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