I celebrated yet another birthday last week...the big 24. I could go back and forth as to whether or not 24 is a milestone year. But in terms of knitting, maybe it is. I started knitting at the tender age of 6, so for 18 years I've knit plenty of project on 2 needles. That's what knitting is right? -- slinging yarn back and forth between two needles with  safelittle knobs at the ends so your work doesn't slide into your lap. Well, my knitting world was turned upside down when, for my birthday, I opened up a seemingly pretty package and saw a set of four, glaringly red, shiny and sharp, DOUBLE-POINTED NEEDLES!!!

I know tons of people learn to knit at adulthood, whip out a scarf or two, and jump right into the double-pointed world and go on to create beautifuls socks and gloves. But I could never do it. I tried the circular needle method of knitting in the round, but couldn't stand the look of the ladders. I would hate to admit that I was afraid of trying something new...I'm never afraid to try a new pattern or technique. Nor do I particularly like sewing the seams that result from knitting on two...so in all fairness, I should like double-pointed needles...right?

So with a bit of convincing, I found an easy tube-sock pattern, some yellow practice yarn and plunged in. So far, I want to use those pointy red needles to jab out my own eyeballs. There's so much sliding and yarn-splitting, I feel like I'm six again! I suppose it's a good lesson, seeing as I was so young when I first learned, it'll be healthy to remember that frustration and appreciate a new skill! Either way, I'm going to have one ugly yellow sock.

It's this time of year that I always get stir-crazy. The snow isn't as exciting as it was in December, and spring is still a long way away. Then again, it is in February and March that I become the most ambitious with my knitting. 

This past week, I finished a sweater for my little buddy Ryan (he just turned one). This was a SUPER easy pattern. You cast on at the neck and knit the entire body in one piece ... on size 15 needles, then add the collar or hood. I'm definitely going to use this pattern again.

I also just finished a blanket for a friend's new baby (slated to arrive in May). I also used huge needles for this project — size 13. I cast on about 75 stitches and knit the whole thing in garter stitch, changing yarns at each row. I used lots of different colors and textures leftover from various other baby projects. This is a great way to clean out a yarn stash of bits and pieces. Once I had the length I wanted, I bound-off and tied the ends into tassels.

This is my favorite way to knit any blanket! It goes fast, and changing yarns keeps it from getting boring. I'm also working on a big one for a friend that's getting married in October, using reds, browns, tans, and creams. With any luck, (and 8 months to go) I'll finish it in time!

Well, here 'goes. I haven't blogged in years. I jumped on the bandwagon when livejournal entered the scene, but promptly abandoned it when Facebook became the time-swamp we all know an love today. Anyway, why pass up a chance to drone on and on about knitting?!

I've been knitting as long as I can remember...not necessarily well, but it's something I've grown up doing nonetheless. I'm constantly starting projects, with all intentions of finishing, rarely following through. I have an embarrassing amount of unfinished afghans and sweaters in my closet. But since the recent batch of babies that have arrived to various friends and family, my projects pleasantly shrunk in size — and time. I've got a lot planned for these tiny-size friends, we'll see if I finish them before they become people-size!