Knittin' Along

So I've joined a few KAL's recently and though most of them are already listed on the sidebar, I haven't discussed them. So here goes!

I'm super excited about Sockapaloooza! I had good time knitting along for Sockapal2za and checking on everyone's updates. I found a lot of favorite blogs this way. However, I have to say that while I received beautiful socks from a great pal, I didn't feel that mine were warmly received. All this talk of not bragging on your blog - if someone makes you a hand-knit item, you show it!

A while back, Alison asked for sock saviors. Since I had a feeling that the person I knit socks for didn't knit socks for anyone (she never mentioned sockapal2za after saying that she signed up), I felt compelled to pick up the slack. At first Alison didn't need me, but later after a savior begged off, I got the call! And I had a great time the second time around too! It was nice to make someone's day a bit brighter. And the socks fit great! Go see!

When signups came around this time I stayed up late to sign up! Nerd! And waited with baited breath to get my pal. OK, let's face it, I really wanted an excuse to buy yarn! And buy yarn I did! After much agonizing over the perfect color, I went with this:

It's Shaffer Anne in color 6F. A delightful blend of reds and purples. Very nice! Can't wait to knit it up. I'm thinking about doing Broadripple as I think it will work well with the varigated yarn. Any other suggestions? Oh, and I should add that The Husband balled this for me - it took him some time and after about 45 mintues, he said "We need to get you one of those winding things." I said OK! And he just laughed. He won't be laughing for long!

I also joined the Sock-a-Month KAL - I've earned my F with my Jaywakers (anyone else think it's weird that I'm excited about getting an F?), and I'm working on my first brownie point!

I joined the Sew? I Knit! sew-along. I'm really excited to use this as a way to become more adept at sewing. I'd like to make some of my own clothes, and I think this will help. I don't have fabric yet, as I can't find any that I like, but I do have a pattern. You can see it here - I'm making the pattern the model is wearing.

And finally, I'm most excited about Project Spectrum hosted by the lovely Lolly. I've been cooking up some ideas for this, and I think I've decided to do socks. I can (hopefully) complete a pair of socks each month in the designated color(s). Of course, right after I had this idea in my head, I had to order some yarn! Fortunately, most of this came from my stash, but green and purple had to be ordered. Here it is:

From left to right: Knitpicks Sock Garden in Star Gazer Lily, Sockotta in a pink/orange/yellow blend, apple green Opal, blusey Cherry Tree Hill, purple Koigu and grey Patons Kroy Sock. Whew!

My plan is to use a different yarn each month, and to use one I haven't used before. Sadly, I have used Koigu and Patons Kroy before, but hey, I had to draw the line somewhere! Perhaps I'll find some substitutes on my trip....

I'm also planning to use a new-to-me pattern for each month. I've been studying.


And I've got nothing. Well, that's not true. I want to to the Child's Shell Sock from Knitting Vintage Socks with the green and possibly another pair of Jaywalkers with the Koigu (because I love my pink ones and I may have worn them from Friday to Monday morning. Just sayin'.).

I gladly welcome any more sock patterns - the lovely Julie sent me a few, but I'd love some more!

I'd like to knit something else each month in the color. I've got some sweater options, but I'm not sure I can get a sweater done each month. That would be a stretch for me.

I also joined the postcard swap and picked up some blank postcards today at JoAnn's. Now for inspiration to strike...

Off to frantically try to finish my trekking socks before March 1! And try to avoid starteritis. It's getting a firmer hold by the minute!