The newest edition of Bond Buzz is now available.  This issue gives tips for using the #1 keyplate and what yarn weight works best for it.  I think I have used all the keyplates except this one so I am looking forward to trying out the Gathered Toddler Cardi pattern.  It’s also making me look at the weight of yarn I’m using with the other keyplates and not just the gauge/needle size. 

I haven’t knit anything on the machine, or by hand, for almost a month now.  No better time than now to get back on the horse and finish up my Christmas gifts.  I feel a knitty vacation coming on.

It’s never too early to start talking about Christmas and the gifts.  I have decided to hand make all of my gifts again this year.  Last year I started early and was on a knitting roll until I hit the wall in June.  That was when I got stuck on the Tapered Ruffle Scarf I was making for my cousin Kam-Marie.  The project ran over, there was screaming, tears were shed…long story short, I ran out of time and wasn’t able to complete my list.  That means the men didn’t get their gifts last year.

This year I have a very ambitious plan for gift giving.  I’m going to make everything using The Ultimate Sweater Machine.  I know you’re probably thinking, “she’s going to make everyone sweaters?”.  Ah, no.  Not even close.  The machine definitely takes some getting used to and operating it isn’t as easy as it may seem when you’re in the learning phase of the USM game.  But, as you get to know what works, the knitting does go faster.  Having said that, I believe I can make my deadline this year. 

My challenge for this year is knitting the following:

• 14 scarves for men
• 20 (27) scarves for women
• 6 wraps
• 1 poncho
• 2 knit hats

Every time I see the list, I get queasy.  It’s insane.  It’s nearly impossible.  It’s June!  But, fear not.  I’m well to my way to making this happen.  So far I have completed:

• 6 men’s scarves
• 2 wraps
• 5 women’s scarves

Am I panicked I won’t get it all done?  A little bit.  A little bit.  Ok, a lot.  <sigh>  What have I gotten myself into?

For the last three months I have been eyeing The Ultimate Sweater Machine every time I went into Michaels.  It’s a low-end knitting machine that is supposed to have you knitting quicker and better in a matter of days.  I didn’t really see a need to get it, but I did like the idea of knitting a blanket or wrap in a day or two instead of the six months that it’s taking me to 1/2 way through my Pretty In Pink Lavish Wrap. 

Yes, it is true that I stopped working on it for about two months.  It’s also true that I stop whenever I notice a dropped stitch twenty rows back (after the second time it gets old).  But, in my defense, it’s also true that I get bored when knitting large pieces (I’m still working on a blanket I started crocheting three years ago).

So, in the last month, I decided to bite the bullet and buy the USM.  I would wait until I see that all illusive 50% off Michaels’ coupon and head to the register.  The plan is to knit all of my family Christmas gifts on the machine this year.  I don’t want a repeat of last year’s unfinished gift projects fiasco (my uncles still remind me that they did not receive their scarves).  That coupon never came.  The only coupon I could find week after week, was 40% off.  I had to take matters into my own hands. 

Over the weekend I did an online search and discovered Joann.com carries the machine.  Not a big deal, I know, but they also had a 50% off online coupon!  I’m not done.  What made this deal even sweeter?  They were offering shipping for $2.95 when you sign up for an online account.  The final cost was less than driving to the store with a 40% off coupon.

The machine is on its way and I’m reading tons of info on the ravelry.com boards to learn how to work the machine correctly.  I can’t wait for it to get here!  I’m completely stuck in a creative knitspiration mode!

Do you own a USM or another knitting machine?  What creations were you able to make?  Share them in the comments below.