Right now I have many things on my plate knit-wise and crochet-wise. Some of it is for me, some is for others who are current friends or family, some for potential future friends or family through a charity of one kind or another. I never say no to a new friend.
1. I'm knitting a sweater that must get done for my certification level 2 from Craft Yarn Council of America. (I have to do all of the crochet level 2 yet). I'm using Paton's Super Wool that I got from a de-stash after a home yarn shop closed due to the death of the owner. The color is a beige/khaki that I can wear in winter for teaching.
2. I started a ballerina style sweater for my new daughter in law for Christmas last year. It hasn't been touched since I started it. This is also being done in Paton's Super Wool in a magenta color.
3. I have worsted weight olive drab wool socks started for my son to replace his worn out ones. He's in the Marines and these meet warmth requirements for wearing under his worn out socks. He has size 11 feet. The leg must be 12 inches or better. I started these twice, the first time 2 at a time on 2 circulars, this time I'm doing them one at a time on either dpns or 2 circulars. I don't have the brain space to keep track of 2 at a time right now. I'm using Paton's Classic Wool for these.
4. I am working on a c2c baby afghan. C2C is corner to corner. This is a new fad on some of the fb boards featuring crochet. I may have seen it on Ravelry also. I've seen this before but loved the reminder. I'm doing this instead of the "thermal baby blanket" I found in a 1960's era pattern book. The recipient was the matron of honor in my son's wedding. The thermal baby blanket that I had started was chains and single crochets in an elongated single crochet filet. This is beautiful but very slow growing. I'm using 4 skeins of Deborah Norville Serenity Sock Yarn in two colorways, Indigo and Pink Sugar. I don't know if the baby is a boy or girl, hence the pink and blue combo.
5. There is a 3/4 Pi Shawl in the works. I'm using Paton's Lace for this in bonfire. I'll be posting how I did this in a future post. This is a variant of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Pi Shawl from the book Knitting Workshop.
6. There is a lace mystery shawl in Paton's Lace (colorway Porcelain). I'm designing this triangular shawl but it's slow going due to having trouble with picking lace patterns. This will be put up in the future too.
7 & 8. 8 inch swatches for the stitch pattern of the month being given out at the end of the month during a yarn night. August's patterns are Feather and Fan (K) and Box Stitch (C). For these, I'm using Lion Brand Fisherman wool. I have one skein of each color See the beautiful natural shades here. When I reach August 2014, I should have enough blocks for an afghan.
9. I'm also swatching a baby sweater. I had been wanting to use it for my level 2 certification project but it didn't meet requirements. I have the back and at least 1 front done. I don't remember if I have a sleeve done or just thought our. Pattern will again be coming. For the swatch I'm using Red Heart Super Saver in Aran colorway.
10. New projects to showcase new yarns. I'm using free patterns from the yarn companies. I'm doing a hat in Paton's Metallic, a partial scarf in Paton's Colorwul , a 1/2 size baby vest in Bernat Tizzy, a cowl for Paton's Cobbles yarn, a tiny heart pillow in Loops & Threads Fashion Fur, a cowl in L&T Fabulous Fur, and finally a project using LionBrand's bon bons yarn. Pictures will be coming.
11. In hibernation, I have a yellow cotton summer top/vest from a pattern from Lion Brand. The free pattern is here. It's a broomstick lace in the round. I started this 2 years ago on my 25th wedding anniversary trip. I have the shoulder straps done and all joined in the round by at least 1 round. The yarn was from a salvaged thrifted sweater. I got it for the color. It's a bright, bright yellow. I like bright colors for summer.
12. Always on the go for bedtime, cotton dishcloths done from Sugar & Cream or Peaches & Creme. I don't have to think for this and can knit in my twilight zone. I use size 6 - 8 US needles for this in circular. Circs minimize me pulling the stitches off the needles when I fall asleep. The points don't hurt when I lay on them. The ball of yarn is not so comfortable. I pick up balls of both brands when I see new colors. I have a bunch of balls waiting to be made up but when I do these as just bedtime knitting, I don't get them done terribly fast.
13. I also started the Lion Brand Tranquility Knit along from this past spring. I didn't finish it. I barely started it. I really like this pattern. I like the yarn I am using (cotton worsted weight yarn in the breast cancer awareness pink ombre). Again this could be a summer top or a vest for cooler weather.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Warm Up AMerica Joining Party
Today I held the first of the season Joining Party for the Warm Up America project. I'm lucky to have enough blocks in assorted sizes to make 4 adult sized afghans and 1 child sized. There are some pretty far out colors in some of the afghans (and some awkward sizes) but one of my former students came in and helped with the layout of some of the more challenging afghans. Others were simple and all we had to do was count and make sure there were the requisite number to make the needed sizes.
I have bagged and tagged the afghans so that all we have to do later is pull out a bag (complete with joining yarn and instructions) and get to work. BL and I had a good time catching up while we joined after getting the challenges dealt with. They will look great if I do say so myself.
I will post pictures of finished afghans and, if I'm lucky and remember, of the ladies and gentlemen who may be helping with the joining. Our afghans at the Lebanon store will be going to Lebanon HOPES, our new homeless shelter. Click here for the local newspaper article giving more details about it. This was started last October (2012) and is a joint effort of the Jubilee Ministries and Lebanon County Christian Ministries along with several churches.
Thanks to all the people who donated blocks. No matter the sizes, all can be used. We may have to add to some or take away from others but every piece is welcome. I'm willing to accept all the failed swatches that have no loving home as well as the practice pieces we all create then don't know what to do with.
I have bagged and tagged the afghans so that all we have to do later is pull out a bag (complete with joining yarn and instructions) and get to work. BL and I had a good time catching up while we joined after getting the challenges dealt with. They will look great if I do say so myself.
I will post pictures of finished afghans and, if I'm lucky and remember, of the ladies and gentlemen who may be helping with the joining. Our afghans at the Lebanon store will be going to Lebanon HOPES, our new homeless shelter. Click here for the local newspaper article giving more details about it. This was started last October (2012) and is a joint effort of the Jubilee Ministries and Lebanon County Christian Ministries along with several churches.
Thanks to all the people who donated blocks. No matter the sizes, all can be used. We may have to add to some or take away from others but every piece is welcome. I'm willing to accept all the failed swatches that have no loving home as well as the practice pieces we all create then don't know what to do with.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Design Wars 4
Vote for your favorite designs. There are 5 categories. Share this on your fb page, and a few other things and you could win a prize pack from Red Heart. Looks like in addition to yarn, you get Crochet Today and hooks and a Red Heart Shopping bag/project bag.
http://www.designwarschallenge.com/2013/08/14/dw4-vote-red-heart-yarns-prize-pack/
http://www.designwarschallenge.com/2013/08/14/dw4-vote-red-heart-yarns-prize-pack/
The website has this to say:
"Thank you for supporting Design Wars, and our voting fun! There are 5 categories available and you get to vote for the design that you feel best suites each! Only one vote is allowed per person (per poll) for this round, so give these designs some serious though before your vote is cast! The design that receives the most overall votes will be named the Best Design Overall. Votes will be taken from 14-24 August, and we would be so thankful if you could please share this excitement with your friends after you vote please! Also, be sure to enter for a chance to win our Red Heart Yarn Prize Pack, below! Thank you!"
Friday, August 2, 2013
Revised Schedules AND some exciting news from Michaels.com
Discover
Single Crochet All Classes are 6 –
8:30 pm
August 19
September 16
October 14
November 11
Discover the
Tall Stitches of Crochet All Classes are
6 – 8:30 pm
August 26
September 23
October 21
November 18
Discover
Granny Squares
All
Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
August 5
September 9
September 30
October 28
December 2
Discover
Textured Stitches
All
Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
August 12
October 7
November 4
December 9
Please
see a store associate for details about any classes
Yarn Nights are times for
you to get a question answered about a stitch, yarn or pattern question that
doesn’t require a full class. You can
also sit and stitch with me at this time.
August 10 1 –
4 pm
August 24 1
– 4 pm
September 14
1 – 4 pm
September 28
1 – 4 pm
October 12 1 – 5 pm
October 26 1 – 4 pm
November 16 1 – 4 pm
December 14 1 –
4 pm
Warm
Up America Joining Parties are times to help join afghans
blocks to help the homeless here in Lebanon with the donation of warm afghans.
August 18 2 – 5 pm
September 22 2 – 5 pm
October 6 2 – 5 pm
October 27 2 – 5 pm
November 3 2 – 5 pm
November 17 2 - 5 pm
Discover Baby
Crochet Class All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
Textured Baby Blanket August 21
Textured Baby Blanket September 18
Baby Rattle
October 16
Textured Baby Blanket November 13
Discover
Throws and Wraps in Crochet Class Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
Lacy Wrap
August 28
Granny One Piece Throw September 25
Lacy Wrap October 23
One Piece Granny Throw November 20
Discover
Crochet Gifts Class
All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
August 7
September 4
October 2
October 30
December 4
Discover
Time to Crochet Classes
All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
Bavarian Crochet August 14
Tapestry Crochet
August 24 9:30 – 12
Crocodile Stitch September 18
Tunisian Crochet October 9
Painted Crochet October 26 9:30 – 12
Broomstick Lace November 6
Hairpin Lace December
11
Discover
Knit Stitch Class
All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
August 22
September 19
October 17
November 14
Discover Purl
Stitch Class All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
August 1
August 29
September 26
October 24
November 21
Discover Pattern
Stitches Class All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
August 8
September 5
October 3
October 31
December 5
Discover Cables
Class
All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
August 15
October 10
November 7
December 12
Discover
Baby Knits Class
All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
Blanket & Booties August 23
Kimono September 20
Blanket & Booties October 18
Kimono November 15
Discover
Mitered Knitting Class All
Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
August 30
September 27
October 25
November 22
Discover
Fair Isle Class
All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
August 9
September 6
October 4
November 1
December 6
Discover
Time To Knit Classes
All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
Short Rows August 16
Knook September 20
Mobius Knitting September 28 9:30 – 12
Entrelac October 11
Knook & Loom Knit November 8
2 Needle Sock
November 16 9:30 - 12
I-Cord December 13
Discover Kids Classes
Discover
Kids Crochet 1
August 3 9:30
– 11am
September 7 9:30 – 11
October 5 9:30 – 11 am
November 2 9:30 – 11 am
December 7 9:30 – 11 am
Discover Kids Crochet 2
August 10 9:30 – 11 am
September 15 11
am – 12:30 pm
October 12 9:30 – 11 am
November 9 9:30 – 11 am
December 14 9:30 – 11 am
Discover
Kids Crochet 3
August
17 9:30 – 11 am
September
29 11 am – 12:30 pm
October
19 9:30 – 11 am
November
16 9:30 – 11 am
December
15 11 am – 12:30 pm
Also NEW is online sign ups for classes you want to take. Click here to go to the Michaels website. Click on classes and fill in your zip code. You can then select the store closest to you or that meets your destination requirements and sign up. You will be prompted to call the store if it is less than 24 hours before the class you would like to be sure it is still has room for you.
Come see what all the fun is about!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Christmas in July days 30 and 31
For these last 2 days, I have thoughts of electronics. Most people have portable devices of one kind or another. To wind down on a simple note, offer a little fun, and a chance to try out something new, I have this idea.
Get some wool yarn. Yes I know we are heading into the dog days of summer. Save this for later if you like or find an air conditioned place to sit. Grab a hook or pair of needles that will match your yarn to give you a little larger gauge. For this I mean that if your ball band recommends a size H hook or size 7 needles to get the suggested gauge, go up 2 sizes. If you already have to change your hooks or needles, go up 2 sizes from that. Now grab a copy of a stitch dictionary and pick a bunch of stitch patterns you want to try.
My idea is this. felted sleeves for portable electronics. Measure your intended appliance, add 30% more stitches (3 more stitches for every 10 needed to get the desired measurement). Then knit or crochet the stitch pattern you chose. Seam it. Wash it to felt it either a little or a lot, but only until it matches your needed size. Let air dry.
Let us use this example: I have a portable device measuring 2 inches wide by 4 inches tall and is less than 1/2 inch thick. My yarn suggests a size H hook or 7 needle to get 16 stitches to 4 inches.and 19 rows to 4 inches. I know that means that I will need to chain or cast on for 11 stitches. My math is this: 16 stitches divide by 2 is 8 plus 3 for the 30% (I rounded up). 19 rows is 4 inches but I know that felting also pulls vertically more than horizontally so I will add up to 40% more rows to counter this. So 19 x 40% is 7.6 rows more, round it up to 8 rows.
I know that my pattern has to have space for 11 stitches wide and 27 rows for one side. Small patterns for small devices allow for more repeats. Cables require even more stitches for width. I would add another 20% (2 for every 10 of original number. Then add the felting 30% ). So if I choose cables, I would start with 8 stitches plus 2 for cable plus 3 for felting to give me 13 stitches.
I could even choose 2 different patterns for front and back. I would not choose laces for felting though. The felting is there to offer some protection from the daily bumps and drops some things get. The felting will also offer scratch protection.
If you've never intentionally felted anything, have no fear. It's easy. Once the Pieces are done and sewn together (I find it easier to sew before felting,). A bucket of hot water with some soap and a long handled wood spoon are all you need to get started. The hot water is one felting agent. The soap provides lubrication for the fibers to slide together. The spoon provides the agitation, another felting agent. Do this outside under a shady tree if possible. It will get you wet. The idea is to viciously stir the bucket with the soapy water and one or two small objects for felting. You will need to remove them from time to time to see if the felting is done far enough but not too far that you can't get your final object in.
Once felting is achieved, let air dry. You can then add a zipper to the open edge or ties or a clasp of some kind. Have fun and thanks for this journey through July with me.
Get some wool yarn. Yes I know we are heading into the dog days of summer. Save this for later if you like or find an air conditioned place to sit. Grab a hook or pair of needles that will match your yarn to give you a little larger gauge. For this I mean that if your ball band recommends a size H hook or size 7 needles to get the suggested gauge, go up 2 sizes. If you already have to change your hooks or needles, go up 2 sizes from that. Now grab a copy of a stitch dictionary and pick a bunch of stitch patterns you want to try.
My idea is this. felted sleeves for portable electronics. Measure your intended appliance, add 30% more stitches (3 more stitches for every 10 needed to get the desired measurement). Then knit or crochet the stitch pattern you chose. Seam it. Wash it to felt it either a little or a lot, but only until it matches your needed size. Let air dry.
Let us use this example: I have a portable device measuring 2 inches wide by 4 inches tall and is less than 1/2 inch thick. My yarn suggests a size H hook or 7 needle to get 16 stitches to 4 inches.and 19 rows to 4 inches. I know that means that I will need to chain or cast on for 11 stitches. My math is this: 16 stitches divide by 2 is 8 plus 3 for the 30% (I rounded up). 19 rows is 4 inches but I know that felting also pulls vertically more than horizontally so I will add up to 40% more rows to counter this. So 19 x 40% is 7.6 rows more, round it up to 8 rows.
I know that my pattern has to have space for 11 stitches wide and 27 rows for one side. Small patterns for small devices allow for more repeats. Cables require even more stitches for width. I would add another 20% (2 for every 10 of original number. Then add the felting 30% ). So if I choose cables, I would start with 8 stitches plus 2 for cable plus 3 for felting to give me 13 stitches.
I could even choose 2 different patterns for front and back. I would not choose laces for felting though. The felting is there to offer some protection from the daily bumps and drops some things get. The felting will also offer scratch protection.
If you've never intentionally felted anything, have no fear. It's easy. Once the Pieces are done and sewn together (I find it easier to sew before felting,). A bucket of hot water with some soap and a long handled wood spoon are all you need to get started. The hot water is one felting agent. The soap provides lubrication for the fibers to slide together. The spoon provides the agitation, another felting agent. Do this outside under a shady tree if possible. It will get you wet. The idea is to viciously stir the bucket with the soapy water and one or two small objects for felting. You will need to remove them from time to time to see if the felting is done far enough but not too far that you can't get your final object in.
Once felting is achieved, let air dry. You can then add a zipper to the open edge or ties or a clasp of some kind. Have fun and thanks for this journey through July with me.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Christmas in July day 29
Today part of my inspiration comes from a nephew whose birthday is the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. For years he felt his birthday was skipped since presents and cake were not abundant or "lumped" together with a family celebration. He also was unhappy since he favored summer sports and not winter sports but anyone who got him a present for his birthday invariably could only find hockey and basketball things at that time of year. So today my inspiration comes from this website:
http://bettyconfidential.com/ar/ld/a/10-flirty-and-fun-summer-hats.html
I think a fun and flirty hat for summer is just what is needed. Keeps the sun out of your eyes, possibly doubles as sun protection. Make one for yourself or someone you love. The hats on the site above are not hand crafting patterns, but they can offer inspiration and these are some of what I found.
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_elegant_hat.html
http://www.caron.com/vickiehowell/patterns/flopsy_hat/flopsy_hat.html
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/newsboy-hat
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/brimming-fun-cap-0
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/baby-boat-neck-sweater-and-sun-hat
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/visor-cap
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-hat-3
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lovisa-summer-hat
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-hat-2
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ipanema-hat
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pinwheel-sun-hat-8ply-or-dk-version
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/karens-summer-hat
Note you will need to sign in to Ravelry.com to access any patterns there. It is a free account sign up, if you are not already a member.
http://bettyconfidential.com/ar/ld/a/10-flirty-and-fun-summer-hats.html
I think a fun and flirty hat for summer is just what is needed. Keeps the sun out of your eyes, possibly doubles as sun protection. Make one for yourself or someone you love. The hats on the site above are not hand crafting patterns, but they can offer inspiration and these are some of what I found.
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_elegant_hat.html
http://www.caron.com/vickiehowell/patterns/flopsy_hat/flopsy_hat.html
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/newsboy-hat
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/brimming-fun-cap-0
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/baby-boat-neck-sweater-and-sun-hat
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/visor-cap
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-hat-3
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lovisa-summer-hat
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-hat-2
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ipanema-hat
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pinwheel-sun-hat-8ply-or-dk-version
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/karens-summer-hat
Note you will need to sign in to Ravelry.com to access any patterns there. It is a free account sign up, if you are not already a member.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Christmas in July day 28
Most women like adding some sort of adornment to their hair for holiday parties. These can be done in seasonally appropriate colors, metals, beaded. The possibilities are endless.
A few ideas to get you started would be hair ties, cover them with knit or crochet, beaded or not.
Headbands embellished with flowers or other favored shapes.
Clips, combs, barrettes all glitzed or glammed up can add interest in smaller doses.
For this idea I turn to some books at Michaels.com,
A few ideas to get you started would be hair ties, cover them with knit or crochet, beaded or not.
Headbands embellished with flowers or other favored shapes.
Clips, combs, barrettes all glitzed or glammed up can add interest in smaller doses.
For this idea I turn to some books at Michaels.com,
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