The Shalom is progressing at a rapid rate. Just last night I got into the bodice part and I’ve already gone 6-7 inches. It’s so easy when you don’t have to count! But trying to make it into a few sizes bigger but only having the pattern in a size small, well, that’s a bit of math for you. You know, making sure the sleeves end up in the right spot and not coming out the middle of your back or something. It’s not quite at a stage where I can try it on yet, but soon soon. And if it doesn’t fit, well… well that’ll be terrible and I’ll have to start over. So we’re just going to hope it fits.

And here’s a picture of the back, you can see where I pulled off the sleeves and am letting them hang around on the white yarn until I am done with the bodice, then I’ll go pick up those lonely stitches with dpn’s (double pointed needles, for those of you not in the know) and make some sleeves.

Here is the latest on Shalom.

I obviously should have gotten longer needles for this project, but this was what I had on hand, so you make due, you know? I made Erika’s on this and it worked just fine, and although mine is about 2-3 sizes bigger it’s not too bad. But I got alot done over the weekend, despite it being pretty busy.

But the bad news is, my bum shoulder returned. I saw the MD again today and he said it’ll most likely be a chronic condition. He gave me an injection into my shoulder today, it hurt pretty badly, but he says it should feel better in a day or two, but it’ll probably keep coming back. It’s not necessarily due to one specific thing, but a combonation of stress and repetative motion. So if knitting keeps me de-stressed, but it aggrivates it by doing repetative motion… hmm. I’ll have to think about that one for a while.

Off to knitting night!

This weekend I was finally able to give Erika her Shalom Sweater. Naturally I only got one picture of her wearing it, and that only from the back, but oh well. Are you ready?

Tada!

Ok, so I took two pictures of it, I guess.

So there it is! And I have the yarn for my sweater, and it’s gorgeous! I am so excited to start on that this week! I can keep you updated on that one, since it won’t be a surprise to anyone!

How are those new years resolutions to start knitting coming along? Erika joined me for a trip to Lamb’s Ear and got some really yummy yarn to get her started on a cute stripey scarf! Hopefully she’ll keep us updated on her progress!

So, about every few weeks someone comments on my blog saying “Oh, maybe I should learn to knit” or “I wish I knew how to knit” Well, I am here to tell you that there is NO better time than NOW! It’s winter (It’s way more fun to knit when it’s cold out. Plus, what else is there to do in January and February (usually the most boring months of the year. At least MY year anyhow, besides Charissa’s birthday, naturally). So, for reals, make it your new years resolution. In no time you can be making stuff like this:

If you had told me 3 years ago that I would have just knitted an entire sweater (and actually loved it and thought it looked good) I would have probably laughed in your face. Truth is, knitting is NOT hard and doesn’t take alot of coordination. Seriously, if I can do it, then you can do it. We all know that I am not coordinated or especially talented.

So here are some tips to get you started!

1. The first thing you want to do is go to the craft store. When first starting out, don’t buy super expensive yarns, most likely you’ll want to re-do it, anyhow, so something from Joann’s or Michael’s will work fine. I am a big fan of chunky yarns, to start out with, pick a fun color and get a few skeins. Also on your list will be a set of size 6 knitting needles. Those are the ones that I use on the most frequent basis.

2. Step two: Join Ravelry. Thousands and thousands of patterns, no joke, alot of them FREE. It’s also a great way to showcase what you’ve made! Seriously, Ravelry should be a requirement for those who knit. It’s an absolute lifesaver.

3. Join a knitting group. I know several churches that have knitting groups, and if you don’t have one then start one! Nothing gets you going like being able to knit with a few friends.

4. Ask your grandma/great aunt/niece/sister/mother-in-law, whoever! Chances are, you know several people who can knit. Probably people who would be way more than willing to sit down with a cup of coffee and teach you the basic steps.

5. Youtube: This has been the single most valuable tool teaching me to knit. I am a visual learner and it helps so much to be able to find a video that can show you exactly how the steps are done. Youtube literally was the one that taught me how to knit, and I’ve learned almost everything I know about knitting from the internet.

6. Find inspiration: I look at craft blogs ALL. THE. TIME. Just ask my husband! There are really good sites like The Purl Bee and others who regularly post free patterns and provide lots of inspiration when I don’t know what to make next.

So, there you have it. All the steps you need to start knitting today. Tonight, even. Start out easy, make a few scarves, dish rags, there’s alot of easy things you can make right away, just learning one basic stitch. Then learn to purl and a whole new knitting world is opened up!

I may do some tutorials on here in the near future, so be on the lookout! Also, another giveaway coming soon!

Happy 2010, everyone! We had a fun evening bringing in the new year, complete with games, champagne and karaoke. What did everyone else do? Last year I fell asleep long before midnight rolled around, so I was proud of myself for staying up late enough to ring in the new year with a rousing round of Auld Lang Syne (Outside, in the snow).

I’ve got some exciting projects lined up for the new year, but until my yarn gets here for my new sweater I’ve been busying myself with some of the patterns in the books I got for Christmas. The first one I wanted to try was this scarf pattern:

It’s out of this book called Vintage Knits for the Modern Knitter that Paul’s sisters got me for Christmas! Most of the patterns in it are either cardigans, sweaters or things like that, so I may need to stock up when I go to Tacoma next week! Anyone up for a trip out to Lamb’s Ear? (even though their sale will be over. Sad)

Anyhow, Happy New Years! I’ve got great plans for this next year. It’s gunna be good. I can tell.