Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Last Two Knitting Projects of 2011


Finished this little piece of therapy shawl last Thursday evening.  So, Friday morning found me ready to play with one of my Christmas presents from my Beloved! 


Comes all packaged up in this cute little carrying case... a group of puzzle-like pieces to block your finished knitting projects.  Blocking is to knitting as prepping is to painting... as far as outcome goes (though on the opposite ends of the processes).


I  love seeing how the lace patterns open up once you have wet your project and 'staked it out' on the block.  I do think I am going to need another package though... I can see I might need a bigger space! 


Even came with its own little tin of t-pins.  Love it!


This one was the last one for 2011.  I'll be doing a knitting review of the whole year in the next couple of days. 


This was the next to last project, just barely finished in time to get wrapped for Kathy's birthday present.  I made her one just like my own Sirdar Waistcoat, made about this time last year.  I'm on the hunt for the next project!!


blessings ~ tanna

41 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

that stake-out thingy is pretty neat! didn't realize you needed to do that, but i guess it makes sense - sort of like ironing a shirt before you wear it, i suppose.

you're a talented knitter!

Chatty Crone said...

Oh my goodness Tanya - I think that is absolutely gorgeous - the pattern and the color! You are so talented. Love, sandie

Pondside said...

Another waistcoat!....you are a knitting machine! I love the shawl too. I'll have to look for a kit such as you've shown - what a brilliant idea, and to have it all in a bag to be stored away - priceless.
I was addicted to knitting scarves from a Katia yarn this winter - lovely waterfall scarves. Everyone got one.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

What a beautiful shawl, Tanna! The blocking really does make the pattern and design stand out very well.
I'm looking for a Mother of the Bride dress in this same raspberry pink color..it's so pretty.

tracie c. said...

Just beautiful! Lucky friend to have such a gift and the colors are just yummy!
What a great blocking system! Very cool gift!
Have a wonderful day!
XOX Tracie

Dianne said...

Gorgeous shawl and I love the color! What do you call this blocking system? Although, my skill is far from needing to block anything but maybe someday!

podso said...

Beautiful, Tanna. The color is so rich and vibrant, it just makes me smile. So too the colors of the waistcoats! Your husband must know a lot about knitting to get you that marvelous present. :-) :- )

Debbie said...

That shawl is just beautiful to me, and I would love something as lovely as that waistcoat.

I'm jazzed about the puzzle piece thingie. It's always so hard to find things to give my MIL for Christmas and birthday. I think she would love that.

I've been away from the computer for a while so I'm slowwwwwly easing back in.

Happy New Year to you!

karen said...

Beautiful shawl!!! I love the magic of blocking :) Happy New Year!!!

Jennifer said...

I love the pattern and the COLOR, Tanna! Wow!

Debbie said...

Quilters block; is that anything like 'writer's block' which I seem to have nowadays! That is a really neat system. Guess you could use it for crocheted items too, not that I do much of that either anymore. Your work is wonderful.
Deb

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Your shawl is just beautiful! Love the colors in the sweaters in the photos too! Thanks for sharing!

Jen Price said...

What a great blocking kit! I think I need to invest in one of those.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Tanna!!! Beautiful!!! (I find I need another--probaby 1/2 set of blocking pads, too. Those shawls just eat up so much finishing space.) And the waistcoats are lovely. Just gorgeous happy colors--so right for winter!

Donna said...

How lucky Kathy is! The waistcoat is so pretty and bright...just like your smiles in the picture. Two happy friends! How did you live before the blocking gift from the sweet husband? Don't you love those gifts that make your life easier? Can't wait to se what your next project is!

Stacey said...

Beautiful as always! Your work looks like something you would find at a high priced boutique! I wish you lived near by so you could teach me. Happy New Year!

Tricia @ saving room for dessert said...

So very pretty Tanna - the project as well as you! Can't wait to see your recap - I just love looking back and moving forward. Blessings to you too!

Schnitzel and the Trout said...

Love the shawl and the unique blocking tools. And there it is again....that waistcoat that I want so much and have been holding back because I am so undecisive with choosing my yarn....sigh. Love it!!! Susan

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

I'm so jealous that you can do this beautiful work...I have tried knitting and somehow, mine looks no where near that gorgeous. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Betsy Brock said...

Beautiful! And what a neat gift...makes everything look even more professional!

Gorgeous photo of you, dear!

Kelly said...

I know you must be enjoying that block kit for your shawl now. Thanks for the explanation. I don't knit or crochet, so I didn't know what that was. The one that you made your friend sure is pretty!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Your beautiful work makes me wish I knew how to knit! Lovely gift and lovely smiles!

Amanda said...

Did Pop Pop come up with that gift idea all on his own?! If he did, I am SUPER impressed! Love the color on your last project. xoxo

Stephanie V said...

Very pretty shawl. Unblocked lace always makes me think of a newborn baby. All scrunched up at first but so beautiful when it plumps out.
It's great to have the right tools, isn't it?

Vicki Boster said...

Tanna-
Your knitting projects are fabulous - the shawl just blows me away it is so gorgeous!

I am in total love with the waistcoat - and I have the perfect yarn for that-- it looks beautiful on you and your friend!

I will be looking forward to seeing what you choose as your next project - what ever it is - I am sure it is going to be beautiful!

Happy New Year!

Vicki

jeanelledge said...

Thank you for the blocking tools info. I am definitely going to order this and the video on how to block was an eye opener for me. Love the picture of you and your sister! so pretty. Will i see u next Thursday at "art of coffee" in Lindale?

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

Wow! Very cool Tanna! Love the shawl and what a wonderful gift!

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

You are a knitting machine! Your work is so beautiful
~the fact that you finish all your projects is amazing! (to me anyway)

The Project UNfinisher

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

I so enjoy seeing your projects and how they are done...just beautiful!

I hope you are enjoying the sun...what a difference from this time last year.

The Little Adventures of LueLee said...

If I only had the talent to create those beautiful thinks... all I would need is just a little amount :( One day I am going to enlist you to help me :) SO I can make beautiful stuff just like you :) I love y'all and hope you have had a great start to the new year xoxoxoxox :D

Mary Bergfeld said...

Your skill with needles is amazing. The shawl is lacy and lovely and I'm looking forward to seeing the other projects you'll be including in your summary post. I hope you had a great holiday. Blessings...Mary

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

The proper tools make all the difference. I'm learning that the hard way but I'm slowly figuring it out. Love that color!

Deb said...

Wow Tanna...that is an awesome gift...just like your knitting...awesome...

Deb said...

Wow Tanna...that is an awesome gift...just like your knitting...awesome...

Judy S. said...

Nice shawl! I agree that the usual # of blocks aren't enough; that was my first thought when using mine. Gotta dig out that pattern! Love your waistcoat, too. The belt is perfect and the color great! Nice work!

From the Kitchen said...

Beautiful!! I love that shade of red.

I'm enjoying Amanda's blog and the fun time they had with all of you. I know that feeling of "going home" with the boys. It was such a good experience for them and my parents loved having us around.

Hope things are going well for you in the new year.

Best,
Bonnie

Ana said...

Beautiful projects Tanna...This year, definitely this year will be the year I knit something :-) Hope you are doing well my sweet friend.

Hugs and Kisses,
♥Ana

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Those puzzle blockers are very cool! Never have seen or heard of them before. Blocking sure does gift the shawl a finished look. Both projects are beautiful! Hope your week is great. Tammy

Lisa said...

I love how you blocked your knitting and it as well is just beautiful. So much work and so rewarding .
Thanks and so glad you had stopped by

Anonymous said...

Ohhh...how do you do that with only needles and yarn?!? So gorgeous! Love the matching sweaters! Have a blessed new year, my friend.

Wanda said...

YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!

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