Here we go 2008!

Its my first FO of 2008! My unoriginal (but only 45 yard) hat:

An Unoriginal Hat by the Yarn Harlot
Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky Naturals, ONE SKEIN!!!! (thats 45 yards)
US 15 and 10.5 needles
Blue Sky

Yes, I am very proud that I knit this out of one skein, and a very small skein that has been sitting in my stash forever because I only had one skein of it and didn't know what to make! The original unoriginal hat (see above) was made out of variegated yarn and very nice, but I am really happy with the plain yarn: I love the stitch definition, and the cables really stand out this way.

So, the modifications: I only cast on 42 stitches (1 less pattern repeat around) and used size 15 (US) needles. I planned to use 15s the whole way, but ran out at the decreases. So, I ripped back, and did the decreases on 10.5 needles, skipping the non-decrease row in the decreases. And it fits! I like a hat that sits over my ears, and this does, but barely. I may try to block it to make it longer, but I wore it out tonight (and it was cold out there) and I think it will work as is.

Now, I have to work on some of my single socks. They are starting to get out of control and unfortunately I added one this week:

Its a Pomatomus from Knitty. I am using some old Koigu (also from the stash) and am very happy with these so far: the colors are working perfectly with the pattern (and a little aquatic I think), and the pattern is so cool! In my defense for casting on another pair of socks (I had 6, now 7 socks awaiting mates) these were my vacation socks, for my trip to Florida last week. I saw it as a perfect Florida project because of the pattern (water-themed) and colors (teal, purples, oranges). I wanted to pack light but have enough to knit for the 5 days I was there so I had to start a new pair!