Well, it’s 2010 and this year I am knitting for me.  There are so many pieces I want to try that doesn’t involve a scarf.  This year I want to make my first sweater, hat and gloves.  And, that’s just the beginning.

For the first time in months, I logged into my ravelry account.  Oh, I’ve been knitting, but none of the projects I queued all last year.  My pattern library at home is out of control and it’s time to start working my way through them. 

When I checked out my queue, I noticed that I can now organize it.  I know!  How great is that! So, I decided which projects I want to complete first.

I know there are a couple scarf patterns in there, but…well, I want to make them.  This year I also want to work on the Sweater Machine more.  There are blankets and large pieces I want to make that I just don’t have the attention span to complete (hence my 4 year crochet blanket that I’m still working on).

Although my WIP (work in progress) basket is overflowing with half completed scarves, I’m going to start working on a non-scarf project.  Stay tuned for all the yarny goodness to come!

I received my first issue of KnitSimple over the weekend and read it cover to cover yesterday.  I like that it’s full of patterns and new sources to find yarn and notions.  They’ve also reviewed 10 organic and eco friendly yarns that looks pretty interesting.  This will come in handy this winter when I sit down to really learn more about the yarn I use in my projects.

There’s also a technique I’ve never heard of called Broomstick Lace which is used for the center panel of this bag. I like it.  I want to learn it.  I can’t wrap my brain around the instructions, but I’m definitely going to give it a try.  I have to start moving beyond the scarf and work my way up the knitter’s food chain.

Admittedly, this past month, or two,  I haven’t knit 1 stitch for some reason.  I blame the lazy days of summer, but, I have been planning for future projects.  The problem is I’ve been so busy knitting gifts for this Christmas that I haven’t made myself anything since last year.  I want to make myself something pretty and non-scarf related.  This made me think of all the WIP I have to finish up so I can actually make something for me, myself and I.

I pulled out all of my finished objects this morning and realized that I am practically done with my Christmas list.  Yay!!!  Mind you, this is the completely revised list of handmade treasures.  By my calculations, I have 1 wrap and 5 more scarves to make.  The scarves are knit on size 35 needles and done in a garter stitch so they go fairly quickly.  I’m using a colorful fancy fun fur paired with a worsted weight yarn.  Don’t worry, these are for the ladies.  FYI – this scarf is a great way to knit down your stash.

My only only task will be to block almost every piece I’ve knitted.  Yes, the stockinette stitch is to blame, but at least I’ll have another month or 2 before I have to start laying everything out.

I’m curious, when do you start making your holiday gifts?  Some people start in the fall but I can’t knit that fast.

The newest edition of Bond Buzz is now available.  This issue gives tips for using the #1 keyplate and what yarn weight works best for it.  I think I have used all the keyplates except this one so I am looking forward to trying out the Gathered Toddler Cardi pattern.  It’s also making me look at the weight of yarn I’m using with the other keyplates and not just the gauge/needle size. 

I haven’t knit anything on the machine, or by hand, for almost a month now.  No better time than now to get back on the horse and finish up my Christmas gifts.  I feel a knitty vacation coming on.

Last month I came across the cutest knitter’s comic strip.  No, it’s not Lion Brand’s Lola.  It’s Knit Princess by Dye-namics Yarn featuring writer Allison Sarnoff and artist Melody Moore.  Allison writes about her knitting adventures with her roommate and cat, while Melody illustrates the strip.  Here’s the knitty concept:

Knit Princess is the adventure of a knitting obsessed, movie loving, unemployed girl.  Come see how she deals with unemployment, power outages, cat drama, and her long suffering roommate.

And, who can resist the tagline: The power of yarn compels you.  Go check it out for yourself.  It’s a nice break in the day.

It’s the beginning of a new month so I thought it would be a good time to give a quick update of my Christmas 2009 gift progress.  As I’m going along, the list of gifts is getting shorter (that’s just wayyy too much knitting) and some items/ideas have changed.

Here we go.  This is the completed list:

• 8 women’s scarves
• 6 men’s scarves
• 3.75 wraps completed (I ran out of yarn for that last one)

On a good note, I haven’t pulled out all of my hair trying to get it all done.  Yet.  Still can’t show pictures of the items because there may be a giftee actually reading my blog.  If you’re on ravelry, stop by and check out the projects complete with pics.

I’m taking a break from knitting for now and decided to crochet the Queen from the book Get Your Crochet On! Hip Hats & Cool Caps.  I’ve wanted one since I bought the book last year, but the crocheters in my life have dropped the ball (that’s right, I said it!).  I figured it would also be a good way to pick up the hook again.  I think my brother’s gift is going to be crocheted instead of knit.  Who knows.