knit a sweater

I’ve made almost two pairs of socks (finishing sock #4) and then if I can afford the yarn, I feel confident enough to make a sweater. :)

So I got sucked into filling a couple more orders for projects. Currently a scarf, which is super boring, and next a crazy multi-colored hat with ear flaps, which should at least hold my interest. Both projects are earning me some money and when I am done with these…maybe THEN I can begin my sweater! :D

...but I have a super pattern to use when I am ready. The sweater is so simple, it takes almost no piecing. You knit from the front around the back and to the front again in one piece on a circular needle. Make the sleeves and sew together. It’s adorable and perfect for fighting off a sudden chill.

Anyway, one of my friends liked my wrist-warmers so much, she asked if I could make her a pair. I agreed on the condition that she would buy the yarn. The yarn she chose was 80% wool and 20% cashmere. It feels so wonderful to work with and I am using wooden double-pointed needles as well, which feel wonderful all on their own. My friend will have the softest, most elegant black wrist-warmers. I am jealous.

And then…maybe…a sweater! Though, maybe the next step would logically be a pair of socks since this would teach me about all kinds of crazy techniques. I don’t know what will happen next, but the ultimate goal still stands. Hehe!

...so I decided to knit something else! I’ve only knitted two scarves before. The afghan was crocheted, so that doesn’t count. I decided since I need wrist-warmers this winter more than a new sweater, that I should knit wrist-warmers first. The added bonus is familiarizing myself with knitting in-the-round and learning how to make a button-hole for the thumb. I’ll get to the sweater eventually. Pictured above is my first of a pair of wrist-warmers.

(the above picture is a “during” photo. Trust me, it IS finished.)

I spent my today crocheting the afghan between errands and obligations, and it paid off! It’s finished!

Woo! Let the sweater begin!

...this is what I want to make for myself.

Almost done with the afghan for my neice! Down to a baseball-sized ball of yarn. Woo! I can’t wait to start on the sweater! :-)

...as soon as I finish this afghan for my niece. One more skein to go!

I know how to knit, but the extent has been scarves. I’ve never gone by a pattern before. I have a CD-ROM that I’ve been viewing and learning techniques. Also, how to follow a pattern. We’ll see if this works! I am excited.