Theme-a-licious Jardin January Wrap-Up

Wrap-up day for Theme-a-licious is the 31st, but again, I'm posting this a little early so everyone can check in while it's still the 31st for them. And also to give those of you who may have forgotten a chance to whip a post together. =) By the way, should we be doing these posts on the first instead of the last day of the month? What do you think? Leave me a comment if you have a strong opinion. Or even a weak one. ;)

So let's recap my plan for Jardin January:

• Shakespeare's Garden
• Convents Herbal Garden
• Sanctuary
• Rose Red Hat

I worked on Shakespeare's Garden and Convents Herbal Garden the first part of the month (see recap here). I stopped on Shakespeare's Garden because I was missing one fiber. Fortunately, the wonderful Kris saw my plea and sent me several yards! It arrived Saturday, but I was busy trying to finish Helena so I could cast on Rose Red! I managed to finish all of Helena except the front ties!!! Michael looked at the wee sweater and said he was amazed at what I could do. =) I'm pretty happy with it even though I can see some imperfections. But when it's on a sweet little baby, no one will see those. ;) I did JUST cast on Rose Red, and I'd show you a picture, but since I only did four rounds, it doesn't look like much. =)

Sanctuary fared much better thanks to IHSW! (Really, mainly due to Burn Notice and its vice-like grip over my spouse. =)

And for good measure, I worked on Les Rubans. Because it totally has flower-like things on it. See how this works? It's all up to you how strictly (or loosely) you apply the theme. ;)

Now it's time to talk about...
Fangirl February

Send a Valentine to your favorite designer...or at least work on his or her designs for the month!

I'm having a little bit of a hard time making up my mind here. I have so many favorites! But I think I'm going to concentrate on three: Teresa Wentzler, Moss Creek Designs (Rae Iverson) and Mirabilia. Here's what I'm going to do:

• Teresa Wentzler: Peacock Tapestry. It's in progress, but just barely, and is a great candidate for the upcoming Amazon April
• Moss Creek Designs: Blackwork Band Sampler...or maybe Ye Shall Prosper. They're both on my WIPocalypse list!
• Mirabilia: I should be good and work on Autumn Queen (in progress AND on the WIPocalypse list). But what I really want to do is start Dancer, since Dasher needs company. And since it's my birthday this month, that's probably what I'm going to do. =)

It's hard for me to pick a favorite knitting designer since I have so little experience. But since I love every sock pattern Cookie A has cranked out of her genius brain, I'm going to add Bex (WOW that sock has been in progress for a while) to the list. Besides, how am I going to get the opportunity to work on one of the socks from my self-made sock club if I don't get some free needles up in here?

So how did your Jardin January go? What are your plans for Fangirl February? Please add your link below (to your wrap-up post). And despite what Mister Linky says, you don't need to comment after linking, though of course I'll always appreciate it. =) Our next check-in post will be on the 15th, when we'll share how Fangirl February is going! And don't worry if you haven't posted before...just jump in whenever.

1. Jan 2. Roses' Crafts 3. Ruth 4. Sue 5. Measi 6. Topcho 7. Daffycat 8. Paula 9. Cathy

10. Shannon 11. Annette 12. Blu 13. Loretta 14. Valentina 15. Joanne P 16. Sherry 17. Shebafude 18. Karoline

19. TeresaB 20. Sherrie 21. Lucie 22. Terri 23. Julie Vila 24. Jan Part 2 25. Jackie 26. TheDailyMel 27. Mindi