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!