Current Project Status

Quick update on the status of my active projects.

Rona Lace Shawl - It's been a while since I've worked on this because it is now at the point where each round takes me at least half an hour to finish. With at least 50 more rounds to go, I'm not looking forward to all the time I still need to spend on this.

Crusoe Socks - I'm past the heel on the 2nd sock. These may be done by this weekend but I've got a few other projects I need to start.

Vixen Camisole - I started this the same time as the Crusoe socks. This is also almost done - it's such an easy pattern that I've just been flying away on it. I also may finish this weekend (although I'd still have to buy the ribbon for the straps).

Projects I plan on starting and completing by next weekend (they're going to my uncle for his 70th birthday):

Comfy Socks - These socks are knit with a bulky yarn. I actually made a pair using this pattern for my grandfather. Unfortunately, I gave them to him right before he was taken to the hospital and he never got a chance to wear them before he passed away. I put the socks in his coffin before the was cremated since they were made for him. I should have some bulky yarns in my stash I can use for this - Moda Dea Tweedle Dee & Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky. I've got some leftover bits Cascade Magnum I could use for stripes too.

Morgan Hat - This type of hat is called a "flat top", "golf cap" or "driver's cap". An excellent item for an elderly gentleman! I'm thinking of using my Rowan Rowanspun 4ply in Sludge, doubled. It's dark and has a tweed look to it. I've even got some super heavy interfacing I can use for the lip of the cap.

Knucks - These are fingerless gloves that still have a bit of each finger. I'm thinking of also doubling up the Rowan Rowanspun 4ply in Sludge for these. I'll have matching hat & gloves.

* My thanks to the wonderful people who replied to my post on Ravelry with their suggestions.

WIPs

Works in Progress

Clementine Shawl
- Both sides are done but the gauge for each side does not match. One side takes more pattern repeats to reach the same length as the other side.
- I may have to wash/block them both before deciding what to do.
- I have to figure out how to graft them together.

Monterey Socks
- First sock needs to be bound off.
- Second sock needs to be knit.
- I need to do some research first and figure out a better way to cast on/cast off in the middle of a row.

Marilinda Socks
- First sock is done and the ends need to be woven in.
- Second sock needs to be knit.

Rona Lace Shawl
- I need to finish the 45 or so rounds left.

Multiplicity Sweater
- I need to finish the 2 sleeves.
- The cowl portion needs to be knit.
- I need to find suitable buttons.
- I should also figure out if I have enough yarn left, and then order more if necessary.
- The pieces then need to be blocked and seamed (3-needle bind-off?).

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Christmas Presents

After the debacle that was last year's Christmas gifts, I don't know if I can bring myself to knit presents for everyone again for this year. Maybe I could do it if it were something quick but with all the stuff I've been working on, I can't figure out what that could be. If I don't knit or crochet something, then what should I give my cousins? I wish I could give chocolate, since I found a bunch of cool chocolate companies, but they're all boys who probably don't eat chocolate. I was thinking about cooking. Maybe not my chocolate truffles, but something like homemade toffee? Packaged up nicely?

Sahara Sleeves Update

I've finished my left sleeve using increases to make it a bell sleeve. Starting at around the elbow, or roughly 18.5" from the under arm, I increased by (2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 4, 4, 4) stitches, every 7 rows. It looks rather nice, and not too big like I was afraid of. I was originally planning to do 6 stitches for the last 2 increases, but was already getting scared at how big it would be.

Sleeves take fricking forever! I'll be glad to finally get this sweater done, and in fact it actually will be my first real sweater! I was saying to people before that it was just a short-sleeved top. My boss said that because it's knitted, it was still a sweater, just a short-sleeved sweater. But, now that it's long-sleeved I can be comfortable either way. Even so, after this I am going to be so happy to do a top without sleeves. Maybe I'd actually be able to wear it NOW too! It is soooo hot in my office right now because the air conditioner is broken and I have no hair tie for my long hair. Uck.

So, as for the next project, I'm planning to make the Lelah Top, halter top version; Coachella once I get my Berocco Suede; and the Pink Sundae Camisole found in Sensual Knits. I may end up frogging the start of my Demeter, if I need those needles.

I also plan to start up a pair of socks (Leyburn socks) using some of the variegated sock yarn I bought. Ahh, there's also the socks from Cat Bordhi's book, which I am waiting for to arrive. I have a lace shawl on the needles (Rona Lace Shawl) that I'm still working on right now too. That one, I may leave as a long term project to be finished by Christmas for presents. As soon as I get some suitable yarn though, I do want to start up either Lyra or another Herbert Niebling lace pattern (maybe a smaller one that Lawrence would agree to use as a table runner).

Wow, there's a ton of patterns I want to start working on immediately! :) I'll post a list later.

Edit: I found the page where I saw the instructions for the halter top variation of the Lelah Top [here]. That was actually the exact project I saw on Ravelry that made me want to knit the Lelah Top! :)