Ends and Beginnings

Last May, I started a pair of Endpaper Mitts. I don't remember when I finished knitting them, but they've been sitting in the ends-to-be-woven-in pile for too long! Now the ends are secure and tidy, and the mitts are blocked and ready to wear.



Pattern: Endpaper Mitts by Eunny Jang
Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in Teal (20) and Sandstone (50), less than one skein of each
Needles: US 0 (2mm)



For me, colorwork takes a lot more effort than most knitting, but I'm glad I persisted! I really liked how these turned out, even though the pattern is slightly obscured by the tweedy nature of the yarn.

I still had a decent amount of yarn left when I finished, so I made myself a hat (which happens to be my first FO of this year).



Pattern: Wesley by Kate Gagnon
Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in Teal (20) and Sandstone (50); Rowan Felted Tweed in Watery (152). These were leftovers from other projects; I would guess I used less than 1/4 to 1/3 skein of each for this hat.
Needles: 2.5mm (brim) and 3mm (body)

This pattern is a great way to knit up leftovers. Because the yarns I used are thinner than what the pattern calls for, I used the stitch counts for the "lots of slouch" size to get a hat closer to the "little slouch" size.

I really like the slipped stitches in this pattern; they give the fabric a nice texture, without being difficult to knit.



It's very satisfying to use up old yarns, and I definitely have plans for more stashbusting this year! In particular, I'd like to knit up my sock yarn, especially after reading about the Personal Sock Club on Ravelry. The idea is that you create packages of sock yarn with a pattern, and then surprise yourself with a new one each month (or whenever). I've set aside yarn for five pairs of socks, and will possibly add a sixth one (I might frog a pair that is a bit wide). But before I can start those, I have to finish the pair that is on the needles. I'm now up to the cuffs, so they should be done soon!