Crafty Bean Counter

2/12

2012-01-27T16:10:00.000-08:00

I finished another WIP started in 2011. A second pair of socks. Can you tell that I like knitting socks??

Cappuccino Sneaker Socks

These were knitted with 1 ball (50gr) of Regia Design Line sock yarn that was left over from another pair.

Closeup of the cuff

Stupid me, I knit the first sock on a 2.5mm needle (US 1.5) and the second on a 2.25 (US1). Hopefully, they will fit my Mom, who has a smaller foot than me.

So this makes 2 finished projects of 12 for 2012. I wonder if it counts because I started 2 more?? Hmmm.

12 for 2012

2012-01-12T15:38:00.000-08:00

I am off to a good start. The socks I started in December are finished!! One project down, eleven to go.

Thuja Socks

Knitted using the Thuja pattern from Knitty.com. The yarn is raggi from Jarbo Garn and I used size US6 needles. The socks are nice and squishy and hopefully super warm. I could use them for boot socks, but we really don't have boot weather here in the Mid-South, so I will wear them in bed. My feet stay cold all winter in bed.

2012

2012-01-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

Wow, where has 2011 gone?? As I get older the years are starting to pile up faster and faster.

What could New Years be without some Resolutions?? Here are a few of mine.

NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

Get a handle on the housework.
Reorganize my kitchen.
Destash my craft supplies.
Lose weight ( the universal resolution)
Complete 12 WIP's for 2012.

Maybe this a list I can really get behind and accomplish this year.

But there was a large WIP that I completed December 30, 2011 after 4 1/2 years of work.

Sock Yarn Blanket

5" blocks, 140 blocks. All sock yarn scraps and odd balls. Size US 2, 3mm. needle. I used Shelly Kang's pattern from her blog: The Heathen Housewife. I changed up the pattern by making larger blocks (Cast on 71 Sts. per block), knitting on the diagonal to produce a square blanket and I used a black crochet border. Thank you Shelly for your inspiration.

Socks and More Socks

2011-05-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the Simple Trekking Socks from mimknits....

Simple Trekking Socks

And started another pair of socks: The Ultimate Mystery Socks. This is Plymouth Happy Choices. It is a sock blank pre-dyed. Who knows how the socks will knit up??

Dyed Sock Blank

This time, I am going to use a baby cable rib pattern.

Repairing Cuffs & Sleeves

2011-03-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

I looked for a visual on-line tutorial to repair the cuff and sleeve of a cardigan. After searching around, I found the instructions but not with pictures. So without further a-do, here is how I repaired my sweater.

Problem:

Favorite sweater sleeves are too long. Temporary solution was to fold the cuff. After wearing for several years, the fold between the cuff and sleeve has developed holes.

Solution:

Open the sleeve seam 3-4 inches.

Measure how far to cut off from the cuff.

Take a deep breath and CLIP a thread.

Slowly remove the thread and place the live sleeve stitches on a needle.

Continue until all stitches have been picked up. The yarn that was removed can be used again. But, since my yarn had thin places and was broken in several spots, I used the original unused yarn.

Knit a new cuff and weave the two parts together using the Kitchener Stitch. Sew the sleeve seam together, weave in all ends.

Bask in the glory and then repeat for the second sleeve.

I then washed the sweater in Wool Mix and blocked to dry. Looks great. And no more holes!!!

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise

2010-09-01T15:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, look what came in the mail today!! A newsletter, a clover pin, tape measure and a set of 9" US 7 knitting needles from Clover-USA. I had filled out a customer survey several months ago, and this was a thank you gift. What a nice thing to do.

Knitting Goodies

Finished Socks

2010-09-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

I have finally finished the Cascading Leaves Socks by Jeanie Townsend. It is a very well written pattern and easily followed. I used the handdyed yarn I purchased from my friend Nina's etsy shop in Finland. Details can be found on my ravelry page. Unfortunately, the pair is too small for me. Hopefully my Mom will be able to wear them. Now to finish another project.

Note: Thanks for all the comments on my In Search of the Perfect Sock Knitting Method. I guess it boils down to personal preference. Also, it helps to work on the socks occasionally and perhaps not having too many items on the needles.

Cascading Leaves

Transformation of Noro Kureyon

2010-08-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

First, buy 20 skeins of Noro Kureyon for the Lizard Ridge Afghan from Knitty.com. Then discover that you can't stand short rows.

20 skeins of Noro Kureyon

Then start the Lady Eleanor Wrap from Scarf Style.

Lady Eleanor Wrap

Put nearly 10 skeins of Noro in the knitting of the wrap. Try it on your shoulders, it is very heavy. Study the color combinations. Very bright.

Close-up

Again, frog the project.

Rewound yarn

Search the web and Ravelry for another idea. Finally, find the log cabin squares from Knitting-and.com.

Start of a Log Cabin Square

Start another afghan.

Finished squares

Squares completed so far. I am considering the stain glass look from "get your hook on" blog. Check it out. Just beautiful.

It is a good thing that I am a process knitter. I can knit a couple of years on one project, ripp-it and start again. It is the yarn that keeps on giving.

In Search of the Perfect Sock Knitting Method

2010-08-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

I love to knit socks. But it takes sooo long to make a pair. I am trying several methods to see if I can turn them out quicker.

Hobby Lobby Walk About Yarn

1. Double pointed needles. Juggling 3-4 needles. Slow.

Nina's Hand-dyed Yarn

2. Two circular needles. Faster. Still dealing with 4 ends.

Regia Design Line

3. 9" circular. Working in the round. Seems to go quicker but sort of awkward using such a short circular needle.

4. Magic Loop. One long circular needle. When I tried using it in the past, I had a hard time keeping my place in the pattern. Also, it was hard to keep ladders from forming.

Now to finish the socks without starting another pair!!

What is your favorite method for knitting socks???

Updated Look

2010-08-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a while since I posted. I decided to update the old blog with a new template. What do you think??

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T20:55:00.000-08:00

Wow, another year has come to an end and a new year has started. I guess that my New Years resolution this year has to include knitting from my stash. I went through all my yarn recently. Whoa, I have accumulated quite a stash over the last few years. So no new purchases for a while. My new mantra is: must knit from stash, must knit from stash. I wonder how long I can last?? Probably not very long, but I'll try. That is unless a store has a really good sale.

On another note, I finished a lot of Christmas gifts at the last minute. Most were almost completed except for the bear. I ran out of time to work on him. If I knit this pattern again, I will embroider the face in a darker color.

This is the 3rd Sitcom Chic that I have completed. It is for my SIL. It turned out very nice and I think she really liked it.

The Jaipur Socks are for my MIL. I finally found something that she likes and doesn't want to return to the store. She likes the warmth and the fit of the wool socks. The stripes almost match this time.

The Baby Bobbi Bear has more knitting that I thought. I started it on Monday night and finished it Wednesday afternoon. Wrapped it up and gave it to my great-niece that night. I think she liked it.

Finally, this is the other present I completed shortly before Christmas. It is a Baby Tweed Blanket by Jared Flood. Very easy knit. The middle is knitted on the diagonal in garter stitch and then the edging is picked up all around the sides. An I-cord edging completes the blanket construction. I have never done an I-cord edging before so that was kind of neat.

Another Craft???

2009-10-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

Just what I need. Another craft hobby. But here it is. The drop spindle bug has bitten and here are the first results. (Of course, I must remind everyone that I tried this craft a couple of years ago with a bottom whorl spindle. Never could get the hang of it.)

The pictures aren't that good. But for a first try with the top whorl, I am pleasantly surprised. I found a video on youtube that explains pre-drafting. I found that to be VERY helpful.

Pretty good, huh??

I think that I will spin the rest of the this wool and maybe make a scarf with my own homespun!! Of course that depends on the yardage I end up with.

Where has the time gone?

2009-10-11T18:48:00.001-07:00

What happened to the fall?? Here it is already the middle of October and I haven't made a post in ages. Well, the kids have been sick on and off since school started and I've been busy taking the kids to band practice, soccer practice, gymnastics, music lessons, football practice, etc. etc. There really isn't room for more after school activities.

I have managed to complete a couple of items. (Of course, I have others that I only posted to Ravelry.)

This is a pair of fuzzy slipper socks for my Mom. They will keep her feet nice and warm this winter. ssh. Don't tell her, but it's her Christmas present.

The yarn is Regia Softy sock yarn. I used size 4 needles and did a 1x1 rib for 1o rounds and then a 3x1 rib pattern for the cuff. The cuffs measured about 5". I tried a short row heel for the first time and carried the 3x1 rib pattern down the top of the foot. The socks aren't very pretty, but they're cosy!!

I also finished my Sally Melville's Simple Cardigan. My goodness, it only took me a couple of years to finish this. But hey a FO is a FO no matter how long it takes.

The camera lighting stinks for this picture. The color is more of a deep purple with slubs of red, blue, green and yellow. When I used more flash, the sweater looked bright blue and you couldn't even see the buttons. All the details are on my ravelry page here. I don't know if I will make this again. The bottom tends to curl and the sleeves are really too roomy. This is an over sized garment, which I don't really care for. I went down a size, so it wouldn't look so sloppy on me.

Notion Review

2009-08-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

You know, I am a sucker for buying knitting needles, bags and notions. So, recently when I was in a local LYS, I found a new knitting notion. It was the new Lantern Moon repair hook. After carefully adding up my purchases, I decided that it wouldn't break the yarn budget.

This is the hook. It's nice and smooth and easy to use.

I just used it tonight to change a knit stitch to a purl stitch in my fuzzy socks. (The wrong stitch was about 4" down the leg of the sock.) The hook works great. It is not awkward to use like a regular hook. It is short and sleek and a real pleasure to use. Great job Lantern Moon.

Another Bag

2009-08-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

I promised the little girl a pink crocheted bag. Here is the result.

This is another bag from a free pattern off of a Japanese Site. I used Reynolds Saucy Sport purchased from Hank of Yarn in Southaven, MS. It is a 100% mercerized cotton yarn. It took a tad over 1 skein. I added the new skein at the first handle. She liked it, I hope.

New books

2009-07-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

Who has time to clean house and do laundry? I'm going to blame the Japanese craft books. I have started crocheting again. As long as I don't overdo, it doesn't seem to hurt the arthritis in my hands.

This is one of my new purchases. Of course, it is not new but vintage. Unfortunately it doesn't have charts, but there are great patterns.

I looked at this book for a long time before I purchased it. I almost waited too long. But thank goodness, I was able to find a copy from my favorite etsy dealer. The patterns are in Japanese but all are charted. The book is full of hats and bags. I see more WIP's in my future.

This is my last new book: a Japanese sewing book. It is full of tote bags, book bags, pencil cases, makeup bags, etc. It's time to dust off the sewing machine and get my sewing mojo back!! All the books have detailed diagrams. I think it won't be too hard to follow.

New Quiz

2009-07-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Take Clara's new quiz. Which ewe are you?

I am a Perendale. Now I need to look it up and see what kind of sheep this is. Enjoy.

Didn't you just enjoy Clara Parkes' other book Knitter's Book of Yarn?

Oops, wrong size!!

2009-07-03T20:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I finished the second Sitcom Chic for my SIL (Christmas present last year), but oops, it's the wrong size. But, no ripping another sweater for me. My mom tried it on and loved it. So, I gifted it to her and will knit SIL another sweater. It really turned out nice. Instead of using reverse stockinette on the bands, I used 4 rows of garter stitch. Maybe that will help it stay flat without using the ribbon underneath to hold the shape.

Mom didn't want a button loop or button. No problem, as I hadn't made it yet.

On this sweater, I didn't graft the underarm seams like my turquoise one. It was seamed as the instructions stated. This should help keep the shape under the arms.

I lengthened the body and sleeves and did a 2x2 edge on the sleeves and hem. It fits Mom just right.

I can tell that my knitting skills have really improved since finishing the first Sitcom.

Chasing Shiny Objects

2009-06-27T18:43:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make. Whenever I browse patterns, I find things that I just have to start. For instance, this is the Hemlock Ring Doily Throw as modified by Jared Flood. Someone on Ravelry had made it for a baby blanket using Lion Brand Organic Cotton yarn. That's all it took. I found a good source for the yarn and ordered it. The package came in yesterday. With all the socks, sweaters and shawls already on needles, I cast on.

It is a very fast knit. I have already finished the flower part and started the feather and fan chart.

Also, I started the Mountain Stream Scarf the other day. I am using some leftover Knit Picks Shadow lace yarn. Well, that made the DH happy because I didn't buy more yarn. This is an interesting pattern. You start with the bottom border then pick up the edge stitches to begin the body. The side borders are knitted with the body section and then the top border is added at the end. This scarf uses "techniques from traditional Orenberg shawls" ....and is "a nice introduction to the Orenberg construction". I really like how the scarf is starting to look.

The pattern can be found here.

Maybe I should put these down and go finish my second Sitcom Chic Sweater. Only need to weave in all the ends, sew up the underarm seam, add the button and crochet the button loop.

Finished Results

2009-06-19T19:19:00.001-07:00

Here is the process I used to dye this yarn.

Put up in the hank. Before starting.

Washed & rinsed, soaked in plain water for 30 minutes.

I didn't have Kool Aid Brand so I used the Aldi's store brand. 2 packs per 50 grams. (Of course, I didn't read this correct and had to add 2 more packs during the dye bath).

The kool aid mixed with water.

Add the yarn and cover with water.

After microwaved for 2 minutes and then rested for 5 minutes and repeated.

Yarn rinsed and hung to dry in my jungle of a back yard.

Final product. I don't know, it may need to be redyed with more blue. But wait, it is just for socks. I'll try dyeing some Knit Picks Bare that I have had for a couple of years.

It is a little time consuming, but overall, very fun. The kids enjoyed "helping" me too.

Trying Something New

2009-06-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

I bought a new skein of ONline Supersocke 100 Florida-Color from my LYS. The picture doesn't really show the neon brightness of this yarn. After a lot of thought, I have decided to over-dye the skein.

Now, I am not a spinner, so I don't have a Niddy Noddy. Thanks to Google, I found several websites that explain how to make one and the proper use of it. If you are interested, see this site or this one. Here are the parts to assemble.

With my children's "help", we put it together and made the center pull ball into a hank.

Finally, I tied the hank in three sections and twisted it for a photo shoot. Now it is off to figure out what color to dye it with.

Ravelry is EVIL!

2008-11-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

Where has all the time gone? I haven't posted to my blog since August. Well, I guess I will have to blame Ravelry. I have been spending a lot of time over there on the group boards. But I have finished a few projects.

This is Fancy Fullness from knitting delight.

This was knitted with Knit Picks Lace Weight Yarn on size US7 needles. It turned out very nice and is light as a feather.

Updates

2008-08-20T07:24:00.001-07:00

I finally finished the Swallowtail Shawl by Evelyn Clark. Instead of the nupps I used beads. This is for my Mom's birthday present. I hope she likes it. The details are on my projects page on Ravelry.

What do you think of my Fuzzy Monster? I modified a crochet pattern from Lion Brand free patterns. This was knitted as a joke for one of my groups on Ravelry. The teenager next door really liked it, so I gave it to her.

Pattern: Mini Square Monster - Modified

Source: Lion Brand Yarns

Yarn: Clearance yarn from Hobby Lobby & Cupcake (white)

Colors: Pink and sparkly light Pink (two strands together)

Needle: US 7 & US 3 (arms & legs)

Pommel (Sheep)

2008-07-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

This is the new critter that I just finished. What does it look like to you? My DH said it was a cow, one son said that it was Snoopy. It is a SHEEP! I saw this on Tammy's kleine Seite blog back in December. Unfortunately the instructions were here in German. Thankfully it has been translated to English. See this blog here.

This was mainly made with scraps leftover from other projects on US 3 needles. I put a ribbon around his neck, but he needs a scarf.

Dog Days of Summer

2008-07-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well, this has not been a very productive summer (knit wise). The kids are out of school and Mom is the chief referee. Other than the monkey, the only thing I have finished is the Harlot's Rotating Rib Socks. I stole - oops - used her ideas from her blog from the November 2007 entries.

Pattern: Harlot's Rotating Rib Socks

Source: The Yarn Harlot

Yarn: Regia Jacquard

Color: Blue, Purple, Green Stripes

Needles: US 2

Maybe I should go finish some of my other WIP's.

New Stitch Markers

2008-06-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

I have been working on the Goddess's Anniversary Mystery Shawl KAL. Even though I cheated on the circular cast on, it is a must to use stitch markers. All the markers that I had made last year did not work on the lace weight yarn. I had used jump rings to attach the beads. So, off to Hobby Lobby. I bought 2 packages of silver head pins, added the beads, then wrapped the wires around an old 10.5 knitting needles and finished with a wrapped loop. I used a tutorial from Fire Mountain Gems.

Voila, new stitch markers that don't catch the lace yarn.

Monkey Shines

2008-06-19T19:41:00.001-07:00

I finished the Monkey for my daughter's teacher. I used the pattern from Monty the Monkey. Also, I tried to use the modifications from Meowkat on Ravelry. I guess it came out okay.
This is my show n tell for the Memphis Knitting Guild meeting next Tuesday. Then off to the teacher.

Specific details are on my ravelry page.

I've Been Tagged

2008-05-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, I actually have been tagged by Toni.

The Rules:

Rules are posted at the beginning. At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names. Then the player goes to each of the “named” people’s blogs and leaves a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog. If you’ve been tagged, you do the same, letting the person who tagged you know when you’ve posted your answer. Your answer, of course, is the answer to the following questions. Here we go!

1. What was I doing 10 years ago?

10 years ago, I was running after 3 kids. My baby was 3 months old. And the oldest child was playing T-ball at church.

2. 5 things on my to-do list today?

Laundry - with 4 kids, I do laundry every day.
Cook - they get hungry too.
Cut out a skirt.
Clean the downstairs bathroom - with 3 boys it never ends.
KNIT

3. Snacks I enjoy:

Everything that's bad for you.

4. Places I’ve lived:

I have always lived in the Memphis Metro Area.

5. Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

Have a maid
See the Grand Canyon
Go on a cruise
Have my own craft room
Knit, of course

I live such a boring life.

Now to tag others:

Typing Speed

2008-05-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

I think that I need to practice:

36 words

Clue #4

2008-05-15T21:31:00.001-07:00

I am slowly be steadily working on the Fancy Fulness Shawl from Knitting Delight KAL. Here is clue #4. Unfortunately, clue #9 came out today. Oh well, I won't finish first.

Must knit faster.

Toys are a Pain!

2008-05-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

I made this penguin for my 4th grader son's teacher. Penguins are the class mascot. I have discovered some truths about toys:

Toys are cute
Toys are fast
Toys are a PAIN to seam and finish.

But it did turn out cute. Except for the wings. If I knit this again, the wings will need to be modified. Mine didn't come out like the pattern.

Pattern: Pasha the Penguin

Source: Knitty.com

Yarn: Plymouth Encore DK

Color: Black & White (the yellow/orange yarn is from my stash)

Needle: US 4

Now to finish the monkey for the DD's teacher.

More Things

2008-04-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

Boy, am I an easy target. I went by Hank of Yarn and found this cute little baby hat already made up. Of course, I had to buy the yarn and go home to cast on ANOTHER project. It is a quick and easy knit. Already to go to nephew's new baby. I see smaller preemie hats in my future.

Pattern: Baby Hat
Source: LaLa's Knits
Yarn: Sublime Baby Cashmere Merino Silk dk
Color: Pink
Needle: US6

My daughter thinks any day is a good day to swing. Even in the rain! (I guess instead of Singing in the Rain it's Swinging in the Rain!)

Clue #3

2008-04-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

My day started off terrible. My #3 son locked the filing cabinet. Fortunately, my husband found a key that would open it. This was after I searched the house for hours looking for my set of keys. (They should have been in my desk drawer. Obviously one of the children moved them.) After all this, I decided to knit and finished clue #3 for the Knitting Delight KAL. It is beginning to have a definite pattern. Now onto Clue #4.

Tomorrow has to be better.

Off the Needles

2008-04-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

Wow, as much as I love to cast on new projects, I really love to finish them. I think that I have the dreaded disease of "start-itis". So when I can actually finish things, that is a red letter day.

First off, here is the Shrug This from One-Skein Wonders. I think it is for an adult, but it fits my seven year old! The directions are a little confusing, but if you aren't a beginner, there should not be any problems.

Pattern: Shrug This

Source: One-Skein Wonders

Yarn: Bernat Softee Chunky

Color: Hot Pink

Needles:US 10

This is the scarf from the Knitting Delight KAL Yahoo Group. The blocking wires I am using are stainless steel welding rods, purchased from a local welding supply store. For about $20 I bought a whole tube of blocking wires. Now all I have to do is learn how to stretch out the knitting for a perfect blocked piece.

Pattern: Vision of Delight

Source: Knitting Delight

Yarn: Knit Picks Palette

Color: Rain Forest Heather

Needle Size: US 7

What a great pattern to knit. The charts were well written and easy to follow.

Finished today, the We Call Them Pirates Part 2 Hat. I changed the needle size and the cuff of the hat from the pattern.

Pattern: We Call Them Pirates

Source: Hello Yarn

Yarn: Plymouth Encore DK

Color: White, Black

Needle: US 6

I knitted a 1" 2x2 cuff for the hat. The next time I knit this, I will use a smaller sized needle for the cuff.

Finally, this is a baby set I knitted for my nephews' baby.

Cardigan

Pattern: Buttons Cardigan

Source: Cabin Fever

Yarn: Naturally Magic Garden Buttons

Color: Yellow

Needle: US 6

Socks

Pattern: Little Speckled Toes

Source: Cabin Fever

Yarn: Naturally Magic Garden Buttons

Needle: US 6

Hat

Pattern: My Own

Yarn: Naturally Magic Garden Buttons

Needle: US 6

Another KAL

2008-04-11T14:34:00.001-07:00

I am getting into this lace knitting craze. We have started a new shawl KAL in my Knitting Delight Yahoo Group. This shawl is called Fancy Fulness. After several starts, here it is after Clue #2. The clues come ever week. So far I am only 1 week behind. Clue #4 came out yesterday. I have almost a week to knit 2 clues.

I ran out of yarn for the last KAL. I ordered more & it came in yesterday. I just need to crochet the edge around it, weave the ends, then block. Stay tuned for pictures.

It is Our Time

2008-04-04T22:09:00.001-07:00

Go Tigers, Go!

Edit: Good game, too bad we lost.

Then It's Spring

2008-04-04T21:56:00.001-07:00

Don't you just love my dogwood tree? Unfortunately my pink tree died.

Next comes all the yard work.

Let it Snow

2008-03-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

Wow, we actually got some snow this year. After several 60-70 degree days, we had a nice snowfall for the end of winter. We had some wet & cold kids from all the snowball fights. This snow lasted from 3/7 to 3/8.

Monkey off My Back

2008-02-07T19:30:00.001-08:00

Finally after knitting and ripping 3 times, I have finished The Perfect Tee. Now I just need to make a skirt for a new outfit.

Pattern: The Perfect Tee
Source: Ann Norling
Yarn: Plymouth Fantasy Naturale
Color: 9993
Needle:US9

Note: If I knit this pattern again, I will make the sleeves longer.

Also finished, the Eco-Friendly Shopping Bag for I Love KAL & CAL Knit a Long Group. These are the perfect market bag for shopping at places like Aldi's.

Pattern: Eco-Friendly Shopping Bag

Source: Lion Brand Patterns

Yarn: Peaches N Creme: white; Lion Cotton: natural & denim

Needle: US 8 & US 17

Quick and easy knit. The hardest part is the seaming.

New Knits

2008-02-04T16:40:00.000-08:00

Slowly but surely, I am finishing some of my many UFOs.

This is a quick knit. It comes from the UK's Simply Knitting Magazine. The pattern is still available directly from them for about $11. I noticed that the patterns are going for over $20 on e-bay.

Pattern: Alan Dart's Gnomes
Source: Simply Knitting
Yarn: Various yarns out of my stash.
Note: The beard was made with Lion Brand Fun Fur. On the next gnome, I will use 2 strands knitted together.
Color: Body: camo; Hat, mitts, boots: cream; Beard: white; Face: peach
Needle: 3mm & 6mm

Modification: Instead of using hair spray to stiffen the end of the hat, I used a pipe cleaner.

Pattern: We Call them Pirates

Source:HelloYarn.Com

Yarn: Plymouth Encore DK

Color: Black (1), White (1)

Needle: US3

Note: This is the first fair isle that I have ever done. My stitches were way too tight, so the adult hat became a childs' hat. I have started another but I am using US6 needles this time. Also, I didn't like the look of the provisional cast on and lining. On the second hat I am using a 2x2 rib. We shall see if this works.

Swiffer Cover

2008-01-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

I really love to knit dishcloths. They knit up so quickly. It is instant knitted gratification. Better than therapy. And they clean really well. So, I decided to knit a cover for my swiffer. I had bought one with the disposal cloths. The cleaning solution they use on these cloths has an obnoxious smell. Plus they are really expensive. I have read that these washable covers work well. We will see.

Pattern: Swiffer Cover
Source:Sheep of a different Color

Yarn: Peaches N Creme

Color: White

Needle: US 6

This is a quick and easy knit. I used leftover yarn from other projects. I plan on making more of these covers.

First Finished Objects of 2008

2008-01-09T20:47:00.000-08:00

In between starting the new tax season and caring for a sick child and DH, I have been finishing some UFO's & here are the completed items.

This baby blanket is for a friend in my Sunday School Class. She had a little girl in November. I am a little late with the present.

Pattern:Heaven Blanket

Source: Plymouth Yarns

Yarn: Heaven

Color: #13, Mint Green

Needle Size: US 15

Pattern Modification: I used 4 1/2 balls of yarn and worked the increases to 80 stitches before starting the decreases. Also, I didn't use a YO for the increases, but used the increase used in the no holes dishcloth duo pattern.

This is a new snowflake dishcloth. I ruined two dishcloths on New Years Eve while cleaning my stove. I know, what a way to spend the evening! But with 4 kids, we don't go out much.

Pattern: Snowflake Dishcloth

Source: Knit Dishcloth Pattern Corner

Yarn: Peaches N Creme

Color: White

Needles: US 7

Now to go and finish more UFO's!

2008-01-01T23:22:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Welcome 2008

I hope that everyone has had a great first day of 2008!

I have been thinking about the dreaded New Year's Resolutions today and I have decided on a few good things to do this year. So here goes:

New Year's Resolutions

A closer daily walk, ie. prayer, bible study
Learn to Fly better
Remember that children do childish things
Quit buying Yarn! And only knit from my stash

If I accomplish all these, it will indeed be a very good year!

More Socks

2007-12-14T18:10:00.001-08:00

While reading some of my favorite blogs, I ran across a sock pattern by the Yarn Harlot. She had made a pair of socks using a 2x2 rib with moving over 1 stitch every 6 rounds. Here is my attempt on this variation. I am using Regia Jacquard Color dk sport weight with a 1" cuff of 1x1 rib and 3" of the stitch pattern. She's the master. Her socks look a lot better.

I have finished the gusset, now on to the long foot part.

On other news:

I have joined Ravelry. My stuff is under the name: craftybean. Maybe I will figure out how this works one of these days.

As Promised...

2007-11-29T20:43:00.001-08:00

As I promised, here are the new socks I finished. I think that I will gift them to MIL for Christmas. I gave her a pair last year and she liked them. So I hope that she will like this pair.

Pattern: Basic Sock Pattern 2x2 Rib
Source: Nancy Bush
Yarn: Sisu Fantasy
Color: 9367
Needle: US2

On other news, I have started seaming the Perfect Tee Sweater. Maybe I will be able to wear it in the spring. I don't think a cotton sweater is appropriate in 36 degree weather.

Gauntlets

2007-11-26T21:47:00.000-08:00

I finally received my invitation to Ravelry. I have a lot of computer duty to upload all of my yarn, projects, etc.

I had 2 skeins of Filatura DiCrosa Primo that I won at guild meeting last month. I wanted to make a pair of fingerless mitts. So, I used Ravelry to research patterns. There were a lot of patterns to choose from. This is what I came up with:

Pattern: Symmetrical Braided Gauntlets
Source: knittyknotty
Yarn: Filatura DiCrosa Primo
Color: 293 (Purple)
Needle: US7

More finished knitting to come!

Other Interests

2007-11-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

This fall we have been doing other things. Check out my 9th grader. He is the second tuba from the left.

Now to get some pictures from my 7th grader's band. He is playing the trombone. His second parade is Veteran's Day.(Monday)

Updates

2007-11-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

Has it really been 3 months since I posted anything? My apologies. I have no excuse except I have been knitting and not blogging. Mostly starting projects and not finishing them. I have way too many UFO's!! Then today I set up my profile on Ravelry. Something else to play with!!

On to knitting: I completed the Perfect Tee. But, I decided it looked like a tent on me. So, I ripped it up. I am up to knitting the second sleeve. Only a few more inches, then the dreaded seaming up. I may get to wear it next spring, since it is already November.

My bad! I didn't re-skein the yarn and give it a bath, etc., etc. (as instructed in Knitting Daily). There doesn't seem to be a lot of memory in the yarn. But it is cotton yarn: Plymouth's Fantasy Naturale. Maybe that makes a difference.

I had started the Lizard Ridge Afghan from Knitty, but I didn't like how the short rows were working, so I scrapped that project. Be on the look out for my solution to 20 single balls of Noro Kureyon Yarns.

New School Year

2007-08-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well, it may be 100 degrees outside, but summer is over in Bartlett! I sent off all my babies to school this morning. I didn't get a picture of my new High School student (his bus came at 6:20). But here are the others: 7th grade, 4th grade and 1st grade. This year I have children in 3 schools. Thank goodness for buses. I wouldn't be able to have everyone there on time.

Memphis Stitch N Pitch

2007-08-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Well, Memphis has a triple A ball club, but no Stitch N Pitch day. That's okay, I take my knitting everywhere and declared last Saturday night a stitch n pitch event.

I completed about half of a mitered square for a mitered square afghan from sock yarn. The Heathen Housewife has a tutorial on her blog. I almost have enough squares for the foundation row. Pictures of that to come.

Back to the ballgame. Here is my family at the game. My husband is watching the game and the 14 year old hates to have his picture taken. See the surly look?

It was Elvis Night. We were serenaded with Elvis tunes during the game.

Afterwards, there was a fireworks display during an Elvis concert. Our team the Redbirds won the game and we had a great time, but my goodness, it was hot!!

Another Dishcloth

2007-08-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

I was cleaning off my desk today and I found a February KAL dishcloth that I hadn't finished. There were only 10 or so rows left to complete. So, I hunted around and found the printed copy of the pattern and finished knitting it. Now I only need the rows for tomorrow on the current KAL & I will have 2 new dishcloths. It is nice to have another FO.

Pattern: Love Day
Source: http://tricotine.typepad.com/weblog/

Yarn: Tahki Cotton Classic

Color: Red

Needle: US 5

New Purchases

2007-08-03T17:15:00.001-07:00

I added a new addition to my Knitting Library. It is the Baby Surprise Jacket DVD from Elizabeth Zimmermann. I have a lot of baby gifts to make, so I decided to give this sweater a try. A friend at church just had a baby and my nephew's wife is expecting. Oh, I just realized, I am going to be a great-aunt! And my youngest child is six. That makes me feel old.

It is a good thing I didn't join the knit only from my stash group. I found a great deal on e-bay for 9 skeins of Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille yarn. Crystal Palace has a new pattern for washcloths on their web-site. They will make nice gifts. Or maybe I'll knit more cuddle toys.

I have started to wind the skeins with my trusty nostepine. I could use a swift. The kids get tired of holding out their hands for me. I can use the backs of chairs, but it is easier if someone holds the skeins.

Row Counter Bracelet

2007-07-31T19:17:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I was reading the posts on one of my Yahoo Groups. Someone asked about using row counter bracelets. I have never used one but I have seen them on other blogs and internet company sites. The retail price on the bracelets is about $10. Well, I decided that I could make one. After all I do have lots of beads from making stitch markers. Today I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased the cording, crimps, and lobster claw clasps. Presto, change-o, here is a Row Counter Bracelet!

I'll have to make more for some friends. How about one for a door prize for the knitting guild (with matching stitch markers, of course!)?

BTW, I decided the sleeves on my Perfect Tee Sweater are too big. So...rippit, rippit.

Busy Summer

2007-07-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't have much knitting done from last week. My oldest son started Band Camp and I ended up driving 100 miles a day to take and pick him up from school. The school gave the students 2 breaks a day for a 1 3/4 hours each. My son wanted to come home for the breaks and he can't drive so ........
Here they are learning the marches. My son is the tuba player with the black hat.

And another shot. The band is fairly large with around 100 kids. They actually have 8 tuba players.

On to knitting:

I received my order from Carodan Farm Wool Shop. It is a kit for the cuddle animals with the pattern and yarn. I started the cat in lavender, but I didn't like how the increases looked. So this morning I frogged it and will start again.

July Mid-Month KAL

2007-07-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

I am behind on the Monthly Dishcloth KAL current cloth, but it is finished. It turned out very nice. This cloth should have good scrubbing power because it uses mainly seed and garter stitches. I didn't block it, so it's not square.

Some of the KAL members had problems with the "knit in the back loop", but that is fairly simple to learn. ( Especially with all the tutorials out there in internetland.)

I liked this cloth, I'll have to knit it again.

Pattern: Bamboozled
Source: Monthly Dishcloth KAL
Yarn: Sugar N Creme
Color: Country Brown Ombre
Needles: US 6

Perfect Tee

2007-07-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

I am busily knitting Ann Norling's The Perfect Tee. I started it back in May using Peaches N Creme Cotton Worsted in white. It was finished except for seaming the sides. I basted the side seams & tried it on. Because I used the shaping instructions, the sweater did not suit my build. Too Tight for me! It was promptly frogged. (ie. rip it, rip it) That was okay with me, because I had used the less expensive yarn to make a trial run anyway. (It is tiring to make a sweater and not have it fit properly).

I then started over using the yarn I purchased for this project. I am using Plymouth Yarns - Fantasy Naturale, a larger size and NO SHAPING. We shall see how this works.

I have finished the back and am almost up to the arm hole shaping on the front. When I knitted the first sweater, the arm holes had the "stair step" ladders around the curve. This made it very hard to sew in the sleeves. I decided to research the problem and I found the best tutorial on Knitty.com. Check out the smooth arm hole curve now! I'll see how it works on the neckline.

New Socks and Old Pictures

2007-07-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

Hot off the Needles:

I finished the Colinette Jitterbug Socks this morning. I really liked working with this yarn. It has a nice "springy" feel to it. It sort of reminded me of Koigu. The colors pooled some, but not in an unpleasant way. There is a faint odor of vinegar in this yarn. Probably from the dyeing process, it should fade when washed.

I did modify my pattern to accommodate fingering weight yarn. The cast on was 64 stitches and I used 5 needles.

Pattern: Thuja (modified)
Source: knitty
Yarn: Colinette Jitterbug
Color: Mardi Gras
Needles: US 1

Everyday Cardigan

Here is the picture of my Everyday Cardigan from Peace Fleece. I finished it in March and actually wore it a couple of times before it became too hot. I must admit that wool yarn is very warm. I have never had a wool sweater before now. This can be worn as a jacket. The yarn is a little scratchy but not too bad. It really blocks the wind. I will probably modify the pattern the next time I knit this sweater. The arms are too long (did you notice that I rolled them up?) and the body needs lengthening for my taste.

Pattern: Everyday Cardigan
Source: Peace Fleece
Yarn: Peace Fleece Worsted Weight
Color: Blueberry Borscht
Needles: US 6 & US 8

More Pictures

2007-07-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

Here is another pair of socks knitted for my daughter. I finished these about 2 months ago, but never posted a picture.

Pattern: Knitting Pure & Simple Childrens Sock Pattern
Yarn: Regia Silk
Needle: US 2
Color: Pink

I modified the heel using my favorite:

Row 1: slip 1, knit 1 across the heel
Row 2: slip the first stitch then purl the rest
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 for the length of the heel flap

Seraphim Finished

2007-06-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't updated my blog in a long time, but I have been knitting. I will try to post all the pictures over the next few days.

Finished & Blocked Today

Pattern: Seraphim Shawl
Designer: Miriam Felton
Needle: US 5
Yarn: GB Wolle Cosy Socks
Color: Black

I made a new design element. Can you find it? After searching the web, I found out that you need to move the markers in the repeats. Oh well, live and learn. It was too hard to rip out and redo, so I just carried on correctly. I only messed up two rows, but this is the result.

I am a Winner!!

2007-01-26T19:39:00.000-08:00

Yippee, I won a door prize at the Memphis Knitting Guild the other night. It is a Special Sneak Peek for The Friday Night Knitting Club book. Now I will have to find the book and read the whole thing!

On to knitting

I finished the Fingerless Gloves out of sport sock yarn. The pattern called for fingering weight yarn, but I converted it for the sport weight. The mitts were knitted on straight needles. If I make another pair, I will convert it to double pointed needles. My seams stink.

Pattern: Socks for Yarn
Source: Knitting Pattern a Day - December 20, 2006.
(Modified for Sport Weight Yarn)
Yarn: Regia 6 ply Crazy Color
Color: Variegated
Needle: US 4

More Finished for 2007

2007-01-23T14:44:00.000-08:00

I joined another KAL. This time it is for bookmarks. This is my first attempt:

January Bookmark
Source: Monthly Bookmarks KAL
Yarn: (Vintage) Bucilla Riviera 100% Cotton
Color: Red/Brown?
Needle: US 5

More Dishcloths finished.

Snowflake Dishcloth

Source: rainyk.com

Yarn: Sugar N Creme

Color: White

Needles: US 7

My Charity projects started for 2007.

Preemie Blanket

Source: My Own (based on diagonal dishcloth)

Yarn: Plassard Trophee

Color: Baby Varigated

Needle: US 6

New Year New FOs

2007-01-03T15:53:00.000-08:00

I have actually finished a project already. This is the December Mid-Month Dishcloth from the KAL. This is an interesting pattern because one stitch is a "yo, ss2, knit 1, p2sso"or yarn over, slip 2 stitches, knit 1, pass 2 slipped stitches over. I have never done this, so I have learned a new technique.

Pattern: Snowy Drops
Source:Monthly Dishcloth KAL
Yarn: Sugar N Creme
Color: Marble Print
Needle: US7

I did knit several face cloths for teacher presents. I used a finer cotton and smaller needles. The cloths turned out very nice, especially after blocking. I attached them around a bottle of bubble bath. Of course they were knitted under a deadline, so no pictures. But I received nice thank-you notes from the teachers.

2006-12-25T17:41:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas Day filled with visits with family and/or dear friends!

Always remember that the beautiful baby boy that was born in a manger so many years ago, came to this earth to die for our sins some 30-odd years later. He lives in our hearts and we eagerly await His triumphant return to earth. God Bless.

Angie

p.s. I will update on knitting later.

October KAL

2006-11-28T06:34:00.000-08:00

Here are the finished October cloths from the Monthly Dishcloth KAL. (I posted it last week but with one click of the button I erased the entire post. Better luck this time!!!)

With this angle you can see the picture of the candy corn more clearly. The next shot is not so angled.

This is a fun cloth to knit. It teaches several techniques: shadow knitting, carrying the extra yarn up the side, and color changes.

Pattern: Candy Corn

Source: Monthly Dishcloths KAL

Yarn: Lion Cotton (Black)
Sugar N Creme (Yellow, Orange, and White)

Needles: US7

Here is the kitty cat cloth for October. The eyes are made by two single purl stitches. The photo doesn't show it clearly, but it makes for a cute cloth in person.

Pattern: Kitten Cloth

Source: Monthly Dishcloths KAL

Yarn: Sugar N Creme

Color: Taupe

Needle: US6

Sit Com Chic Finished!!

2006-11-20T09:42:00.000-08:00

Yipee, I finished the Sit-Com Chic sweater from Knitty. I changed the pattern slightly. Instead of binding off the stitches for the underarm, I grafted them together after finishing the sweater for no seams. The pattern is very easy to follow and knits up fairly quickly.

This picture shows the eyelet detail.

Pattern: Sit-Com Chic
Source: Knitty.com
Yarn: Cotton Ease
Color: Popsicle Blue
Needles: US5 & US8 (circs & dpns)

Still Here!!

2006-11-20T07:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I am still here. Life has interfered with posting. In the last month, we have had 3 children's'
birthday outings, my mother's birthday, and my MIL's birthday. My brother's birthday is Wednesday. A lot of birthdays all at once. However, I have still been knitting.

Veteran's Day Parade

My (recently turned) 14 year old marched in his first school band parade on the Friday before Veteran's Day. He is the tall middle tuba player. The band sounded great. Much better than some of the high school bands that were there. I have never been to a parade before, so it was a great experience.

There were several high school and middle school bands, a lot of ROTC units, and several veterans organizations that marched. The two younger children went with us and thought it was a lot of fun.

Socks, Clowns and Teeth

2006-10-10T16:30:00.000-07:00

To My Mom: Happy Birthday!!

I have been busy lately, but I have a few things to show everyone.

I finally finished the Koigu Socks. This is the same dye lot. Can you see the problem?? The bottom sock is lighter than the top. Hopefully, it won't be noticeable on a moving target. But, I really liked working with the Koigu yarn. It has a very nice feel to it.

Pattern: Classic Socks
Source: Nancy Bush
Yarn: Koigu KPPM
Needles: US2

This is not a rehearsal for Halloween!! This is my son's friend from church. He is involved with the clown ministry. Great makeup job!!

Here is the second pair of socks for Socktoberfest. These worked up a whole lot faster than the last pair. They feel very nice on the feet. BTW, I am wearing them right now with my crocs.

Pattern: Classic Socks

Source: Nancy Bush

Yarn:Mountain Colors' Mountain Goat

Color: Mountain Tango

Needles: US3

This was actually knit from one skein, with several yards left over. There is only 230 yards on a skein, so I just did a 4 inch top instead of the usual 7 inches.

Not to be left out: Here is my 5 year old daughter. She lost a tooth today. After I put the tooth in a bag, she brought me the camera. "Mom", she said, "Put my picture on your internet, like you did P***'s!" ( See Archives)

So, here you are, Sweetie!!:

Socktoberfest

2006-09-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

Well I went and did it. I joined another KAL. This time it is Socktoberfest. It sounds like a lot of fun. It starts tomorrow on October 1st. A very laid back and non-stressful KAL. I was even able to put the button on my sidebar. Normally, I can't figure out how to add the buttons. Now: on to sock knitting.

Sept Mid-Month KAL Finished

2006-09-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the September Mid-Month Dishcloth for the KAL. It really made a pretty dishcloth. Much too nice to wash dishes with it. I will probably gift it to one of the teachers for Christmas.

Pattern: Leaf-Patterned Lace
Source: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MonthlyDishcloths
Yarn: Lily Sugar N Cream
Color: White
Needles: US7

Spiders

2006-09-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Here is a surprise my children found this afternoon. It is hard to see, but it is a black widow spider. It was in a web attached to the house by the back door. It is a good thing I already have an appointment for the bug exterminators to come out tomorrow. I don't want the kids to find any more of these critters around the house. Of course my husband didn't want to kill it but to keep it for the bug people to see tomorrow.

Such is life in suburbia. At least it wasn't a snake.

Scrap the UFO

2006-09-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

This is the Child's French Sock Pattern from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. After working on this pair of socks for nine months, I am conceding to defeat. I have decided to frog (rip it, rip it) and start again in another pattern. The sock is very pretty, but it is too tight for my fat legs. I thought about finishing the second sock and giving the pair away, but I cannot go through the agony of knitting the chart again. I have a hard time reading charts and the first sock gave me fits to complete.

I plan to start on Sock Hop out of Creative Knitting July 2006 issue. It starts off with 96 sts on the cuff and then decreases to 48 sts. Maybe that won't be so tight on my leg.

Anyway, the yarn is Wildfoote Sock Yarn by Brown Sheep. I found it on e-bay last year.

What is up with Blogger??

2006-09-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday All.

What is wrong with Blogger? I have been trying all day to post new pictures. It takes several minutes to load and then pops up "Page Not Found". I will not give up but continue to try and post.

Till Later.

Missing teeth & Dishcloths

2006-09-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

Here is Parker minus one of his teeth. Out of four children, he is the only one brave enough to pull his own teeth.

I am finally posting a picture of the current KAL from Monthly Dishcloths. This is a nice easy cloth. I especially liked how the border worked up in the seed stitch pattern.

Pattern: Oak Leaf Dishcloth
Source: Monthly Dishcloth KAL - September
Yarn: Sugar N Creme
Color: Yellow
Needles: US7

Monthly Dishcloths

2006-09-01T06:36:00.000-07:00

I have been working on more dishcloths. Going left to right: the current cloth for the Monthly Dishcloth Knit-a-long, another garterlac, and the Mid-Month cloth for the Monthly Dishcloth KAL.

Current Month
Pattern: Mystery (pattern is sent out a few rows each day)
Yarn: Sugar N Creme
Color: Yellow
Needles: US7

Do you see the stitch markers separating the borders? I made them. That is a fun, easy and fast craft. Why use boring markers when you can make your own?

Garterlac Cloth
Pattern: Garterlac Dishcloth
Source:Criminy Jickets
Yarn: Unknown Cotton from Stash
Color: Blue variegated
Needles: US7

Mid-Month Dishcloth
Pattern: Three in One Checked Cloth
Source: Monthly Dishcloth KAL
Yarn: Sugar N Creme
Color: Cream & Butter Cream Ombre
(Left over from Textured Slip Stitch Dishcloth)
Needles: US7

BTW, I completed seaming up & adding the finishing touches to the Cancun Tee. Hopefully, pictures to follow. Now I need to go to Hancock Fabrics to find material for a skirt to match.

Cancun Tee

2006-08-24T11:31:00.000-07:00

Or why can't I finish what I start?

This is the front of the Cancun Tee I am working on. I have completed the front, back and 2 sleeves. So what is the problem? Why haven't I seamed it up and crocheted the edging? (It has been done for a month.) I don't know. I think it has to do with handsewing. Knitting is great but then you have to sew it up by hand. I have always considered sewing by hand a four-letter word. If I can't sew it on the machine, I just don't sew it. Well I don't have any tiny elves that come and do the finishing work on garments, so I guess I will have to bite the bullet and do it myself.

Onto other Knitting news

I am through with the Mid-Month Dishcloth KAL. I still need to weave in the ends. (More sewing by hand). It turned out real pretty. I will post a picture on my next update.

Garterlac Finished

2006-08-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

I am really getting into this dishcloth knitting. I keep cranking them out. They are portable and quick to make. I hope my children's teachers like handmade (never homemade) dishcloths for Christmas gifts.

Here is the mid-month cloth for the Dishcloth Fun KAL.

Pattern: Garterlac Cloth

Source:Criminy Jickets Blog

Yarn: Lily Sugar N Cream

Color: Violet Veil Ombre

Needles: US7

I will be making more of this pattern. It turned out great. As a matter of fact, I have started another one already.

Dishcloth Fun KAL

2006-08-15T13:22:00.000-07:00

Here is the Textured Slip Stitch Dishcloth for the Dishcloth Fun KAL. I finished it just in time to start the new KAL. We were to edge this cloth with the stitch of our choice. I used a single crochet stitch on the sides.

Pattern: Textured Slip Stitch Dishcloth

Yarn: Sugar N Creme

Colors: Cream and Butter Cream Ombre

Needles: US7

Now I need to start the next cloth and tomorrow the MidMonth Monthly Dishcloth KAL starts. I had better warm up my needles.

No Holes Dishcloth

2006-08-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

Another FO

This is a washcloth that I finished along with another casted on. I love the smaller size. It is only 7 1/2 " square. A perfect size for washing my face.
I will probably give them to my mother. Her birthday is coming up in October.

Pattern: No Holes Dishcloth
Source:Knitability
Yarn: cottontots by Bernat
Color: Sunshine
Needles: US7

Selling Stash

2006-08-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Since it hurts my hand to crochet, I am not making afghans anymore. I have decided to sell more of my stash. It is all 100% Acrylic except for the crochet thread which is 100% cotton. The different lots are listed on www.ebay.com under seller rlrarrcpa.

All auctions start at $ .99. I am not trying to make a lot of money, just clearing out. The direct link for the auctions is: http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZrlrarrcpaQQhtZ-1.

On to knitting news:

I have finished a "warshrag" knitted out of Cotton Tots. It came out really soft and cuddly. I will try to post a picture tomorrow. Also, I am about half-way finished with the textured slip-stitch cloth for the Dishcloth Fun KAL.

New Things

2006-08-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

New Knitting

I have finished a couple of dishcloths this weekend. The Bee Stitch Cloth turned out very nice. The picture really doesn't do it justice.

Pattern: Bee Stitch Cloth
Source:
http://knittingknonsense.com/beestitchcloth.html
Yarn: Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton
Color: Americana
Needles: US7

This dishcloth is for the Monthly Dishcloth KAL. Do you see where I messed up?
I ran out of yarn with 3 rows and the bind off to go. I didn't have any more of the light blue, so I used a blue variegated from my stash.

Pattern: Lighthouse Dishcloth
Source: Monthly Dishcloth KAL
Yarn: Lily Sugar'N Cream
Color: Lt. Blue
Needles: US7

New Year

Well it is official. The new school year has begun. The three older children have school today. My little girl starts Wednesday. The eight year old doesn't want to go. He'll get over it.

Mother Bear Project

2006-08-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Here it is: My first teddy bear for the Mother Bear Project. My favorite LYS sponsors a local chapter. Now I need to turn it in. Also, I have another on needles.

Pattern: The Mother Bear Project

Yarn: Worsted Weight Acrylic

Needles: 7US

The LYS sponsors a teddy bear sit n knit on Thursday nights. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go last night. Sometime during the last week, one of my kids turned off the freezer in the garage. I noticed it yesterday. Everything was ruined and the smell. Ugh. I spent all day cleaning out the spoiled food and scrubbing out the freezer. With all the heat and humidity, I was too tried and sweaty to go anywhere.

On a lighter note, school starts Monday. My baby starts kindergarten. This will be the first time I won't have a child home all day in nearly 14 years. More time to knit!

I HIT THE JACKPOT!!!

2006-07-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

Look at what I got today. 1 kilo of spun and undyed wool yarn. That's about 2.2 pounds for us non-metric folks. It is the same weight as Manos. All the thick and thin spun yarn. It came direct from the source.

I had asked my Sunday School teacher (who was in Uruguay on a mission trip) to be on the lookout for wool yarn at a market or store. At the end of the paved road, the dirt road, and the dirt path, he found a shepherd who deals in wool. The shepherd shears the sheep, cards the wool and spins into yarn. He then makes ponchos, blankets, etc. that his wife sells in Trinidad, Uruguay. I think I was his first export to the US.

I have always wanted to try dyeing yarn, so here is my chance. A great big THANKS to Mike.

UFO's and FO's

2006-07-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

The current sock project is on the needles. I am using Koigu and size US2 dpns.
This is a very soft wool yarn. I used the k1 s1 pattern on the heels to prevent wearing so quickly.

Here is a picture of my finished July Mid-Month KAL Dishcloth.

Pattern: Lacy Mock Cable
Yarn: Lion Cotton
Color: Americana
Needles: US6

This yarn is too bright for the pattern. I would recommend a more pastel color for this dishcloth.

Dishcloths

2006-07-15T19:50:00.001-07:00

First Post

I recently joined a monthly dishcloth KAL. Here is my first FO.

Pattern: Dolly the Dolphin Cloth - Landlubber's Version
Needles: US 7
Yarn: Lily Sugar n Cream

This is a fun pattern. I am already knitting another one to include in an afghan for my son.