Knitting with Mitchie

A Contest!!! What should I knit next? You decide…

2008-10-28T13:45:00.002-05:00

A Contest!!! What should I knit next? You decide…

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Help DK decide on her next project.

SOTSiii - Hint #1

2008-08-21T23:07:00.002-05:00

Here is my first hint of Secret of the Stole iii. I know Jo is going to knit this one too but she has to finish up a project. I LOVE the beads in the stole and placing them is super easy. No prestaranding the 600+ beads the stole needs.

As for what I think the answer to hint #1 is its TREE, But I could be wrong.

Swatched

2008-08-04T06:47:00.002-05:00

I have my SOTS 3 swatch done and it is now unblocked. The 15th can NOT get her fast enough the wait is KILLING me.

Yarn Fairy & Olympics Knitting

2008-07-30T12:03:00.004-05:00

I got some more yarn yesterday. There is 8 skeins of Wool of the Andes, 5 skeins of Palette, 3 skeins of Gloss lace (this is for SOTS3), 1 skein of CotLin, set of Harmony size 3 24" Circulars (also for SOTS 3), and a set of size 13 Options tips. The size 13 tips are to knit a bag with. I was surprised I didn't have this size but had the size 15 tips.

Here is A Little Slip of a Thing that I finished up this morning. I added the grommets and tied on the strap. I will be making 2 more of these during the Ravelry Olympics. I hope to get both done before the closing ceremonies.

Stole Time

2008-07-20T17:09:00.003-05:00

After seeing the last 2 secret of the stoles, I decided it was time to get over my fear of knitting lace with lace weight yarn. Charts don't scare me its knitting lacy delicate lace that gets me. I have no clue why I have issues. Maybe its because I have a 3 yr old and have concentration issues.

I picked out Knit Picks Gloss after originally picking out Knit Picks Shadow. The more I looked at Pink Posy Heather the more I thought it was WAY too pink for my tastes. With Brian's Help we picked out Gloss in Celery. Along with the yarn I got a set of Knit Picks Harmony needles. I have a set of their 32" needles in nickel but they felt too long when I was knitting my sample.

Houston: We have a single...

2008-05-02T17:17:00.003-05:00

You heard me right I have single on the wheel. :) Only a week later and I'm up and running. Thank you Paradise Fibers and your Lendrum How-To Videos. Here are pictures of the roving and the single on the bobbin. They roving is from Yarn Smiths in Springfield, Ohio. (THANK-YOU MOMMY!!!)

The Knitter and the Wheel

2008-04-28T18:50:00.002-05:00

After several post on different forums I have found out the my wheel is an Ashford Traditional. It is actually a Kit Kraft versio0ns from the 60's/70's single treadle, single drive, and single speed. On a very positive note, I can get all the extras for if it where a newer traditional.

We have been going through our acquaintance period and are starting to get to know each other. I have figured out treadling and seem to have that down to a consistent motion. Now if we could get our act together and get the draft to stay with the leader to make a single.

I took off the white "leader" , for lack of a better word, that was on the one bobbin and replaced it with some Knit Picks Palette yarn. We've been able to get about 2 inches worth of roving to stay and try to put some twist into it. The attempts at spinning only last 15 minutes or so then I get frustrated and put wheel back in "time out".

Michelle is doing VERY well with the wheel. Every once in while she'll put her foot on the treadle or touch the end of the flyer by the orifice. I had to put the kate under my desk in the cubby area so she would leave it be. I guess 3 empty bobbins look like a fun thing to play with.

On another note, I've gotten creative and built a second spindle. This one is light enough that I can get some rather thin singles from to hopefully ply and make a lace weight. I do know next time I ply it will be on the wheel cause plying on a spindle was NOT very fun and it took a few days of spinning.

Wheel

2008-04-24T18:27:00.004-05:00

Here is the wheel. Right now it is a mystery wheel. Originally I though it was an Ashford Tradtional but I see no plate or any of the normal Ashford marks.

We have YARN!

2008-04-22T06:22:00.003-05:00

Plying

Pre wash
Post Wash

Drying

and YARN!!!!

This is my first skein of yarn. Spun and plyed it ALL on the spindle. Measured my Niddy Noddy(which is made from PVC pipe) and counted the wraps to come up with roughly 272yrd. I'm going to guess and say I've for a sport weight yarn.

PS3: Orange, Pink & Red

2008-03-12T14:02:00.003-05:00

Change Purse

Wallet

Purse

Here is Michelle's new ensemble. They are made from Lilly Sugar 'n Cream 100% Cotton. The color is Lazy Daisy. I really like how the orange and pink are varigated through with a touch of yellow. The set just screams sping to me.

PS3: Fire

2008-03-02T13:45:00.002-06:00

Here is my Project Spectrum: Fire Project.

Project Specturm: Elemental Fire

2008-02-14T07:33:00.002-06:00

I have started on my second project spectrum project. The first one is a pair of ankle length socks. Now If I had a camera that worked LOL I would post a picture of the socks.

The sweater is being done in Baby Bee Sweet Delight Baby in Carrots Oh No!! LOL I get a kick out of the name for the yarn. This will be the first adult sized sweater I've done. Hope it will fit my mom when its done. I know how to knit sweaters and piece them together so No big deal.

Now I just need to get it knitted. Ha Ha. I've only got 30" for the back to do then work the pattern for the front. I figured knitting it in would be a little easier than tryingto go back and do a duplicate stitch later on.

Knitting with Debbie

2008-01-30T09:57:00.000-06:00

I enjoy reading Debbie Macomber books and have also found out that she is a knitter and also has several knitting books out now. The one books coincides with one of her novels. I think I'm going to have to check out some of er knitting books.

Learning to Spin

2008-01-25T12:39:00.001-06:00

For Christmas I received a high whorl drop hand spindle. It is very beautiful and the hand painted design on the top is gorgeous. I also got the book "Spinning in the Old Way" by Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts. The book is VERY informative and full of illustrations. My problem, I'm just not grasping it.

Maybe this is going to be one of those I need to see it in SLOW motion to get it or it could be that I'm left handed and that is posing a problem. Who know with me. I'm "backwards" so that may just be my problem.

Here is my beautiful spinner.

Knitting "club"

2008-01-23T22:40:00.000-06:00

I finally ventured out of my "shell" and went to knitting group tonight. They meet one Wednesday nights for an hour for knitting and coffee. I had a really nice time and got to meet C.C., C.C.'s 8 yr old daughter, Damira, and Amy.

I took my Entrelac scarf with me to work one. I would really like to get it finished before the wedding in 3 weeks. I know I can do it if I stop starting NEW projects. That is my down fall, I see stuff I want to knit and sort of start it before I finish off another project. Since I have a nice LONG car ride to Florida I need something to work on while keeping Brian company and playing navigator.

Crochet Ville Spring Fling Swap Questionnaire

2008-01-14T14:30:00.000-06:00

Here is the questionnaire for the Crochet Ville Spring Fling Swap.

Since we are an international group I will do my best to match people from the USA with people in the USA and so on. If you have an APO/FPO address you have the option of swapping with someone in the USA or Over Seas. You can choose to contact your person or you can be completely secret. I like the TOTAL surprise aspect of swaps but that is just me.

Sign ups will be open from Today (Jan 14th) until February14th, yes I realize this is a month. I will try to have your swap Partners out to you before the February 28th. Your Box need to be post marked no LATER than March 31st, the weekend after Easter.

You can email me (knittinmitchie AT gmail DOT com) the questionnaire or leave it as a PM on the Ville(I'm KnittinMitchie). Also if you have any questions you can leave it here on the blog, email me or pm me.

Here are some suggestions for what to put in your pal's box:

At least one skein of yarn or thread
A pattern, this can be printed from the internet from a free pattern site, preferably something they can make with their skein of yarn or thread.
Small bag/bar of your pals favorite candy. After all the swap will be around Easter.

Questionnaire:

Full name and screen name:
Postal address:
Email address and preferred method of contact:
Price range 15£ or $15 (this DOES NOT include postage):
Any allergies? Pet free/ smoke free, what's your preference? Do you smoke or have pets?:
Color and fiber preference, favorite tool, favorite hook size, and what you like to crochet:
What do you drink Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa and what is your favorite candy:

Amigurumi Octopus

2008-01-10T12:43:00.001-06:00

Here is Mr. Octopus. The pattern is from Knit 1 Magazine and can be found HERE. His body is done in single crochet and the legs are i-Cords. Over all he is a rather easy projects.

Sheldon

2008-01-06T21:54:00.000-06:00

I finished Sheldon earlier today. He will be leaving our home in Texas and traveling to Virgina for a first birthday. Sheldon will have a n octopus as a travel partner once I get Mr. Octopus crocheted.

yarn swift

2007-12-23T14:13:00.000-06:00

I was looking at stuff online and came across directions for a Yarn Swift. As we all know they can get costly just like our friends the ball winder. I was rather surprised at how easy the directions where and how well it all assembled. Next time we make a trip out to Lowe's or Home Depot I might just pick up the stuff to make one. We know Brian is handy and this is right up his alley.

Secret Santa Gifts

2007-12-13T15:03:00.001-06:00

Thank you very much Robyn. I really really LOVE the Rowan Tapestry yarn. It is so very soft. I also like the mug, stick markers, note cards and the tea. The Rowan yarn will be knitted into something for ME! I might do the candle flame shaw or branching out. The colors are just wonderful in the yarn.

Little Rambo Outfit

2007-12-09T18:57:00.000-06:00

I have been busy knitting and crocheting cloths for Hershey. He has a crochet camo vest and knitted camo pants. I will have his back shirt done tonight or tomorrow depending on how hard the sleeves are going to be. The vest is an altered pattern for a child's crochet sweater. Thank fully preemie knit fit on Build a bears. I just had to leave a space for the tail to come out.

To My surprise

2007-12-04T12:48:00.000-06:00

I don't go on Ravelry everyday to read my groups or to put up things I am working on or have finished. Today I see at the top that I have new message. I click on it so I can see what the message is. Mostly its friends requests. OH but not today. I got a nice message from Interweave Knits! Staff wanting to know if they could put my fingerless gloves picture on the Hands up! page. YEAH you can!!! I am very happy that they would like to use one of my photos.

A knitters letter to Santa

2007-11-29T12:55:00.001-06:00

Dear Santa,
I would really like a ball winder for Christmas. I have been a good little knitter. Really I have. When projects get finished I try to remember to blog them or take picture and put them on Flickr. A ball winder would really make things easier and much much faster. Also Santa I would like to have some more yarn. My stash is not nearly big enough to keep me busy for a whole year. I never knit anything for myself, I always knit for others and give it all away or sell it on Etsy. Those who receive my knitted gift appreciate them and cherish them.

I have been a good knitter this year
Christine

Holiday knits

2007-11-27T14:48:00.000-06:00

I have been a busy little knitter trying to get my stuff knitted up so it can find its way in to the mail soon. I have knitted stuff up for my mother in law, father in law, sister in law and her fiance, and my mom.

I still have the second sock to knit on Brian's socks and Michelle's Reid sweater to do. I'm now in the air as to which size to knit for her on the sweater. I am thinking that I am going to knit the 4yr size instead of the 2yr that way she has more room to grow into it.

Entrelac Socks

2007-11-23T14:55:00.001-06:00

Entrelac Socks
Originally uploaded by KnittinMitchie

I am officially done with my entrelac socks. Finished them earlier today while watching "Happy Feet". They are even wrapped and ready to be mailed off for Christmas. Look at me I'm getting my knitting done early. HAHA Maybe I can tackle Michelle's Sweater and the candle flame shaw now.

Fingerless Gloves

2007-11-19T16:45:00.001-06:00

Fingerless Gloves
Originally uploaded by KnittinMitchie

I have finally Knitted My first pair of Gloves. YEAH ME!!! They are for a Christmas present. The pattern is from Interweave Knits Winter 2003 and it is from the Hands Up! Instructions. The creator of these wonderful finger less gloves is Kate Wetzel.

Sock it to me

2007-10-16T15:52:00.000-05:00

I have been on a roll lately with my knitting. It has to do with the fact that the weather has cooled off and not 90* come noon everyday. I have ventured out into the world of knitting and started a pair of entrelac socks. I liked bits of the pattern and gave it my own spin. While I am on the sock kick. I'll be finishing the pair I have started for Brian, which have been in the works since February. I guess that would make them a long term project.

Purdy Cute

2007-10-12T16:24:00.001-05:00

Here is my latest creation. My model was very please with my work. Getting her to hold still was the challenge. I am working on a small bag that will match the scarf.

Poor Neglected Blog

2007-10-09T01:43:00.000-05:00

WOW its sure has been awhile since I've blogged. I swear I'm alive. I have has some success with my Etsy store and had a customer order last month along with a sale. I had the opportunity to design a toilet paper cover for the custom order. The blue one is the first one I did for the custom order and the white one I recently finished last week. I have been working on a hand towel, wash cloth, and dish cloth to go with the toilet tissue covers.
How ever I have gotten some of my Christmas knitting/crochet done. I have things done for my Mother in law, sister in law and her fiance. I have socks started for my DH and my mom along with a hat/scarf combo for my DD. As to what to knit for my dad and father in law, well that just escapes me. I will probably knit my brother some fingerless gloves or a beanie style hat, lol maybe with a big 'ol pom pom on top. I still have over 2 months left to get stuff done. So we will see what I can turn out in that time.

Busy busy Beaver

2007-08-23T12:49:00.000-05:00

I 've been busy working on stuff for my Etsy Store. I've had 2 sales since I've opened it up. The forums tell me to advertise and "pimp" my store. LOL Some even suggest getting business cards to give to people who order from you so they can direct there friends to your store.

1. I have had only 2 sales.
2. I have an Etsy mini in 3 different places, apparently this is not enough.
3. No way an I gonna spend money on 250 business card and then wonder what to do with them if this doesn't work out.

However I have found a Child's apron pattern that I like and have been given permission to use the pattern to make aprons to sell. The one at the left is Sized to fit a 2-4 yr old or a Toddler basically. Now if my said Toddler would hold still and let me take her picture in it THAT would probably sell the thing.

Etsy Store

2007-07-24T18:36:00.000-05:00

Awhile back I decide that I wanted to knit & crochet some stuff to sell on line. So I researched and thought and pondered and thought some more. After all of this I went with Etsy.com, which is like a craft only Ebay. I knitted a lace doily then crocheted a few doilies and knitted a couple of dish cloths.
Last Saturday I listed what I had gotten finish during the week. On Monday to my surprise on of my dish cloths had sold :) :) That was the high light of my day yesterday.
The really nice thing is that I can stick a blurb on my blog so take a look on the right hand side and feel free to click to visit my store.

Knitting Lace

2007-07-07T14:31:00.001-05:00

#1 is after round 35 and #2 is pinned and starched.

Last week I decided to join in on a Lace Knit a Long. What better way to do a lace pattern than a doily. I hunted and hunted for on that look pretty and some what simple to do. I found one HERE that looked easy. After about the 66th round I was feeling rather tired of knitting the doily so I cast off. Instead of being the full 15 inches it is supposed to be its about 12 inches. It is done with Patons Grace in Lavender.

not much to report

2007-06-28T12:56:00.000-05:00

I haven't been the busiest knitter lately. With going to Ohio to visit my family and with the weather being so humid and hot I just haven't had the desire to sit down and knit. I did start a felted bag and I need to get the ends knitted on so it can be felted. It is Red & Black to keep with teh project spectrum theme.

Lace Edge Dress

2007-05-11T12:14:00.000-05:00

I just finished a lace edge doll dress of my own design. I don't know if I'm totally sold on the design or not. I do know that the I-Cords needed to be longer than what I made them but I guess that is half the fun of designing and writing your own patterns. I do know that I will knit this one again but I think I'm going to use a lighter weight yarn. The worsted weight is fine but I would like to see more of the lace work a little better. Also Next time I'm going to leave off the I-Cord and see what I get.

Knitted Doll Mittens

2007-05-04T23:45:00.000-05:00

I made these on the fly. I think they will fit Dora. You might have to drop out an increase. My doll has a wide round hand and I used her to fit the mitten. If the mittens are too big at the cuff slide a bit of elastic tread through to make it fit better.

Knitted Doll Mittens
Materials:
Size US 2 (3mm)Set of 5 Double Pointed Needles
Small amount of Sport Weight yarn. ( I used left over bits from my stash)
tapestry needle.

Cast On 20 stitches, Join make sure you do not twist. ( divide stitches 5 on each needle)
Round 1: Knit Even
Round 2: Purl Even
By putting in a purl row it keeps the mitten from rolling and also gives it a small cuff.
Round 3 -10: Knit Even
Round 11: Knit 4, increase in the 5th stitch, Repeat around (24 sts)
Round 12 & 14: Knit Even
Round 13: Knit 5, increase in the 6th stitch, Repeat around (28 sts)
Round 15: Knit 6, Increase in the 7th stitch, Repeat around (32 sts) This is the increase you might want to omit if it is too wide for Dora's hand. If you skip this round omit rounds 20 & 21.
Round: 16 - 19: knit Even
Round 20: Knit 6, K2tog, Repeat around. (28 sts)
Round 21,23,25 & 27: Knit Even
Round 22: Knit 5, K2tog, Repeat around (24 sts)
Round 24: Knit 4, K2tog, Repeat around (20 sts)
Round 26: Knit 3, K2tog, Repeat around (16 sts)
Round 28: Knit 2, K2tog, Repeat around (12 sts)
Round 29: Knit 1, K2tog, Repeat around (8 sts)
Cut yarn and tread trough the last 8 stitches. Pull tight to close. Make sure you tie off the yarn in the inside of the mitten.

Dora's Double

2007-05-03T13:29:00.000-05:00

From let to Right: Original Outfit, School Days (I need to finish the bag) Going to Graceland ( there is a pair of white sock and blue saddle shoes), T-E-A-M, and Sunday Go To ( Which is done in Texas A&M colors)

Here are what I have done so far for Michelle's Dora doll that Nana got her for her Birthday next month. I have been stash busting to make the outfits. I found that I had quiet a few small balls of yarn that where not quiet big enough to make any thing on the larger side so they became doll cloths. LOL Now I can buy more yarn once I empty our my small Rubbermaid tub.

Crochet Bag Exchange Bag

2007-04-30T19:32:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of my bag from Nadine. She also sent me a crochet Snowman, a ceramic thimble and post cards from Long Lake, New York. Long Lake sounds like a nice quiet place to live and spend time. Maybe one day I can make it out that way.

I've got stuff in my bag and even took it to Lowe's tonight. It holds a skein of yarn along with my wallet and keys REALLY well. There was even room for Michelle's snack and toy.

Granny Square

2007-04-24T10:22:00.000-05:00

Done with one skien of Peaches & Cream.

Granny Square Bag

2007-04-23T15:47:00.000-05:00

The colors for Project Spectrum: April & May are Pink, Yellow, & Green. I have had fun working with these colors. The crochet bag group that I belong to is doing a Spring bag exchange and I just couldn't resist using my bright spring colors.
The bag is done with Lion Micro spun in Buttercup, Lime, Mango, Fuchsia, and Turquoise. The 2 small dish cloths where knitted with Peaches & Cream Lemon-Lime and the doily is done with DMC cotton #10 thread. The doily pattern cam from Crochet Pattern Central and is called "My First Doily". I had no troubles doing the doily and it took me about a day. (After I redid what some one small tore out that is)

Project Spectrum 2.0: Daisy

2007-04-16T14:24:00.000-05:00

I just finished up this hat from Itty Bitty Hats by Susan B. Anderson. The hat is in the newborn size and will fit on a 15-18 inch doll. There are many wonderful hats in her book as well as a simple rolled brim hat pattern.

Project Spectrum 2.0: Doll Cloths

2007-04-08T23:41:00.000-05:00

I found a doll cloths pattern here. The pattern includes a jacket shirt and pants. I am going to knit them out of Lion Microspun in Lime, Buttercup, and Fuchsia. The doll cloths will be for a Build-a-Bear dog instead of a doll. Since the pants are done in two parts it shouldn't be too hard to leave a space for the tail. I also think the jacket looks like a Baby Knit Surprise by Elizabeth Zimmermann.

Crochet Doily

2007-04-05T21:02:00.000-05:00

I got some DMC Traditions crochet thread from Wal-Mart on Tuesday. It is # 5109 which is a verigated yellow, pink, green, & blue. I think it was the green & pink that caught my attention. I use the Octagon Dishcloth. I only did 8 of the 9 rounds with a size 10 steel hook. I still need to go and block it so the edges lay down flat and ad some starch so it stays flat.

Project Spectrum 2.0: April & May

2007-04-02T20:17:00.000-05:00

With Easter this weekend I have been busy. I have also been able to killed 2 birds with one stone so to speak. April & Mays Colors are Pink, Yellow, & Green. The washcloths I have knitted for Mitchie's Easter basket are yellow & green variegated with a little bit of white in it. Along with the wash cloths I have a flower purse from Lion brand picked out to crochet in pink with a yellow center and the green with be the stem and handle.

Felted Bag

2007-03-21T11:34:00.000-05:00

Here a link to a cute felted crochet bag. I haven't done this one yet but it sounds easy. I got the link from the yahoo Crochet bags group.

I haven't had too much time lately to work on anything worth while since Michelle started swim lessons and has PT. I did how ever get another dishcloth knitted up and it has the state of Ohio in it. The creator of the pattern has all 50 states and Canada.

Garterlac Dish cloth

2007-03-15T10:55:00.000-05:00

This was a quick and simple project once my brain got the instructions and concept. I think I had a knitard moment or something when I tried it earlier. Here is the link to the Garterlac Dishcloth.

I used Peaches & Cream worsted weight cotton in Orange and I think that I'm going to have to make a few more since I like it so much.

I killed it

2007-03-14T07:45:00.000-05:00

Monday was just a normal day UNTIL my computer locked up then began to make a beeping noise and had to be given a hard shut down. Meaning I had to turn of the power by turning off the power strip. So I turn the power back on and NOTHING. So Brian opened it up to take a look and decided that the inside needed blown out, which he did. the tried to turn it on again, STILL nothing. The downside to this is that I have knitting patterns on my computer. The upside, I can take the hard drive out and get the stuff I need off of it. I'm an hoping that what ever is wrong is a cheap fix. One of the perks to building your own computer is that you can replace parts with out voiding a warranty :) I an praying it is not the mother board but the power supply. So we'll have to see what Brian finds out when e tears it apart tonight after work.

Crochet Mini Tote

2007-03-09T14:54:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of the Crochet Mini Tote that I got from the Yahoo Group Crochet bags. I used Black worsted wool with a white and silver crochet thread as a carruing yarn. I did how ever change the handles from what the patterns said. I just did 11 rows of Double Crochet. In addtion I added a button to hel keep it closed.

I have made a second one for Michelle because she liked mine SO much. I also crocheted a large change purse to put my ID and things in; which fits nicely inside the bag.

Michie's New Bag

2007-02-20T18:37:00.000-06:00

Since the colors for Project Spectrum 2.o : February & March are Blue, White, & Grey, I crocheted Michelle a bag. I used the same yarn as the Teddy Bear sweater, then felted it. Her bag is big enough for her to carry toys around in but not TOO big that she trips over it or drags it on the floor.

I am now crocheting a Teddy Bear with Blue Lion Microspun for Jacob Michael.

Project Spectrum 2.0 : February & March Pt 4

2007-02-17T23:01:00.000-06:00

I have finished the sweater for Hershey, Michelle's Build-a-Bear dog. A black Teddy Bear is modeling it for you in the picture. The sweater is a 3-6 month size, which was the smallest size in the directions.

Project Spertrum 2.0 : February & March pt 3

2007-02-12T15:35:00.000-06:00

I am making good progress on the sweater. Here are the body panels and one of the sleeves. If I would have know this sweater was so easy to knit up I would have planned another project. To block the panels I pinned them down with stright pins onto a Press & Cut mat. The sleeve goes all the way to the end but that's okay. Then I put the iron on low heat and steamed over the panels, hopefully the edges will not curl in so much now. I'm knitting up the second sleeve, then it's time to piece together.

Project Spectrum2.0 : February & March Pt 2

2007-02-01T14:10:00.000-06:00

I have started my sweater from Debbie Bliss' Simply Baby. It looks like an easy sweater to knit. However the instructions do not call for blocking. I;m thinking that blocking would be a good thing. That way the seams line up right. Since I didnt notice that the sweater only went up to the 12-18 month size, I'm knitting the smallest size for Michelle's Build A Bear dog. The buttons are on the shoulders of hte sweater and it is for a stuffed toy. Now to figure out how to put the buttons on along with some velcro, that way she will be able to "dress" Hershey (that's the dog's name).

About 4 inches of the front pannel in Stockinette stitch.
Stripes are 2 rows wide and the bottom is done in Garter stitch.

Crochet Hat

2007-01-31T15:49:00.000-06:00

Every good knitter should be able to crochet. So I went a bought a crochet kit so I could relearn the skill. For my first project I desided to takle a hat. I can knit in the round, which is a LOT harder that crochet in the round. Here is my hat. It is done with a Size J/10.5 hook and worsted weight yarn I aquired from Anne.

Sockentine Swap Socks

2007-01-31T15:25:00.000-06:00

I have finished my socks for the Knitting Help Sock Swap. Let's just say that I will not be knitting with elastic blend any time in the near future. That was the hardest stuff that I have worked wit yet. I think I'll take a bunky of supper bulky fuzzy yarn over that stuff.

The yarn is Knit Picks Dancing-Rumba in fingerign weight.

Project Spectrum 2.0 - February & March pt. 1

2007-01-26T12:07:00.000-06:00

Its getting closer and closer to the start of Project Spectrum 2.0. I am getting excited. I have my yarn picked out (which is on the right). It's Knit Picks Telemark Peruvian Wool in Icicle, the blue stuff, and Drift, the white stuff. I'm going to knit the Striped Sweater from DebbieBliss' Simply Baby. Since there are buttons on the shoulders of the sweater I'm going to put gray buttons on. So then I will have my Blue, White, and Gray.

Felting 101

2007-01-18T19:11:00.000-06:00

In preperation for Color Spectrum 2.0 I have went and bought all of my yarn that I will need. I found some crochet thread that is 88% cotton and 12% silver metalic. To go with the metalic thread I picked up some red and black wool.

Since I've never felted I knitted up a 4.5 inch by 4.5inch square using the metalic thread as a carrying yarn. Then put it in the washer with a some dark cloths in a mesh laundry bag. After that I put it in the dryer on high heat. Here are the before and after pics. The square is now about 4 inches by 4 inches. Before is on the Right and fter is on the Left

Vertical Striped Hat

2007-01-17T18:02:00.000-06:00

I saw this hat in Itty-Bitty Hats by Susan B. Anderson and knew that it just had to be knitted for Michelle. I acquired some Lion Brand Micro spun, and it just screamed at me to but knitted into this hat. So after a quick trip to Micheal's, with help of course, I picked out Mango and Fuchsia to go with the acquired Lime and Turquoise. I knitted the brim and first stripe in Carson Simply Soft Black so the other colors "POPPED".

Here is what I have done so far.

The Black is seed stitch, lime is Garter Stitch, Fuchsia is Stockinette, and Mango is Twisted Stitches. Each stripe is 8 stitches wide and 9 inches long. I cast on 88 stitches. There are 6 different stithces total. The other two stitches are a Basket weave and Cable.

Socks & Color Spectrum

2007-01-14T23:01:00.000-06:00

The first sock for the Sockentine Sock Swap is finished. After only three different starts, I can say I am proud of my work. Also, I managed to graft the toe and it look pretty darn good, if I do say so. Now its time to find skein #2 of said yar to knit the 2nd sock. I would like to have the 2nd sock done by next weekend so I can get them mailed.

Since my birthday was last Tuesday, i went ahead, broke down, and ordered the Knit Picks Options Needles. you know the ones for $59.99. Yeah I debated it out for awhile, then said, "Self you don't have any circulars. This would sove that problem." So the problem of buying individual circulars was solved. I am awaiting said needles so I can knit a potato chip scarf, whick I am looking forward to, seeingas its only and 9 row scarf. The down side is that it ends up being 12 feet long. I am REALLY thinkingabout modifying the scarf to make it a little shorter.

I am also going to participate in Lolly's Color Spectrum II. The colors for February/March are Blue, White & Grey. For this part of the project I hav desided to tackle a Striped Sweater from Debbie Bliss' Simply Baby. I dont think I'm truly ready to knit an adult size sweater. That isstill too much of an undertaking for me. Lord the socks I'm working on now have been bad enough. LOL The funny thing about hte sweater is I can't remember if I ordered the yarn form Knit Pick with hte needles LOL If not I'll just trek down ot Michael's or Hobby Lobby to get the yarn.

Felted Needle Holder

2007-01-08T14:47:00.000-06:00

I really like the needle holder but I don't like the way the needles are in there. My goal was to be able to put my Double Pointed Needles in it that way they where seperate from my straights. Not to mention this one is only 17 inches by 10 inches before felting. The pattern came in one of my weekly newsletters I get in my email. So I went to Knit Picks and picked out 7 colors that would work. As seeing Lion Wool comes in very large skeins and this is a small project I didn't want to have a bunch of extra wool left over.

Now the challenge is to figure out some sort of a pocket storage system for the DPNs. I was thinking about sewing some fabric to the inside and putting the pockets in that way, but I dont know how well sewing fabric to something felted would work.

Picture of hte Knitted Bear

2007-01-08T00:43:00.000-06:00

Her is a picture of the knitted Teddy Bear from Debbie Bliss' Simply Baby. I think the next time I knit him I'm going to knit the head and nose in the round. Sewing it together was kinda rough.

Knitted Bear, Part 2

2007-01-05T13:54:00.000-06:00

After spending some quality time with MR. Bear he is finally put together. I re knitted the body because I didn't like the way the first one looked. Here is the spoils of my hard work and sore fingers. I used Navy Blue Buttons for the eyes and nose and sewed them on with black embroidery floss.

I am having issues with the camera since Brian changed it from JPEG to RAW. So Pics will be posted when he gets home

Knitted Teddy Bear

2007-01-02T13:33:00.000-06:00

I started knitting Mr. Bear before we left Florida and am half way done with it. The Pattern is from Debbie Bliss' Simply Baby. The books is really neat and has some fun things to knit. The downside to the book is that it only goes up to about 18 months on some of the patterns. I originally wanted the book to knit a Shrug for Michelle but came across the Teddy Bear.

1st Project

2007-01-01T23:07:00.000-06:00

I have officially finished my first project of the New Year. I started it after I got my Nintendo DS because someone , who shall remain nameless, said" you gonna knit a case for your DS now?" So yes I knitted a small purse, or sort to put my DS in along with games and accessories. The blue spot is a button for the small pouch on the inside. When i did the make one incease, since I knitted fron the bottom up, it left a hole on all 4 sides. This worked out to my advantace. I have 4 small pouches on the inside the button to the outside which adds a bit of color to the bag. The draw strings at the top are made of Fun fur twisted together. LOL if the bag didnt have pockets or the draw strings it would double as a hat.

Stitch markers

2006-12-29T17:00:00.000-06:00

We went to Hobby Lobby to look at yarn and kntting suff. While Brian was looking at the trains and accesories I got the idea to made some beaded stitch markers from the jewlery isle, not to mention it was 50% off. I made 8 stitch markers from earrings and a little bit of wire, along with some braclet charms. Sorry Anne, they didnt have penguins, but I'll keep looking. From left to right: round blue beads with silver ends, square blue beads, frogs, and blue and green turtles.

Socks

2006-11-30T19:47:00.000-06:00

Socks. What can I say about socks?? Well for one they are addictive and fun to make. I actually got the bright idea to come up with my own sock pattern after looking at 3 different patterns. At the moment I am taking a break from the socks. I just finished my second dish cloth and have started a hat for Zack to go with his scarf.

It's a sock, It's a mitten and a Bib

2006-11-05T21:32:00.000-06:00

Here is the directions to my latest project. I found it really cool that the socks would also work for baby mittens. It took me abouta day to do the mitten part. Then I made an I Cord and attached it to the inside at the row under the fringe. I made the hat a long time ago and go the directions from Knitting Help My second project was a baby bib. I came up with my own pattern for the bib after looking online at some of the patterns.

Sports Socks for Newborns or preemies!

Baby Bib with Ribbing

Materials: size 8 needles, Cotton worsted weight yarn, 1/2 to 5/8 inch button

Cast on 30 stitches
Row 1: Knit 2, Purl2, alternating till the end of the row, ending on a knit.
Row 2 & 3: repeat Row 1.
Row 4: Knit 2, Purl2, Knit 22, Purl 2, Knit 2. Repeat this row until bib is about 6 inches long.
Finishing: Knit rows 1,2, & 3 again to finish. Knit 5 stitche and place on a stitch holder. Cast off/ bind off 20. Knit the remaining 5 stitches until about 4 inches long. Bind off and put button on. Pick up the 5 stitches off of the stitch holder. knit until about 3 inches long.
button Hole Row: Knit 2, Yarn Over, Knit 2 together, knit one. Knit 5 rows and repeat button hole row. Knit 5 more rows and repeat button hole row. After the 3rd button hole row knit 2 rows and bind off.

Soxs

2006-11-01T13:14:00.000-06:00

I finished my first pair of socks. The one on the left is the one I made while in Lufkin with Aunt Jo's help. The one on the right is the one I made after we got back home. There are some small mistakes in the right one but that's okay they are for Michelle.
I got the directions from Knitting Help. They are the Childlren's Slipper Socks. The onlky thing wrong with the directions is when you get ready to start the heel. I found that the wawy they explain the instep and sole is not correct, but the rest of the corections are correct.

Matching Set

2006-08-24T00:47:00.000-05:00

I made the wallet and change purse ealier and desided that they needed something to go in . So I went to Knitting Help and checked out there free patterns. The Pattern actually came from Frugal Knitting Haus. After I figured out the differance between knit and purl life was very very good. It took me about a week to get the purl and knitting in the round down. After that it was just remember ing to count and not get distracted.

HELP!! Knitting in the Round

2006-08-16T22:31:00.000-05:00

As you know I finished a scaft. I have desided to add a pair of mittens and hat to the scarf. So I went and bought the needles I needed to knit both the mittens and the hat. First I tried the mittens on the double point needle...yeah that was frustration. So after putting the size 5 double points away I got out the size 11 circular needle to try my hand at the hat. After multipule attempts I put the circulare needle away and went back to my straight needles and projects that are flat. The instruction book that came with my knitting kit was not very helpful on knitting in the round. However I do have the book Anne recomended in my Amazon basket wawiting to be ordered. I might go out to Books-A-Million and get the book instead of waiting.

If anyone has any more books to recomend OR just suggetion on knitting in the round the help would be very apperciatad.

The scarf of aggony

2006-08-10T17:20:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of my latest projects. The one on the top is a matching change purse and wallet done with two strands of acrylic worsted weight soft blue and lavender.

The one on the bottom is the scarf from....well you know. It was not an easy project to finish up as seeing it would not stop curling up into a tube shape. Thanks to Anne and the iron it now lays flat. The scarf is also made from Acrylic worsted weight. It is soft blue and soft green.

Since I have finished the scarf, I am going to move on to a chrochet project. I found some yarn that I bought while we where still in Germany, which is going to be turned into a baby blanket for Becky and the newest member of the family. :) I hope to get a good bit of the blanket done while I spend 2 days in the car going to Ohio to see the family.

Beer Cozy

2006-08-08T21:49:00.000-05:00

Since Football season is getting ready to start I figured this would be a fun project to make. The Beer Cozy has a level 3 difficulty (according to Knit Knack By Kris Percival)

You will need:

1 ball (100 grams) acrylic worsted weight yarn OR 2 balls scrap yarn (1 ounce each) for a striped cozy.
4 size 6 double point kneedles
Scissors <-- duh!
yarn kneedle
row counter is optional

Directions

Cast on 32 stitches onto one kneedle. Divide the stitches among 3 of the needles, with 12,12, and 8.
Join the stitches in a circle and work 5 rounds in knit 2 , perl 2 ribbing.
Work the next 14 rows in stockinette stitches (knit only since you are working in the round). If you want to make a stripe around the cozy, attach the second color beginning at row 9 and return to the first color at the begining of row 17.
work 5 rows in knit 2, purl 2 ribbing.
Bind off, and weave in loose ends with the yarn needle.

*Inprovisation Ideas: Knit the cozy on your favorite team's colors. You can also personalize it by cross-stitching an initial on the front.

The Cause of the bug

2006-07-29T20:00:00.000-05:00

As you know I have been bitten by the knitting bug recently. The cause of said bug came from receiving a Knit picks catalog in the mail. I got looking through at some of the patterns and books they offer and decided to give it a try. I have also found a really nice set of needle, but they are $59.99. I guess I'll have to save for them or stick them on my Christmas/Birthday List. As for now trips to the Wal-Mart craft department are keeping happily occupied.

Along with doing some knitting, I have began to crochet a baby blanket for Becky's newest arrival. I had some variegated yarn that I bought in Germany to make a blanket with and never go to it before we moved. Now that Michelle is older and can "entertain" herself for short amounts of time I can work on different craft projects.

Learning is Half the Fun

2006-07-26T01:34:00.000-05:00

I have desided to learn how to knit. I have see all of the wonderful things everyone has been making and it also looks like fun.

Michelle and I went to Books-A-Million on Sunday and we came home with a knitting starter kit. All I had to do was supply the yarn. Which wasn't too hard. I had some left over from an attempted quilt venture that didn't go as planned.

On Monday Michelle and I make a supply run to get some more yarn and some other small things to get me going in my knitting adventures. I picked up 5 skews of worsted weight yarn and 2 small "balls" of worsted weight Peaches & Cream Lemon-Lime. I made my change purse out of the worsted weight Lemon-Lime since it was the only multi-colored yarn i have.

After I finish the cell phone case in Aggies color, I'm going to make a wallet and a purse to go with the change purse I made. I'll have to go and get some buttons and a zipper so I can make my purse. I have some fabric out of my stash that hase little yellow tulips buds on it that I am going to use as a liner for my purse. Instead of trying to make a button hole for the purse I am just going to put a flap on it to cover up the zipper or I might just meet up the two ends at the top where the zipper is going. Who knows we'll see what strikes me when the time comes.