Juliet, oh Juliet

She's done! Katie's posts of her gorgeous Juliet gave me the motivation I needed to finally finish my own.

This is this first sweater and third item I've ever knit (I knit two dishcloths before this project). I immediately fell in love with the Juliet when I saw the pattern a few months ago. It is the reason I learned to knit.

After I finished knitting it, I wetblocked it. I can't tell you how nervous I was dunking it into a tub of water (it's 100% wool). I was very very careful. Luckily, all was ok.

I used Oasis Yarns Aussie Wool in Misty Blue. The yarn was a dream to knit with, though it is a little fuzzy. Overall, I love the final garment. I had read that the pattern runs large and so I knit the smallest size (XS). Unfortunately, I still find it to be slightly too big on me for my tastes.

I think this is going to be a Christmas gift for a friend who this will fit perfectly and who I know will appreciate the time that I've spent making it. I haven't given up on the pattern though. I just love it too much. I've already bought more yarn to attempt another one. This time I am going to use a single strand of worsted weight yarn (as opposed to the bulky yarn that the pattern calls for). Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Slow going but getting there

Last Saturday I was lucky enough to spend the morning with awesome Katie learning how to knit. How much fun we had! It soon came out that we both had craft/sewing blogs to which the response was a big "No wonder you two are picking up knitting so quickly!". Well, I think Katie is picking it up a lot more quickly than I. While she has since completed this masterpiece, all I have to show is this:

Maybe, just maybe I'll have a finished, albeit wonky, dishcloth to show by the next class.

My resolve has broken

Well, I just couldn't take it anymore. I taught myself to knit. I've actually been fighting this moment. You see, I'll be the first to admit that I have craft ADD. I love to sew. I love to crochet. I love to paint and make things. I sometimes get a bit overwhelmed at all the sewing/crocheting/making possibilities out there, wanting to do it all but knowing there just isn't enough time. I really don't need another hobby to throw into the mix! But then I saw this and then this. That did it. My "I want to make that" personality finally took over. Every night this week I've sat down and gone through the motions, trying to get comfortable with this new way of holding yarn. After three nights, it finally clicked (no pun intended). Here we go.

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving (if it applies to you). I have plenty to give thanks for this year.