Monday, December 31, 2007

Best of 2007

I saw this new meme going around on Lolly's blog (It's from Knitlit originally), and I wasn't going to do it until I found myself coming up with answers without having to think too hard. It's just a questionnaire; no rules; no muss; no fuss.

Jenny's Best of 2007 awards:

1. your best FO of the year
Hands down, my Two Toned Shrug from Fitted Knits. I wear it so much, as it goes with everything. The yarn is great, the fit is great, and it was super easy to make.

2. best FO of the year made by a blog you link to
I would have to say Jessica's Tree Jacket. I know dozens of bloggers were inspired to make this after seeing hers, including me. I didn't even like it before I saw hers. Now it's a major player in my wardrobe rotation!

3. best yarn you tried
I have two that I really liked that I had never tried before; one sweater yarn and one sock yarn. The sweater yarn is Debbie Bliss Cashmerino. Pilly? Yes. But, get a little fabric shaver, and it will stay looking nice day after day.
The other yarn that I LOVED was the Painted Sock by the Painted Sheep. I'm not just saying that because I know the owner of the company, either. It was great to work with and didn't pool or make weird stripes like say, Lorna's Laces. The big thing for me with sock yarn is that it not be too grabby on the needles. I'm a tight knitter, so it sucks to have to force my stitches to the end of the needle. I didn't have this problem AT ALL with the Painted Sock. It was smooth knitting the whole way, and it made for very speedy socks.

4. best new book/mag/pattern of 2007
Book: Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel. Magazine: Interweave Knits. I know Interweave isn't new, but I think the editor change made it a much improved product.

5. best new knitting technique or gadget you tried in 2007
Technique: Fair Isle knitting. Gadget: Knit Picks Inter-changeables. They qualify as a gadget, yes?

6. top 5 inspirations--what five things inspired you the most over the past year?
In no particular order:
-Sexy Knitters Club. Being part of this KAL has really gotten in the way of my queue getting done, but also has gotten me to make some pretty darn cute sweaters.
- Fitted knits KAL. Same reasons as SKC
- Robin! Whenever I need a good kick in the pants, I go check out all the stuff she's up to, and am instantly inspired. I have never seen someone get so much done! What can I say, girl? You rock!
- Ravelry. I am eternally grateful for this site. Whenever I'm bored to tears at work, I just click around on Ravelry for a while, and I get so inspired to make just about anything. Honestly, what did we ever do without it?
- Finally, I have to give Joe credit for this one too. If he didn't watch such crap on TV, I wouldn't get half the stuff done that I do. Thanks for never giving up the remote, babe! ;)

7. designer who most amazed & inspired you throughout the year
I have to go with Stefanie Japel. I had no idea I would like her book as much as I did. I was especially amazed that she sent it to me for free as a thank you present!

8. knitting resolutions for 2008--what's next for you and your blog?

My goal for this year is to knit at least half of my Ravelry queue. I especially want to get Clapotis and Salina done. I also NEED to destash in a big way, so that's a little goal as well. I'm not making any pledges or promises, but I have enough yarn to keep me busy for quite some time, so I'd like to see how far it can take me. Also, I can't find a pattern I like for the Hermione sweater, so I'm going to attempt to design it myself. Wish me luck!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year! So glad you loved the yarn - the socks are great!

Lolly said...

What a fabulous year!
I hope 2008 is great too ;)

Happy New Year!

CaveGurl said...

What a great list! I love it that you thanked your hubby too. I should thank mine for the same reason! LOL

I can't wait to see how your design turns out! Good Luck on that and keep us posted.

Here's wishing you and your family a fabulous New Year in 2008!

Robin said...

Great meme! And thanks for the nice mention :) I've seen that two-toned shrug and I have to agree it is a great FO. I like your Sahara too, but I think that was 2006? I would have voted for that for my favorite FO on someone else's blog, actually. I agree SKC is the best. It's the only KAL I'm going to do in the future, I think. Wow on half the Ravelry queue, and on working through the stash (I'm going to do this too, and have been lately.) OK, those are my rambling reactions for the day.

Karen said...

This was a fun meme to read. I have to go to Ravelry now and see how big your queue is seeing as you are going to knit half of it. I am trying to work through my stash too, especially now that I only have a job for another week. :)

Knittymuggins said...

Great list! I admit, my husband is the key to me getting my knitting done too - LOL! I mean, how many military shows can one person watch in a day?! Thanks for sharing :)

knittymuggins

Marjorie said...

You'll probably enjoy a self-designed sweater. Just swatch carefully. Use a schematic from a sweater you've knit and liked--or measure a bought sweater. It takes a bit more time, but I love knowing that no one else has that exact sweater when I make up my own pattern.