Knitting up my Reading Time

Here are some pictures that I promised Belle and Heidi I'd post regarding some of my knitting projects.  I've always loved working with my hands, (mostly quilting, some crochet,) but just over a year ago I taught myself a new trick: knitting.

{Confession: I'd always held a reverse snobbery for knitting: everyone said it was so vastly superior to crochet that it couldn't possibly be.  Now I'm sold. There are so many possibilities!}

I went on a Great Sock-Making Spree in the months before Christmas, making 8 pairs to give away to family members and one for myself.  Now my girls are asking for socks, so even though I just about sickened myself with the small thread and small needles, I have more socks in my future.

I've also conquered the fear of making a whole entire sweater.  Not only did the sweater above turn out nicely, but it actually fits!  Super comfy, in fact.  Having miles of simple knitting to do was quite nice after the intensity of complex sock patterns.  I have 2 other sweaters currently in the works.

The hat with the horses.  It was for my 8-yo-horse-loving daughter who is adamant that horses should always be depicted in natural colors...which meant that I had to adapt a pattern and do things WAY beyond my skill level.  But.  I learned so much! And I do love a bit of a challenge.

This simple hat just came off my needles and was a wonderfully satisfying quick project.  The yarn has some cashmere in it, so it feels nice too.  I haven't decided it I'll keep it or gift it, but I'm leaning towards keep right now.

This is the other project that just came off my needles, but it is a gift so I don't want to say much about it.  I had to include it in my post, though, because it was a fun pattern and fun yarn.  I can't wait to give it away, but I'm trying to amass Christmas gifts so I shall attempt to practice restraint.

If you knit or crochet, Ravlery is a wonderful resource for patterns, info on yarn, and discussion.  I'd love to see anything you've made!  If you have pictures online, post a link or find me (melopher) on Ravelry.