End of Year

2022 is winding down and I cannot believe it is almost over. I've been doing an evaluation of my stash and projects that I want to do and the list is soooo long! There are times I wish I wasn't multi-crafty, because then I wouldn't have so much area dedicated to my craft supplies or wasting time trying to decide what to do next with so many lovely things I want to make. Oh the tough choices! 

Currently in progress is:

• Simple Striped Cowl by Hanna Illuzzi
• Feather Wave Cowl by Carol Feller
• Stripey Cowl by Aberdeen's Wool Co./Heather Scott
• Tippets by Claire Slade
• Lattice and Lace Cowl KAL - Mary Maxim
• Lattice and Lace Cowl CAL - Mary Maxim
• Kitty Cat Pot Holder by Sonya Blackstone
• Snowman Crochet Towel - Mary Maxim kit
• The Socks from Hell - UGH - Long story!!!
• Wave Scarf by Anne Collins 
• Heart's Desire Cowl by Eleanor Swogger
• Holiday Heather Mittens by Donna Druchunas
• Candy Cane Socks by Amanda Clark
• Snowman Family - Snowbaby - Mary Maxim kit
• Herpetology 101 MOCK Socks - Becky Greene
• Crochet Slippers - Mary Maxim Crochet of the Month Kit
• My First Knit Sweater by Marly Bird
• Serrena Poncho - Italian Story Design Team
• Basket and Carnations - Mary Maxim kit
• Jounce Cowl by Sarah Jordan
• Cuddly as A Cloud Cardigan by MJ's Off the Hook Designs
• Crochet Tee (unnamed) - my own pattern in progress
• Grogu and Mando Diamond Art
• Floral Pillow Cases (Embroidered)
• Snowman Diamond Art
• The Color of Purple Bracelet (Peyote) by Susan Arrighi

There are a few things I didn't list because I haven't decided if I am going to frog them or continue on with them.

Seeing everything listed is an eye-opener. It seems like I'm a serial starter, but not really the case. I work on things and have to put them aside to do something for someone else, then I either forget about them or I just don't want to pick them back up right away. Some of the projects listed above have been in progress for awhile - like the Socks from Hell. Oh those things were started at least 10 years ago and no matter how much I tried I couldn't get a perfect match with the sock pattern. I just couldn't understand it - I'd think I had the pattern, cut and start over, and NOPE - so I'd try again and again. FINALLY, I figured it out. Although I started each ball from the center, it appears one of the balls had the pattern backwards. After I figured it out, well, I had cut and cut and cut until I finally gave up. Then there was the heel. I had finally made it to the heel of the second sock only to find out my gauge was way looser than the first heel. It was a garter stitch short row, so it really was obvious. That was ripped and now that sock sits. I should just give up on it, but I'm going to get that miserable thing conquered even it if kills me! lol

With the prices going up and up, I think I'll primarily be playing in my stash next year. I won't say I'm totally going "Cold Sheep" but instead, my goal is to use more than what I bring in. 

Twist Hat Preview Knit

Twist Hat 

 I love doing test knits for two reasons - first I get to help the designer check the pattern and give some feedback that is actually listened to. The second reason is I get to try new techniques from a pattern that I may not have been able to purchase. If I buy a pattern, I want to use it over a few times to make it worth spending the money on. On some of the test patterns, I may only want to make it once or just learn the awesome technique. 

This hat falls into the first category. I love testing for this designer. She's great!!! The pattern pictured above is called Twist Hat and is by Verily Knits. Although designed to use 2 solid colors, I decided to try something way out of my comfort zone and use a variegated yarn with a solid. Well, it's turning out a a bit unusual and I'm not sure if I like it. It's bright and cheery but busy. The good thing about doing this with a test is that those that may want to try a variegated can see what it may look like finished and then decide if they want to put the time into it or not.

Not all designers allow you to stray from their norm. Some want the item done in the same yarn as they used, others want specific colors or fibers. Then there are others that you need approval from. This test is actually called a "Preview Knit" which allows you to knit using whatever yarn you want and even make some modifications to the pattern. The pattern itself has already been tech edited and tested, so no worries about catching problems or mistakes. I love the freedom that comes with this type of test.

I'm using Knit Picks Memories in the colorway Easter and Schachenmayr Regia for Hand-dye 4-fadig/4-ply in the colorway 1992.

Mando and Grogu Diamond Art

The start

I confess... I am a Geek at heart. I love the comic book heroes, Harry Potter, the somewhat older Dr. Who, Star Trek and offshoots, as well as some of the Star Wars (the original trilogy and the Mandalorian.) I totally adore Mando and Grogu, so when I saw the diamond art for them posted at Amazon, and at HALF PRICE even, I HAD to order it! 

Mando and Grogu 

Diamond Art isn't for everyone. It's sparkly and very simple and has a blocky look like cross stitch. My kids think it looks cheap, but for me, it's a nice alternative to counted cross stitch, which my older eyes don't do well with any more. My start is at the lower right hand corner. So far I'm enjoying this kit!