two new projects

Two new projects -- two new scarves!

I know, I know -- it must seem like all I knit is scarves -- and yes, I have been knitting a lot of them. But they're fun, a good way to practice new skills, they make great gifts, and I enjoy them!

One is for me: a lace pattern scarf in Noro Cash Iroha. This is the yarn I used for my friend's lace leaf scarf and I so love the yarn that I wanted to make something for myself out of it. I love the mulberry color and I'm looking forward to seeing how this turns out. It's the wavy pattern scarf #32 from Vogue Knitting, Spring-Summer 2005. If you can get on Ravelry, you can see more of the scarf here.

The second is for my niece. She saw my Noro striped scarf and liked it, so we went through my stash of yarns and founds some colorways she liked. It's an easy, mindless knit, but captivating because of the always-changing colorways. Another fun knit!

UFO's

Here's what I'm working on at the moment:

• multidirectional diagonal scarf for a Christmas present. Noro Kuyeron. Free pattern by Karen Baumer here

• another Christmas present scarf, also in Noro Kureyon, from Claire Crompton's The Knitter's Bible: Knitted Accessories: the mighty mitred squares scarf. First square completed and frogged.

• a ribbed scarf for me. Noro Silk Garden. I'm following Jared's instructions (here) but with different colors.

• healing shawl for my mom, who is never warm. Lion Brand Homespun. Free pattern here

• dishcloths, various patterns, when I need a change from one of the above. So far I've used Grandmother's favorite and Chinese waves (PDF file here). Next up, a ballband pattern.

I have a number of sock yarns but I have yet to delve into socks... that's my next project. I want to make a pair (or two) of handwarmers, too. And I have yarn and pattern for a poncho. I know, I know. Ponchos are probably hopelessly out of style now, but I like them, I want to make one, and I march to my own fashion drummer, no matter how out of step I may be with trends.

And of course I have a bit of a stash with yarns for undetermined projects.

That's it for the moment. Stay tuned