While I was in Florida I found the cutest little knit pixie for my car. She is actually called a voodoo pixie but forget that...isn't she adorable?
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Knit bombing trouble
I finished the side panel for my car awhile ago. Yesterday I tried to install it. It was not as successful as I had hoped. (See below)
While I was in Florida I found the cutest little knit pixie for my car. She is actually called a voodoo pixie but forget that...isn't she adorable?
While I was in Florida I found the cutest little knit pixie for my car. She is actually called a voodoo pixie but forget that...isn't she adorable?
Friday, May 25, 2012
Mindless knitting
I am working on two shawl projects right now. Both are garter stitch.
The first one is Color Affection by Veera Valimaki. I am knitting this in gray, pink, and green yarn from knit picks. This is a fun knit that requires a little bit of concentration at the beginning and end of each row from me due to the M1R and M1L stitches. I don’t have these memorized and have to refer to my cheat sheets.
The second project is another Silk Moon Crescent Shawl by Jaala Spiro. I am knitting this in Plymouth Yarn Kudo in a white, gray, black striping yarn. This pattern does not require very much attention at all except for the occasional increase row. I just have to make sure that I don’t pass this row up. (Which I have done at least once already.) Then I have to tink back, do the increase row, and go back to the mindless knitting.
My life must be really complicated right now for me to be enjoying so much garter stitch. Usually that’s how I can tell…if my life is crazy, my knitting is simple; if my life is simple, my knitting is complicated.
The first one is Color Affection by Veera Valimaki. I am knitting this in gray, pink, and green yarn from knit picks. This is a fun knit that requires a little bit of concentration at the beginning and end of each row from me due to the M1R and M1L stitches. I don’t have these memorized and have to refer to my cheat sheets.
The second project is another Silk Moon Crescent Shawl by Jaala Spiro. I am knitting this in Plymouth Yarn Kudo in a white, gray, black striping yarn. This pattern does not require very much attention at all except for the occasional increase row. I just have to make sure that I don’t pass this row up. (Which I have done at least once already.) Then I have to tink back, do the increase row, and go back to the mindless knitting.
My life must be really complicated right now for me to be enjoying so much garter stitch. Usually that’s how I can tell…if my life is crazy, my knitting is simple; if my life is simple, my knitting is complicated.
Florida Vacation Cont.
On Monday, we went back to Gabriella’s Yarn Store. They didn’t seem to have as much yarn as Knitting with Nancy but had much higher priced yarns. I found a few things that I liked here as well. The store was very well lit, open, and airy. There were a bunch of people sitting, knitting, and chatting. Gabriella had a little white dog running around barking, which added a relaxed air about the place. I found some beautiful Hand Painted Knitting Yarns in an individual colorway that did not have a name but there were 400 yards of it. I also bought 1200 yards of Blue Heron Bamboo Lace in Curry colorway. Both of these yarns and the Archangel colorway from yesterday were very similar. I must have been in a mood for these certain romantic colors.
Michael had meeting to attend most mornings and Elle and I would sit, play, and relax. I didn’t venture far without Mike, just took advantage of some alone time with my youngest girl. In the afternoons we would go get some lunch, site see a little, come back to the hotel to take a nap, usually go out for dinner, and come back to watch a little TV, chat, and lie in bed and play with Elle. Nothing exciting but exactly what a vacation should be.
We got back from Florida late Wednesday night and had to rush around getting things ready for work and school the next day. I have been sorting laundry, school papers, etc. Making up chore lists for summer and getting organized again so that the transition to summer schedules goes smoothly. Thankfully there was a three day weekend to get all caught up.
Tomorrow…knitting on the needles.
Michael had meeting to attend most mornings and Elle and I would sit, play, and relax. I didn’t venture far without Mike, just took advantage of some alone time with my youngest girl. In the afternoons we would go get some lunch, site see a little, come back to the hotel to take a nap, usually go out for dinner, and come back to watch a little TV, chat, and lie in bed and play with Elle. Nothing exciting but exactly what a vacation should be.
We got back from Florida late Wednesday night and had to rush around getting things ready for work and school the next day. I have been sorting laundry, school papers, etc. Making up chore lists for summer and getting organized again so that the transition to summer schedules goes smoothly. Thankfully there was a three day weekend to get all caught up.
Tomorrow…knitting on the needles.
Florida Vacation
Florida was beautiful. Our patio overlooked the ocean. In the morning we were able to drink our coffee on the patio while watching and listening to the ocean.
We stayed at the LaPlaya Resort in Naples. Everyone was so nice and helpful. I would recommend the hotel and staff wholeheartedly. There were 3 pools. We took Elle swimming in one of the pools and she loved the water. She also really loved the ocean once she got used to how large it was. She did not like the sand however. She wanted nothing to do with it.
I did get sick on our second day there, so Mike took care of Elle while I slept and got better. After that, it was smooth sailing. Every morning and every evening Mike, Elle, and I would cuddle in bed and play. It was my favorite part of the day. Elle’s too I think.
We visited two yarn stores while in Naples. Gabrielle’s Yarn Store and Knitting with Nancy. Saturday afternoon we went out in search of the stores. Both were located within miles of each other and very close to the hotel. We visited Gabrielle’s Yarn Store first. When we got there, a sign was on the door with summer hours of Monday and Tuesday only 10 – 4. I was surprised by that but decided I would have to come back then. So we went off in search of Knitting with Nancy.
Knitting with Nancy had a lot of yarn, magazines, books, bags, etc. I wasn’t able to get a sense for the organization in the store. Some people were inside knitting and chatting at a table. I looked around trying to get past the grandma’s basement smell. I found some Plymouth Yarn (Kudo) in a black, gray, white colorway. I bought 3 skeins for another Silk Moon Crescent Shawl. I also found Malabrigo Yarn (Rios) in Archangel colorway. I bought two skeins, one for myself and one for Laurie who stayed with the older kids while we were away. The last item I bought was a beautiful shawl pin. With all of the shawls I am knitting, I think I need a few more.
Tomorrow….Gabrielle’s Yarn Store.
We stayed at the LaPlaya Resort in Naples. Everyone was so nice and helpful. I would recommend the hotel and staff wholeheartedly. There were 3 pools. We took Elle swimming in one of the pools and she loved the water. She also really loved the ocean once she got used to how large it was. She did not like the sand however. She wanted nothing to do with it.
I did get sick on our second day there, so Mike took care of Elle while I slept and got better. After that, it was smooth sailing. Every morning and every evening Mike, Elle, and I would cuddle in bed and play. It was my favorite part of the day. Elle’s too I think.
We visited two yarn stores while in Naples. Gabrielle’s Yarn Store and Knitting with Nancy. Saturday afternoon we went out in search of the stores. Both were located within miles of each other and very close to the hotel. We visited Gabrielle’s Yarn Store first. When we got there, a sign was on the door with summer hours of Monday and Tuesday only 10 – 4. I was surprised by that but decided I would have to come back then. So we went off in search of Knitting with Nancy.
Knitting with Nancy had a lot of yarn, magazines, books, bags, etc. I wasn’t able to get a sense for the organization in the store. Some people were inside knitting and chatting at a table. I looked around trying to get past the grandma’s basement smell. I found some Plymouth Yarn (Kudo) in a black, gray, white colorway. I bought 3 skeins for another Silk Moon Crescent Shawl. I also found Malabrigo Yarn (Rios) in Archangel colorway. I bought two skeins, one for myself and one for Laurie who stayed with the older kids while we were away. The last item I bought was a beautiful shawl pin. With all of the shawls I am knitting, I think I need a few more.
Tomorrow….Gabrielle’s Yarn Store.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
New project
My most recent project is Color Affection by Veera Valimaki. I am starting with a dark gray, will transition to dark gray and pink, and then dark gray, pink, and green. I purchased my yarn from www.KnitPicks.com they have wonderful yarn, needles, and accessories. I am never worried about what I will get when I order from them. I have never been disappointed.
I was having trouble with the “make 1 left” and “make 1 right” stitches located at either end of the row. I put a little cheat sheet at the top of my pattern and now am not having any trouble getting it correct. I am also adding a yarn over between the first and second stitch on either end, and then dropping it when I come back to it, so that the edge will not be tight. (Thank you Ravelry comments!)
I am leaving for Florida this evening and this is the project that I am taking with me. Should be great beach knitting but I will have a sock along too, just in case.
I hope to visit a few yarn stores in Naples while I am there. I will have Elle with me but the other kids will be at home completing the last couple days of school. Mom doesn’t get a summer break, so I have to take mine when I can get it!
I’ll try to post a couple of pictures next week, but we’ll see. I’m on vacation after all!
I was having trouble with the “make 1 left” and “make 1 right” stitches located at either end of the row. I put a little cheat sheet at the top of my pattern and now am not having any trouble getting it correct. I am also adding a yarn over between the first and second stitch on either end, and then dropping it when I come back to it, so that the edge will not be tight. (Thank you Ravelry comments!)
I am leaving for Florida this evening and this is the project that I am taking with me. Should be great beach knitting but I will have a sock along too, just in case.
I hope to visit a few yarn stores in Naples while I am there. I will have Elle with me but the other kids will be at home completing the last couple days of school. Mom doesn’t get a summer break, so I have to take mine when I can get it!
I’ll try to post a couple of pictures next week, but we’ll see. I’m on vacation after all!
Teaching to knit
Monday I brought my Silk Moon Crescent Shawl to work. It was still damp but I wanted to show it off.
Everyone loved it! A few people asked me if I would knit one for them. I gave them my standard line when someone asks that…I would love to TEACH you to knit. Then you can knit it for yourself.
One girl at work took me up on it. I keep yarn and needles in my car to teach anyone I come across. At lunch I went to my car and got some cotton yarn, a pair of needles, and taught her the knit stitch. Tuesday she came into work with almost all of the yarn used up (it was a leftover portion of a ball). So I taught her to bind off. She had increased her stitches by about double and wanted to try again. We got more yarn out of the car and I taught her the knit cast on. She figured out what she had been doing to increase all those stitches and her most recent washcloth looks great! I love it when people try it and like it!
That is what is happening with the Silk Moon Crescent Shawl Knitalong too. I know of three people who bought the pattern and decided to knit this with me and two more who are thinking about starting it. Everyone is enjoying this pattern. Two people are just knitting along so happily. They will finish their first project soon. What an accomplishment!
I will leave you with a few pictures of my Silk Moon Crescent Shawl. I took these Monday night.
Everyone loved it! A few people asked me if I would knit one for them. I gave them my standard line when someone asks that…I would love to TEACH you to knit. Then you can knit it for yourself.
One girl at work took me up on it. I keep yarn and needles in my car to teach anyone I come across. At lunch I went to my car and got some cotton yarn, a pair of needles, and taught her the knit stitch. Tuesday she came into work with almost all of the yarn used up (it was a leftover portion of a ball). So I taught her to bind off. She had increased her stitches by about double and wanted to try again. We got more yarn out of the car and I taught her the knit cast on. She figured out what she had been doing to increase all those stitches and her most recent washcloth looks great! I love it when people try it and like it!
That is what is happening with the Silk Moon Crescent Shawl Knitalong too. I know of three people who bought the pattern and decided to knit this with me and two more who are thinking about starting it. Everyone is enjoying this pattern. Two people are just knitting along so happily. They will finish their first project soon. What an accomplishment!
I will leave you with a few pictures of my Silk Moon Crescent Shawl. I took these Monday night.
Monday, May 14, 2012
More ladybugs
Mike found this ladybug keychain at Walmart. It is so cute. I am going to attach it to the small bag I am making for my spinning wheel. I think the small bag and ladybug keychain add a lot of style to my wheel.
I have also started spinning another roving. I have had this in my stash for a couple of years now. Can't wait to see how it turns out.
I have also started spinning another roving. I have had this in my stash for a couple of years now. Can't wait to see how it turns out.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
A Finished Shawl
I finished the Silk Moon Crescent Shawl in Sunday. I LOVED this knit. It was a fun, easy, relaxing knit.
The shawl turned out beautifully. I am going to bring it with me on vacation to Florida this coming week.
In this picture, it is still drying. Better pictures to come...
The shawl turned out beautifully. I am going to bring it with me on vacation to Florida this coming week.
In this picture, it is still drying. Better pictures to come...
Spinning
I finished spinning the singles of the 3 oz of hand dyed mixed BFL wool from WC Mercantile that I won at the spin in last month. I waited a day and then plyed the singles together and got 220 yards of beautiful fiber.
One of these pictures was taken while plying and the other one after soaking the yarn.
One of these pictures was taken while plying and the other one after soaking the yarn.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Still knitting
I am completely enchanted by this shawl. I am already thinking about the next one along with different color combinations. I am currently on row 71. It only has 110 rows for the whole shawl.
Life has been a bit crazy here; allergies, teenagers, proms, work, etc. a simple knit with beautiful color changes is just what the doctor ordered.
As of last night this is the progress I have made...
Life has been a bit crazy here; allergies, teenagers, proms, work, etc. a simple knit with beautiful color changes is just what the doctor ordered.
As of last night this is the progress I have made...
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Silk Moon Crescent Shawlette
I started my Silk Moon Crescent Shawlette. I am using Plymouth Kudo yarn in three different colorways.
This is a really fun and easy knit. A great pattern for your first shawlette. Especially since it uses worsted weight yarn and size 9 needles.
My knitting group is knitting this as a knitalong. We are going to have a random prize drawing at the end, just for fun. There is a thread open on sheepish knits Ravelry group page. Let us know you are joining the knitalong and post a picture when it is complete so you can be entered in our drawing.
This is my progress so far on the shawl. And the balls of yarn I am using for mine.
This is a really fun and easy knit. A great pattern for your first shawlette. Especially since it uses worsted weight yarn and size 9 needles.
My knitting group is knitting this as a knitalong. We are going to have a random prize drawing at the end, just for fun. There is a thread open on sheepish knits Ravelry group page. Let us know you are joining the knitalong and post a picture when it is complete so you can be entered in our drawing.
This is my progress so far on the shawl. And the balls of yarn I am using for mine.
Coasters
This Sunday at church our message was about sex trafficking and how we can help.
The first thing is to keep our families strong. That way our children won't be mislead into this horrible way of life and our husbands and sons won't increase the growing "want" of this type of sin.
The second thing we need to do is to break free from the stigma of judgement in our churches. Everyone needs a safe place to be at sometime in their life and that is what the church needs to be to everyone ALL THE TIME. It is not our place to judge people, but to love them and help them to see the love of Jesus, through us.
The third thing we need to do is to plug into an organization that fights sex trafficking. The two who were at our church this Sunday were "Redeemed Ministries" found at www.redeemedministries.com and "Freedom Place" found at www.arrow.org.
Of course there is one more thing that EVERYONE can do...the MOST IMPORTANT thing...pray. Please pray for the women who are sex slaves, pray for the men to are pimping them out, pray for the mean and women who are buying these people. Pray, pray, pray!
In support of Redeemed Ministries, I bought these coasters that were handcrafted by women formerly exploited in the commercial sex industry or by human trafficking. Aren't they beautiful!
The first thing is to keep our families strong. That way our children won't be mislead into this horrible way of life and our husbands and sons won't increase the growing "want" of this type of sin.
The second thing we need to do is to break free from the stigma of judgement in our churches. Everyone needs a safe place to be at sometime in their life and that is what the church needs to be to everyone ALL THE TIME. It is not our place to judge people, but to love them and help them to see the love of Jesus, through us.
The third thing we need to do is to plug into an organization that fights sex trafficking. The two who were at our church this Sunday were "Redeemed Ministries" found at www.redeemedministries.com and "Freedom Place" found at www.arrow.org.
Of course there is one more thing that EVERYONE can do...the MOST IMPORTANT thing...pray. Please pray for the women who are sex slaves, pray for the men to are pimping them out, pray for the mean and women who are buying these people. Pray, pray, pray!
In support of Redeemed Ministries, I bought these coasters that were handcrafted by women formerly exploited in the commercial sex industry or by human trafficking. Aren't they beautiful!
Mistake
I wanted to make a small felted bag for my ladybug spinning wheel. I thought a red bag with black spots would look very cute. I was hoping for the size of a Coke can. What I got was a ladybug bowl?!?! Not sure WHAT I am going to do with this. LOL. Oh well.
So now I am going to cast on 20 stitches and knit one the exact right size. I will use black at the top and have the rest be red. I will put a little ladybug pin on it (I found a pack of them at Michael's).
I am going to put the rest of them all around my spinning wheel. I will have my own little gang. I will take some pictures of both the little bag and my ladybugs once complete. Until then, I will leave you with a picture of my bowl. The first picture is before felting and the next two are after felting.
So now I am going to cast on 20 stitches and knit one the exact right size. I will use black at the top and have the rest be red. I will put a little ladybug pin on it (I found a pack of them at Michael's).
I am going to put the rest of them all around my spinning wheel. I will have my own little gang. I will take some pictures of both the little bag and my ladybugs once complete. Until then, I will leave you with a picture of my bowl. The first picture is before felting and the next two are after felting.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Smooth as Silk
After small group left (around 9:30), I decided to get some fiber and REALLY try my spinning wheel out. Oh my! Heavens! This spins wonderfully easy.
In the book "The Intentional Spinner" it says that at your default spinning style, you should be able to change the settings on your wheel to spin any type of yarn, thick or thin, just by changing your settings. I didn't understand that before...now I do.
Don't get me wrong. I am still learning about spinning and my new wheel, but I can see amazing possibilites.
This is what I spun in less than an hour and I was completely relaxed and having a good time while I was at it.
This is 3 oz. hand dyed mixed BFL Wool - A Spinner's Delight! from WC Mercantile. This is the fiber I won at the spin in a couple of weeks ago.
In the book "The Intentional Spinner" it says that at your default spinning style, you should be able to change the settings on your wheel to spin any type of yarn, thick or thin, just by changing your settings. I didn't understand that before...now I do.
Don't get me wrong. I am still learning about spinning and my new wheel, but I can see amazing possibilites.
This is what I spun in less than an hour and I was completely relaxed and having a good time while I was at it.
This is 3 oz. hand dyed mixed BFL Wool - A Spinner's Delight! from WC Mercantile. This is the fiber I won at the spin in a couple of weeks ago.
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