Chose the pattern, ordered the yarn!

Decided to make a kimino-style sweater using navy blue Wool-Ease Thick 'n' Quick from Lion Brand. The yarn is relatively inexpensive, so it's a good choice for a beginner like me.

I purchased the pattern online here: http://dimanchechezmoi.com/patterns/nati/.

On Ravelry.com, I saw that another knitter had made this sweater in navy Thick 'n' Quick. I toyed with the idea using a different color (claret and linen were second and third choices), but I really like the navy ... so if I post my project there, I'll say I was inspired by her beautiful sweater!

In the interim, I'm continuing to work on this weird tam -- will post a photo soon. Also biding my time with a strange stocking cap pattern that I don't know if I'll finish. And am reading Twilight, recommended by several friends. (So far, I really don't see the attraction!)

I'm excited to get started on my first sweater. I think it will be the first of many. :-)

Which pattern? Which pattern?

I discovered Ravelry.com the other day after hearing a woman mention it in a knitting store. Here I thought I had enough basic sweater patterns to choose from, but noooo -- Ravelry has loads more for me to peruse! And I really appreciate the examples and comments people share on that site. Way cool.

I bought a couple of patterns as a result ($5 each) and have a slew of free ones I'm still considering.

As soon as my yarn samples from Lion Brand arrive -- which should be any day now -- I will make a decision on the pattern. The excitement mounts!

Whichever pattern I choose, I vow to start and finish it as quickly as possible. With the weather we're having these days, I really need it, and fast. My down coat, even with a store-bought sweater underneath, is barely managing the wind chill around here.

So much to learn!

As a beginner -- maybe an advanced beginner, depending on one's definition -- I sometimes am overwhelmed by how much there is to learn about knitting. Every time I start a new project, I learn something (usually from my mistakes).

Over the weekend, I started a hat project 3 times, and I'm still not convinced it will turn out right. First pattern seemed like the sizing was off, despite my correct gauge. Second pattern (I tried it twice) had an error in it that I couldn't figure out. At least, that's what I told myself! So on the third try, I used a book I have that's supposed to be pretty foolproof if you follow the directions for any yarn, any hat, any size.

I started working on a tam. Made a few errors while making the increases (tried an M1 technique that I hadn't used before) that I just decided to leave in -- not terribly noticeable, and I really just want to see if the sizing calculations actually work. I'll complete it, and if it doesn't work out, I'll try to see where I goofed. There's also a new "double decrease" stitch I'll need to use when I reach that point, so even if the hat isn't wearable, at least I'll have learned a couple of new techniques for increasing and decreasing. Definitely not a waste of time.

Meanwhile, I'm waiting for the yarn samples to arrive. Then I'll make a decision on a simple, basic sweater pattern and what yarn to use. I mean B-A-S-I-C: like, four rectangles that I sew together! Sometime in January, I will be the proud wearer of a hand-knitted pullover!

Samples are yummy

My whole life, I have loved looking at samples: of basically everything. I remember my mom getting carpet samples and paint chips and I thought the small pieces that you could mix and match like a jigsaw puzzle were sooooo cooool.

I still have a thing for paint chips; I repaint our home every couple of years myself, out of boredom and the desire to look at paint samples, both in chip form and on the wall from small sample tins.

I had ordered a sample card of Lion Brand Yarn Wool-Ease Thick 'n' Quick, because there is an easy (I think) pattern using that yarn.

But then tonight, I ordered sample cards of 3 other yarns. I almost got them express delivered, but I restrained myself and figured I could busy myself with other things during the holiday period. And then I'll have something to look forward to in the mail come New Year's or so.

Am I weird? Probably. But I love looking at the colors and feeling the textures, and trying to make a decision is so deliciously difficult.

Yummy.

Why am I starting this blog? Let me count the stitches.

My new passion in life is knitting. I have joined the knitting world a little late in life, but so be it. My mother used to knit and crochet, and I'm not sure why she never taught me -- or if she tried, maybe I resisted. That sounds like me.

But two years ago, I taught myself to knit using every book I could find. That, and YouTube videos (thank GOD for YouTube videos). And a friend showed me a couple of basic techniques, too.

The first knitting year, I didn't try very hard. Made a few simple scarves, but that was it. For some reason, even though I enjoyed the process of knitting, I wasn't inspired.

This year I decided it was time to try a little harder. So for Christmas, I set a goal of giving several hand-knitted gifts to family and friends.

I'm happy to say, I met my goal: I made 6 hats, 2 cowls and a scarf to give as gifts. For myself, I made a scarf plus 3 hats (trial-and-error hats, mostly error, but I kept them and wear them anyway!).

While I enjoyed making hats, scarves and cowls and want to try more difficult patterns, my goal for January is to knit myself a sweater. It doesn't have to be stylish -- I just want it to (sort of) fit and be decent-looking enough to wear at home. On the weekends. When I'm doing laundry.

If the sweater looks any better than that, it will be a bonus.

One thing I learned over the past 2 years is that while 100 percent wool yarns are lovely, they are just too expensive for a beginner like me. I did break down and make a cashmere cowl for my daughter for Christmas (still have some yarn left -- debating what to do with it). But mostly, I just need decent yarn that is comfortable enough to wear.

I discovered Lion Brand Yarn and haven't looked back. Although I love shopping for yarn in the store -- they have one where I live -- their online service is great. I just buy the sample cards so I can see the colors/feel the textures, and I'm set.

So here I go, off to find myself the simplest sweater pattern I can possibly screw up.