The number of projects I actually completed in 2009 is reflective of the way I knit: slowly and methodically. Overall, I'm proud of what I accomplished. From developing an appreciation for knitted socks, to finishing projects languishing in the UFO pile, to challenging myself with different types of patterns and deadlines, I've definitely covered a lot of ground and become a more competent knitter in the process. Let's take a look back at the projects of 2009:

Wicked Eyelet Rib Vest

When I saw the Wicked Eyelet Rib Vest pattern it was love at first sight. Everything about it is perfect from its femininity right down to its faux cables. I chose Lily Chin's Gramercy yarn for this project partly for the gorgeous raspberry color and partly for the price point. In retrospect I wish I'd chosen a yarn that was a little thinner and not quite so splitty, but I'm fairly pleased with how the vest turned out. This project was relegated to the UFO pile for a few months because of my abhorrence of seaming and a very tiny mistake on the back piece of the vest that made me not want to look at it. Ultimately, though, I just sucked it up and pushed through. The result is a beautiful FO...which I really haven't worn. Actually, I'm still trying to find the perfect top that will do it justice and that's definitely not easy given all the junk in the stores these days.


Eyelet Yoke Baby Cardigan

In keeping the the eyelet theme, when I stumbled across the Eyelet Yoke Baby Cardigan I knew it would be the perfect project for my co-worker's baby. The cardigan knit up very quickly in Cherub 4-Ply. I made a matching hat (courtesy of the Baby's Beanie Hat pattern) and a pair of booties (courtesy of the Classic Cashemere Bootees pattern) to complete the set. I've only seen photos Miguel in the cardigan -- I'm sure he has long outgrown the hat and booties -- but he looked looked absolutely adorable in it!


Nutkin Socks

I came across the Nutkin sock pattern when looking for a pattern that would work well with a skein of Lisa Souza Sock! Merino in the Berry Poppins colorway. My frustrations with the yarn aside, it works very well with this pattern. This was also my attempt at a no-wrap short row heel thanks to a great blog I found. Sadly, though, the blogger's Photo Bucket account is not active so the photos no longer appear with the text. I'll be sure to update the link once I find well-documented instructions for this method.


Jaywalker Socks

Next up is the Jaywalker sock. I chose this pattern because I needed something that would work well the Sunshine Yarns Classic Sock Yarn in the Alice colorway. This was my first time working with a heavily variegated yarn and I ended up learning a lot about pooling and flashing through trial and error. Although the socks do not match exactly I really love them. The yarn was particularly nice to work with. I guess that's why several of Dani's Twilight-inspired colorways have found their way into my stash. Yes, I'm a big Twilight fan. There. I said it.

Amazingly enough most of my knitting took place towards the end of 2009. The Wedding Clapotis, the French Press Felted Slippers, the Super Cupcake Hat, and the Almeara Gloves were all finished within a few weeks of each other. Since I've already blogged about the majority of these projects I think it will be easier if I just include the links. The Almeara Gloves, however, will be featured in a separate post as I have a lot to say about this particular pattern. Believe me when I say a lot.

Well, that's my year in review. What's in store for 2010, you ask? I've set the following knitting goals for myself:

• Knit more socks: Let's face it, you can never have too many of them and there are so many great patterns out there.
• Knit a lace shawl: See my previous post
• Learn entrelac: It doesn't look too hard, maybe a little fiddly.
• Keep working on things from the UFO pile: Some projects in there are screaming to be worked on.
• Colorwork: Enough said.
• Design an original project: I've got something already in the works.
• Be better organized when it comes to projects: Plan ahead, review what's in the stash before buying yarn, etc. Sigh. I know, but I've got to try
• Join a sock club: Kind of defeats the purpose of the previous goal, but I guess that's part of the fun =)