New Year's Resolutions

A slightly late post, but I wanted to share my new year's resolutions with you all.  I made two resolutions this year:

1. Learn to knit properly
2. Avoid being diagnosed with cancer again

Ok, so the second one I couldn't control all that much, but I've managed to keep it so far... despite investigations to exclude bladder cancer.  I've got the all-clear... phew!

So, learning to knit properly.  I've included 'properly' in this as I could just about knit... not really purl, I certainly could do any shaping.  I started a little early (between Christmas and new year), and bought myself a Craftsy class - Knit Lab, by Stefanie Japel.

Hours later, I could cast on, bind off knit and purl... I could increase and decrease in many ways and I'd made a lacy scaflet!  

So, what to knit next... I though a scarf and hat would be good... not matching though.... I'm never that co-ordinated!

The scarf is bamboozle yarn, it's thick and thin in places and has the most amazing mix of colours.  It reminded me of spring, and was a great excuse to practice stockingette stitch.
The hat was worked flat in Sublime cashmere, merino and silk blend and stitched up the back.  It's cosy and soft and lovely to wear.

As my husband has a love of funky hats (he wears a hat every day, whatever the weather) I thought I'd knit him a stripy one (to practice changing colours).  He loves it, although it's not as warm or distinctive as his usual head-wear.

My next victim (or recipient) was my niece... she is a gorgeous little girl, always smiling... this was my first attempt at using double-point needles, knitting in the round.  It was made using the left over cashmere, merino silk blend that my hat was made of... and the pompom on top was made from the left-over bamboozle.

Next I decided to tackle cable knitting... after a couple of practice squares, I moved onto another hat... this one in grey aran wool/acrylic blend.

So, after all that, I thought I should probably make a garment of some description... and I didn't want to start a massive project knitting for  me (plus-size knitting takes a lot of time and a lot of yarn); so I opted for something for my niece again.  This is a kimono-style cardigan, designed by Mary Kate Long.  Again it is made in Sublime, cashmere, merino and silk so it is lovely against the skin, and I finished it off with cute little flower buttons.  

My pet-panda, Barry, decided he wanted to model it, but very soon it will be worn by my niece... I just hope it fits!!