January 2009 Needle Arts Challenge

**madhen** · 12-25-2008, 12:08 PM

After a month of charity and giving, it's time to be a little selfish.

This month's challenge is to make something for yourself. It can be for your home, if it is really something you've been wanting for your home (i.e, I am going to look into a tablecloth project for my little pub table), but not just because it is practical and you "need" it. It should be something you WANT, first and foremost, and if you need it as well, all the better. Nice, but not necessary.

I am further challenging myself (and anyone who wants to jump in) with pushing the envelope, skill-wise. I am going to try something new: cross-stitch, embroidery, something, haven't decided yet. New year, time to learn some new techniques!

Same as last month, however, that if you don't want to do this specific challenge, it is optional, and you can still post whatever needlework you decide to challenge yourself with here, and keep track of your progress.

It is December 25th today, so you have six days to figure out what you want to do for your January challenge!!

**homesteadmamma** · 12-25-2008, 12:44 PM

I'm challenging myself to make some socks for me. I have the pattern printed out, just have to get the wool and the needles.

**madhen** · 12-26-2008, 02:17 PM

I've decided to knit myself some mittens, as well.

**LastDragonfly** · 12-26-2008, 03:54 PM

I don't knit or crochet, but I do cross-stitch. I'm not going to cross stich in Jan. but I want to make cloth napkins in January. I'm trying to wean myself off of napkins and paper towels.

I plan on cross stitching some projects for the county fair in August. I think I might start those in Feb.

**vigilant20** · 12-26-2008, 04:01 PM

I'll join this time! I picked up some Rainbow Boucle with my 50% off coupon to crochet myself a shrug.

**Patty A** · 12-26-2008, 04:05 PM

Ok, I want to join in on this one. I have a dozen different projects to pick from so I will be back with the one I decide to do. I am excited as I have been doing things for others, its nice to be able to do something for me! Thanks so much for the challenge........I love it!

**Michelle** · 12-26-2008, 08:01 PM

I am going to make a dishcloth as well as a scarf for me this time

**McD** · 12-26-2008, 09:31 PM

I am going to start working on an embroidered/cross-stitch tablecloth. It's huge, fall colors with flowers all over and a lot of embroidery work. The embroidery work will be the huge challenge for me!

**kmonokwe** · 12-27-2008, 12:22 AM

Well, I definitely pushed the envelope in terms of skill last month...and failed miserably! Actually, it wasn't miserable. I gave IOU's to my brothers and they got to see their half-done scarves. The rest of the fam got garter stitch scarves (3) that were all done within 2 weeks. After that I decided to learn something new, but I got in way over my head!

I love the January challenge, but I'm going to skip out on it this time. Instead, I challenge myself to finish both of my half-finished scarves in time to dive head first into February's challenge!

Good luck to everyone, I'm excited to read up on everyone's projects!

**Dave'sGirl** · 12-27-2008, 08:18 AM

kmonokwe, very smart to do that. I'm sure your brothers will love that you took the time to finish what you are making for them.

I'll be joining the challenge, but I don't know what I will be making yet. I want to go to Joanns and get the looms that are on sale, so not sure if I want to crochet maybe a granny lap cover or knifty knit something.

**dwallyfam** · 12-27-2008, 09:49 AM

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

**sunshine** · 12-27-2008, 10:45 AM

I'm making ME a shawl -- I keep giving away, all the shawls I make.

**Debbie-cat** · 12-27-2008, 07:11 PM

I would like to join this one. I am thinking of trying to crochet a scarf in January. I haven't crocheted for years and I kindof forgot but I am going to give it a shot!

Another one madhen!! You are going to kill me!!

**Minner77** · 12-27-2008, 07:22 PM

I challenge myself to
*knit another 2 feet of my *humongous* afghan (that I am rapidly tiring of...)
*figure out what to do with the yarn I just had to buy, but don't know how to use.... ($1.99 v $8.99 a skein for precious baby yarn... but it turned out to be ribbon-like.... shoulda' paid more attention and not have been swayed by price, color, and softness!)

**HisDaisy** · 12-27-2008, 08:59 PM

I would love to join this challenge, but I can't start another project. I have too many unfinished projects. My goal for the month will be to finish some of those (I will post which one later). That way, I can work on something for myself.