a singular knitter

Happy Spring everyone! It’s been a while – as usual – but there has been a ton of progress since my last check in. This year, I am attempting to complete a year of handmade gifts.

Seriously.

The entire year’s-worth of presents will all be handmade. Okay, so there are two exceptions to this rule, but only because these gifts were actually purchased last year, and it would be silly to hold on to them for an entire year just to prove a point to myself.

At the beginning of the year, I made a list of people and events where a gift would be necessary – holidays, birthdays, baby showers. All of them made the list. Even end-of-year teacher’s gifts. Once I knew what I was trying to accomplish – then came the real fun: breaking down deadlines for each gift. In order to stay on top of everything, while still enjoying the holidays, I knew I needed a monthly breakdown. Aside from my niece’s birthday present, which has since been completed, I have been one hundred percent on track, thus far. Let’s also confirm, her birthday is still a couple months away – so the few extra days it took me to complete her present were definitely not devastating to my plan.

The sad news? Since nearly everything I am making this year is a gift – pictures may be limited. At least until after I have presented the gifts to their recipients! However, I will be sure to sprinkle in a few other projects here and there that will be safe to post. I know I need visuals, so I’ll try to keep things interesting for you, as well!

I am glad to say, that I have completed two crocheted baby blankets already this year. The first is seriously overdue (the baby is about to turn 1), and I maybe still have some ends to weave in (finishing always brings me down), but the crocheting is done!

The second I decided to keep simple so that I had any hopes of having it finished for the baby shower I was hosting…

Sugar Wheel Baby Blanket by Elena Hunt knit in Knit Picks Brava Bulky in the canary and orange colorways.

I also ended up adding a couple additional gifts into the mix at the last minute. We have two lovely, but somewhat fragile, Easter baskets in our family – handed down to me and my sister from my mother and aunt. Madison had been using one of them as her Easter Basket. However, the logistics of safely getting the other basket to my sister, as well as the knowledge that my daughter and niece will likely not be the only two grandchildren, gave me the silly idea that I should make them baskets. So back to crocheting I went (I swear I knit….) to make these using the Easter Basket pattern by Kara Gunza using various kitchen cotton for stability (and durability):

In addition to these blankets and baskets, I have also completed four sets of fingerless mitts using the Lovey Dovey Two Tone Mitts pattern by Jess Brown.  (See the below proof that I do actually knit).

Knit using Knit Picks Swish Worsted in the wonderland heather colorway and Miss Babs Yowza in the dalmation of purple colorway.

Knit using Cascade 220 Superwash in the walnut heather and baby denim colorways.

Also knit in 220 walnut Heather and baby denim colorways, reversed.  Modeled by M.

Knit using Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice in the grey marble and charcoal grey colorways with a touch of Knit Picks Swish Worsted in the Bordeaux colorway.

This pattern has proven to be incredibly addicting, as it is fun, SUPER simple and conveniently has been using up some leftovers. While completing other less-than-mindless projects, these mitts have saved my sanity. Plus, they are the perfect carry along project! M has helped pick out the color combinations for both of her teachers, as well as for herself. The fourth pair may also be gifted (shhhh – it’s a secret 😉 ).

So far, I have completed 18 projects so far in 2017 – totaling about 3,500 yds.  That’s more than half of the yardage used for all of 2016. I definitely foresee a very productive year!!

I know it may seem late, but what are your crafting goals for the year?  Have you ditched your previously set goals and are starting fresh with the new season?  Or are you keeping light and just going with the flow?