January 2009 Needle Arts Challenge

[nandmsmom]

I need to make an afghan for my sister. She was complaining that she needed one over Christmas. Her birthday is in February, so it should be perfect timing.

[madhen]

I am weaving a blanket for myself. It is to go over the couch and be there when I need my nap. I already have 10 squares done. WAHOO

Kellie

That sounds very cool! Any way we can get a pic?

[madhen]

Okay, I've decided on two sewing projects: one is a rice-filled heating pad. The other is a (hopefully) simple denim purse made from an old pant leg. I may also try a door draft stopper, although I would probably need several! If all goes well, I will evolve into pillow cases and possibly even sheets, since I still can't find any just the right shade of lavender for my bedroom. Then, who knows, maybe projects that require something other than straight lines!!

[YankeeMom]

I plan on making myself some Bella's Mittens

The rest of my projects are for other people. I finished the Monkey socks yesterday so now I have one more pair of Large Footed Friends socks to make. My sister also asked me to make 5-6 pairs of socks for my niece & she'll pay me lol. My niece loves the socks I knit her for her birthday so much, she wears them ALL the time. Nice to hear

[homesteadmamma]

I had put down I wanted to make myself a pair of socks. Instead I'm going to make myself a pair of mitts. I picked up the wool today, along with the knitting needles. Can't wait to get started.

[madhen]

Well, I'll have to change mine, as well, as my sewing machine is not cooperating. Not sure what I'm going to do now....

[kmonokwe]

Its too bad about your sewing machine, madhen! My grandmother gave me a machine about a year ago and I was very excited, but the first time I got it out, i just couldn't make it work, and I haven't tried since.

About my challenge, shortly after posting last weekend about finishing my brothers' scarves, I picked one up all ready to get started (with some semblance of motivation). Apparently I'd forgotten to make a mark after the last row, and so I got halfway through a 360-stitch row purling where I should have knitted! I got very frustrated and put it down. I didn't pick it back up again until tonight, when DH gave me some encouraging words! But in the mean time, I've been distracting myself with crocheting. I finally learned how! It is very exciting, and I'm resisting the urge to begin an afghan for my mom. I'm thinking I'll work on it slowly over the course of the year - Its huge, and a big undertaking for my novice fingers.

Anyway, I did get some good work done on both scarves this evening, and I'm feeling good! Its not a lot of progress, but every little bit counts. Now that I've done my penance on the scarves, I'm going to play a bit with the afghan.

[ri*smom]

I'd really like to make myself some aprons or a pretty scarf to go with my coat. Hmmm . . . lemme dig around and see what sort of supplies I already have on hand and I'll come back to update.

[peanut]

Oooh! I'm using this as an opportunity to finish some projects...

For myself...new skill...hmmm...

~ the swan art quilt based on niece's Europe photo.
~ purse/bag made from knitted fabric (it was butt ugly and needed a new life). I'm going to dye it, line it and use it...I hope.

For myself, but not new skill...
~ an apron
~ a hand hooked rug (mostly finished)

There! That should keep me busy this month!

Jean

[Dave'sGirl]

I was thinking of sewing myself an apron (and really, I still might) but the doggie sweater I made for Dave's daughter's dog was too small so I'm remaking that. Also, my daughter called me yesterday and asked when 'Hemi' (her dog) was going to get a sweater LOL! SOOoooo I'm still crocheting dog sweaters
I'd love to get these finished as close to the 1st as possible so I can spend time on my other challenges (the rag rug and 2 afghans for Christmas).

[homesteadmamma]

Tonight I will be starting on my mitts. I'm taking one hour to knit without any interruptions. I need to get started or I won't get this done in Jan.

[Debbie-cat]

Good for you homesteadmamma, sometimes you just have to do that so you can get things done!

[kmonokwe]

Today I finished a row on my brother's scarves, 24 rows on my BIL's scarf, and one of the 4 squares for my mom's afghan! Making progress!

[Debbie-cat]

Good job kmonokwe! At that rate you will have to up your knitting challenge for January!

[homesteadmamma]

I managed to get 3 rows done on one mitt and then something came up and I had to put it down for the rest of the night. At least it's started.