Friday, December 31, 2010

What I learned in 2010

Okay, I know I just did my end of year post - but that was for normal stuff, not my "creative" side!  LOL

When I learned to knit in Oct. 2009, I had no idea that I would enjoy it as much as I do.  I learned to crochet right before moving to Iowa in 2003, but that's my extent of yarn history.  So, when I got bit by the yarn bug I was a bit surprised, then decided I needed to challenge myself and learn some new stuff.

I learned to knit socks.  I love hand knit socks.  Who knew (other than knitters) how absolutely wonderful they are to wear?  In order to satisfy my need for uniformity, I knit them both at the same time on the same needles.  It would drive me batty if one was even 1 row longer than the other.  I know, I'm wierd...especially when you see how unruly my house is  LOL


My first two paris of socks


 Pair #3 - it's an alpaca blend that turned out too big :(
I will have to re-knit with smaller needles

 Pair #4 has no toes - they are pedicure socks. 
Put them on before they paint your toes and your feet will stay warm.  Perfect for cold weather pedi's!  These were a gift for my SIL

Pair #5 - first true lace socks. 
I had to learn how to read a charted pattern for these. 
Oh, and they were knit from my own hand-dyed yarn...Bonus!!!


I learned so much more this year, besides socks: 


I learned how to knit in the round by making hats
I made several hats, but Bubba would kill me if I posted the pics of him modeling them!



I learned how to cable, making my MIL some hand knit cabled legwarmers



I learned how to "felt" a wool project - on purpose!
I did NOT felt the cat...but I did felt the bag. 
(the cats were not harmed in any way by my felting or knitting...Tigger just likes the camera's ANY attention)



I learned all about yarn swapping, and learned to swap out "yarn minis" like a pro. I also learned that when you are trying to find a scale that measures in the tenths of grams, you need to specify CLEARLY what it is that you are weighing so they don't think that you are a drug dealer.  (yes, I got a few weird looks)

But why would I want to cut up my pretty yarn into 20 "minis" and swap them with other yarnies, you ask? 

So that my itsy-bitsy sock yarn blankie will grow into a big couch-sized blankie
 
 
I think the last, and maybe the BEST thing I learned this year was how to dye my own yarn.  It's like coloring with a little chemistry for big kids! 
   




All of the yarn I have dyed has been cut into minis and swapped out, with the exception of this last one, "orange creamsicle"
 While I have never been a big fan of the color orange, I love how the yarn turned out.  I knitted it up into the socks shown above and L-O-V-E them! 

Well friends, that's all I've learned in 2010 as it relates to my craftiness.  I have not stamped or scrapbooked ANYTHING in at least a couple years...it's all packed away, and I don't really sew or quilt, although I have a sewing machine and would like to learn (I still have my unfinished quilt I started when we were first married). 

What does 2011 hold for me and my yarn?  I am not sure, but there is so much to learn...I'm sure I can fit it in somewhere between socks and dye pots!   

5 comments:

Michelle said...

this is the greatest post. I have always loved knitting dishcloths, but that's all I can do and you have inspired me to learn something new for 2011. I think all your socks are very cute and I'd wear them. Great post!

Linda said...

Your socks look wonderful! I'm so envious--yarn just doesn't make sense to me even though I love it and want to play too :( I love the colors you've dyed the yarn. Can't wait to see what amazing things you do this year!

Janessa said...

You are amazing! I'm so impressed that you even dye your own yarn. Sounds like lots of creative fun. All of your knitting projects have turned out so beautifully. I'll bet all those warm socks, hats, etc. are put to good use in the winter there. You are so talented!!! I wish I was your SIL so that I could get a present from you too:)

Anonymous said...

Hey there. I just wanted to let you know that you are the winner, of the beanie. YAY! Go ahead, and send me a private message, on my blog, with the address, where I can send it.

Anonymous said...

Loved reading your blog. Your socks are lovely and your hand-dyed yarn is beautiful. Yummy colors.

Have you considered Colorado Springs? It is also a very active community and thriving.

Hugs and happy stitching,

Kae