Happy New Years!!!!

Week 52 = In Conclusion...

Bonus Day 8 = December 31, 2014

 

My Grandma Joanna who taught me to knit.

 

     Welcome to your bonus New Year's Eve Blog. Let us review the numbers for Savery Knitting's blog in 2014:

• 365 days in a year
• 364 days Savery Knitting blogged in 2014
• 361 days written by Victoria Williams
• 3 days written by Carol Savery
• 5 Savery Knitting Followers (a feature on the blog site)
• 226 views for a blog on 1/18/14 titled Novelty Yarns
• 154 views for a blog on 2/4/14 titled Clipboard Patterns?
• 124 views for a blog on 4/24/14 titled Mink and Baby Alpaca
• 116 views for a blog on 2/24/14 titles Needle Storage
• 81 views for a blog on 10/9/14 titled Who gets a hand knit Christmas present?
• 5573 total number of views for all 2014 blogs as of the time of this post
• 86 total comments left on the blog

     Here are some numbers for Savery Knitting's blog since our first post on September 13, 2013:

• 11,304 views
• 372 posts

Knitting by the Numbers,

Victoria

Adios

Week 52 = In Conclusion...

Day 7 = December 30, 2014 

 

     So today is the last day of the 52nd week of the year, but not the last day of the year. I will save the numbers report for tomorrow.

 

     Today I went on an adventure with my friend Wanda. We went to Michael's and Hobby Lobby (I had a gift certificate for Hobby Lobby). I have only been to Hobby Lobby once before, but they had several sock yarn colorways that I liked last time I was there and figured I should check them out.

 

     The yarn that I chose was Premier Yarns Wool-Free Socks in the colorways below:

Utah 

 

 Grand Canyon

 

Vegas Lights

 

     It is amazing how addictive knitting and yarn is. I, personally, can never have enough knitting projects on the needles. I am also like most other knitters out there and love yarn in all its forms and quantities.

 

 

Knitting The Last Day of The Last Week,

Victoria

My Monday - River Bed Socks - Week 1

Week 52 = In Conclusion...

Day 6 = December 29, 2014

 

     This is the 2nd pair of socks that I have ever cast on. I was so excited when I took a sock knitting class from my good knitting friend, Tamara, aka KnitOasis, in August of 2013. By the time the first class was, over I only had 4 rows left to complete the homework. Since I was so excited, I didn't want to lose the newness waiting for the next class (which was only 6 days later) so I started these socks.  

 

     I originally learned to knit socks on DPN's, one at a time with a plain stockinet pattern. I changed it up for this pair and cast on both socks using the magic loop method. The pattern River Bed Socks is also of my own design.

 

     Well, it has been over a year and I think it is time to finish my 2nd pair of socks. I can't wait to see how they come out.

 

Knitting River Bed Socks,

Victoria

Plans for the New Year

Week 52 = In Conclusion...

Day 5 = December 28, 2014

http://knittingdragonflies.blogspot.com/2014/01/happy-new-year.html

     So what are your plans for the new year? If you were to ask a non-knitter this question they would say move, change jobs, vacation and so on. But when you ask a knitter they instantly name 5 new projects they want to do, the 3 new yarns they have been dying to get from the LYS and the 4 new techniques that they are interested in learning.

     One of the great things about knitting is there is always more to explore... more designs, more techniques, more yarns, more styles, more conferences or more colors.

     I am busy making plans for the new year some I will share and some I will work on secretly. I look forward to seeing and hearing about your plans also.

Knitting Plans,

Victoria

Where Ever You May Roam

Week 52 = In Conclusion...

Day 4 = December 27, 2014





 

 

     When knitting, our hands are occupied and our brain is free to roam. Over the years mine has roamed endlessly with the following things:

• Chores to do
• Projects to do with the kids
• Dinner preparations
• My next knitting project
• Friends
• Family
• Happy times
• Childhood memories
• Dreams for my family
• Dreams for my future
• Other knitting creations

 

     There is more that I can't recall at the moment. I love the effortless joy of knitting. It allows for some quite time, inner calm and time to reflect. This quite time alone has gotten me through many a trying situation. I love knitting and will always be greatful for what is brings to my life. 

 

 

Knitting for Reflection,

Victoria

Fabulous Friday - Mondsee

Week 52 = In Conclusion...

Day 3 = December 26, 2014

 

     A lovely shawl is always a good project. I know in my house there is always one area of the house that seems colder than the others. So I am endlessly wrapping shawls and blankets on the back of my neck to keep me warm.

 

 

Mondsee

by Monie Ebner

© Monie Ebner

 

© Lavendelfreundin

 

© Lennja

 

© Tuneli

 

© Monie Ebner

 

© Monie Ebner

 

© Monie Ebner

 

© Monie Ebner

 

© Monie Ebner

 

© Monie Ebner

 

 

Knitting for the Soul,

Victoria

Gifts for the Soul

Week 52 = In Conclusion...

Day 2 = December 25, 2014

 

     My favorite part of knitting is seeing the joy and smiles on the faces of the recipients when they open their hand knit item whether it be Christmas or just because.

 

     The initial surprise and awe of seeing my hard work as they unfurl their gift and try it on warms the soul.

 

This is Red Heart, Sassy Fabric, with penguins and a blue background. It is 4 stitches knit every row. I completed it in under 2 hours.

 

This is the same Red Heart, Sassy Fabric, only in neon yellow/green with snowmen. This also took under 2 hours to complete.

 

 

This is the Leksak tunic that I have made 3 of since September. I love this pattern and it is perfect for little girls. The yarn is 3 colors of Lion Brand, Modern Baby.

 

 This is the finished stocking cap that I have been featuring on My Monday's. Hubby loves it and is thrilled. The yarn is 3 colors of Lion Brand, Wool Ease.

 

To give you a size perspective, here is the stocking cap on my 4 year old.

Knitting for the Soul,

Victoria

Reminisce

Week 52 = In Conclusion...

Day 1 = December 24, 2014

                                     santas_thebon1.jpg

knitolution.blogspot.com

     This year is coming to a close...already. As of last night, I finished the last of my Christmas knitting. I can now relax. Wait...I still have to set up the presents and the stockings for the girls' Christmas morning. Oh well, I will relax another day.

     This time of year we all start thinking back over the year and what we have accomplished. We turn in retrospect to view ourselves.

Knitting Through the Year,

Victoria

My First Knit-Along...NOT My Last!!

Week 51 = And so it continues...

Day 7 = December 23, 2014

Hi fellow knitters & blog followers...

Victoria's internet is totally unreliable right now, so I have been called upon to fill in for her and do tonight's blog.  

These last few weeks when I was with her in SC, we enjoyed participating in several Sunday and Wednesday knitting sessions at the local Atlanta Bread and Paneras. I love it when projects are shared and rightfully admired.  

One shawl project caught the eyes of Victoria and several other knitters who liked it so much they want to try knitting it, too. So.. what's more fun than having a number of knitters joining together with (and helping) each other to knit the same thing at the same time...a knit-along!  

Ah, such fun can be had with this.  I speak from experience.  I so enjoyed participating in the Flowertown Knitting Guild's Cold Mountain Wrap Knit-Along last year...my first knit-along and first lace project.  

 

And so it begins...

Victoria's and Carol's chosen yarns for the knit-a-long.

Carol's Yarn:  Classic Elite Yarns Silky Alpaca Lace

Colorway:  2406 Blithe (tan)

I loved the challenge, and knowing others were doing this too kept me going. Posting and viewing updates on Ravelry made the distance between Connecticut and South Carolina disappear. It was fascinating to see the different pattern variations each knitter used.

The greatest joy was showing off my completed wrap which turned out to be 10 feet long when blocked!!  I thought that would be way too long, but it's actually a great length, allowing me to wear it in many different ways.

The best part of a project it having a nice looking, finished item. 

Check back soon because Victoria is planning just such a project. So if you have the chance to participate in a knit-along, GO FOR IT!! 

Knitting Along,

Carol

My Monday - You'll Shoot Your Eye Out Stocking Cap - Week 2

Week 51 = And so it continues...

Day 6 = December 22, 2014

     My husband has seen me knitting his hat. So posting a picture would not do any harm. I have denied knitting anything when he asks what I am doing. I love the outcome so far.

     I am wondering how much yarn I will have left. I am hoping to make similar ones for the girls, also.

Knitting for Love,

Victoria

KAL

Week 51 = And so it continues...

Day 5 = December 21, 2014

     We have all heard of a Knit-A-Long, KAL. Well I think it is high time that I host one...

*  *  *

     Due to a extended family emergency, I will have to continue this tomorrow. Anticipation can be a good thing.

Knitting KAL,

Victoria

Quick Knits

Week 51 = And so it continues...

Day 4 = December 20, 2014

     My internet connection is very hit or miss tonight so I will be quick. There is less than a week until Christmas. Here are some quick knits that your friends and family will love.

Beans the Cat Knitting Pattern by Linda Dawkins

Arm Knit Infinity Scarf by Simply Maggie

Bluebird of Happiness by Sara Elizabeth Kellner

Frilly, Flirty, Saucy Swirls Knit Scarf by Red Heart Design Team

Knitted and Felted Ornaments and Garland by Leigh Radford

Quick Cabled Cowl by Gabrielle O'Leary

Knitting Quickly,

Victoria

Fabulous Friday - Aran Heirloom Blanket

Week 51 = And so it continues...

Day 3 = December 19, 2014

     This is the time of year when I wish I had the patience to knit a blanket to wrap around myself. I have knit many a baby blanket... and I mean MANY. I started a few large blankets, but never got far or even come close to finishing one.  For now this item will remain on my Wish List.

Aran Heirloom Blanket

by Deborah Newton  

© Interweave Knits

by graylagran Flickr

Other people's projects:

My very own aqua heirloom blanket

 

© BSR123

Aran Heirloom Blanket

 

© bbp4

Knitting Blankets,

Victoria

Birthday Knitting

Week 51 = And so it continues...

Day 2 = December 18, 2014

     Today is my Aunt's birthday. I knit her this neck scarf using the leftover yarn from the grey sweater I finished last month. When I visited her in PA several months ago, I was just starting the sweater. She loved the yarn, so I was super happy to have enough left over to knit her this special gift.

Knitting for Birthdays,

Victoria

Christmas at School

Week 51 = And so it continues...

Day 1 = December 17, 2014

     Today was my First Christmas as the parent of a school aged child. I, of course, had to knit my daughter's teachers something... so scarves it is.

Mrs. G above got a lovely drop stitch scarf.

Mrs. S got a modern button cowl.

     Both scarves were made with Lamb's Pride yarn. Both Mrs. S's and Mrs. G's reactions were priceless. Mrs. G had mentioned that she and some of the other teachers recently had a conversation about how no one does this type of thing (knitting) anymore. I silently laughed and told them I was at a Knitting Christmas party with 18 other women just last night. Maybe I will have to show them a thing or two.

Knitting for Teachers,

Victoria

Pretty Irish Yarn

Week 50 = And so it begins...

Day 7 = December 16, 2014

     Christmas and yarn go hand in hand. Actually anything and yarn go hand in hand. Here is some of the lovely, soft, colorful, exquisite yarn that I got for Christmas which my Mom got for me when she was in Ireland.

Tivoli - Emerald Aran - Shade 100 - 100% Wool - 150 metres - 100 grams

     On top: Dublin Dye Company - Swing Sock - Colourway Vampire - 75% Merino Wool and 25% Nylon - 425 metres - 100 Grams
     On bottom: Hedgehog Fibres - Sock Yarn - Sage - 90% Superwash Merino and 10% Nylon - 350 metres - 100 grams

     On left: New Lanark Mills - Aran - Aviemore - 90% Pure New Wool and 10% Silk - 160 metres - 100 grams

     There is one more - I also got several ounces of already dyed roving in a silk and wool blend. It is currently with my bestie since it needs to be spun. It is so pretty I look forward to showing it in a future blog.

Knitting with Ireland,

Victoria

My Monday - You'll Shoot Your Eye Out Stocking Cap - Week 1

Week 50 = And so it begins...

Day 6 = December 15, 2014

     Last year around Christmas time my loving husband asked me to make him a Stocking Cap like the one that Ralphie's friend wears in the movie, "A Christmas Story." This being the first thing he ever asked me to knit, I said yes and promptly went out and bought the yarn then... did nothing with it until yesterday.

     I am using 3 colors; black, dark grey and light grey. I have finished the black ribbing for the brim and started on the main part of the cap. I would love to post pictures of how I am doing, but he (the hubby) occasionally looks at this blog. So pictures are a no go for now. Since next week is Christmas, I will be able to post pictures soon.

Knitting for Hubby,

Victoria

Christmas Stockings

Week 50 = And so it begins...

Day 5 = December 14, 2014

     Christmas stockings are wonderful. In my house they bring treasures from Santa. My own stocking is a beautiful needle point that my paternal grandmother made me for my first Christmas. One of these days I am going to knit one for each of my girls. Here are some gorgeous examples.

    

0-986 Mr. Kringle's Stocking - Christmas stocking with Norwegian pattern in Karisma by DROPS design

Christmas Stocking #1 by Lisabee Designs

Folkways Christmas Stocking by Kathy Perry

Spotted Christmas Stocking by Kirsten Hipsky 

Christmas Stocking \by Kate Skipsey 

Cascade Christmas Stocking (W104) by Marji LaFreniere 

Spindleknitter's Stockings by Kirsten Hall

HoHoHo by General Hogbuffer 

Knitting Stockings,

Victoria