Yarn Love Challenge Week 4

Tomorrow we discuss progress and new things... today we finish up the challenge!

Day 21- Library

Library-  NO! YOU have too many books! (I'm a sucker for a stitch dictionary... I can't say no!). When you've been knitting as long as I have- you collect books and magazines and can't bring yourself to throw out any of them.  Ever! (Sacrilege!). #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday21 #library #booklover

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 21, 2017 at 11:45am PST

Day 22- Currently Wearing

Currently wearing- cozy hand knit socks and mittens when we're outside, perfect for a snowy day.  Both are a little worn but I guess it means they're loved. 😀 #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday22 #currentlywearing #handknits #yesimadethem

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 22, 2017 at 3:15pm PST

Day 23- Throwback

Throwback- this is a big one... literally.  This is my very. First. Project. Ever. (Kid is there so you understand the sheer size.) I wanted to knit a blanket.  Mother in law suggested I start smaller.  I wouldn't hear of it.  It took me a year to knit this beast.  It was the only thing I knit.  It's from really awful cheap acrylic.  You can tell how my gauge and tension changed over time... I went from looooose stitches to extremely tight/bullet proof stitches.  I'm sort of shocked I kept knitting after this.  For some reason I didn't give up, and I'm so very glad about that.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday23  #throwback #enormousblanket #gahacrylic

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 23, 2017 at 6:56pm PST

Day 24- Favorite Tip

Favourite tip- If your project is angering you, or pissing you off... put it away.  Walk away Renee.  I have always benefitted from a knitting time out.  Even one night "sleeping on it" usually provides a fresh set of eyes and a more positive perspective towards getting it right.  I'm too much of a perfectionist to leave an error and keep going, but I know sometimes I need to calm down before I have the fortitude to face the issue.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday24 #favoritetip #walkaway

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 25, 2017 at 1:09pm PST

Day 25 - Routine

Routine- what?! You DON'T get your hair done and wear an evening gown to knit socks?!? My routine is simple- knit stitches when you can, even while waiting to go the ball. (In this case the Highlander ball... this month has sort of been a "fancy dress up anomaly" but I'm not complaining.). #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday25 #routine #sockknitter #newdress

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 25, 2017 at 5:20pm PST

Day 26- Newest Stash

Newest Stash- I bought this fun little sock yarn (Sea Turtle Fiber Arts Ridley Sock in "Rainbow Brite") at an impromptu visit to a fiber fair back in the fall.  I've been pretty restrained about buying yarn unless I need it for a specific project but this yarn was too lovely to stay on the table.  I'm chomping at the bit to knit with it.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday26 #newestyarn #rainbows

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 26, 2017 at 1:35pm PST

Day 27- Blocking

Blocking- a convenient theme today... I have not one but TWO items blocking out. (Non-knit people: blocking is where you wash your finished item and lay it out to dry- it lies flat, holds its shape and evens out your stitches.). Blocking days are the best... because it means new projects to work on!! #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday27 #blocking #anyonewantthosesocks?

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 27, 2017 at 12:45pm PST

Day 28- Favorite Thing I've Made (part 1)

Favourite Thing I've Made (part 1) I can't say that I enjoyed actually knitting it... it was finicky and challenging and there were little balls of yarn everywhere to keep track of and at several points I considered giving up on it; but I am damn proud of myself for completing it and finishing it as beautifully as I did.  It's so painfully cute I couldn't give it away, despite not really having a use for it. (Pattern is Bunny Blankey by Amy Barth). #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday28 #favoritethingivemade

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 28, 2017 at 11:41am PST

Day 28- Favorite Thing I've Made (part 2)

Favourite Thing I've Made (part 2)- when my sister (@etttispaghettti ) asked for this shark blanket I knew I had to make it.  And then, when the brilliant @kariboberry7 actually wrote a knit pattern for it I knew the stars were aligning.  I laughed at it while I made it and we laughed ALL Christmas over it.  There was never a moment the shark blanket didn't make us laugh like crazy.  I still laugh thinking about those memories.  I shared some of the best laughs with my sister and this project.  You can't put a price on that.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday28 #favoritethingivemade #sharkblankey #😂

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 28, 2017 at 12:02pm PST

Yarn Love Challenge Week 3

Aaaaaand the challenge continues!

Day 13: Selfie

Selfie- what?!?! You DON'T get your hair done and wear your fanciest stuff to knit?!?! It's not technically a "selfie" but I had a few minutes to kill the other night before we went out so of course I knit!  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday13 #selfie #fancypantsknitter #notgoingtoknititself

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 13, 2017 at 7:15am PST

Day 14:Yarn Love ♥

Yarn Love ❤️- asking me to pick a favourite from my stash is like asking me to choose between my husband or my kid.  I can't.  These are my yarns I go to look at when I want to feel happy.  Weirdly enough they haven't been turned into projects... YET.  I love that Black Trillium Fibers purple gradient deeply.  And the rich colours of Wollmeise inspire me to knit something beautiful.  As a simple sock knitter I can't help but horde Knit Picks Felici self striping... the colours are always so tempting.  And... anything with an Alpaca/silk combo finds its way into my stash... like this grey Blue Sky offering.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday14  #yarnlove #yarnlove❤️ #thesearejustmyfavorites #yarnaddict #need12stepprogramforfelici

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 14, 2017 at 8:55am PST

Day 15: Family

Family- I am so extremely fortunate in life to get to love these people/animals.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday15 #family #

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 15, 2017 at 7:47am PST

Day 16: Happy Color

Happy Color- I may or may not like the color purple.... #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday16 #purple #happycolor

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 16, 2017 at 9:19am PST

Day 17: Fiber Friends

Fiber friends- my knitting bestie is my Mother in Law.  I am so fortunate to share such a close relationship with her.  We find a new yarn... we text each other.  We finish a project, make a mistake,  buy something new... we text or email the other right away.  I have the swift and we both technically own the winder... she has a blocking board.  It's like sharing a closet with your favourite girlfriend... except we share knitting supplies.  Heck we even share a monthly knitting group.  She has  bailed me out of my worst mistakes and cheered for me when I beat her knitting in Stampede.  She's the best and I love her.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday17 #fiberfriends #bestie

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 17, 2017 at 8:09pm PST

Day 18: Gratitude

Gratitude- the truth is I have SO Much to be grateful for I couldn't possibly capture it in a photo.  I have an awesome family, an amazing kid, a truly exceptional husband and good health for those I love.  There are times when I feel overwhelmed by just how lucky I am in this life and I can't be more grateful to be here and appreciate what I have.  It's not yarn related but it does remind me to take a moment and appreciate everything.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday18 #gratitude

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 18, 2017 at 6:44pm PST

Day 19: On the Go

On the Go- on the go so much it's not even knitting related. 😝 We've been in Fernie all weekend skiing our butts off. (Literally... oooooh my butt hurts!) I did bring my travel sock, but I'm awake for approximately 30 seconds after my kid goes to sleep so not much knitting is happening on this trip.  But, despite my lack of progress, this has been a super fun trip and Parker rode his first blue runs this wknd.  Maybe I'll knit on the drive home?  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday19 #onthego #skibums #sotired

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 19, 2017 at 7:57pm PST

Day 20: Handmade Home

Handmade Home- the truth is I don't knit much for our home... it tends to be mostly baby gifts for others.  However there ARE 3 beloved hand knit items in our home- "cold blanky", "warm blanky" and "truck blanky". I made the blanket in the middle for Parker when he was born and my mother in law lovingly made the other two.  All are loved dearly.  #yarnlovechallenge #babyblanket #yarnlovechallengeday20 #blankies #handmadehome

A post shared by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 20, 2017 at 4:08pm PST

Yarn Love Challenge Week 2

The yarn love challenge on Instagram continues and so do my posts... here's what I posted since my last update:

Day 6: Mistakes

"Mistakes"- oh god so many.  I frequently find that I have knit the same hand twice far too late in a mitten.  I knit THREE (thinking I would just knit 2 pairs) of the same hand once and had to rip back a whole mitten. *sobs*. The mistake is obvious to the eye on the grey blanket- but I only discovered it as I was GIFTING to it someone. 🙀 That purple stripe blanket nearly damn well killed me.  After a long hiatus I began knitting furiously on it... only to discover I had knit 10 inches incorrectly in pattern.  I had woven in the ends already!  My mother in law (knowing the mistake would drive me nuts) painstakingly ripped out all the woven ends and frogged the ten inches for me.  It was likely the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday6 #mistakes #payattentiondammit

A photo posted by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 6, 2017 at 7:49am PST

Day 7: Stripes

Stripes... part 1.  I love me some stripes!  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday7 #stripes #socks

A photo posted by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 7, 2017 at 9:04am PST

Stripes... part 2.  I think it's safe to say stripes and I are in a deep and loving relationship. 😊 #yarnlovechallengeday7 #yarnlovechallenge #stripes #blankets

A photo posted by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 7, 2017 at 9:05am PST

Day 8: Where I Craft

Where I Craft- the majority of my knitting is done on this side of the couch.  During the day I sit in the sunshine ☀️ and at night I use my awesome lamp (thanks @lorisellmerdesign!!) to keep my projects well lit.  Of course I can (and do) take my knitting just about anywhere with me- but most of the serious progress is made here.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday8 #knitter #sitandknit

A photo posted by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 8, 2017 at 10:43am PST

Day 9: Tools

Tools- I use this stuff a lot more than you think!  I have learned over and over again it's worth investing in quality yarns and tools if you want to get an end project you're happy with.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday9 #tools #needlesforever

A photo posted by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 9, 2017 at 1:03pm PST

Day 10: Oldest Stash

Oldest Stash- oh that fun fur is embarressing.  I bought it to make the beards on those adorable gnomes (not my pic) but never made them... hence didn't use the yarn.  The other one (I can't remember what's older)- is a school products silk I bought in my CT/NYC yarn crawling days.  Both are from 2007 ish I think.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday10 #yarnsnob #gahfunfursomuchshameb #oldeststash

A photo posted by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 10, 2017 at 1:51pm PST

Day 11: Travel Projects

Travel Project- Have sock will travel!  In my opinion there is no greater portable project than a simple sock.  Whether it's something you can easily grab on vacation or just killing time at your kids ski, music and skating lessons... adding a few rows at a time really makes socks appear magically.  I always have my trusty "Knit kit" on hand and usually keep the project in a super, not so sexy, Ziploc bag.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday11 #travelproject #sockknitter #❤️myknitkit

A photo posted by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 11, 2017 at 10:06am PST

Day 12: Progress

Progress- of all the weird life lessons knitting has taught me- the greatest is patience.  Projects do not happen overnight.  Progress takes time, one stitch after another.  And slowly, slowly every stitch comes together to make something great.  It's a decent reminder that things don't always come together right away- and you need to be patient enough to let "the stitches add up" first.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday12  #progress #babyblanket

A photo posted by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 12, 2017 at 11:44am PST

Yarn Love Challenge Week 1

Blog posts have been light while I've found myself busy, tired and distracted from knitting again.  We've been going skiing a lot... which isn't a bad thing, but the exhaustion at the end of the day usually means I'm sleeping 10 minutes after my kid is.  It's not a bad thing, and I'm glad we've been capitalizing on "winter fun" but I've been feeling frustrated that there really isn't any time left for knitting at the end of the day.

Enter Instagram.

I noticed early this week that a knitting Instagram challenge had been issued... where you take a picture every day related to the chosen theme.

Deciding it was a great way to connect with other knitters and get myself back into progressing- I jumped in.  AND BLAMMO- I'm re-invigorated to keep working on my projects again!  It was such a great idea that I thought I'd repost my posts here, so those of you NOT on Instagram can also follow along.

Day 1: "Introductions"

Hey I'm joining the #yarnlovechallenge bandwagon! (Apologies to non knitters on my feed... ) Hi... I'm Jen- mom to a Lego obsessed 5 year old and 2 "starving" cats.  I've been knitting for about 12 years and I spend most of my spare time (which is fleeting) with a project in hand.  I mostly knit baby blankets, socks and mittens but I've been known to dabble in sweaters and hats from time to time.  I'm "jennipoo" on Ravelry and also maintain a somewhat regular blog linked up in my bio.  #introduction #yarnlovechallengeday1 #nicetomeetyou #knitter

A photo posted by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 1, 2017 at 8:58pm PST

Day 2: "Close-Up"

Extreme! Knitting! Closeup! #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday2

A photo posted by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 2, 2017 at 10:41am PST

Day 3: "Currently Making"

"Currently Making"... a baby blanket (likely just car seat size), with leftover fingering yarn kicking around in my stash.  I really regret not having something more interesting or complex to show the world. 😯. This is about 1/2 way done and hopefully will be done by the end of this month.  #yarnlovechallenge #yarnlovechallengeday3 #currentlymaking #babyblanket

A photo posted by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 3, 2017 at 3:00pm PST

Day 4: "Speed"

"Speed"- true story... I have TERRIBLE knitting habits.  I pull after every stitch... I hold the needles funny... it looks fast but it could be faster if I corrected this. (I tried once but it slowed me down so much that I got frustrated and gave up- don't tell my kid... who I would never let get away with that!). #yarnlovechallenge #speed #yarnlovechallengeday4 #purlrow

A video posted by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 4, 2017 at 3:32pm PST

Day 5: "Community"

"Community"- this is just a small number of the members of my regular monthly knitting group... trying to work through an epic knot in a ball of yarn for me so I could just keep knitting and progressing.  As you can probably tell there's a bit of an age gap.  But- that doesn't stop or prevent any of us from meeting once a month to share in our combined love for knitting.  We've been meeting regularly for close to ten years now... knitting hats and blankets for charity along the way... as well as enjoying good conversation and appreciating each other's projects.  Being a knitter has meant getting to know so many people of different ages and backgrounds all coming together to make stuff with yarn and string.  #yarnlovechallenge #community #yarnlovechallengeday5

A photo posted by jajjen (@jajjen) on Feb 5, 2017 at 7:33am PST

I'll update the posts every 5 days or so that you can follow along on this challenge.  What a great way to get me knitting AND getting me blogging!