Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Summer Goals Revisited

Several weeks back, in this post, I talked about 3 project goals I had for the summer. Although summer is not technically over for almost three weeks, the beginning of September seems like a good time to take a look at how far I have gotten.

Leaning to quilt was one of my goals ( I think this is a block I've not yet shown here. Sorry if it's a repeat). My project currently looks nothing like the basic windowpane sort of pattern I had begun with. I am about 1/2 way through a queen sized quilt top, and I am thinking I will end up with a finished quilt much nicer than I had dared hoped for out of my first attempt.

I also wanted to spin enough yarn for a sweater to be knit this fall. Here is 28oz of aran to bulky weight (6-8 wpi) Icelandic 2 ply. I probably should have paid closer attention to the thickness of the singles as I spun them. 6 wpi to 8 wpi is a pretty big difference when knitting, but as long as it dries to be pretty much the same I think it will be okay. There is only one skein that looks thinner than the rest, and I can use that for the waist and sleeve cuffs.
I have made an almost firm decision about the sweater I will make from this. I have to work up a swatch or two, and do some math before that becomes a completely firm decision.

The third goal was to crochet a sweater. I chose Treva McCain's Wave Front Men's Sweater, from an Annie's Attic crochet book, Sweater's for Men.
When I first posted about this sweater I had just finished the very boring, and boxy looking back panel. I'm now just over half way through the front. It's an interesting design, and I am excited to see how it all comes together in the end, but in the future I suspect I will stick to knit sweaters.
As for the other two projects I had mentioned in the previous summer goals post:
The primula shawl is still coming along slowly. I keep going back and forth in my mind between two ways of expanding the pattern to make the shawl big enough. Until I can commit I can't work too far.
The Iris baby blanket was a few stitches away from completion when I decided I didn't like the size. So, it is awaiting the day I feel like ripping out the edging, and working on a few more motifs.

6 comments:

Yarndude said...

Wow, it sounds like you've accomplished quite a bit this summer. Congrats!

Toni said...

Great post... very nice to see your progress... as I am drooling over you lovely hanks of yarn.

Unknown said...

So you're doing good on your goals. I like your handspun and can't wait to see your finished sweater.
I like crochet too, but I think I prefer knit garments also.

And your quilt top? Stunning!!!

hakucho said...

Looks like you are coming along just fine with your goals :)

Your crocheted sweater looks very interesting. I love how the front panel is working up. I'll be very interested in seeing your finished sweater!

Maureen said...

You have gotten a lot done this summer! More than I managed! Crocheted sweater looks nice, can't wait to see it finished!

LDSVenus said...

I love that quilt, you are so talented!! I'm blown away at all the yarn you have spun up!! My piddly little one skein pales in comparison, even if it is baby alpaca ;P.