Knit 1 Purl 2 Chat

My first free form mittens

2011-12-10T08:23:00.001-08:00

I found some great pink chunky yarn in my stash. Yes, I was organizing the space and there it was...bright pink yarn begging to be knit.

After working on my Latvian mittens with its teeny tiny stitches, it seemed like a nice diversion to work with chunky yarn.

So, using my knowledge of the Latvian mitten pattern I started to knit.

And here is what I created.

Things I learned:

1. Make the cuff long enough to cover your wrist.

2. Make a division between the cuff and the big part of the mitten to keep the warmth in, and make it a more comfortable fit.

3. When starting the thumb, wrap the stitches on the sides so that a hole is avoided. See the picture above. In the top mitten I did not wrap (twist) the stitches and you can see a small "hole" where the thumb comes out from the mitten. On the bottom mitten I wrapped the stitches before knitting up the thumb.

A Headband Diversion

2011-11-27T13:48:00.001-08:00

Even though it is getting a bit cold, and I will need my mittens soon, I got a bit distracted on a recent trip to my LYS (Local Yarn Shop).

OK, so on my way home from lunch with my family, we happened to be close to The Yarn Garage in Rosemount, MN. I begged my sister to stop the car, and she indulged me! She found two of her favorite colors in a really soft yarn, and I found a fun new pattern. The pattern is for a braided headband.

I actually wanted to sign up for the class which it taught by the designer of the pattern, but alas, at this point I am a working girl and the 10:30 am class time does not work for me.

Now that I am gaining a bit more experience as a knitter, I purchased the pattern with high hopes of making the headband by simply reading the pattern.

First of all the colors of the yarn are intriguing to me. I think you have to be 4 or over 40 to have the confidence to wear this combination.

The pattern is created for a single color of yarn. And apparently there is good reason for this. I restarted 3 times trying to get the braided effect my sister and I were imagining would work with this pattern.

Nope! that is not it either.

Here is what I have so far. It started out so cool (the right side). This pattern has four sections which cable through the length to create the pattern. I think I may rip it out and try just using three sections with a cable to see what would happen!!??

Latvian Mittens and Pecan Pie!

2011-11-25T09:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

At our house we made a great feast. Unfortunately, we did not think to take a picture of our most beautiful turkey yet! If you look at the front cover of the November Bon Appetit, you can see what our turkey looked like. Really, we are getting good at turkey baking.

I did snap a picture of the remaining pecan pie. Also, a great improvement from last year. This year I made two recipe changes and one technique change. First, I made it without corn syrup, and toasted the pecans before chopping them and adding them to the pie. The technique change came from a cooking show I saw. It recommended putting the pecans in the pie shell first, and then adding the filling and then into the oven to bake. I do think my pie from last year, where I sprinkled the pecans on top of the pie filling before baking looked better. However, this pie is the best tasting pecan pie I have ever made.

Next year should be better than ever.

I got a bit of knitting time in and made a little progress past the thumb.

I have found that the space between the lining and the outer mitten is a great place to store my needle number 5.

My own Latvian Mitten Pattern!

2011-11-23T18:49:00.001-08:00

Before I began knitting my mittens I spent hours looking over all the beautiful pictures of completed mittens in Latvian Mittens by Lizbeth Upitis. There are over 90 pictures of completed mittens and the patterns for each one. Really, how can anyone decide on one? But, I was excited to get started and decided on 10b Kurzeme (a region in Latvia), it is graph 105. Each picture has a little reference to a graph number in the back of the book.

Graph 105 is a grid filled in with three colors. I am using navy blue, tan and white. The graph is only 14 squares wide and then repeats itself all around the mitten. I started by doing some math first. My total number of stitches must be divisible by 14 (70 stitches for me) if I want a concentric circle of pattern.

The top part of the mitten is also a repeating pattern. This pattern has a 12 row repeating pattern.

I still need to take the time to figure out what happened.

The mitten pattern that was developing before my eyes did not match the picture I had selected in the book. If you notice the columns in the honeycomb pattern I will show you what is different. In the original picture there is navy knitting around each tan and white honeycomb. In my pattern every other column is connected by tan through the whole column. Meanwhile, the other column is not connected. I am not too concerned about this as it appears that I have created a new pattern that is consistent!!

I also hit a landmark. I am at the thumb of my left mitten!!

Now it is time to go prepare my turkey for baking in the morning:)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Making progress on the Left Latvian Mitten

2011-11-18T13:47:00.001-08:00

Here is a picture of my progress so far.

First I made the liner. This went easily, because it is all the same color. However, I was using size 0 needles so it was a bit slow!!

Next I started the outer mitten by picking up stitches from liner and working up the outside. I will need to be careful as I think my knitting is a bit tight!

The pattern that is emerging on the needles is going to be repeated to the top of the mitten.

I think these will be the warmest mittens I have ever worn. It's Friday, that means lots of knitting time in the next few days!!

Look Mom, I blocked it!

2011-11-13T18:09:00.001-08:00

Since I am sending the prayer shawl off as a gift I decided to finish it off properly by blocking it.

I started out well. I hand washed the shawl. Then I proceeded to put it into a pillowcase and run it through the spin cycle of my washing machine to get it as dry as possible. Most of my resources recommended tying the pillowcase closed so the shawl would not escape in the spin cycle. I have not had good luck tying pillow cases shut and being sure they would stay that way. So, I opted for the rubberband closure method and it worked great!!

After spinning it dry, I laid out the shawl flat and placed the edges as best I could. I used to have a lovely red apple/tomato pincushion with many pins in it. Somehow it has become a favorite "toy" of my children. It has been found in many different parts of the house. Usually found with a new pattern created by moving the pins around. Anyway, today I could not find the pincushion, as you can see!

The right edge is looking good. I did do a bit more tugging and pulling for the left edge before I left it to dry.

Tomorrow it goes into a package and out in the mail!

9960 Stitches in 5 days!

2011-11-12T05:27:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law just had abdominal surgery for the third time this fall. We are all grateful that she is home and is healing:)

When my first daughter was born I needed a C Section as she decided sideways was a very comfortable position to be in. When I heard news of my sister-in-laws 3rd surgery my own scar shuddered with pain. The healing process for me took a long time.

So, I set out to make her a prayer shawl. First so we could all send her a "big hug" since we are 1000 miles away. Second, so she could have something to snuggle with as she healed.

I picked some yarn from my stash. One of my favorite things about having a stash is that when an idea comes to mind I can start knitting within 5 minutes! I selected a creamy beige alpaca yarn and paired it with some yarn I bought in Austria many, many years ago. I knit the two yarns together for a nice warm blended look.

Usually as I knit I pull the yarn from the middle of the skein. With my yellow yarn from Austria I knit from the outside in. Not sure why....just happened. Now maybe this is true of yarn created in America, but I have never tested it. As I was getting to the end of the ball of yarn the coolest shape became clear. In the middle of the ball was a star.

Now all I have to do is block and send!

Another pair of Latvian Mittens

2011-10-28T09:43:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of my progress on a pair of Latvian mittens for me. I created a pair of plain navy mittens which are now becoming the liner of my beautiful new mittens.

As I began to knit the outer mitten I noticed that the braiding is not as neat as my pattern makes it look. I can see the purl bump between the two parts of the braid, and I'm not liking the look. I must be missing something!

Also, I made a pair of mittens last year for my daughter and the braid seems to look just fine.

Hard to tell from this, but it does seem to be more of the finish I was looking for.

Shopping Distraction

2011-07-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

Today I went to a thrift store to look for a pair of shorts...

I did not get any shorts, but I did get something...

Two lovely pairs of knitting needles. A pair of 2s and a pair of 3s. Only $1.00 for both sets!

I wonder about the former owner of the needles. If these needles could talk I wonder what they would tell me about the projects they have been used to create. Or maybe...they have never been used at all???

On Cruise with the Birthday Shawl

2011-07-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

I just discovered a great way to get lots of knitting done!!

When your kids are old enough to go in the pool without you, let them go swimming. It was worth every penny of the $6.00 per kid to get into the pool (OUCH!!) I spent on Thursday. We did manage to avoid the $2.25 per hot dog at the concession stand. Really, over $10.00 for 4 kids to hot dogs? and then they are thirsty.

Anyway, with hours of "free time" in a shady spot by the pool I completed ball of yarn #6.

And now on to ball #7. I am started to get distracted by my next few projects!!

The Birthday Shawl is Half way complete!!

2011-07-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

After knitting through much of the 4th of July weekend I have completed ball number 5 of the shawl. I even found a shady spot during the parade to knit and stay out of the sun. Since I was already sunburned from a picnic on the 3rd, it was perfect!!

Here are some kids dancing to a float playing "Cotton Eyed Joe" during the parade.

You can see I had a great place to knit and enjoy what was going on from the trees. I wasn't being snobby really. Just protecting my skin and getting more knitting in too!

From the top...

Tadaaaaaaaa:)

One more down!

2011-06-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

OK, now that I am in the grove with the Birthday Shawl AND also in the grove for summer break I should be making some stellar progress.

I now have 4 balls of yarn knit...

And now to keep going.

I am going to a wedding the last weekend in July it would be great to be able to wear this. It seem like the bamboo yarn will drape beautifully.

And now back to knitting!!

3 down 7 to go!

2011-06-14T07:20:00.000-07:00

I am making progress on my shawl. And learning a few things along the way.

First the progress...

After looking at the most recent picture of my progress, I have realized that I live a very distracted life right now. I guess I have always known that, but it is showing up in my knitting!! Really this is a simple pattern, once a lot of time is taken to decode it! It is a repeating pattern of 4 rows. Two of which are purl rows. So really, one would think it could be done rather easily. However, if you look at the left side of my growing shawl you may think you see some mistakes (creativity) with the pattern. You are right, somehow I lost control.

I have decided to continue and not rip it out. I am going to try to do my best to pay attention to the pattern. I would like to wear this later this summer!

Some day I will look back at my work, see the inconsistencies in the pattern, and remember all the inconsistencies in my life right now. And I will smile:)

Knitting in the Summer

2011-06-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

Some people say it is to hot to knit in the summer! Are they crazy? If you like to knit, then find a way to keep knitting. I plan to knit right through the summer. I have my Birthday Shawl to finish and an awesome new sock pattern to try!

I was going to post my progress on my scarf, but it would look like this..

...the same as the last post.

I have been to 3 music concerts, (one of which I sat towards the back a did get a few rows of knitting in), two First Communions, a wedding, a medieval fest, a track and field day, and a bunch more that is blurry at the moment.

So, needless to say, there is not much knitting going on here. I have higher hopes for June. As I see it there is no reason to stop knitting because of the weather.

I am looking forward to this again soon...

Happy Summer!!

Finding my groove with my Birthday Shawl

2011-05-26T20:17:00.000-07:00

OK, so I may be a bit of a slow learner, but after knitting two complete balls of yarn, I am in a groove. I can knit without the pattern! I went to a band concert tonight and took my knitting. Just slipped my knitting into my handbag and knit my way through the concert!

First this..

Then this..

And now...

A Little Diversion from the Birthday Shawl

2011-05-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got a bit distracted while looking at sock patterns on Ravelry. I decided I need a nice pair of socks to wear and, of course, I found the perfect pair.

The pattern is available from 17th Century Suds. The company focuses on creating and selling organic soap and skin products. They actually create the soaps in their own factory and sell them! I, however, was on a mission to find socks. And I did. When I imagine these socks on my feet I smile:) So, it must be the right pattern.

The name of this pattern is "Stephanie's Socks Gerbera Daisy Argyle". Wendy, the owner of the company, made these for her massage therapist Stephanie. I love them because the Gerber Daisy is one of my favorite flowers, and it is time for new socks. I think there is some logic in there somewhere! And Stephanie must be very special. Not everyone has a great pair of socks named after them.

OK, now I am faced with another rainy day. To wet for me to plant tomatoes, so I might as well knit.

Adding ball number 2

2011-05-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

When I thought about adding the new ball I wanted to do it nicely. So, I consulted You Tube. I found a great video about joining a new ball into my knitting. This is by Judy from Knitting Tips by Judy.

How to Add a New Ball of Yarn

It has many steps, but worked great! My usual mode of operand i is to leave a tail, start up a new ball, leaving a tail and then weave in the two tails. This time I followed Judy's tips from the video. I am very please with the results.

Here is a view of the progress I have made so far...

Here is a view of the back before I snipped the ends off.

And here is a view of the front.

I am sure the next 8 times I add in a new ball of yarn will look even better!

One Down Nine to Go!!

2011-05-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

I did it!!!! I finished one skein. (OK, I have to research this...is it a skein if it is yarn wrapped around cardboard?)

I have gain a lot of confidence since I started. And have learned a few new stitches.

Here is where I started...

And now...

Next is learning the nicest way to attach the second ball/skein.

A more sophisticated stitch marker

2011-05-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

I am making slow, but steady progress on my Birthday shawl. In the last post I showed my "brilliant" discovery of a technique to slow me down.

Because my pattern repeats every nine stitches I was marking my starting spot with a scrap of yarn. This worked well, however it wasn't.....very sturdy.

So, I am now using strips of silk ribbon to mark my pattern as I go. It is much prettier and easier to see. Here I have placed the ribbon just before the first stitch of my nine stitch pattern.

Here is where I stopped knitting my nine stitch pattern. Now I count the stitches to be sure I have created nine new stitches. Yes! This set has nine stitches.

Now I do it all again, all the way across the row:)

Making Progress by following my advice!

2011-05-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

This has been really hard for me, but quite rewarding. I did it! I actually slowed down and have maintained the 130 stitches each row should have:)

Here is what I did. First I analyzed the pattern. It has a 4 stitch border at each end. Then all along the row it is a repeating 9 stitch pattern. So, I thought if I can check myself 9 stitches at a time I should end up with the right number of stitches at the end.

Before the 9 stitch pattern begins I place a piece of scrap yarn between my needles, like this... Look for the pink strand placed between the needles.

Then I knit the 9 stitch pattern and stopped to count.

Yes, I have 9 stitches! Then I moved the pink strand to my current place and knit the 9 stitch pattern again, counted the stitches, and moved the strand again. I continued like this all the way across the row and ended up with 130 stitches.

This was a bit painful for me. Going so slowly! However,the results were great, and no more ripping out:)

The Birthday Shawl Starts Again

2011-05-01T13:53:00.000-07:00

I have decided to take my advise from a previous post and slow down!!

I ripped out the shawl and have started again at a slower pace.

First I did the provisional cast on...

At this point I have 130 stitches.

Next I stitched the first row with my sunny yellow.

I put row markers at every 20 stitches. So, it will be easier to track any missing stitches. Row one complete with 130 stitches

Row 2

Row 2 complete with 130 stitches.

Next row 3.

Still going strong with 130 stitches.

So far so good, I made it through the first 5 rows with all 130 stitches intact:)

The next challenge is starting the lacing pattern. Once the kids are in bed and all is quiet I will try it!

Ready to quit...but I WON'T

2011-04-27T19:28:00.000-07:00

I guess I became a bit of a knitting snob after completing my Latvian Mittens. After all I did knit them all by myself! I followed the directions in the book and ended up with a nice pair of mittens. OK, so I had to rip them out and restart them once, but overall it was a pretty low stress affair.

Now enter the "birthday shawl". It is making me crazy!!! First I spent a very long time deciphering the pattern. It was labeled for "Advanced Beginners". After the mittens I thought I could at least do an "advanced beginner" project. Well, apparently not!

As you can see there is purple yarn attached to my lovely yellow shawl yarn. Well, the pattern starts off with a provisional cast on. Since I had never heard of a provisional cast on I had to do a bit of research, and call my mom. I love my mom, but now that I am in my 40's do I really need to call her for knitting help again?? Yes. "Thanks Mom!"

But the provisional cast on is for another day. Back to the Birthday Shawl.

I am not sure it will ever turn into a shawl. I am looking at it right now. I am so dismayed that I don't even want to take a picture to show you. So, close your eyes and imagine the picture above with about 10 more beautiful yellow rows. However, they are deceiving because now I only have 125 stitches instead of the 130 I started with. I feel like I am out of my league on this one.

I already got this far once and ripped it out. And now it's decision time again. Do I rip it all out and start "fresh", or do I keep going and just add in a few stitches back in? The later choice sounds good, however, trying to do this along with YO's and SSK's all over the place is quite a challenge.

I think a glass of wine and early to bed can help to solve just about any knitting problem. I'm sure it will not look so daunting in the morning:)

A pair of Latvian Mittens!

2011-04-23T12:10:00.000-07:00

Here are the new pair from a variety of angles... Even with kid #5 modeling them.

Ta daa!

Making the Swatch

2011-04-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

Usually I will do anything to get out of knitting a swatch before beginning a pattern, but this time I was happy to start.

In fact I'm still not done with Latvian mitten number 2 because I wanted to start the swatch!! And here it is.

The main reason I wanted to do the swatch was because I had so much to learn with this pattern. I had a lot of YO, SSK, and DDC's to figure out.

I started by reading through the pattern for at least 15 minutes trying to decode the order of it. Then I jumped in to give it a try.

The pattern is a repeating 9 stitch pattern. So, I casted, or is it cast on 27 stitches.

Then I knit across the first row, purled my way back and then started in on the pattern.

The first few rows I actually was increasing instead of decreasing in parts of it! Once I really caught on I maintained the now 32 stitches I was working with.

So, I have to say the swatch was a huge success. I helped me to work out the pattern and gave me confidence for "doing it right" the first time.

Next step, CO (cast on) 130 stitches.

I went shopping at my LYS (Local Yarn Shop)

2011-04-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

I found a free 45 minutes this afternoon and decided to spend it at one of my favorite LYS (Local Yarn Shops), 3 Kittens Needle Arts in Mendota Heights. I still had my gift certificate in hand. This afternoon was cold and blustery. In fact it was snowing as I drove to the yarn shop.

After browsing for a bit, I found a great stack of individual patterns. I selected this Smokey Quartz Lace Shawl pattern by Barb Kervin for Kollage. Carole directed me to the best yarns for this pattern. I decided on a bamboo in yellow. Maybe it was the ridiculous weather outside that lead me to the bright yellow color.

Next I will tackle the pattern. I hope I can decode it easily. I actually knit my entire first Latvian Mitten without needing to call my mom for phone help. See my blog entry for February 3 for a great picture of her.

And by the way, if I finish Latvian mitten number 2 tonight, my daughter really can wear them in the snow this spring!! We'll see how late I can stay up:)

The 2nd Latvian Mitten is on it's way!

2011-04-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Well, here is the latest "play-by-play" of mitten number 2.

I'm not sure the fringe is much better on this one. I have decided that I will not put fringe on the next pair. (Yes, there will be more pairs knitted:)

I have to say my yarn management was a bit out of control. I think I was getting a bit of an attitude because my first mitten looks really good!!

So, to bring me back to knitting reality, I dealt with quite a mess. And only myself to blame:)

What a mess! So lesson learned...Slow Down!!

I did enjoy not having to watch the graph in my pattern book for each stitch. On the first mitten I was thinking...

OK knit one red

OK now knit one white

OK now knit two red

all the way through the pattern.

On mitten number two, my confidence was up, and I could think...

OK knit two white, one purple, one white, one purple, and back to two white, repeat all the way around.

That felt good!

Finally, I was done with one color. No more pink and a bit less mess.

And here they are side by side...

Almost a pair.

And more to come. I will share my shopping experience with my gift card as soon as I go shopping:) I sure hope I can get out soon!!

One Latvian Mitten!!

2011-04-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

Here it is...

I am so proud of myself!

There are many little errors. I am excited to see how much better the left mitten will be.

OK, off to the Yarn Quest 2011!!

It's My Birthday!!!

2011-04-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

April is such a big birthday month in my family! Three of my siblings, one daughter and one nephew all share the month with me!! According to my mother I was supposed to be a March birthday, but alas, I waited until April:)

As is the tradition, I received a few birthday gifts. Here is my favorite one...

...Yes, even more favorite than the chocolate!!

I haven't even entered the store yet. There are so many choices and I, in regular oldest daughter fashion, want to have a plan before I go. I could buy some square knitting needles, they are over $20.00!! Really, is the knitting experience that much better using square needles? I could buy more yarn to make another pair of slipper clogs. Now that I have the pattern down, they can be made very quickly. Or, this may be my chance to buy a new pattern and yarn to create something I haven't created before!

Hmmmmm, the anticipation is fun. Actually buying something will be even better!!

Making Progress on the Latvian Mittens

2011-04-04T16:03:00.000-07:00

Yeah for me! I made it past the thumb opening!

Now I just need to knit a few more rows, then I begin the decrease!! The trickiest part of mitten number 2 will be making sure I put the thumb in the right place! I don't want two right handed mittens:)

The Real Latvian Mitten has begun!

2011-03-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

I did it! I made it past the fringe, which looks great! Definitely an improvement over the first try. Then I did the cool braid, and made it up to the beginning of the thumb opening.

I am enjoying the process again! Now that I am successfully past the fringe. That was a bit stressful! Now I have to find a few more moments of quiet to figure out the thumb opening. Mittens sure would be simpler if we did not have to accommodate our opposable thumbs! However, living without them would be much more difficult than figuring out how to knit around them:)

The only part that I am going to need to work on as I continue with Latvian Mittens is the tension with the yarn. The X pattern part of the mitten is a bit tighter than the rest of the mitten. However, remember this...

I love this knitting bag, but seemed to have a tension problem here too. Although, I do think I am improving:)

I let kid #5 pick the color scheme for these mittens since she will be wearing them. And yes, I think I will finish this pair before the snow melts! I am not sure if they are "true" Latvian mittens since I totally varied the colors from the original pattern. They are still going to look awesome:)

Start of the Sampler Latvian Mitten

2011-03-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

OK, so here it is...

my first attempt at a Latvian Mitten.

What I love, love, love, is the braided rows. I think they look fantastic, and bring a sense of wonder to the mitten.

I also enjoyed the fact that once I got started I made quick progress.

What I am not so proud of is the fringe. It just isn't flowing with the rest of the mitten.

So, I am going to rip this out and start again, for the last time:)

In my Latvian Mittens book by Lizbeth Upitis, I would like to quote from Chapter Three, Section 4, Correct Your Mistakes.

If you discover an error in your knitting, rip it out and knit again. Rudolfs Blaumanis (1863-1908), a Latvian classical author, wrote a play entitled, "The Prodigal Son" The erring son regrets his worthless life and laments:

Why cannot one do with a spoiled life the same as a spoiled mitten -- rip it out and start again from the beginning.

Lizbeth goes on to say, "SO..RIP! It is a soul purifying experience."

Lent seems to be a good a time as any to purify my soul! So here I go...

What? My LYS is closed? But I need some 2.5 needles!!

2011-03-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

OK, so I made what I was hoping was my last swatch...

Nope, it is not so. I have the right number of rows per inch...but still too many stitches per inch. Before I go to the thought that I need sport weight yarn instead of fingering weight yarn I have one more thing to try...size 2.5 needles!

So, as a woman on the move, and ready to start the actual mittens, I left immediately for my LYS (local yarn shop). It takes me 6 minutes to get there, this information may be necessary some day:) I walked confidently to the door, knowing exactly where I needed to go once I entered the store. I would go straight to the carefully labeled drawers of DP (double pointed) needles.

As I walked from my car I was admiring my efficiency and luck of timing. Just when I realized I needed a new set of needles, there were no kid obstacles to stop me! So, I approached the door with a smile on my face thinking of knitting my swatch with the new 2.5 needles. I put my hand on the door handle, pulled it gingerly, and it did not budge!! I pulled again, and nothing, it was locked!

How could this be? I needed some needles, I had arrived there in 6 minutes, with absolutely nothing in my way, and now I can't get in? I thought, "now what am I going to do for the whole evening?".

So, now I know what I am doing over my lunch break tomorrow:)

Tomorrow I start the Latvian Mittens!!

2011-03-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

First of all, welcome to all the new readers from Russia!! When I check the stats of my blog it shows me a world map of where my readers are located. And I have over 50 new readers from Russia. How fun!

So again I say welcome...and please feel free to share your Latvian mitten stories, I would love to hear from you!

Second of all, I finished the prayer shawl for kid #4!!

It's a bit more like a prayer square, but it is so soft. She just loves it!! And she is small so it can cover her up when she needs to hide out and regroup:)

And third, I actually ripped out the periwinkle headband I was working on. It was a bit wide, and I lost my row count on the 6 row pattern and a one of the cables didn't look just right, and it is supposed to be 50 degrees on Wednesday! Who needs a headband on a 50 degree day right? (I'm sure in May I will be wishing I had it!) So, for now, the headband is "done".

Now I can focus on the Latvian mittens. I am going to start with the children's sampler mittens. They have all the intricate features I like incorporated into the pattern.

But first, I must knit a swatch:)

My box of Yarn for the Latvian Mittens

2011-03-11T14:19:00.000-08:00

OK, so it all started by my fabulous husband taking me away for a weekend. We stayed at The Candlelight Inn, in Red Wing MN. Great idea!!

www.candlelightinn-redwing.com

When we were visiting with our host Lynnette at breakfast, we started to talk of knitting. She asked me if I had ever heard of Latvian mittens. I had not and was very excited to see what they were. Well, they were beautifully knit mittens with a very intricate pattern. The part I liked the most was the braiding that was incorporated into the cuff. The needles were so tiny, I think they were 0's!!

I came home and bought the ultimate Latvian Mitten book...

Then I looked through the book and decided this would be my State Fair Project for the year. There were so many beautiful patterns. My daughter #1, who has decided she would like a blog name, and not be referred to as daughter #1 anymore (but has yet to decide on her blog name), is also knitting herself a pair of Latvian mittens.

So, we looked through the Knit Picks catalog, that we love to browse through, and selected some great color combinations. When the box arrived we first just looked at it with great anticipation.

We waited, daughter #1 and I, until most of the people in our house were asleep.

Then we carefully opened the box...

And there they were, our Latvian mittens in their raw form. We each ordered a set of double pointed needles. I went for the wood, and Daughter #1 went for the bamboo..

Then it was time to do a swatch. Since this was a serious project I decided I should not skip the swatch step. Really, I don't do this for every project!!

So here is the swatch...

No, I did not do the full four inches of pattern because I could tell after one inch that I had way too many stitches to the inch. So, I tried the same pattern on size 3's, since I had size 3 dps (double pointeds) in my collection. This came out with to little stitches to the inch. Since then I have been to my LYS and purchased size 2's.

and here is the opened and explored version of the yarn box...

Since I am a bit dismayed with myself, but not too much, about having too many projects going at once, I am going to finish the prayer shawl before starting the next....and PLEASE GOD!!...be the final swatch before knitting the mittens.

This weekend is looking fairly quite, so perhaps I will find many hours of peaceful knitting:)

I just crossed a line!!

2011-03-06T19:15:00.000-08:00

As I started my new headband,

I realized that I have crossed a line in knitting.

The line is having multiple projects going, without a set finishing date, but a REALLY great reason for having to start them!!

Up until now I was in control. I had one, maybe two projects going at a time. I would happily interchange working on one or the other. See it through to completion, and then buy yarn and start another project. I didn't "get it" when I read about people who have many projects going at once. Why would you "let yourself go" like that. And now here it sit with my projects and justifications for all.

Really, wouldn't it be wise to create and finish a winter headband before the summer comes? Actually, I was hoping I wouldn't need the headband this March, however, with another impending snow storm at the end of this week, I think I may be sporting the headband well into May!! I might even wear it to the Shepherd's Wool Festival on Mother's Day.

Then there is this lovely Prayer Shawl I stared for kid #4. The only one who does not have a blankie. I think everyone should have a blanket to hide under. One you can dive under when you need a few minutes to collect yourself and to avoid the reality around you!! Kid #4 is in need a such a blanket and, of course, I am the person to provide it!!

I am still working on my blue cardigan, which I haven't even written about yet!

And then there is the yummy box of fingering wool for the Latvian Mittens I am making for the State Fair in August. Really, I will post those pictures soon. So many possibilities there!

OK, I admitted it, I'm all in, and I am still smiling:)

A week without knitting, all for My Antonia by Willa Cather

2011-02-26T06:49:00.000-08:00

I have had such a great, yet, odd week. Not much knitting, lots of reading, and finding joy in the characters that knit in the book:)

Last fall I signed up for a one time book club meeting with a favorite teacher from my children's school. One of her favorite books, and one of her Bohemian Grandmothers favorite books, is My Antonia. (AN tonia) I had never read it before and had only heard of it because it is read in 8th Grade.

It was fun to read. The descriptions of the Nebraska landscape were captivating. I have never though of Nebraska as a particularly beautiful state, but the next time I drive to Colorado I will take more time to enjoy the view.

Yet, I looked at my unfinished knitting projects with a bit of jealousy. I have not spent an hour or two in an evening , family aside, spending time doing anything but knitting. And now my projects, ones I have started, as well as the ones swirling in my head waiting to be started, were calling to me.

But, I had Friday night marked in my calendar since last October, and I was looking forward to a book discussion lead by a favorite teacher. As well as meeting other parents from our school.

I enjoyed reading about Jim and his adventures with Antonia in Nebraska, about the interactions of the immigrants, and the dichotomy between the farmers and the towns people of Black Hawk, NE (actually representing the real town of Red Cloud, NE). I am appreciating the work of the farmers who started working the raw land to create farms. WOW! The dedication to the land was extreme.

I also enjoyed the few references to knitting, of course. Mrs. Shimerda was "the mom" from the newly arrived Bohemian family that lived on the farm next to the farm where Jim was growing up. At one point there was a fight between Mrs. Shimerda's son Ambrosch and Jake, a helper on the farm. This quote describes the knitting scene:

Our neighbours seemed glad to make peace with us. The next Sunday Mrs. Shimerda came over and brought Jake a pair of socks she had knitted. She presented them with an air of great magnanimity, saying, "now you not come any more for knock my Ambrosch down?"

I love how she presented them with an air of great magnanimity! Shouldn't we all be presenting the socks we make with "great magnanimity?

Here is the first pair of socks that I knit. I really had to pay attention to the pattern and focus. I am trying to imagine knitting them while walking along a heard of cattle with the Nebraska prairie all around. Here is description of the prairie from the book...

As I looked about me I felt that the grass was the country, as the water is the sea. The red of the grass made all the great prairie with colour of wine-stains, or of certain seaweeds when they are first washed up. And there was so much motion in it; the whole country seemed, somehow, to be running.

And then there is Lena...

Lena lived in the Norwegian settlement west of Squaw Creek, and she used to herd her fathers cattle in the open country between his place and the Shimerdas'. Whenever we rode over in that direction we saw her out among her cattle, bareheaded and barefooted, scantily dressed in tattered clothing, always knitting as she watcher her herd....

Chris Lingard was not a very successful farmer, and he had a large family. Lena was always knitting stockings for little brothers and sisters...

After a few years on the farm Jim's family moved into town. Their neighbors the Harlings were a wonderful family, anyone would want them for their neighbor. There is mention of Mrs. Harling crocheting in the livingroom.

So, I was glad to see that the needle arts were a part of lives 100 years ago on the Nebraska prairie and passed down to us. Part of the book shared the great divide between different nationalities. What I am noticing is that most nationalities (at least the ones from colder climates) all have their knitting histories. And what fun to learn about them all!

As I am writing this my knitted slippers are felting (I hope) in my washer and my box of yummy yarn for my Latvian mittens is sitting wide open waiting for me to start!

We have another knitter!

2011-02-21T19:25:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, in front of a lovely fire, I taught my daughters friend Louise to knit.It was a great day to learn to knit. We were in the middle of a foot of snow falling from the sky. It billowed past the window, almost blizzard like. And then there was the calm of the fireplace and ... a new skein of yarn...and someone who had called me to say, "can you teach me how to knit?".

Louise caught on very quickly. She is either a natural, or a 13 year old without a lot of other responsibilities. Not that a 13 year old isn't busy, and concerned about many things. I just saying, when I taught my 40 year old friend to knit it took her a lot longer. I think she was having a hard time with the 3 three year old wanting to sit in her lap, the loud Mario game playing on the TV, and someone wanting a drink. Perhaps Blanche was just a bit more distracted by life.

I like to think Louise is a natural:) And if she continues to knit, she may find it a fabulous way to relax when, perhaps, she finds herself with 3 kids under the age of 5!

Anyway, Louise only needed guidance for one row, and then off she went to create a perfectly knit dishcloth. We purposely used needles that were a bit to big for the yarn just to get into the rhythm of knitting. When the tension is too tight it is very difficult to continue.

Ta Daaaaaaaa

So, after such an accomplishment in less than 24 hours, I helped her to get started on the "Idiot's Dishcloth". This dishcloth actually has a written pattern to follow. It includes a yo (yarn over) and knit 2 together.

So, not only did Louise start on her 2nd dishcloth, she also began to learn the art of decoding a knitting pattern.Which is no small feat!

What's next? Maybe some cables!!

Review of my 2010 Goals...

2011-02-17T19:19:00.000-08:00

OK, it's time to check last years goals. Mainly because I want to set some new ones. Let's see how I did...

1. Finish the Coral Sweater!! Really all I need to do is attach the sleeves!!

Yes, the sleeves are now attached.

2. Explore all that Ravelry has to offer. I joined, but have not done more than that!

I need to keep this one for 2011. I joined, 1/2 way linked my blog, added a few projects, joined a few groups, found 2 friends, and have so much more to learn.

3. Make something to felt.Check:)

4. Try ordering yarn on-line. The prices seem to be great. I want to find out if the colors will be close and the service will be fast.Check, favorite on-line store of the yearn is www.knitpicks.com

5. Visit more local yarn shops. Yes www.yarngarage.com, www.3kittensneedlearts.com, www.borialisyarn.com

6. Attend a knitting event this spring. I took my 6 year old to the Shepherds Festival on a very cold day!

7. Make a knitting basket. This one may be the felting project I am looking for.

Does a knitting bag count? Yes! See felted item above.

8. Teach someone how to knit. Yes, I taught my friend Blanch how to knit.

9. Find a nice yarn for knitting dish cloths. Yes, I found corn yarn.

10. Knit a sweater for me! (I already have the pattern picked out.) I started one...this will have to be continued on the 2011 list;)

OK, now to plan for the rest of 2011....

One more Scarf for my Fabulous Husband

2011-02-11T18:18:00.000-08:00

Remember this scarf? Yup, it's the one I knit for my fabulous husband...and now it is gone. We are sure that it is not in our house or car. So, we suspect he lost it at work. We can only hope someone who really needs it is enjoying it!

So the missing scarf leads to my husband having no scarf and high temperatures of 8 degrees! Yes, a high of 8. Which means that in the morning we are starting out at -8, or so. And a great need for a scarf.

I had been saving this yummy Yukon yarn by Plymouth Yarn, which is 35% Mohair, 35% Wool, and 30% Acrylic, for a scarf for me. If we had :"touch-o-vision" you could feel how rich and soft and thick this yarn really is.

When I bought this yarn I also bought 2 ribbons of silk. I was thinking about how great weaving these into the camel colored scarf would be. At first I tried weaving the ribbon in a vertical pattern following the natural rows from my knit/purl pattern. It was difficult to see the ribbon in this direction. So, I decided to try a pattern at each end of the scarf.

A great thing about this yarn, and being creative with the silk ribbons is that you can try something, undo it, and then try something else until you get the look you want.

In the end I took the ribbons out so my husband can go back to being warm. He loved the creativity of the ribbons, but did not think they enhanced his manly appearance:)

A Pair of Felt Clogs for me! Part 2

2011-02-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

I just realized we got from Part 1 to Part 2 quickly. Next time I think I will take a few more pictures!!

Here they are...almost ready for felting! I have finished the pink tops and attached the second sole.

Then I secured all the ends...

And now they are awaiting my sisters washing machine for felting.

Why am I going to my sisters house for this event? Well, because I have a front loading washer and have not had good luck felting in it! She has a great big, really old, washing machine that works really well for felting. And I get to catch up with what is happening in her world:)

Happy Birthday to My Favorite Knitter!

2011-02-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday dear MOM!

Happy Birthday to you!

What a great 1960's photo!!

We have both changed so much over the last 40 years!

Thanks for teaching me how to knit!

Thanks for being the always available phone helper. What a gift to describe knitting techniques over the phone!

Looking forward to many more projects!

I love you!

A Pair of Felt Clogs for me! Part 1

2011-02-01T14:16:00.000-08:00

The girls boots (yes I will share the pre and post felting pictures once I figure out where they are!) look so comfy, I decided to make a pair of clogs for myself. Especially since I feel like I live in a snow globe! Really, is it supposed to snow EVERY day in winter?

First I selected my yarn and carefully wound the balls from the skeins. See how nice they look....

Then along comes...Stella....apparently she had a blast while I was not in the living room....

...Because this is what I picked up off the floor when I returned to the living room!

So, then I did this...some of the yarn was so twisted. It was easier to cut and then join (see a previous post about joining wool yarn)

And then it was time to begin. Here is the first of my 4 soles. Each clog has a double sole so they will last a really long time.

And all of that took a really long time. Now on the the rest of the clogs!

I hope to be wearing them soon.

Now that's relaxing!!

2011-01-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

My husband and I like to get away at least once a year without the kids. So, months ago we made arrangements for each of our fabulous 5 to have a place to be for this past weekend. We usually wait until the last minute to make our accommodation arrangements to see what kind of a deal we can get:)

This weekend we struck gold. We found a lovely B&B in Red Wing, Minnesota called the Candlelight Inn. We found many B&B websites, but one stood out in our search for a great deal.They are running an awesome winter special with highly discounted rates on all of their beautiful rooms. We were in the Rose Garden room.

And what does this have to do with knitting? Well, actually two things.

First, imagine yourself in front of this fireplace with a new skein of yarn, needles ready to go, and a great pattern in front of you. Add a chilly winter day and a glass of wine:) I started on a prayer shawl for a family member and was able to get a lot done. Also, I had my husband, a great dinner and a romantic evening.

Second, I learned about Latvian mittens. At breakfast the topic of knitting came up (I'm getting good at sneaking this in just about any conversation) and Lynette, the Inn Keeper, wanted to show me a project she is working on. She showed me a Latvian mitten she has almost completed. It was absolutely gorgeous, and so detailed. It looked like she used size 0 or 1 double pointed needles. The pattern was intricate and beautiful. I didn't know about Latvian mittens or the history behind them. The mittens mean much more than just a way to keep hands warm. I found a Latvian mitten pattern book and a link to a review ...

Latvian Mitten Pattern book

Knitting a pair of Latvian mittens looks like a great thing to put on my Knitting Goals for 2011.

Thanks again to Zig and Lynette at the Candlelight Inn for a refreshing weekend. And did I mention the scrumptious 3 course breakfasts each morning? So much to be grateful for:)

Like Mother Like Daughter

2011-01-24T13:59:00.000-08:00

I am so proud of Daughter #1. She has worked hard and completed a sweater for herself!

She used yarn from our stash. It originally came from a friend of my mothers. It went from a storage box to a favorite garment!

A great trick with wool yarn!

2010-12-18T16:52:00.000-08:00

As I was completing boot #2 for kid #4 I ran out of yarn and had to switch to a new skein. The cool part is that I can do this without a bump or a hiccup in my work! I learned this from Maura at the Yarnery in St. Paul.

First the problem... I am working a double strand of wool yarn for the boot and have come to the end!

Second, to connect the strands, start by fraying the ends of the yarn.

Third, place the ends in the palm of your hand and spit on them. You are welcome! for not giving you a close up of the actual spit!

Next, roll the ends together with the spit. Just like when you rolled play dough between your hands and rolled it to make worms or snakes.

And now, to continue knitting the boot!

P.S. This trick only works with wool yarn.

More felted boots!

2010-12-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

Kid #4 is anxiously awaiting her felted boots! Here is what I have so far...

Boot one only needs to have the seams sewn up! Boot two is just emerging through the sole stage. This boot pattern has you create the first sole, knit up the instep, and then up the leg. Then a second sole is created and added to the main boot to make it more durable.

Once my girls try these out I'll update you all to let you know about the durability of the soles!

A knitted boot

2010-12-09T16:43:00.000-08:00

I started to work on this adorable knitted boot/slipper for my kid #5. Once completed I am going to make another pair for her American Girl doll.

Once I stitch up the bottom and sew in the loose ends it's time to felt!

Hello washing machine:)

Answers about the corn and a stitch change!

2010-11-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

I have been using my corn yarn dish cloths and loving them, except the fabric created by my double crochet is a bit too loose. So, now I am working in a single crochet.

Also, I emailed Kollage Yarns because I was curious about why the tag said, "imported fibers" when the only content is corn! Well, Susan from Kollage, got back to me the next day and told me this... The corn used in the yarn is grown in the US. Because of a shortage of mills in the US for spinning and dying, they must send the corn out of the country to a mill. Once the yarn is spun and dyed then it is back to the US for sale. So, I love it that they are using US corn for this! Anyone want to open a mill? Susan said they would love to produce the entire product in the US if they could.

Thanks to Susan at Kollage Yarns for answering my question. Kollageyarns.com is a great website with free patterns and a shopping cart for all their unique products, including square knitting needles! It is a fun site to visit.

More corn dish cloths!

2010-11-09T17:31:00.000-08:00

I have decided to give up on the cotton dish cloth and expand my horizons because:

they don't last very long at our house.
they get stinky.
they fade and get out of shape.

So, my new quest is with corn yarn because:

it is naturally antibacterial.
it comes in vibrant colors.
it has a gentle abrasive quality that is great for getting food off of dishes
and I get bored easily and corn seems a bit more exotic than cotton:)

Here is the yarn I found at 3 Kittens Needle Arts. It is 100% corn and they have many beautiful colors. Here is what I chose.

On the label it says "Made in the USA from imported fibers". So, we don't have enough corn in our country? Is this special corn? I'm going to have to investigate.

Halloween Sale at the Yarnery

2010-10-30T12:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, today and tomorrow (October 30 and 31st) the Yarnery is have a 20% everything in the store sale!

I wanted to show you a picture of the great Cascade yarn I bought for making daughter #2 a scarf...but due to cleaning efforts for some out of town guests....I don't know where the camera is!!

My house is clean, I have yarn for knitting and will post my new treasure once I find my camera!!

Scarf for Daughter Number 1...Complete!

2010-10-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

Yes, I did...I crocheted the scarf...and it went very quickly!! The things I like about the scarf are:

the two different colors are also two different weights of yarn.
I incorporated a V stitch in the middle of the double crocheting rows to add some interest. This was something I learned from Theresa at my Crocheting for Knitters class. Use lots of colors and several different stitches.
The chenille is very soft and the length is great for my daughter.

HHHHMMMM what's next??

Crochet for Knitters

2010-10-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

Last week I took a great class at The Yarnery in St. Paul. The class was called "Crochet for Knitters". Our pre class work was to bring a 7"x7" knitted square. The class was taught by Theresa Gaffey, who teaches many classes at The Yarnery. I had not met her before the one time class. She was great! She is a very accomplished knitter and crocheter.

As you can see from the square above we practiced single crochet, double crochet, the V stitch and the shell stitch. We all admired scarves that Theresa had crocheted and had on display in the store. I bought yarn and one of the patterns done primarily in single crochet...but that is for another day.

Things I learned from the class:

Crocheting takes a lot more yarn that knitting for a particular project,

Crocheting goes much faster than knitting,

Crocheting is a great way to make a border,

Crocheting is a great way to join squares,knitted or crocheted, together

Crocheting is fun and very forgiving:)

Once I got home I decided to practice, just like Theresa recommended, so I made some dishcloths. One is single crocheted...

One is double crocheted...

And that is all for now...

Teaching Someone to Knit

2010-10-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

Earlier this fall we were visiting friends in Stevens Point again:) Of course when we are there, I always make time to visit Herschners to see what bargains they have on yarn. So, my friend, we'll call her Madge, who always accompanies me on these trips surprised me this time. She said, "I think I would like to learn how to knit."

How fun is that! Of all my friends Madge is one of the most creative ones:) I was sure that once she got going she would be creating fabulous color combinations and patterns of her own.

As much as I love to knit and so therefore think everyone should love to, I am very careful not to push my knitting values on others. Madge has always been happy to join me at Herschners and I just thought it was so we could get out and get caught up. So when she made her joyous announcement that she would like to learn, I had to hold back a "wooo hooo" from coming forth while we were in the store.

Now I felt some pressure come along with this request. If I did not guide her and teach her in a fun and light mode she may become impatient and drop her newly purchased purple needles and her fun yarn and let the kids do what they wish with it. But, if I helped her to stick with the knitting long enough to actually enjoy the process and have a basic understanding....I would have a new knitter sister!!

So, when we returned to her house with our treasures...me with my yarns for every ones scarves, and she with her new, purple, size 7 needles and some yarn...we turned on the Wii. As any mom knows if you want to get something done, distract the kids.

We sat next to each other on the couch and began to cast on. The trickiest part was the slip stitch, which is the first stitch that you make. Once she got that part she was off and casting. We decided to start with a dish cloth...as I have said before, everybody could use more, they are small, and if it is not perfect it doesn't matter. Our mantra was, "It's OK if you have to rip it out and try again." This worked well as we had to rip out her work several times and rework the stitches. Madge was great, she was not even upset about having to rip out a row because she knew, "It's OK if you have to rip it out and try again." Once this is understood the process just becomes part of the work, and not a reflection on your inabilities.

A few days ago Madge sent a picture of her first finished project.

What great progress she made in just one dishcloth!! Great job Madge.

And I am feeling great that my pressure to "teach her without scaring her" went away. She is proud of her work and I am too!!

The Yarn Comparison...The results!

2010-10-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

I started the yarn comparison on January 21, and then gave an update on February 16...see previous posts.

So, now that I am about to throw away this now yukky dishcloth, I thought I should share it with you first....

It actually looks nicer in the picture than it does in real life:) It is dry and almost crusty. I think both yarns, the $1.59 yarn from WalMart, and the $2.59 yarn from the local yarn shop fared equally unwell. While the more expensive yarn started off softer, they both came out stiff in the end. Also, both lost their vibrant color after the same amount of washing tables and being washed.

If you are going to knit cotton dishcloths, I say....go for the inexpensive yarn.

Another scarf completed!

2010-10-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

I finished my husband's scarf...thanks to time spent watching the move UP with my kids. I had not seen the move and my kids said, "Mom, you have to see it! It is soooo sweet." It was cute, and I sat still long enough to finish the scarf. It went quickly as it is a bulky wool. And an easy pattern!! Knit 2, Purl 2, Knit 2, Purl 2. It is not the originally requested 7 feet, but 4'3" is working just fine.

What about ME!!

2010-10-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

As I started to knit my girls scarves...one at a time...with the remaining yarn lined up ready for casting on...my husband said, "what about me? don't I get a scarf?". Well, of course he does. I moved him to the top of the lineup and this is what I have so far...

It is a nice manly charcoal color:) He says he would like it to be about 7 feet long! OK, This is an easy one. Now I just need a good movie and I am ready to go.

Pictures of the Pom Pom Scarf

2010-10-07T18:47:00.000-07:00

Here they are!!

The pictures of the yarn and the finished pom pom scarf.

Once I got the hang of the pattern, the scarf went very quickly.

The trick is to knit two stitches between each pom pom.

I started by casting on 10 stitches. Then I used the stockinette stitch.

And after a 3.5 hour car ride home, we have a scarf...

A nice soft fluffy scarf for girl number 3!!

Winter scarves for all the girls

2010-10-05T10:58:00.001-07:00

At my latest trip to Herschners I bought yarn for each daughter (4) to have a new scarf. I was so intrigued with the pink polka dot yarn (daughter 3) that I finished knitting the scarf on our trip home.

I have begun the very soft purple for daughter 4. As I was knitting my husband (whom I did not get any yarn for ) asked when he was getting a scarf. So, the purple is on hold until dad's scarf is done.

Next is the chenille for daughter's 1 and 2. These should go very quickly and I will post the progress as I go. I have never knit with chenille, but it seems so inviting I will be excited to get going on these scarves.

I think I have mastered my new camera, so pictures will be a great addition to the next post:)

I'm Back!

2010-09-29T18:55:00.000-07:00

Fall is here and the knitting season is officially opening!! I spent a bit of this evening knitting a new scarf for my husband as he painted our shutters. The leaves swirling about and the cool, not too cold, breeze blowing was awesome.

Recently I taught a friend to knit. I will share some of her adventures. She is quite the trailblazer and doesn't let a bit of imperfection stop her.

Also, I made a fall tote bag, and several scarves...pictures to come soon!

Happy Fall!!!

I'm Back thanks to the Shepherds Harvest Festival

2010-05-09T20:24:00.000-07:00

OK, it has been a long few months! What is a person to do when they go back to work? Now that I am working 30 hours a week, I have lost touch with my knitting!!

Not a good idea. Knitting is like sitting in front of a fish tank for me. Definitely worthy of a few minutes of my time.

I have been regenerated by taking my 6 year old to the Shepherds Harvest Festival on Saturday. I don't have much of a desire to work with the raw fibers. I appreciate the process from afar and so enjoy working with the end product!

The angora rabbits were amazing. I have never seen one before this weekend. They are SO fluffy and huge.

It was a chilly day and all the fiber displays helped my six year old to keep her hands warm! She touched every pile of wool and angora, whether attached to an animal or not, and fed her tactile desires!

More on Finger Knitting

2010-03-17T19:25:00.000-07:00

Someone saw the blog about my nephew M doing his finger knitting. They emailed me to say that they learned to finger knit through the link on the blog. Congratulations!!

Also, they were wondering if there was anything more than a scarf that they could make with the knitting they had done. Below is a link to making flowers with a finger knitted strand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ukywxy19Gk8

I did some searching, but did not come up with much more than flowers. If anyone has any ideas for creations made with finger knitting please let me know so I can share them.

YES!! I did finish knitting my new knitting bag. Next step is to make the handles and then felt it!

Finger Knitting is great!

2010-03-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

While I was knitting away on my new knitting bag during the USA vs. Canada hockey game my nephew M, who is 8 asked me a question. He said, "Hey, Auntie Jo can I have some of that yarn?". I was a bit puzzled by this sporty boy asking for yarn. However, he knew what he wanted, and saw that I had a lot of it!!

So, I said sure and tossed a partially used skein of blue from my pathetic plastic knitting bag. Once again reminding myself to keep going so I could get rid of the plastic! Then he produced a really, really long piece of finger knitting. I was very impressed. He told me, "I think it's fun and when I'm bored I do it. I was going to make a scarf, but then it got too long so I just kept going!". That works for me! Here is a picture of M and his work in progress.

I found a great YouTube video showing you how to finger knit. This is great for kids because it goes quickly and it's fun to make a chain that can reach throughout your house! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3LKAlDz9ig

My knitted knitting bag is close to the end!

2010-03-01T04:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks to swimming lessons for kids #4 and #5(last ones for the winter session!), and a USA vs. Canada Gold metal hockey game:(, I have had some great blocks of solid knitting time! I have reached the part of the instructions that say...forming the base!
I am a bit concerned about the sizing I have created, if that is what you call it. Notice that the part of the bag with the diamonds seems to be knit tighter than the stripped parts of the bag. The directions do not say that it is supposed to look like a funnel! Hopefully this will all come out in the wash...literally! Perhaps the felting process will be forgiving of such mistakes!

Felted Knitting Bag Update

2010-02-19T05:07:00.001-08:00

Here is the work of the week. I found the incorporating of the two colors to be a bit tedious, but it sure does look great! I started with the yellow which will be along to top (lean you left ear to your left shoulder to follow along with the picture)) of the white diamonds which are starting to appear. I have just switched to green which will be along to bottom border of the white diamonds.

I am so needing this knitting bag! Our puppy sure does like to find every opportunity to get any yarn she can find and pull it all over the house! Here she is being peaceful on green grass!
Does anyone remember what that looks like?

Procrastinating on the Corn Wash Cloth!

2010-02-18T04:48:00.000-08:00

OK, this is a problem. The longer I ignore the rolled up edges on the wash cloth I made from the corn yarn, the more rolled up they get!

My research for tonight is going to be reading up on what do people really do with items made out of corn? The texture is very soft and the look is similar to 100% cotton yarns.

I love the colors and the feel, I'm just not sure in the purpose of this one. Corn generally does not seem to be a high maintenance item! It is used in so many everyday items like food and fuel. Why not wear it? Because it rolls up to half its original size.

I'll keep you posted!

If anyone has some great ideas for me please share!!

Dishcloth yarns comparison

2010-02-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest picture of my combination dishcloth. At this point I would say they are wearing about equally. They appear to be fading at about the same rate. The texture of the two is also equal. I'll keep using it and keep you posted on the progress.

A few notes to self. The judge at the Minnesota State Fair made a great and honest observation. My casting off is a bit tight. Can't hide from that one! Also, I need to do a better job of sewing in my yarn ends.

On another note, I am half way through the diamonds on my knitting bag!! Yeah!!

Felted Knitting Bag Update

2010-02-15T05:14:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is pretty low key at our house. We started the day with pink pancakes and Valentine cards for all. Then in the afternoon kid #5 and I made and decorated valentine cakes for everyone for dinner. That left plenty of couch time for knitting by the fire.

I did it! I made it to the top of the diamonds. Now my progress is quite slow while I figure out how to wrap the two colors as I knit. I am getting the hang of it. Row 2 of the diamonds has gone faster than row 1. Once I finish the diamonds I am home free!! Remember I started knitting at the top of the bag and I am working toward the bottom. I keep reminding myself of this too.

Here is a picture of what the pattern shows for the finished product. I changed the stripping pattern a little bit. My confidence is growing as I feel like the bag is still going to look great and I did not have to be a literalist for this one!

Felted Knitting Bag Update

2010-02-12T04:38:00.000-08:00

Here it is, as promised...here is my knitting bag after a week of knitting.
I was knitting every chance I got:

while watching The Bachelor, and the View. Thank you God for the person who invented the DVR!
(Yes, I secretly watch the Bachelor, well not anymore! I am so intrigued by the whole scenario.)
when I got to school early to pick up kids.
in the doctors office waiting room.
while watching the View.
during swimming lessons.

I really lost out on time last night. I forgot that today is the day to celebrate St. Valentine's Day at school. With some elementary schoolers in our house we had a lot of Valentine's to write out!!

This weekend appears to be rather empty of plans, let's see if I can get to the bottom border by Sunday night!

Knitting with Corn

2010-02-10T11:48:00.000-08:00

I finished knitting a piece with my corn yarn. I started with the hank above and then started knitting...

I started knitting with my favorite size 9 bamboo needles. The knit is a bit too loose, so this was ripped out. I began again with size 7 needles...
Here it is on my ironing board. I will need to figure out how to block it. I know that blocking can be important...just not sure exactly how to approach this one. Laura, from 3 Kittens told me that one of her customers said that her project melted on the edges when she ironed it!! I didn't know corn could melt. Did it smell like popcorn?

Anyway, the feel of this piece seems more appropriate for a wash cloth than a dish cloth. The curly edges are bugging me, so I will need to look into this one!

Knitted Valentine Ideas

2010-02-09T07:25:00.000-08:00

I receive newsletters from many different yarn shops and yarn sellers. There were some super cute Valentine ideas in the Lion Brand newsletter this week.

Some of the things you can make are socks, cute little envelopes, heart string mittens, a valentine pouch, love birds, etc. There is even a no knit or crochet pattern for kids (probably grown ups too) http://cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/patternFinder.fcgi?search=Search&store=%2Fstores%2Feyarn&resultPageTemplate=ResultPage.html&resultItemTemplate=ResultItem.txt&noResultPageTemplate=NoResultPage.html&case=no&primaryServer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lionbrand.com&minPrice=0&noBoolean=1&searchText=valentine&Go.x=0&Go.y=0&sT=1 Yes, that's the biggest link I have ever seen!

If you have a few moments for some creativity this week give them a try! I will be continuing to work on my knitting bag to see how far I can get by Friday!

It's time for a Knitting Bag

2010-02-08T09:59:00.000-08:00

When I knit I have gotten into the habit of using the bag the yarn came in to hold it. Usually, not the best choice! A. It is so full there is no wiggle room to grab a color from the bottom. B. The scissors and stitch markers get lost in the shuffle. C. The needle points poke through the bag. Can you see the rip in the really thin plastic? I'm not sure that this bag will make it through the project. I am posting a challenge to myself to see how far I can get by Friday...I'll share with you on Friday. What I didn't realize when I started this project is that I am knitting the bag from the top down. Here is what I have so far...

This looks like a huge bag. The last step is to felt it. Ok, I must start knitting to see how far I can get my Friday!

Handknit Dishcloths

2010-02-02T07:57:00.001-08:00

I went to visit my mom Sunday afternoon for a movie (The Changeling) and knitting time. I made a lot of progress on my knitting bag, more on that later.

When I arrived, my mom showed me what she had been working on...

Dishcloths are so versatile. You can use any color you want and you can make any pattern you want. They are a great way to practice a new stitch before moving on to a larger project! And who doesn't appreciate a new dishcloth?

Yarn Made from corn? Yup, I have some!

2010-01-29T12:05:00.000-08:00

Today I went to one of my favorite local yarn shops, www.3kittensneedlearts.com to follow up on Laura's recommendation of the linen yarn for dish cloths. I looked through the colors and decided on a cantaloupe colored hank. The linen feels very stiff. Apparently after it is washed it becomes very soft.

While I was browsing I found a pretty apple green colored yarn. When I touched it the softness was surprising after handling the linen yarn. The most surprising thing to me was the fiber content. It is 100% corn! I can't even begin to imagine how some kernels of corn get transformed into this...

We will be getting more dish cloths soon!!

Knitted Dish Cloths are the greatest!

2010-01-27T19:13:00.000-08:00

We are back into knitted dish cloth mode at our house! I knitted several over the weekend. One (the blue one) during the very fun but disappointing in the end, Viking Game. The top one I started while getting the oil changed and finished in the carpool line. No I do not knit and drive! The carpool line is full of great pauses. It sure does take the kids a long time to get into a car with all their snow gear! The fall and spring line do not pause enough for me to knit. So, hey, take advantage of the time given!

My experimental dish cloth, the blue and mango stripped one has been through one use and wash. I will keep you all posted as the wear develops. If you are new, I am watching the wear progress of two different yarns knitted into one dish cloth.

My latest accomplishment is that I have loosened up on my casting off! Remember, the Minnesota State Fair judging sheet said that my casting off was a bit tight. This is true of the blue/mango dish cloth above. Note the blue edge on the right. So, being very aware of this I think I am improving as you can see in the variegated dish cloth above.

The Yarn Arrived and I am knitting again!

2010-01-25T12:00:00.001-08:00

The yarn came from www.knitpicks.com in just a few days and it was so fun to open. The colors jumped out at me, they were just what I was expecting!! These colors are so fresh and alive! The website color swatches were a very close match to the actual colors I saw in my box when it arrived.

I also started to knit my knitting bag. It had to cast on 192 stitches to start. I think this is my biggest project to date. I used my stitch markers after every set of 20 stitches while casting on. Then it was easier to count as I added more and more stitches. Now I just need one at the beginning of the loop.

Now for a bit of time in front of the fireplace knitting before everyone comes home!!

Yarn Comparisons with a Knitted Dish Cloth

2010-01-21T08:49:00.000-08:00

I have been very busy making dish cloths. Making dish cloths goes quickly and we really needed some! I started to think about the quality of my dishcloths.

As I shopped for yarn the thrifty side of me bought Sugar and Cream yarn at Wal-Mart for 1.59 for 50g ball of cotton yarn. Then I went to The Three Kittens yarn shop in Mendota Heights, MN www.3kittensneedlearts.com. They are my favorite goto yarn shop for knitting help in the afternoons, and for a beautiful selection of yarns. I asked Laura about dish cloth yarns and did they have something a step up from the Sugar and Cream. She showed me a great color selection from CoolSpun Cotton. It cost 2.75 for a 50g ball of yarn. I selected a pretty sky blue and a great spring colored variegated ball.

Next I came home and knit this dish cloth.

The feel of the two yarns the mango(Sugar and Cream) vs. the blue (CoolSpun Cotton) was very similar. I was curious about how each yarn would hold up after cleaning a kitchen used by 7 people and lots of washing. Today I will weave in the loose ends and then put it to use with our chicken with oriental vegetables dinner.

One other yarn that Laura showed me was a beautiful 100% Linen hank of yarn. Wow! It looked beautiful! Once I complete this project I may just splurge on the $24.00 yarn and see how the linen looks (I'm sure it will be beautiful) and holds up in the laundry.

I found the yarn for the knitting bag!

2010-01-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

Once I found the pattern for my knitting bag it did not take too long for me to find the yarn I wanted.

The pattern called for Patons Classic Wool 100g. Of course it did! The pattern was created by Patons. However, being the thrifty woman that I am I looked around the Internet to find a good deal. When I looked on Patons the classic wool was not on sale. So, I browsed around several on line yarn stores. I found what I was looking for on www.knitpicks.com. I enjoyed the easy browsing feature and the sale on 100% Peruvian Highland Wool.

I redesigned the colors of the bag. I went with my personal favorite combination of navy blue, yellow, green, and white.

When the yarn arrives I will share the colors I selected. I am curious to see how close the color swatches on my monitor compare with the actual colors.

I need a new Knitting Bag!

2010-01-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

As you can see from the photo, I am in need of a new knitting bag.!

I'm not even sure where this cute paper bag with ribbon handles came from. I love the rectangle shape. It can hold a few small projects at the same time, yet is shallow enough that there is not too much hiding on the bottom of the bag. However, the paper is not holding up well, and I have lost a few items out of the bottom corner...

So, my search began. Of course the thrifty side of me started by looking for a free pattern. BINGO! I found one. It is unbelievable how many free patterns are out there! The trick of course is can you follow the instructions??? That is a post for another day.

I started by googling felted knitting bags. You could spend a whole day, maybe even a whole weekend looking through all the patterns. I finally found one that I liked through the ravelry.com web site.

This was found at www.patonsyarns.com, via the Ravelry web site. The things I like about this bag are the big opening at the top, the attached handles, and the ability I have to make it a bit shorter so it is more of a rectangle. Also, this will help me to achieve another of my goals for 2010, felting something.

Next, finding the yarn for the project...

Weavers Guild of Minnesota Open House

2010-01-13T11:39:00.000-08:00

Here is a great opportunity to see the Weavers Guild of Minnesota in action. They are having an open house this Sunday, January 16th from 11:00 - 2:00.

They have a great gift shop with knitted, felted, crocheted, and woven items. Also, this is a great place to buy gifts. They have jewelry, scarves, handbags, and my personal favorite...the bargain room.

That is where I bought some interesting yarns.

I have not had a chance to use the glow in the dark purple yet!

I'm Rolling My Eyes Now!!

2010-01-08T14:31:00.000-08:00

OK I can cross of goal #11 off my list. I now know how to make a knitted ruffled edge.

I found out through some very basic research one way to make the ruffle on the edge of your knitting. Also, my mom let me know of another way.

Option 1 Thanks MOM!!
If you will be knitting with size 8 needles for the main part of your item, then start with size 11 and knit for a row, then switch to size 10 for a row, then switch to size 9 for a row, then switch to size 8 for the remainder of your work.

Option 2 Thanks Google!!
Cast on four times as many stitches as you need. In the first row knit 2 stitches together across the row. In the second row knit or purl 2 stitches together across the row.

HELLO!!!

So cool, now I'll have to try it.

One more Goal for 2010

2010-01-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

Learning to knit a ruffled edge is my #11 for 2010.

I have always wondered how this is done. It is probably super easy and I'll roll my eyes once the mystery is revealed to me.

Baby blankets for Africa

2010-01-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

While I am in my lull waiting to be inspired for the next great project, or starting in on my 2010 resolutions...I have been working on a baby blanket. In Africa many newborn babies die because of the cold. A lot of Africa is desert, so even though it is very hot in the day time, it is also cold in the night.

The blankets need to be about 30 x 30 inches. They can be made from cotton or acrylic yarn, NO wool is recommended! They also like light colored yarn. I'm not sure why this is??

If you feel inspired to help, or just need to knit something for someone else, you will find all the information you need at the Global Health Ministries. http://www.ghm.org.

Knitting Goals for 2010

2010-01-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

As a perpetual planner and strong believer in setting goals...I have created the following list for myself for 2010...

1. Finish the Coral Sweater!! Really all I need to do is attach the sleeves!!

2. Explore all that Ravelry has to offer. I joined, but have not done more than that!

3. Make something to felt.

4. Try ordering yarn on-line. The prices seem to be great. I want to find out if the colors will be close and the service will be fast.

5. Visit more local yarn shops.

6. Attend a knitting event this spring.

7. Make a knitting basket. This one may be the felting project I am looking for.

8. Teach someone how to knit.

9. Find a nice yarn for knitting dish cloths.

10. Knit a sweater for me! (I already have the pattern picked out.)

My first pair of knitted socks!

2009-12-31T05:09:00.001-08:00

Well, here they are...

They are pretty close in size..although one is a bit tighter than the other. Perhaps a knitting journal would be a great idea. Just a small notebook to keep in my knitting basket to write down what size needles I used, etc.

And as for blogging during Christmas break!! Ha Ha Ha! With all 5 kids home we have been ice skating, sledding, celebrating Christmas at church and at home,hosting a princess party with T-shirts and a trip to see The Princess and the Frog, baking and eating cookies, caroling, sleeping in, reading, and, of course shoveling snow.

A few more parities and then back to life as we know it!!

Happy New Year to everyone!

I Remembered my Other Sock Concern!

2009-12-21T05:21:00.000-08:00

As I was knitting my 2nd sock I had two concerns. One was that I would not have enough yarn to finish sock #2. The second concern was that sock #2 would be the same size as sock #1.

Because this is a silk/wool blended yarn it is a bit stiff, and will be until it is washed (hand washed) a few times. My daughter tried on sock #1 and stretched it quite a bit in the process. So, when I was comparing the two socks side by side it was hard to judge because one had been stretched and one had not. Here they are now...

Since it is now Christmas break, it will probably be lunch time before I see kid #2. Once she awakes I will have her try them on and see how close they really do match!

I'm going to make it!

2009-12-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

When I began sock #2 I was worried about having enough yarn to make this sock the same size as sock #1. I was hoping it would not come out short because I ran out of yarn. That is a tricky thing about socks, there is a level of trust you need to put into your skein of yarn. If it says it is enough for 2 socks it probably is!

I am making great progress on the sock. I have just rounded the heal and I'm thinking the yarn will last to the end of the toe!

Kid #2 will not have mismatched socks.

We found the Sock!

2009-12-14T11:43:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness for Saturday morning cleaning routines!! The sock was in kid #2's room. Had I not insisted on the once a week cleaning out of stuff, laundry, and assorted other things that just seem to pile up, we may have never found the sock.

So, it did reappear!! And thanks to an invitation to watch the Vikings at someone else's house I had time to sit and start sock #2! Yeah!!

My two concerns are that I have enough yarn to make the second sock the same size as the first sock, and now I can't remember the other concern!! Must not be so concerning!

The Case of the Missing Sock!

2009-12-11T06:39:00.001-08:00

OK, so I am ready to start sock number 2. Here is the picture from earlier this week when kid #2 pointed out to me that one sock does not work well for her feet!

After taking the picture I proceeded to the computer to post the entry about creating sock number 2. After the picture we are not sure what kid #2 did with the sock! I wanted to use it as a guide for the length of the ribbing at the top, and when to start the heel. But, the sock it gone!!

This weekends knitting project is still up in the air. Once she returns from school we play the "go back to where you were" game in hopes of finding the sock. Otherwise, I'm sure I will come up with something else to knit until it shows up!

Time for another sock

2009-12-09T09:07:00.000-08:00

Wow! What a bonus. It is a snow day for all my kids! I am remembering sitting around the radio as a kid waiting for that familiar voice on WCCO to read through the list alphabetically, hoping he would call our school. Today we just went to our schools website to get the notice. Not quite the same anticipation building exercise as listing to WCCO, but exciting just the same.

Since it is a pancake morning, pajama wearing day, I get some extra time to knit!

My #2 kid has been waiting and waiting for sock number 2 in her new pair of socks. She is even willing to just wear one! This is not a good idea so, today is her lucky day!!

Since, I have done this once before rather recently my hope is that this sock will come together much more quickly than sock #1.

A Knitted Hat for a Guy I know

2009-12-07T13:04:00.000-08:00

The hat I knit for my friends new little baby was so easy to do that I thought I would try to knit a hat for my husband using the same pattern. I just used a bigger yarn and bigger needles. Then I thought I would get creative and continue the ribbing, the knit 2 purl 2, all the way to the top of the hat. This brilliant idea went well until it was time to decrease for the top of the hat. Because of the K2 P2 pattern the decreasing was a bit messy. I did rip it out once and am now on creative try number 2 for the decrease. Here is what it looks like now....

I used one of my home made stitch markers to mark the beginning of my row when knitting in the round:)

Cute Baby Hat

2009-12-04T08:51:00.000-08:00

Here it is!! The baby hat for my friends baby that will be arriving any day! Yeah, I got it done before the baby arrives.

One of my favorite things about this hat is that the finishing is so simple. All I had to do was sew up the small seam from where I started the join for the "knitting in the round" and tuck in the tail at the top of the hat.

So, after a quick sew of the seam and a tuck in of the tail on top, the hat is complete!

The self patterning yarn just adds to the cuteness (is that a word?) of the hat. The color possibilities are endless.

A Knitted Baby Hat

2009-12-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine is going to have baby #6 very soon! I am making a baby hat for the little one to wear this winter. The self patterning sock yarn is so adorable for a baby hat.

I decided to use double pointed needles.The first step was to cast on all the stitches onto one needle. Then I knit a few rows on one needle.The double pointed needles are a bit intimidating, but that has not stopped me before. I feel a bit awkward knitting with them, but I am sure the comfort and confidence will follow soon. Also, the thought of not having to sew a seam is a great relief to me. Sewing a seam is not one of my strong points. Case in point...I still have to sew the sleeves onto the coral sweater I have been working on. I finished knitting it about a month ago and it is still sitting in my knitting basket just waiting to be sewn.

Next was to split the stitches evenly onto three needles. This just left a very small bit of sewing to do at the end. The tricky part here is to join the stitches without creating a twist in the row. I carefully lined up the stitches and started to knit "in the round".

Then I knit the hat to the top, following the pattern carefully.

I am getting better at reading knitting patterns, but WOW, the can be so cryptic. I feel like there is a secret code, and I didn't get a decoder ring.

Anyway, enough self pity, I can read this pattern and the hat is going to look great!

Kid #4 Conquers Knitting over Thanksgiving Weekend

2009-11-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

These two items, a scarf and a hot pad, were created by my 8 year old over Thanksgiving weekend.

My mom taught her to knit this summer. She has made a few scarves for her American Doll, however, when she dug into my recently added "ribbon yarn" and found some size 15 needles, she was unstoppable!

The heavy yarn and the larger needles were all she needed to whip up a scarf in one sitting. She decided to give it to her Grandy as a gift for Thanksgiving. At 10:00 pm she wanted to start a gift for her Papa. Nope, stop until the morning please! This was so hard for her. I think she could have knit all night!

So on Thanksgiving morning she completed the hot pad for Papa. The whole process of casting on, knitting, and casting off was much more manageable with this yarn. And the look of satisfaction on her face for a job well done was priceless!

The larger, stiffer yarn gave her the opportunity to practice keeping the same amount of stitches on the needle for each row. If the count was off it was easy for her, and me, to figure out how to resolve the issue.

I knit a sock!

2009-11-24T09:23:00.001-08:00

Over the weekend I was able to finish my sock!

I'm still not sure how I know I will have enough for sock number 2, but onward and upward is the only way to go!!

The sock went much faster than I though it would. The whole project was a bit overwhelming, somehow socks just seemed more daunting to knit than they really are! I am getting better at reading patterns, but still need the call to mom once in a while to decode the pattern.

I want to make a baby hat for a friend having baby #6 soon. I just love the self patterning yarn for a cute baby hat. I have some left from the hat and booties I made for my cute little neighbor A, who is already 6 weeks old!!

More Weavers Guild of Minnesota

2009-11-17T05:02:00.000-08:00

There was so much to see and the Weavers Guild of Minnesota I just had to take one more post to do it justice.

There were many members on hand and they all enthusiastically recommended the TRY IT classes. They are "One-day classes for beginners or the curious". The TRY IT classes cover Dyeing, Beginning Floor Loom, Rag Weaving, Frame Loom, Tapestry, Off Loom, and spinning.

Really, if you ever have had any curiosity about weaving, etc. this would be a great place to TRY IT. The variety of works that I saw were incredible, which leads to me to believe that the Weavers Guild of Minnesota is great place to get creative. No cookie cutter thinking here!

You can explore for yourself at www. weaversguildmn.org.

A Visit to the Weavers Guild of Minnesota

2009-11-14T05:38:00.000-08:00

I had a great time exploring the Weavers Guild of Minnesota. They did have the promised 50 exhibitors. What a great variety of craft. There were many weavings, knitted items, and more.

I also spent a few moments talking with Frances Iverson who wrote a book called The Weaving Adventures of Edgar and Rita. It is a great children's story about Edgar the dog and Rita. After going on their outdoor adventures they return home, bringing the colors of nature into the weavings created by Rita.

Then I went to explore the rest of building. There is an awesome library, a weaving room for classes, a small shop that sells threads for weaving, books, and supplies. Also, they have a great gift shop with really unique knitted, woven, and beaded/jewelry.

Once again I had a "learning about me" moment. I found a great pair of clay bead earrings. They were calling my name and yet I chose to go home and see if I decided later I just had to have them. In the next room was the "bargain bin" of yarn and I had no compulsion to stop. I found some great treasures...

Starting at the top, at 12:00. is two great skeins of my favorite hat yarn, Lopi. Then at 3:00 we have the purple glow in the dark yarn. Kid #5 is so excited for me to make her a hat that will glow!! And at 8:00 is some yarn that was intriguing to me, although I am not sure what I will do with it. It immediately brought me back to being an 8 year old in the 70's, with two pony tails, one above each ear, and wrapped with ribbons. This yarn is that ribbon. Did any else sport the yarn ribbons as a kid?

35th Annual Weavers Guild of Minnesota Fiber Fair

2009-11-13T09:51:00.000-08:00

Today I am making time to go to the 35th Annual Weavers Guild of Minnesta Fiber Fair. That is a long name for an event. I am not sure what to expect. It says there will be over 50 fiber artist. Perhaps I can find out what exactly a fiber artist is...am I one? Not sure!

I should have a lot to report upon my return!!

My first knitted Sock..Almost

2009-11-09T05:01:00.000-08:00

Here is my first sock masterpiece. I carefully picked out an unusual yarn, this one is from Japan, and spent $20.00 on them! Yes, I want them to last and feel great! I think I am becoming a yarn snob. I'll have to try the $6.00 yarns next to compare the comfort level.

So, back to the sock. I knit the ribbing, knit down to the gusset (heel) and went to my mom for help to decifer the pattern. We spent a lovely morning chatting and decifering and I made it completely around the heel as you can see, It was at this piont I realized that I would not have enough yarn to complete sock number 2.

Not wanting to spend another $20.00 for sock number 2 I decided that I had spent some great quaility time with mom, had great hands on practice making the heel, and then ripped out all my work. Now I am back to creating the ribbing in a smaller size. Once the socks are done I will determine whose feet will be perfect for the new socks.

It is finished!!

2009-11-06T05:23:00.001-08:00

I did it! I managed to keep the remainder of the Prayer Shawl away from the dog.

Once I casted off I realized I probably could have made it even skinnier and thus longer. But really, February is coming and W needs this more that I need perfection!

I really wish there was a touch feature on my blog. This yarn is so soft. It feels like a soft, fluffy flannel.

OK, off to girls weekend. I have yarn for socks (yes I started them, but after getting half way done with the heel I realized I will not have enough yarn for two socks, and the yarn was $20.00, and I'm not paying $40.00 for a first pair of socks, and...more for another day) and yarn for dish cloths. My sister M will help me make the pretty edges.

Prayer Shawl Part 3

2009-11-03T12:48:00.001-08:00

This weekend I restarted the prayer shawl. Since my goal is to give my friend a soft "blankie" to hold on to while she is pregnant, I am glad the baby is not due until February. It's coming W really it is!!

I went from 63 to 48 stitches. Hoping this would make more of a rectangle than a square shape. Then I started to K3, P3, K3, P3 (knit 3, purl 3). This has been a great project for gaining confidence in my knitting speed!

Then somehow, when I wasn't looking the dog got my knitting and tangled the ball of yarn terribly!!

My sweat Corgi puppy Stella looks peaceful here, but...but oh does she love the feel of yarn in her mouth!!

Here is the mess, piled up. I just couldn't take it. After a weekend of knitting a making great progress I was not up for untangling the yarn.

So, I went in search of supplies for a pair of socks...