The 30 Day Knitting Challenge – Days 1-7

I have no idea where this originated, but Talya at Duck and Cover has been blogging about a 30 Day Knitting Challenge and it looked like fun. So, since I am doing a lot of knitting but not actually finishing much, I thought it would be a way to add some interesting content to my blog in the meantime!

Day 1: What was your first finished project?

My first finished project, as far as I can remember, was a pair of pink acrylic bed slippers. I don’t have any memory of them after I finished them, so maybe I gave them away to some poor, unsuspecting soul. Mom, if you are keeping them somewhere, please dig them out and take a picture! And then send them to the happy home for slippers in the sky.

I have no idea what pattern I used. It was in a little pamphlet or learn to knit booklet that my mom had. I remember there was garter stitch involved, and pom poms! The closest thing I can find on ravelry are My Grandmother’s Slippers by Kathy North:

Image copyright Kathy North. Via ravelry.

I’m pretty sure mine had some random holes in them, though. And they weren’t really so much the same size as each other. They were really something.

 

Day 2: What is currently on your needles?

I have 3 rows left on The Miller’s Daughter and the last 3 or 4 inches on my Twinberry. I am also gradually working on a Feathery Lace Stole.

Day 3: Do you have any other WIPs (works in progress)?

Um, yes. Kind of a lot. I have 6 projects that just need some sort of finishing–elastic added, ends woven in, blocking, etc. Those are my Twirly Summerskirt, Wee La Nina, Oak Way, Zagzig Hat, Zagzig Skirt, and Knight’s Helmet Hat. The last two I’ve actually worked on today. The other 4…I’ve maybe been dragging my feet on!

I also have a project that isn’t currently on the needles but does need a little more knitting done: Athena Shawl. I will get there, one of these days!

Day 4: How did you learn how to knit?

Partially from my mom, partially from the aforementioned learn to knit pamphlets. I can remember scrutinizing the pictures in them, making sure the yarn in my hands was wrapped exactly the way it was in the drawings. I was something of an exacting child when it came to stuff like that.

Day 5: How long did it take from the time your learned how to knit, to finish your first project?

No idea. Months? A year? I sort of learned in fits and starts. I remember working on a swatch for a while during one of my very first attempts. My mom had cast on some stitches, showed me the ropes, then turned me loose. When I brought my work back to show her, I remember her surprise at the fact I had increased the number of stitches on the needle (not the goal). I was so proud…

Day 6: What is your favorite piece that you’ve knit?

I have so many favorites, for so many reasons. Drachenfels was the first time I undertook a large project for myself, and it’s significant to me because I did it as a way to pour positive energy into myself. Quicksilver was my first shawl and a step outside my comfort zone, and I love it for that. Zigzag is an unfinished labor of love that was fascinating and beautiful as it came together. I love Merinda because of how squishy it feels and how the colors interact. I made a hat and scarf set for a dear friend once (pre-rav) that was stolen almost as soon as I gave it to her. However, she loved them, so I love them. I love everything that I’ve knit for my daughter because I love the look of delight she gets on her face when I give them to her.

I love everything I’ve made that’s stretched my skills, piqued my interest, or gotten me through a tough time. I love everything I’ve made that I’ve given to someone knitworthy because I love the joy the recipients have.

Day 7: Your least favorite?

Probably my swell and dashing wristwarmers, made some time ago. I didn’t have a very good sense of gauge and fit at that time, and they both turned out too snug.

And that brings me current! What about you? Did these questions take you on a trip down knitting memory lane? I’d love to hear about it!

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