What I've Been Up To

So it's been awhile since I've recorded my knitting. I haven't been knitting quite as faithfully as I used to, which is part of the reason for the lack of blogging. But I have recently picked it back up, and I have a few things to write about.

First are these cute little monsters:

Leila, Lydia, and Lucas - The Momma and Baby Monsters

I started them in January and just finished them about a week ago. As I mentioned...haven't been faithfully knitting. But I travelled in July and I packed the needles and got busy. Besides being cute, this had a secondary motivation of stash-busting. Gotta keep depleting my stash of all the excess! Rebecca Danger's Big Book of Knitted Monsters is one way I am choosing to accomplish this goal.

Second I've decided to make another attempt at crochet. I've actually had some moderate success this time, thanks to the fabulous Staci Perry of Very Pink Knits. She published a "Crochet for Knitters" series on YouTube, and I've successfully made three granny squares out of the same colors as the monsters (I have a lot of pink, and the green was already out and handy). I haven't photographed them yet, but I'll add them in the future if I think of it.

Third I've been doing some more needle research, especially because of my carpal tunnel issues. Knitter's Pride had some intriguing options: Cubics and Karbonz. Some have said that Cubics are easier on the hands not only because they are wood, but because of the shape. I really don't love wood, even though it's supposedly better for my hands, but I ordered a Knitter's Pride sampler that included some tips to try. I'd like to try the Karbonz, because I suspect I would like them better, but they are a bit more expensive, so I am going to wait for now.

I also got this pretty needle case from Knitter's Pride to hold my interchangeables (primarily Knit Picks Nickel Plated Options, but some Harmony and now some Knitter's Pride too). I think they are all the same company and the tips and cables all work together which is awesome. I got this case, and it is by far the best I've come across for my collection. It even has room for my handful of fixed circulars on the left and DPNs on the right side. It holds all my needles, cables, caps, keys and tags, and there is still a bit of room to grow. Perfect!

Manufacturer's Picture, not mine :)

Last I am still working on the never ending baby blanket. Less than 10 inches to go. 10 painfully long inches.