Purls of Praise

Baby Hammock

2010-06-27T09:31:00.007-04:00

My cousin, a photographer, has some newborn shoots coming up soon and asked me if I could make a baby hammock and some other props for her. It looked so easy I decided to whip up my own pattern. It is an extremely quick knit (took me a little over an hour from start to finish) and only takes one skein of yarn! (I don't have a newborn in my home, so I hope to update with photos of a real baby once she uses it)

The green yarn is Lion Brand Jiffy in Apple Green. The mulit-colored yarn is Patons Classic Wool in Harvest.

Baby Hammock Photo Prop
US 17 & 50 needles
135 yds Bulky yarn
Gauge is not extremely important in this project, but my gauge was approx. 6 st = 4" on size 50s.

Hold yarn doubled throughout project

Step 1: Using size 17 CO 3 st*. Knit I-cord for 10 inches.
(* I CO 6 in the multicolored yarn because it was a medium weight yarn. You can CO 6 if you would feel more comfortable with a stronger I-cord. If you CO 6, skip the increases of step 2).

Step 2: Switch to size 50. KFB across the row (6 sts)

Step 3: KFB across the row (12 sts)

Step 4: K2, M1K, K to end. **
*Repeat until 25 sts.

Step 5: Knit 5 short rows by knitting the first 2 st, knitting to the last 2, turning the work and knitting back to the last 2 st, repeating for a total of 5 rows. Watch this video for help with short rows.

Step 6: SKP, K to end**
**repeat until 12 sts remain

Step 7: SSK (3 times), K2tog (3 times)

Step 8: SSK (2 times), K2tog

Step 9: Switch to size 17 needles, knit I-cord for 10 inches. Pull yarn through loop. Weave in ends.

REMEMBER: THIS HAMMOCK IS INTENDED FOR USE AS A PHOTO PROP! IT IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE AS A BABY SWING OR SLEEPING DEVICE. NEVER LEAVE BABY UNATTENDED IN HAMMOCK!

And, please give me credit if you choose to use this pattern. Thank you and happy knitting!

Past Due Christmas Updates

2010-01-09T21:43:00.004-05:00

My blog was silent for a while not for lack of knitting, but for secrecy. I was working on many a knitted Christmas gift and couldn't afford for the recipient to ever so innocently wander over to my knitting blog and inadvertently discover what they were getting for Christmas. As vigorous as my knitting was, it apparently wasn't vigorous enough because I didn't finish all of my gifts in time. I regret to inform you that two gifts remain unfinished. I owe my sister-in-law and mother-in-law a pair of gloves each. I'm making a hybrid of two patterns, Knotty and Fetching. I bought yarn to make Knotty, but changed my mind, so I decided to use the cable pattern for Fetching using fingering weight yarn and the basic glove pattern of Knotty. I was able to wrap half of a glove still on the needles for my sister-in-law and I intended to have them completed by now. But, I guess I just knitted myself out before Christmas and I haven't gotten the energy or excitement needed to crank them out.

The finished and gifted objects are:

1. Fascinate Scarf by Berroco Design Team (which should actually count for items 1-5 because I made multiple scarves in various colors for someone else to give as Christmas gifts). This one was given to my sister-in-law Penny.

US Size 8 needles
One skein Knit Picks Essential in Carbon Twist
The photo doesn't do the yarn justice. It is a beautiful twisting of both black and grey. I cast on 25 stitches to get a skinnier scarf than the pattern suggests because I prefer length to width on a scarf. This is one of the easiest and quickest scarf patterns I've found.

2. Those #@!*% Golf Club Covers by Sarah Wilson made for my father-in-law.

US Size 4 & 8 needles
Red Heart Black
Red Heart Grey
I already knew I wasn't a fan of Red Heart yarn. I did not know that I utterly loathe and despise the stuff. If I ever use this yarn to knit anything again, I give you permission to publicly flog me. It is scratchy and unpleasant to work with, which is something I already knew. I thought that since I was making golf club covers the yarn didn't matter. I now realize that the joy of knitting overrules the inexpensiveness of the yarn. Otherwise, I think they turned out really cute.

3. Drop Scarf by Melissa Hills for my mom.

US size 9 needles
2 balls Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Worsted Paint (Remember that I picked these up at the Stitches South Expo)
I LOVE this yarn. I kept one ball for myself because I love it so much (I had 3 in my stash), but not sure what I can do with it yet.

4. Knotty Gloves by Julia Mueller also for my mom.

US size 1 1/2
Knit Picks Stroll in Sprinkle Heather
I love this yarn too. I love the color and how it worked with the colors in the yarn for mom's drop scarf. I made a few modifications to this pattern after reading the notes of others. I began the pinky finger before the other fingers and I didn't increase as much for the thumb gusset.

5. Mysterious Lace Reversible Scarf by Misti International for my mother-in-law.

US size 8
Half skein of Misti Alpaca Hand Paint Lace
I love this yarn too. This scarf had a scalloped border on each end, but I kept having trouble with it for some reason. It might have looked fine once blocked out, but I never was comfortable with how it was looking as I was knitting, so I finally decided to leave the border off all together. I am still pleased with the results.

6. Fast Finish Throw by Lion Brand Yarns for my brother-in-law.

US size 50 Needles
3 skeins Lion Brand Jiffy in Denim
3 skeins Lion Brand Jiffy in Cafe
6 skeins Lion Brand Jiffy in Fisherman
I made his wife one of these for Christmas a few years back and he has since requested one of his own. When I got to the store I realized I forgot my list with the amount of yarn needed and I bought what I thought I needed. However, when I got home I realized that the pattern calls for 5 strands at once. I wasn't going to rush back out to the store, so I decided to use 4 at a time. I don't think anyone would know except me, and now you, but only because I told you.

I love this yarn!

2009-10-05T13:42:00.005-04:00

Puff Daddy by Kay Gardiner
US size 17 needles
One Skein Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grande
September 5, 2009
This was such a quick knit and only took me about an hour or so to complete. I can't tell you how much I love this yarn! It is extremely soft! I didn't have size 15 needles as the pattern suggests, so I decided to improvise with my 17s. I think it turned
out rather well.

I made yet another Knotted Openwork scarf to send to a fellow Army wife and friend. This time I used.....drum roll please.....Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca....in worsted weight. Did I tell you how much I love this yarn?!?! I only bought two skeins so I cast on 30 stitches to keep the length of the scarf.

And I don't even know his first name....

2009-08-22T20:33:00.004-04:00

Spoiler alert: If your name starts with a P and you are my sister-in-law and are having a baby that is a boy that is due in November, please look no further or you will see your present which is a surprise.

I said I would wait to post photos of the completed blanket for my nephew after the shower next Saturday, but I took a photo of the blanket as it was laying flat for blocking today and I'm in a blogging mood, so I'm posting photos early. I love baby no name's blanket (she won't tell us his name because we have scoffed at past name possibilities). It turned out as good or even better than I could have imagined. I love the way Noro knits up in this project. I can't imagine having knit it with another yarn. I love the tie dye effect it creates.
Ten Stitch Baby Blanket by Frankie Brown
Size US 7 needles
5 skeins Noro Silk Garden Lite in colorway 2030
Began May 2009
Finished August 8, 2009

Summertime News

2009-07-27T08:07:00.003-04:00

I have been doing some knitting; mainly finishing the baby blanket for my sister-in-law. Her shower is later next month and I will post pics of the final project after she receives the blanket, but I must say I am loving it and I think it is coming together perfectly. I have also knit a golf putter cover for my father-in-law, but the photos might lead you to believe it is something entirely different from a putter cover, so I'll refrain. In other news, I whipped out the 'ole sewing machine and made myself some valances for our kitchen since my efforts to locate something pre-made was turning up empty. I wanted something with a lot of color and my eye was immediately drawn to this crazy paisley pattern. It is very bold for me. I usually settle for something low-key and more mainstream than this pattern, but I loved it. Then I found some striped fabric that was more in line with what I had in mind. Interestingly, it was an exact color match even though the fabrics were completely different weights and brands. I was having a hard time choosing, but there wasn't much of the striped fabric and I was afraid there wouldn't be enough to complete two valances. Sooooo.....I decided to use the paisleys for the valances and I also bought the stripes to make placemats. I even went so far as to purchase some red fabric to make napkins. Needless to say my kitchen will be very lively when it is completed. I did get the valances made yesterday. Haven't yet had time for the placemats or napkins.

Knitting in Public

2009-06-16T08:42:00.006-04:00

I honor of World Wide Knit in Public Day, I sat knitting on the side of a very quiet Chattanooga street early Saturday morning waiting for my husband to run by in the Riverbend Run 5K. I was working on my Ten Stitch Blanket aka my non-traditional baby blanket for my sister-in-law, Penny, and I must say it is turning out swimmingly!

2009-06-08T07:38:00.010-04:00

I located my camera and finished blocking all of my finished projects. The first two projects are for my friend's first baby, Lucy, due in July.

Easy Baby Blanket with Lace Option by Denney Kelly
Size US 8 Needles
2 Skeins Dark Horse Yarns Fantasy in Baby Pink
Began May 5, 2009
Finished May 26, 2009

This yarn is (ahem.....) acrylic, but I must say it is the softest yarn, and is supposed to wash and wear well.

Therefore, I decided to also make the Pinafore Dress from Debbie Bliss' Essential Baby.
Sizes US 2 and US 3 Needles
1.5 skeins Dark Horse Yarns Fantasy in Baby Pink
Began April 26, 2009
Finished May 6, 2009...seamed June 6, 2009

This yarn is aran weight and the pattern calls for sport weight. I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't realize that until after the project was completed. Therefore, the dress is bigger than the pattern specifies. I followed the pattern for the 3-6 month size. I'm really not sure what size this ended up being. However, I believe it actually worked out well since it will most likely fit the baby next spring/summer

I also finished blocking a scarf for my cousin Shannon.

Open Knottedwork Scarf by Wannietta Prescod
US Size 9 Needles
1 Skein EL. D. Mouzakis Butterfly Super 10 in hot pink (per her request)
Began April 17, 2009
Finished April 24, 2009

Since she lives in South Carolina I just couldn't imagine knitting a wool scarf in fear that it would felt around her neck. Instead I chose this cotton yarn, which is surprisingly silky and much smoother than any other cotton yarns I've seen/felt. Hope she likes it!

Where, Oh, Where is My Camera?

2009-06-01T14:22:00.003-04:00

I was planning on entertaining my faithful (few) readers with some pictures of what I've been working on lately; however, I have just discovered that I have no clue where my camera might be hiding. It is somewhere in my house, I am quite certain, because the SD card is in my computer. I was planning to show you the Lace-edged baby blanket and Debbie Bliss Pinafore Dress both in the same pretty pale pink that I made for my friend who is expecting baby Lilly this summer. I was also planning to give you a sneak peak at the non-traditional baby blanket I am knitting out of the Noro yarn I purchased at Stitches South for my sister-in-law because....I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNT! My children will finally have cousins and my husband and I will no longer be the only ones with babies :) I am so excited about this blanket I just cannot contain myself. I love the way the yarn colors are melding/shmearing together. It looks better than I could have hoped. I am so excited about this because my sister-in-law is not at all into the norm when it comes to baby attire and accessories. She would not be satisfied with the lace-edged pale pink blanket that most would immediately turn to when knitting for a baby. Another reason this yarn works so well is because we don't yet know what this baby will be and while it isn't exactly neutral, it is very nature-colored. So, you'll just have to keep waiting...but you can scroll down to see the yarn. As for me, I'll be looking for my camera.

Yarn Feast

2009-04-26T15:30:00.005-04:00

This past week has been very exciting in regards to yarn. I learned that not only 1 LYS, but 2 have opened within a 15 minute drive from my house!!!! I checked out the first one last Saturday and was very pleased. Free coffee, free cookies, and a good selection of most of the favorite go-to yarns...cascade, noro, lamb's pride, etc. On Tuesday, I checked out the other store...malabrigo, misti alpaca, and of course, cascade, among others. On Saturday, my mother-in-law and I headed into the ATL to Knitch, where I had a gift card to spend. I needed some yarn for a baby blanket. After much debate, I decided on some Dark Horse Yarn Fantasy in baby pink. Then we ate at Fellini's (....yum!) Afterward, we went to shop the market at Stitches South 2009. I had never been to a knitting expo before. There were many workshops and classes going on, but I mainly wanted to touch the yarn. I saw tons of people with Ravelry buttons and their ravelry names. I think I might need to get one. I petted all kinds of yarns I've never heard of and many that I know well. I was almost determined not to buy anything. Then I found a discount booth. Apparently there is a website cleverly called Webs and they had just what I'd been looking for.....Noro Silk Garden Lite at $6.49/skein. Plymouth Yarn's Baby Alpaca Worsted at $3.99/ball and the worsted paint at $4.49/ball. I just couldn't help myself! I'll update later with exactly what I intend to do with my purchases.

Good Friends & Good Yarn

2009-03-30T23:03:00.003-04:00

A little over a week ago I was able to go visit my wonderful friends in Colorado...ALL of whom knit! Unfortunately, I have not found my knitting circle here in Georgia, so it was such a wonderful treat to be back with friends...sitting and knitting. First I met up with Farrah, who actually taught me to knit, and we headed to Knitter's Kove to get our fiber fix. I bought a skein of El. D. Mouzakis Butterfly Mercerized Cotton in a really pretty hot pink color to knit a Knotted Open Work Scarf for my cousin Shannon. While there Farrah decided to rip out a lace shawl she had been working on and I thoroughly enjoyed helping her undo all of her painstaking labor! I also decided to rip out one of the My So Called Scar(ves) that I knit back before Christmas. I just didn't like the width of it, so I decided to start over. I'm also going to rip out my Anthropologie-inspired capelet. It is a LITTLE bit tight. I just can't justify knitting something that I don't like or wear. I had much rather rip it out and make something I'll enjoy wearing than letting my labor and yarn go to waste. After a couple of days knitting with Amy & Farrah, Matt flew in and we spent some time with our good friends Tim & Rita. We spent some time in the mountains with Tim & Rita and while the guys were skiing, Rita and I found a wonderful little yarn & fabric shop in Breckenridge. After spending a lot of time feeling up all of the yarn, I finally decided on a skein of Plymouth Yarn's Baby Alpaca Grande. It feels WONDERFUL! I plan on using it to make a puff daddy....which I might just never take off!

2009-03-14T10:52:00.002-04:00

I recently celebrated my 29th birthday and I received some very nice knitting-related gifts. I received a (picnic basket) knitting project storage container. She thought I would use it for craft storage, and she was right. It works perfectly because 1. it keeps small hands out of my yarn and 2. it hides the projects so they aren't laying all around the house.

I also received a gift card to my favorite LYS, Knitch. I hope to cash it in soon, but I'm not sure what I want to use it on just yet.
I have been doing some knitting lately. It has been a crazy time lately and I haven't been very productive, but have managed to accomplish a few things. I finished baby girl's pinwheel blankie.

P inwheel Blanket by Genia Planck

Size US 6 Needles

One Skein Bernat Softee Baby in Pink Parade
Size is approximately 24" in diameter
Began: January 11, 2009
Finished: March 8, 2009
I tweaked the pattern to include a ruffled seed stitch border.

I've also been working on my Anthropologie-inspired capelet. I decided to make mine quiet a bit longer than the original pattern. I will hopefully have it completed in the next few days and I HOPE it fits!

Unfinished Objects

2009-02-06T09:16:00.002-05:00

I've gone through yet another knitting drought. In my defense, it has been pretty busy around here. One child turned one and is in the beginning stages of walking and the other child turned four and I planned her at-home princess party. I think I've been recuperating for the past couple of weeks. However, I did manage to start Pinwheel Blankie #2 for baby girl.

I had planned on completing both of the blankies before the baby shower last month, but the babies aren't due for another month, so I have a little more time.
In other news, the more I think about my stolen moments wrap, the more I feel that Rowan's Little Big Wool is just not the right yarn choice. The yarn is too fluffy, and although it might block out I've decided to frog it and begin the Anthropologie-inspired capelet using the yarn. I'll let you know how it goes.

Baby It's Cold Outside

2009-01-18T19:20:00.008-05:00

I finished up the first of the two baby blankies I've been working on and got busy on my Evangelines since the weather has been quite cold lately and probably won't last too much longer here in Georgia. The shepherd's wool yarn was quite scrumptious! It is very warm and very soft. I made them slightly longer than the wrist-length instructions and I think they're perfect!

Evangeline by Michelle Szeghalmi
Size US 7 DPNs
One-half skein of Stonehedge Fiber Mill's Shepherd's Wool in brown
Began January 14, 2009
Finished January 18, 2009

P inwheel Blanket by Genia Planck

Size US 6 Needles

One Skein Bernat Softee Baby in His Jeans (making the blankie's diameter approximately 24 inches)

Began January 5, 2009

Finished January 10, 2009

Knitzophrenia

2009-01-06T09:43:00.003-05:00

I'm back to my old ways of having 3+ projects on needles at any given time. Before going to the yarn store a few days ago, I cast on Swifty, found in Mason Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines using some Sugar n' Cream from my stash. Then, after going to the yarn store, I cast on the Stolen Moments wrap with my new yarn purchase.

I've mostly been working on the wrap for the last few days and I'm almost to the last ball. Then, it happened...a baby shower at the end of the month....a baby shower for twins! A boy and a girl! Yes, I've known about the babies and wanted to knit something, but just hadn't gotten around to it yet. Now that there is an actual date to have it completed, I decided to get started. I thought about making a smaller blanket and since I had some baby yarn already in my stash I decided to start there. Then, I needed to choose a pattern. After a brief ravelry search I chose a blanket that was already in my queue...the Round or Pinwheel Blanket. I started on baby boy's last night and I'm just going to knit until one ball of yarn runs out. I think it will end up being the perfect size for a car seat or stroller blanket and then I'll make a pink/purple/white one for baby girl.

New Year's Knitting Eve

2009-01-03T08:04:00.005-05:00

I received a few exciting and knitting related Christmas gifts! My mother-in-law gave me the new book Mason Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines, which is not only a hilarious read, but who can resist those patterns?! She also gave me a gift card to our nearest LYS, Knitch. I immediately got out my stash of Sugar n' Cream, cast on the Mitered Hanging Towel, and knitted in the new year.

Project Stats:

Hanging Mitered Towel by Cristina Bernardi Shiffman

Size US 7 needles

One skein Sugar n' cream in yellow

Half skein Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in white

Began December 31, 2008

Finished January 1, 2009

As if MDK Outside the Lines wasn't inspiration enough, my mother-in-law and I headed to Knitch to cash in my gift card. As I mentioned in the previous post, I have been in a yarn drought so this trip cured that. I went with a game plan because I'm still not brave enough to buy yarn without knowing how much yardage I will need for what project. I decided to make myself a pair of fingerless gloves, and decided on Evangeline, so I chose some Shepherd's Wool in brown. I've been eyeing the Stolen Moments Wrap for a while and chose Rowan's Little Big Wool in a cream color. I've also been eyeing Puff Daddy. I can't decide if I'll really wear it or not, but I decided to bite the bullet and buy some yarn anyway. I opted for cheap version just in case I decide it isn't really me and chose Big Baby. However, in true April fashion, I made a yardage error and I'm not sure it I'll have enough to make Puff Daddy. If not, I think I'll make NatalieAnne's I like Big Buttons and I cannot lie and use some Jiffy Thick & Quick from my stash to complete Puff Daddy.

Yarn Drought

2008-12-15T11:23:00.002-05:00

I have been knitting some lately. I'm working on yet another felted bowl and yet another buddy bag. This buddy bag is a little larger than the previous two and I'm attempting to make a Hello Kitty buddy in keeping with the theme of the Hello Kitty hat I recently made; however, Madeline has requested a lady bug so I have to make that as well. Having said that, I'm totally unmotivated to knit right now. I think it stems from the yarn drought I've been going through. I'm tired from using so much acrylic lately (although it was a good choice for these past projects) and I'm tired of felting. I need some good tactile stimulation to get me back into the land of the knitting living. However, my nearest LYS is a good 45 minute -1 hour drive from my house and that doesn't fare well when you also factor in a preschooler and an infant. So tonight as you pull out your yummy alpacas and soft wools..maybe even a bamboo...think of those who are less fortunate...those of us working with our Caron Simply softs and (do I even dare say) Red Hearts!

Just another FO update

2008-11-20T10:04:00.003-05:00

I've been working my little knitting fingers to the bone lately and it doesn't look like there is any end in sight yet. I finished two felted bowls, began a casserole mitt, and almost completed a Hello Kitty hat....not to mention the preschool Christmas ornaments I've been working on.

Red Felted Bowl by Sarah E. White

Size US 11 needles

1 skein Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in wine

Began November 10, 2008

Finished November 11, 2008

Dawgs Felted Bowl by Sarah E. White

Size US 11 needles

1 skein Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in coal and wine

Began November 7, 2008

Finished November 9, 2008

Hello Kitty Hat by Beadwhore

Size US 6 needles

One skein Lion Brand Jiffy in Fisherman

Small amount of Caron Simply Soft in bright pink (I think it was watermelon)

Began November 17, 2008

Knitting Finished November 19, 2008

Modifications: I didn't have size 9 DPNs or 2 circulars, so I used size 6 instead and cast on a few more stitches to accommodate. I still need to stitch on the facial features.

Casserole Mitt by Knit Picks Design Team

US Size 11 needles

2 skeins Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in oregano

These are the ornaments I've been working on. The original idea was found here. Paint the child's hand with white paint and have them hold the ball in the palm of their hand. Help press their fingers up the sides of the ball (you then have their hand print on the ornament) and paint each finger to look like a snowman. I painted the girls ornaments with snow girls with bows and painted baseball hats and top hats on the boys' ornaments. I used clear glass balls and put white confetti and iridescent glitter inside to look like a snow globe.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2008-11-10T08:39:00.006-05:00

I'm in the throes of Christmas knitting and I've completed the latest two projects.

Buddy Bags by annypurls

Caron Simply Soft in Watermelon and light pink for bag 1 (less than a half skein of each)

Caron Simply Soft in Violet and Orchid for bag 2 (less than a half skein of each)

Bag 1 uses the pocket for the buggy, but I am attempting to make a squirrel for the finger puppet. I might even try to knit up a couple of acorns. Bag 2 uses the bunny and basket. I still need to stitch faces onto the buddies, stitch the pockets to the bag, and also sew the lining into the bag.

I've decided to nix the felted box idea for a felted bowl. The box just didn't shape up quite like I wanted it to and is much more bowl like in appearance, so I decided it would be easier to knit up a bowl in the first place. Felted Bowl by Sarah E. White. I've decided to call this my Dawgs Bowl and I'm using the colors of my beloved Georgia Bulldogs. I'm afraid they may have lost their chance at a decent bowl game this year, so I give them the felted bowl.

Trying some new things

2008-10-22T17:58:00.005-04:00

Felted Box by Kay Gardiner and Ann Shayne found in Mason Dixon Knitting.

US size 17 (I don't have size 15 as the pattern calls for)

2 strands of Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in Coal

Began 10/20/08

Finished 10/22/08

I've been knitting for about 2 years now and I've never felted anything. I have decided to change that. The photo is the prefelted box and I'm sad to say that after felting the box doesn't really look too much like the one in the book. Mine is much rounder and less boxy, but I'm still pleased. I'm not sure if the problem lies in my knitting or in my felting. I felted using the regular cycle with hot water and a low water level. I have since read that others felt using the heavy duty cycle so maybe I should try that next time.

The knitting portion of the first Buddy Bag is also complete. I still need to give the rabbit a face, sew the basket to the outside, and line the inside with fabric. I think it has turned out really cute.

A So-Called Skinny Scarf

2008-10-18T09:45:00.006-04:00

I finished the second of my two So-Called Scarves. I decided to make this one skinnier than the last so I cast on 18 stitches to make it about half as wide as the pattern calls for and I added fringe to the ends (which you can't really see in my photo).

My So Called Scarf by Allison Isaacs

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky Handpainted in Yukon, 1 1/2 skeins

Size US 11 needles

Began: September 28, 2008

Finished: October 14, 2008

I've also been working on the first of two Buddy Bags by annypurls. I have finshed the knitting portion of the bag and I'm currently working on the I-cord strap.

A Giveaway

2008-10-17T17:58:00.008-04:00

I found this giveaway at 4 Reluctant Entertainers. It has nothing to do with knitting, but has some great fall items...chocolate...homemade apple butter...need I say more? Leave a comment on her blog for a chance to win!

My So Called FO

2008-09-30T11:10:00.006-04:00

My So Called Scarf by Allison Isaacs

Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Handpainted Bulky in Spumoni, 2 skeins

Size US 11 needles

Began: September 17, 2008

Finished: September 26, 2008

I love the colorway of this scarf; however, it is very thick and I think if I make this again I will make it about half as wide and add fringe to the ends. Which brings me to my next project....I was intending to make another scarf for another cousin and had planned to use this pattern, but I'm not sure I want to do this pattern again. I am again using WOTA Bulky, but in a different colorway (Yukon, which is blues and greys). Should I do my modified version of this scarf or another scarf all together? Hmmmm....any suggestions? In addition, you have witnessed my new hair style...well, the same style, just with bangs...I'm liking the bangs...never thought I would have bangs again, but I really like them. And, for the record, I feel like a dork when I model my FO's!! I'm not sure how to "look natural", maybe I should just go for the unnatural look!

Beach Knitting

2008-09-22T09:15:00.003-04:00

I was at the beach all last week and I didn't get very much knitting done myself, but I did teach my mom to knit..not purl, just knit. We'll work on the purling later. However, I did manage to start some Christmas knitting. First up, My So Called Scarf by Allison Isaacs using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in Spumoni. I absolutely LOVE this colorway and I think she will too! I will keep Christmas recipients a mystery, I don't think any of them check out my blog, but just in case, besides it isn't as if you would know them anyway :)

FO Update

2008-09-16T23:59:00.002-04:00

I finished the baby cable sweater, but it still needs a few ends weaved in and some slight blocking.

Baby Cable Sweater by Debbie Bliss modified to be a vest

Sizes 2 and 3 needles

Yarn: Knit Picks Swish DK in Moss (2.5 skeins) and White (.5 skeins)

Began August 27, 2008

Finished September 9, 2008

I also began work on a neck warmer for mom for her birthday. I was reading a thread on Ravelry discussing patterns for motorcycle riders (for those of you (all 3 of you) who are unaware, my dad is a Harley Davidson owner and my mom sometimes hops on back). The suggestion was to knit a cowl for the recipient, so I did a search for cowls and decided on this:

Ridged Lace Cowl by Elinor Brown

Size US 7 needles

Caron Simply Soft in Country Blue (yes, I used an acrylic yarn....)

Began September 10, 2008

Finished September 16, 2008

Here's what I've been up to...

2008-09-05T11:25:00.008-04:00

I completed the Chevron Scarf and I absolutely love it. I made it extra, extra long (like 8 1/2 ft. long) so that I could do multiple wraps around the neck and it still come to the waist.

Chevron Scarf by Domesticat

Size US 3 needles

Yarn: One Skein Claudia Handpainted Fingering in John B and One skein Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in colorway 44 (yellow/gold)

Began: July 30, 2008

Finished: August 27, 2008

I have also been working on the cable vest adapted from Debbie Bliss' Cable Baby Sweater from her book, Simply Baby. I think that I am about 75% finished. I am very pleased with the moss color because it can be worn with khaki or denim or whatever other choice of pants a baby boy might wear. This is my first "garment" and so far so good. We will see what happens during seaming!

Christmas time is here again...

2008-08-27T21:01:00.007-04:00

well, almost. My first order of Christmas project yarns arrived today from Knit Picks. I will be making two of My So Called Scarf using Wool of the Andes Bulky in Yukon and Spumoni. I chose Yukon because it closely matches the school colors of the recipient and I chose Spumoni just because I liked it!

I will be making 5 Mystery Christmas gifts that will be revealed later....as in after Christmas...again using Wool of the Andes Bulky in Fedora, Oregano, Wine, and Coal.

I also ordered some non-Christmas-related yarn to make Debbie Bliss' Cable Sweater found in her book, Simply Baby; however, I will be modifying it to be a vest. For this project I ordered Swish DK in Moss and White.

In other news, I finished the chevron scarf and I LOVE it! I am blocking it now and will post completed pictures soon. I also completed 5 baby hats during the remainder of the Ravelympics. I will be sending them off to the hospital soon.

Knit It Forward

2008-08-19T14:23:00.003-04:00

I am finished with my Ravelympics projects and the Olympics are not yet finished; therefore, I have decided to do some charity knitting for the remainder of the Olympics rather than working on my own projects. A few weeks ago my aunt sent me an email with information about Project Angel Kisses, an organization that collects knits for preemies. This is an organization that is dear to her family because one of her granddaughters was a preemie and received some contributions from Project Angel Kisses. So, I have decided to finish out Ravelympics by knitting it forward. I am using the Preemie Hats for Charity pattern by Carissa Browning and I'm using baby yarn that is in my stash. I have completed one hat, am half-way through another hat, and will do as many as I can through this weekend.

Michael is finished and so am I...

2008-08-17T00:24:00.007-04:00

I have completed all three of my Ravelympics projects. I was accused of underestimating how much I really could complete....and I guess my critic was correct. However, I have many other projects waiting patiently. I just won't officially get credit for completing them during the Olympics. Yet, my FO's must have their moment of glory....

Fetching #2

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Rialto in Chocolate

US 6 DPNs

Began: August 14, 2008

Finished: August 16, 2008

Due to the gift nature of the third project if you wish to see the completed results, you must go to its ravelry page.

One down, two to go

2008-08-12T10:32:00.004-04:00

I have finished my first pair of Fetching and have started on the Knotted Openwork Scarf.

Fetching by Cheryl Niamath

Yarn: One skein Debbie Bliss Rialto

Size US 6 DPNs

Began: August 8, 2008

Finished: August 10, 2008

I made one modification (well, actually 2) to the pattern: I cast on 5 extra stitches because the recipient has larger hands than normal. I hope this will make up for that (and I FORGOT to change the direction of the cables...I doubt the recipient, who doesn't knit, will ever know the difference). . I LOVE the feel of the Debbie Bliss Rialto. It is so soft and comfortable! These gloves knit up so quickly the next pair should be a breeze!

Sitting on G, Waiting on O

2008-08-07T23:11:00.004-04:00

I THOUGHT I was all ready for Ravelympics tomorrow. I got my yarn and needles together. I made sure one of my hanks of yarn was nicely wound into a cake....then I realized I hadn't printed out my patterns! Not only had I not printed out the patterns, but we are out of paper. Not only are we out of paper, but we are also out of ink!!!! I managed to print out a VERY poor copy of my first project (Fetching) onto notebook paper, but emailed the links to my husband to have him print them out for me at work tomorrow. Thank goodness! Worst case scenario, I'll park myself in front on the computer and use the online pattern.

What a difference blocking makes

2008-08-04T09:24:00.006-04:00

I finally got around to blocking my Lace Ribbon Scarf and I think it looks FABULOUS! I originally thought maybe the yarn I chose wasn't the best fit, but, after blocking, it feels and looks great!

Lace Ribbon Scarf by Veronik Avery

Yarn: 2 Skeins Knit Picks Shadow in Sunset Heather (using 2 strands held together)

Needles: Size US 3

Finished Size: 10" x 60"

Began: July 7, 2008 Finished: July 29, 2008

My most recent Knit Picks order arrived in the mail on Saturday. I ordered Gloss in black for my sister-in-law's Knotted Open Work Scarf by Wannietta Prescod. I also ordered Felici in Dakota to make my FIRST pair of socks. I'm planning on making Grumperina's Jaywalkers.

Calling All Raveletes

2008-08-01T16:16:00.002-04:00

While attending the Braves game last night, I couldn't help but notice the Olympic torch or whatever it may be called from the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Just a friendly reminder that we are one week away from the beginning of the Ravelympics! My yarn and needles are anxiously awaiting their moment of glory. Can't wait to get started on the fetchings! I also have a few other patterns up my sleeve but I am not officially knitting them for the Ravelypics just in case I don't complete them during the time frame.

In other knitting news, the lace ribbon scarf is complete and in need of blocking. I have cast on the chevron scarf and I'm LOVING it and the yarns I have chosen to use!!!! Here is the progress so far....

Knitting Like a Jedi

2008-07-25T09:37:00.008-04:00

Found the link to this photo enhancing website on Mason Dixon Knitting. I've been doing a lot of knitting lately while watching the Star Wars movies (we're currently on Episode 5 "The Empire Strikes Back"). I finally completed my Elisa's Nest Tote. I decided against the applied I-cord straps after I almost completed the first one and had no motivation to do another. I ripped it out and knit a few rows of garter stitch edging at the top of the bag and then just knit a garter stitch shoulder strap by placing 8 stitches at one side of the bag on a holder and binding off one side, placing 8 more stitches on a holder, binding off the other side and returning 8 stitches back to my needles and working in garter stitch until the strap reached the desired length. Then I joined the stitches using kitchener stitch.

Project Stats:

Elisa's Nest Tote by Elisa

Yarn: 2 balls of Peaches & Creme Solids in Camel

Needles: US size 9 for bag and US Size 7 for strap

Began: May 2008

Finished: July 24, 2008

I also completed a few baby gifts for a friend's new baby boy. I made one Baby Bib O' Love and 2 Baby Genius Burp Cloths from Mason Dixon Knitting. I incorporated 3 colors into one of the burp cloths (didn't get a completed picture, but you get the idea).

Clapotis Completion

2008-07-10T17:16:00.003-04:00

I finished the clapotis a few days ago. It still needs to be blocked, but I already love it.

Clapotis by Kate Gilbert

Yarn: 2.5 skeins Knit Picks Shimmer in Grape Hyacinth (color is now retired)

Needles: Size US 8

Began: February 24, 2008 Finished: July 7, 2008

I immediately began work on Veronik Avery's Lace Ribbon Scarf. I am using 2 strands of Knit Picks' Shadow in Sunset Heather. I love the color, but next time would choose a fingering weight yarn, which is what the pattern suggests. However, I was stash busting and decided to use this anyway. It is knitting up a little bulkier than I would like, but otherwise I am pleased. The pattern is easy to memorize and knits up fairly quickly so I'm really enjoying knitting it.

Back in the Saddle Again

2008-07-07T08:58:00.008-04:00

I am teaching my mother-in-law Vicky to knit...or at least helping her along. We spent some time on the 4th knitting. I'm finishing up my clapotis and she's working on the ever-popular-first-project, Hello Yarn's Irish Hiking Scarf. On Saturday, we made a trip to Knitch to get our hands on some fantastic yarns. I've been shopping the aisles of Michael's for too long since there aren't really any LYSs very close by. I was in heaven! My first stop was the DPNs. I needed size 6 to complete Fetching. Then I began to feel all of the luxurious yarn....alpaca...cashmere..... I narrowed my Fetching yarn choices down to Debbie Bliss Rialto and Rowan Cashsoft DK. I actually thought the Rialto was a little softer than the Cashsoft so I decided to go with it. I chose a beautiful purple color (23) for my mom's sister and a rich chocolate color for the other pair. I am loving the yarn so much that I might even have to knit myself a pair or find another pattern for the yarn. I also was planning to make a pair of Grumperina's Jaywalker socks so I looked at all the lovely sock yarn. I wanted to buy something interesting, not just a neutral, but the fact is, I don't really wear interesting socks...maybe I could start, but what would Stacy London say? I'm going to go out on a limb and say that she doesn't knit and therefore doesn't appreciate the hand knitted sock regardless of colorway. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and bought Claudia Hand Painted Fingering yarn in John B. I LOVE it!!! Then I got home...and realized that I didn't buy enough to make a pair of socks. I was already struggling with the desire to make something that I would wear more often and I just wasn't sure that I wanted to "waste" this beautiful yarn on socks I might not really wear. So, that made the decision easy for me. Therefore, I'm going to make a chevron scarf. It allows you to mix and match yarn so I'm going to be able to use the yellow-orange Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool that has been in my stash. I think it will be fabulous!

Knitting Olympics

2008-07-04T14:35:00.003-04:00

I just signed up for Ravelry's knitting olympics. The rules are simply to begin a project after the Olympic flame is lit and finish before the torch is blown out. I need to make two pairs of fetchings for a couple of relatives before the Oregonian winter begins. Since I have never made gloves (fingered or fingerless) I thought I would begin with these. I think they'll be challenging enough without setting myself up for failure. I need to order the yarn. I think I've settled on Knit Picks' swish worsted since it is washable. I haven't decided on the colors yet, but I want them to not look dirty too quickly (the recipients work with quite a bit of newspaper). My mom suggested a purple for her sister and I was thinking of truffle or something neutral for the other pair. I'm just shooting to finish one pair during the olympics, but it would be really nice to finish both since I have SEVERAL projects on the horizon.

Clapotis Progress

2008-07-02T10:31:00.002-04:00

I began working on my clapotis (again). I have one more repeat before I begin decrease rows so hopefully not too much longer now. I love how soft and lightweight the Knit Picks Shimmer yarn knits up. I can't wait to use the clapotis this fall and winter!

The Candle Flame Shawl is Finished!

2008-06-25T09:22:00.003-04:00

Project details: Candle Flame Lace Shawl by Debra Bright.
Size: 16 x 70
Yarn: Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud in Tide Pool Heather (2 skeins)
Needles: US Size 4
Began: September 2007 Finished: June 2008
Recepient: My Mom

The Candle Flame Shawl is finished and has been blocked! I feel like it is such and accomplishment. This was my first lace project and I sure did take my time on it! I am so pleased with the results. I love the color and I'm sure my mom will too! The yarn is so soft and will provide just the right amount of warmth on cool days.

I'm a knitting fool...

2008-06-23T22:36:00.002-04:00

I actually have been doing quite a bit of knitting during the furlow from blogging. The Elisa's Nest Tote is almost complete. Just need to finish the straps. The Candle Flame Lace Shawl for my mom is 10 garter stitch rows from completion (and it only took me a year..well, not quite)!!! Hopefully, I will begin blocking it tomorrow and also post some pics. I have officially decided that I MUST finish some WIP's before beginning anything else. So that is my goal, I need to finish my clapotis and Abigail's Summerlins/Two Summer Sundresses. Keep posted for finished projects!!!

Elisa's Nest Tote

2008-05-31T10:13:00.004-04:00

I have also been working (slowly and in between other projects) on an Elisa's Nest Tote. As I mentioned in a previous post, I am beginning to go green and I thought it would be a great idea to make a reusable shopping bag. I chose this bag because I liked the pattern. However, I did take a few creative liberties. I chose to knit mine as a flat-bottomed version (I got this idea from NaturallyKnitty's ravelry page). I knit around 4-5 inches of garter stitch before picking up an odd number of stitches and knitting the pattern in the round. The original pattern calls for one ball of cotton yarn ( I chose Peaches & Cream cotton solids in camel), but for this version it is going to take 2 balls. Also, the pattern calls for an attached I-cord for the straps, but I am thinking of just knitting the straps as part of the bag, similar to YarnDemon's. I am only thinking of doing this because I don't have the correct sized DPN's and I don't know if I'm really in the mood to buy some. I'll keep you posted.

Madeline on the runway

2008-05-29T12:11:00.004-04:00

Here is Madeline modeling one of her Summerlin dresses.

Another Summerlin

2008-05-29T11:51:00.005-04:00

Here is the second summerlin made for Madeline. I followed the guidelines for the "more gathered" version for both dresses. I used Lion Brand Cotton Ease for both dresses, one in lime and the other in berry. The bodice uses a very small amount of yarn and I bought more fabric than I needed so I think I'll be making several of these for other little girls I know. I was planning on making Abigail dresses from this pattern as well, but I ran across another pattern that I think I like better for a younger child. It is the Two Summer Sundress. I like the fact that the bodice is straight across rather than v-neck for an infant and it allows the dress to grow with the child. However, the straps for this pattern are for garter stitch and I think I'll use the strap pattern from Summerlin instead to keep the dresses looking a little more uniform. I am loving the instant gratification of these dresses and I'm even getting a little better with my sewing skills! Unfortunately, my kitchen table looks like a sweat-shop!

Summerlin

2008-05-26T11:11:00.006-04:00

I saw the Summerlin pattern on Ravelry a few weeks ago and knew I had to make one for each of the girls. I thought it was very cute and decided to buy yarn and fabric to make 2 dresses for each of the girls. It is an extremely easy knit and doesn't take much time at all. The sewing is (supposed to be) easy (but I'm really not a very good seamstress...in fact, I stink!). I made Madeline a size 2 because she is small for her age. I am going to try to cut the pattern down to make one for Abigail. I think it shouldn't be too hard. Pictured is the first one for Madeline. It still needs a button, but is otherwise finished. I've already started knitting Madeline's second dress, but I am going to tweak the pattern a little more because the straps seemed a little long for her.

We now interrupt this regularly scheduled project...

2008-05-14T15:45:00.003-04:00

I have been feverishly knitting along on the candle flame shawl, but it is not yet finished. However, I took a brief intermission to knit a couple of thank you gifts for Madeline's teachers. I was thinking of knitting the Generations Purse, or a reusable shopping bag, but I ended up deciding to knit a washcloth and give them some bath stuff to go along with it. The pattern calls for any cotton yarn, and I decided to use Lion Brand Cotton-Ease from my stash. The pattern also called for size 4 or 5 DPNs, but I only have size 8 DPNs, so I thought I'd try it anyway. I think that the size 8s worked just fine.

Just a little crunchy around the edges

2008-04-22T09:15:00.004-04:00

I often laugh when my friend Farrah tells me of her newest knitting project because she often chooses projects that are earth-friendly (not that there's anything wrong with that), such as a reusable shopping bag, but I must admit she's beginning to wear off on me. My latest Farrah-inspired project is the reusable swiffer cover. I recently came to the conclusion that this was a great idea considering most of our house is tiled or laminate wood floors. So, I caved...I made one. I am sad to admit that I messed up the pattern. It is basically a ball band dishcloth made to fit a swiffer, but I'd never made a ball band dishcloth (as if that should be an excuse). I decided to cast on and begin working on it while riding in the car and I guess I just wasn't paying attention. I realized my mistake, but decided I wasn't going to go back and fix it because after all it is only a swiffer cover that only my floor will see up close and personal. I figured it would clean just the same. Here it is in all of its messed up glory! My next crunchy pattern just might be the shopping bag...I've already got it in my ravelry queue. Thanks Farrah for you inspiration to be earth conscious! (By the way, my new favorite snack is granola, but not just any granola...this granola....yummy!)

I finished something!

2008-04-10T09:43:00.002-04:00

Bebe's clapotis is complete! It took a little longer than anticipated....my father had a heart attack, Matt's brother came home from Iraq, etc, etc, so over the past couple of weeks I haven't had as much knitting time as I usually do. But, now it is done. Next up, the candle flame lace shawl.....hopefully.

Just the way I'm are

2008-03-26T16:37:00.005-04:00

OK, I know my grammar is incorrect...it's part of a song. Anyway, I've come to the conclusion that I will never be satisfied working on one project at a time...I'm just not a one-project kind of girl...I get bored...another project beckons and I allow the aforementioned project to collect dust. This is what is currently happening with the candle flame lace shawl, the feather and fan scarf, and, yes, my clapotis as well. I had been looking for a project for some Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool I purchased a while back for another project and then decided I really didn't want to make it after all. On Ravelry I noticed that many people have used this yarn to make a clapotis. So, I decided to make one for my husband's aunt's birthday at the end of the month. I am a little over halfway finished. Hope she likes it. Once it is completed I intend to finish the candle flame lace shawl for my mother...maybe by mother's day.

Clap On, Clap Off...the Clapper..er, I mean Clapotis

2008-02-24T12:18:00.003-05:00

Work has begun on the clapotis. I decided to get all of my yarn balled so that I could cast on when ready, so I set up the trusty 'ol swift and ball winder on the kitchen table Friday night. What a way to spend a Friday night!! Have I arrived or what? I will be 28 tomorrow; I have a husband and 2 children and I spend my Friday nights knitting or balling yarn! Talk about an exciting life! I began work on the clapotis yesterday while the hubby was playing golf and my mother-in-law was entertaining the children. I am using double strands of Knit Picks Shimmer in Grape Hyacinth. I'm really excited about this color coloray. I keep trying to branch out and expand my color repertoire!

To Block Or Not To Block, That Is The Question!

2008-02-21T17:23:00.006-05:00

I first begin by saying that I still like my blocking wires set; however, I realize how much I really do LOATHE acrylic yarns. Sometimes I get a little lazy and think "why be a yarn snob...acrylic will work just as well." Besides, it was just a little afterthought of a scarf for Madeline. And thus, the problem begins. The scarf was rolling upon itself and I thought maybe blocking it would help. But, NO, it did not. What a waste of 24 hours! The good news is she is 3 and could care less if I had used alpaca or acrylic. The other good news, she could care less if the project is perfectly blocked or not. Either way, she seems to like it and had fun modeling (between mouthfulls of cheerios) the scarf. Here are some of the more interesting shots...Oh, and a shot of Abigail wearing the cable hat I made for her.

NKOTB (New Knitting off to Block)

2008-02-18T10:43:00.004-05:00

I am sad to admit that I have yet to block a project....so here it goes. Madeline's scarf was rolling upon itself and I decided it was time to do a little blocking. I recently purchased the blocking wires set from Knit Picks and now was the time to use them. So far I'm very pleased with the wire set. However, it only comes with 36" straight wires and 2 flexible 24" wires. For this project it would have been nice to have a shorter wire to run the width of the scarf. I just decided to pin those edges instead. Madeline has requested a fringed edge so I will be applying the fringe next. Also, for those of you children of the 80's, rumor has it that NKOTB (New Kids On The Block) are reuniting!

A Blog About Nothing

2008-02-13T17:10:00.003-05:00

Not a lot has been accomplished in the past few weeks. I hardly have time to remove my projects from their bag, let alone make any substantial progress. Abigail will be a month old on Friday, and last Thursday Madeline had her tonsils & adenoids removed as well as tubes put in her ears. She has been out of school and will be home next week as well for winter break. I have worked on a few more rows of my Candle Flame lace shawl and Madeline's red scarf is almost finished. Maybe just maybe it will be completed by spring :)

Maddie's scarf

2008-01-30T17:09:00.000-05:00

Madeline saw me working on my Shadow Scarf and told me she wanted me to make her a scarf. So, I pulled out my stash of yarns as well as my scrap yarns. She picked out a red yarn that I only used a tiny bit for hair for the monkey. I tried to pursuade her to pick another yarn because she has a purple jacket and absolutely nothing to go with a red scarf. She insisted on the red yarn. However, I decided to go ahead and knit her a purple scarf that would better match her jacket. I decided to try the ruffly scarf pattern. I only cast on half the stitches called for to try and make a toddler sized scarf; however, it ended up being a little too short. That didn't really matter because Madeline hated it and informed me that wasn't her scarf; her scarf was red! Therefore, I have now begun knitting a red scarf! I decided to try another pattern that would be interesting to a 3 year old, so I got out a stitch dictionary and decided to go with a popcorn stitch. I showed her what I had completed this afternoon and she gave her approval. I hope to be finished with it in a few days!

Thank You Auntie Farrah!

2008-01-23T16:13:00.000-05:00

Abigail received a package today in the mail from Auntie Farrah. Her head is a little small (hey she doesn't even weigh 7 lbs yet!!), but she still looks really cute in it!

New Year, New Projects

2008-01-03T11:21:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my parents, I received a Knit Picks gift card for Christmas. So, today I ordered 4 hanks of Shimmer in Grape Hyacinth to make a Clapotis for myself!!!! I had looked a various yarns and couldn't find one that I wanted to use, so I got the idea off of Ravelry to double knit shimmer. I chose Grape Hyacinth because I don't have anything in those colors and decided I needed to branch out a bit. Can't wait to get started! I also ordered some lace blocking wires to help in blocking all of these lace projects I haven't completed yet (such as my mom's candle flame shawl). I started to do some more baby knitting. I recently found a few balls of Lily's Sugar 'n Cream yarn in my stash. And, since I've never used it and since my Mason Dixon Knitting book is sitting on the shelf collecting dust I thought I'd put two and two together and make some baby burp cloths, bibs, and the very cute baby kimono! I'm knitting the kimono in white and have just cast on and knitted maybe an inch or so. I've knit one burp cloth in a blue colorway (didn't save the sleeve, so not sure of the real name) and I bought several balls in various colorways (Michael's was having a sale!). Anyway, I'm looking forward to some mindless and instantly-gratifying (is that a word?) knitting.

Christmas Revealed

2007-12-27T09:33:00.000-05:00

The mystery Christmas presents have been given and were well received! I made Fast Finish Throws for my mother-in-law, Vicky, and sister-in-law, Penny. Penny's throw was cream, taupe, chocolate & red, and Vicky's was cream and taupe. I made the Glowing Colors Afghan for my sister-in-law, Whitney. All three of these throws were fairly easy & quick to make. The fast finish throw says that it knits in 6 hours; I didn't time myself, nor did I knit it in one sitting, but I would say that it was pretty accurate. It is knit on size 50s, so it goes extremely quickly. I've never knit on anything larger than a 10 or 10.5 up to that point, so it was fairly awkward at first, wait...it was just plain awkward! However, it did get the job done and rather quickly! The glowing colors afghan is knit in 3 pieces that are seamed together and each piece knit up quickly as it uses size 17 needles. The patterns both call for Lion Brand's Jiffy yarn. While it is fairly soft, it is annoying and Whitney's throw did not block well at all...fortunately, she thought it looked neat with edges that rolled :) The Fast Finish Throws didn't need to be blocked...I guess the weight of the piece as well as the fringed edge helped with this. I picked up my feather and fan scarf and continued to work on it a little last night....it is very strange going from such large needles back to size 3s!! And, I received a Knit Picks gift certificate for Christmas, so I will just have to pick out a few new projects to make and possibly order some yarn in the next few weeks! However, don't hold your breath for updates as Abigail is due in 3 weeks!

Finishing Schminishing

2007-12-24T07:47:00.000-05:00

All Christmas projects are completed and wrapped! However, I continue to learn of my hatred (that sounds so strong, but is basically true) of finishing! I hardly like to weave in the cast on string let alone weave in a lot of ends or do some blocking. One of the mystery Christmas projects required some blocking, and was I ever disappointed that it didn't really make a big difference anyway. In this case I think it had to do with yarn choice more so that the actually act of blocking. I do realize that these things were invented for a reason. Said project even required a moderate amount of end-weaving due to lots of color changes. It brought a moderate amount of horror and I had flashbacks to the first time I flipped through Mason Dixon Knitting and saw their Mitered Square Blanket. The Subtitle "Some (Significant) Assembly Required" made me weak in the knees. This was almost as bad. However, I am feeling great accomplishment for even attempting to block! Again, I will post pictures after gifts have been received. After Christmas projects were completed I had time to whip up two baby hats for Abigail. One follows a pattern I found on Ravelry, but you can also find it here Simple Hat with Eyelets. I also made a cable hat that I somewhat whipped up myself, but I used this pattern as a guide as far as number of stitches to cast on, etc. It turned out somewhat smaller than the eyelet hat, but I think the eyelet hat will be too large for a newborn. I'll take both of them to the hospital and maybe she can wear one (or both)!

Yippee Yahoo!

2007-12-15T22:12:00.000-05:00

I am completely finished with the Cable Ready Purse...and not just one Cable Ready Purse, but TWO Cable Ready Purses! And, not only am I finished with the purses, but I also completed and wrapped TWO mystery Christmas gifts today! AND, as if that wasn't enough, I am now 3/4 of the way completed with yet another mystery Christmas gift. Not much longer now! I will post photos after Christmas, but for those of you privileged Ravelry-ers, please feel free to check out the mystery Christmas presents there! (AprilWKnits)

Christmas Projects

2007-12-06T10:44:00.000-05:00

I really hate not being able to post photos of the progress I'm making on Christmas presents. These projects will just have to remain a mystery until after they are opened. Things are going very well and moving along more quickly than I had anticipated. I was at the craft store a couple of days ago picking up more yarn and a woman informed me that I was ambitious, but little did she know that I'm knitting on size 50s, so it isn't taking long at all. For those of you on Ravelry you can check my progress (AprilWKnits).

Christmas Wreaths

2007-11-29T18:20:00.000-05:00

This one is a request from Farrah....here are the wreaths I made today (well, I made the bows anyway). Very simple & plain, but I think they look nice on the house. Looks like my "knitting" blog is turning into more of a craft blog...oh well, I have lots of projects on needles, so soon the blog will be back to its knitting roots :)

One down...??? to go....

2007-11-28T16:35:00.000-05:00

I am ALMOST finished with the cable ready purse. All I need to do is weave in a few ends and seam up the bottom. Otherwise, it is finished!!! I think it turned out great! I am also thinking of doing a smaller version for someone else, although that will require a little pattern tweaking, so we'll see how it goes. Now on to other, more secretive, projects :)

The Stockings were hung...

2007-11-27T17:10:00.000-05:00

I finally finished Maddie's stocking...after 3 years :) Anyway, I think that it was well worth the wait and turned out nicely. Here is also a shot of the other 2 stockings that I have made for Matt & myself.

And, I started on one Christmas project last night and bought yarn for another. I will not reveal the recipients nor the patterns at this time; however, I have never bought so much yarn at one time in my life. I think I bought somewhere between 25 and 30 balls. I will share that the first project is being knit on size 50s and that is quite a new task for me. I've never used anything larger than around a 10.5 up to this point, but if you can get past the bulky awkwardness you can cover a lot of ground quickly.

Im IN!!!!!!

2007-11-17T09:16:00.001-05:00

I got my Ravelry invite this morning!!! Look me up under AprilWKnits. See you there!

Progress, Progress

2007-11-07T13:53:00.000-05:00

I have been working on the cross-stitch as my arm & shoulder will allow. Cross-stitching really isn't very comfortable and I'm not enjoying it as much as my knitting. However, it is coming along and should be completed by Thanksgiving. I've been working a little more than I planned on the Cable Ready Purse because it is fun, easy, and is knitting up very quickly. I'm about halfway done with one side and at this rate I should have no problem finishing the projects I have planned to give as Christmas gifts. I'm also really pleased with the colors I chose. My cousin had better like it, otherwise I might keep it for myself.

Two knits & a cross-stitch

2007-11-06T08:39:00.000-05:00

I finished the Baby Cables blanket for my friend's baby (I would add pictures of it, but for some reason they aren't loading properly and just look like a big blur). I had been putting it off because it just isn't the most inspiring of knits...please remind me next time I decide to knit a baby blanket how much I don't really like knitting them. However, I'm sure I'll get the nerve to do it again soon because I feel like I probably should knit one for Abigail if I'm going to knit them for other people's children. Not to mention that I really like giving hand-made gifts to babies :) Now I'm really concentrating on Maddie's Christmas stocking. It was supposed to be completed by her first Christmas (2005), but as you can see, it is still not completely finished. This was due to my own laziness as well as a lack of incentive to complete it when we've been out of town for all of her Christmases. So, I'm taking a knitting hiatus until I'm finished with this stocking....well, not really, but the stocking is my primary focus. Obviously I'm not taking a knitting hiatus because I just cast on my cousin's Christmas present. I'm making her the Cable Ready Purse, but I've changed the colors slightly. I'm using lemongrass, raspberry, fig, and denim. Hope she likes it!

Work(s) in progress

2007-10-09T10:06:00.000-04:00

Apparently I am not happy unless I have several projects to work on simultaneously. In my defense, one is quite tedious and it is nice to have another somewhat mindless project to switch back and forth between the two. I'm currently knitting the candle flame shawl from Knit Picks in Alpaca Cloud for my mom for Christmas. I'm really having a lot of fun knitting this and it is easier than I anticipated considering this is really my first true lace project. I can't wait to see the final blocked product! I'm also working on a scarf for myself using the Lace 1,2,3: Shadow scarf from Knit Picks using Shadow in Sunset Heather. It feels great and I can't wait to wear it this winter, or that season that falls between hot and hotter in the south :) Needless to say I'm going to miss the Colorado winters this year...or atleast I'll miss SOME of the snow!

Anyway, this pattern is EXTREMELY easy and fun to knit. It's a great TV watching pattern and knits very quickly.

Last, but not least, although most boring of all, is the Baby Cables Blanket (pattern originally found on Knitting Pattern Central, but I just checked and couldn't find it) thatI began a while back for a friend's baby boy. I must admit I've been a slacker, but now that it is October I decided it was time to get it finished; however, not sure when that will actually happen. Atleast I'm working on it, right?! Still got quite a ways to go :)

Monkey Business

2007-09-24T01:16:00.000-04:00

I must admit, I've never been inspired to do a project while strolling the aisles of Wal-mart, that is until the other day. I just so happened to be killing time in the craft section and saw the pattern for this..... ahem, crochet project (sheepish grin). I immediately knew I must make it for my dear friend Rita, who is about to have a baby because she and her husband go ape over monkeys. It didn't take long and I think it turned out quite cute. I don't believe I'll be grabbing up my crochet hook again anytime soon...that is unless Wal-mart beckons :) At any rate, it was for a good cause and I hope that the baby goes bananas for his/her monkey toy. Atleast Madeline liked it! On a side note, if you so choose to grab up your hook, this project is completed in sections, and if you have a husband such as mine, you may be the recipient of some off-color humor regarding the appendages (of which you make 5)... just don't say I didn't warn you :)

Drum Roll Please.....

2007-09-24T00:12:00.000-04:00

I am Finally finished with the cowboy baby booties! I think they turned out really well considering the trial and error approach I had with the original pattern. I found the pattern on Far Above Rubies' website (the link is on the right). According to her blog, she received this pattern in an email from a Knitter's Review forum member. She made her own notes, but I found that I needed more direction to create a decent looking bootie. Here is the pattern with both her and my notes (hers in blue, mine in red). Please feel free to contact me with questions/comments. Happy Knitting!!!!

Cowboy Baby Booties

Size: Infant's foot up to 3 1/4 inches long This would create a size 1 shoe for a newborn, I supply directions for a larger size later.

Materials: Red Heart Sock and Sweater Yarn 2 oz. brown (Caron Simply soft in Bone for main body color, Caron Perfect Match in chocolate for edging, Embroidery floss- color of your choice, Size 4 needles or size to give gauge, Size 3 needles (if using Caron Perfect Match), crochet hook size E (I did not use the crochet hook), 2 stitch holders.

Gauge: 7 Sts= 1 inch, 10 rows=1 inch

Each bootie:

Top: Beginning at toe, cast on 4 Sts.
Row 1: Purl
Row 2: K, inc 1 st each end. (Increase, making stitch by picking up the bar)
Row 3: Purl
Work even in Stockinette stitch for 7 rows, end K row, casting on 12 sts. at end of last row. Work more rows to create larger bootie, 7 extra rows created a bootie that was 4 1/4 inches long.
Next row: Purl, casting on 12 sts at end of row = 38 sts
Next row: Knit
Next row: Continue in Stockinette stitch, increasing 1 st each end on 8th row, then every 8th row twice more =44 sts.
Work even until 3 1/2 inches above the 12 cast-on sts, end P row. I added the top contrast trim edge, the original pattern does not call for it. But I did not adjust the length of the main body to accomodate the extra length and it makes the boot look kind of tall. To correct this, I would only work about 2 1/2"- 2 3/4" in order to account for the extra trim.

Shape top:
Section 1:
Row 1: (Right side) K 12, K 2 Tog - 13 sts; slip next 16 sts to holder for section 2 and remaining 14 sts to 2nd holder for section 3.
Row 2: On Section 1, BO 2 sts at inner edge, P to end.
Row 3: K, dec. 1 at inner edge (K 2 Tog, K to end)
Rows 4-6: Repeat rows 2,3,2= 5 sts. Bind off.

Section 2:
Slip sts to needle read for a right side row.
Row 1: K, dec 1 st at each end = 14 sts (SSK, K to last 2, K 2 Tog)
Row 2: P, dec 1 st at each end (P 2 Tog, P to last st, slip next to last st back onto left needle and slip last st over this st)
Rows 3-5: Repeat rows 1,2,1 = 6 sts

Section 3:
Slip sts to needle as before.
Row 1: Join at inner edge, bind off 2 sts, k to end = 12 sts.
Row 2: P, dec 1 at inner edge (P to last st, slip next to last st back onto left needle and slip last st over this st)
Row 3: Bind off 2, K to end
Rows 4-6: repeat rows 2,3,2 = 5 sts. Bind off.

If creating a bootie with a top border, pick up sts around top and knit a few rows in stockinette stitch. I highly recommend this, otherwise I felt that the boot looked a little unfinished and the shape wasn't very pretty :(

Sides: Right side facing, pick up 12 sts in the 12 cast on sts, 14 along shaped edge to toe, 4 sts in cast on edge at toe, 14 sts along other side, 12 sts in cast on stitches = 56 sts (If you made your bootie larger you will need to pick up more sts to accomodate for larger size) Work 7 rows garter st. Bind off.

Sole:
Make 2 for each bootie:(I had to adjust the sole pattern to my yarn gauge b/c with the yarn I used the sole came out way too big. Also, the pattern calls for two soles each boot, and I only made one each) (Ditto, and I used a size 3 needle to knit the sole to help with gauge.)
Cast on 24 sts (I found that 16 worked for the original size, and 20 worked when I increased the length to 4 1/4")
Row 1: P
Row 2: K, inc 1 st each end (Increase by picking up bar)
Rows 3-4: Rep rows 1,2
Rows 5-11 Work even
Row 12: SKP, K to last 2 sts, K 2 Tog
Row 13: P
Row 14: repeat row 12
Row 15: repeat row 13, Bind off.

Loop:
Make 2. Cast on 5 sts. Work in Stockinette stitch for 2 1/2". Bind off. (I did not make these)

Embroidery: Using embroidery floss divided into 3 strands with Red embroider wavy line in chain st on each side of boot below indentation on upper edge. With green make a French knot in space of each wave on boot. Embroider a strait row of chain st along center row of each loop. (I used floss color that matched the contrast yarn. I made up my own pattern for the sides and top of boot) (Ditto, but I stitched a "D" for Dally, the baby's name, based on a pattern in a cross stitch book)

Finishing: Sew back seam of boot. Wrong sides together, sew soles together. Sew sole in place, easing to fit. Fold loops in half, wrong sides together. Sew ends to each side at indentations on upper edge.

Four Score and Seven Years Ago...

2007-08-10T16:47:00.000-04:00

I began knitting this blanket...well, obviously not that long ago, but I know I started it in Colorado and I know I started on it before another cousin's child was born and he is several months old by now....and the intended recipient is now at least 8 weeks+. But, to my defense, we still have not had a baby shower for the child (which is not my fault, as I wouldn't be the host anyway). So, I have decided to complete the blanket and cowboy booties and send them to her. This pattern is Bundle of Joy from http://www.knittingpatterncentral.com/. I have taken some creative liberties, such as leaving off the garter stitch from the sides of the blanket. By following the pattern, one would complete what I have done, then pick up stitches and knit 3 inches of garter stitch to each side. I had intended on doing so, but after about a half inch I realized it looked like an afterthought and, frankly, was very tacky. I thought at this point it looks better without it. However, if I ever knit this pattern again, I think I will account for the garter stitch on the sides and just cast on those extra stitches and do it all in one piece so that it has a much more cohesive look. Still working on the baby booties...I'll update that in four score and seven more years!

I admit it, I'm a slacker

2007-07-11T20:42:00.000-04:00

Just so you know, I have been really bad about doing any knitting lately. I am currently working on, oh, 4 or so projects, which are all in different stages of completion and I have taken the "triage" approach to decide which needs to be completed first. I just began yet another baby afghan for a baby of a friend of mine, sadly the baby is already a month or so old and I think I have about 2 inches completed :( However, my excuse is that babies don't really need blankets in Georgia in July so as long as it is completed by fall I should be ok. I also have another baby afghan which is near completion except for the edging. This blanket is for my cousin's baby who is also about a month old; however, we have yet to have her baby shower and I plan on having it completed by the shower...the cowboy booties are also for said baby and unfortunately, I have one somewhat completed, but it only took me like a day so when I get word that we are planning the shower I will begin slaving myself over these projects. She will have it before the harsh Nebraska winter begins. Also, I need to start my mother's birthday present, which will be the candle flame lace shawl, the pattern is found on Knitpicks.com. Her birthday is in Sept. so I had better get started :) And, last but not least, I have a shrug in the works, but that is the least of my concern as it is for myself and I don't "need" it anytime soon. Ok, so here are my excuses for being a pitiful excuse for a knitter. 1) We just moved cross country, moved in with in-laws for about a month, bought a house, repainted the whole house, unpacked a million boxes, and are attempting to get settled in a new city. 2) I am 12 weeks pregnant! 3) I have a 2 1/2 year old that requires me to pretty much knit while she is sleeping. 4) I am exhausted after putting her to bed and while knitting doesn't require a whole lot of energy some patterns do require a lot of concentration.....however, I confess the baby blankets do not ;) Are those enough excuses? If not, give me some time and I can come up with more! Now, excuses for not posting anything recently...1) As you can see, I haven't done anything. And more importantly 2) We are being cheap and hacking into my father's dial-up connection and it just takes way too long to do anything using dial-up!

Baby Cowboy Booties

2007-05-04T08:19:00.000-04:00

Ok, so here is the first sad little bootie that was made from the

cowboy booties pattern...I am currently making my own

revisions and once it is more user-friendly I will post it along wtih the finished product. However, after the first round of revisions I found that it was looking much better and so I am also posting the second, incomplete bootie. I am making these booties for my cousin's baby who will be born this summer. My cousin lives and works on a cattle ranch in Nebraska and I thought these would be PERFECT! They did not find out what sex the baby is, but I think these would work for boy or girl.

Generations Purse

2007-05-04T08:12:00.000-04:00

Here is the Generations Purse from KnitPicks. I made it for my mother-in-law for her birthday and put bath stuff inside. I also made it from Lion Brand Micro Spun since I didn't have enough time to order the yarn from Knit Picks. Anyway, I thought it turned out really well!

What is wrong with ME???

2007-04-26T00:53:00.000-04:00

I had almost completed a posting and then I decided to open another browser and wouldn't you know it....I lost all of my work! I was explaining that my life is quite hectic right now....my husband and I are buying our first home, and I have knitting projects out the wazoo and more that I can't wait to get started on. Hopefully I will be completing the baby blanket I've been knitting for quite some time and will be able to post some completed pics. I would be finished with the baby cowboy booties, but I forgot my knitting bag at my parents' house and haven't been back to retrieve it as of yet. Can't wait to get these projects completed and free up my cables for new projects, or I could (and probably should just order a few more).

So here goes it

2007-04-10T09:56:00.000-04:00

I have officially decided to create a True Knitting Blog rather than just stick some stuff on my myspace page. Hopefully very soon I will make my first official post, which will include an updated version of the Cowboy Baby Booties currently found of Far Above Rubies' website.