chocolate-cherry goodness...

Sometimes, finishing is so boring! I'm slowly seaming my BF's sweater. So far, I have done the shoulder seams...which, as it turns out, are pretty tricky for saddle shoulders. I have also basted the front pieces together before I install a separating zipper. There are still a few weeks before I plan on giving this gift, so no need to worry.

In the meanwhile, I have started my first new project of 2005...Last weekend, I took the time to turn this:

into this:


The yarn is really soft and the colors are even better than I expected. And, soon, I hope it becomes this! Yup, I finally started Clapotis! I wanted something that was portable and quick to knit. It's supposed to snow this weekend...so, much progress should be made.

one more resolution...

I'm done knitting my BF's sweater...the one that will be part of his Festivus gift. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to share pictures of this project because it's a black sweater. I don't get enough natural light in the apartment to take good pictures of the pieces...it's especially hard to see the ribbing!

So, I'm going to add another resolution to my list for 2005. I'm going to add more color to my knitting and try to stay away from black altogether. Right now, I have a fair amount of non-black yarn for projects already in my stash. And, this resolution is for the entire year, not just the length of the yarn diet.

i wanna be a secret pal...

Last year, I was always so jealous whenever I would read about bloggers getting cool packages from their pals...I just loved the idea of getting to know a fellow knitter, and exchanging neat packages through snail mail. So, once I heard that there was going to be another round, SP4, I just had to sign up.

SP4 is supposed to start February 1st and run through April. Since I might be purchasing yarn for a secret pal, this will be an exception to my yarn diet. I will allow myself to buy yarn only for my secret pal. Or, perhaps, this could be a chance to do some more de-stashing.

stiff competition...

In 2004, I finished my first knit along! Yup, I entered my dad's Christmas sweater into the man-along over at knit-o-rama. If you haven't checked out the finished products, you should take a look. There are some great looking men's sweaters!

Happy Knit Year!

Since I have already committed myself to a few new years resolutions for "life in general," I thought I would come up with a few that are specific to my knitting life. (Some of these will be on both lists)

• stick to my yarn diet
• finish all UFOs from 2004
• join stitch 'n' bitch dc...i mean actually go to their weekly gathering
• redesign blog -- I want to create a gallery for my FOs
• take on a few sewing projects
• learn to knit socks
• participate in more knit alongs
• organize yarn stash and knitting books
• complete, on average, one project a month

That's all I can think of for now. Perhaps, I'll add to it later.

temptation...

I made my last yarn purchase of 2004 last week, and now, I'm on my yarn diet. I knew it wouldn't take long for temptation to strike. I probably should stop looking at my usual online yarn shops, but I'm a glutton for punishment. This morning, I checked out Elann only to see that the have a beautiful alpaca/wool/cashmere blend for $2.75 a skein...This diet is going to take a lot of effort.

Then, I breezed past the website for one of the local DC shops only to find out that they will be openning a second store in February. This one, in Georgetown.

one last purchase...

I'm starting my yarn diet in a couple of days...Yup, I made up my mind and I'm sticking to it. As with any diet, I needed one last hurrah. So, since my Clapotis-envy doesn't seem to be settling itself I bought myself one last addition to my stash. I'm certain this number will help calm my nerves until April. Most importantly, I will be able to make my very own Clapotis without putting a huge dent in my wallet!

Well, I'm going to be heading out into the woods for a quiet new year's eve celebration. I'm still trying to decide whether to bring any knitting projects with me. I don't want anyone to think that I'm anti-social...At the same time, I need to bring some kind of entertainment since there will be no electronic entertainment to be had.

See you in the new year!