Beautiful and Artistic? Or a Fugly Mess--You Be the Judge

For a long time, I have wanted to devise a good way to use up those "scraps" of yarn; partial skeins that can't be used on their own. I have tried doing sweaters, shawls and the like, only to find I hate the project mid-way through and frogging it. This time, I think I may have arrived at a more "legitimate" way to use those scraps. I started crocheting a scarf long-ways using a single crochet stitch. I used one color for each row, creating random stripes.

I go back and forth. Sometimes I think it is very cool and funky, other times I hear "yarn vomit" in my head. It has been kind of fun to make, so that's positive. It's a good use of what would otherwise be trash, so it's recycling.

At any rate, it is one of a kind.

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

According to this test, I am an Artistic Knitter. I like that!

My First Lace Shawl and Naptime

I happily finished my Falling Leaves Shawl. This was a great pattern for a first lace project. I used Lush, a wool/angora blend. I think it turned out pretty, and it will be warm, too. I look forward to wearing it. For the purpose of actually blocking it, I invested in some T-pins. Right now, the "blocking board" is the chaise in our bedroom. The tough part will be keeping the cats off of it.

Now, it is naptime at our house. Amelia has company! I am going to work on the scrap-scarf I decided to crochet. It's a funky way to use of leftovers (yarn, that is).

I also ordered a few things for my Scavenger Hunt Swap partner. I think she'll like them. I've been trying to guess who will be sending to me.....

Conversation at My House

Me: Amelia, Daddy's birthday is coming up. What do you think he would like for a present?

Amelia: Hmmm...I fink he would like some boy stuff.

Me: What kind of boy stuff?

Amelia: (after some deep thought) Hmmm..... I fink a lightbulb.

Me: A lightbulb?

Amelia: Yes.

I Dunno....

The Recipe For Wendy

3 parts Flirtation 2 parts Charisma 1 part Fearlessness Splash of Fascination Sip slowly on the beach

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

What I Bought With My Amazon Gift Certificate

Among all the knitting books (I know I buy too many), I decided I needed THIS

Now it is one of those things I wonder how I ever did without!

If you like Elizabeth Zimmerman, her DVDs are invaluable. I have learned a ton already! She makes knitting so unintimidating and user-friendly.

I need to grow a few more arms, but otherwise this is a good knit-year already.

Knitter's Scavenger Hunt Swap Questionnaire

1) Do you knit, crochet or both? How long have you been doing it?

I have been crocheting for almost 7 years and knitting about 3

2) What is on your needles/hook right now?

A lace shawl, a cardigan and a vest for me, and a sweater for dh. Also trying the Chevron Scarf.

3) What is the most frequently used tool in your knitting bag?

I guess measuring tape. I check gauge a lot. Next would be the Chibi Darning Needles

4) What are your 3 favorite yarns (fiber type or brand)? What are your 3 least favorite?

Faves: Malabrigo, Cascade 220, Noro. Socks that Rock next.
Least Faves: Anything novelty or scratchy or sheddy and don't prefer cotton

5) What is your favorite color?

purples/greens but I like most colors.

6) If you had a 5 minute shopping spree in your LYS, how would you plan your attack?

I'd list the projects I want to make and take yarn for that first, then just pull everything else I like! I'd probably ask friends what I should get for them!

7) What is your favorite FO and why? (post a pic if you have it!)

My Mr. Greenjeans in Malabrigo! It's on the blog further down.

8) What are your favorite things to knit/crochet?

Sweaters for myself and my daughter, especially top-down in the round.

9) Do you collect anything?

Teapots and sheep. I collect mugs, but don't have any more room for any. Also love any unusual buttons or knitting tools.

10) What are your five favorite things (not necessarily knitting related)?

My daughter
My husband
My cats (2)
Knitting books

11) Are you on Ravelry? What is your ID?

Yes, Yarnmaniac

12) Do you drink tea/coffee/cocoa?

TEA. I prefer flavored black teas and oolongs. I don't drink coffee and I am lactose intolerant, so cocoa is out unless I make it.

13) Favorite Sweets?

Chocolate and nuts, cookies, cinnamon things.

14) Any allergies?

smoke and milk

15) Do you have pets? kids?

Two cats and a 4-year-old girl. Sometimes it's hard to tell them apart. They all yell at me.

A New Year

I've heard that what you are doing at the stroke of midnight on the First of January may foretell your year.

What were you doing? Drinking? Sleeping? Hugging someone special?

I'll tell you what I was doing: buying yarn on WEBS.

So, is that how my year will go? Kinda hope so.