A Very Merry Christmas!

Well, okay, so I'm a day late, but I was under deadline...

I finished the Second Matt Vest in time for Christmas and I'm pretty happy with it (but not as much as Matt is. He loves it).

Quick project details on this one:
Pattern: a Paton's free pattern from several years ago that is no longer available.
Yarn: Encore in a taupe color (chosen specifically by Matt)
Needles: 5's and 7's (that's US size)
Changes to the pattern: I used a tubular cast on. I also used a tubular cast off for the armhole openings (but didn't like the way the neckline worked with it, so I used a standard cast off on the neckline). I changed the armhole decreases so that the opening was considerable larger. I still didn't make the armholes deep enough for Matt.
Problems with the pattern: well, apart from using the numbers for casting on and some measurements (and pattern set up), I didn't really use the pattern that much. I don't like the way the cable pattern starts at the bottom, but didn't realize that until I was already into the pattern (no chart).
Overall impression: this was an extremely fast knit (probably took about 3 weeks total to knit). Not bad for a free pattern and it's very Matt-esque. The yarn was a bit fuzzy to deal with, but I love the color (as does Matt) and he's very happy with it. If he's happy, then I'm happy.

We had a lovely quiet Christmas. It doesn't quite feel like I'm back to regular schedule yet, but I'm guessing that's because Matt's home this week. Sorta like a vacation for me too.

So that's the last finished project for 2005. Let's look ahead for what I'm hoping to get done in 2006!

Well, starting January 1st, I'll be hosting the Selfish Challenge KAL. The idea behind this one is that you have to make a project for yourself. You chose the project (and with the FLAK KAL on the Aranknit list, or the Am Kamin or any of the other KAL's out there you can even combine KAL's... or do a project that you've dreamed of for yourself!). The rules are very very simple. Chose a project to make for yourself, sign up on the Selfish Challenge tagboard and keep everyone posted on what the project is and how you're doing.

I'm not 100% sure what my project will be, but since I finished the Second Matt Vest, I've been working on the Lasso Gansey. (I've split for the armhole opening).

Here's some WIP's I'm hoping to get done this year:

• Cropped Cardigan Redux
  Almost done with the first sleeve with just one more sleeve to go...


• Spring Forward Cardigan
  The upper body is done, so I just need to work the cardigan down to the bottom. I'm a little concerned about fit on this, which is probably why it stalled.


• Marilyn
  I've got a bit to go on this one. The hard part is done (setting up those patterns!) and it's just a matter of knitting at this point.


• Skygge Jakke
  I'm almost done with the back "square". Still a lot to go on this one and it's on small needles! However, it's a fun knit so I do think I'll get into a groove with this one once I pick it back up


• Lasso Gansey
  Still a lot to go on this one (and also on small needles). The basketweave pattern is a bit addictive, and since I've split for the armholes, it feels like it's going quickly.

That's the "started" list of things I want to concentrate on right now. I've got so many other things in the closet that I'm going to have to catalogue and decide if I'm going to finish or frog. I also have a bunch of stuff that I want to cast on.

Well, that's about it for now. I will be doing a little house cleaning on the stash/UFO closets soon (got me some nice cubed shelves for Christmas to help me get organized! and a new camera so I'll be updating the UFO page soon!)

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas!!!
Happy Knitting!!