Earthtones Girl

So I’m happy to say that I’ve used my time off wisely though I would love just a few more days…am I greedy?  The first half of my vacation was spent doing family things, prepping for the new year and just being still.  But in the last couple of days my fingers and my brain have been quite busy…

I’ve started and frogged about 3 different sock patterns, Firestarter, Scheherazade Slippers (really socks…it’s a Ravelry pattern) and Travelers Stockings.   For some reason I either couldn’t get my mind around them or the few inches I knit just didn’t turn me on…so rip it, rip it, rip it, rip it.

So I reigned in my brain a bit, made some decisions about old projects that didn’t make my end of year deadline and started over.  Which is the point of a new year anyway, right?

The Russian Prime sampler was frogged…done…moving on.

My Tomten attempt was put on the hold for now.  I’ve been using Weavers Wool, which I love but it’s dk and my hands want something heavier right now.  That might wait till spring.  It’s a good warm weather project.

The Fair Isle bag…back burner…just not in the mood…and that’s OK!!

Now the slate is clean, so away I go.  I’d like to introduce you to my first two projects for 2008.

Take a look here for a much better view.  A simple pattern but super interesting design.  It’s the perfect Amex project.  The yarn is Lorna’s Laces Sheperd Sock in Mineshaft.  Rich and dark and murky.

And this baby…I’ve wanted to knit this for about 4 years…well it’s on needles…The Aran Coat from Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmerman.

There’s the swatch and my notes.  The yarn is Araucania Natural Wool Chunky #121.  Don’t you just love the color…I can’t even tell you how gorgeous it is…I’ll be posting alot about this one, as she grows.  I’m so in love with this yarn.

As I was doing all the math to work out the pattern distribution and yardage…I realized I was going to be a bit short and needed about 500 more yards.  So I jumped on line, hit google and BANG!  Found the yarn here.   And the best part, they had the same dye lot (not to mention the close out price. I originally paid $10.00 per skein)…I still can’t believe my luck.  I bought this year about 2 years ago from Taos Sunflower (there’s  a great article about them in the new Yarn Market News, FYI).  What are the chances…?  I can’t think of a better way to start the knitting new year.