Knitted Things in 2017; Bucket List Coming Soon

"hmmmm..."says the Ballerina, "Can she, will she?"

2016 is quickly coming to a close. I am happy that I finished knitted dollies before Christmas to send along to the girlies in Idaho (dear granddaughters of mine). During this year's last-minute Christmas knitting flurries, with mailing deadlines hanging over my head, I noted to myself that next year I would plan and knit far in advance, maybe beginning NOW? First, I must create a bucket list of those crafty projects that I have my mind, to complete for 2017 Christmas giving. Can do?

Snow Dollie for Natalie; Christmas 2016

Snow Dollie for Natalie found its way to Idaho for Christmas. "Winter Dolls" pattern by CSKraft (purchased at Etsy). I'm hooked on knitting dollies and toys for my grandchildren.

Chloe's Ballerina Doll; Christmas 2016

Finished Chloe's ballerina knitted doll in time for Christmas.  Pattern Designer: Hello Dolly Knitting (Etsy) - Hazel the Dancing Ballerina. Funny little mouse in fabulous sweater is also done and ready to send on its way. I'll be making more of these.

Ballymurphy Scarf...all done!

A number of ways to wear it

See my Ballymurphy Scarf all finished?  This was started from a kit that I purchased in April 2015 at Vogue Knitting Live in Pasadena, from designer Maggie Jackson.  The linen, multi-color linen and bits of fluffy angora are from Maggie's own line of Irish yarns. The linen yarn is comprised of multiple strands, but was easy enough to work with on the needle with just a bit 'o care. This finished cloth has a beautiful drape, soft to the touch indeed. There's also custom made buttons that came with the kit. All in all a great project that furthered me along in my knitting capabilities, to my delight.

Simple weaving; multi-color scarf

Here is my first multi-color scarf, woven on an Ashford Rigid Heddle Knitter's Loom.  The yarn is from my stash of very inexpensive stuff purchased on sale; Red Heart Heads Up yarn, 80% acrylic, 20% wool.  After putting the yarn onto the loom, the weaving went very quickly.  The finished scarf measures about 8 1/2" x 37".  After taking the woven fabric off the loom, I washed it in hot water and then put it in the dryer.  The fabric came out soft and pliable and will wear well. 

I've been knitting!

Knitting's been in the forefront of what I've been up to.  Can't exactly tell you when this knitting frenzy will end.  I've got quilting to do and I need to get busy sewing, plus there's the garden to tend to.  Oh, did I mention?  I need to feed my hubby; he's generous, multi-tasked, multi-talented, but he does not cook.  Knitting is at the top of my list...hard to stop.  Multiple projects going on here...sigh; is that how it is for other knitters, I wonder.  In the picture, see the rust-colored sweater?  It only needs a few yarn ends woven in and buttons applied to be complete; the capelet (love this pattern, so easy, so quick)...same thing; the little lavender sweater is for Natalie, Size 3T in the making; see the beginnings of puffed sleeves?  I'd say my knitting skills have moved up, probably from advanced beginner to intermediate.  There's been a lot of looking up of stitches and techniques to help me along as I go.  So there you go.

Ballymurphy Scarf in progress (#2)

I simply adore this scarf...the yarn, the pattern.  At time of purchase, the buttons that come with this kit were missing from the bag; they told me they'd mail them along to my home address, and I agreed.  I'm thinking I'll be needing those buttons sooner than later.  It's movin' along!