Just the Tip of the Iceberg

Seems almost everybody in my family has gotten a new, small digital camera. My dad and step-mother requested a case for their camera. I also offered one to my brother and we need one for our new camera. Here are the first two. This one is for my dad and step-mother. The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Bulky, colorway Glenwood (I think). It matches the hat I made for her last Christmas. I also made a similar one from KnitPicks Essential, Navy for either my brother or myself. Dad's is very soft and cushy, which I thought would be great, but my brother thought a smaller, less bulky case would be better. It was such a simple knit. It's a tube, finished off with applied I-cord, with about 10 rounds left unattached for a loop. It needs a button on the front for the loop to hook around, and I also obviously need to weave in the ends. (Needle: Addi US 10.5)

My big project right now is a blanket for The Boy. It's called Moderne Baby Blanket from Mason-Dixon Knitting. The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in Blackberry, Brick, Denim, and Pewter. I'm loving the colors. There are two more large blocks, one on the bottom and one on the right, and then a narrow border. I'm still debating what color to make the border, but I'm leaning toward Pewter. The yarn is so soft and warm. It's machine washable, always a plus with a toddler. Every time The Boy sees me knitting it, he says, "My blanket." It's going to get a lot of use, I think. (Needle: Denise US7)

The other big project I've been neglecting is The Boy's Dale of Norway sweater. The yarn (Baby Ull) and colors are exactly what's called for, the first time I've ever followed a pattern so precisely. I cast on sometime this summer. I think I did the matching hat last year. I'll work on it for a while, then move on to another project. This sweater takes my full concentration, which can be hard. A project like the blanket or camera case can be done while talking, watching The Boy play, or watching TV. The sweater has to be done in total silence. (Needle: Susan Bates US2)

Last night I started a super-secret project for a super-secret someone. Hopefully, it'll be finished in time for Christmas, but with a toddler needing lots of attention, finding knitting time can be a challenge. (Needle: KnitPicks Classic Circular US 1; Yarn: KnitPicks Essential, Navy)

So, here's a picture of most of my stash. It's mostly organized by color, but a couple of sections are organized by type. The yarn ranges from cheap acrylic bought when I was first learning, to cashmere and alpaca. There's even some made from corn fibers. Some was bought for a particular project, other was purchased just because I liked it. I'm trying to not buy more while I have so many projects planned, but I occasionally succumb to the lure of beautiful yarn. The baskets are filled with miscellaneous stuff, like partial balls, ball bands, gauge swatches (sadly, unlabeled and therefore mostly useless), and notions. The doors hide the plethora of books and magazines, although only the right side is knitting related. The left side is from my quilting days. (Yes, I also have a sizable fabric and quilting pattern stash. We'll leave that for another time.)