‘07 Roundup
Here’s a look back at ‘07 in kelp! knits land, thanks to Knitlit Kate’s idea. Almost a week late, but that’s the way things roll around here.
(2007 finished knits – I feel that there should be more, given all the knitting I do!
1. Scarves, 2. Utopia Hat, 3. Stockinette Socks, 4. Nephew hat and mittens, 5. Endpaper Mitts, 6. Ironwork Sock, 7. Mad Color Weave, 8. Ol’ Stripey, 9. Ironwork Socks, 10 and 11. Garnstudio Baby Jacket and Saartje’s booties, 12. Spring Things shawl, 13. Airy Wrap Around Lace Sweater, 14. Dotty Cat Bed, 15. Sarcelle detail, 16. Asymmetrical Cardigan)
1. Your best FO of the year
Is it totally self-centered to say the Ironwork Socks? I still heart them and I’d really love to knit a pair for myself some day.
2. Best FO of the year made by a blog you link to
I’m a sucker for the cute, so I’ll say Pam’s froggy hat. Awwww!
3. Best yarn you tried
Nature’s Palette sock yarn. I adore the colors so much, I’ll definitely buy it again. I also really love the fiber composition of Brooks Farm Four Play, although I’m not as in love with the variegated colorways.
4. Best new book/mag/pattern of 2007
I recently rediscovered the Natural Knitter book on my shelf. I don’t love it so much for the patterns, but the book itself is absolutely beautiful, and I really enjoy reading the yarn company profiles.
I must say that 2007 is the year that I’ve learned not to buy knitting books sight-unseen. I feel extremely meh about both Fitted Knits and Lace Style, and I’ll be destashing them this year.
5. Best new knitting technique or gadget you tried in 2007
I finally figured out how to do a provisional cast on using a crochet hook. It saves so much time and twisting when you’re casting on a large number of stitches (Tangled Yoke’s yoke had 300+ stitches, the Stag hat below was almost 200).
(2007 in stitches – lots of straight lines and gifts, but it was great to dust off the old Kenmore 8 after years of nonuse. I’m too lazy to list these individually, so you can clicky on the pic to see what’s what.)
6. Top 5 inspirations–what five things inspired you the most over the past year?
One of my fave things about the big R is finding people’s innovative variations of patterns. A few quick examples from my faves list: Emilee’s fitted Glasgow Pullover (which is definitely in my queue), a Venezia knit with Noro sock yarn (love that idea!), a not-so-Little Smocked Cardigan, a fitted Sand Dollar pullover, and a Sunflower Hat.
7. Designer who most amazed & inspired you throughout the year
Norah Gaughan, hands down. She’s so creative, and I love so many of her designs. I’ll be knitting a few more things from Knitting Nature this coming year.
8. Knitting resolutions for 2008–what’s next for you and your blog?
First up, finishing all the UFO’s.
The orange thing hasn’t even been blogged yet – it’s the last of the FO fury projects, a hat for Rob’s dad. And yikes, the clutch and robot were on last year’s list! I get easily stalled at mistakes and finishing details, which is something I need to work on.
After that, 2008 is going to be the year of the sweater. I have so much sweater yarn, and I need to start knitting through it. I’m also planning on more sewing, hopefully a quilt is in my future!
RSS
well you are just fashionably late :O) But well worth the wait because the FO recap is one of my favorite things going on right now. Love to see all your wonderful work in one place.
Here’s to 2008!!
What a year! You did beautiful work.
Thanks for the shout-out ;)
i am trying to decide if i want to buy fitted knits, but am still on the fence about it. what didn’t you like about it? the patterns, her writing style?
and i totally agree with you about loving nora gaughan! her designs are so inspiring everytime i see them. i dont think there is one pattern by her that i have ever said “not quite” too, which is amazing considering how finicky i am about some things.
i also love your colorful photog mosaics of your 2007 projects. i was specially envious of your sewn coasters :).
That’s a good year’s progress, I’d say! Looking forward to 2008.
Oh my! That Stag on the orange background is fantastic! He glows!
Very impressive work this year!
Excellent year in review. I love the stag bag as well. How did I miss it?
Yay, Happy ‘08! I love all of your FO’s, I have all year long. :o) This year will be the year of the sweater for me as well…though I want to keep up with sock knitting, and do a couple mittens and gloves.
You made some great stuff last year, I guees thats why i read your blog! :)
That’s a great year, lady!
Those are both books in my to-buy queue. to echo miki – what didn’t you like about them? I’ve been a longtime-reader of Stephanie, and have bought a couple of her patterns singly. (Is that a word?) I found your blog by searching for Houston knitters – I’ll be moving there at the end of the month. Which is your LYS? Maybe we’ll run into each other!
No worries, I was 5 days late on my 07 Retrospective too! I just couldn’t put down the knitting I suppose ;)
And I’m gonna say that the Ironwork Socks are my favorite of your FO’s too, they just have so much depth and character. Definitely on my list for someday.
Beautiful roundup on all your FOs and WIPs! Happy New Year!
Great post, Kelly. I especially love your WIPs!
Oh! You should totally say Ironwork Socks for your favorite project. They are beautiful! (Though I do like Sarcelle too. :-)
looks like a great start to the new year!!! lots of wonderful projects!
That Dotty Cat Bed is one of my all time favorites.
We are so on the same page it is scary. I have ufo’s that I am trying to finish before getting really involved in any thing new. After that, 2008 is the year of the sweater, knitting wise. I spent the weekend prepping fabric for 3 quilts. It’s a little ridiculous… 2008, it’s going to be a good year!
hooray for a great year! I think the Ironwork socks are great — it’s not self-centered to call them your top FO of the year at all. :)
BTW, I’m with you on the “not buying knitting books sight unseen” — I had to destash a couple of books because of that last year. I recently was going to purchase a book without looking through it first but I happened upon it in a local shop before I ordered. I’m really glad I didn’t buy it…
I enjoyed your knits and sewing projects all year!
I’m so glad you included the sewing stuff. You have been a busy little beaver. I haven’t the courage to show my ufos again. It’s easier to deny them that way.
Wow! I’m impressed! You are SO organized..
I love it all! I’m also happy that, as I’m making my way through all the blogs I’ve missed for the past few weeks, your number of FOs (though not the quality or complexity) is on more of a par with what I finished. (I will ignore the fact that you also sew, and I did not.) Anyway, all this to say: What a year!!
It does seem like you’ve done more knitting than that this year! Regardless, your finished objects are very impressive.
So many beautiful things. I especially love your Norah Gaughan asym. cardigan.