FO: 1621 days

There are projects that don't get finished. Sometimes, it's because something new and shiny comes along, but sometimes, it's because I'm scared. It's silly, but if I feel like something might not fit/work/turn out perfectly, I will set it aside until I can face it.

This sweater is the oldest of these scary WIPs. I cast on for the Central Park Hoodie, in July, 2008.

It's funny to think about how much has changed since I started this sweater; also hilarious? The fact that I started a SWEATER in JULY. In fact, I took this as a "beach knit" when my sister and I went on a little vacation that summer. I don't recall doing any actual knitting on the beach, which is great, since Cascade 220 is 100% wool.

I finished the back in a week. It just flew off the needles.

From my ravelry notes, I can see that my first problem came with the right front piece. I knit it longer than I should have, and decided to put it down instead of fixing right away.

That right there is one of my biggest problems when I make a mistake.

If I had fixed it immediately, the I wouldn't have lost the momentum.

Here's the really embarrassing part: all sweater pieces were done in 2009.

My avoidance of picking up stitches prevented me from starting the assembly process.

My fear of messing up this long-term project caused me to just leave it in the closet, unloved. My lack of experience with seaming an entire sweater was the root of that fear.

Sometime in 2010-2011, I knit the hood and button bands, and then in the last week of December (2012), I picked it up and resolved to finish. It didn't take long.

And after a nice blocking on New Years Day (and a couple of days after that), I have a new sweater. And it fits. It's not perfect, and I still have a lot to learn about seaming.

But it's mine. I finished it.

This wasn't my first sweater, but it was the first sweater of its kind for me.

Here's to more scary finishes, for you and for me.

FO: Avalon Squared and #500

My friends, what a fabulous way to celebrate my birthday today. This is post #500 on little old Jaceycraft. Woo! That's amazing. I know I'm talkative, but I'm impressed!
So, I would like to have some sort of giveaway to celebrate this, but I think I'll wait until the new year, especially since SMS Day was not so long ago (like, 2 weeks).

So, in the meantime, I can finally share my sister's quilt with you!

Here it is!! Avalon Squared. I've named it this for two reasons. The majority of the fabric is Avalon by Jay-Cyn Designs for Birch Fabrics. Also, as I was trying to decide on a pattern that would let these bold prints shine, I came across a quilt called Avalon in Material Obsession. So, Avalon Squared!

I backed the quilt with an old sheet from the linen closet. I'm glad I used a solid, so that the quilting can shine. I quilted each block a little differently. The block on the right with the pebbling caused many uttered expletives. I broke three needles while doing the pebbles. Odd, since Ella's Bohus Pillow didn't give me any such troubles. I'm guess it was the weight of the quilt.

I used Joel Dewberry's Herringbone for the binding, and there's also an FQ of his Woodgrain in the quilt.

The quilt is approximately 60" x 80", so it's a great couch-size quilt.

It really was hard to let this go. These photos were taken by Jill. I finished Thursday (just three days before Christmas), and then we experienced several days of dreary weather. Jill was nice enough to snap some pictures yesterday and share them with me.

I also made some pillowcases to go along with the quilt!

I know I mentioned this before, but Jill is an amazing sister. She has made my 30th birthday something truly memorable. I feel so lucky to have love, support, understanding and friendship in you.
Thank you again, sister!

And happy new year to you all! Thanks for being a part of this space with me.

Post #300: A Giveaway

Honestly, I can't believe I've written three hundred posts. I've enjoyed this blog immensely. It's awesome to look back at the progress you make as a crafter, and as a person.

I don't have a huge following or anything, but I appreciate the readers who stop by my little corner. Equally, I LOVE reading about other knitters/cooks/sewers are making. This is an inspiring community and I'm grateful to be a part of it. Ultimately, it's all about the craft (or crafts, I suppose!).

That being said, I've got an offering today:

Included in this giveaway, you will get the following:
-One YARD of Heather Ross Seahorses in Fuchsia, from the ever popular Mendocino line
-One fat quarter of Alexander Henry's Mocca (I think this is the right name for the fabric-it's the brighter green small piece above)
-One fat quarter of Amy Butler's Trailing Cherries, in the Sand colorway
-One copy of Amy Butler's In Stitches book
-One skein of Femme Fatale Fiber's Buffy Sock, in the Secret Boyfriend colorway

Additionally, I will probably come up with some extra treats for the winner.

To enter, just leave a comment. It's that simple. Of course, if you've got constructive criticism on something you'd like to see here, I'll take that, but just a "hello!" will do. Please do leave your email or make sure it is shown on your blog somewhere (or you can leave your Ravelry ID if you've got one).

I will take entries until Wednesday, June 30th at 7:00 PM CST.

Here's to another 300!

P.S. There are no sponsors to this contest except me!

Knitting Sisters

If you frequent knitting blogs, you are probably familiar with Erin and Kara, two very inspiring crafters. A few months back, they each held a contest. In exchange for a donation to the MS Walk they participated in, you would be entered in a contest for a prize. They walked in honor of their brother, Brett. Even though I've never met Erin or Kara in real life, I decided to give to the cause, times two. I felt like a contribution was worth it, and I couldn't just give to one of these girls; competition is fierce among sisters!

I never expected to win, but Erin contacted me to let me know she drew my name. I received the coolest package in the mail. Seriously, Erin is inspiring with her gift package contents. I've taken a lesson from her for future packages.

I've never purchased any Tina Givens fabric, but it is gorgeous stuff. The two pieces on the left or Tina Givens. The remaining piece is from Anna Maria Horner's Garden Party line. The three pieces could even be used together, so I'm trying to think about what I'd like to make.

Additionally, there was this yarn:

It's Brooklyn Handspun, which I've never used. I LOVE the color. It's vibrant and fun.

And how cool are these gift tags?

"Just because it's handmade, doesn't mean it's cheap"

It's funny because it's true. Erin also included these Liberty of London journals. Lovely.

Not pictured is a box of chocolates from Hatch Family Chocolates of "The Little Chocolatiers" fame. They were so good. I ate them quickly and then wished there were more.

So, thank you to Erin for a lovely and generous package. I didn't donate to either sister for the contest, but it was a sweet reward for helping a very important cause.

My next post will be number 300. In honor of this, I will be a having a giveaway of my own. The next post will have all the details!

Stop the presses! Milestone FO

Socks. I made them. Let me show you.

I finished the first one on July 18th, and now, only four months later, the second one is done!
You're not impressed by my speediness??
In all fairness, I didn't cast on for the second one right away, so I'm sure I can improve on my project duration on the next pair.

Yeah, I said it. I'm going to make another pair.

Interestingly enough, as I was nearing the end of the second sock, I couldn't put it down. In fact, from the heel on, I felt like I couldn't knit fast enough.

The heel really does feel like the beginning of the end, or the light at the end of the tunnel, or some other cliche. Speaking of heels, the above photo is my second one, and I think there is a vast improvement from the first one.

There's not much more to say about this pair, but here's the skinny:

Details:

Pattern: Really, I didn't use a pattern, but I've listed it under Wendy's Generic Toe-Up Sock on Ravelry.
I cast on 16 stitches using the Turkish cast-on, increased to 40 stitches, and then added a few increases at the widest part of the foot, and decreased by a few as the foot got more narrow.
Not very technical, am I?
Yarn: Rock Creek Super Soft Sock Yarn in Cherry Blossom, less than one skein. I don't know exactly how much I have left, but it's enough to make some booties or some other cuteness, and I'm thinking of pairing it with my Ishbel leftovers (lime-green; perfect!)
Needles:KP Harmony circular, US size 1 1/2
Time: Eh, about four months. Each sock took about a week or a week and a half to actually complete, so not as long as I thought.
Hopefully, the next pair will be faster, now that I've got the hang of it.
Recipient: me me me me!!
Thoughts/mods/notes: I really kind of winged it, but it was a good experience.

These aren't perfect, by any means. Just from the pictures, you can see that my knitting is irregular in places, and the bind off is sort of messy.

I don't care. I will wear them. With pride. And I will love them so.

Major FO: Heathery Back-to-School Vest

May I present to you, the first wearable garment I've completed:

I don't mean to be dramatic, but the other two garments I've made, the Two-Toned Shrug and Something Red, while they're certainly accomplishments, I really don't wear either one, because there are things I would like to change about them. But this vest, oh, how I adore it! It fits me well, it's cozy without being too ridiculous for Houston winter weather, and the heathery yarn is divine.

Details:



Back-to-School U-Neck Vest, by Stefanie Japel, from Fitted Knits
Yarn: Cascade 220, just under 2 skeins
Needle: Size 7 circular, size 5 circular for neckline
Time: 3 months
Recipient: ME!
Thoughts: I love it. The following is a list of my modifications.
I lengthened the ribbing section. I made the neckline lower, and only purled four rows of neckline trim. I didn't pick up any stitches around the armholes, and I was a little concerned that the armholes would roll, but I love the way they turned out. I decreased more for the arm straps. I didn't increase the bust very much; frankly, I don't really need the room, and the waffle stitch is pretty stretchy. Speaking of waffle stitch, I love it!! It's so fun, knits up quickly, and really makes a lovely fabric.

This is my second pattern to complete from Fitted Knits. I love the book, and find myself returning to it regularly when I think about new projects. I wouldn't mind having another of these vesties in another color. It's just my style for work.

Celebratory giveaway

This month marks a milestone for me. A year ago, I finished my first knitting project. I also started this blog. In honor of my impending blogibirthday, I've decided to have a little contest.

You can win some yarn or fabric if you're an addict like me.
If you don't knit or sew, you can still win! I will make you a little crafty item (like a hat, tote bag, pouch, etc.) in your favorite color(s).
I will also include a few random treats/trinkets in either prize.

Here's how you can win:
by 8:00 PM CST on October 25th (my blogibirthday), leave a comment on this post with an interesting random fact about yourself. I'd also love to know about your favorite etsy shop. I will randomly select a winner, or maybe two.

I really enjoy the hobbies I've picked up in the last year. Here's to many more years of crafting!