I'm gaining some confidence in my knitting. Strange pattern directions don't scare me as much anymore, and I'm willing to play with what needles I have on hand a little more, adjusting mentally for gauge on simple projects. But the other day I impressed myself. I'm working on the Aleita Tank from Interweave Spring 2008 and noticed a split stitch. It would have bothered me, and probably been a physical weak point in the garment, so it had to be fixed. So I dropped a stitch down *33* rows to knit it back up properly. It looked fantastic when I was done, you couldn't even see where I'd done it. And this was on the bus in poor light - go me!

Feeling bold, I'm now considering a speed knitting project for Mother's Day. There is a lovely DK weight sock pattern called "Rainy Day Socks" I'm thinking about knitting. I have some Berocco Comfort in my stash - 100% acrylic but really soft and nice knit up. I'd started a mini vestee in it, but it's not really working out, so I'm considering ripping and starting again anyways.....11 days, can I do it?

I have been knitting!

Aleita Tank
Originally uploaded by wendymc

Have I EVER been knitting! I hae got a bunch of projects on the needles, plus I whipped up a few quick things as well. My sister got a cotton water bottle holder (which she liked, very much), 2 newborn hats were sent off with my knitting group's charity bundle for the hospital, and a knit dishcloth was completed to give my coworker as a housewarming gift. I love small projects for the quick satisfaction!

On the needles now is a nearly finished baby cardigan in Cascade Sierra. I realy like this yarn, it feels like really nice soft cotton, but is less stiff due to the wool content. I'm interested to see how it handles wear and laundering. The pattern is nice, I might make another as this one only took one skein of the main colour, and a little bit of two accent colours - I have more than enough to make a second one.

I'm also making progress on the Aleita Tank from Interweave Knits. This project is for me and is knit in Knitpicks Cotlin. Another great cotton blend, it feels like it will be great for summer. I'm a little concerned about the flaring of the ribbed hem, but I'm going to trust it will be ok.

I've got a cabled baby hat with earflaps (Zoe Mellor design) knit up but needing the edge knit on, and lots of projects in mind. I've been swapping on a Karma board on Ravelry, so I've got some lovely new yarns to play with. (cotton cabled worsted weight, some cotton blends, Bernat Soy, and a 100% soy in veregated that looks interesting)

I have more than enough yarn in my stash, but I'm also planning a shopping trip in Seattle next weekend. The trip is actually an early anniversary weekend with my husband (10 years this summer!!) but we've factored in a little retail time. He'll be checking out a couple gaming stores, and I'm meeting a friend in The Fibre Gallery for yarn :)