Finish-A-Long 2013: Quarter 4

Phew, getting this last one in just under the wire! Now it's time to hunker down and get serious about the last quarter. I have a major sewing/quilting project planned for each month, plus some non-sewing ones, and of course others that I haven't even thought of yet but I'm sure will crop up to steal some of my valuable sewing/quilting/knitting time. This list is a bit ambitious, but it's the end of the year, so go big or go home, right?

1) Mom's Chuppah

This is my main project for October. My mother is getting married on Halloween and she and her husband expect to be standing under my creation. I have more to do than I would like... [Don't worry Mom, I'll finish!]

2) Secret Quilt

Can't say much about this one or show the fabric, but here's the pattern (from the Sept/Oct 2013 issue of Quilty). I don't think the recipient reads my blog, but just in case. Must be finished by the end of November.

3) Snowballs in Helsinki

This is my December project. I think I'm going to be de-friended if I don't get it done soon.

4) Index Blocks

No progress on these all year. Maybe this is the quarter...

5) Wiksten tanks

 

Still to make. Now that it's colder, I'm less motivated to make a tank top, but we'll see what happens. I also want to get this pattern and make a top, so maybe that will be the replacement...

6) Boyfriend Sweater

Finished knitting in February, finally blocked last quarter. Now only the buttons left. Maybe I'll actually finish it in time to wear this winter.

7) Slade

That was poor (or brilliant) positioning of the balls of yarn. Kind of looks like boobs!

I have the back and fronts complete. Just have to finish up the last bit of the sleeves, block, seam, add the collar/button band, potentially block again, and add the buttons. Not sure if that sounds like a lot or a little...

8) Herringbone Cowl

So unmotivated to finish this. I love the yarn - it's so soft! - and I really want to wear it this winter, but, as neat as the final product is, this pattern is very slow going and takes concentration and a little bit of muscle, so I get tired with it easily. But I've told myself that I have to finish the Slade and this cowl before casting on a new knitting project.

9) Lucky Stars Blocks

 

I've completed the first four blocks: practice through March. Nine more to go. I would like to have a finished quilt for myself by the end of the year.

10) Autumn Sampler!

 

I've never cross stitched before and have no idea how to do it, but this pattern was just too cute to pass up so I'm learning a new craft! (Better photo here).

The below either don't count because they're not started, or I know they won't be done by the end of the quarter, but I'm still listing for motivational purposes:

11) Spectrum socks - I really want to make these. I've also purchased a few more skeins of sock yarn that I'm itching to use, so I really need to finish my current knitting projects so I can cast these on again.
12) Riley Blake challenge - I'm getting my fabric Saturday. I've got an idea, but not really sure if it will work. Technically have until February 17 to do this, but I'd like to give it as a holiday gift, so we'll see.
13) Georgetown shawl - Found the perfect pattern for this delicious skein and anxious to cast on.

That's probably enough. Not sure how I'm going to finish even half of this, but I have a lot of PTO days stored up so I may be taking a little crafting staycation this holiday season!