Looking Back: 2008

At the end of 2007, I had little intention of getting back into spinning. The few skeins of yarn I had made were rather disappointing, not to mention time-consuming. But earlier this year, a couple of my knitting friends learned how to spin, and I started to browse the posts on the Ravelry Spindlers group. Pretty soon, I was ready to give spinning another try, and bought new fiber and spindles.


1. Lily Spindle, 2. Golding RingSpindle, 3. Soft Handspun, 4. Big Plans: Spindling for a sweater

I'm so much happier with my spinning now. Good tools, trying different techniques, and practice make a big difference. Plus, I love being able to support some fabulous local independent dyers - A Verb for Keeping Warm, Tactile Fiber Arts, and Pigeonroof Studios.

Of course, the knitting has continued. Here are some of my favorite projects from 2008.


1. Mini Lace Triangle, 2. Lace Ribbon Scarf, 3. Trellis Scarf II, 4. Stripey Socks, 5. Koolhaas Hat, 6. Butterfly Moebius, 7. Ene's Scarf, 8. Squishy Handspun Scarf, 9. Amanda Hat

Malabrigo, my handspun, and lace seemed to be recurring themes in this year's knitting. I also turned to some simple knits (a garter stitch scarf and stockinette stitch socks), which I found surprisingly satisfying, considering that I usually like some lace or cables in my projects.

This year was also filled with a number of fiber-related events, which I attended with some members of my knitting group and other Ravelers. This year we went to Stitches West, Color, and Lambtown, and made a trip to Carolina Homespun and Artfibers. (If you hadn't heard, Artfibers is closing their San Francisco store at the end of January, but will continue selling their yarns online. They recently sent out an email saying they will open an East Bay location in April 2009.)


1. Alpacas at Lambtown, 2. Color Marketplace, 3. Artfibers, 4. Ravelry Goodies from Stitches

It's been a busy year! Hope you had a good 2008, and wishing you a happy 2009!