Time Lapse but No Progress Gaps

It's not like me to go for a week (or more) without writing a blog post. But I'm quickly learning that as I focus more on knitting, project finishes are slowing... drastically. Some of that is because knitting is actually slower than other crafts, but also because the way I've knitting - two steps forward and one step back - doesn't accomplish much.

The Panopeia Top I started October 27 was completely re-started November 4 after I learned I read gauge incorrectly. Sheesh. 

After knitting a swatch, on my own I measured and determined I needed to go down one needle size, from 3.5 to 3.25 to obtain gauge. I borrowed 3.25 knitting needles from a friend and merrily knitted 93 of 99 needed rows. 

Then I watched a YouTube video by Hortense of KnitsWithChopsticks that explains gauge, and how to choose the right-sized needles to obtain gauge. I was chagrined to realize I'd chosen the wrong size needles. But before going nuts, I called my quilter-friend Kate (she used to work in a yarn shop and really knows her stuff), and asked her about my specific project. She agreed that I needed to choose a needle size one step larger, and then explained why. That's when I allowed myself to go nuts. I'd knitted on the wrong-size needles. But how good it is to have a friend in the know, right? 

So then I completely frogged the project and restarted knitting with 3.75 needles, UP one size larger. So much better. I know the top will fit. 

This is a bottom-up knitting pattern, and I'm on row 88 of 99 (11" of 12½" done) at which point I'll start (learn) a different stitch that will become the yoke and neckline. So sorry to be sharing a picture that pretty much looks like the last one I posted, but I'm on the right track now.

  

Since I dare not knit all the time, because that's when I make mistakes (Who knew it would be so challenging to maintain 110 stitches on the needles in the stockinette design?) I put binding on the Modern Maze quilt. More pictures to come.

I also round loom knitted one more Santa Hat - one more to go, for a total of six.

I made three pom-poms, which I still haven't perfected, but they're getting better. I prefer a pom-pom that's a bit more tight/dense, though it's been pointed out that if they're too dense, they can weigh enough to pull down the top of a cap or beanie. I've had fairly good success with the donut method. 

I made a pom-pom for the round loom knitted Bayberries Beanie, and like it even more. 

Of course since making these pom-poms, a friend pointed me to another YouTube video by RsislandCrafts. Her method seems even better because the short yarn pieces are more secure. I'll try it next time. 

I'm appreciating that our summer temperatures are finally showing signs of autumn. We woke to 60F (15.5C) this morning, and it's glorious. Linda