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Happy 2018 to you! I hope the new year is treating you well so far, and that you are able to accomplish the goals that you have set.
An idea popped into my head yesterday, and I decided that I want to try weekly posts here, with the projects I'm working on, and a few other weekly tidbits.
I still hope to share FO posts, but last year, I found myself faltering on posts. I'm hopeful that this informal weekly entry will be an approachable reboot for me.
Also, for a few years, Jeni and I have helped hold each other accountable on goals, but I never joined her on keeping track of fabric yardage. I managed to buy less overall than previous years, but I decided it's time for me to keep track of that.
So, at the end of each month, I'll share what yardage I've accumulated, as well as what I've used. I won't count yardage used until a project is finished.
As for yarn, I've been somewhat tracking that (and have greatly reduced the amount of yarn I buy). (side note to that: I've got a lot of pretties available on my ravelry destash)

So, here's a brief recap of my first week of the year:

A post shared by Jacey (@jaceynotjc) on Jan 2, 2018 at 7:35am PST

I finished a Facets Hat, pattern by Rose Beck.

A post shared by Jacey (@jaceynotjc) on Jan 2, 2018 at 12:54pm PST

After that, I picked up my marled scarf (this is a gift for a friend), and have made great progress. It's about 40 inches long now!

A post shared by Jacey (@jaceynotjc) on Jan 3, 2018 at 10:49am PST

I also finished binding my Prism quilt and hope to get it photographed this weekend. Here's a progress shot. I love it! The pattern is in Jeni's Patchwork Essentials and fabric is all Alison Glass Handcrafted (except the binding).

I started off 2017 trying to read every day, but went bust a few months in, and only managed to finish a handful of books. This year, I'm starting with a very enjoyable book, and am halfway done. Have you read it?

And finally, I want to share this recipe, which I've been enjoying all week: BA Yellow Split Pea Soup with Spiced Coconut. As in 2016, we have set a goal of 3 new recipes a month, from our magazine and cookbook collection.

I hope you enjoy this new format. Thanks for sticking with me, through sporadic posts! I still love to create, and hope that never changes.

A few handknit FOs

Looking over my ravelry page, I haven't finished many projects this year. I can say that I love each project I've finished, and the desire to knit hasn't faded, after eight years. And I'm still learning new things, which is thrilling. For instance, I learned brioche this year.

As part of exploration station, I used lots of treasured yarns and that brioche section is my favorite part. It was challenging at first, but now I'd love to knit a project entirely in brioche stitch.

This shawl is giant, and I still haven't managed to get modeled photos (but we do still have pretty warm temperatures here in Houston).

I also just learned how to make a pom pom. I've tried once before, but this time I used the Clover tool (a gift from Amber), and now I want to pom pom everything.

Just look! yeah, pom poms rule. This hat is Sara's pattern: Nicke's Hat. Highly recommend!

Finally, I made a second Iz cowl, by Andi Satterlund.

This is such a great squishy cowl and I wear the first one I made as often as possible in appropriate weather.

So yeah, that's the latest finishes in knitting. I'm working on another pompom hat now, so I'll share that soon!

FO: Citadel

I love this hat.

I love knitted hats in general, but this is one of my two favorite hat patterns that I've tried over the past seven years (the other is Facets). The texture is beautiful, and in this Colour Adventures Stunning DK, a semi-solid single-ply merino (very similar to Malabrigo, but less pilling so far), it's so happy. The pattern is Citadel, by Hedgehog Fibres (free!).

My awesome sister took some pictures over Thanksgiving. I love the touch of fall you can see in this one, and how it compliments the hat. I've been wearing this one constantly.

I also started a sweater back in September, which is getting most of my knitting attention these days. It's Backshore, by Alicia Plummer, but as you can see, I'm modifying the stripe width as I go. I thought some skinnier stripes would be more flattering, and I decided to add a second stripe color, because why not?
I hope to finish the body of this by the end of the year.

A backlog of knits

I haven't shared knitting here in months, even though there's been lots of knitting.

Most recently, I finished an Elis cowl, a free pattern using a new-to-me stitch, Indian cross stitch. It's very simple (although it took a little getting used to), and I think it's lovely in this semi-solid Madeline Tosh Sport.

I've also been working on the Ysolda mystery shawl, Follow your arrow. I'm nearly finished (although those last rows seem to take ages to complete! I have this and another shawl still on the back burner.

I knit this fingering-weight hat, the Serpentine, and promptly gifted it to a sweet friend.

I kept this one (Facets for myself, though. It's gotten lots of wear in the last few months!

This three-year-old pair of socks finally got finished. I really want to be a sock knitter. But they just drag for me.

Finally, I knit Andi's Iz cowl. And I actually got good use of it this winter. Note: this picture was not taken in Houston, but in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with actual snow!

This year, I made a goal for myself to stash LESS. Note I'm not saying NONE! My rule is that I can purchase one skein for each three that I use. So far, there have been no yarn purchases for the year. I've used enough (and destashed a few) to buy, but I'm really attempting to use the yarn I have, which is abundant. It's been a great incentive to knit more often!

Actual Knitting FOs

Broken record alert: I didn't mean to disappear for so long. If you'd like more regular updates, you can follow me over on instagram. Like most, I tend to post there more frequently than in this space.

I have sewing progress, but today, let's talk about knitting. You may remember this first pair of toast mitts from a couple of years ago. Well, I found a way to use up the handspun leftovers, spun by the fabulous Aquaknits (where, oh where did she go?).

First, back in June, I knit this striped hat, with the handspun and some Malabrigo Worsted.

I used a little more to knit this Little Scallops hat (I will be making another one of these. Somebody, have a baby!). I also finished a pair of socks, which I need to photograph, and my newest WIP is the Serpentine Hat, which I am really enjoying.

It feels good to have a few knit finishes. I started knitting in 2007, and it has taken a back seat to sewing in the past few years. I still love it, though.

FO(s): Double Fortnight

Actual knitting has been finished! What??
Yes, in the past couple of months, I have actually finished at least two knitting projects. Specifically, these hats you see above. I used Brooklyn Tweed's Fortnight pattern, found here. Both hats were knit in KnitPicks Wool of the Andes, colorways Tidepool Heather and Persimmon Heather. The pattern is easy to follow, and I adore the large garter stitch brim. Each hat took just around 100 yards of worsted weight yarn on a size 7 circular.

These hats were knit for two very special people. One is Jules, who just sent me the amazing selvage mini and extras. For her, I knit the rusty orange hat to match the pair of Fetchings I made last year. I sent along some extras, including one of my last coffee cozies and some fabric.

Jules' husband took this photo of her wearing it. I just love those cables!

The teal version was knit for Amanda, who has fast become one of my best friends. I "knew" her before sewing summit, but it was after meeting in person that our friendship solidified. We have chatted lots since then, and hanging out with her this past weekend (where we exchanged gifts in person!) was so much fun.

Although Amanda is a very proficient knitter, she said she didn't have a hat for herself; she's given all of her hats away! So I knit this one and included some extras. I'll share what she made me next time!

A little of everything

While I still think setting the wedding date sooner rather than later was smart, I really miss my low-obligation weekends. Spare sewing/knitting time has been scarce these days, but I've managed to make a little progress.

I made some flannel pillowcases this week. I picked up this lovely Anna Maria Horner flannel from Pink Castle Fabrics. Luckily, my friend Chris (who I get to see in a few weeks!!) sent me a large scrap of another AMH flannel, which I used on part of the cuffs for a little contrast.

I've accumulated quite the collection of sewing/quilting books! The top few were Christmas gifts, and some of the bottom ones are from my grandmother's stash. There are a lot of fun projects and techniques that I hope to try someday soon! In this photo, you can also see my growing AMH Good Folks collection. I just adore this line, and have been lucky to find pieces here and there, through swaps and etsy purchases.

I've been knitting on a few gift projects. I have two knitting FOs that I can't share until they're received, so it should be a couple of weeks for those. BUt this hat is destined for Elliott's mom. She asked for a knitted hat, and I just couldn't refuse. I'm using some Sundara Aran Merino (from a holiday gift bag). This yarn is beautiful! I love the slight variations in color, and the texture is lovely. The pattern is Stephen West's Windschief. I've already started the decreases, so I should have it finished soon.

And a little Bella action to complete this post.

I wish you all a good week!
I vow to have my list of 2012 goals up before the end of the week!

FO: Opus Spicatum

Before I get into today's post, I have to share two things about the SGS pattern. First, pattern writing takes serious attention to detail. The proof of this is that I made a VERY simple mistake. Hopefully, any of you that have started knitting so far caught the error, but my cast on number is 33 stitches. It should be an even number. I have fixed the pdf to call for 32 stitches of cast-on. I'm so sorry for any confusion that error may have caused. A big thanks to Rachel for catching my error.

Also, Claudia shared her SGS Scarf progress! I'm so excited about this. Claudia, thanks for giving it a try! It looks awesome so far!

So, on to today's post!
Colorwork freaks me out. I LOVE it (as evidenced by my growing pinterest board), but I find it really daunting. Last year in late October, I decided to cast on for a much-loved pattern, Opus Spicatum. I tried two colorwork tools to see what worked for me, this metal one, and this plastic one. But because of my knitting style (not really correct, but a version of English style), neither of these tools really worked, and I left my progress here:

Yeah. For pretty much an entire year, that's how it looked.

But then, while I was on my little vacation, I knew I'd be finished with the SGS Scarf pretty quickly, so I grabbed this to work on. I'm so glad I did, because I was able to finish it.

I don't know if it was the time away from it, or the fact that I got more comfortable with holding the two colors of yarn (with no tool, just held them both in my left hand), but something clicked!

I used two lovely shades of RYC Cashsoft Aran, and size 7 needles for the brim/size 9 for the body. Followed the pattern exactly!

Raveled here

Now, I'm trying to decide what colorwork project to knit next!

I'm entering this into Celebrate Color.

FO: Cable Car Hat

One last FO for the year:

I cast on for this hat at the airport in Dallas on a Saturday, and finished the following Wednesday in San Francisco. I've dubbed it the Cable Car Hat. The pattern is Relm by Brooklyn Tweed, from the Fall/Winter 2008 issue of Knit1. I used less than a skein of Malabrigo in the lovely Sealing Wax colorway. I made some modifications, mostly to conserve yarn and to make the hat less slouchy.

I used a size 7 circular throughout, instead of switching needles after the brim.

Then, at the decrease section, I did the following:
Worked Row 1
Skipped rows 2 and 3
Worked rows 4-7
Skipped rows 8 and 9
Worked rows 10-11
Then:
(p2, ssk) repeat to end
(p2tog, k1) repeat to end
k2tog repeat to end
k next row
k2tog, k1 repeat to end
k next row
k2tog repeat to end
Seam 10 remaining stitches

Although it's pretty cute on me (modest, I know!), I gifted it to Beth, Elliott's sister (and mother of the adorable Oliver) this weekend. She'll get better wear out of it in DC this winter. And besides, I can always make another hat. That's the beauty of being a knitter, right?

Raveled here

By the way, it's my birthday today! I'm 29, for the first time.

What's on the Needles?

Before I show you what I've been working on lately, I wanted to let you know I'm celebrating a third blogibirthday this week, and assembling a giveaway package for one of you. I'll have details at some point this week.

My attention has been divided between several projects lately, but I enjoy it, even if it means it takes me longer to finish.

Back in July, I started this pair of Impressionist Socks, but stalled out after starting the heel too soon. The sad sock sat (say that five times fast) untouched for months, but has new life now. I've knit past the length described in the pattern, but I've decided to continue the pattern until I run out of yarn, as I want to use every inch of this Koigu (which I picked up in Boston last fall). I'm excited to actually be knitting a sock during Socktoberfest; I believe that's a first. The lace pattern keeps my interest, and the variegated Koigu doesn't hurt either.

Up next, I cast on for the Emerald Isle Cardigan a few weeks ago. I've dubbed it my Gray Skies Cardigan, and I'm using Wool of the Andes in Onyx Heather. I'm currently about mid-way through the back piece. I just love the tab sleeves; it looks so wearable.

The third knitted project getting my attention is a cast-on inspired by Kara, who's been rocking the colorwork as of late. Colorwork was a 2010 goal, so I decided to jump in with Opus Spicatum, a gorgeous hat pattern.
I'm only a few rows into the colorwork, and it feels so foreign. Part of the problem is that I hold my yarn very differently than other knitters I've seen. I think it's going to hurt me on more complicated colorwork patterns, so I'm trying to be conscious and modify my hand posture.
I picked up this RYC Cashsoft Aran in a soft red and gray this weekend in Austin.

Finally, I've been working on the table runner project, and I'm nearly done with the top (and don't worry; I haven't forgotten about the quilt!). The striped squares were so much fun to make, and two more of those is all that's missing from the top pieces.

So, to recap, a lot of projects, some progress, but nothing finished.

FO: Pauline in Green

You may not know this, but it's incredibly hard to take a picture of the side of your head. Well, at least, if you don't have a tripod (or you have one, but have been too lazy to set one up during the few minutes of sunshine that I get after work each night (if it's not raining, of course).
The above is my excuse for not previously showing pictures of the very lovely Pauline in Green that I finished knitting over a month ago.

Evidence that taking a picture of the side of your head is a wee bit complicated.

The hat is a super quick knit, and the little garter stitch ties are just adorable. The hat formation is rather ingenious, in my opinion (although Knitting Kninja may not be the first to do this; I don't know): you knit back and forth on what will eventually by the front of the hat, and then the back is formed through a short row. Next, you knit the garter-stitch ties, which are so fast and lovely, especially in Malabrigo!

You use applied i-cord for the hem (if you haven't tried this before, the pattern gives clear instructions!), and i-cord for the flowers. The leaves are knit separately, and then the flowers and leaves are sewn on.

I chose to sew on only one flower, as I thought having three of them was a little much.

As I mentioned above, I used Malabrigo Worsted, about half a skein of Verde Esperanza. The flower is made from a sample skein I purchased on Etsy from Zen Yarn Garden. It is the Superwash Sock Yarn in Rosy Pink, and I thought it was a nice compliment to the vibrant green Malabrigo.

I haven't decided if I will keep this, or gift it, but for now, it's lovely to look at.

New photos of old FOs

Back in January, I finished my Purple Waffles, but over Thanksgiving, my sister got a great punching shot with them in action. I love the gloves (and I love my bangs!), so I'm grateful that Jill was willing to snap a few punching shots.

Additionally, I took some outside photos of Wesley, which was another January FO.

I still haven't worn this hat, but I'm glad to have some clearer shots of the lovely FO.

This was not a complicated knit, but it sure looks impressive!

FO: Grass cabled hat

My second finished object for Project Spectrum:

Details: Groovy Cabled Tuque, by Mimi Fautley
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes, Grass, just under 1 skein
Needles: Size 7 circular
Time: One week
Recipient: perhaps a gift, not sure yet
Thoughts: With this project, I finally learned how to cable without a cable needle. I resisted learning this technique, as I felt like it was cheating, but with so many cables per row, it was a necessity in this hat.

January KAL: GOAL!!

As I mentioned here, I joined a January Puck This! KAL on Ravelry, in which you make three hats before the end of the month. Hat #1 was previously posted, so here are details on #2 and #3!

Koi in Spring

Details: Spring Cap by Wooly Wormhead
Yarn: Handspun, purchased on Ravelry, from TheKnitrix, approx. 141 yards
Needle: Size 7 circular
Time: 8 days
Recipient: maybe me
Thoughts: The pattern was a bit tedious at times, what with all the yos and k2tog, in combination with the handspun yarn. On the other hand, I think this yarn was a perfect choice for the pattern. I love the way it looks, and although I was trying to use up all of it with this hat, I'm rather pleased that I have enough left to make another small project.

Wesley
Details:
Wesley, by Kate Gagnon
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino, white (approx. 90 yds) and red (approx 40 yds), KnitPicks Wool of the Andes, Amber Heather (approx 40 yds), total: approx 170 yds

Needles: Size 6, 8 and 10
Time: 1 week
Recipient: definitely me.
Thoughts: I love this hat. It was an incredibly fun pattern. The colors work well together, and it makes for a very impressive FO, in my opinion. It has a decent amount of slouch. I used a bigger needle for the majority of the hat, and it's very roomy. Love, love, love.

My January goal is complete!

FO: Vermillion Slouch

Hat trick #1 is complete (see post below for details on the KAL I've joined)

Details:

A Slouch for All Seasons, by Melissa Lynn
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Vermillion approx. 190 yards
Needle: Size 4 dpns, size 5 circular
Time: 5 days
Recipient: unsure

Thoughts: I actually botched the pattern a bit, but luckily, I knew how to modify the reminder to match my mistake, so it's not at all noticeable. You are supposed to have two sets of k2tog, yo in each repeat, but I only did one per repeat. So when I got to the decreases, I only did one set there as well. It turned out nicely, and I'm pleased that it used up almost an entire ball of Malabrigo. I would definitely recommend this pattern, and I'll probably make it again at some point, maybe the right way!

I've already started hat trick #2, in some purchased handspun.

Hat Trick KAL

Although I don't watch much hockey (nothing against it, but come on, I live in Houston), I found a knit-along I think I can actually complete. Over on Lolly's blog, one I enjoy reading thoroughly, I found mention of a Puck This! KAL for the month of January, in which you knit three hats.
I can knit hats like there's no tomorrow. I haven't officially signed up, especially since, like I said, I'm not at all knowledgeable about hockey. But unofficially, I'm in.

My first hat is the Slouch for All Seasons, by Knitting School Dropout. I printed this pattern as soon as it came out last summer, and I've been trying to figure out what yarn to use.

I had this gorgeous, vibrant skein of Malabrigo in Vermillion staring at me, and you don't really have to twist my arm to get me to use Malabrigo. I worked on it a bit more last night at my knitting group (which actually only consisted of me and Amanda!), so I imagine I can have it finished this weekend. Then, on to hat #2!

FO: Ibiza Blues Hat

Instant. gratification.



Details:

Checking on the Colonel, by Kimberly Lewis
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted, Ibiza, approx. 130 yards
Needle: Size 7 circular
Time: 10 days
Recipient: possibly, my very sweet neighbor (or possibly me if it's not her style)
Thoughts: Upon first glance, the FOs on ravelry did not sell me on making this pattern. However, I decided to try it with the variegated yarn. I love the result. The hat is larger than most of the ones I've made, and it works well. It fits differently, as it's not a "skullcap" (Dean refers to most of my hats in this way; I don't think he means it in a complimentary way). I probably won't make this pattern again, but it was a fast knit and is easy to follow.

FO: One year late hat

My friend Adam asked me to make him a hat for Christmas last year. Almost a year later, I decided to get one finished for his birthday present. This Friday, I will proudly present him with this gift:

Modeled (rather reluctantly) by Dean

Details:
Jacques Cousteau Hat, by Typy
Yarn: Knitpicks, Wool of the Andes, Forest Heather, 1.5 skeins
Needle: Size 7, Knitpicks circular
Time: 2 weeks
Thoughts: I felt like I knot on this forever, even though it went rather quickly. Ribbing is just repetitive, so that's probably where the feeling came from. I like the way it turned out, although if I make this again, I will cast on even less stitches with worsted weight yarn. As it is, I cast on 100, but next time, probably 80 stitches will do. I also am not a big fan of a fold-over brim, so I will probably reduce the overall height of the height next time as well.

I hope he likes it, and I'll find out soon enough!

FO: Amber Hat

I finished a Christmas gift in August. How gratifying.

Details:
Mary Jane's Pithy Hat, cabled version, by Theresa Belville
Yarn: Wool of the Andes, Amber Heather, 1 skein
Needle: Knit Picks Size 7 circular
Time: 7 days
Thoughts/Mods: I only knit the hat to be about 7 inches, while the pattern called for 10-11". It's still looser than some of the hats I've made, which I like, but I didn't want to be as floppy as the pattern suggested. I also used a more subtle cable than suggested. I did C3B (sl1 back, k2). I like the way it turned out, and it fits nicely. I'm tempted to keep it for myself, but really, how many hats do I need in Houston? (Answer: as many as I want!!) I already have a couple of recipients in mind, so we'll see.
Artsy photo time:

Oooh, the effects of sunshine.

FO: Sunny Beaufort Hat

Talk about instant gratification. I finished my hat last night. I really enjoyed the pattern. It's a four row repeat, and it's fairly intuitive. Once I finished one round, I didn't need to refer back to the pattern to see where I was.

Details:
Beaufort Hat, by Angela Hahn
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes, Daffodil, approximately 85 yards (I'm really not sure how much I used. I finished off the skein from my Something Red (and Yellow) and then used some of a second skein.)
Needle: Knitpicks, Size 7 circular
Time: 4 days
I will probably make a few of these for Christmas presents. The pattern is enjoyable, and I think the hat is impressive.

Yep, I like it. It gave me the sunshine I needed. Houston's forecast for the next seven days is rain, by the way.