springyknitting!

Vogue Knitting Dislikes and Other Knitting Likes

2007-12-28T17:50:00.001-05:00

I interrupt this non-blogging, non-knitting time to say ICK to Vogue Knitting's Winter 2008 mag. Why the overexposed photos in an issue that says "COLOR" on the cover? And so many unnatural, unflattering poses. I have one issue left until it's time to renew.

http://www.vogueknitting.com/vkm/?q=node/425

Oh and knitty.com, I love this one! And magknits.com, what a great idea! Finally, knitty knitty bang bang's blog is making me want to rip up my blanket and use these colors. So pretty!

Okay forget the puzzle that is half completed on the table, I'm going to go pull out some yarn and try to remember how to knit!

Newness

2007-07-16T16:07:00.000-04:00

New background and colors in anticipation of new knitting posts. Hooray!

Moderne Baby Blanket - part 2

2007-05-26T15:06:00.000-04:00

Slowly but surely, the baby blanket from the Mason Dixon book is creeping towards the finish.

This weed popped up near the bird feeder and I'm anxiously waiting to see if it blooms. Note the little spikes on the leaves.

Mason Dixon - Baby Blanket

2007-05-10T15:35:00.000-04:00

I've always been intrigued by the colorful log cabin quilts so I was thrilled to find a Log Cabin knitting pattern in the Mason Dixon book.

Mason-Dixon Knitting

I wanted to start small so here is the beginning of my Moderne Baby Blanket. The yarn is a variety of colors and brands in 100% cotton. I did not test my gauge or do anything special because I was too eager to get started!

I'm telling everyone that I'm knitting the largest dishcloth EVER! The next color will be a soft purple, almost lilac, on the right side. I can't decide if I should add pink. I already know that I would like to try this again in earth tones (cream, light brown, dark brown, greens, etc).

I ran across a photograph of the apple cap that I made last year (Click here). I think these colors would look great in the same pattern. Maybe add a deep shade of blue, too.

Knitting Purchases & Rug Patterns

2007-04-09T15:26:00.000-04:00

As if I don't have enough to do, I bought the Knifty Knitter Flower Loom and the Knifty Knitter Straw Loomat JoAnn's.

Then I started flipping through The Knitted Rug by Donna Druchunas. I've been wanting to knit a large cotton rug and was thrilled at some of the projects in this book.

While I love the rug on the cover, I think this cable/braided edge rug will be the one that I knit.

There are two pattern rugs that I like and one felted rug that I just can't decide on.

I liked the loop rug and I know the cat would enjoy attacking it with his claws and teeth but I wasn't crazy about the color. I changed it in Paint Shop Pro to a pretty shade of blue and now I love it.

There's another rug that I liked but the colors did not match anything in the house until I started playing around with it in Paint Shop Pro. Now it is a keeper. I can't believe that I found so many rugs that I want to knit from one book!

New Yarn

2007-03-30T14:59:00.000-04:00

I enjoyed watching the Devil Wears Prada last night and I did order Lady in the Water for tonight. I only knit five rows on the dishcloth before becoming too interested in the movie. I'll try again tonight!

Here is some new Noro Silver Thaw yarn that arrived...

I really miss knitting...

2007-03-29T16:50:00.000-04:00

So it's time to start knitting, again! But first, I had to set up my Amazon Unbox account to download movies to TIVO.
Amazon and TIVO Video Rentals

I wish the price was lower but you start out with a $15 credit which makes it worth it for me! I am in the process of downloading the Devil Wears Prada. It sounds like a great movie to watch while knitting!

Now I need to pick a project to knit. Hmmm, probably something small that I can finish in a night. Maybe a simple paw print dishcloth by Rhonda White?
Knitted Paw Print Pattern

If all goes well with the download then I'll probably choose the Lady in the Water for my next movie download while I pop off a knitted tank top on the Ultimate Sweater Machine (aka the dust catcher).

Vogue Knitting Magazine Preview

2007-02-28T12:40:00.000-05:00

Vogue Knitting Magazine has posted their preview photos for an upcoming issue. Here's a quick link to their site:

http://www.vogueknitting.com/magazine-preview.shtml

Simply Knitting - March 2007

2007-02-27T19:17:00.000-05:00

Simply Knitting arrived during this winter flu season. This time it arrived with a free magnetic needle case!

This isn't a great picture but look at the bottom of the cover. There is a whole farmyard with patterns available in the magazine!

Where's the knitting?

2007-01-30T19:54:00.000-05:00

All knitting has been halted with the exception of 1-2 rows on my boucle backpack. First there was the Christmas and New Year holidays and then I was too busy but now I'm just plain lazy. I do like the Thermal Sweater over at knitty.com but I don't see myself starting it anytime soon. I've been trying to squeeze into my too small Fiber Trend Clogs and I have the yarn to make a larger pair...but no interest right now. I'll just have to keep looking for a pattern to inspire me!

Another Garterlac Dishcloth - Completed

2007-01-02T22:26:00.000-05:00

same yarn as this dishcloth: http://springyknitting.blogspot.com/2006/11/ball-band-dishcloth-completed.html

pattern from the amazing: http://criminyjickets.blogspot.com/2006/07/garterlac-dishcloth.html

previous garterlac attempt: http://springyknitting.blogspot.com/2006/09/garterlac-dishcloth-completed.html

still working on the backpack and have not touched the gnome nor poor pirate sam...

Gnome Pieces

2006-12-12T15:29:00.000-05:00

I have been very busy lately knitting up a Gnome from Simply Knitting magazine when not Christmas shopping! Now comes the mattress stitching and stuffing!

Ball Band Dishcloth - Completed

2006-11-28T12:59:00.000-05:00

Some people knit when times are stressful but not me! I stop knitting until things are back to normal. After Thanksgiving, I decided to complete the one project that everyone else in the world seems to have completed. The ball band dishcloth! I used the pattern from my Mason Dixon Knitting book. The yarn is Sugar 'n Cream in Westport and Cornflower.

November Monthly Knitted Dishcloth - Completed

2006-11-07T14:43:00.000-05:00

First off, hello to everyone visiting from the Knitting Blogs web ring! I've been reading blogs on the ring for over a year now and I'm so excited to be part of it.

I finished up the November 1st Monthly KnitAlong Dishcloth. If you can't make out my poor picture. It is a turkey! And the beads..I don't know, I just wanted to throw them in the picture, too.

Backpack - started

2006-11-01T21:58:00.000-05:00

Not much knitting news to report but I have started this backpack several times in the last week.

The pattern is from the fall 2006 issue of Knit It!. After much frogging and throwing away of Caron Boucle yarn, I finally discovered the problem was due to my needles and not the yarn. My not-so-pointy Denise Knitting Needles have the perfect tip for working with this yarn. While I prefer the pointy tips of the Boyle Needles, they do not love this yarn so Denise Knitting Needles it will be!

Monthly Knitted Dishcloth - Completed

2006-10-26T15:11:00.000-04:00

I must not have paid attention as it looks like I miscounted on this pattern:

Here it is from an angle. My first knitting pattern of this type!

I'm okay with the mistakes...maybe I'll actually use this dishcloth!

It's very hard to knit when the skies are so blue but I am working on the knitted Gnome and crocheted Pirate.

UPDATE!!!
My last issue of Simply Knitting magazine was missing the Rowan insert. Having never seen a Rowan issue before I promptly emailed Simply Knitting to request another be sent. Today it showed up along with another magazine and calendar. EXCELLENT customer service! As for the Rowan insert, it is very nice and I may need to become a member of their club. Thank you Simply Knitting!

UPS Delivers!

2006-10-20T06:29:00.000-04:00

Nothing brightens my day more than a visit from the UPS man!

Some Simply Soft Quick yarn in berry blue for a backpack, 3 balls of cotton yarn for this month's mystery dishcloth pattern, and my very first NEW WOOL WINDER! And yes, I've already wound up 3 balls of yarn...it is very addictive.

Apple Hat - Completed

2006-10-19T06:24:00.000-04:00

Pattern: Family Circle Easy Knitting
Yarn: Red Heart (red, green, brown)

Very cute but not as soft as I had hoped. The pattern is from an article about Tyne Daly in Family Circle Easy Knitting. Procrastination made the project last too long. Would I knit this again? Yes but maybe a strawberry or pumpkin pattern next time.

Need a good laugh? I love the Knitty Fall Suprise. My mom had those same pink curlers and would mix them with smaller blue curlers. I remember being horrified that one day I too would need to wear those big pink curlers!

One Skein Wonder - Completed

2006-10-13T12:58:00.000-04:00

I've had orange in every picture posted this month until now...I have completed the OSW and it fits! Now if I could only take a better picture of it.

Pattern: OSW by Glampyre Knits
Yarn: TLC Amore in Lake Blue

Changes: I did not use smaller needles for the cuff and ribbing because I was nervous that it would be too tight.
Next time: I'll use a yarn that shows off the stitches. I do like this yarn but not for this pattern.

Knifty Knitter Pumpkin - completed

2006-10-11T20:17:00.000-04:00

When you wrap some orange and green Caron Perfect Match yarn

around one of the Knifty Knitter small blue looms

you end up with a cute little pumpkin!

The pattern can be found at Provocraft's Website. It is more of a guideline than a pattern. My leaf was turning out too wide so I just wrapped until I thought it was the right size. As you can see, my stem turned out a bit tooooo long!

October 2006 Monthly Dishcloth KAL - kitty completed

2006-10-09T07:54:00.000-04:00

Pattern: http://monthlydishclothkal.blogspot.com/
Yarn: 100% Cotton in Orange
Thoughts: Great pattern! I couldn't tell what it was until the last few rows!

Sophie Bag - Completed

2006-10-05T19:06:00.000-04:00

I started my first felt project, Sophie, more than a year ago. I finally finished the knitting and weaving in of the ends in August. Last weekend, I tossed it in the washing machine and tah dah!

Pattern: Magknits Sophie Bag
Yarn: 100% Highlands Wool from www.elann.com
Stripe Pattern: Nothing more than changing colors when I tired of the one I was knitting.

Here is the pre-felt photo to show just how much it did shrink. Count and compare the slats in the door.

I love my tiny Sophie!

Fiber Trend Clogs - Completed

2006-10-04T11:01:00.000-04:00

Pattern: Fiber Trends AC-33x Felt Clogs
Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino (100% Wool) 2 skeins Paprika and 2 skeins Black (both with leftovers)

I really enjoyed this project! The clogs work up quickly. I was intimated by the pattern but it was not difficult if I took it row by row. I did make some errors. When I changed colors, I misunderstood and picked up a stitch from the previous color(row) on one slipper. When it came to W&T (wrap and turns) I had no problems but I didn't know you should knit the stitch and wrap together on the next row. Maybe it doesn't matter when you felt as I have no holey areas on my clogs. Now here is the big boo boo...

just because other people need to leave their clogs in the washing machine for a very long time does not mean you need to do the same.

just because a similar felted Patons example at Michael's shows the stitches, doesn't mean your clog will have the same problem.

just because it says to use a small bit of soap doesn't mean you need to use a lot and then waste a lot of time trying to get the soap rinsed out.

just because you want to felt your Sophie bag doesn't mean you should leave your clogs in there to felt more than they need.

My prefelted clogs went from this:

to a post felt clog that looks like this:

That's right, they are too small. I left them in the wash to rinse some more of the soap out while my Sophie bag was finishing up its felt. The water was not very hot and I was sure they wouldn't shrink anymore....wrongo! I've stretched them quite a bit and I'm sure they'll fit someone when they dry.

On a positive note, I love the Halloweenish colors and I have enough paprika left over to make a small felted pumpkin for the holidays.

Hallowig - Completed

2006-09-27T15:33:00.000-04:00

I finished my Knitty Hallowig a few weeks ago but haven't been able to get a good pic. Here's the best photo so far (which isn't saying much)!

I loved the pattern and would like to make another one next year! Also, I've seen this posted on several blogs, the hot new wig is the Princess Leia Hat by BleuArts.

2nd September 2006 Dishcloth KAL - completed

2006-09-22T07:16:00.000-04:00

I'm on a roll with these dishcloths! I really like this one and may block it this weekend.

Yarn: Peach & Creme #4 Ecru
Pattern: September Mid-Month Leaf Patterned Lace

Fiber Trends Clog Update
I'm ready to seam the sole of the first clog but a bit nervous the seam will show after felting. The instructions say it won't if I do it right so we will see! I'll finish it up this weekend and start on clog #2. I can't wait to felt these!

Sophie Purse Update
Still not felted but I have zippered pillowcases now!

Pirate Sam CAL Update
I don't think I can use an E/4 hook with this yarn.

One Skein Wonder Update
No progress - I tend to stop working on projects when they are almost done.

Baby Apple Cap Update
FCEK Magazine with pattern still misplaced.

(Wow my updates are very negative today)

Pirate Sam-a-long!

2006-09-19T18:02:00.000-04:00

I'm sure by now you have seen the Jack-Johnny-Depp-Sparrow-like crochet pirate doll at www.craftster.org. Interweave Crochet has the pattern for sale (I got mine today) and there is a Pirate Sam-a-long at craftster! Go to http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=120492.0 to join!

The best part.. I don't have those colors so I have an excuse to add to the yarn stash. Argh matey!!!

Update 9/21: Wally World had all of the colors that I needed for the pattern. Then I saw this on the pattern...."Skill Level Advanced". YIKES!

Lion Brand Magic Socks - completed

2006-09-19T08:25:00.000-04:00

Finally after almost a year of casting on, dropping stitches, frogging, casting on, dropping stitches, frogging, cas...well you get the picture.. I have completed my FIRST pair of socks!

Yarn: Lion Brand Magic Stripe Yarn
Pattern: Sock pattern from the yarn label

And the best part, I had just enough left over yarn to knit my very first sweater! Okay, it is really a Last-Minute Knitted Gifts mini sweater.

What's on the needles now?

one beautiful dishcloth

one skein wonder(OSW)

one apple baby cap from FCEK magazine

one Fiber Trend's AC33x felted clogs

Garterlac Dishcloth - Completed

2006-09-18T08:43:00.000-04:00

I finished the Criminyjickets Garterlac Dishcloth over the weekend. I'd like to try an enterlac dishcloth soon. Tonight, I'll start on my second Monthly Dishcloth KAL pattern.

Yarn: Sensation Bellezza Collection Smania Yarn from JoAnn's
Pattern: http://criminyjickets.blogspot.com/2006/07/garterlac-dishcloth.html

Here's a close-up of the squares. I love the way this yarn looks but the small white threads pick too easily on sharp or rough objects. Dishcloths really are a great project to test out a new yarn that you haven't used before. Now point me in the direction of the dirty dishes!

(click on the picture then choose all sizes to view the large image)

Mail Call

2006-09-12T17:56:00.000-04:00

Yay! My copy of Simply Knitting Magazine arrived in the mail today. Here it is in my favorite chair with the free knitting case that came with it!

The pumpkin pattern in the above magazine is too cute!

WIP:
I'm almost to the toe of my second Lion Brand Magic Stripe sock. I've started a garterlac dishcloth while waiting for the next Monthly Dishcloth KAL pattern from the Yahoo Group.

September Monthly Dishcloth KAL - completed

2006-09-08T12:07:00.000-04:00

I finished the dishcloth from the Yahoo Monthly Dishcloth KAL. Hooray! I'm ready for the next one.

Pattern: September 2006 Dishcloth KAL Yahoo Group
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Yellow
Needles: Size 7

My First Knitted Dishcloth

2006-09-02T15:25:00.000-04:00

Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton
Pattern: Yvonne's Double Flower
Needles: US 7

Dishcloth KAL

2006-09-01T15:53:00.000-04:00

I started my first dishcloth today with the Monthly Dishcloth KAL group. I chose an Ecru colored yarn but then switched it out for a bright yellow...

Here are my first 7 rows!

And a close up...

Dishcloth Thoughts

2006-08-30T18:02:00.000-04:00

I bought this yarn on sale for $3 the other day to make dishcloths....
Sensation Bellezza Collection Smania Yarn
65% cotton; 35% nylon
The free Textured Slip Stitch pattern is from Dishcloth Boutique.

With all of this thinking about dishcloth knitting, I had a dream last night that I was writing a book about them. Weird, I know since I haven't even knitted one yet.

Today, I found this Dishcloth KAL at Yahoo. They send 7 lines of a pattern a day for you to knit along with them. There is a blog of their finished projects at http://monthlydishclothkal.blogspot.com/ I signed up right away at Yahoo!

Spending Money

2006-08-29T14:49:00.000-04:00

I've cast on for my second Lion Brand Magic Stripe sock and spent some money!

This is the first book I've bought that is by the Yarn Harlot...and I love it!

Knitting Rules

I couldn't pass up this Sensational Sock book. It has every measurement that I need to fit my goofy feet and the goofy feet of all those that I know (or at least those worth knitting for).

Sensational Knitted Socks

While I have never knitted a toy, I have HIGH hopes. I once bought a Rebecca magazine on eBay just to get a doll pattern. I had checked this book out of the library earlier this year and with a JoAnn's coupon, I snapped one up the other day.

World of Knitted Toys

Tired of buying books, I think bought one of the Embellish Knit machines.

Embellish Knit

I can make my own I-cords but this machine is so much faster. I can make Sophie bag handles in no time with it! I really like the Celtic Knot and Flowers that are made with cords, too. I'm thinking of making a large i-cord flower for my Sophie bag.

And then because I missed buying patterns, I went online and ordered a subscription to Simply Knitting. While it's quite a bit more expensive than U.S. magazines, it is published MONTHLY and inclues a FREE gift. Before subscribing, I had already found issues that included a knitting tote, matching knitting tote accessory bag, and a crochet insert. The first magazine they mailed to me contained bamboo needles!

Simply Knitting with free gifts

LOVE IT and LOVE THE GIFTS!

Sophie Bag - prefelting

2006-08-17T18:59:00.000-04:00

I've finally got around to grafting the handle to my Sophie bag (from Magknits.com).

One Magic Stripe Sock

2006-08-16T23:09:00.000-04:00

The sock that sat on the table since November has been completed!
Pattern from LionBrand Magic Stripe Yarn label.

Peaceful Palms Completed!

2005-12-15T11:54:00.000-05:00

Tah Dah!

Okay so the ends have not been woven in but the gloves have been done for some time now. I'm glad that I signed up for this knit along and made my first pair of gloves. I've learned how to knit with two circular needles (as you can see my gauge is different on two circulars vs. dpns) and I've learned that I don't know how to avoid holes.
The latest Bond newsletter shows a product called the Pocket Knitter. It looks like a comb! I can't wait to see one in the store to find out if it is flat like a comb or if it is more like the Knifty Knitter Long Loom.

Knitting Updates

2005-12-02T13:44:00.000-05:00

I'm down to one finger to go on my Weekend Knitting tipless gloves. I cringe everytime I think of weaving in those ends..maybe they won't look so bad stringy! (UPDATE 8/2006 never got cold enough to wear, still hope for this winter)

Glampyre's One Skein Wonder is sitting there waiting for me to finish the gloves. I just need to add the borders to the sleeves and body. (UPDATE 8/2006 can't decide if I need to add more to it or if it will fit)

Branching Out Scarf was started over Thanksgiving and I've completed one section. I am using Lion Brand's Wool Ease but don't think this is the proper yarn to really see the lace pattern. I may rip it out and use some of the Softee Baby yarn in my stash. I need to dig around and see if I have a green but I don't remember seeing any. How would it look with Microspun in lime green? (UPDATE 8/2006 started this scarf several times with several different yarns, frogged every time, couldn't decide what color)

I have all of the yarn for the Stitch n Bitch cat bed but I don't think the orange cat will use it so I need to find another use for the two skeins of Wool Ease and 4 Boa skeins. I'm still feeling guilty for not making her this one. One thought I have is making it into a pillow that is shaped like a cat but... its blue yarns and I don't know about a blue kitty. (UPDATE 8/2006 none)

Lion Brand's Suede yarn with Moonlight Mohair is just sitting in a bag waiting for me to turn it into a purse. I picked up some lightweight handles at Michael's that match nice with the different shades of brown. (UPDATE 8/2006 still in shopping bag)

My MagKnit's Sophie bag is still waiting for me to graft the last stitches of the handle to make it whole. I have some jeans to wash this weekend and it would be a perfect time to felt it but for some reason I hate to finish this purse. Maybe because it was my first time knitting in the round? (UPDATE completed 8/2006, still needs felting)

I have 20 skeins of Noro Kureyon in #128 and 20 skeins of Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora in Navy. I got great deals on both but don't know what to make with them! I bought them thinking that I could resell on eBay but I really want to use them now. (UPDATE 8/2006 hidden in yarn stash, not used yet)

SOCKS! I have about 6 skeins of Lion Brand's Magic Stripe yarn for socks. I made it to the heel on one and then ripped it out... I think I dropped some stitches and got frustrated. I have to add this to this list because I'll be using the two circular needle and I should be done in no time. (UPDATE finished one sock 8/2006)

I find it amusing that the Red Heart Camouflage yarn is sitting on top of my trash can. I still plan on making some gloves for my dad with this yarn. (UPDATE moved to closet, still in bag)

Peaceful Palms Update

2005-11-28T08:40:00.000-05:00

Very close to the true color!
I need to finish 2 tipless fingers on my second glove and weave in all the ends. I've decided that I don't like weaving in the ends and have proof. My two tone slipper socks that I made last year are still sitting around with the yarn ends sticking out. I am very impressed with my knitting speed when using 2 circulars instead of DPNs.

On Saturday night, I worked some more on the OSW. I think I finally have it large enough to fit over my ~~muscular~~ flabby arms. Next time, I think I'll cast on more at the beginning for the armholes. I won't be starting the OSW ribbing until I complete my Weekend Knitting tipless gloves for the Knit Along.

Peaceful Palms Update-Glove #2

2005-11-21T09:20:00.000-05:00

I wasted about 2 hours on Friday night trying to cast on and knit with the Magic Loop method. Finally, I came to my senses and using the techniques from nonaknit's two circular tutorial, I cast on and knit about 7 rows. This method was so much faster than the DPN and the stitches look much more uniform with less ladders in the garter stitched cuff. I do have a seam like appearance where I joined the yarns and there is a ladder on the other side but it is better than 4 areas like that on my other glove's cuff.

On Saturday night, I finished the cuff and started working towards the thumb gusset. I'm using a Denise Interchangeable needle and a Boyles (from the set I purchased last weekend). I'm glad this one is going smoother and of course much faster than the last. I will try to knit some more on it this evening to see if I can complete the palm.

No signs of winter.

Cat Sampler Afghan?

2005-11-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

I posted this link last week. It is a sampler afghan by Little Purl of the Orient. I think that I really would like to do this but use some type of motifs of my cat as a remembrance. I still miss her very much. Although I know she is not in pain, I can't get to place where I feel comfort from it. When it is quiet around here, I try to think what to put on the squares. Some trees would work because she loved to run up and sharpen her claws on the trunks. Maybe some outlines of cats running, sitting, and sleeping. I'm not sure if I can come up with enough knittable ideas for an entire afghan. I'll probably want a small version, maybe twin or full size? Just thinking out loud here but may be the lighter squares can be images of her and the darker squares be cables, decorative stitches, etc. Also, there is the large bag in the Stitch n Bitch Nation book that tells you how to make a pattern for a person's profile. I would really like this and it could be used year round. I'm not sure if I can convert one of her pictures (and make it look like her). I don't want it to look like any cat, I want it to have her distinct look since it will be a remembrance.

Sometime this weekend, I'll start on my 2nd tipless glove and I'll have lots of time to think about what to make as a remembrance. If any one has made remembrances for a loved one (human or pet), I would love to see a picture!

UPDATE! I found this link about cat longevity. If you are a cat lover, you may want to check it out. By the vet records, we decided my cat was actually 21 which would put her in the 92-100 year range. We had been told that the average lived to 14-16. There is mention of an unverified 31 year old cat that looked 10. No one ever believed me when I said how old my kitty was because her coat was so soft and well groomed. Maybe if they had seen the hairballs then they would have believed it. Anyway, I wanted to post the length so I could refer back to it.

Sweet Booger 1985ish-11/15/2005

2005-11-16T10:16:00.000-05:00

I had to say goodbye to my sweet kitty of 20 years yesterday. She use to love to smell the yarns, especially the wools, and get scratched with a knitting needle. I don't feel like knitting or doing much of anything right now. There are so many 'what ifs' and 'remember when' thoughts racing through my head. She showed up at our house and chose us as her home. It was hard doing homework with her around because she loved paper wadded up and tossed her way. Not to mention plopping down on my accounting books so I could not turn the pages! As she and I got older, she was a great listener and her soft purring would always reassure me that everything would be okay. She was such a huge part of my life and I'm happy for the time we had together. I just wish she did not have to go. I will always love you, kitty Booger.

One Weekend Knitting Glove Done!

2005-11-11T08:45:00.000-05:00

I am plagued by holey finger joints. Hopefully my next glove, which I have not cast on for, will be hole free. Otherwise, it will be a long time before I make another pair of these....unless the next one is less holey then I may call my first one a practice glove and make another. Anyway, I'm glad that I did finish this one glove because of the practice at using small DPNs and picking up the small stitches. I'll be casting on for the second glove this evening and I'm going to try and get the Magic Loop method to work this time.

I keep going back to this page to view Little Purl of the Orient's sampler afghan. I think this would be a great way project to track my progress as I learn to knit. I could start out with easy stitches, advance to more complex patterns, and end with designs of my own (made up of the stitches that I've learned). Maybe a square or two a month? The knitting sounds fun but all of that seaming and weaving in the ends has me scared!

Fingerless Glove Update

2005-11-07T18:02:00.000-05:00

I want to bind off my middle stitches and leave my gloves like this...

Pattern from Melanie Falick's book - Weekend Knitting.
My fingers aren't normally blue and the yarn color is persimmon not pink. I thought taking the picture outside would help...but noitdidn't.

Two fingers and 1 glove to go!

I spent Friday night working on my OSW. I'm loving this yarn more and more. I really like the way the pattern is written. When I started out, the rows went quickly but as I add more stitches it slows waaaaay down for me. I think I would have been frustrated had I started out with so many stitches. As it is, I can't wait to finish!

OSW & Straw Hat

2005-11-04T08:27:00.000-05:00

I've started my One Skein Wonder in TLC Amore. The color is Lake Blue and I have Lagoon Print for the borders/sleeves. More than likely, I'll stick with Lake Blue for the whole project.

Don't ask me if I'm on gauge, I can't see the stitches but I do love this yarn.

I should have made my first OSW with a yarn that allowed me to see the stitches...then again, if I make a mistake, who will ever know?

About a month ago, I made a lot of these...

...for a Lion Brand 'Straw Hat'. The yarn label has a prettier picture than the website. I'm using Lion Brand Cotton in Maize. Crochet must make me tense because I broke a hook in half! I'm not even sure if I'm doing it right.

Fingerless Glove Update

2005-11-03T15:18:00.000-05:00

The photos have gone from pink to orange! I'll get it right one day.
One thumb down and four fingers to go! I have a few holey areas but I think they can be fixed. I've decided these will be my everydayeverywhere gloves so a problem here or there is not critical. I kept the thumb short so I could still use the space bar and touchpad on the computer without any problems. I was very nervous they would not fit but so far so good!

I finally ordered Glampyre's One Skein Wonder (OSW) pattern today. At first I wasn't sure I liked the pattern but I've seen so many completed OSW on blogs and Flickr.com that I must make one, too!

Sweater Stone

2005-11-02T17:58:00.000-05:00

My free (add shipping) Sweater Stone arrived yesterday. I haven't used it because there hasn't been a need to get my sweaters out for the season. I hope it works!

Fingerless Glove Update

2005-10-31T10:38:00.000-05:00

No, it still isn't done but I did get a few more rows completed this weekend. I even removed the waste yarn for the thumb opening. Here it is and this time you can see the color better:

More Peaceful Palms Patterns

2005-10-24T18:03:00.000-04:00

MJ from http://yummyyarn.indus3ous.com/ recommended even more patterns for the Peaceful Palms Knitalong! I visit Knitty.com all the time but didn't think to check out their archive section for gloves/mittens. Great thanks to MJ! I love the Broad Street Mittens which look similar to MagKnit's Urban Necessity but it doesn't get that cold down here. I really like the Voodoo Wrist Warmers and have bookmarked them for future knitting. I think they would be a great accessory to wear while blogging!

Peaceful Palms Update:
I'm still poking along on my first fingerless glove from Weekend Knitting. I've gone back to using DPNs and I gave up on perfecting the garter stitch cuffs. It looks like I've seamed it up the side even though I'm knitting in the round. I tend to believe that the problems is I'm purling looser than I'm knitting. I got so tired of starting over that I'm ignoring it and moving on. I'm just a few rows away from the thumb gusset, hooray! My father is heading north on a trip. If I had made him the gloves with the camouflage yarn then he would have put them to good use. Sorry dad! :(

My progress with cuff problem:

With glove on, cuff problem still shows but the knit stitches look fine:

Shana's blog has made me jealous! She's actually using her Ultimate Sweater Machine where I just stare at mine and make swatches. She's making a new sweater and I can't wait to see the finished pictures! Here's a sweater that she completed earlier this month. I printed some Bond patterns from this site today (to ~~add to my collection of printed patterns~~ knit soon).

For Hr, who was having problems removing the scarf from the Knifty Knitter Loom, please check out the comment section for two bind-off links that show the Gathering Method and the Flat Removal Method.

Ultimate Sweater Machine Halloween Patterns/Motifs

2005-10-18T10:30:00.000-04:00

Here are USM links with Halloween patterns for pumpkins and motifs for black cats, witches, and more to use on your own knitting projects. I'm really miffed that Bond-America did not have one Halloween project. Why do they have so few projects for their knitting machine?

About's Halloween Items: includes black cats, a bat, a ghost, pumpkins, and a witch.

Pumpkin from the Ahren's Family.

Pumpkin Purse another cute project from the Ahren's Family.

A pumpkin ornament for your pumpkin tree?
Pumpkin Ornament from Knitted Threads.

Apparently this is an older episode (pre Urban Knitter days) and my TIVO can't find a replay listing for it but take a look at Lily Chin with her knitted Wonder Woman costume on this page! Now if I only looked like her!

MONSTER WREATH: This pattern is not written for the Ultimate Sweater Machine but I can't pass it up (plus I'm sure two donut shapes on the USM in a novelty yarn would work). Check out this Monster Wreath by callakat.

Click here for more Ultimate Sweater Machine information.

Peaceful Palms Patterns

2005-10-17T12:28:00.000-04:00

I spent more time flipping through knitting magazines and books than knitting over the weekend. Here are the patterns I found:

Family Circle Easy Knitting Holiday 2005 - Wristlets (Lion Brand insert)

Big Book of Knitting - Gloves (page 208)

Interweave Knits Fall 2005 - Creative Focus Chunky Fingerless Mitts (page 7)

Weekend Knitting - Fingerless Garter-Cuff Gloves (page 104)

Since this is my first pair of gloves, I chose the Weekend Knitting pattern using Red Heart's Luster Sheen in Persimmon on one size 6 circular needle (Magic Loop). My gauge is close and if anything they may be a little large which to me is better than too small. I do have a ladder on each side so I may switch over to nonaknits' two circular tutorial.

It is more of a peach than pink color.

UPDATE: I just found this link for fingerless gloves on the Ultimate Sweater Machine. When I finish the gloves above, I'll use this pattern for the Red Heart Camouflage yarn. HOORAY!

Peaceful Palms Knit-Along

2005-10-13T09:18:00.000-04:00

I'm joining the Peaceful Palms Knit-Along as motivation to start and finish a pair of fingerless gloves for my father. Once I pick a pattern (probably from Weekend Knits), I will use two circular needles instead of DPN. See nonaKnits for an excellent tutorial. Another good tutorial is for the Magic Loop Method, using one circular needle, located on this page.

Yarn to use is Red Heart's Classic Camouflage #971. I have 3 skeins to ~~get rid of~~ use.

Item of the Day
Did you know that it is National Knitting Week in the UK?

Knifty Knitter Hat

2005-10-11T13:34:00.000-04:00

Okay, I'm finally getting around to posting my completed projects. The Knifty Knitter has kept me busy and even inspired me to get my Ultimate Sweater Machine out of the closet.

Here is my first finished hat(completed 2/23/2005)!

The pattern is pretty close to the one described in the Knifty Knitter instructions. My mom loved the hat and has worn it several times. Also, I made her a matching purse and one skinny scarf on the Ultimate Sweater Machine . The purse needs to be seamed and the scarf has been completed!
In case you are wondering, this is what it looks like on the green Knifty Knitter loom:

It looks like a lot of work but it is very easy and the rounds go quickly. I'm still clumsy with knitting needles so this has been great for me to use! And look at a close-up of the stitches...

Since February, I've made 2.5 hats, 2 scarves, and a pair of slipper socks. I have trouble using Fun Fur, Eyelash, Cha Cha, and other such yarns on knitting needles. It is so much easier to use them on the Knifty Knitter looms.

Click here for more information on the Knifty Knitter.

Knifty Knitter Links

2005-10-10T14:21:00.000-04:00

I have a set of these for almost a year now:

Get your Knifty Knitter!

PATTERN LINKS:
You'll find several patterns and helpful loom hints at www.loomknit.com.
Ben Franklin Crafts has some cute pumpkin patterns.
http://www.bfranklincrafts.com/CraftIdeas/CraftIdea-KnifKnitterPumpkins.html
Also, they have photos for those of you learning to use your Knifty Knitters:
http://www.bfranklincrafts.com/KniftyKnitter.html

Of course you'll need a spider to go along with your pumpkin so check out Provocraft's site for Samuel the Spider:
http://www.provocraft.com/projects/projects.php?prdindex=kniftyknitter&dsp=weeklyproject
Provocraft has many more patterns on their website including a Shrug pattern that looks promising. Others include: several shawls, patriotic tree, mittens, washcloths, hair scarf, United States flag, hats, scarves, backpack, poncho, purses, slippers, booties, and even a neck pillow.
http://www.provocraft.com/projects/projects.php?view=20&dsp=list&prdindex=kniftyknitter

KNITTING WITHOUT NEEDLES
There is a new web ring for loom knitters! Click here for the main page or Click here for a list of websites in the ring. Are you feeling wild and crazy? If so, click here to visit a random website in the Knitting Without Needles web ring! If you're looking for inspiration or motivation to start a new project. I highly recommend blogs. They show you what others have made, the colors they have used, and start you thinking that "Hey I can do that, too!". Make sure you read A Stitch in Time. The 11/29/2005 post has some beautiful purses that were made on the yellow loom and then felted.

Yahoo has a great group for Knifty Knitters. Check out the Files folder for patterns and the Photos folder for ideas!

Click to join kniftyknitterlooms

Don't miss out on the patterns by Carrie. She can be found at the Knifty Knitter Yahoo Group, too! http://cputzier.tripod.com/id8.html

You can also find several loom patterns and instructions at Bev's:
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/how-to-loom-knit.html#patterns

Michael's carries a $1 pattern book for the beginner. I noticed this weekend that Wal-Mart has a book as well. Happy Knifty Knitting!

AMAZON.COM UPDATES

Amazon.com is partnership with JoAnn Fabrics is selling the Knifty Knitter Pamphlet (instructions and a few patterns). The shipping is more than the cost of the book (and the book is only $1 at the stores) but if you're already thinking of placing an order, you may want to add the pamphlet. If you're giving a Knifty Knitter set for the holidays then you may want to get the Knifty Knitter Pamphlet.

Amazon.com is also offering the Knifty Knitter Long Loom. I haven't seen a book/pamphlet for it. There are websites with instructions. If anyone has one, I'd love to see the projects you've created with it. Please post a link to your pictures or blog in the comment section.

Are you tired of using your round looms alone? On your next order at Amazon.com, you can throw in an extra Loom Hook.

Knitting magazines

2005-06-28T13:08:00.000-04:00

Today I subscribed to:
Family Circle Easy Knitting Magazine

Vogue Knitting Magazine

Interweave Knits Magazine