Plugging Away

I've been slowly nibbling away at some ongoing projects.  I haven't spent as much time in the evenings knitting as I could have. I've been spending far too much time reading news and blogs on the internet instead.

But I did finish a cute little ghost for Halloween.

Pattern: Gus and Augustus. I used some spare Paton's Classic Wool for the body and an odd bit of black for the eyes.

I also finished some stripey plain stockinette socks. They'll enter the work sock rotation.

 

The current knitting queue includes the cabled KnitSpot sweater and some socks. On the sweater, I'm past the armholes now and working the left front.  Only the top of the right front and back, plus two sleeves and button bands to go.  Maybe I'll get it done by February.

The sock queue includes some 15 year old lace socks, Leonore from Caoua Coffee, and Elementary Watson. The latter two are travel knitting. I took Leonore to Atlanta on a business trip. I cast on Watson for an international trip since I had non-metal needles in the right size. I carefully got the toe cast on and worked about half the toe increases, then proceeded to leave the project bag on the coffee table when I left for the airport.  Fortunately I had not left my Kindle behind too.  Honestly I didnt' have much knitting time so didn't really miss it much.

So far this year I've managed to finish 9 projects: 6 pairs of socks, 1 baby sweater, 1 scarf, and 1 ghost. I might finish the lace socks, but only if I completely set aside the cabled sweater and right now the sweater is sort of fun.  I also frogged two sock projects that just weren't doing it for me. I finished the first sock of Randiriel, but it was far too snug to be comfortable. The Spokane Ducks pattern was knitting up ok, but I couldn't really see the stitch pattern in the yarn that shipped with the free pattern. It's gorgeous yarn that just needs to be something else.

Plans for 2016
I don't know what plans to make for 2016. There are two co-workers with babies arriving in the March/April time frame. I could make them sweaters or I could go with the smaller time and money investment and buy something. At some point, I will have to make these adorable booties, but maybe for friends and relatives not co-workers.

When I moved, I packed up all my sock yarn, all my lace yarn, and a selection of sweater projects. Maybe it would be reasonable to set a goal of 8 pairs of socks, plus a sweater and a scarf or shawl. I'll keep my non-buying habit going strong. I certainly don't need any more yarn.