KraftMania

Summertime Krafting

2011-09-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

Upcycling, recycling, repurposing...that's the summertime krafting activity!

The new, improved v-neckline...it's a beauty! I viewed a tutorial on youtube and it did the trick!

I used another t-shirt that fits me really well as a pattern for the sleeve cutout. Then...measure twice, and bravely, cut away!

This is the first step - lay out the t-shirt, consider the options...

Super Bowl Sunday Krafting

2011-02-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of chair recovering project

Last night I mulled again - what to do now? My hands hurt from yesterday's staple prying exercise. I turned off the perfectionist voice that said, just take out 50 or 100 staples a day 'til it's done. I listened to the logic voice that said - cut off the fabric and cover it up with denim! and it worked. I have 3 chair seats covered...3 more to go! I just need to find the next donor pair of jeans to use!

Krafting on Super Bowl Weekend

2011-02-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

I noticed several pairs of jeans in the pile to go to the thrift store. And I mulled over the possibilities. I googled "recycled denim" to see what inspiration I could find from the universse. Purses, ipad covers, phone cases, cosmetic bags, yoga bag totes, etc.

1. Yoga bag tote - since I was too cheap to buy one at the Rack, I thought this would be a great project - cheap, using recycled jeans. I was still not 100% convinced this was the project of the day.

2. Overnite I mulled some more ... I looked at patterns for totes. Might be useful. We can always use another sturdy tote.

3. Epiphany arrives. Chair reupholstering! The dining room chairs are starting to show signs of wear. What better durable cover than denim? I couldn't wait to get started the next morning.

Saturday 5am: I'm in the dining room, putting a chair up on the table so I can turn over, unscrew the seat and get started. I bring out tools - screwdriver and pliers. I begin prying up the many heavy duty staples that hold on the fabric cover. After removing about 20, I count how many are on one side of the square. 25-30? x 4 sides - 120? As I take off the first fabric cover, I spy underneath ... OK, the merry furniture workers had automatic staple guns...there are another 400 or so staples holding on the next layer of fabric!!! at 5:40am, I had removed the approx. 120 staples. Am now resting. Contemplating the next 400 staples - for ONE chair. The set has 6 chairs total. The denim sits on the table next to the chair.

4. Meditation

A Year To Remember

2011-01-17T08:52:00.000-08:00

Proud to say I'm working on my PHD! The current Project Half Done is the 6-year "Flying Geese" afghan for my favorite daughter! Only 3 seams left to sew...then perhaps a border...but, really, she can throw it on for warmth right now! And so she did the other night for a little TV watching. Whew! Next project - the already-in-progress afghan for my favorite son! Onward and Forward!

The pictures:

First picture: the glorious PHD itself - "Flying Geese" Afghan.

Second picture is the book where this pattern is printed.

Wooly Update

2009-10-09T05:46:00.000-07:00

Autumn cold encourages handling wooly items. Current Work In Progress:

Rust Orange Mittens for coooooold mornings on the BART platform.

My version of commuter mittens - I can already see a need to modify the pattern! the poofy area next to the ribbed cuff has got to go! But the instructions told me to increase stitches! Another good reason never to believe what you read!

Here's the original pattern from a lovely knitting magazine. I declined to use stripes in an attempt to look less clownish as I travel about town. This may be negated by the use of bright rust orange yarn!

Sewing: Recycled wool patchwork blanket. Picture to come...

train knitters

2009-06-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

it's a treat to take the commuter train and find knitters. A lovely young woman was knitting a scarf...and it's a hoot to see many commuters just entranced and watching us knit! here's why they were google-eyed...the sock of many colors.

pattern: rainbow socks at www.strickwear.com

Refreshed and rejuvenated!

2009-05-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

It's official - we've met twice, so it's a craft meet-up! Anastacia, Natalie and I had a great 2nd session of crafting! Anastacia's working on 2 projects - a fair isle sock, frogged during this sitting, and a leg warmer set!

Natalie brought new patterns, new yarn and new energy!

We love the beautiful booga bags she's crafting!!

The new pattern is a cotton washcloth. Cool textured heart pattern. What an inspiration...simple, totable and a great project for early knitters! Thanks Natalie -- I'm now stealing this great idea for other early knitters I'm helping at work!

North Sea Islands - knitting the hard way!

2008-11-14T14:03:00.001-08:00

I've been meaning to post this story for a while, and finally got the energy to do so!!!

Location: Flight from Chicago to Long Island, NY. Date: 10-17-08

Spoke with an 81-year-old German native woman who upon watching me knit, told me about how she learned to knit as a young girl. She grew up on a little island in the North Sea. Her grandmother taught her to knit. The children in her village picked up chicken feathers during molting season. They saved the biggest and strongest feathers. Then they removed the feathers leaving a long sturdy stalk which was their knitting needle. Since they were poor, they did not have sheep, nor money to buy wool. So they would walk along the barbed wire fences separating properties and gather wool left there by sheep that used the fences to walk close alongside and sooth an itch! The wool was white (although sometimes dirtied by normal activity.) No browns, greys, etc. The children would gather this found wool and take it to their grandmother. They would help carding the wool. When it was prepared for spinning, their grandmother would use the borrowed spinning wheel which was available. Very occasionally my seatmate would be allowed, with help from her grandmother, to try the spinning process.

I found her story so amazing - not having read much about the history of knitting - and hearing her personal experience of finding raw materials, including chicken feathers for knitting needles, was a wonderful eye opener!

She left the flight, on her way to visit her brother, a staunch Republican, she said - she was going to do everything she could to try to sway his opinion and his vote in the upcoming election! what an amazing woman! She said she could only stay five days - that more than that would be too taxing on her!

STITCH 'N RIDE

2008-03-01T18:15:00.000-08:00

Anastacia and I took the Amtrak Stitch 'n Ride trip from Sacramento to Santa Clara last weekend for the annual Stitches 2008. I heard that 500 of us boarded that train to knitting knirvana! It was such an easy trip and fun, too. The program included prize drawings on board, and I was a lucky winner of ... a round-trip train ride! I guess I'll use it for one of my work commute trips!

The convention center was jam-packed with over 200 exhibitors. We had a great time window shopping. Anastacia was kind enough to treat me with a moebius kit! I've always wanted to try one...and now I'll get the chance! You can see it here: http://www.catbordhi.com/free_patterns.html and here: http://www.planetshoup.com/easy/knit/scarfmb.shtml

last-minute knitted slipper loafer boots

2007-12-22T08:52:00.000-08:00

Malabrigo Loafers:
Thank goodness ArticlePract held classes this month! I attended 2 nites of knitted loafer and/or prairie boots class. Our instructor, Julie was wonderful - and the projects are fast and fun! Go to her website: http://www.cocoknits.com/

They suggesed and I used Malabrigo yarn - the color is so wonderful. Of course, once I decided I HAD to have another couple skeins, it was all sold out!!!!

Now the pressure is on to finish one or both to gift away to a lucky, lucky, lucky person! I was so excited, I was awake at 2:30am working in bed on this project - see the flannel sheets in the picture? The finished loafer is missing its decoration - you can choose an acorn, a puff or a penny loafer! I'm going to make the acorn decoration. Well, it's hecka cute - you've just got to make one to see how cute!

I'm a work in progress

2007-12-18T06:58:00.001-08:00

I should take the train to work today - and use the valuable time to work on my numerous works in progress WIP. The pending projects are piled on my bed right now ... neatly placed in their ziploc bags. Almost finished with...felted clogs, 2 Knitty Winter 07 Tudora, lovely neck warmer pictured here.

The process of creating

2007-12-02T09:45:00.000-08:00

STEP 1:

Get a nose! So, yes, Anastacia and I had a good chance to be silly, and blow off steam. We're using the clown noses made from scraps of our newest projects - purses!!

STEP 2:

Anastacia takes a turn at the sewing machine. See two "first tries" at left -- a few more details to be completed and these will be ready to go!

STEP 3: Develop different styles. This purse is great, due to the scandinavian design wool sweater Anastacia found. After a couple washes in hot water and a little time in the dryer, it came out very nicely!

We both want this one for ourselves!

Bored? Get a new project going!

2007-10-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

How to survive many hours waiting and travelling. Why, start a new project, of course! The latest WIP is the lovely textured blankie-to-be from Family Circle Baby Knits book, page 90, called "Tickled Pink." so sweet! I'm using Baby Ull (left over from the Elizabeth Zimmerman Baby Surplice Sweater. I will need to buy oodles moe of the Baby Ull, but such a great project to carry around. Only 64 rows...starting with 4 stitch cast on and ending with four stitch bind off. It's fun to knit and has that lovely textured leaf on it!

Here's the almost-finished (except for those pesky ends) Baby Surplice Sweater - see how nice they'll go together?

But, wait! Here's another almost WIP (work in progress) - to be started, hopefully, this week or next! It's the amazing Elmer Fudd Hat, also known as Winter Cap from Fiber Trends, pattern #AC16.

I live in such a warm spot, that none of the local yarn shops carried this pattern. Voila! A quick trip to NYC solved that problem. While I was at it, I bought a couple of other "cold weather" patterns at Knitty City on the Upper West Side.

This will be so great to wear as I'm standing at the train platform!

Make a tote using a recycled wool sweater!

2007-09-20T05:55:00.000-07:00

Just sewed the seam for the recycled wool sweater tote bag - will wash in hot water today. must find super-cool button for decoration! This cute red, white and blue striped bag is a picture I found at the website noted here: http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/other_crafts/recycled_sweater_totes.php

==>> and this foto shows my first try at the craft ... ya gotta start somewhere!

2007-08-18T03:37:00.000-07:00

Almost there - the Baby Surplice Sweater is cute!

This Elizabeth Zimmerman Pattern is printed in the Vogue Knitting magazine, Spring/Summer 07, pages 28-30. I want to try the I-cord trim technique for this one. I'm using Baby Ull washable wool yarn, size 6 addi turbo circular needle, and this should fit baby from her newborn stage to approx. 3 months!

This is my first EZ project - I didn't knit during her heyday - but I sure wish I had - and thank goodness her books and TV shows are available! what a great resource. I've already reviewed the Knitting Without Tears and Knitting Workshop, and have enjoyed them so far!

Progress is Inevitable

2007-08-11T04:56:00.001-07:00

Two projects are showing progress.
The Flying Geese afghan is partially sewn together!
The EZ Surplice Baby Jacket is 1/8th done!
Pictures coming ... soon.

Doggone it!

2007-07-03T18:01:00.000-07:00

Doggedly working on: Flying Geese Afghan. Just compared panels for length...oops! Every single panel - of 5 so far - is a different length. My knitting maven suggested blocking would solve this problem. However, with acrylic yarn, I hesitate to do so...it'll be so obvious after washing!

Also working 2-3 pairs of felted clogs...

Emperor's Scarf...almost fini

2007-05-17T05:02:00.000-07:00

Made in España. Latest UFO - even tho' I accidentally decreased the rows as I was ending...I'm going to wear it and be nice and warm! Will probably make another one...and not decrease; I'll also increase the number of stitches in the middle, in order to make it longer.

And Julia's second pair of felted Lion Brand wool clogs are fini!

Headband - hat

2007-03-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

Check out knitty.com for Calorimetry - it's a headband, it's a hat! It's the best thing ever! knits up in a few hours. make a bunch! use all those fun colors, odd leftovers. The latest one I made is orange Cotton-Ease, using maybe 1/4 of the skein. So, guess what? I have 3 skeins of orange...eeeeeveryone in the family is getting an orange headband this year! ha!

2007-01-21T20:20:00.000-08:00

Okay, I'm back in afghan mode!! I'm soooo close to finishing the flying geese afghan...now it's time to focus!! I'll have to use the train to commute this week so I can get some good quality knittin' time in!

finished!

2007-01-20T14:27:00.000-08:00

Finished felted clogs for Justin & Tina! These were the clogs that would not be knit! One was lost on the San Jose train system. The other tried to hop out of my bag on the BART, only to be retrieved by a kind passenger! These clogs are devious! They will be mailed away to their new owners this week.

New year, old projects

2007-01-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

It's sooo tempting to start those new socks with the new yarn and size 1 needles I bought in Fortuna, CA!!! However, I also want to see a happy ending to:
Clogs for family/friends
Afghan for daughter
Afghan for baby (no baby, just afghan)
THEN...and only then, will the socks be started. This is a new year's resolution!!

Feliz Año Nuevo 2007

2007-01-01T06:39:00.000-08:00

Great start to a new year . . . resolution: make more socks!! I mean, finish Anastacia's afghan! Then, make more socks~!
Actually, I still have felted clogs to make. Pics coming soon . . .

BHG Afghans to Knit & Crochet

2006-12-16T13:36:00.000-08:00

more clogs!

2006-12-03T01:41:00.000-08:00

'til the season...and the clogs aren't finished yet! each time I finished one pair, another one is added for another person!

Clog Mania

2006-11-21T20:52:00.000-08:00

A couple finished projects -- 'tis the season . . . for clogs! Salmon-colored ones for Aunt Julia. Cascade 220 for top, salmon colored section. Manos del Uruguay for sole.
Green ones for Gayle. Top picture, after felting. Bottom picture -- before felting. Juniper top, Nashua Creative Arts; Dark green sole, Manos del Uruguay; cuff in Nashua Creative Arts chunky. Lion Brand Fun Fur eyelash yarn in teal and white.

Clog-Mania

2006-11-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

Lack of blog posts does not equate lack of knitting! I'm on the third or fourth pair of clogs...everyone I know will have felted clogs before you know it! Hopefully before the year end.

Plan For The Future

2006-09-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, I can plan ahead! In addition to my five (5) current projects, I've just found project #6. I am organized and planning ahead! :D

Isn't it lovely? I just purchased the feltedhandbagworkshop.blogspot.com pattern on ebay. I'm going to use a messenger bag shape with this gorgeous knitted pattern. Must decide on colors. Gotta go internet shopping. Buh-bye!

Julia's Felted Clogs

2006-09-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

Visiting Aunt Julia, who picked out a yarn for the felted clog sole. See how pretty? well, I took the photo, now just have to download it so you can see it!! patience, grasshopper . . .

I'm stuck...bought a beautiful brick red Manos de Uruguay yarn, thick 'n thin. Not sure it will felt properly ... what to do?

Spoke with the woman at Article Pract, who assured me that, doubled, the manos would felt fine ... so, here goes. Gonna try.

Baja Knitting

2006-09-12T04:02:00.000-07:00

Spent plenty of time knitting a new project; Danica, from Knitty.com. It's a scarf using the entrelac pattern. The colors are kinda wacky, but it'll be a nice accent during the wintertime, when mostly black, brown, navy are the colors in Oakland, CA.

Also made 1.5 knitted clogs in...a kind of pink color. Made a mistake, frogged a little...and there it sits!

I took a few other knitting projects with me to Baja California, but ended up reading a lot and knitting the scarf. I just don't know where the times goes!!

felting the night away

2006-07-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

Here are the cool slippers I felted - thanks for all the help Anastacia!!

New Project - cute hat with whales or sailboats. Will make one of each!! fotos to follow....

cloggin' the weekend away

2006-07-02T08:30:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July holiday!! To celebrate, am knitting the felted clogs -- shhhh it's a birthday surprise! Thanks Anastacia, as always for your guidance and tips! This would be just another project in a bag in the back of the closet ... without your wisdom!!

Getting very close to finishing the Flying Geese strips, more later . . .

anastacia's knitting classes 2006

2006-06-11T22:06:00.000-07:00

Brag a little Anastacia:

Classes taught by Anastasia, she is fabulous!

Afghan By Squares - This excellent learn-to-knit class is ideal for new and intermediate knitters. Following instructions for basic casting-on and stitch structure, a logical progression of patterns will lead you through: Knit-Purl, Mosaic, Slip-Stitch, Twist-Stitch patterns, Cables, Increase/Decrease, & Lace. We will complete most of the 63 squares this book has to offer. By the time you finish your last square, there will be very little you do not know about stitch pattern techniques and you will have a beautiful afghan to boot! Class Price will vary depending on difficulty of the square. First class $6.

Flapper Hat - This hat is reminiscent of the roaring 20's and will have you looking cute and warm on the windy/breezy days here in Humboldt. Knitting a piece of cake? Binding off not a problem? Are you a purling professional? If you answered yes to these three questions then you are ready to learn the more intermediate level techniques this class has to offer. $20

Beginning Crochet (Crochet Market Bag) - Crochet is the hot trend in fiber arts. A quick look at some of the summer's styles and you will see crochet is coming on strong. This inexpensive class will teach you the basics of crochet. The bag will be great for trips to the beach or around town. Join us to learn the fun art of crochet. $15

Socks For Wimps - Beginning Sock Class Are you afraid of little needles? Worried you won't remember a technique long enough to finish a pair of socks? Well have no fear! This class will teach you sock knitting on size 7 needles using Cascade 220. $30

Intarsia Knitting - Learn to knit with two colors in this fun class. We will be making a scarf using size 8 needles and 2 different colored skeins of worsted weight yarn. Required skills: Casting on, knit stitch, binding off. $20

*Please arrange a time that is convenient for you for this class.

Phone: 707-839-2447
email: handmadememories @ cox.net
website: www.handmadememories.org

topless crochet

2006-05-29T09:41:00.000-07:00

HEY, we found a picture of Anastacia's first crochet lesson...maybe it should be called panty crochet...or undies crochet...or lingerie crochet

workin' it

2006-05-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

Current projects:

Teach Lakeisha to knit. We went to Beverly's Crafts on the beautiful isle of Alameda, CA and found some furry, pinkie/beige yarns. Lakeisha's starting with a garter stitch scarf for her first project.

Trying to find the rest of the yarn for the Flying Geese afghan. Where did I store that stuff -- you know, a place where it would be "safe" and so I could easily find it when I needed it?

what's nu?

2006-04-24T18:04:00.000-07:00

==>> Yes, I am working on a project . . . okay, it's not Flying Geese . . . but that cool diagonal scarf at MLYS in McKinleyville, CA. It's really your fault, mi hija, because you wanted me to visit! And then . . . I could not help myself. I bought a skein of beautiful green variegated araucania yarn. The scarf is coming along nicely. I had all last week, travel to and from the east coast, to work on it! Only a few rows to go.

==>> And then . . . well, I may not return right away to the Flying Geese...because I got the beautiful mohair/silk yarn and Little Flowers to make the cute ruffled scarf.

==>> And then I'll start back up on Flying Geese. Whew! Pictures to follow . . . soon!

Yes, I am!

2006-04-08T04:12:00.000-07:00

Had an impromptu knit/crochet along last week at work -- Debbie's almost finished with her shrug. She told me she forgot how to crochet -- so we went through Carla's tutorial again. Hopefully she remembers how to crochet this weekend and finishes the shrug! Because then her new project is the Lion Brand Romantic Bolero (http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/cgs-bolero.html) It's a pretty shell pattern ... and once she gets the hang of double crochet, it'll move along quickly!

So...even tho' I've only spent about an hour on my own Flying Geese afghan, I AM knitting/crocheting! Am trying to convince Lakeisha to start a project ... probably a scarf.

whaaat? are you trying to bug me?

2006-03-26T17:51:00.000-08:00

I AM knitting...just not at that breakneck pace that some manage to do. I'm working on my "flying geese" still. But, since I drove my car to town this weekend...I didn't have that 2 hours quality commute time in which to work on it. And, yes I was reading a book on BART last week. Quit hassling me!! I'll get to it, ok?

I helped both Debbie and Cometria with THEIR projects. Because I'm committed to helping, see?
Thanks for your understanding. Oh, by the way...I was in a yarn store today, buying yarn for mi hija -- and really wanted to do some more yarn shopping. But I was able to resist. Yay!

Scarf becomes reality

2006-01-28T03:49:00.000-08:00

I finished the pretty fluffy scarf for Blanca -- finally! It's a simple dropped garter stitch. Will post a picture soon. Meanwhile, have knitted the socks in fits and spurts.

And now, a helpful hint, care of the Michael's crafts website:

101 Uses for Velcro: 21. Secure items to dashboard of car or RV. I do need to hold loads of things for easy access while I'm driving -- what a great idea! You know, a bottle of nail polish, a plastic food container, etc, etc! The stuff I use while I'm driving! :-P

a great start to the new year 2006

2006-01-02T05:04:00.000-08:00

What better new year's resolution than to learn to do the provisional cast-on with one circular needle! My knitting guru (aka, daughter) finally convinced me to get the 40" addi turbo circular. And the new favorite MLYS, In Sheep's Clothing had just the thing, along with a nice sale on a fun sock yarn. So, here's the toe -- as usual, not perfect, but perfectly serviceable. I'm feelin' smart!

And here's the pattern I'll work it in -- from "Knitting Over the Edge", the "duck foot rib." The name is great, especially since I've been spotting a few nice overwintering ducks on our bird walks.

For instance, the northern shoveler, from the tundra region.

big apple, here we go!

2005-12-31T13:44:00.000-08:00

Who knew? Only 10 blocks from Aunt Julia's pad! Looks very dangerous!! http://www.theyarnco.com/images/store/yarn_2_sm.jpg

Will check out this store, no matter what, when I'm in NYC in a couple weeks:

http://www.theyarnco.com/nyc_location.php

stitch marker

2005-12-08T05:50:00.000-08:00

whaddya think?

cold toes

2005-12-04T08:40:00.000-08:00

Finished the first wyvern sock in time for very cold weather. The foot length is about 1/2" too long -- what do you think? I made the cuff 3 patterns long. I like that length for now. I bet when I wear it with pants I won't be so pleased, tho'.

Lovely Kitty Pi

2005-11-27T07:56:00.000-08:00

Wow

The kitty pi is so cute! I hope Cleo loves it as much as I do! Otherwise...it'll make a great knitting basket! That's not an idle threat, Cleo! Herre's the foto -- as soon as she hops in, I'll share another picture.

Thanksgiving - such an appropriate name

2005-11-27T07:28:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for Thanksgiving holiday and school break. Anastacia arrived just in time to set me straight on the Wyvern socks pattern. I had been slogging along, not even caring anymore, about following the pattern. I was really "flummoxed" (word of the week.) Hopelessly lost. So, here is the status of Wyvern, with all its flaws -- and I'm going to work on them today. I hope they coordinate nicely with my new fleece top. Mi hija -- how much more should I knit before turning the heel?

Thanks, Carloz, for loaning me everything (I'm not worthy!) ... the laptop, the camera ... the professional tech help. What would I do without you? Thanks for your big heart.

I'm a member of the group who LOVE to have the cold weather start!! My only issue is "popsicle toes" and ankles. The rest of me is waaaay overheated! But now...I only want to put on the Wyvern socks ... so I better get to it!

It was so much fun to see Anastacia make stitch markers!! They're beautiful!! I just wanna keep 'em all to myself! But, maybe some friends would like a few also. 'Tis the season after all. Well...maybe we can sell a few of them...and hoard the rest!!

I discover socks!

2005-11-19T19:42:00.000-08:00

Have discovered the joy of knitting socks. The work fits in my purse, I pull it out and surprise everyone! I've given up the thought of knitting the pattern perfectly. I'm not connecting with the instructions... yet. I'll get it by the time I'm done with the first sock. The second one will be beautiful and quite good, I'm sure!

Check out the link on my listing of works in progress, to see what a beautiful sock pattern this is. I'm knitting it in that cute pink color...see a previous blog.

It's now time to think ahead...what will I knit next? Check out these most precious pugs with their custom sweaters! I don't have a pug, but I'm pretty sure I'll have to knit a sweater like one of these!! http://marniemaclean.com/words/images/1105/villagenews.jpg

Mar de SueÑos

2005-11-15T09:46:00.000-08:00

I stole that title from a movie that´s just been released in México.

Still in Sta. Rosalía. Here´s the completed Kitty Pi -- lovely ¨Mexicana¨ color eyelash yarn decorates the top.

Am now diligently working on the Wyvern socks. Picture another day.

tejidos en el mar

2005-11-10T10:24:00.000-08:00

Well, finally finished the Kitty Pi, while gazing upon the Sea of Cortez. The color is great -- sea-wise and kitty bed-wise. The eyelash yarn is ¨mexicana¨ -- how appropriate! I forgot to bring the picture with me. Meanwhile, here´s a picture of me at La Pinta Hotel in CataviÑa, Baja California Norte.

Next, must gather strength to continue work on the Wyvern socks! I won´t give up.

have a good cry

2005-10-31T18:37:00.000-08:00

wanna see a grown woman cry? I told a co-worker to try to learn the provisional cast on. That just about did it for me the other night when mi hijita spent a LONG TIME on the cell phone with me....to help me through a horrible trial. Whew!!! Now that I almost know how to do it...I'm lookin forward to starting the second Wyvern sock. Even though I can't quite figure out the pattern...have another urgent email out to MY knitting maven, Anastacia. heeeeelllllpppppp...I'm falling.....

another lesson learned

2005-10-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

So...I bought 4 sets of circular bamboo needles on Ebay...for a modest price. I'm knitting the Kitty Pi bed, see previous post for pix. And..the needle is now deformed -- almost broken off right where the plastic meets the bamboo. Another lesson on why it pays to buy quality tools! I'm not sure...why do I not learn the key lessons of life! hehe

kitty pi

2005-10-11T02:37:00.000-07:00

kitty pi is the lovely name of the knitted & felted cat bed that I'm making. This is the first time in 20 years (or so) that I'm using wool yarn. It's beautiful and soft so far. I can hardly wait to finish...and felt it.
Well, at http://wendyknits.net/knit/kittybed.htm website, where the instructions reside, it says Noro Kureyon -- when I checked the Norwegian translation (what, you didn't know I read Norwegian?) -- it indicates Noro BIG Kureyon. Big difference!

Well, here's a picture of a pattern I'd love to make -- it's the sleeves to Catherine's beautiful sweater!
I'm just a dreamer. No waaay am I gonna take that on!!

Meanwhile, I'm helping Cometria with her Buttonhole Bag -- we really didn't like the technique of adding a stitch by knitting into the bar between stitches. We reverted back to knitting in the front and back of the stitch to increase. Upon calling my smart daughter, she confirmed yes of course, that's the only way to go. The other way produces big holes in the knitting! Feh! I guess knitting challenges are there to sharpen our wits, eh?

More later...

kitty bed

2005-10-01T15:56:00.000-07:00

I must make a felted kitty bed, too! here's the yarn...going to use 10.5 needles instead of the suggested 11. How much smaller will it be? The kitty is kinda small (Cleopatra). Hopefully her gray color will look cute inside the bright yellow bed.

afghan taking shape

2005-10-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Here's the afghan I've been working on, called "Flying Geese" just using acrylic Red Heart yarn. Only 3.5 more "flying geese" panels to go! Loved the knitter who, regarding a finished gift for a friend, remarked "finished 2 years 9 months after the wedding." My projects are counted in years, not days/months.

The Afghan project...continued

2005-09-18T12:06:00.000-07:00

Here's the "Flying Geese" panel -- looks pretty cool. Got this much done on the flights from California to D.C and back last week. I wish I had some bright idea for weaving in the ends while I knit. I've tried it a few times, but not too satisfactory. Have to bite the bullet and just plan to weave them all in afterwards. This is the first of four panels for this afghan.

group efforts

2005-09-03T01:10:00.000-07:00

Friday, Lunchtime -- we worked on Cometria's baby afghan -- she's learning to "read" the crochet stitches and figure out where to place each stitch. Also, how to "read" the beginning of each row...where do the first couple double crochets go. She's so quick to catch on, so I can't wait to see how the piece looks next Wednesday at KraftMania!

I got motivated to work on my knitted afghan -- pictures coming soon!

another row

2005-08-23T04:04:00.000-07:00

Good Dog, lay down . . . stay. The inseparable twins, Murphy and Wywy.

The afghan . . . sometimes it's not as easy to get motivated to continue the afghan. That's why the local KraftMania group is essential. Yay, krafters!! Wednesday's the day...I'll be able to knit a few good rows there. And next week I have a flight out of town. Plenty of waiting around . . . so the needles will be clickin'.