Brushing up on the meaning of that song fit perfectly for this post!

~ "Long long ago"
~ "Days gone by"
~ "Old times"
~ "Once upon a time"

Yep I have some catching up to do on some FOs from 2009...you know that was 12 days ago and all :)

So here is a quick and dirty parade on the details of the items I managed to finish but was just too lazy to post up:

This cute little oxford cardi was for a precious baby name Oliver!

Pattern: This Baby Sophisticate and I will never stop signing the praises of this very easy/simple and free pattern!! It is a MUST on anyone's baby knit list!

So much so that you should make TWO!This one was a store sample at my fav shop Charlotte Yarn. They caught me sitting and knitting in there on the first sweater and so the second one was born :)

Time: Can take 3-5 days of "un-focused" knitting time (the very most) to complete.

Needles/Yarn: Both on US8 needles

Sweater #1 in Moda Dea Washable Wool about 1.5 balls of yarn in Chocolate

Sweater #2 in Artesanal by Aslan Trends every bit of 1 hank in color #19 basically grey (from the shop)

Size: Both sweaters are the largest size and with the yarn it came out to be about 3-6 months?? depending on the weight of the yarn.

Modifications: On Sweater #1 all details on my Rav project but in a nutshell I shortened the body to the small length and would have done more garter on the collar. I also did increases in the body to widen it out for the "tummy". Sweater #2 - nothing barely had enough yarn!!

Verdict: Absolutely LUV this pattern. It is a MUST DO!

~ Project #2 Details ~

Verdict: My girlfriend loved it!! :) So it was worth it!

~ Project #3 Details ~

Verdict: So elementary that anyone can do this project! And I really want to do one in hot red for myself :)

Welp! That should close out the 2009 knit F.O.s for me!

What a nice way to kick off a New Year doing at least one thing you enjoy!

AND being proud of some of your "firsts". My 1st steeking and zipper (hand sewn!!)

AND it fits!! thank goodness *polishes off nails* (and slightly bloody pin-cushioned fingertips LOL)

Now to grow some sleeves!! :)

I pray everyone has a blessed 2010 filled with prosperity & love!!

Pattern: Meret (Mystery Beret) by Woolly Wormhead (Rav Link )
The pattern is intuitive and just enough zest to it so that it pops on your yarn!

Renee suggested it to me after I mentioned how I was itching to whip up a beret. Thanks for the recommendation it was a good one! As my original thought was to do my long coveted "yet to get to it" Gretel pattern, but then realized I didn't want to deal with the cabling at that particular moment.

Size: I started out with the medium and then increased to the large size (my head measures around 22"). I really could have gotten away with just the medium (with an extra pattern repeat) for the entire FO.

Time: This project was truly started b/c of the cold spells we have been having here (on a gloomy morning) and I've always wanted to knit up a beret!

Finished in just shy of a week, and it would have been faster but my schedule was super busy. The beret is a breeze and a pleasure to knit!

Needles: US 6 & US 8 with 32" cord on my harmony needles...magic looping on the brim and crown only.

Yarn/Cost: Yarn from waaay back when purchased in my Malabrigo Frenzy Haze ;op This is the color Polar Morn and probably got it for about nine bucks.

It only took one hank but for this pattern you will need EVERY BIT OF IT! So heed my words in not leaving a long tail and realizing you will need every ounce (and for my size I eliminated 2 rows of the last repeat to ensure I had enough to bind off!)

Modifications: As already mentioned this essentially is the large size, but I like my hats to fit "snug" at the brim so I casted-on for the medium on the US6s and then increased to the large stitch count. You also can tell I did the roll brim option (did 1" SS and 1" 1x1 rib)....luv it!!

Did an extra pattern repeat for slouchy-ness, but did not finish off with Rows 1 & 2 as instructed as I knew I would not have enough yarn to finish the hat! (fyi) However, I see why the designer wanted you to finish with R1 & R2 (and you should for the aesthetic look), but if you don't it is not detrimental either ;op

This has not been blocked yet so I can just imagine how it will grow once it hits water. As I said, a medium with an extra repeat would have worked just fine for my noggin as well!

I intended for it to be extra slouchy and believe I got just the right balance I wanted...I luv it!

What I learned: Nothing monumental but just how to do the easy peasey roll brim on a hat. It adds such a great decorative look to the project!

Verdict: I am very satisfied with my beret!! As it has been in full rotation since it came off the needles! This is a fabulous pattern and great/easy project!

So I just happen to be out and about finish sipping on a white chocolate mint mocha with a friend when I see this For real? For $4.99? Really??

And then this Tee hee....retail knits are funny to me :) Nothing like the real thang baby!!

Hope you all are still knitting it up!

~ Project Details ~

Pattern: wham bam thank you lamb! neckwarmer

Inspired by Christie's FO who reminded me that I had this in my que forever :)

Time: Started at lunch time was finished by bed time = super fast = perfect instant knit gratification

Needles: US13

Yarn: Lion Brand Thick & Quick in Grey Marble (was in a neutral mood)

What I learned: I love comfort knitting and wanted to stay in my garter therapy mode :)

Modifications: Not one thing

Verdict: Luv luv luv

And plan to do more cowls like this one and that one :)

Yep getting a little bit of puuuuuuuure & simple garter stitch in