My Worktable on Wednesday

Since I haven't finished anything for a while I thought I'd at least share a picture of some of the things I have in progress.

This is the overview of the table I use most for my crafting.  Bottom left you'll see a stamp/ink, diamond glaze and dimensional tape - I just finished doing a card and I'll share it shortly.  To the left is my Zutter and that reminds me of another project I need to share (the mind.... it really is the first to go....).

The little cozy is covering my serger, which sadly has not seen any action in quite some time.  It does still hold a place of honor on the table though.

And of course the knitting, always the knitting.  How do I love knitting... let me count the ways...

This blob of beauty is the wedding shawl, very much the priority project right now.  I am ready to start the Scalloped Lace Edging now, which is only 15 rows.  Of course when doing a shawl, those last 15 rows are the longest rows, but it's ok because I am loving knitting this for my daughter.  My personal goal is to have it finished and blocked before the 19th so that I can bring it along when we pick up the wedding dress from alterations.  I'd like to know beforehand if the shawl will actually look good with the dress rather than showing up at the wedding and thinking it's a good idea and then discover it's not.

Never content to only have one knitting project in progress, especially one that is very special and has a time limit like a wedding shawl, this is what I cast on June 1st.  I, of course, am weak and was lured into Camp Loopy with The Loopy Ewe again this year.  

I'm knitting the Magpie Cowl with Alisha Goes Around Richness (of Martens) Fingering yarn in the Evening Lilac colorway.  Oh my word, this yarn is a thrill to knit with!!!  75% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Cashmere, 10% Silk.  The pattern is easily memorized and this is great tv knitting, nice since the lace wedding shawl isn't so much.

Wedding Shawl Progressing

However...

See the blob of yarn?  This is an example of one step forward, two steps back.  This shawl pattern (Shetland Triangle Lace Shawl by Evelyn Clark) has 'rest' rows of all purl on the odd rows and it was at the end of one of those rows that I found a mistake on the previous pattern row.  I used my crazy fixin' skills to try and avoid going back, but I really wasn't totally satisfied with the way it looked.  Back it went and this is the result.

I will say though that this is by far one of the most enjoyable things I've knit in a long time.  I'm using Venezia Sport by Cascade Yarns (Mmmm....silk) and it's just a joy to knit.

Onward and upward!

Deep Thoughts:  To live a creative life we must first lose our fear of being wrong

Ready to Cast On for Camp Loopy!

Sheri from The Loopy Ewe recently announced all the rules/parameters for the 2012 Camp Loopy – and of course I’m in!  You may remember mom and I went to The Loopy Ewe Spring Fling in 2011 in St. Louis and had a blast!!!  So naturally when Sheri sponsors any kind of an event I want to jump in.

 

For Project One I’ll be in the Brown/Black Canoe.  We are to knit/crochet something from a designer not from our country.  My pattern is the Merlia Scarf by Elena Nodel – from Russia.  It is a gorgeous cable scarf and I believe will be a perfect Christmas gift for the perfect someone.

 

No surprise – the yarn I’m using is from MadelineTosh – Vintage in the Antique Lace colorway.  Cannot wait to knit with this!

The rules state that we cannot cast on until May 27, so as you can see from the photo above I have my pattern printed and one hank of yarn wound.  We have 30 days to finish this project and I am so ready to start!!!

OH – and Sheri always has fun t-shirts and such for us to get at each of her events.  This year she has one of the ever popular tumblers – with the Camp Loopy logo – too cute!!!

Sock #1–Socks of Kindness

I *finally* have the hankerin’ to knit again and more specifically, knit socks.  And though it was so very tempting to pick up the new yarn I got for Christmas… or the new yarn I bought on a field trip Saturday (more on that later), I took a look at some of my WIP’s (works in progress) and decided that I would feel much better if I finish some of them up before starting something new.

 

And I’m glad I did!  Hot off the needles from earlier this evening, I give you the first in a pair (hopefully!) using the Socks of Kindness pattern.  The pattern is actually a ‘recipe’ that the author posted on Flickr and I really like how it turned out.

 

It can be rather iffy when you use any hand dyed or multi-colored yarn on a sock with a lacey pattern.  Sometimes the bold colors can obscure the pattern, which is why I usually do a vanilla sock with many of my hand dyed yarns.  But this worked out beautifully.

 

My notes in Ravelry from when I started the sock say that the yarn is some that my mom had given me long ago and at that time we thought it was a Lorna’s Lace yarn, but I have no idea the colorway.

And now I will make a confession for all the world, or at least the world that reads my blog, will now know.  I started this sock on 3/28/2008!!!!  I really must hate to rush into things!  

My plan is to go in there and cast on Sock #2 while I’m still excited about them.  SSS (Second Sock Syndrome) is a real problem around here!

** Linking to Get Your Craft On, Take a Look Tuesday

Pine Forest Baby Blanket

I FINALLY finished knitting the baby blanket for my ex-boss and got it in the mail to him and his family – woohoo!!!

 

I am thrilled with how it turned out.

 

Isn’t it pretty?  I can just imagine a baby girl wrapped up in this.

 

And this is the little note I put inside when I mailed the blanket.  I wanted mom to know it’s ok to wash and dry.

I used Baby Bee Sweet Delight yarn from Hobby Lobby in the Boo Pink color.  It really is very soft and I can see me using it again and again for baby blankets.  The pattern is Pine Forest Baby Blanket (Ravelry link) and is free.

WIP Wednesday

I think one of the problems I have with keeping up with and actually finishing some of my projects is that I just have so many things in the works!  I walk into my room in the evening to do *something* and relax and really too often I can’t even remember what I’m working on or ready to do next.  SURELY this will help keep me on my toes!!!

 

I am seriously in love with this yarn!  I bought it at The Loopy Ewe when mom and I were up there in April for the Spring Fling. We were actually the first group to get to visit the store and oh my word it was like yarn overload – how in the world is a girl supposed to choose among all those fabulous options?  I did pretty good though since I went armed with a list of projects and this was one of the skeins I bought.  It’s Malabrigo (mmmm……) Sock in the Prinavera colorway.  absolutely gorgeous!

It’s going to be a Melody Shawl (though mine will be a scarf) just as soon as I can locate the project that holding my KnitPicks needles hostage!

 

This will very soon be a DARLING dress for my new American Girl doll!  I just got her and her entire bedroom set last weekend from a friend whose daughter doesn’t play with them.  I am BEYOND thrilled and pictures will be soon.  It will all stay at my house and when B comes to visit I am certain that she and I will have so much fun playing!  And fortunately I still have Lynne’s Samantha doll at the house so that there will be two to play with.  ~ very happy sigh ~

 

This will soon be what I am hoping will be something to keep me organized with my crafting!  I have some awesome friends that I don’t get to see nearly often enough, so I whined and sniveled via email that maybe we could at least share pictures of our projects. Or better yet post a challenge every now and then so it’s sorta like we’re working together – only apart.  This will be the first challenge project and I’m beyond thrilled with how it looks…in my mind. 

Mara Shawl for Mom

When I thought about my mom’s upcoming surgery of course I wanted to do something to try and make it better.  As a knitter, the first thing that came to mind was to knit a shawl, something to put around her shoulders to provide warmth and comfort.

 

This shawl was an absolute joy to knit.  I used Brooks Farm Mas Acero yarn, which is a dreamy wool/silk blend. 

 

My wonderful sister-in-law volunteered to stand in as the model, and I’ll admit we had quite a bit of fun with it.  Actually, we have quite a bit of fun no matter what we’re doing. 

 

The Mara Shawl would more technically be called a shawlette as it’s a bit smaller than most shawls.  But mom loved the size as it was perfect for that little something to throw over your shoulders.

And yes, my mother loved it!

 

* Linking and Sharing with:

WIP Wednesday–and Knitting Excitement!

First up I’ve been working on the 198 Yards of Heaven and am loving it!  Lace knitting never looks pretty until it’s blocked, so keep that in mind.  All I lack is the border and it will be finished.

 

My focus knitting right now is the Mara Shawl by Madelinetosh.  I’m using Brooks Farm Mas Acero yarn and it is a dream to knit with. I cast this on because I needed some knitting that didn’t require much thought to work on during The Loopy Ewe Spring Fling this weekend!

 

And I finished two quilt blocks at the retreat I went on recently. This is a block of the month from my favorite quilt shop and the theme this year is Civil War.

 

On to my “knitting excitement” news, which I referenced above.  I’ll be flying out Thursday morning with my mom, headed to St. Louis for Spring Fling, a knitting retreat! It’s hosted each year by The Loopy Ewe and I’m so glad mom and I have the opportunity to go.

Shawl for Samantha

The Dallas Hand Knitting Guild had a mystery shawl program that ran over several months.  Because knitting lace, especially lace with beads, was a totally new thing for me I opted to knit the doll size rather than a shawl for me.  The pattern, Sheryl’s Request,  was written by The Knitting Fairy and was a delight to knit.  I’m thrilled that I thought ahead enough to buy enough yarn and beads to also knit one for me. 

(Do you see on the left side of the photo above that my cat was keeping an eye on this photo shoot?)

 

There’s something about American Girl dolls and I was shocked to hear that they retired Samantha.  I wanted to get one for my mom, so I started stalking Craigslist and eBay.  I was thrilled to find what I wanted.

 

The dress that Samantha is wearing was purchased at an Etsy shop (if you haven’t visited Etsy, you must!  So many fabulous handmade items) called Susiestitchit’s Sewing Shop.  I highly recommend this seller – quality sewing and fast delivery.

I am so happy with this shawl and am happy that I no longer fear knitting lace or knitting with beads.  I also got a little pep talk at the guild meeting from a friend and she convinced me to knit lace using a chart – and I haven’t looked back.

WIP Wednesday

Right now this is the project I’m concentrating the most on.  I’m going on a knitting retreat with my mom to St. Louis at the end of April (Spring Fling with The Loopy Ewe!) and the KAL’s (knit alongs) have begun. 

This scarf pattern is la Novia by Anne Hanson and it’s a great pattern to knit.  The yarn is Dream In Color Classy – Into The Mystic colorway.

So about the color…..I bought this yarn online and my eyes saw it as a white yarn with red specks.  When I opened the package I was so disappointed and of course went back online and saw that yes, the picture was accurate online, but my brain must have interpreted the color as something totally different.  Rather than pout I decided to go ahead and cast on for the project it was intended for.  The yarn is *fabulous* to knit with, but it’s not a fun project to work on since I don’t love the color.

I did hold the yarn up against my coat and it will look great, so in the end all will work out. 

January Vanilla Socks

Thanks to the Year of Stash Socks group on Ravelry I present to you my January “Vanilla” socks (well ok, there’s only one sock in the photo, but it really does have a mate)!  The group has two patterns we can choose from and if we don’t use one of those we are welcome to do a plain vanilla sock, which really is best when using some of the awesome self-patterning yarn.

The yarn I used is Marks & Kattens Clown yarn in colorway 1685, knit on size 2 dpn’s.  I’m thrilled with how they turned out and rather impressed with myself that I finished knitting a pair of socks in one month. 

Take a look at the awesome sock blocker I now have!  So cute and I’ve wanted one forever.  Finally decided on the sheep blocker from The Loopy Ewe and couldn’t be happier.

And yes, that is ice my sock is resting on.  The Dallas area doesn’t get a lot of snow – or ice - , nor do we get it very often.  Unfortunately this storm dropped ice on us and all the area schools and most businesses were closed today…and most have announced closure tomorrow as well.  The funny part of it is that in the midst of all the weather related news coverage they seemed to be most upset over the fact that the Super Bowl will be here Sunday, and here it is cold and icy!  We do take our football seriously in the south.

WIP Wednesday

Some of the projects I have going on are bigger projects and I just hate it that it takes so long before I can share a picture.  I’ve decided to occasionally post a WIP (Work In Progress) post on Wednesdays.  Really a WIP post *has* to be on Wednesday because it feeds my love of alliteration. 

 

Mom and I have talked before about how sometimes you see a project and it just grabs you.  That’s exactly what happened to me with this project.  Little Miss Shabby is doing a year long BOM (block of the month) quilt called Birdie Stitches.  In addition to quilting it also features embroidery.

And I’ve finally gotten over feeling like I must venture out and choose my own fabrics or yarn and not use exactly what the designer used on the model.  When I saw this first block the stitching AND the fabric worked together to grab me and convince me to make the quilt.  My Moda Layer Cake in the Sunkissed pattern has arrived and I’ll be starting my block tomorrow.

--<>--

Last year the bulk of my knitting was charity knitting and while I still very much want to continue with that I also want to do some other knitting as well.  I joined a group on Ravelry called YOSS – Year of Stash Socks 2011.  The premise is that instead of joining one of the fabulous sock clubs that instead we will knit a pair of socks or mittens using our stash of yarn every month during 2011.

Even if I don’t knit a pair every month I’m thrilled to pull out some of the yarn I already have.  You see, I *love* my yarn stash and everything I purchased I did so because I loved it….and still do.  So this is very satisfying to me.

The first pair of socks are coming right along and I just have a few more rounds to finish out the toe.  I’m using a self-striping yarn - Clown by Marks & Kattens and am loving it.  Self-striping yarns are fun to knit with as you get to watch the pattern develop as you go.

--<>--

This is the Advent Scarf pattern by Kristin Benecken.  I’m using JaggerSpun Zephyr Wool Silk in the Vanilla color and some pearl beads.  This scarf is turning out simply divine and I’m thoroughly enjoying knitting it.  The pattern was released a section a day for the 24 days prior to Christmas, but I went into it never intending to finish it during that time.  I sit in the evening, knit and listen to a book on tape and can feel all the days troubles just melt away – seriously.  And what a gorgeous scarf I’ll have to wear next year.

Mission Crafts Ministry–Dishcloths

Last night the Mission Crafts Ministry met up at the church and of course we had a wonderful time.  The more I meet with these ladies the more I fall in love with them.  Their giving hearts and ready laughter can life a spirit better than anything.

Our project for Thanksgiving and Christmas is to knit dishcloths to include in our food baskets that will be distributed.  The “guidelines” were to either knit or crochet any pattern, any color and any size – we like to stay loose with rules. 

I’m happy to say that we’ve met the Thanksgiving number goal and are heading towards Christmas now!  It was so much fun to look through the cloths that were brought last night and see all the different colors and textures.  We have a card maker that is going to make a gift card to go along with each dishcloth as well.  Unfortunately I don’t have any pictures at all of the pile of dishcloths last night, but will try to remember to do so at Christmas.

We also started knitting Tribbles last night and that has turned out to be fun!  One small ball of Sugar n Cream yarn will make a Grandmother’s Favorite dishcloth and a Tribble, thus making us able to really utilize all the yarn we have.

 

Speaking of yarn, if anybody is thinking about starting a similar ministry at their church I would encourage you to let the congregation, and your family, know that you will be needing yarn and needles.  We put the call out to the congregation and people are cleaning out closets and bringing yarn to us.  And the basket above came from my mother-in-law – she bought it and the package of needles at an estate sale.  The yarn is two layers deep and I’ll bet there’s 50 or so knitting needles and crochet hooks in the package.  What a great blessing to have supplies available to us!

Lace Shell Stitch Baby Afghan

Just finished the last of the baby blankets that I’ve been knitting.  Knitting a baby blanket is truly a soul satisfying project for me.  Just thinking of the new life coming, praying for health and happiness, remembering what it what like waiting for the baby to arrive – it all adds up to a happy feeling.

 

 

This blanket was for the daughter of a dear friend of mine – her first baby!  Obviously from the color they knew they were having a boy.  :)

 

 

The yarn is Bernat Baby Sport in the Funny Prints colorway and I used exactly one skein (it’s one of the great big skeins).  The pattern is from my mom – she used the Lace Shell Stitch and added the borders.

This is another baby blanket that I’m very pleased with.  I washed the blanket before gifting – naturally – and the yarn softened up and is very cuddly.  Can’t wait to receive a picture of Baby Sidney with the blanket!

 

** Linking to Get Your Craft On

Hat #4 for Red Andrews Dinner – Brangelina Hat

This was the first time I’ve used a bulky weight yarn for a hat and I wasn’t sure I’d like the final result.  It’s Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick and I *love* the color (barley) and enjoyed knitting with the yarn.  And one thing about it, knitting with big yarn means you finish a project very fast!

So when my lovely model (husband!) and I headed outside for the photo shoot he told me that this is the most comfortable hat I’ve made – and said that without any prompting from me!  I did tell him I’d make one for him since all these hats were for charity and I’m a little embarrassed I haven’t knit a hat for him yet.

The pattern is by Crazy Aunt Purl and is called the Brangelina Hat.  I bought the yarn at Michael’s, of course using a 40% off coupon.  I think this pattern and yarn might be my “go to” combo for hats for charity going forward.

A note about personal goals/quotas – I had said at the first of the year that I planned to knit a hat a month to donate to the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner in OKC to follow in my mom’s footsteps.  Of course when you say something like that life will happen and I’ve only gotten 4 done so far.  But here’s the thing about personal goals/quotas – even if you don’t make the number you hoped for, there will still be 4 people that will be a little warmer this year with my hats.  I’ve looked at this several different ways and it all comes out good to me.  I’ll try again next year for more.  :)

And in case you want a reminder, here’s the previous 3 hats I knit:

Hat #3 – Cross Skull Hat
Hat #2 – Hurricane Hat
Hat #1 – Classic World War II Watch Cap

 

** Linking to I’m Lovin’ It, Show and Share, Get Your Craft On

Cable Baby Blanket

The baby blessings are all around and that means quite a few knitted baby blankets.  The wonderful thing is that there are so many beautiful patterns and yarns to try, so every blanket will be unique and fun to knit.

 

This blanket was knit for a dear friend’s daughter’s baby boy.  He isn’t due for a couple of weeks yet, but he did try to make an early appearance.  I guess he just can’t wait to get here and meet his new family!  Fortunately he changed his mind.  :)

 

The pattern is the Cable Blanket from the Debbie Bliss book Simply Baby.  This is one of the very few times I’ve bought a knitting pattern book with really the intention of only knitting one pattern.  But the knit and purl cable really struck me and once you fall in love with a pattern there’s not much else you can do.

 

I used Knit Picks Shine Sport yarn and the color is Hydrangea.  I *love* this yarn – it knits up so soft and has great stitch definition.  Really there is only one negatives to the yarn - the fact that it comes 110 yard/50 gram balls which means there are a lot of ends to weave in.   But the finished product is so wonderful that it’s worth it.

Now to wait patiently for him to get here so I can get a picture of him with his blanket.   Prayers are with the family as we wait. 

 

* Linking to Get Your Craft On, Toot Your Horn Tuesday, Take A Look Tuesday, Topsy Turvy Tuesday, We Did It Wednesday, Whatever Goes Wednesday

Easy Peasy Squares Blanket

I still am amazed when I realize that not only does my son have a daughter, but my nephew is having children as well.  I remember these two boys being so young and playing and running outside together.  They would come inside so sweaty and laughing and talking fast about the fun they had.  Now they get to be on the other side of things and watch their children do the same things.

My nephew’s 2nd son was born recently, little Keith, named after my brother-in-law.  I don’t have pictures of him yet, but hoping I will soon.  They live halfway across the country from us, so we’re relying heavily on computers for things like that.

 

 

I knit a blanket for little Keith and am thrilled with how it turned out.  The pattern officially is the Easy Peasy Squares Blanket by Kelly McCraw, but I used the changes made by Wool Winder on Ravelry.  In fact, I loved the blanket she did so much that mine is exactly the same, even down to the yarn – although I did get crazy bold and choose my own color. 

The yarn is Baby Bee Hushabye Solid (Hobby Lobby) and this is the Surfmommy color.  It is the most unique feeling yarn and has a very interesting twist to it.  Love the stitch definition and will gladly do this blanket again and again.  And of course my personal requirement on baby blankets is that the yarn be washer/dryer safe as new mom’s have plenty of other things to worry about and shouldn’t have to hand wash and dry flat.  :)

I highly recommend this pattern and yarn – it’s a great project for TV watching and I think it turned out quite nice.

 

 

** Linking to Weekend Wrapup Party, Saturday Night Special, Check Me Out Saturday, Under The Table and Dreaming