the patterns, love the yarn I have, and need to take action!  All of the patterns have unique elements, so I'm excited to get going.  Think Oak Trail will be first as the construction interests me, and I love the yarn I have for it.  Now, off to knit another hat for Christmas!

FO: October Leaves

A second cowl finished just before the Busy Season (aka: school) begins.

The pattern is Twin Leaf Loop by Alana Dakos from the book Botanical Knits.  It's a fabulous pattern, with an easy pattern repeat and bulky alpaca yarn.  It's soft, squishy, and easy to wear.  My shiny decorative mannequin models it nicely!

 Next up:  a poncho/topper for a friend's birthday that must be done by the end of September.  I'm hoping that the hectic pace and stress of school/work won't hijack my plans to have it done.  Last spring I was drowning in the deep end, trying to keep it all afloat (work, home, kids, other commitments).  This fall I am determined to start with plans to take on less, spend less, simplify, and look after the things that matter most and let the rest go.  Wish me luck!

finally finished what I started

My Mai Tai cowl is complete.  I knit most of it while watching the Olympics, and can't wait for cooler weather so I can wear it (the only good thing about the end of summer:  wearing all my knitted things!).

I'm almost done my Twin Leaf Loop - a quick project from Botanical Knits.  Love this pattern and project and yarn.

I'm moving along slowly on my other WIPs, and am casting on a project for a friend's birthday.  Feels good to be productive again.