Another shawl....Really?

So, I just completed my first knitted shawl the other day. Yeah me! And now I have begun knitting another one. Both are apart of a KAL (Knit-A-Long) and I am surprised at the fact that I am knitting something OTHER than hats.......something outside my familurarity zone. :)

I'll try to get photos posted here as soon as possible.

Always Room for One More

I've been knitting for about 10 years now. A decade. (Sheesh, don't I feel old now ;) ).

One thing I've noticed, is how I've developed an affinity for knitting hats. More so for me than anyone else, but hey, I know I'll enjoy them - and I know what color/s to knit the hat/s in.

So, this year, I've actually challenged myself to knit as many hats as possible (desirable 52 - one per week) and I've actually started the process. This is mostly (but not entirely) due to the fact that I am participating in the 2010 Ravelympics. Ravelympics? It's a knitter/crocheter/weaver/spinner's version of the Olympics, where we challenge ourselves to make 'x' during the Olympics - from opening ceremony/lighting of the torch to closing ceremony/extinguishing of the torch. And everything needs to start and finish in between the opening and closing ceremonies. (I'm just a little excited about it)

So far, so good. I'm on hat #5. Granted I should be on hat #8, at least - but life is life and sometimes it means putting some things on the back burner.

On a different note:

/begin rant

I haven't considered myself a selfish knitter, until more recently (going on 4.5 months now). Personally, I've gotten a little fed up with people (more in face-to-face life) asking if I do commission work or make suggestions that I should sell my stuff.

If I really wanted to sell my stuff, I would be doing it already.

I do have a couple exceptions to the rule. Family and friends - more often than not, they are appreciative and take care of the hand made items.

/end rant


Anyway.

Happy Tuesday.

Tuesday's Ten

So, inspired by The Painted Sheep, I decided to do a Tuesday 10 about some of my fav. places to knit. Scandalous, I know, almost selacious. But here we go!

1. On my couch, watching TV - usually "bad" shows that I enjoy.
2. In front of my computer - watching more "bad" shows on Hulu.com
3. During my commute into and out of work - come on, how else am I suppose to kill 30 - 45 min of travel time? Read? ;)
4. A local knitting group - yeah for national chain book stores!
5. Local bar - some days after work, you *REALLY* need a cold one
6. In my bed - while listening to book on tape, my hands need something to do
7. Passenger seat of a car - I love the luxury of sitting in a passenger seat and knitting to my hearts content
8. On the loo - yes, i am guilty knitting on the toilet, but sometimes......SOMETIMES.....you've just gotta do it
9. On my back porch - when the family sits down for a rare family meal, we tend to talk a lot - a lot of talking = time to whip out knitting.
   
10. Last but not least, while walking - granted this isn't a specific place per se, but I can get a lot done that way

Anyway, that's it for today.....

Tuesday Ten

Ok. So, I'm trying to get in the habbit of blogging more. Even if it's a list of something. :)



For today's ten list, I thought I'd share some stuff about knitting. YEAH! Mostly it's going to be about projects that I have knitted and places I like to knit.

1. An unusual capstick cozy. I would say, this is a fav of mine to knit. Granted, I haven't done many of these lately (and I need to) but it always gives me the giggles when I knit this.
2. Hats! Oh my gosh, I love knitting hats. One of my favorite is one called Dependence. Unfortunately, the blog that USE to have it posted, is no longer available. BUT! You can see pics of it here and here. So far I have 3 of them in different colors and plan on making myself some more!
3. Another favorite hat I like to knit is called Tychus. It's a short row hat, making super easy to do (and I think a good beginning project for a beginner to intermediate beginner).
4. Oh, how could I forget my Glove Hat (aka Knitted Motorway Moses Hat). I've done this pattern about 5 times already in different colors and yarn weight. I am planning on doing more! *insert evil laugh*
5. I've done some fingerless gloves/mittens a fair number of times (I would say in the ball park of 8.......so far).
6. I have a chunk of time to kill when I commute to and from work (about an hour each way), and I end up knitting on the public transit (yeah metro)
7. I've been known to knit in Bars, Movie theatres, and watching TV.
8. I've also been known to knit while walking. I have yet to be documented while doing so. Eluding the camera isn't a set skill for this phenomenon apparently.
9. I've knitted durring an ice hockey game.....probably the only time I'll ever do that.
10. Last but not least, I have been know to sneak in a stitch or two at some EXTREAMLY LONG lights in the area. NOTE: I DO NOT KNIT WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION WHEN I AM BEHIND THE WHEEL, NOR DO I ENDORSE SUCH ACTIVITIES.

Tuesday Ten

It's Tuesday. And b/c Ten sounds better with Tuesday (as opposed to Thursday), here's another 10 list for today.

Topic is: Fibre.

Specifically, what I enjoy about it.

1. Wool yarn - the way it slides so easily over my needles and into a finished object.
2. Spinning - I *love* spinning my own yarn. I have what is called a low-whorl spindle, making it easier to make thicker yarn - as opposed to thin or lace weight yarns. I am planning to make myself another drop spindle, probably a high-whorl one.
3. Portable - Alot of my projects are easily portable, making my commute to and from work bearable, watching TV shows more interesting, killing downtime without killing other people. And the upside is I get stuff to wear/use!
4. Look Ma No Hands - well, more like "Look Ma, Not Looking!". I really enjoy projects that I dont have to look at it to knit it. And some how this amazes people. To me, it's like, do you need to look at the car's gas pedal to use it?
5. Possibilities - how much stuff one can make from fibre: sweaters, mittens, hats, willie warmers to name a few
6. Relaxing - wheather I'm spinning or knitting it, it's relaxing
7. Conversation - well, I havent really experienced this much, but apparently others have started conversations over their knitting
8. Socializing - I found some good friends, online and in person, from my knitting/spinning adventures
9. Gifts - making stuff out of fibre makes getting gifts easier, esp if you start off early enough
10. Selfish - I love making stuff for myself. I know exactly what I want, in what color and what style :P