This Monkey Knits

FO: Red Blossomy Scarf

2012-01-22T10:40:00.000-08:00

It's finished!! My first project of 2012 – Blossomy Scarf. I was one of the testers for the wonderful designer, MyDailyFiber, and her BEAUTIFUL new crochet design, Blossomy Scarf. It's a fantastic crochet pattern that EVERYONE should make.

I used mmmmmMalabrigo Ravelry Red sock yarn and an F hook. This yarn is GORGEOUS! Besides being mmmmmmmmarvelous mmmmmMalabrigo, the colorway is FAAAAABULOUS! It makes a delicious fabric that feels like it melts in my hand. I can't wait to wear it.

The pattern calls for 400 yards of fingering weight yarn and a G hook. There's 440 yards on the Malabrigo sock yarn. I couldn't find my G hook so I used an F. The pattern is very easy. You make the motifs first and then the scarf. That part takes the longest but it is well worth it.

It blocked out to +/-7 inches wide by about 90 inches long. That's perfect! I love my scarves long.

I've got some Wollmeise in my stash. Wonder how that would work for another Blossomy Scarf? I just might have to make one and see!

First Project of 2012

2012-01-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

What a better way to start 2012 than with a new gorgeous project! I'm testing beautiful new crochet pattern called Blossomy by Michelle Blohm. She is so talented!!

This new pattern is for a fingering weight crocheted scarf. I'm using mmmmmMalabrigo Ravelry Red sock yarn and an F-hook (cuz I couldn't find my G). You just need one skein (about 400 yards).

Y'all need to watch for this pattern to hit KnitPicks and the internet soon!

Hopefully I'll have this finished this week. I have to go back to work and that just really eats into my fiber time. BUT it's almost time for football! Got to gather up my project and grab the comfy chair to curl up and watch my boys beat the Titans and crochet.

Wishing everyone a FABULOUS 2012 – I'm hoping for LOTS of CHANGE this year!!

FO: January Baby Sweater and Booties

2011-12-29T11:37:00.000-08:00

Voila! It's finished...and just in time!! I got the January Baby Sweater AND Booties all finished...seamed and ends woven in and buttons sewn on. It's going to be hard to part with it but it's going to a good home. :)

I ended up using +/-2 skeins of Crystal Palace's Panda Cotton in Royal Purple with 3mm DPNs. It's a wonderful blend of bamboo and cotton. Perfect for a Texas baby.

The sweater is Lankakomero's Baby Outfit. I didn't make the pants that go with it as I had planned.

And the ADORABLE booties were designed by a friend of mine. They are Shirley Ruffle Baby Socks from Christine Olson Originals. They are super easy and definitely a baby must-have!!! What can I say...They're just TOOOOOO CUTE!!!

So...NOW what do I do?

Almost Finished!

2011-12-04T07:13:00.001-08:00

YAY! The January Baby Sweater is almost done!! It is blocking now. All that's left will be to sew up the side seams. This is a super easy pattern by Lankakomero. There was only one place in the pattern for the.Baby Outfit that through me. It must have been in the translation. It said to "hop over" -- It must be a Finnish technique :P

Now I'm working on matching booties and maybe a hat. We'll see how motivated I get about making the hat.

I loved knitting with Crystal Palace's Panda Cotton. It's scrumptious!

What to do after Thanksgiving?

2011-11-26T15:26:00.001-08:00

...KNIT! ...CROCHET! ...NAP!

I made a wash mitt...dishcloth...dust mitt... A RAINBOW! LOL

Started out as a kid's wash mitt but it grew. And grew. And grew. Until it became an adult sized dust mitt/dishcloth/wash mitt. Heck! The only thing I do know it that it was fast and fun to make! It's made from Sugar 'n Cream 100% cotton yarn.

I think I want to make more of these. But next time, I'm going to have some pattern modifications. The pattern made it in two pieces (front and back) and then you had to seam it together. Next time, I'm crocheting it in the round and maybe from the fingertips up. It' would be MUCH easier that way...cuts out a step or two and LOTS of end weaving.

Watch out their friends and family!!! This could end up in YOUR stocking!!!

Mailman Love

2011-11-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

I love my mailman. He brings me pretty things. So far this week he has brought me...

Crystal Palace Cotton Panda in Royal Purple so I can finish the January Baby Sweater.

And then he brought me TWO books!

Knitting Plus: This looks like a great book. It breaks down different styles of sweaters for us full-figured women. PLUS it's got some wonderful patterns!

The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques: I can't wait to dive into this book!! It has tons of info about color work AND THEN there's all these fantastic colorwork knitting stitch patterns...not just fair isle either!

Time to curl up with a good book, some knitting and a little TV...maybe even a margarita or two!!

Yarn Glutton

2011-10-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

I admit it. I have a problem. I am a confirmed yarn-aholic... yarn glutton... yarn gourmand... yarn snob. Whatever you want to call it. I love yarn.

That being said... I went to the craft fair today where the wonderful people I bought yarn from Thursday night we selling more yarn. What did I do? Walk on by? No. Just say "hi!"? No. That's right... bought more yarn.

- Debbie Bliss Pure Silk (pink)

- Berroco Glace' (sprig, fawn and pesto)
- On Line Alpha (100% Egyptian cotton - tan)

Jack Cat had to inspect the bargains. It was met quite tastely with his approval. I had to keep him from trying to eat the Pure Silk. damn cat.

THEN when I get home, there's a box on my front porch. Hmmm...wonder what it could be? DUH!!! It's MORE yarn!!!!! I forgot I had ordered yarn for sweaters for me. I want something I can toss in the washer/dryer that won't cost an arm and a leg. JoAnn's had Caron's Simply Soft on sale. The plan is to make Nora's Sweater out of the Autumn Red; Eadon in the Ocean (right); and, Victoria out of the Pagoda (left). This should keep me busy for a few years. LOL :P

Wonder what will come in the mail NEXT week!?!?! :)

Motherload!!!

2011-10-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

Check out all that luscious, gorgeous, squeeeeeeeezable yarn I added to my stash tonight!!!!! Aren't you jealous?!

A friend at work, her folks just bought out the inventory from a closed yarn store in the area and they let me and Skully have dibs on it before they take it to a craft fair this weekend. They had three rooms full of EVERYTHING!!! Most of it was 50% off...some 75-80% off, too!!!

Here's what all I got (left to right)...
- Berroco Touche' (turquoise) (cotton/rayon)
- Berroco Soft Twist (kale) (wool/rayon)
- Debbie Bliss Cathay (royal purple) (cotton/rayon/silk)
- Berroco Cotton Twist (teal) (cotton duh!)
- Debbie Bliss Pure Silk (lavendar plum) (silk double duh!)
- Mango Moon Bali Sky (dusk darks)
- Louisa Harding Kashmir Aran (dark teal) (wool, cashmere, microfiber)
- Debbie Bliss Cathay (lavendar plum) (cotton/rayon/silk)
- And a few accessories – Tunisian crochet hooks, buttons, row counters

I'm in HOG HEAVEN!!!! And so is Skully...thought we were going to have to go get a U-Haul by the time we finished.

Think I'll check out their booth at the craft fair this weekend...might need a few more skeins... bwahahahahahaha!

January Baby

2011-10-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

My needles didn't stay still long. Since Camp Loopy, I've finished a lapghan for Give A Stitch and my Stained Glass Window socks. BUT now I've started a new project. It's Baby Outfit by Lankakomero.

I'm using Crystal Palace's Panda Cotton in Royal Purple for the sweater. It's a wonderful purple and feels great!

I'm also going to make this adorable beret from Tangled.com but will modify it to match the sweater pattern using the same purple.

So...I have a dilemma. I can't decide which colorway to use for the pants. No, I'm not making it all the same color. I think they all work...but don't feel strongly either way what to use. So I need you to vote.

First, there is Fiber Optic Yarns Foot Notes in Jelly Jelly.

Second is Gaia's Colours' Bohemian Market.

And finally, third is Lorna's Laces Rainbow.

See!!??!! It's hard to decide!!! What shall I do? What shall I do?

Vote now and help me decide. :)

Wollmeise, You're Mine!

2011-10-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

Remember back in June when I said I was going camping at Camp Loopy?

I had a marvelous time!!! I made lots of new friends and I did LOTS of knitting and crocheting.

My first project was my Boho Scarf that I absolutely adore! Project #1's challenge was to use at least two different colors of yarn. EASY!

Then I made my first ever pair of mittens for Project #2. Our challenge was to make sure our mittens included cables...EASY in my Loopy Cabled Cuff Mittens

Finally for Project #3, we were challenged to make something using at least 800 yards. Not so easy!! I made my first every adult sized sweater -- Hey Teach, I'm Loopy! I was definitely loopy at the end of it!! LOL

All these challenges were well worth the effort BECAUSE if you finished all three challenges within the designated time frame (1 month each) then at the end of camp, you get a FREE skein of WOLLMEISE!!! X.O.M.G!! I have been trying FOREVER it seems to get a skein of Wollmeise. I never time it right...they're always sold out by the time I get there. ::sadness::

Well guess what! My skein of Wollmeise came today!!! HAPPY DANCE!!!!!!!!!! I was worried what color I would get. I have seen some U.G.L.Y colors posted...I was nervous. Turns out I was worried for nothing because I got this GORGEOUS skein of Wollmeise Twin Fliederbusch!!

I'm such a color junkie. I think that's why I love fair isle so much...and WHY I have soooooo many single skeins of yarn I bought just for the color...DUH!! :P But this magenta-red violet skein of Wollmeise is faaaaaaaaabulous!

Not sure what I'll make with it. There's 510 yards of gorgeous Wollmeise to savor. It came with the Fire and Ice pattern...nah...not my type.

THANK YOU LOOPY EWE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I >>HEART<< YOU!!!!

FO: Stained Glass Socks

2011-10-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

They are DONE!!! BOTH Stained Glass socks are finished!! It didn't look promising earlier this week when I ripped out 2 inches with about 1 inch to go to finish it.

Lesson: When getting ready to rip out, be sure to place your lifeline STRAIGHT on a row using CONTRASTING yarn and NOT on a row where you have cut the yarn. I had such a flipping mess!! Almost frogged the whole sock :( I put in my lifeline on a row where I had cut the yarn and had knitted the ends in so it was like 2 strands on one stitch...BUT after ripping out all my stitches to my lifeline I realized my lifeline was crooked. ::head desk:: In trying to salvage the mess, with all these "double stitches" I had a blonde moment because I had used the same color thread for my lifeline as the row I was attempting to pick up. Not good. GEEZZZZZZZZ!!! So...I grabbed some contrasting yarn and went back another inch and put in a new STRAIGHT lifeline and ripped. It worked. YAY!!!!!

LOVE the Zauberball Sock Yarn! The colors are fabulous how they transition from one color to the next. And with the black yarn, the colors really pop. Yes, I purposely mismatched the socks. Even the zigzags are reversed.

NOW...everybody cross your fingers and toes and say a prayer that they fit!

Fall is here...time for SOCKS!

2011-10-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

Time to pull out all the hand-knitted socks...FALL IS HERE!!! OK...so it might be "officially" Fall but it IS under 100°F here in Texas. Ya gotta take the cold snaps when you can! :P

I haven't worn any socks since early last Spring. These happen to be one of my favs I made last year for Give A Stitch KAL.

There's nothing like handmade socks to make your feetsie feel spthethcial. <3 <3 <3

FO: Hey Teach, I'm Loopy Sweater

2011-09-15T09:24:00.000-07:00

YAY!!! I'm done! I've finished Camp Loopy's Project #3 -- Hey Teach, I'm Loopy Sweater.

This was a doozy of a project!! We had to knit/crochet at least 800 yards in ONE MONTH!

X.O.M.G. Why did I think I could make a sweater?!?! I don't mind knitting it...but to make one in a month is very ambitious.

The yarn is fabulous! Universal Yarn's Cotton Supreme is sooooooooo soft! And the purple is scrumptious. This picture doesn't do it justice.

The pattern Hey Teach! from Knitty was super easy. I added an inch to the bottom part and made the sleeves about 4 inches longer. Overall, it took 6 skeins (or 1,100 yards) to make this. WELL over the 800-yard minimum.

I found gorgeous buttons on Etsy in Roadside Attractions and Perpetual Revolution. They're iridescent Czech glass buttons with gold details. Nice and flashy.

So know what do I do? I finished all three Camp Loopy projects in the time frame. WOW! Wonder how many will make it through? I think they started out with approximately 700+ in Project #1.

Guess I'll finish a lapghan and my stained glass socks. But first...a MARGARITA!!!

Sittin' and Knittin'

2011-09-12T14:48:00.000-07:00

I had a MAAAAAAAH-velous weekend. Lots of sitting and knitting and watching movies. ALOT of movies!! Home all alone and I had control of the TV AND the Wii!!! That meant I got to watch Netflix while I finished up on the Hey Teach I'm Loopy sweater.

What did I watch? I know you're wondering!! :P ...A BUNCH!!!

$5 a Day with Christopher Walkin. It was ok. Walkin likes to get freebies and he and his son go from New York to New Mexico on a mission using he's gift cards.

Bottle Shock was good. Had Bill Pullman and Chris Pine. This movie was based on the early days of California wine making and how they got on the map after a French-US wine blind taste testing competition. It made me thirsty.

Dr. Horrible's Sing-along Blog. OMG!!!! Hysterical! Neil Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillion are arch enemies. I almost fell out of my chair when Captain Hammer (Nathan Fillion) comes bursting onto the scene SINGING!!! I hated how it ended...I wanted more! LOL

Love is a Ball with Glenn Ford and Hope Lange. Loved it. It was a very typical 1960s romantic comendy. It even has a VERY young Ricardo Montalban and Telly Savalas!!

Exit Through the Gift Shop. It's a documentary about street artists like Banksy, Shepard Fairey, Space Invader and Thierry (Mr Brainwash) and more. This was a cool movie. Their art is so clever and witty. Makes me think about what I could do. ::evil grin::

Eve of Understanding. I finally watched this all the way through! See...my son has a small part in it and I've only see that part. LOL You know...priorities!! So I finally watched the whole movie. Lots of great photography.

Mary and Max was my FAVORITE of my movie extravaganza. It is a wonderfully twisted and warped claymation with Barry Humphries as the narrator and Philip Seymour Hoffman as Max. Mary is a young girl with a dysfunctional family that starts a penpal friendship with Max, an old, athiest Jewish New Yorker with Asbergers. Sounds wonderful, Right??? LOL It is. If you watch this...pay attention to the scene details. Lots of warped humor that's right up my alley!! I want a chocolate hot dog!

Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill. Well...it was not what I thought it was. But it was...ok. It was about these parrots that used to be pets whose owners had lost them or let them go back into the "wild" San Francisco and this guy who didn't have a job took care of them. It was ok until the end where he has to move out of his rent-free apartment. He ends up marrying the filmmaker. LOL

Soooooooo my butt rarely got out of my chair except to move clothes from the washer to the dryer and to move the sprinkler. AND...I got a lot of knitting done!!!

Camp Loopy: Hey Teach! I'm Loopy Sweater

2011-08-29T10:28:00.000-07:00

After much deliberation, I finally decided on the project I'm going to knit for Camp Loopy Project #3. I know I had gone back and forth between patterns in my previous post but I went a TOTALLY different direction. I'm knitting Hey Teach! from Knitty. Ain't it cute!?!? This will be my first official sweater to knit.

I started about two weeks ago. I've got the back finished and half way up the left front panel. My needles need to start flying...I've got two and a half weeks to get this finished, blocked and sewn together. ARGH!!!

I'm using Universal Yarn's Cotton Supreme in purple. GORGEOUS!

It didn't take very long to block the back in this 109°F weather we're having. I think it was dry in an hour!

So I don't have much time to blog. I should be knitting!!! :P

Camp Loopy Project #3

2011-08-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

It's finally here...Camp Loopy Project #3!! Camp Loopy has been going on since June. We get to cast on the 3rd and final project on August 15. I'm almost ready. My yarn is here and I've got it caked ready to go. The only problem...I don't know what I'm going to make?!?!?! ::shrug::

Thinking I was going to be making a stripped romper, I ordered Universal Yarn's Cotton Supreme in Turquoise and Purple. It's a worsted weight.

It started out I was going to knit a baby romper like this adorable Beach Ball Romper and precious HiyaHiya Mosaic Romper. They are just TOOOO cute!!

Then I got worried it would be enough yards since we have to make a project with at least 800 yards. So I thought about this fun Rugby Romper.

Still worried about yardage, my project has now turned to sweaters. I have never, ever made a sweater!! What am I thinking about?!!?!?

I've narrowed it down to 3 patterns (so far). geez. I'm so indecisive!!

First is this precious Bunny Sweater...

Then there is this Circle of Life Sweater...

And FINALLY...this Vertigo Vest.

WHAT SHALL I DO!?!?!? Man, oh, man! I've got a week to decide. I've got to be able to make it in ONE MONTH! So it can't be TOO big or TOO complicated. LOL

HELP!!!

FO: Loopy Cabled Cuff Mittens

2011-07-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

They're done!! And THREE weeks before the deadline for Camp Loopy Project #2!! WOOHOO!! I've never made a pair of mittens before. Let me tell you...this won't be the last! I >>LOVED<< making them! They went so fast. It wasn't as hard as I was imagining it would be. I think the thumbs and gussets had me scared. But once you start...it's easy peasy!

I used Madelinetosh Vintage in Scarlet to knit Cabled Cuff Mittens from 60 Quick Knits. Great pattern!

There were several things I learned on my first pair.

1) MUST use a stretchy cast off!

2) DON'T use different sets of needles for each glove. DUH!!

3) Add a little between the cuff and the beginning of the gusset. I must have long wrists.

Now...I've got a skein left. Think I'll make a matching hat with the same cabled border.

BUT...I live in Texas. What the heck am I going to do with mittens and a cap?!? ROFLMAO!

Camp Loopy Project 2: Cabled Cuff Mittens

2011-07-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Yay! Project 1 is done and now on to Project 2 for Camp Loopy...some cabled mittens. I'm using Madelinetosh Vintage in Scarlet. SQUEEEE!!! And...I'm making the Cabled Cuff Mittens from 60 Quick Knits. I loved the combination of the simplistic mitten with these wonderful cabled cuffs.

Yesterday, I met some fabulous knitting friends at Twisted Yarns in Old Town Spring. We did a LOT of shopping at this wonderful local yarn shop and went home with LOTS of squishy goodness. I found a set of square DPNs. I needed some 7s so why not try the square ones by Kollage Yarns? I'm using them with my mittens and ya know...they're okay! I wish they had a little more point to them but I'm happy overall. They felt funny at first...not round...it was strange. LOL But I got used to them pretty quick.

One special surprise yesterday was a set of handmade stitchmarkers by my friend's daughter. It was sooooooo sweet!!! She made me MONKEY stitchmarkers!!! They are AWESOME!! and work great with my mittens. They're doing a great job marking my thumb gusset and round beginning. THANK YOU!!!!!

FO: Stained Glass Sock #1

2011-07-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

YAY!!! I got the first Stained Glass sock finished. I usually knit two at a time on two sets of needles but for some reason I knit only one. I've got to get the next one started quick before I develop One-Sock Syndrom.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE how this came out. The yarn is fabulous!! Zauberball Sock Yarn -- SQUEEEEE!!!!

FO: BoHo Scarf

2011-07-10T16:33:00.000-07:00

It's DONE!!!! I struggled a lot with this project for Camp Loopy. I ripped it out several times before coming up with this pattern. Yep...it's a Monkey Original! And I LOVE it!!!! I know already I'm going to make more of these.

Four yarns were used. The main yarns were Madelinetosh Vintage Iris and Lepidoptra. Then I added Quince & Co. Tern Sea Grass (it's ALL American!) and AndriaFil KnitCol 49. That helped tremendously!! Just by adding the Sea Grass, the Madlinetosh colors finally popped.

I crochet several floral squares using all the yarns. They went pretty fast once I got started. While crocheting the squares, I decided to try something different when it came time to put it together. Jumprings. It's perfect!!

When I went to Michael's to find jumprings...I found buttons instead. COOL buttons that go perfectly with my BoHo scarf. My mom, the jewelry artist, custom made my jumprings. It was fun...I would attach the jumprings to the squares as fast she she could make them. Hey! I was anxious to piece it together and see the final product.

Now I'm ready to start Camp Loopy Project #2 -- Cabled Mittens. o.O

Loopy Goodies!

2011-07-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

SQUEEEEEEEEEE!!!! I got a box of goodies today!!!

As you know, I'm going camping at Camp Loopy. It was time to order yarn for Project 2's cabled mittens or socks. I ordered some GORGEOUS Madelinetosh Vintage Scarlet to make either Celtic Moonrise Mittens or Cabled Cuff Mittens or these fabulous Aran Delight Mittens. Well my yarn came today...and then some!!!

Oh my goodness!!! I was just expecting my beautiful red yarn but when I opened the box...out came the BAG (literally) of goodies from Loopy Ewe! I HEART Loopy Ewe!!

Check out what all I got...

Besides the Madelinetosh I ordered, I got a fabulous bag, a skein of squishy soft Sereknity Suga Plum, Lacy Pillar Socks pattern, a calendar AND Tootsie Rolls!!! How AWESOME is that?!?!?!?

Update on my Camp Loopy Project #1:
Project 1 started out as reversible houndstooth and stripes scarf and got frogged. Then I started a beautiful Diamond Loopy scarf and I frogged it. I just wasn't happy with how the colors were working with either scarf. I decided something was missing...another color! My Project #1 has now become a Bohemian Scarf. It's cool! I'll post pictures when I finish it early next week. I love how it's turning out!!

In the meantime...if you haven't been to Loopy Ewe, you should go check them out RIGHT NOW!!!

Loopy Diamond Scarf

2011-06-23T15:13:00.000-07:00

I've lost count how many times this scarf has been frogged now. First it started off as a reversible houndstooth and stripes scarf. It got frogged a couple of times. NOW it has become what I'm affectionately calling my Loopy Diamond Scarf. It's for Camp Loopy and I'm crocheting this gorgeous Diamond Exchange Scarf... sooooooooo Loopy Diamond Scarf. Makes perfect sense to me.

I started it last night and got several repeats done. I'm not sure I'm doing the edges right but it's working. LOL (Don't look, Michelle!)

I like how the colors are working in this...MUCH better than in the houndstooth. Still using the wonderfully squishy Madelinetoshh Vintage.

AND there's a much better chance I'll get it finished now. LOL!!!

Frogged: Houndstooth Scarf

2011-06-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

I love this houndstooth pattern but I'm not happy with the color combo with it. So......it's froggin' time. Time to ripppppppppit! Honest! I love this pattern!!! But I want something faster to do AND a different color. The Madelinetosh Vintage is AWESOME!! I want to make something else with it.

Now I'm going to crochet this gorgeous Diamond Exchange Scarf. I love how the colors work. Plus it's crochet and gots MUCH much faster.

Do YOU Have a Yarn Guard?

2011-06-16T05:11:00.000-07:00

Everyone should have a Yarn Guard.
Yarn Guards are a priceless investment for our valuable stash.

Yarn Guards protect your stash...keeping one eye on our precious fiber at all times...holding it securely so the evil Yarn Devils don't eat it up.

Yarn Guards also are great helpers. They can hold your yarn for you so your yarn doesn't roll off while you knit or crochet. Yarn Guards can also help you unwind your balls when you want to see how your yarn looks stretched out.

Get you a Yarn Guard today!!! You won't regret it!!!

Camp Loopy

2011-06-12T11:36:00.000-07:00

It's here!!!! The yarn I ordered for my camping trip to Camp Loopy. I made a mistake with my first order...I didn't order enough!!! bwahahaha! So I ordered another couple of skeins of the Madelinetosh Vintage. This stuff is WONDERFUL!!! I love how squishy it is. And let's not forget about these GORGEOUS colors!!

I decided to knit Cascade Lana D'Oro Men's Double Knit Scarf but for ME! It won't be as wide as the pattern...more like 6 inches wide. That way it can be longer :) I love how it has stripes on one side and a houndstooth on the other. It's all knit at the same time...WAY COOL!!!

I have already started a "swatch" to see if I like the color combination AND if I can follow the pattern. SUCCESS!!! LOL It's basically a 1x rib with two colors but it comes out two-sided!! NIFTY! And you move the yarn back and forth between every stitch.

After two repeats, here is the houndstooth side...

...and here is the striped side...

I simplified the pattern so it wasn't as wordy.

Doubleknit Houndstooth and Striped Scarf

I'm using US6 and cast on 40 stitches. It's about 5 inches wide...and SUPER squishy!! But I'm going to frog it and cast on 48 stitches.

Repeat x8. Cast on alternating colors starting with Color B (my magenta).

After the first stitch of every row, be sure to twist you working yarn before the next stitch.

Abbreviations:

YB = Both yarns to the back

YF = Both yarns to the front

K = Knit

P = Purl

A = Color A

B = Color B

Row 1: *YB K1 A, YF P1 A, YB K1 A, YF P1 B, YB K1 B, YF P1 A, YB K1 A, YF P1 B* repeat to end

Row 2: *YB K1 B, YF P1 A, YB K1 A, YF P1 B, YB K1 B, YF P1 B, YB K1 A, YF P1 B* repeat to end

Row 3: *YB K1 A, YF P1 A, YB K1 B, YF P1 B, YB K1 B, YF P1 A, YB K1 B, YF P1 B* repeat to end

Row 4: *YB K1 B, YF P1A, YB K1 A, YF P1 A, YB K1 B, YF P1 B, YB K1 A, YF P1 A* repeat to end

Repeat Rows 1-4 until desired length...at least 60 inches.

To finish scarf:

Move work to DPNs. *Slip one stitch to DPN #1; slip next stitch to DPN #2* Repeat across. Holding DPN #2 behind DPN #1, work Kitchener stitch with Color A to graft stitches together.

Brilliant Idea!!

2011-06-08T21:04:00.000-07:00

I think EVERY home needs one of these! Imagine what we could do!!

The Knitting Clock was designed by Siren Elise Wilhelmsen back in 2010. It takes ONE DAY to make one "lap" around the clock. After one year, you have a 2-meter scarf.

FINALLY, something that knits slower than me!!!

Something to ponder though...What happens with daylight savings time? Does it frog everything it knitted the previous 6 months??

Going Campin'!!!

2011-06-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Well...Sorta. My idea of roughing it is staying at Motel 6. I'm going to CAMP LOOPY! Keep the comments to yourself...I know I'm loopy!! :P

See...It's a knitting camp and we have monthly goals. If you make all three project challenges, you get 20% off your camping supplies, double your camp shopping points, AND at the end of camp you get a Fall project kit with Wollmeise!!!

I got my yarn ordered ... Madelinetosh Vintage from Loopy Ewe in...
Lepidoptra

and Iris

The challenge this month is to use two colors to make a shawl or scarf to keep you warm around the campfire. My plan NOW is to knit a houndstooth scarf. You know...that can always change. Maybe I do a reversible brioche scarf. Who knows what I'll end up with. LOL

Up To No Good!!

2011-05-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

I am planning and plotting some mischief that involves colorful yarn and a hook.

You've been warned.

:P

FO: RH Special Olympic Scarf #1

2011-05-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

I finished a scarf for the Texas 2012 Special Olympics scarf project.

I used Red Heart's Super Saver Soft Navy and Cherry Red.

This one I crocheted with a I hook. I got carried away and goofed on my guage but it worked out. I chained 250!! OMG! I thought it would come out to 60" long but NOOOOOOOOOOO!!! LOL It was more like 76" LONG!!! ROFLMAOPIMP!!

Oh well. At least it is the right width...6" wide.

I started off with the chain of 250 in the navy and then did two rows of DC. Then added two rows of DC in the red on either side of the navy. After that it was another two rows of DC in navy on each side of the red. And finallay, I crocheted two more DC rows of red on either side of the blue but this time I did a SC along the bottom as I went to the other side to finish off the bottom edges of the scarf.

Since it was SO long. I did a running stitch up the two middle red rows from the scarf's edge about 15" and back down. I gathered the scarf along the running stitch to shorten the length of the scarf to 60". FINALLY! LOL Then I did another running stitch along the bottom edges and pulled to finish it off. Grabbed all my ends of the running stitch and tied a knot over and over a few times and then wove in my ends.

It definitely looks better than it sounds. bwahahahaha!

Texas is trying to collect 3,015 scarves by January 30, 2012, for the Texas Special Olympic Games in Austin next year for all the athletes and coaches.

My Two-Color Reversible Brioche Scarf

2011-05-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

I DID IT!!! It took me all afternoon yesterday but I finally figured out the reversible brioche stitch.

Remember, you only knit with one yarn at a time. BUT one row consists of knitting one "row" of the main color and one "row" of the contrasting color BEFORE turning your work.I struggled with the pattern in the Knitting Brioche book. I love the patterns in the book but the instructions were confusing to me. It's like they complicated a simple technique. Maybe I'm just dense but ARGH!

I tried a few videos on YouTube. meh. BUT one of them mentioned a pattern by Borealis Yarns but posted by Rebecca. Amazingly, I found it!! It made PERFECT sense. Here is the link to that pattern 2-color Reversible Brioche Scarf. I'm repeating it below. Rebecca and Borealis did a FANTASTIC job making it so clear.

I'm knitting this scarf for Red Heart's Special Olympic 2012 Scarf Project so I'm using Red Heart's Super Saver 387 - Soft Navy (main color MC) and Super Saver 319 - Cherry Red (contrasting color CC).

You have to use either DPNs or circular needles when knitting this because you're working off both ends.

Borealis Yarns/Rebecca's Two-Color Reversible Brioche Scarf

I cast on 25 stitches on US7. To have an extra loose cast-on I did a long-tail over two DPNs. I had an EXTRA long tail so I knit the next row with it. (I know...that's a no-no.)

MC Row 0: Knit (with extra LONG tail)
Tie on Contrasting Color to Main Color feed yarn. Simply loop to hold it in place for a couple of rows.

Set up row...
CC Row 0: k3 *yf, sl 1, yo, k1* k2. TURN WORK

MC Row 1A: k3, p2tog *sl 1, yo p2tog* until 3 stitches remain, k3. DO NOT TURN WORK. Push the work to the right tip of your needle.

CC Row 1B: k3 *yf, sl, yo k2tog* until 4 stitches remain, yf, sl 1, yo, k3. Now turn work.

MC Row 2A: k3, k2tog *yf, sl, yo k2tog* until 3 stitches remain, k3. DO NOT TURN WORK. Push the work to the right tip of your needle.

CC Row 2B: k3 *yf, sl, yo p2tog* until 3 stitches remain, sl 1, yo, k3

It's a four-row repeat. AND you have to pay attention. The only time you turn your work is when BOTH yarns are on the left.

The first four rows don't look like much. In fact it's pretty scary!!! But keep at it. After a couple of repeats it start's looking like it's suppose to.

Here's mine after two sets of repeats...you can see blue is the main color on this side.

This is the "back" where red is the prominent color.

Just keep knitting until it's the desired length. For this project...no more than 60" long.
It's about 6" wide.

The abbreviations:
k – knit
sl – slip a stitch as if to purl
yf – bring the yarn forward between your needles
yo – before a knit stitch – lay the yarn over the top of your right needle. Make the stitch from this position.
yo – before a purl stitch – lay the yarn over the top of your right needle and bring it between your needles to the front. Make the next stitch from this position.
k2tog – knit two together
p2tog – purl two together

THANK YOU, REBECCA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Technique Day

2011-05-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

I've had the Knitting Brioche book for a while now and have been wanting to try it for the longest time. I especially love two-color reversible brioche. SO...I figured since I just finished my first Red Heart Special Olympics 2012 scarf yesterday (pictures to follow later) that now is a good time to learn how to knit brioche. As I was crocheting the RHSO scarf I was thinking how a scarf in the red and blue would be cool in the reversible brioche. Basically new technique = new scarf. Love it! :)

Here's a beautiful sample from Knitterbelle of what I'll be knitting.

Wish me luck! I'm off to try this. You could hear screaming later. LOL

**UPDATE**
So I have spent the afternoon knitting and ripping. :(

I have found the book instructions and online instructions to be convaluted!! I watched soundless youtube videos and can see it done BUT it just wasn't clicking. ::sadness::

I did some more searching and have found a link to what could be the oldest reversible brioche scarf pattern online by Borealis Yarns but posted by Rebecca back in 2005. This pattern MAKES SENSE!! It's in English. LOL

This is the link you want to use for the 2-color Reversible Brioche Scarf!!

New Project: Special Olympic Scarves

2011-05-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

OK...who's in with me?

Red Heart is making scarves again this year for all the American athletes at the 2012 Special Olympics. They can be knitted or crocheted. No special pattern. We just have to use specific Red Heart yarn colors and they have to be at least 6 inches wide by 54 to 60 inches long. This year the official colors are...

Red Heart Super Saver 387 - Soft Navy
Red Heart Super Saver 319 - Cherry Red
Red Heart Soft 4604 - Navy
Red Heart Soft 9925 - Really Red

They haven't set the deadlines yet for each state. I think the rest of the details are suppose to be released on/by May 23.

Check out more information at ScarvesForSpecialOlympics.org and 2012 Special Olympics Scarf Project on Red Heart's blog.

I picked up a skein each of Soft Navy and Cherry Red today at Hobby Lobby for like $4 each. Not sure how I'll make it yet but I'm pretty sure I'm going to work 2012 into so maybe there'll be some colorwork.

I'm Crocheting in Sunshine...Woooooah!!!

2011-05-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

Verse 2...

I'm crocheting in sunshine, Wooooooooah!

I'm crocheting in sunshine, Wooooooooah!
I'm crocheting in sunshine, Wooooooooah!
...And boy, it feels GOOD!
OH YEAH!

So I had another wild hair today since it felt SO good yesterday. I gathered up some crocheting and went out on my patio again. Today's menagerie consisted of my lizard friend and crows. Lots and lots of crows. They were carrying on forever about something good. The big old lizard from yesterday was back on the arch and then before I knew it he was on the table next to me about to jump in the middle of my yarn until he saw another lizard in his territory. Aggressive little booger!

I also took the mojo fixer, Feza Alp Premier, that I bought not too long ago and balled it. That stuff is WONDERFUL! There are twelve differnt yarns times two in the skein. I think I want to make a simple and long cowl with it. As I was balling it, I got to thinking I might need to knit it with a solid yarn. There's some thin eyelash yarn in the middle. I'm sort of thinking about a nice brown. Black might be too harsh...but then again the colors would really pop. I don't know...I'm on the fence about it.

So what's on the agenda for tomorrow? I've got a couple of vacation days ahead of me...maybe I'll...

I'm Knitting in Sunshine...and don't it feel good!

2011-05-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

How's that Katrina and the Waves song go?

I'm knitting in sunshine, Wooooooooah!
I'm knitting in sunshine, Wooooooooah!
I'm knitting in sunshine, Wooooooooah!
...And don't it feel GOOD!
OH YEAH!

It was a gorgeous day in Texas after the rain last week. I decided to take my Stained Glass Window socks outside and sit on the patio and knit...IN MY JAMMIES! My Signature DPNs just SHINE in the sunshine...and so does my pastey white skin. I have a nice rosey glow about me now after about an hour in the sun. LOL

I haven't worked on them much lately. I just LOVE how the color pops in the sun. I'm still on the first sock but I'm over halfway done with the foot...just about 2-3 more inches before I can start the toe; then I can start Sock #2. For some reason, I'm only knitting one sock at a time. I usually have both going on two sets of needles. This goes pretty fast...as long as I'm working on them. HA!

It was so nice sitting outside listening to all the sounds of the neighborhood. A squirrel came over and fussed at me for being outside and in HIS spot. I have some gall!!! LOL The Yellow-Crested Night Herons were dozing in the trees. I think I have 4-5 nests in my yard. We should have lots of baby herons in a couple of weeks walking in the back. Every now and then I would hear the hawk in the front yard. They have a nest up there and I think their babies just hatched. Then there was this big, FAT lizard working the arch to the backyard. Busy, busy, busy place.

I must do this again tomorrow. :D

To Frog or Not To Frog...That is the Question

2011-05-06T13:34:00.000-07:00

I'm about to frog it! My Feza Alp Natural biased scarf I started. LOVE the yarn but not too excited about this scarf. Blah. It's blah. I'm blah. Blah Blah Blah.

I've been looking at baby sweaters wondering how the yarn might work in one. Whatcha think? Do you have pattern you like?

Here's three I'm thinking about...

I Love You Baby from Knit One, Crochet Too

Sirdar's Snuggly Baby Bamboo Cardigan

or...

Debbie Bliss' Lace Trimmed Bolero

Decisions...Decisions...UGH!!!

In the recesses of my mind...

2011-04-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

I've been looking at patterns and what others have made with the new Feza yarn that I invested in this weekend to fix my mojo. See...all yarn is an investment. It's NEVER EVER an impulse buy. NEVER!!! :D

Yesterday while I was working on baby afghan squares and my Wavy Red White and Blue Lapghan, I figured it out. I solved ALL the world's problems. It's amazing what can happen over a ball of fiber and a hook.
The Feza Alp Natural will become a biased scarf. It's light and cotton and linen...should be perfect for a summer scarf.

The Feza Alp Premier will be a simplistic cowl knit in the round so I get the stripping going horizontally instead of in vertical blocks. Hopefully I can figure out how many to cast-on to get it long enough to double. Me and knitting math don't always get along.

Happy knitting!

How to Help Your Mojo...

2011-04-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

...Visit you Local Yarn Shop!!!! Bwahahahahahaha!!!

So I stopped by Sugar Land Yarn Co today for a couple of things for a swap I'm in...and I came home with something for ME!!! YAY!!!

The light blue yarn is Feza Alp Natural. It's a "self-striping" multi-textured yarn in cotton, silk, linen and viscose. The gorgeous fuschia and orange is Feza Alp Premier. It's another "self-striping" mixed yarn.

I can't wait to dive into these two yarns. I probably will make a cowl or a scarf with them.

My mojo is now fixed...for now :P

Whine and Cheese

2011-04-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!
I haven't had a chance to knit or crochet ALL week!!!!!!

No wonder I feel out of sorts.

::pout::

**great picture from http://framingfaces.wordpress.com/ **

Wavy Red White & Blue Lapghan

2011-04-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

Have you known a knitter or crocheter that only had ONE project going? Of course not!! I'm the same way. I've got my Stained Glass Window socks going. (I must have socks on my needles and I love fair isle.) AND...since I finished my Uber Granny Square lapghan...I had nothing on my crochet hooks. :( Total sadness. LOL

So...I started a new lapghan for Give A Stitch. It's red, white, navy and light blue in a zig zag, wavy pattern. It's going super, super fast. I'll do a 30x30 zig zag square then add a border until it's about 40x40 square.

The yarn was all donated to Give A Stitch. THANK YOU Beth, Penny and Gail!!! Give A Stitch is making lapghans to donate to wheelchair-bound vets at Brooke Army Medical Hospital in San Antonio.

Take Two: Stained Glass Window Socks

2011-04-17T16:31:00.000-07:00

After a huge helping of Frogged Spaghetti, I've restarted my Stained Glass Window socks. They are looking gorgeous if I say so myself! :P

I'm only doing one at a time. These are going pretty quick (as long as I'm working on them). I should get another set of Signature DPNs #2.

The sun really makes the Zauberball Sock Yarn pop. I was waiting on DS to do his grocery shopping and decided to take a pic of my progress. Just about 7 inches more to go on sock #1.

Frogged Spaghetti

2011-03-31T11:46:00.001-07:00

Dammit!!! After I had knit the leg part of my Stained Glass Window socks, I slipped it (TRIED to slip it) on my foot. WHAT?!?!?! It's WAY TOO tight. DAMMIT!

I had started out at 8 stitches per inch for my guage. Guess where it was when I ripped... 13 stitches per inch. THIRTEEN!!!! WTH!!!

So for lunch, I had frogged spaghetti. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!! Yep. I'll be starting over.

DAMMIT!

Is There Knitter's Comp Insurance???

2011-03-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

Don't let this fool you...I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Signature needles. But DAMN it hurts when a US2 DPN slips and stabs your fingertip!!!!!!!! There needs to be Knitter's Comp Insurance. My finger could be laid up for weeks!!! bwahahahahahahahahaahaa!!

Stained Glass WIndows

2011-03-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

My Zauberball yarn has morphed into another sock. AMAZING how that happens!!! I have a Zauberball Sock Yarn in Tropical Fish and Berroco Comfort Sock in black that are now knitting their way into a gorgeous pair of Stained Glass Window socks by Karen Wessel. Yes, the sock pattern proceeds are being donated to some charity. I just liked the pattern.

The color transitions of the Zball are going to be fantastic through this pair of fair isle socks. I can't wait to get to the red!!! :) And no, the other sock will NOT match. I like'em that way! :P

Ribbit! Ribbit!

2011-03-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

My entrelac socks were attacked by the mean, ugly frog!!!! I didn't like how they were developing and it just wasn't flowing. SOOOOOOOOOOOO...they got frogged. waaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!! They will be resurrected another time with another yarn in another dimensions. Ce la vie.

Zball Entrelacs: The Beginning

2011-03-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

OK. I ended up frogging my entrelacs twice (so far). Started doing the original leg-down version from Think Outside the Sox and was too worried about not having enough yarn. SOOOOooo, I did some searching and found Spindleknitter's toe-up version.

THEN...I decided to use two yarns. Geez...I can't seem to make up my mind. I'm using Zauberball Sock Yarn in Tropical Fish and Berroco Comfort Sock in black.

I'm cruising now!!! bwahahahahahaha!

Poriferas are Finished!

2011-03-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

So I finished BOTH Porifera socks in 4 weeks! I'm getting better!! I like knitting both socks on two sets of needles. Like for these socks, I cast on and knitted the toe then switched to the other sock and knit through the heel then went back to the first sock and did the same. This way, I'm getting a pair of socks finished close to the same time. None of this start and finish one sock THEN cast on the second sock. They NEVER get done that way with me. I have a couple of single socks around here that will probably stay single. LOL

This yarn is scrumptious! Kertzer's On Your Toes Bamboo just melts on your tootsies. It feels so velvety on. I used my Blackthorn Needles on one of the socks. They're nice. I do wish they were polished a tad more. But, I will use them again!

Now on two the next pair of socks. I'm making Lonely Socks Club Entrelac sock but doing the toe-up version that Spindleknitter did.

Zball Entrelacs

2011-03-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

I've started a new pair of socks. I know, call my nuts. BUT these are going to be cool!!!!

I'm making Lonely Socks Club Entrelac socks using Zauberball Sock Yarn in Tropical Fish.

GAS Uber Granny Lapghan

2011-03-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

It's DONE! I finished a Give A Stitch lapghan -- The Uber Granny! I had some yarn left over from another lapghan so I started a granny square and this is how it ended up. It will make some Miami Dolphins fan happy.

I used Lion Brand Vanna's Terra Cotta and Red Heart Soft Teal and Seafoam. It finished out at 40"x40".

My Porifera Socks continued

2011-03-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

I've got ONE sock done!!!! This is a great pattern -- Porifera Socks. The lace panel flies by...it's the 2x2 ribbing that sends you into la-la land. zzzzzzzzzzzz

This yarn is a DREAM!!! Kertzer's On Your Toes Bamboo feels sooooooooo good on the needles AND on my tootsies!!

One thing I learned...the "stretchy" bind-off they suggest SUCKS!!! I did it EXTRA loose and it had absolutely NO give or stretch. So I go to do the thing I LOVE the most... frog. CHIT!!!! Who likes frogging a bind-off?!??!?! NO ONE!!!

Some great friends of mine suggested I try the sewn bind-off. Guess what! It worked like a charm!! That's the only one to use with toe-up socks!! Here's a tutorial with great pictures. If you haven't tried it...you should!

I can't wait to get the other sock finished. I just have the last 3 inches left to do -- lace panel and the cuff. Time to go finish it. YAY!!!

My Porifera Socks

2011-02-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

I started a new pair of socks last week. Actually, I had a pair of socks started and had only the toes done so I changed patterns. Worked out perfectly!

I'm knitting Miriam L. Felton's Porifera Socks. There's a little lace at the toe and around the calf and in between...ribbing. I'm using gorgeous and scrumptiously soft
Kertzer's On Your Toes Bamboo in Blue Jean. It's a wonderful shade of blue. Oh...I'm finally using needles I bought early last year... Blackthorn Needles. They are made in the USA of Carbon Fiber Composite – the same stuff the make Stealth bombers out of. The tips could be a little pointier for my tastes but other than that, I'm loving them!

The pattern is going super fast. I've got one foot done and already onto the second foot. I could be to the heel by this weekend if work doesn't get in the way.

I've got two skeins of On Your Toes in Blue Jean. I can either make two pairs of crew socks or one pair of knee highs. We'll see what happens.

Twisted Tambini is Fini!

2011-02-03T09:25:00.001-08:00

This is a wonderful hat!! I am soooooooo thrilled with how it turned out. I just wish it was a little bigger. :) It's Sincero's Twisted Tambini that I was helping her test knit. It will be available on KnitPicks.com.

The yarn – Berroco Pure Merino – was a dream to work with. The cables really popped with it.

Mine looks like a miniature version of the pattern. There will be some lucky kid with a gorgeous hat soon.

View from the top.

Flattened view.

Can't wait for Sincero's next pattern!!!

Twisted Tambini Test Knit

2011-01-25T21:07:00.000-08:00

This is a GREAT hat pattern!! I'm helping a friend -- Sincero -- test knit her original Twisted Tambini pattern. It's made it throught the first round for KnitPicks. YAY!!!!!!

I'm using Berroco's Pure Merino in Broyal. Love it!!! It's a worsted weight, wonderfully soft. KnitPick's Harmony circulars US 4 glide right through the yarn.

The band is done...now I'm working on the crown/hat portion.

Keep watching Sincero's blog for updates on her pattern.

Dragonfly Shawl

2011-01-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

Man, this was a LONG time in the queue!! This project had accidentally gotten pushed back in the stash and "lost" in the tubs of stash. Oooooopsie!! I ran across it a couple of weekends ago while sorting some yarn. I only had about 6 rows left to do and to add fringe...it's an EASY project.

Voila! It is done!! First finished object for 2011. Only 4-5 years late!!! ROFL!!!

It's an easy pattern. Straight knit with a few rows of k1, yo. It's the yarn that makes it. I used 6 different yarns:

Berroco's Chinchilla Violet

Berroco's Trilogy Canterbury Berry

Crystal Palace Kid Merino Berry

Louisa Harding Glisten Pink Fuschia

Louisa Harding Sari Ribbon Red Silver

Nashua Ivy Red

I think it is going to be a scarf. It works great with my red coat and white blouse. Remind me to tell you the story of my red coat in a sea of black coats some day. bwahahahahaha!!

Fresh Homemade Laundry Soap

2011-01-01T12:51:00.000-08:00

I got a wild hair today. Several friends have been discussing making their own laundry soap. They've had great success trying it out. Sooooooooo...I decided to jump on the soap wagon and make some myself today using the recipe from The Family Homestead.

Had trouble finding the ingredients. Krogers and Walmart were like..."You want what?!?!" I finally found some at Ace Hardware of all places. The cashier told me several others had been in over the last couple of weeks doing the same thing. Hmmmm....

Here's what I did...

Homemade Laundry Soap
1/3 bar Fels Naptha (or Ivory)
1/2 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate or soda ash NOT baking soda)
1/2 cup borax powder (sodium borate)
3 gallon bucket (nothing smaller than 2 gallons)

In a large sauce pan (I used my chili pot), grate 1/3 of the Fels Naptha bar. Add 6 cups of water and stir. Heat until the soap melts. Add the washing soda and borax and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat.

Add 4 cups of hot water to your bucket. Pour in the soap mixture and stir. Now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of more water (that makes 2 gallons of water) and stir.

Now just set it aside for 24 hours. It will gel and look like egg noodle soup.

Makes enough for 64 1/2-cup loads of dirty laundry.

Check out this breakdown!!
1 bar of Fels Naptha soap ................................ $1.59 ......... 0.57 1/3 bar
1 55oz box of Arm & Hammer Washing Soda .... $3.59 ......... 0.30 1/2 cup
1 76oz box of 20 Mule Team Borax ................... $5.99 ......... 0.31 1/2 cup
Tax: ................................................................ $ .92
Supply Total: .................................................. $12.09 ....... $1.18 per batch

When you break it all down even further, it cost $1.18 to make 2 gallons (64 loads) of laundry detergent!!!

That's $0.02 per load!!!!

Compare that to 64 load bottle of liquid Tide for $14+tax or $0.24 per load.

If this works out, I'll be able to get 1,344 loads of laundry from ONE box of Borax! That's 21 batches. I'll have to buy another box of washing soda and 6 more bars of Fels Naptha which should work out to another $14. But...BUT... check this out!!

Making my own laundry detergent for 1,344 loads with a $26.25 investment (1 box borax, 2 boxes washing soda and 7 bars Fels Naptha so it all equals out) would equal... are you ready for this?? Buying the same amount of Tide for 1,344 loads (21 64-load bottles) at $15.12 ($14 + tax) equals... $317.52!

I'll be saving $291.28!!!

Granted, I'm not making high-sudsy Tide. I'm making a cleaner, fresh smelling, low-sudsing laundry detergent. Soap bubbles don't clean...It's the borax and washing soda doing the cleaning. And if I wanted to, I could even add some essential oil or another fragrance to change the scent.

I'm excited. Can't you tell? LOL
Stayed tune for the Son Test. We'll see if it passes his quality check.

Monkey's Wristwarmers

2010-12-29T21:34:00.000-08:00

It finally happened. I have jumped off into the deep end in knitting.

I've had this idea floating around in my head for some time now and FINALLY I started working on it a couple of days ago. I've changed yarns. I've changed needles. Frogged several times. And now, I believe I'm on a roll!

And get this...I've never made wristwarmers before! So what better way to learn than creating your own pattern. ARGH!!!!

I've about got the first wrist done and about ready to start working the thumb and hand.

The yarn I'm using is Ella Rae's Lace Merino in teal. DELICIOUS!!!!!

Stay tuned! This could get interesting!! bwahahahahahahaha!!!

Purple Honey Cowl

2010-12-29T21:13:00.000-08:00

This is a WONDERFUL to make!!! It's Madelintosh's Honey Cowl. I pulled three skeins of Sirdar's Peru in Damson out of my stash -- a nice chunky wool, alpaca and acrylic blend. I know the pattern called for some DK weight and the Peru is bulky but I winged it with great success. :)

I cast on 140 stitches with US 11 circulars. This thing FLEW while I was knitting it. You knit a row and then only knit half the stitches the next row. How easy is that?!?!

The Sirdar Peru was really nice to work with, too. I love how the dark purple gently blends into the lighter purple.

When it was finished, I was surprised that it didn't measure up like I had planned. I had wanted a longer cowl. I screwed up somewhere in my calculations. Oh well, It's still a nice length. I blocked the hell out of this one and stretched and stretched it. The pattern opened up nicely. I was afraid it might be too hot because of the weight of the yarn but the stitch pattern makes a nice design of "air holes" so I'll get some air circulation around my neck. :)

Switchback Cowl is Finished!

2010-12-08T09:23:00.001-08:00

It's done! Kira K Design's Switchback Cowl made with Great Northern Yarns' Deep Forest Green, DK, 70% Mink/30% Cashmere. This yarn was amazing! I wasn't sure when I first got the skein but as I knit with it, it just melted on my needles. I soaked it in room temperature water before blocking and stretched the heck out of it on my blocking boards. And VOILA! This scrumptious, uber soft mink/cashmere cowl.

The pattern was perfect for my first attempt at lace work. I'm SURE there are several mistakes in it but to the untrained eye, they will not be seen.

There was only one near-fatal disaster. Seems JackCat LOVES...I mean LOVES... mink/cashmere yarn. I had put the cowl away in my knitting bag to take to knitting group for show and tell. When I came back in the room 4-5 hours later, the cowl was out of the bag and on the couch. Hmmmmm.... I could have sworn I put it away. After closer inspection, I noticed the ONE tail I had left to weave in was MISSING!!! I know I didn't weave it in. I looked closer and found a nub along the cast on edge that was damp. ???? wait for it... wait for it... AH HA!!!! Damn cat!!! He's been eating my yarn again. Luckily enough, I was able to frog several stitches and tie on some more yarn and rework it. You can't tell. But still...that DAMN CAT!!

Switchback Cowl

2010-11-01T08:39:00.001-07:00

I can't help myself. I started a new project. This time I'm making my first cowl. I'm knitting Kira K Design's Switchback Cowl using the Deep Forest Green, DK, 70% Mink/30% Cashmere from Great Northern Yarns. This stuff is DREAMY!!!! I was skeptical at first...didn't feel like I expected. BUT when I started knitting with it...it just blossomed into this ubersoft butter. It's going to feel luscious around the neck as a cowl.

I bought a couple of other colors from Great Northern Yarns...Blueberry, Radiant Purple and Sunset Red. I'm trying to resist the Seal Brown. These will make great Christmas presents!

There is one other project I started this weekend...I know, I know. ::hanging head in shame:: It's Tabi Ferguson's Link Cowl from Sericin Silkworks. I'm using Great Northern Yarns Radiant Purple for this one. AND AGAIN...it's luscious!!

Both patterns are fairly easy -- nice repeats and good instructions. YAY! Stay tuned for progress reports!

Buffalo Scarf

2010-10-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

It's finished!! This scarf started with a FREE skein of Buffalo Gold Lux – so named the Buffalo Scarf. :P I think the color is called Desert Rose laceweight. I mixed in some GGH silk yarn (Spring 2008 #7 wine) and blended Louisa Harding Castello #5 yarn in minty aqua, wine, peach, and metalic gold.

There wasn't much of a pattern. I cast on until I thought there was enough stitches on size 11 US circulars and just started knitting. I wanted long stripes...and that's what I got. LOL I'd do a row or two of knit, then maybe a row of YO-K2TOG – just whatever mood hit.

Finished link without the fringe is 76 inches long! There's about 4 inches of fringe on both sides. So DAAAAAH-UM!

Now I just have to find something to wear it with! Oh darn. :P

Ta Da! Finished Objects

2010-10-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

I actually turned some UFOs into FOs!! Well, to be honest...I started two new projects and finished them BEFORE my UFOs. So technically I guess I still have UFOs. :(

First I made the ruffly Knitting Fever Flounce scarf. This was TOO much fun and definitely TOO easy!! I love how the yarn worked. Wish I had more colors but it's sold out everywhere. It is sooooo soft...you can't help but touch it and play with the ruffles. Everybody needs ruffles this season!

THEN, this weekend I crocheted some baby stuff. Not sure why but I did. Just a simple little hat embellished with lazy daisies and tassels. and a matching pair of booties. Think I'm going to change out the ties to a solid purple twist. One question...what will I do with this? Guess next time someone has a baby shower...I'm ready!

I have one other scarf that is blocking right now. Wait until you see this!! It's made with silk and buffalo in beautiful burgundy/maroon and mauve.

Spry Hat from Knitty

2010-09-30T13:53:00.001-07:00

Not like I have any UFOs to finish...I had to cast on another project!!! LOL I think it is all the brown I've been knitting lately. I needed some color in my life. Don't think about the primary colored socks I'm crocheting or the teal and orange lapghan I'm making or the purple butterfly shawl I'm knitting. NO!!! I need color!! bwahahahahahahaha!

I really liked the Spry Hat in the 2010 Fall Knitty. I just happened to have 3 skeins of Noro Shirakaba in Fushia that was yelling at me, "KNIT ME! KNIT ME!!" So I did. This yarn is soooooo soft. 42% silk, 40% cotton, 18% wool.

So far, I have the ribbed band finished. Now it's time to separate my balls. Sounds a little personal to me.

Now I'm think I might have to do a matching scarf for the hat...I hear Webs calling my name to get just a tad more to make a scarf. Drats. :)

KAL Socks are Done!!

2010-09-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

That's right! I finished a pair of socks in two months! That's a record for me. My Give A Stitch KAL Socks are done. I LOVE these socks. The color is AWESOME! I was worried about not having enough yarn so I added a stripe in the foot. Trekking XXL Zitron #110 was fabulous to work with and so was Hempathy Designer's Choice #20.

There were a couple of "issues" with Red Heart's Self Striping Knit Sock pattern. It had you CUT the yarn when it came time to do the heel. Well, I didn't follow the pattern. LOL

I decided to bring some of the orange color up to the leg with some imperfect lazy daisies around the cuff. Totally makes the sock!

They're blocking now...can't wait to wear them!

Now...what's next?

Busy Busy Needles

2010-08-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has a neice that was born premature at 26 weeks. Juliet weighed in at 1 lb 12 oz and 14 inches long. She's a fighter!

Several of us are making premie hats to send to the precious baby girl. This weekend I found some 100% cotton chenille in my stash (go figure!) that I made a nice, warm, fluffy hat for her. It ended up a little bigger than I wanted. Juliet will just have to grow into it!! :)

I found my pattern on http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/. It started out as one and ended up as another. It reminds me of a tomatillo/green tomato. LOL

Busy Needles

2010-08-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

My KAL socks are over halfway finished. YAY!!!! I've turned the heel and have started on the foot on BOTH socks! I really like how these are turning out. I know it's just a plain sock...but I LOVE the color and yarn! It's a shame this Trekking XXL Zitron #110 has been discountinued. I must knit the yarn I buy MUCH faster. LOLOL I found some Hempathy Designer's Choice #20 (dark coral) in my stash (imagine that!) that goes PERFECTLY with it. I'm adding some stripes in the foot with it. I'm just nervous about having enough of the Trekking to finish a whole pair of socks with just one skein for my chunky feet.

The Heels Have Begun

2010-08-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

YAY!! I've got 5 inches on both KAL socks knitted and have one heel started. I'm loving the Trekking!

You know...this might actually end up the fastest pair of socks I have knitted so far. Each pair gets faster and faster. Not that I'm knitting faster – it's just that I knit on them more often. :) Now I won't mention that I have TWO other pairs of socks started and all the other UFOs I have. That will be our little secret. :P

Not sure whether or not to be embarassed or not but seems I filled up ANOTHER 97-quart tub with yarn. If this yarn were gas, I could fill up my car almost seven times. BUT if I were to figure up the value of all the yarn, HELL...I could probably by a new car! LOL sorry DS.

On a bright note, I did find some matching yarn to add stripes to my KAL socks. AMAZING! Who would have thought! /snark I might not have to go to a LYS for years with this stash. OH NO!! HEAVEN FORBID!! That won't be happening. :P

Sock KAL/CAL

2010-08-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

The other weekend I started organizing my stash – a rather daunting task. So far, I've filled three 97-quart containers. That's like 5 tanks of gas! LOL Just my sock yarns alone took up 2 containers. OH! And then there's a 25-quart "future project" container that's stuffed. I don't know how "future project" and "stash" are different but they are. LOL

My stitching group at work, Give A Stitch, has started both a sock KAL and a sock CAL. For the KAL, we are making Red Heart's Self Striping Knit Sock and for the CAL it is Red Heart's Colorful Crochet Socks. We needed a basic sock to get everyone started. Only a couple of us had made socks before. Everybody is doing great! Could have a bunch of new addicts to cross over to the dark side. ::evil grin::

The KAL is with Trekking XXL Zitron #110 (Fall 2008). LOVE the Fall hues in it – nice subtle stripes. Had to up the cast on for my chubby ankles. LOL As it stands now, I have 5-inches on the 1st sock and 4-inches on the 2nd. One more inch and I'll start the heels. It's nice just knitting a plain old sock with no pattern...letting the yarn do all the magic. My only concern is having enough yarn for both socks. Think I'll be adding some coordinating stripes and toe on the foot.

The CAL gets Regia 4 Ply Color #5478 "Brasil Salvadore". I've got about half of the cuff for the first sock done. I've been working more on the KAL.

It's BIRTHDAY Time!!

2010-04-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

The cake is NOT a lie!! Absolutely delicious chocolate cake with a Bavarian cream filling topped with luscious chocolate icing and chocolate shavings. Talk about chocolate overload!!

Monday was a wonderfully fun day. My co-workers DEFINITELY had a blast. As you can tell, my cube was wrapped, decorated, bombed...covered...in rolls and rolls of streamers and balloons. I did get my exercise (and worked off that cake!) by limbo-ing to my desk everytime I needed out OR in. Word of advice: One must plan potty breaks accordingly! There was one advantage to the wrapping...no one could come in. :) This could come in handy during flu season this Fall. LOL!

Here's the view from within my cozy nest. You can just barely see the stack of afghans Give A Stitch has been working on. We've got about 12 afghans completed and a few more in the works.

My birthday was GREAT!!! Thank you for making it so special!!!!! <3 <3 <3

New Project: Mock Argyle Socks

2010-04-04T21:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter, everyone!!

To celebrate...I started a new project – Mock Argyle socks with Kertzer's On Your Toes Bamboo in Blue Denim. This yarn is squishy soft!!! Got the yarn from Yarntopia and the pattern from KnitPicks.com. It's a toe-up pattern. I've got the toes done for both socks. Tomorrow, I start the pattern.

It's a men's sock BUT I think it will make a great ladies' pant sock, too!

Wish me luck!!

EZ Baby Surprise Jacket is FINISHED!

2010-03-31T08:53:00.000-07:00

I did it! I finished my first ever Elizabeth Zimmerman Baby Surprise Jacket. This was so easy to make. Just got to be sure to count! I even made a pair of booties to go with it.

Love how the Araucania worked in the pattern. Colors turned out great! Thanks to Nancy at the Hook and Needle for getting me "hooked" on this pattern!

Found this cute pattern "Chausson Mignons" – yes it's in French but it's REALLY easy to figure out.

Traveling Scarf Project

2010-03-18T11:31:00.001-07:00

I belong to this wonderful group of online knitters. We recently had a traveling scarf project where we each knitted/crocheted a block and then sent that block to the next person in line. That person then added a square to it and sent it to the next person to do the same. This was a blast!!!

Here's my finished scarf. Thank you to all those that worked on it. It's like a group hug :)

Beachknittin and Sincero's

Naomiknitster and FiberOtter's

Whimzee and Skully's

Skully and Metzj's

Section 1: EZ's Baby Surprise Jacket

2010-02-26T11:59:00.000-08:00

I haven't been able to knit on this as much as I would have liked to over the last couple of weeks. Needed to work on my traveling scarf project first. BUT, I ran into a snack with it. Hopefully I can get back on track with it this weekend after I exchange the yarn. Got some Noro Silk Garden Lite and it keeps breaking where there's a new color transition. ARGH!!!! That is not good, especially while I'm trying to entralac. Anywho...

My Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket is coming along just marvelously!! I love this pattern and the yarn. The Araucania Ulmo Multy is SOOOOO nice to work with. Definitely going to get me some more of it. I have knit the first 43 rows – through all the decreases in the sleeve. Added three little stipes (wish I made them bigger but next time). Now I'm getting ready for the body and the increases. I'm going to start it out with a nice blue strip that will wrap around the shoulders.

It's all Nancy at The Hook and Needle's fault – she got me hooked!!!

And, YES...those are sock monkey stitchmarkers!! I found them at Hill Country Weavers in Austin.

Cast On: Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket

2010-02-15T15:02:00.000-08:00

I've been getting the sweater bug lately. I have NEVER knitted a sweater before and I see so many GORGEOUS sweaters out there that I would love to make.

Nancy at The Hook and Needle in Bryan showed me Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket. I was hooked. So today, I decided to take the leap. I cast on 160 stitches of Araucania Ulmo Multy. I have lavendar Stylecraft Pure Luxury Merino and blue Fibra Natura Cottonwood that I will use for stripes. During lunch I was able to get started – cast on and first row knitted. If all goes well, I might even make a matching hat and booties to go with it. Awww! LOL

Maybe in a year I'll have my FIRST baby sweater! Not sure what I'll do with it but I will have knitted a sweater! :)

Lollipop Cabin

2010-02-10T21:40:00.000-08:00

Doesn't this just sound SCRUMPTIOUS!?!?!

...individually hand-dyed in a wee little cabin with rain water from the Pacific Northwest's Cascades...

::sigh::

That's how Lollipop Cabin Yarn describes their yarn. I just LOVE it that I had to buy a couple of three skeins. And it was delivered today! 400 yards each of organic wool sock yarn goodness! I got mine from Coveted Yarns.

Now...what will I make with it? Socks? Mittens? Not sure I have enough for a shawlette... Any suggestions?

Road Trip!

2010-02-09T18:28:00.000-08:00

I know! I know! I haven't written in a LONG time. I've been busy. The holidays, works, projects, blah, blah, blah.

Recently, I went to Bryan-College Station with my son for a speech tournament at Texas A&M. While he competed, I explored my old hometown. Man, has it grown!!! I barely recognized College Station. Bryan was different but still the same. One thing I had TOTALLY forgotten about was the Weenie Whop! OMG! I used to love their hot dogs. Of course, I had to stop. YUM! Okay...so it's not called the Weenie Whop...it's real name is Der Wienerschnitzel. You try saying that when your drunk and hungry.

Another lucky thing I found while exploring Bryan, was The Hook and Needle. ZOMG! This is one of the best little yarn stores in Texas!! If you're a yarnie -- crochet or knit -- you MUST stop by! The owner, Nancy, is AWESOME!! She's a bundle of information and full of this contagious energy and passion for knitting and crocheting. I spent a wonderful afternoon at her place as she helped customers and visited with me ...and getting me hooked on Elizabeth Zimmerman patterns. I know...I'm a late-bloomer. Next time you're in the area, stop by The Hook and Needle and say "hi!"

I found some goodies there that I hadn't seen before. I love going into a new yarn shop and finding wonderful new yarns to try out. I got some Pagewood Farm Tundra (camel and silk), Kertzer CoolSpun Cotton, Stylecraft Pure Luxury Merino, and Fibranatura Cottonwood (to go with some Arauncania I already have. The merino, cottonwood and arauncania are going to become Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket. The Hook and Needle had lots of great patterns. I got several EZ patterns like the Suspender Sweater, Badger Sweater, and the Baby Surprise Jacket. I also got Anna Makarovna's Secret Stockings -- knitting one pair of socks on one set of needles. I've got to try this pattern!!!

So all in all, it was a wonderful weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Yep, I miss Bryan. It was a great town to grow up in. But when I drove by our house...it just didn't feel the same. Bryan High School is HUGE now. Our Kroger's was turned into a bingo hall. The country club was still there...but now there's a Super Wal-Mart across the street. Wonder what creatures visit it (http://www.peopleofwalmart.com/)?

It's not happening

2009-12-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to knit feverishly on the 3-button wrap but I just can't seem to stay focused on it. Out of 60 inches to knit...I've only got about 25 inches done. That's not bad but it's not enough and there's NO way that I'll finish it in time for Christmas. Oh well...there's always her birthday.

I hate deadlines!

Time to Buckle Down

2009-12-07T14:02:00.000-08:00

I have not been as focused as I need to be in order to finish the 3-button wrap by Christmas. As of today, I've got 22-inches knitted including the button hole. I only have 38 inches left to go by December 23. Know what that means? I've got to knit at least 3-4 inches a day to get it done in time to block and wrap it. ARGH!!! This when I wish I had learned to knit faster and not the slow way. :(

I did get a third button that matches the other two to use on the wrap. She's going to love the beach stones...I hope! LOL There's a great little shop on Etsy called MadeForFun that has all sorts of beach rocks and glass. You should check it out!

I have figured out my gauge. I get 7 rows per inch and knit about 1.5 inches per hour. (It's 96 stitches across.) That means I need about 30 hours to finish this. Work gets in the way! Guess what I'll be doing every night for the next two weeks! I should have started this sooner!!!

I do love knitting with this yarn -- Berroco's Vintage Wool. It's great. It's going to take four skeins for the wrap. I'm getting right at 15 inches per skein on US 8 (5mm) needles. I got a pair of Addi Natura Bamboo circs and they are great! No snags at the joints – nice and smooth – and the cable is nice and flexible, too! I'm going to have to find another project to make with the Vintage Wool when I'm finished with this...it would make a great sweater.

What shall I knit now?

2009-11-15T13:35:00.000-08:00

Now that I have finished my Bizarre Bazaar Socks and a couple of Skully bags...I have no UFOs (well sorta).

Last year my boss showed me this wrap that she really liked in a catalog. It was 18" wide by 60" long and had one gorgeous button on it. So I think I've decided to make that for her for Christmas. Yes...I know...only 40 days until Christmas and I better get off the computer and get to knitting.

I found a similar pattern at http://www.swakknit.com/ for this 3-Button Wrap. I needed something to tell me about where to put the button hole. One thing great about this pattern is the three buttons and one buttonhole. She'll have three ways to wear the wrap. I using Berroco's Vintage Wool in chocolate. This is wonderful stuff to knit with...and it feels great! I just found these awesome beach rock buttons on Etsy that she'll love and go great with the wrap.

My Cat Bordhi Classes

2009-11-15T13:02:00.000-08:00

For the last two days I've been attending AWESOME classes with Cat Bordhi. She is such a fantastic teacher! Yarns 2 Ewe hosted four days of Cat classes – New Pathway Socks, Stitch Engineering and...the Moebius.

The first class I took was on stitch engineering. This was fun! Each of us was given a challenge of taking three stitches and coming up with a "new" pattern. I know I'm not a strong knitter and there is SOOOO much more that I can learn but this helped think out-of-the-box with my knitting. I obviously need to learn some more stitches and understand better the mechanics of somethings. Some how or another I came up with a diagonal dropped stitch pattern that actually looked pretty cool. I just need to fine tune it. There were some FANTASTIC stitch patterns created. Tatyana had a wonderful new combination that Cat had never seen before. It was really cool! Something about picking up a stitch three rows down and spinning around loopety loop. LOL

Saturday's class was all about socks. OMG!!!! It makes so much sense now! There's still a lot for me to process but it is sooo simple!! She taught from her New Pathways book and a little out of the brand new book Personal Footprints for Insouciant Sock Knitters. We worked on turning heels and making a miniature sock in class. I can't wait to get my footprint made and start on a new pair of socks. I'm in sock-withdrawal already!!!

Met lots of great people in the class from all over. Even stayed for knit night -- they are a hoot!!!

We used all sorts of yarn. But the one I fell in love with is Berroco's Pure Merino Nuance in the Denim. I ended up coming home with four skeins to make something babyish. I KNOW!! There are no babies in this family but I thought it would make an terrific sweater/booty/hat set.

And of course, I got Cat to sign my books :) She and I had some fun discussions about Illustrator and InDesign...and wonderful "white space". I'm seriously considering going to one of her retreats next year...

Bizarre Bazaar Socks are FINISHED!!

2009-11-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

Remember waaaaaaaaay back this summer when I was working on these beautifully wild Bizarre Bazaar Socks? Well guess what! They're finished!!! All 526 ends have been woven in and the blocking has been done. They are now ready to adorn my feet. I just can't wait to wear them to a knitting class I have this weekend.

As complicated as they look...they weren't that hard to do. They knitted very fast...as long as I knitted on them and didn't get sidetracked with another project or two or three. It was like following a cross stitch pattern...just got to remember where you are. Can't wait to start another pair!

I finally have knitted ME a pair of socks...and finished them in less than 12 months! ROFL!

It's Finished!!

2009-10-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

El Fini!

About a month ago I took a class from Skully, a local favorite at Yarntopia, about how to read a bloomin' crochet pattern. Yes, crochet patterns throw me for a loop. It's like Greek compared to a knitting pattern. In this basic class, Skully taught us how to read a pattern as well as crochet cables to make a felted bag! Who knew you could crochet cables!!! There were tears. There was cussing. There was lots of frogging, too. BUT, I got it finished today AND felted!! We used Ella Rae yarn. It felts beautifully!! I used magenta and toast. I tossed it in a pillow case and then into wash with some Tide and lots of hot water. It came out perfectly felted the first time! It sat outside in the wonderful sun drying and shaping. For shaping, I used a large butter tub...it fit like a glove.

I made an addition to the pattern. I crocheted about a 1" wide by 24" long strip that I felted. I'm going to tack it around the inside of the purse at different widths so I'll have little sections to hold knitting needles or hooks and a pair of sewing scissors. This makes a GREAT working project bag!!

Thanks, Skully!!! You have the patience of Job and are an excellent teacher for us noobs!!!!

My Latest Obsession

2009-10-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

I have a new obsession...Zentangles. I've been drawing them in sketch books for a few months now but now have taken them to cards. Here are a couple birthday cards I've done for close friends. I love the simple black ink drawing but yet they're complex and intriguing. I'm still working on my style. There are some elements I want to work into these to make them mine.

Texas-sized Cattywompus Coasters Finished

2009-09-29T13:04:00.001-07:00

I did it! (well sort of)

I finished a set of coasters for my coaster swap buddy, Skully. My goal was to have a felted bowl/holder for them...but that didn't work out. I think the coasters turned out great except for one thing...their HUGE! I got some Cascade 220 and doubled my thread thinking when it felted it would make a nice thick coaster. I crocheted and knitted until they were 6.25" in diameter before felting...then I felted...and felted...and felted...and felted...and felted...and then I felted some more but they didn't shrink but MAYBE a 1/4-inch. The bowl had a mind of it's own. It's a cool bowl but still not completely felted. I gave up on it maybe to visit it again some day. I think my problem was I didn't knit/crochet loose enough. I should have just used a single strand of yarn and a larger hook/needle. Next time I know.

Skully's favorite color is black and she likes skulls. So, I found this cute skull on some felted wristbands that I converted to a cattywompus coaster. It's special...special enough for the short bus! LOL The rest of the box was filled with chocolate, dulce leche hot chocolate mix and a Wildtree brownie mix.

I'm going to try these coasters again. Gotta get it right at least once! :)

Austin is Wonderful!!!

2009-09-21T08:09:00.000-07:00

During a recent business trip to Austin, I was able to stop on the way out of town in a couple of wonderful local shops. It really made me miss living in Austin...except for the traffic that made me feel like I was back in Houston. ARGH! I became reacquainted with the South Congress area – it is such a hidden gem!

While I was at my meetings, my mom visited the Turquoise Door and Uncommon Objects. Gary at Turquoise Door is wonderful! Lots of beautiful turquoise jewelry and FANTASTIC Day of the Dead stuff. Can't wait to go back for their Halloween celebration!

We had lunch at Magnolia Cafe. It was an old favorite of ours. And of course, we had to get the gingerbread pancakes! DELICIOUS!! Can we make this a weekly weekend trip?

BUT the crowning touch to the day was our very first visit to Hill Country Weavers. OMG!!!! This store should be the envy of all the yarn shops in Houston! From the outside, it is just a humble, cute house with a lovely front porch...then you open the front door and are swept away to this yarn oasis of squishy goodness! Floor to ceiling packed in room after room full of every color and fiber imaginable. I have seen the knitter's heaven and it is Hill Country Weavers. I got totally lost in there and completely overwhelmed. I know I didn't see everything there. They had lots of familiar yarn but then they had some stuff I've never seen before. A fantastic selection for sweaters, shawls, scarves...and of course weaving. Speaking of weaving, mom ended up getting a Cricket Loom. I can't wait to see what she makes. They were so helpful and nice there – the whole gang. I'm going to watch their classes because it's definitely close enough to run up on a weekend to take one. Their blog site is http://knitbuzz.blogspot.com/. I walked out of there with a wonderful bag full of wonderful squishy goodness and the CUTEST sock monkey stitchmarkers. Can't wait to go back!!!

Before we headed home, we just HAD to stop by the cupcake shop across the street from Hill Country Weavers. OMG! Red velvet, carrot, chocolate, yellow...buttercream, cream cheese!! A perfect ending to a great day!

Pardon Me (I Didn't Knit That for You)

2009-09-13T12:08:00.001-07:00

Truth be known... :)

Coaster Swap

2009-09-10T17:45:00.000-07:00

I've joined a coaster swap with my yarn buddies. I know what I'm making...just need to know who my swap pal will be so I can get started with colors she likes. Think I'm going to do a version of this cool felted set from TimaryArt...but with my own spin on it. LOVE the idea!!!

Afghan finished!

2009-09-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the afghan I've been working on for Give A Stitch. The colors are just marvelous! Not bad for my first ever!!

Washcloths: I'm hooked!

2009-09-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

I haven't fallen off the edge of the earth BUT I have been busy crocheting. Lots and lots of washcloths/dishcloths and squares for my afghan. I recently got a pattern from NeatlyTangled on Etsy that I fell in love with called Squaring the Spiral. This is a picture of my first one. It is great! Super easy and fun!! I can't wait to turn this pattern into an afghan square. She has other patterns you should check out and a blog.

For this washcloth, I used my old standard, Sugar'n Cream. I was able to make a 7.5" square washcloth in one evening while watching reruns. I can't wait for the new TV season!! Now I just want some bolder colors to make a bunch of these!

Crazy, crazy week!

2009-08-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

I got a LOT of crocheting done this week...thanks to my darling son who had nose surgery. All is fine; he's recovering now. BUT, I got to get a couple of washcloths done and some squares for my afghan completed, too! I'm loving the washcloths because they are so quick and easy.

While in waiting room, my crocheting was definitely a conversation starter. Is that knitting or crocheting? What are you making? I've always wanted to try. Is it hard? I love your colors. See...knitting and crocheting are cool! It's not an old fuddy-duddy thing anymore! Especially with such wonderful yarns and fibers out there lik Malabrigo, Cherry Hill, Berocco, and on and on and on.

My First Afghan -- Free Crochet Pattern -- Granny Square

2009-07-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

I'm sure everyone has seen or used a Granny Stitch pattern crocheted square. But this is my twist, my colors and my first afghan! :) This afghan is being donated to Give A Stitch. This Fall we plan to donate a bunch of afghans we have made to a local charity. I have just a few more squares to make before I'll crochet them together and finish it off. Because I'm donating it and want it to last and be able to be loved, washed and lived in, I'm using Lion Brand Yarn Vanna's Choice. Lots of great colors to choose from and it crochets wonderfully! It will be very durable.
Here are some of the Granny Squares I've already crocheted. I made a heart into a square with no pattern to include in my afghan. I'm halfway there!

My First Afghan – Free Crochet Pattern
Granny Square

5 different colors of Lion Brand Yarn Vanna's Choice for squares
(3 skeins each) (I used Sapphire, Brick, Mustard, Purple, and Fern)

3-4 skeins of black for border and binding

J-hook (6mm)

Finished size: Approximately 58" w x 72" l
(Twenty 12" squares with 2" border)

Crochet 12" squares from each color and skein creating 15 solid colored blocks. Use left over yarn to create 5 multi-colored squares. These twenty squares will make a 4 square by 5 square afghan.

Start off...the Granny Square...

CH6. Join with a SL ST to form a ring.

Row 1: CH3, 2DC, CH1, (3DC, CH1) 3 times, SL ST to join to the 3rd chain stitch from foundation loop.

Row 2: Work 3 SL STs in the next 3DC so that your crochet hook is adjacent to the space formed by the closest set of chain STs. CH3, 2DC in space, CH1 to form corner, 3DC in same space, CH1, (3DC in next space, CH1 to form corner, 3DC in same space, CH1) 3 times, SL ST to join to the 3rd chain stitch you crocheted at the beginning of the round. You should have the beginning of a square now.

Row 3: Work 3 SL STs in the next 3DC so that your crochet hook is adjacent to the corner space. CH3, 2DC in space, CH1 to form corner, 3DC in same space, CH1, (3DC in next space, CH1, 3DC in next space, CH1 to form corner, 3DC in same space, CH1) 3 times, 3DC in next space, CH1, SL ST to join to the 3rd chain stitch you crocheted at the beginning of the round.

Continue adding rows until your square measures 12" square. Each subsequent round will follow the same basic procedures used in the preceding rounds. You'll start with 3 chain stitches substituting for the first double crochet. In the corners, you will work 2 sets of 3 double crochet stitches separated by 1 chain stitch. Otherwise, you will work 3 double crochet stitches in each space, separated by 1 chain stitch on either side.

Final row: CH1, SC round completed square -- with 3SCs in each corner.

Weave in all loose ends. You may also want to block the granny square.

Note: When working crochet in rounds, 3 chain stitches are often used as a substitute for the first double crochet stitch in a round; that is the case here. In the first round, the double crochet stitches are worked inside the ring. In subsequent rounds, the double crochet stitches are worked inside the spaces previously formed by chain stitches.

After all twenty squares are finished, lay them out to arrange in what order you want them in the afghan making sure you don't have two of the same color in a row OR column.

DC around each square in black. Working row by row, start crocheting blocks together.

Row 1: With RIGHT sides togther, SC to join the two squares. Take the third square and with right sides together, join it to the first two squares. Repeat with the fourth square.

Repeat Row 1 for the other 4 rows of squares.

You now have five rows of four blocks crocheted together. Next, crochet the rows together.

With right sides together, clip or pin the two rows of squares together before crocheting. Take note to try to line up squares. Now, SC the two rows together. Repeat for the remaining three rows being sure to put right sides together and clip to secure while crocheting.

Once all rows are crocheted together, SC around completed afghan. Weave in all ends.

Washcloths: Why are they so addictive?!?

2009-07-27T08:37:00.000-07:00

What is it with washcloths/dishcloths? Why are they sooooo addictive to make? This makes the 4th one in two weeks -- not counting the two I need to finish. I guess it's because it just takes one ball of cotton yarn -- and that's fairly cheap. The colors are wonderful. Guess what everyone's getting for Christmas. LOL This one was made with Sugar'n Cream yarn. I like how it stitches up. I'm still hooked on the Milky Way pattern. It makes such a nice thick cloth with lots of texture. I changed up the edging a tad on this one by doing a row of DC, CH1 repeats then a row of SC.

Maybe today I'll work on socks. Or another washcloth!!!

Heart on the mend

2009-07-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

YAY!!! I figured it out all on my own (except with a pointer from Skully)!! ::doing happy dance::

It took LOTS and LOTS of frogging but I got it!!! I turned my cute heart for my afghan into a square without a pattern. I can't tell you what I did or how I did it but that it's done and it doesn't look too shabby. Who knows...maybe I'll do more of these. HA! Not anytime soon!!! :)
I'll post a picture tomorrow.

Broken Heart

2009-07-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

Hearts can suck! And my crochet skills are just not there yet. I crocheted this great little granny square heart for my Give A Stitch afghan with the intentions of turning it into a granny square block to match the rest. NOT! Well...at least I haven't mastered it yet. The heart looks great. It's the transition to square that's got me whipped. Skully gave me some wonderful pointers and pattern but I think I'm too dense to know how to use it. She just laughed at me. :) I've ripped out upteenhundred times now. I'm hoping the upteenhundred and one time is the charm.

Give A Stitch Afghan

2009-07-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

Well...I'm about halfway done with the granny square afghan I'm working on for Give A Stitch. I think the colors are turning out fantastically!!! My intention is to bind the squares together with black to help the colors really pop. I just crocheted a granny heart that I want to incorporate into a square. All our afghans have a heart in them somewhere. <3>

Crochet Milk Way Washcloth -- Free Crochet Pattern

2009-07-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

I finished the dishcloth/washcloth for my swap this weekend. I think it turned out great – I just hope my swap buddy likes it too! It's so hard to match colors without seeing what's going on. I used a starburst cluster pattern for the main body then edged it with a reverse single crochet. Here's hoping! :)

Crochet Milky Way Washcloth/Dishcloth

Materials:
H (5mm) Hook
Worsted weight cotton (Sugar'n Cream)

Starburst Stitch:
Draw up a loop in same stitch previously worked. Draw up a loop in next stitch 2 times. YO and draw through all 4 loops on hook. Careful not to pull TOO tight. You'll need to be able to Starburst through this loop on the next row.

Washcloth Body:
To begin, CH 36.
Row 1: SC in second CH from hook. Work starburst stitch. *CH 1. Work starburst stitch.* repeat from * to * across. SC in same CH.
Row 2: CH 1. Turn. SC in top of SC. Work starburst stitch. *CH 1. Work starburst stitch.* repeat from * to * across. SC in same SC.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until washcloth body is square (approximately 7.5").
Note: Each Starburst stitch should start in and end with a Starburst loop on the previous row.
Washcloth Border and Edging:
Row 1: CH 1 after completing final row of Starburst. SC around washcloth body. SS with first CH of row.
If desired, change colors.
Row 2: SC in second CH from hook. Work starburst stitch. *CH 1. Work starburst stitch.* repeat from * to * across to next corner. SC, CH1, SC, CH1 in each corner. Continue Starburst stitch around whole washcloth. You might have to adjust Starburst stitch to fit row side of washcloth. SS with first Starburst. CH1.
Row 3: Repeat Row 2.
If desired, change colors.
Row 4: Finishing edge. RSC around completed washcloth. If a loop is desired, at one corner, CH18. SS to make loop. SC around chain loop -- not in the chain but make stitch so that it encompasses each chain in the loop. SC to reinforce loop to washcloth. Continue RSC around washcloth.

Weave in ends.

Abbreviations:
CH: chain
RSC: reverse single crochet
SC: single crochet
SS: slip stitch
YO: yarn over

Washcloth Swap

2009-07-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

I've got a washcloth swap I'm participating in soon so I decided to test out a couple of patterns.

The first one on the is a Starburst Cluster...on the bottom one is a Corded Cloth. Not sure which one I like the best but they are both super easy!! I used Sugar'n Cream 100% cotton for the first time. I liked it!

Bizarre Bazaar Socks Update

2009-07-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting other projects so I could work on these. I just love how the color is working on them. I managed through my first pair of short-row heels. Learned a lot and the next time should be even better! LOL
So heels are done...it's all down heel from there.

The fun part is going to be weaving in all the ends! ARGH!

POSTED February 25, 2009:
I started a new pair of socks this week that I absolutely love! It's a pattern from Interweave by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts called Bazaar Socks. The colors are wild and cheerful. I'm using a mixture of Plymouth Dreambaby and Debbie Bliss Prima.

This is my first attempt at fair isle knitting. Lots of room for improvement but I'm still happy with how it's turning out. I've got another 1-2" before I start the heel. For those familiar with the pattern, yes...these were suppose to be toe-up socks...I chickened out.

My only problem now is these are suppose to be socks. Nobody is gonna see my feet unless I run around in my sock feet at work...And we know how well that will go over. So my dilemma...do I make socks OR fingerless gloves. Mind you, I'm in Texas and gloves are not a daily requirement here.

Update: So I've knitted the 7-inch leg for one sock...ready to for the heel. Think I'll start the leg of the other sock this weekend. Maybe I'll have in time to wear this Summer -- yee haw...just what I want to wear during a Texas Summer -- socks...but they're cool socks! LOL

Bayerische Socks Progress

2009-07-04T17:28:00.000-07:00

Well...I haven't gotten very far with these. I had to rip out the first attempt, got some new yarn, and started 2nd attempt as a toe-up version. I got sidetracked on another project (Bazaar Socks) so I'm behind on my Bayerisches. Here's what I have so far...disappointing progress but pretty! It takes me about 20-25 minutes just to do ONE round. Damn I'm slow!

I love my angry/flying nun stitch markers! Got them on Etsy. And just an FYI...the Malabrigo is mmmmmmmmarvelous to knit with and feel...the sock already feels yummy!!!

You can see more of the sock here...

Ribbit!

2009-06-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

After struggling with the cuff of my Eunny Jang's Bayerische Socks, I frogged it. The yarn, as pretty as it was, kept splitting on me and with this pattern, you can't have that. With all the twisted stitches and no cable needles, the yarn needs to stay together. SO...I had to go to the LYS -- oh darn -- and find new yarn. I came home with some Malabrigo Violeta Africana GORGEOUS!!! (and a ton of other stuff, too)

Now I've changed directions – literally – I'm doing this as a toe-up to make sure I have enough yarn. And actually, it's going a lot easier than at first. Must be the yarn! This was my first toe-up cast on. I used Cat Bordhi's instructions – it made it so easy! The yarn is knitting magnificently. After I get some more rows done, I'll take a picture to post. The pattern isn't showing yet but soon. I'm loving the purplely of this yarn. Totally scrumptious!!

I got derailed from my Buffalo scarf by the Bayerische socks. Not much left to do on the scarf – I should just finish it...but NO...I had to go cast on another project. I couldn't finish the scarf or finish the wonderful Bazaar socks I have started (half way done with those). They are so FUN!!!

Also in the meantime, I figured out how to crochet thanks to Skully! YAY!!! I've been on a block making frenzy for my Give A Stitch group. We're making 12x12 squares to turn into afghans for charity. Right now I'm using Vanna's yarn in dark red, mustard, spring green, purple and teal blue. Think I'll put it together with black so the colors with pop.

And there's another project I need to cast on for a Christmas present...gotta get busy with that one but it should be easy. Straight knit.

I guess basically, I've got to get busy. No time for sleep. Need to post pictures. Why am I blogging when I should be knitting or crocheting? ARGH!!!

Getting Ready for Bayerische Socks

2009-04-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

I'm going to join a KAL to knit Eunny Jang's GORGEOUS Bayerische Socks in May. I've got the yarn ordered from Frog Creek Fibers. Now just waiting on my special needles :)

I don't even have my Bazaar Socks finished yet...and here I go with another pair ready to cast on. Maybe I should try to get those finished quickly before I start the Bayerische KAL. Maybe not!! :P

New Scarf with Buffalo

2009-04-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

I started a new scarf this weekend using the Buffalo Gold Lux I won from them. This stuff is marvelous! I'm doing a lengthwise stripe using the Lux, Louisa Harding's Castello and GGH's Silk. It has this mauvey-burgundy color to the scarf -- it's turning out gorgeous! I'll take some pictures soon. I hope it turns out long enough -- guage always gives me fits.