Looking Back . . .

I wish I had been more productive in 2015, but with two courses on my plate coupled with full time work and family life, my time was limited. Still I managed to finish off a few small projects. The year began with a collection of baby gifts, some of which were made at the end of 2014 and some at the start of 2015.

Baby Collection

As it turns out, my selection of yarn colour was less than ideal.  The baby born was a boy and maybe there weren't enough traditional "masculine" colours.  Nevertheless, I did like the individual items (although I wish I had made more than one bib).

My proudest moment was finishing my Bernat Crochet-Along Afghan.  That one had been in the WIP pile for years.  And I was very happy to make my first real grown-up shawl with lace edging.  There's some lovely yarn in my stash that's waiting for a more complicated lace pattern.  Here's hoping I can work on that during the year.

Some 2015 projects

The year marked my return to hand-crafted Christmas gifts.  I had decided to make gifts for all my nieces and nephews.  I started off gang-busters and then lost some of my steam along the way.  The result: some manic last-to-the-minute knitting, but I did manage to finish on time.  Sadly I wasn't able to photograph one little gift (I should really get my SIL to snap a photo for me).

Gifts for Christmas 2015

All in all, I had a decent year.  Bonus: only a few items in my WIP pile.  Hopefully these will get done in the not-too-distant future (I'm looking at you, lonely sock and almost-done scarf).

WIP pile left over form 2015

How was your year?  Did you get lots done?  Here's hoping there's lots of crafty goodness for all of us. :)

2014 in Review

Not sure I had a great crafting year.  It felt as if my productivity had greatly decreased.  Did I even make much this past year?  It hardly seems so.

Finished Projects from 2014

Yes, there was a pretty hat, some baby things, a costume and a few outfits for brown-haired Barbie.  Yet, there should have been more.  After all, I usually had a hook in my hand, working on something . . . .

In progress Rainbow Bedspread

In my defense I started something a wee bit too big.  Yup, the lovely rainbow bedspread in all its colourful glory.  And that, dear friends, has taken up a fair amount of my time.  The small projects go quickly and you can make lots of them.  As for the big projects . . .well, they take up more time, don't they?

Another view of bedspread

I've got another row of squares ready to get attached.  Too bad I've started my classes for the winter semester--and I'm already up to my eyeballs in homework!  Still, that bedspread makes me very happy. :)

Here's to a more productive year in the wide world of crafts! :)

Consolation

So to take my mind off the dreary weather, I started flipping through my knitting books and realized I never shared my newest acquisitions.  I bought three before the holidays from Crafters' Choice Book Club which--to my surprise--suddenly announced bankruptcy in early December (at least the Canadian division did.  To the best of my knowledge, the American division is still running although I haven't checked online).

My most favorite book is Knits Men Want by Bruce Weinstein (photos by Jared Flood whose work I've admired for a long time at his blog Brooklyn Tweed.  His patterns and photography are very beautiful and inspiring).

Knits Men Want

Hubby and I read through the book when it arrived and he tended to concur with most of the rules.  For him, most men don't really care about fashion; rather, their concern is comfort (at least in his circle of friends).  And those that do care about fashion have a different sense of style than most women.  Needless to say that most of the patterns in the book were deemed acceptable by dear hubby.

The big plus for me, however, is the multiple gauges offered for each pattern.  Wow!  I don't have to do math!  Yay!  

Since hubby doesn't "do" pullovers, I've got my eye on the simple cardigan pattern pictured below.  He did request a cardi made in a yarn that isn't itchy (I'm thinking an acrylic or acrylic-wool blend).

Men's Cardigan

Some day I'll make this.  Someday. ;)

2010 Retrospective: A Crafter's Year in Review

Before moving forward, I thought it would be nice to look back at 2010.  Sometimes its hard to recall all the projects--it doesn't seem like much--but I've accomplished quite a lot the past year.  

2010 Knitting and Crochet Projects

Some of the items might not look familiar: half of the above projects I blogged about here at Stitchery and Such, while others were projects I made for Blog Bernat.  If you check out my project page over at Ravelry, you can find all the details, including links to the relevant blog posts found here and at Bernat (where I blog under the moniker DinaPurls).

I created some lovely items (both large and small), learned new techniques (fair isle and intarsia anyone?) and rekindled an interest in crochet.  Not bad for a gal who still feels like a beginner--well, maybe an intermediate beginner (can a person be an advanced beginner?). 

There is so much more to learn and make: projects to finish (yeah, I'm talking to you, crochet afghan from Bernat's CAL), new techniques to master (dear cables, I hear your call) and new challenges (perhaps some designing?).  I'm ready to welcome 2011 with sticks, hooks and lots o' string. ;)

Score!

Every now and then, I pop into the local used book store 'cuz ya just never know what you're gonna find.  There's always someting crafty.  Last fall I found a few a few Patons booklets , some old and some new. 

This time, I found some hardcover knit books, but they were from the 80s.  What a waste!  The sweaters were so boxy and over-sized.  I wouldn't have taken them even if they were free.  The designs from the 80s have not aged well.

However, patterns from the 60s and 70s seem to have fared better, at least in terms of design (if you ignore the colour choices and the styling).  Check out my first find circa early 70s (an oversized book from Patons):

Plus-Size Pattern Book

This particular book re-prints popular patterns from L to XXL (approx 42-52")--just my ticket!!  Don't you just love the short-sleeved round-neck sweater on the cover?  Love the lace pattern paired with form-fitting ribbing--very hip and modern, n'est pas?

Crochet Vests

And I'm intrigued by the lace vest which happens to be crocheted (I'm sooo ready to tackle a clothing item in crochet).

More Vests

And what about these knitted vests?  Change the colours to something more current and add them over a simple white shirt and blue jeans--very wearable (minus the faux pearls of course).

My other find is also from the 70s.  And it also includes crocheted garments along with knitted ones.  Have you seen this booklet around?

Patons Family Favorites

Okay, I can't see myself knitting a vest using 2.75 or 3mm needles, but it is a basic design that could be worn today.  There are other wearable items.

Turtleneck Sweaters

I think these turtleneck sweaters are cute and it would be very easy to modify a design element that isn't to my liking (such as the garter detail around the sleeve's cuff).

Little Jacket

And how about the cute little jacket above?  Not sure if I'm keen on the striping, but the actual shape of the garment is cute (although perhaps not so cute on the male model).

The vest and sweaters pictured below are interesting in that they are crocheted.  Initially I thought they were knit.  Don't they look knitted?  If nothing else, they are an interesting design.

Is it crochet or  knit?

Anyone else keen on not-so-vintage patterns?  Although the 70s are about 40 years old, so I guess they could be vintage--just like me!

Additions to Knitting Library

Finally received some knitting books in the mail (fulfulling my Craft Book Club obligations--hee, hee).  I'd been eyeing both books for a while mainly because I wear cardigans.  A lot of cardigans!  I'm not a big pullover person 'cuz they can be very hot (and not in a good way).  The cardi option lets me whip off that extra warm layer if I get overheated (the unfortunate consequence of working in an old, old building that probably dates back to early 1900s if not earlier).

The first book is Simple Style. 

All the garments focus on a single design element such as the overall shape, colour, finished edging or a stitch pattern.  I also appreciate the simplified finishing and there's a section on how to simplify one's knitting.  This book is published by Interweave, the same people who bring you Interweave Knits (although a beautiful and inspiring magazine, I often find the patterns a wee bit too challenging).  So everything is well organized with schematics and close-up photos and the sizes go up to 50" (but not on all garments).  Of the 19 patterns included, there are 2 skirts, 1 jumper, 1 wrap, 6 sweaters, 2 vests, 1 sleeveless t-shirt and 6 cardigans.  Almost all are pretty, but I especially love, love the cardigans.

And while I'd love to make many of the items in the book, I've got two faves that I love:

Kokopelli Jacket

Offset Raglan

As to when I would find the time to make these lovely items is a question I cannot answer.  Still, there was much inspiration and knitting love after browsing the book.

The same cannot be said for my second book, Knitted Jackets.

Interweave also printed this book.  Except for a handful of items, I found many of the jackets lacking in style: too boxy, shapeless and unattractive.  Out of the 20 patterns offered, I'd only make 4: the cover jacket pictured above along with the three pictured below.

Northest Celtic

The Wrapper

Box Top

Despite the numerous disappointing designs, the book was still worth purchasing just to own  the above patterns.  Let's face it: I'm no designer and the four designs above I absolutely love.  What would be the cost of purchasing only those 4 patterns?  More than the $10 I paid for the book.  So for me, it was money well spent (gotta love "buy one, get 2nd half-off" book club offer).

What's in your knitting library?