Archive for 2011

Resolution

Saturday, December 31st, 2011

It’s resolution time again and here are a few suggestions for new years knitterly goals:

First up: Organize/knit the stash. I usually want to decrease the stash (or at least avoid increasing it) so the new year is a perfect time to recommit to old projects. There are many ways to accomplish this goal, some more serious than others.

1. Knitting one old project for every new project. Depending on how extensive your stash is this can be a great way to get it down while still enjoying fresh and exciting projects.

2. Only knit from the shash: this is a great goal for January but lets be real, you will probably need new yarn just to use up your old yarn and who can resist the allure of the fresh new project for a fresh new year?

3. Knit 2 balls of stash yarn for every new ball of yarn. I tried this one last year and while I did end up with a bit of debt (I owe myself knitting a few balls) I did manage keep myself under control.

4. Organize first and make a plan. I find a plan helps me keep on track and stay productive.

Another great way to start the new year is by looking through your patterns. Scope out your Ravelry queue or your binder of patterns (what? not everyone has these things?!) and come on in to UY to look through books and binders for inspirations. Is there something you have been planning to knit for ages and haven’t gotten around to? It’s time!

I’m personally plotting a project number for 2012. Not only do I want to complete more projects but I also want to remember to put them on Ravelry and take good photos. I find gift knitting is the most difficult in this respect because I tend to finish them at the last minute and miss my photo opportunity (winter and it’s lack of daylight thwarted me several times this year). I can’t decide what a good project number is for me. I want to use other knitters productivity as a guideline but it’s important to pick someone with a normal pace (KT, you are out you crazy girl!).

Knit Along! How about doing a knit along this year? If you haven’t joined us yet it’s a lot of fun and we are starting our Tiny Owl Knits KAL tomorrow so cast on!

Happy New Year from everyone at Urban Yarns!!!!!

December 24th – Little Sock Ornaments

Sunday, December 25th, 2011

Christmas dinner tonight? No problem, a little DK weight yarn and some dedication will get a couple of these done just in time! Little Sock Ornaments

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Little Sock Ornaments by Alexa Ludeman

December 23rd – the eleventh hour

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

It’s time to start thinking bulky people, the 24 hour countdown has begun! The following are 2 quick and cute projects that anyone would love to see under the tree!

Eleventh Hour Scarf - 3 skeins Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky

Eleventh Hour Scarf - 3 skeins Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky

Shroom - 2 skeins Spud and Chloe Outer

Shroom - 2 skeins Spud and Chloe Outer

December 22nd – Jane

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

I know it might sound crazy but I’m thinking about casting on for a Jane hat for a friend. I might think better of the idea and just get the knitter the yarn and wool….. I was spurred on to start this project by seeing Kim’s pretty hat. It’s such a simple but great design, I might need one for myself as well. 1 skein of worsted weight will do it!

Jane by Jane Richmond

Jane by Jane Richmond

December 21st – Fair Isle Anyone?

Thursday, December 22nd, 2011

There are so many festive fair isle projects in the world. I don’t know why fair isle makes me think of cozy winters, perhaps it’s the double thick fabric, or the bountiful number of snowflake patterns. Whatever the reason, here are a few great fair isle patterns to check out:

Falling Snow Stocking by Jennifer Hoel

Falling Snow Stocking by Jennifer Hoel

Swedish Fish Socks by Spilly Jane

Swedish Fish Socks by Spilly Jane

Winter Twighlight Mittens

Winter Twighlight Mittens by Laura Rintala

December 20th – Cheers

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

I think a teeny tiny sweater adorning the tree is probably the perfect housewarming gift. It’s even better if it tops some cookies, or a bottle of wine, but each year they will haul out the box of Christmas decor and unwrap the little sweater all over again. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Cheers by Cheryl Niamath is just adorable, and there are instructions for the little hanger in there too!

Cheers

Cheers

December 29th – Successful Knitting

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011

I have handed off my Christmas Knit exchange items. I wasn’t knitting them at the last minute this year but don’t worry, I just picked up a couple of extra projects that I’m sure to be furiously weaving in ends on the 24th. They are the ever popular (and easy!) Mistake Rib Scarf, and I polished off another Hunter Hat (pattern available in store) while I was at it. Both knits are going to boys so my brother Jordan was good enough to model the combination for me. A couple of skeins of Tosh Vintage for the scarf and one skein for the hat.

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December 18th – Mittens and Cocoa

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

Heading outside to view the wonderful light displays? Taking a trip to Whistler Village to watch the people or hit the slopes? Perhaps just a walk around the Sea Wall with friends? All of these activities have something in commom: they need some nice warm mittens! I recommend a pair of Antler Mittens, designed by moi.

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2 skeins of Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes will do a pair (with some pretty long cuffs) although I’ve been eying the Madelinetosh Vintage in Twig, one skein for a pair. They knit up quick and they are the epitome of toasty.

December 17th – KAL New Years Knits

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

The new year always brings many a knitterly resolution. To kick things off though it’s time for another Knit Along! Kynna and I (with much help from the knit night crowd) decided Tiny Owl Knits would be a great KAL. There are projects of all sizes and difficulty levels, perfect for all knitting levels and time constraints.

The rules, cast on New Years Day and we will party it up in 2 months time! Some project suggestions:

Deer with LIttle Antlers

Deer with LIttle Antlers

Some Cloudy Day

Some Cloudy Day

Catching Butterflies

Catching Butterflies

Beekeepers Quilt

Beekeepers Quilt

December 16th: Tosh Sock is Here!

Saturday, December 17th, 2011

That’s right folks, if you love a semi-solid sock you are in for a real treat, we’ve got Tosh Sock! In case the exclamation points don’t give it away, I’m pretty excited. I am big Tosh fan (the colours are unparalleled) and I am particularly enthused about the new hot pink, Poprocks. Anina will be casting on for a Taygete Shawl in the colourways Jade and Plaid Blanket. 2 skeins and a pattern would look great under the tree…

Taygete by Romi Hill

Taygete by Romi Hill