FOs

FO Date: October 2006
Pattern: Scarf of my design using lace pattern from one of my books
Modifications: None
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino
Comments: This was a relatively quick knit of a short scarf for my MawMaw. I really like the softness of the yarn, and despite all the recent turmoil about the yarn, I'd use it again. It's soft and springy and very nice.
Modifications I'd make if I knit it again: None really. it was a straight-forward lace knit, so I don't know if I'd do it again. I'd like to try something different.

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The complete list: Baby hat for friends Hat for DH Sharkif from Grumperina for Granddad Modified Sharkif from Grumperina for me Jaywalkers for mom Lotus Blossom Tank from Interweave Knits summer 2006 magazine Baby shoes to match the pinafore from Zoe Mellor's Adorable Knits for Tots Scarf of my design using Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Simple Socks by Cat Bordhi TWO of each: Anouk (Pinafore) and Miss Dashwood baby hat Linen Lace Handtowel for MIL (2 of 2) from Mason-Dixon Baby Kimono (2) from Mason Dixon Knitting and baby hat from Yarn Harlot Honeymoon Cami Companion Honeymoon Cami from Knitty.com Cap-sleeved pullover from Yarn Girl's Guide Baby's hat DD's poncho and matching medusa hat DD's matching scarf DH's striped hat

FO Date: October 2006 Pattern: Lotus Blossom Tank from Interweave Knits, Summer 2006 Modifications: None Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cathay Comments: This was a fun knit. I really liked the lace pattern, but I hated the finishing. I had some trouble with the shortcuts in the instructions, but maybe a more experienced knitter wouldn't have any trouble. I didn't like the yarn and wouldn't use it again, but then I'm not a fan of cotton. This yarn was really splitty and hard to weave in the ends. Modifications I'd make if I knit it again: None really.

FO Date: October 2006 Pattern: Simple Socks from Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles by Cat Bordhi Modifications: None Yarn: (I think it's in German) Fortissima in Disco, 71% superwash, 26% polyamide, 3% polyester (My friend picked the yarn for color. I'm not a super fan of its feel - I can't wait to try a softer yarn. Maybe after washing this yarn will soften.) Comments: For a first sock, this was a great pattern. I'm not a fan of ribbing, and there's obviously a lot of it (and I recognize its importance in socks). The pattern was easy to follow, except I'm a little unhappy that I had to consult other books in order to learn how to finish the toe. It was simple enough to do once I found it, I don't know why the author couldn't include it in the book. Modifications I'd make if I knit it again: None really. I don't think I'll make this sock again. I'm interested in trying more challenging patterns.

FO Date: October 2006 Pattern:Anouk Pinafore from Kate Gilbert Modifications: I added a picot border along the bottom to match the picot border on the matching Miss Dashwood hat. I also changed the colors. Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash Wool (I'm not handwashing anything for my two-year-old) Comments: I love this pattern. Even the second time around it was fun. Modifications I'd make if I knit it again: Picot border, but none other than that.

FO Date: August 2006 Pattern:A Hearthbreakingly Cute Baby Kimono in Mason-Dixon Knitting Modifications: I extended the front flap to the side seam. It looked prettier to me than ending the flap mid-way on the side. I also added the YO border along the bottom, and I added a YO border along the neckline in the back. Yarn: Comments: I like this pattern, but the second time around just didn't do it for me. I got a little sloppy towards the end and didn't follow the directions all that well. As a result, the front flap extends way long. No matter, it's cute. I also love the cute elephant buttons! Adorable. Modifications I'd make if I knit it again: Not sure. I'd keep the yarn over or find another border to do, as I think the plain St st and garter st are boring.

FO Date: August 2006 Pattern:Anouk and Miss Dashwood Baby Hat, both from Knitty.com Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash Wool Modfications: None Comments: I love these patterns. I've already knit a hat for DD and am planning a pinafore for her as well. Both knit up so quickly - it was amazing. I had fun knitting both sides of the pinafore at the same time using circular needles and multiple balls of yarn. This was my first attempt at pockets, and after several starts, I'm really pleased with how they turned out, both in terms of the intarsia pattern but also how they are attached to the dress. I also love the buttons, which match the dress perfectly! I found them after I made the dress, so it was serendipity in pulling it all together. Perfect. Modifications I'd make next time: On the pinafore I'd add a beautiful picot border along the CO edge. I want it to match the hat, but I also think it's a beautiful edge. It's inspired me to learn different edgings and COs.

FO Date:May 2006 Pattern:A Hearthbreakingly Cute Baby Kimono in Mason-Dixon Knitting Modifications: I extended the front flap to the side seam. It looked prettier to me than ending the flap mid-way on the side. I also added the YO border along the bottom, and I added a YO border along the neckline in the back. Yarn: Comments:This is an amazingly simple knit and easy to modify. I'm knitting a second for cousin=in-law.

FO Date:April 2006 Pattern:Honeymoon Cami by Julia at Mind of Winter Modifications: none Yarn: 100% cotton Comments:First, the pattern. I modified the Honeymoon Companion to shorten the waist and to add the seed stitch border along the neck/arms. It was a simple knit, esp after knitting the Honeymoon Cami. As with the HC, this pattern reverses the directions for decreases (the instructions for the left decrease actually make a right; it was a simple mistake as noted on Julia's blog). That was easy to fix. Overall, though, I'm only so-so satisfied with the fit and haven't worn the tank after taking the pic. Which brings me to the Second point, the yarn. I don't like this yarn. I don't have the specs (sorry), but it's 100% cotton much like cheap (albeit darn wonderful) peaches and cream yarn. It has no stretch, so after a mere few minutes, the tank stretches out and loses shape. Add to that iI don't have a great bod for showing it off and it's just dumpy. The color bleeds (my sweater screen is stained purple-ish), and it's faded (on purpose, but I still don't like it). it looks old to me, and I've only worn it once. I do like that I can throw it in the washer, but I'm not sure how much I'll wear it. Modifications I'd make next time: Um, not sure. Again, if I had a tighter bod, I might like it better. Maybe a yarn with some stretch would be better, but I feel dumpy in it (there, I said it).

FO Date:April 2006 Pattern:Honeymoon Cami by Julia at Mind of Winter Modifications: none Yarn: Portofino (gotta get the rest. I know it was some % of viscose and rayon) Comments:Overall I like the cami a lot. However, this was a frustrating project until I figured out the directions (which assumed a little bit more knowledge than I had), particularly for the top portion. The yarn was very splitty, and every few stitches I'd inevitably snag it and get a "yarn flare." Further, the cami turned out way too large for me even though I made the smallest size. It's too long and too wide. I know I'm particularly small up top, and I'm short-waisted. At the time I started the cami I didn't know anything about modifying patterns. Modifications I'd make next time:Yes, there will be a next time around. I'll pick a different yarn, but overall it's a great pattern (and now that I know where to change it and how to finish it, I expect it will be a lot easier to do). Next time I'll shorten it and cast on fewer stitches, possibly decrease in the waist a bit more.

FO Date:March 2006 Pattern:"A Table for Two" from The Yarn Girl's Guide to Beyond the Basics Yarn: gotta look it up Modifications: none Comemnts: This sweater was my first adult sweater, and although knitting the front and back in St st seemed to last forever, it actually was a pretty quick knit. I had a terrible time with the neck shaping, which is only slightly evident in this pic. It's pretty bad, despite having done it several times. I chock that up to my own inexperience, and I think the next time around it would be much smoother and easier. Modifications I'd make next time: I'd add waist decreases. This sweater is knit without any shaping, and it's nice but a bit boxy. I'd rather something with shape, as I have wide hips and a small top. I'd also like the sweater with a scoop neck (now I sound like I'm making a whole new sweater). I'd also do a couple of rows of ribbing or seed stitch to keep the sweater from rolling. I wasn't too crazy about the shrimp crochet stitch.

Date:February 2006 Pattern: "Mock Cable" Baby Hat Yarn:Lamb's Pride White Wool Modifications: None Comments This was a great small project that kept me busy while in a knitting funk. I like the mock cable stitch because I didn't have to focus too hard on the project (thus distracting my TV watching). It used up leftover yarn I had and knit up in a matter of days (primarily because I dragged it out). Fun fun. Modifications I'd make next time: None

Date:January 2006 Pattern: Baby Poncho and Medusa Hat Yarn: Lamb's Pride Orange, (gotta get spec for trim yarn) Modifications: None Comments: These were really fun projects. The hat seemed to take forever what with making the little wormy things, but it was fun to learn something new and to see a funky design. The poncho was actually a lot of fun to knit. I enjoyed making up my own pattern pieced together from several other free patterns I found on the internet. I love the yarn, especially the accent yarn around the top and bottom. The bottom was particularly fun: I wrapped the yarn around the needle twice to create a loop. I wondered if it would snag on things, but so far so good. The decorative front and back seam are made by a simple YO. I've gotten amazing comments about the poncho from complete strangers, and I've had more than one request to custom make them and sell them. Since selling projects would take the fun out of it, it's reserved for dear friends only. Modifications I'd make next time:I cast on roughly 40-50 stiches for the neck and I'd increase that next time. The poncho is obviously long and hopefully will last DD a long time provided her head doesn't grow: the opening is pretty small. Next time I'd also make it shorter.