2007 A Knitting Retrospective

This year hasn't been the most productive for me as far as knitting goes. I put my needles down for a while this spring and didn't pick them up again for several months. Although I only have a few small finished objects for the year, KnitLit's Best of 2007 meme still seems like a good idea to review my year in knitting and think about what next year will bring.

1. Your best FO of the year

My Garter rib socks are probably my personal best of the year.

My first pair of socks ever and I love them. I'm pretty proud of myself for finishing them even though it took me about a year. They turned out really well and I've already cast on my second pair of socks.

2. best FO of the year made by a blog you link to
This is pretty tough since there are so many great bloggers out there with fabulous projects. Lolly's Aftur pullover is beautiful and I'm so amazed that she knit the entire thing in a month! Jenna's Front and Back cable sweater is another one that blew me away. Gorgeous!

3. best yarn you tried

I tried Malabrigo for the first time this year and love it. Warm and incredibly soft with gorgeous hand dyed colors, it's easy to understand why most knitters are crazy for malabrigo. While pure wool isn't necessarily the best fiber for the deep South, this stuff is so hard to resist.

4. best new book/mag/pattern of 2007

Another tough one. I think Interweave Knits is hands down the best knitting magazine out there. I have several patterns in queue that I may never get to and I'm usually pretty inspired by the magazine in general. As for books, my 2 favorites this year are Sensual Knits (see my review in my last entry) and The Knitter's Book of Yarn, a fabulous resource that I'm currently reading.

5. best new knitting technique or gadget you tried in 2007

I'd have to say magic loop. DPNs in my hands seem like a disaster waiting to happen. Magic loop was how I knit my first pair of socks and now I'm using the technique for knitting the sleeves of my first sweater.

6. top 5 inspirations--what five things inspired you the most over the past year?
Do I have to even say it? Ravelry, ravelry, ravelry oh and ravelry. This site was my inspiration for picking up my needles again. I've also been greatly inspired by some of my favorite bloggers out there.

7. designer who most amazed & inspired you throughout the year
I really love Kim Hargreaves. Her patterns are classic and elegant with a touch of style. I have a few of her pattern in my queue and can't wait to get started on them.

8. knitting resolutions for 2008--what's next for you and your blog?
In 2008 I want to knit more. I want to become a more productive knitter, while really enjoying the projects I'm working on. I want to try more colorwork techniques like fairisle and knit more garments to wear. I think I also want to share my knitting more with others. I'v never really knit for others, afraid they won't appreciate the time and care I put into it. This year I'd like to knit more gifts and am already thinking about Christmas 2008. As for my blog, I plan to update more and include more of my general life. I have some exciting things coming up in 2008 and definitely plan to include them on my blog! Happy New Year!