Bird Foot sock, I mean, bag

I eliminated 2 UFOs this week as part of my 2008 resolutions:

1. I ripped out a hat project that ran out of hand spun yarn (since I did not have any more roving or yarn). I didn't even bother to take a picture of it.

2. I finished my "Bird Foot"! This was a SOTM sock kit from Red Bird Knits. I love the design and will make the socks in the future, but my gauge was way too tight on this start (I started back in 2006). It was too pretty to rip out, so...

And I found some fun fabric for the lining:

It's just the right size for my keys, phone, and Shuffle.

Here are the details:
Pattern: "Bird Foot" by Red Bird Knits (a sock pattern)
Yarn: Schachenmayr nomotta Regia Color 4-ply

Color: Varigated Orange (#4728) and black

Required Gauge: 8.5 st/inch; My gauge: 10.5 st/inch
Recommended Needles: US 0 or 1 / 2 or 2.5 mm (I used 2 circ US1/2.5mm, should have used US2)
Comments: Beautiful pattern. I followed the Chart 1 to rnd 65 and then grafted the stitches to close the bottom of the bag. I made a 4-st Icord 42 inches long (107 cm). Then I added a quick fabric liner so my keys wouldn't get stuck in the stranding. I am very happy with the outcome and will make the actual socks later.

I love clearing projects off my needles!

January Socks...Autumn Sail socks

I finished my socks for January! Okay, to be fair, these were really my socks for NOVEMBER and I just finished them in this last week of January, but at least I am knitting again. It feels good. And I checked one thing off my list for my 2008 resolution.

I am calling them "Autumn Sail" socks because I used the 'Sailor's Rib' pattern from A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara Walker and the colors remind me of sailing in the fall here in Maine.

So here are the details:
Pattern: "Autumn Sail" (my own); cuff down, magic loop, standard flap heel and toe
Yarn: Nova Socks (100% merino superwash wool), 1 ball
Color: Hercules
Gauge: 7 st/inch
Needles: US#2.5/3.0mm

I know I've said it before, but I really do love this yarn. Light weight and warm! I'm using this same yarn for my February socks. More on those later.

Happy New Year!

Yes, I'm a little late with this post. I fell out of the digital/electronic world while I was moving. I underestimated how consuming moving during the holidays would be. Wow. It was not easy, but we all survived and I am finally beginning to feel a little settled. I now live in Portland -- a great city!

A lot of my knitting projects were put aside during the past couple of months, but I'm back and ready to go!! One quick note: I did finish my Ravelry Mittens. I will post my details and comments tomorrow.

The projects I will be focusing on for the rest of this month:
1. Pair of socks (It is my goal to finish a pair a month this year--sadly, I missed Nov and Dec in 2007).
2. Finish the bottom body of my Faroe cardigan (remember this? It was supposed to be completed months ago...). I love knitting this pattern, there just hasn't been enough time.

I sat down today and listed all of the projects I wanted to complete in 2008. I will keep this list in my knitting room as inspiration and motivation. To keep it stress free, I will only share 2-3 projects at a time on the blog. And I will NOT start any new projects without completing or recycling an UFO.

Each new year I set 1 major knitting goal for myself. It usually involves learning a new technique. Last year it was to learn twined knitting and steeking. 2006 it was to become more competent in stranded knitting. 2008's knitting goal: to finish or rip out the misc projects from over the years. I'm not sure if I have 12 UFO's hanging around, but each month this year I will grab at least 1 old project and decide it's fate, until all of the old UFOs are gone. I know, it will not be an easy goal. Wish me luck!

What are your plans for the new year?!