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Miko's Challenge 2010

Miko decided, "a-la-Julie-and-Julia" style, that it would be fun to put out a personal challenge to knit up a book of patterns in a year! That's right... pick a book/ magazine/ publication... of your choice... and commit to stitching up every item in it.

Imagine the possibilities?

You might choose an actual book, a magazine, an issue of Knitty, what ever you want! It might be technique specific, designer specific, all hot bottle cozies for all it matters

...the point was to challenge yourself and work away at it all year!
and now the year is up...

Below are the standings:

Miko took on	Jennifer took on

And now it is done. Did we each finish? Nope, not entirely. Was it a challenge? Yep. Here is how it stands:

Miko has on the needles:

Miko has finished:

1 - Norwegian Snail Mittens
2 - Iris Side-to-side Sleeveless Top
3 - Cala Lilly Bag
4 - Step Ribbed Stole

31 of 39 cast on

1 - Diamonds and Pearls Shawl
2 - Chunky Winter Set Hat
3 - Chunky Winter Set Mittens
4 - Foolproof Baby Hat (plus booties)
5 - Princess Mitts
6 - Retro Cloche (hat)
7 - Wavy Socks
8 - Honeycomb Hat
9 - Cabled Headband
10 - Scaruffle
11 - Swirly O Socks
12 - XOX Vest
13 - Baby Soft Cardigan
14 - Classic Washcloth
15 -Optic Waves Shawl

16 - Patchwork Carriage Blanket
17 - Scarlett the Goldfish
18 - Ollie the Octopus
19 - Maine Morning Mitts
20 - Endpapers Shawl
21 - Architect Hat
22 - Little Shells Socks
23 - Rhinebeck Mitts
24 - Rhinebeck Hat
25 - Honeycomb Bag
26 - Butterfly Moebius
27 - Cabled Swing Cardi

27/39=69.230%

Jennifer has on the needles:

Jennifer has finished:

1 - Tibetan Clouds Stole
2 - Reflecting Pools Bag
3 - Allegan Cardigan

18 of 21 cast on

1 - Sweet Fern Mitts
2 - Baby Booties
3 - Baby Bonnet
4 - Nara Scarf
5 - Reversing Leaves Socks
6 - Comfy Cardigan

7 - Cabin Socks
8 - Bella Baby Ensemble, Sweater
9 - Hill Country Hat
10 - Flicka Hat
11 - Prairie Rose Shawl
12 - Papa Bear Sweater
13 - Windjammer Socks
14 - Leafy Glen Shell
15 - Falling Waters Shawl

15/21= 71.428%

What we learned...

Really and truly, we both found it hard to focus strictly on our books. And our rebellious streaks certainly reared their heads as we cast-on other non-book projects (and even finished many of them too) despite the looming deadline knitting. After much deliberation, we have both decided deadline knitting should be restricted to baby due dates only...and even then, one can often argue a case for extension to birthday number 1.

Miko says...

Things I have learned:
- A year is a long long time to commit to just one knitting book
- A book with 40 patterns in it is too many for a year challenge
- That sometimes (I hesitate to say this as I don't want the wrong people to get excited) I should listen to others advice
- To deny that this whole thing was my idea in the first place
- I enjoy carefree knitting without restrictions
- No matter how good a book is and looks, something else always catches my eye

Okay so maybe I didn't finish all the projects in the book. And, okay, I kind of gave up towards the end. But I believed and still believe you must think big. Big I say. You may not always get there but it's still worth the try. And in the end wasn't it worth all the talk, laughs and of course the mocking. Yes, there was mocking. You all know who you are. I think it was worth it anyway. Thanks for all the fun, support and cheering me on along the way.

Jenn says...

It has been so great seeing people give this challenge a shot. Several people have maintained the idea that we are rather ambitious to take this on, and they are right. It was a good experience, and I learned that committing myself to a year of something in such an inspirational world of fiber arts was not a good choice for me. My rebellious side definitely kicked in and there were moments that I wanted to do anything else but what I was "supposed to do." Guilt kicked in, because I really could have knocked through the remaining 6 projects if I had really buckled down. And pride (or maybe stubborness) kicked in when people insisted they would think no less of me if I were to just quit the insanity... I at least gave it a good try. Bottom line: I learned a lot. Brushed up on some rusty skills. And am not committing to year long projects that stifle my need to just cast on what I fall in love with, whilst I am still swooning over it. I know it will probably land me back in the land of 30 WIPs at a time, but I will be happier.

The funny thing is, I am certain that, while I did not complete the 21 projects in my book challenge, I most certainly completed more that 21 projects including the book challenge projects this year. And that is a lot! I should be proud of that, I think. I was not monogamous to my book, but inspiration, life and happy giftable events happened...and honestly, I can not make apologies for the deviation.

Welcome 2011.

So now...if you are keen to have a look at our projects in person we will be holding a trunk show for you to pop in to the shop to see the Miko-Challenge-finished-objects on display Tuesday, February 15th. Join us at 7pm for a discussion!

Thanks to all of you who joined us on this journey,
whether it was by participating to all your various degrees,
or simply being one of the many of you who
cheered us on along the way!