So since I completed my sweaters I churned out that chunky scarf and also matching scarf/hat set for JF. Now I'm just stuck. I tried to cast on for my "Glittens" convertible glove/mittens. I did the tricky 2x2 tubular cast-on and did the entire cuff before admitting they were just too small for my hands.

So I ripped it out, went up a couple needle sizes but just can't get that cast on to work. Sigh.
Then I picked up a few skeins of Tahki Ghost Print Yarn when I was up at WEBS in Northhampton, MA. I had this idea to make a pretty capelet. First I tried making up my own pattern from the top down with raglan shaping. Two skeins in I decided it didn't look right and ripped it out. Then I attempted the Acapella pattern from Knitty. I had to readjust the numbers for my bulky weight yarn. Again, 2 skeins in I decided it looked like a dead cat wrapped around my shoulders:


So now I ripped it out a second time and am casting on for a vest. If I like the way it's going I'll have to order a couple more skeins but I'm waiting to see if I like it first!
I hate it when knitting is frustrating rather than fun and relaxing. I thought I was over all that beginner frustration but I guess as you advance you keep hitting up against it with each new challenge.
I did fulfill one of my knitting New Year's Resolutions so far. The hat I made for JF was done using Magic Loop. No pic yet. It's blue using Lion Brand Kool Wool-a merino wool/acrylic blend. It came out a little short so I picked up around the brim and knit another inch or so. The only thing was I accidently did the ribbing differently. The original ribbing was a 2x2 rib but with seed stitch in the background rather than straight purl. The second ribbing was your standard knit 2, purl 2 ribbing. JF said he liked it that way and not to change it. Another unintended design feature!
Although I haven't yet gotten to my Fair Isle Sweater Resolution I am using Fair Isle techniques on the Glittens. I've knit with two colors before and just kept them both in right hand twisting them over each other each time. This time I tried knitting with one color in each hand. The yarn in the right hand is knit by wrapping and the yarn in the left hand is knit Continental style. I had heard of people doing that and thought I would never be able to do that. But after reading about it on the Yarn Harlot's blog I thought I'd give it a try. Amazingly I picked right up on it and started two handed knitting like I'd been doing it that way all along. I think it was because I recently showed someone how to knit continental style and even though I pretty much sucked at it something must have clicked in the meantime and Voila! That made it all the more bittersweet to have to rip out those Glittens since I was on a role. Well, I'm not giving up just yet. It's cooooold outside and I vow I will have these finished before it warms up again.