Knit happens

I can't believe how cold it has been the last few days and after spending my entire life in wyoming, I still complain.

I spent a bit of my day the other day making a hat that I ended up not liking.

I just didn't really feel like it fit the way I had wanted it to.  The pattern had called for increases so that it was more slouchy but when I knit it the way the pattern called for, it was practically bag like.  So I ripped it out and started over thinking that I'd like it more if it was a fitted cap.  I've come to realize that I have a preference.  I love slouchy hats and am destined to be in them the rest of my life. So this hat has been gifted to someone I think will enjoy it more than I.

I have however completed the body of my first sweater.

And of course a bathroom selfie isn't complete without a dirty mirror and dirty laundry.  I just have the sleeves to knit on this, which I've been putting off to work on other things.  For example...

A birthday hat for my son Brodey. :)

I've actually made more progress on this than what's in the picture but hey, it's a picture.  I've really been drawn to cabling these days and so when Brodey said he wanted a yellow hat, I immediately went on the search for a hat with cables that I could make with a skein of this Malabrigo rios that I've had in my yarn stash for at least two years.

I recently added these to my yarn stash.

I'm kind of a yarn snob and usually stick to luxury yarn but have managed to pick out a couple of brands at hobby lobby that I enjoy and are reasonably priced.

"I love this wool" is 90% wool and knits up nicely.  I made my favorite hat out of this brand of yarn and it wears so nicely. Not to mention, it knits up wonderfully.  I didn't have any knots midskein and the yarn didn't split like some I've worked with.  And a bonus is that it doesn't itch the crap out of my head.

I would also recommend "lion brand wool-ease" for a chunky knits.  Though I've found it to be a tad itchy on the noggin, I have used it to knit mittens which goes fairly quick and are super warm.  I have a pattern picked out on Ravelry for a cropped, hooded cardigan and plan to pick up some of this for it.  

I've slowed down on custom knitting for the holidays and now that that has passed, my birthday knitting starts.  Eventually I will find some time to knit and crochet for myself.

I'd really like to build some stock up.  One of my goals this year is to sell at the local farmers market a couple of times.  I know those things are kind of hit or miss when it comes to purchasing but I believe I can bring in a little money.   So many ideas.  Now... To find the time.

What's on your hook or needles?

Hope you all are staying warm!!