Last year I made a huge effort to do more crafting, in particular knitting, crochet and sewing. I made a good start but didn’t get as much done as I hoped. However, over the past few years I have built up a hug stash of fabric and yarn and this is the year when I am determined to work my way through it.

First up I have started another Country Kiddie top for Faith using gorgeous yarn that I bought ages ago from Knit Cave. I just couldn’t resist the vibrant colours in this yarn and the top is so simple to knit – once you get past the sleeves you just knit round and round on circular needles. This is the project I keep in my car and knit when I’m waiting for Grace to come out of school. It means it is a slow growing project but it’s ideal as a time filler knit. The last top like this that I knitted for her was a big hit – she loves it and we always get lots of compliments when she’s wearing it out somewhere.

The other project I have on the go is a twirly skirt that I am knitting for Grace out of lovely soft bamboo yarn from Skein Queen. It is so silky to knit with but also very, very splitty! The colours aren’t necessarily my first choice to put together but as I have made a promise not to buy any more yarn then I will make do. Grace seems to like them so as long as she’s happy, that’s the main thing. This is also super easy to knit as I found an adaptation that means I can knit it on circular needles. I omitted the drawstring waist and am going to put in some elastic instead. I have a lovely purple yarn for the last tier of the skirt.

I was also a very lucky girl and had some gorgeous knitting, crochet and sewing books for Christmas, as well as a wonderful Debbie Bliss book I’ve recently been sent to review (more about that in a separate post). I have spent my evenings looking through the books, magazines, blogs and searching ravelry and have come up with a list of a few things I definitely want to try making this year. There are so many that I’m going to have to speed up my knitting and crochet pace!

So here’s my provisional list for starters:

1. The Frou Frou cardigan from The Happy Hooker for myself

2. The Pinwheel sweater for Faith

3. A Milo vest for my niece

4. An owlet sweater for Faith

5. Some leg warmers for Grace

Both the girls want hats and scarves too so I figure if I start them now then they might be ready for next winter! Wish me luck! What’s your project at the moment?