Newly Knit

As much as I am loving my new hobby, I realized today that I haven't picked up a pair of knitting needles in over a week! Looking back, I'm not sure what has kept me so busy. It's probably due to the fact that after I complete something, it takes me several days (and several tries) to find a new pattern and the corresponding yarn for my next project. Originally, this was because I wanted to be sure I made something that I loved and not waste my yarn on an item I wouldn't use. However, I am quickly coming to terms with the fact that it's okay to rip out a project if it doesn't turn out correctly. My biggest problem recently has been finding yarn in my small collection that matches the patterns I want to make. I'm getting better at adjusting the pattern to work with certain yarns, but I have also come to the realization that some yarns are just not meant to work with certain patterns and am better at giving up the fight rather than forcing the issue.

In spite of all that, I have completed a couple projects recently - 2 pairs of baby shoes and an adult-sized hat. Obviously, I have a thing for baby shoes. The first pair was a simple gray shoe with cross-over straps. It is meant to match the gray beret I made a couple months ago. I love this pattern because there are so many variations possible - single strap, no strap, flower on top, coordinating color on the sole - I think I may have just decided on my next project!



Next, I had found a pattern months ago for these adorable baby loafers. I kept postponing the project because the pattern called for several techniques that I had not yet learned. Eventually, I decided to give it a try. After watching quite a few online tutorials, I began. As it turns out, this was an extremely quick pattern to knit. And I'm looking forward to applying my new-found skills to some other projects I had put on hold. I used a super soft yarn in a deep denim heather color.





I used the same dark blue yarn for a slouchy hat with an interesting eyelet rib pattern. The hat was very easy to knit and is quite soft. Unfortunately, it's a little too big for me. Ryan said he thinks my head might be on the small side. So I'm hoping that it fits one of my sisters or cousins who have long, thick hair.




I am now inspired to create a few more projects that are adult-sized. Maybe some scarves or hats or even a sweater will follow. Either way, I look forward to learning and creating new items in the weeks ahead.