The ramblings of a clouded mind

Knit Picks wish list

2011-11-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.knitpicks.com/cfCart/viewWishlist.cfm?wishlistid=8F1AFBC0-A4BC-1420-1884A24D8EA53309&media=WLBL

Just a test to see how it worked.... cook they have wish-lists now, though.

Slow progress

2011-10-25T05:55:00.000-07:00

I haven't been progressing on some knitting goals as much as I had hoped. I finished a scarf for my dad's girlfriend but I haven't blocked it yet. Maybe I should do that today. It turned out lovely. I started a shawl for my grandmother, I am not even 1/4 through it, but almost. I did a couple test knits, and made some things for a Halloween swap package.

These are a pair of fingerless mitts I test knit for a fledgling designer. they are pretty cute.

Here is a brain slug I made for a swap. I did this 3 tiimes before I got it to where I liked it color wise and eye size....

I also knit a couple Halloween wash clothes that I didn't get a picture of....

My first sock pattern

2011-09-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

I finished my sock pattern, and it was released September 1, 2011. It is the sock design for the FGF:socks group Sept/Oct. Designer KAL. I am very proud of the pattern. I am not sure there are too many people knitting it right now. It is a free Ravelry Download though. Are my seams straight

for me?

2011-09-04T16:06:00.000-07:00

I don't think I have ever sewn an article of clothing for myself. So I found a cute skirt pattern, and made it this past week.

And this is me wearing it. Scary, but I thought I should add it... this is also me after losing 15 lbs this summer. Quite a bit more to go, but it's a start.

Earth and Sky mystery shawl

2011-08-30T19:30:00.000-07:00

I participated in the westknits mystery shawl KAL, Here is my finished product. My colors came out ok, even though I picked them blindly without knowing the pattern. I wish I had the red and the natural colors switched, but this is the way it is.

Another school bag

2011-08-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

After seeing how cute Isabelle's bag was, Madeline decided she wanted one too. I had some denim and said we could use that, thinking I wouldn't need to get so much interfacing, fusible fleece, etc. So we went off to buy lining fabric, she picked a cute burgundy with dragons and tigers. Here is the finished product. This one went a lot faster.

Outside
(and I got the pockets right)

inside view

"inside out"

I finished a westknits mystery kal shawl, I will post it tomorrow as it is blocking now, and I want to get outside pictures with it. I am sort of ambivalent about this project.

School Sewing

2011-08-23T05:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day of school, I was so busy I didn't get to sit down, but once or twice, and when I finally did, I was too tired to knit. I did get a couple projects done before school started, however.

I made Isabelle a bag, let's hope it holds up, as she has no locker this year (middle school remodel, currently housing school in an unused elementary school). She chose the fabrics, I accidentally made a pattern modification, but I think it makes it cute.

this is the "outside"

This is the "inside", and the way I think she is going to use the bag.

some more pictures:

I also made a little pencil case:

And one for Madeline:

Madeline now wants a bag like Isabelle's, I am going to make hers out of denim and some dragon fabric we picked out yesterday.

I am also working on the pattern for these socks, I will publish it Sept 1.

Kids sure do make you busy

2011-08-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

It seems that after Christmas life gets really busy.

I have been busy with the kids and end of school, then summer started with multiple tasks to do.

I am currently working on designing my first sock pattern. I have designed, and tested, and am now working on making the pattern user friendly. The design will be part of a year long knit a long with the FG sock group on Ravelry. I am in charge of the September/October sock. I will post a picture when it's ready.

long space between updates

2011-01-30T14:46:00.000-08:00

I apologize for the long absence. The holidays really work a number on a person.

I spent quite a bit of time doing holiday knitting, I couldn't even remember what it was if you asked me. Then after the first of the year, I went through a knit it or frog it challenge. I finished two projects and frogged a third.

I also released a pattern with the "2010 From Robin's Nest Four Seasons sock and mitt club"

I designed the winter mitts, called Winter Flames

I also got a belated birthday gift that may be just as attracted to my yarn as I am.

Hands across Ravelry Scarf

2010-11-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

I'm sort of proud of this project. so I will share.

There is more detail if you are a member of Ravelry and can see this thread

However this is the abridged version.

I got some fleece from a ravelry member named Curlie. She had my name in a secret swap, and stalked me enough on Ravelry to see that I was contemplating learning to use a drop spindle, and was looking into aquiring some roving to do it with. Her boyfriend's family owns a sheep farm in Norther California. So she got me 8 oz of raw fleece.

It looked like this

I hung onto this fleece for about a year trying to get the nerve to wash it, but then what, how was I to card it? I finally decided that I really was not interested in spinning. Uneven rough spun yarn didn't reallly interest me.

Then I got the idea that maybe I could trade some services with another Ravelry member "Scullerymaid", and maybe she would card and spin the yarn for me. She agreed then suggested we start a whole thread that encompassed the wool from start to finish. Fabulous idea!
After spinning it looked like this:

Then when it was suggested I dye the wool after spinning, I said, ok I can use kool aid.... Snapper, another Ravelry member jumped in and offered to dye the yarn. She used her creativity to make this exclusive color way.

I got the yarn, caked it, then knit a pattern suggested by JenDeJour (another Ravelry member)
I, like the other people in this chane chronicled all my activites with the yarn, and here is the finished object.

Boo!

2010-10-24T12:13:00.001-07:00

This is Boo the malabrigo bat!

I have been doing some christmas knitting too, but can't post any of that, because I don't know who actually reads the blog.

But to celebrate halloween here is boo!

I thought I would come in after the fact and add a little more detail about Boo.

Boo is a pattern that has been around for a while. I am not certain how long. I have been wanting to make one for about two years. The pattern is a Mochomochiland creation. If you like toys these are some of my favorites, by Anna Hrachovec. She also designed the grouchy couch from previous posts. I have that book. It's very cute, and there are a few designs in it I still want to make.

You can find the pattern for Boo at ravelry here

If you want to see Ann's website, you can find it here.

Housewares swap package sent.

2010-09-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

I assembled a housewares package for Readingknitter01 on ravelry.

I was sort of out of my element with this swap theme.

I made a grouchy couch in sage green and yellow. I thought it would be fun. It ended up being a lot more work than I expected, and I think I overstuffed the base....

I also made a hummingbird hot pad (which ends up being a double sided washcloth).

And a tulip wash cloth.

I also made a toilet paper cover out of surf blue malabrigo, which I neglected to get a picture of. I also made a little washcloth/doily for the roll to sit on, out of sugar'n cream violet veil color way.

And a french market bag that felted a little smaller than I planned.

and here it is pre blocking:

I also included a butterfly project bag I made, and a dark green cloth covered chinese take out box that I filled with random teas that I had in the cupboard. And a shopping list with elmo on it. Oh and a skein of chameleon colorworks sock yarn in blues and greens that I thought she might like. I was really nervous because I am not a housewares knitter.

Another green hat!?

2010-09-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

I like green!

preblocking

blocking

bathroom mirror back of the head shot

bathroom mirror side shot.... not attractive of me, but the hat is pretty.

This pattern is called Kalyani, it was a KAL for the From Robin's Nest group on Ravelry

I made this one with a dark green cascade 220 superwash.

Boo!

2010-09-23T06:28:00.001-07:00

the Sock knitter's anonymous group, had the challenge to knit socks in black, white, or black and white. There was also a mystery sock but i didn't feel as inspired to make it. It involved beads, and I am not sure how I feel about beads in socks.

I did however decide that I wanted to make Boo! toe-up socks, and include it in the Halloween sock KAL as well. I made them in Cascade heritage sock yarn in the natural color way. I probably made them a little shorter than normal, but I really like them.

Working backwards

2010-09-22T12:49:00.000-07:00

I have been so caught up in the beginning of school, I haven't been posting my finished projects. I have been knitting so never fear, I haven't quit. If I did, I am not sure what would happen to me. hahaha

Anyway, I will start with one of my more recent finished projects and work my way backwards.

I finished this slouchy hat/ beret recently. I made it out of Dream in Color Classy Happy forest. The pattern is called Tuscan leaves. I have given it the name of Tuscan Leaves in a Happy Forest. I think it is very cute, I blocked it a little too big, but I think it will come in a little if I wash it.

Isabelle took the picture for me.

I tried to take this one myself.

This is what it looked like before blocking.

this is what it looked like while it was blocking.

And this is it on my mannequin head, that had her poor nose smashed when we moved.

I finally made some fingerless gloves

2010-08-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

It has been a while, but I test knit this lovely pattern for Corvidae. I used some left over mini mochi, and chose not to try to match the stripes I like the effect.

I have been using my childrens' t-shirts as a backdrop.

When one was done, we used Madeline's vampire t-shirt

When they were both done, we used Isabelle's s'more t-shirt

I also started the first pattern in the Chrissy Gardiner CSK I am having fun so far!

i am using some Chameleon Colorworks yarn in the lavender fields color way.

Another spider

2010-07-28T20:59:00.001-07:00

Another spider going to Trace Elementary.

Knitting and crochet for others

2010-07-24T19:59:00.001-07:00

I then Volunteered Madeline to make a tarantula for an elementary school that burned down in California. A teacher lost a spider puppet, and there are several people on Ravelry that are making toys to replace lost items in the school.

This isn't quite a puppet, but Madeline made the Thorax and the head. I made the legs and assembled it. Then Madeline sewed on the beady little eyes. sorta creepy cute.

Robin asked me to knit a blue kangaroo for a customer that she ran out of time to make, and needed it by Saturday. I think I got it on Tuesday, and spent about 19.5 hours making it....

I think he turned out a little wonky, but it's done. I will probably never make a kangaroo ever again!

Finished my spring in the air shawl

2010-07-20T07:33:00.000-07:00

I joined a KAL with the only yarn that I could find. Which was some I got in a swap soon after I moved in to our new house.

I thought it would be fun in the very open springy pattern. I think I was right.

Finished a project while moving

2010-07-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

It is actually my mom's project that mysteriously got left at my house to see if it magically got done. I guess it did, just in time for her birthday.

Finally!

2010-07-04T10:04:00.000-07:00

I knit these socks a while ago, but was unable to post pictures of them until the actual first day of Summer, and then with the move, I couldn't do that until my computer was set up, and things settled down a little.

We are still dealing with boxes etc. but I can finally post pictures of the Summer socks for the Sock and Mitt club from Robin's nest. ( think there are kits still available, and retroactivly as well). The sock is designed by Hunter called: "Funambulist". The yarn is from The crafts meow. Hunter couldn't knit the sample, so I offered to do it for her. I sent the finished socks to her, and she took these beautiful pictures for her pattern, then sent the socks back to me. They turned out rather well.

Finished a pair of socks for Arcadia

2010-06-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

Isabelle's sea star

2010-05-31T16:28:00.001-07:00

these are the colors she requested, well, I chose the red, and she chose from about 4 others for the bottom.

I think I overstuffed it, but I like it, I hope she does too.

What I come up with for a Hawaiian sock KAL

2010-05-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

I may have over done the references to Hawaii

The yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Supersock, in "Life's a Beach"

The pattern on the leg is "surfin'" and I made a tabi toe, to wear with flip flops.

The cuff was called a prestige cuff, which I just liked, not necessarily beachy or hawaiian, the heel is called a band heel, not as much structure as most heels, but not needed if worn with flip flops.

Still knitting, just maybe not so fast.

2010-05-28T10:29:00.000-07:00

summer is coming so that means smaller projects like socks or Amigurumi.

I did finish a couple fun, really useless projects.

Yes that would be an earthworm made out of malabrigo, and a garlic made out of cascade 220. I am not sure what I am going to do with them yet. I made them in between making birthday gifts.

I have another birthday coming up on Monday but she is going to be 13, and dont' think she requested any stuffed toy.

Another birthday coming up, and the end of FB

2010-05-21T09:17:00.001-07:00

As a minor note to any of you who are Facebook friends with me, I have deactivated my account. Here is an explanation

In other knitting news, I made another toy for another may birthday. She has seen me knitting it, but doesn't know it's for her. It is a grumpasaurus.

She says it looks like an angry fish.

Not the greatest picture, I will try to get a better one.

Birthday Giraffe!

2010-05-14T16:52:00.000-07:00

I was going to make this for Arcadia's birthday last year, but the Turkish Cast On really put me off, so I put it aside. I decided to make it this year, and it wasn't too bad. I don't think I did the turkish cast on correctly, but I went with it anyway.

I feel accomplished!

2010-05-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

I finished the socks for the designer on Thursday, and mailed them off on Friday, she got them on Monday and said they looked good. Yay! I will post pictures when the pattern is released.

I also finished my first shawl, or shawlette (smaller with short row shaping). It is a pattern provided for free for From Robin's Nest yarn, ravelry group members. It is only free until the 15th of May so if you want to join in, hurry.

I made it with sock yarn instead of lace weight. I also used a size US6 needle instead of the 7 (couldn't find it). I used gunmetal 6/0 beads which I loved the way the went with the Rayon Vert Malabrigo sock (which were supposed to be Rick socks, but the pattern thwarted me yet again!

I finished knitting it yesterday, and blocked it over night. I think if I make it again in sock weight I will definitely use the US7 or maybe even US8 and use a really stretchy Cast On. I think I might even be able to handle this pattern in lace weight. who knows.

Here is the close up.

I am very pleased, I just wish it weren't raining so I could have taken an outside picture.

Finally a finished project!

2010-05-05T06:47:00.001-07:00

Madeline has been after me to finish her February Lady Sweater. She earned the yarn when she was working for Robin this last summer. I started it at one point, then I decided on different buttons when I saw some cute ceramic buttons with birds on them. They are large buttons so I had to go back and start over. It was a good thing too, as Madeline had grown from a size 5 to a size 12 (teenagers!). I got the body done, then the major time drain were the 3/4 length sleeves. I could not be motivated no matter what!

I finally finished it this weekend, blocked it and sewed the buttons on last night.

Here are additional pictures.

this is pre-blocking

Post blocking

The buttons

The back

When did I get so behind?

2010-05-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

I signed up for two knit a-longs (KAL's), one for an exclusive shawl for the From Robin's Nest group. Beautiful little leafy shawlette designed by zuzusus from Ravelry.

I also signed up for another pair of mystery socks, designed by Cookie A. I love cookie a. socks.

I have not picked yarn yet, however, I have the malabrigo sock, that I was trying to make Rick Socks out of, and think I would like the color better in the shawl, time to frog, and recake. The coookie A. socks has cables, and should be a semi solid, I am almost thinking my gothic rose, or in vino veritas in my dream in color smooshy yarn, I love that yarn for socks!

HOWEVER! I need to finish a pair of socks that I am knitting for one of the club designers. I should have finished them last week, but I had to rip back on one of the socks, then I got sick for a couple days, and didn't feel like knitting anything, so I read Sookie Stackhouse novels instead.

Fortunately I read all my Sookie Stackhouse novels, so I should get back on those socks. Madeline really wants me to finish her February lady sweater I am only have about 6 or 7 pattern repeats on the last sleeve, then the garter stitch boarder on the end, then buttons and blocking.... Very close to being finished, really.

OH, and for anyone interested From Robins nest is having a stock up event. Anyone interested in splitting bags of yarn feel free to talk to me. :)

Lace...puhtoohey

2010-04-27T06:31:00.001-07:00

I have been knitting 3 different projects, all involving lace stitches. All three of them developed some sort of problem. All three have been put in a time out because I was so frustrated.

I picked one up last night and fixed the problem. So in the words of The Little Engine that could... " I think I can, I think I can...."

Another RAV hunt over and another begins

2010-04-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

This was the answer for last week's rav hunt. It took all week, a hard one I guess.

IT is the sock portion of the spring sock and mitt club.

Very cute don't you think?
This is the designer's picture, not mine.

here is the pattern page.

The next rav hunt has started in the from robins nest group.

Old and new

2010-04-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

The answer to last weeks ravelry hunt in the From Robin's nest group was these lovely mitts designed for the sock and mitt club by Snapper!

The image is borrowed from snapper, not my own

here is the link to it's Ravelry page

The new Rav hunt is up and ready to go.

Ravelry Hunt

2010-04-12T06:53:00.001-07:00

Those of you that follow the Ravlery Hunt in the "From Robin's Nest" group on Raverly. I have Rav Hunt number 15 up and going. Feel free to jump in with your guesses. this may be a hard one.

oh yeah....

2010-03-29T06:30:00.001-07:00

I finished the Mystery socks. I love them!

I have started some other lace socks in Malabrigo sock in the rayon vert color way.

Clue two, ruffles and Daphne hat

2010-03-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

I finished clue two of the March mystery socks last night.

I seem to be knitting tighter than mornal, but they seem to fit so far. I love the way Dream in Color Smooshy looks in this pattern. the color way is go go grassy. Yum!

I also finished the Daphne hat. I did it in Malabrigo twist in the cookie color way. I like twist, I like the color way, I like the pattern, not so sure variegated was the way to go for the hat. I think it's cute, even looks cute on Isabelle, but not on me. I still haven't found a hat that works for me.

I also finished "Just enough Ruffles" in malabrigo worsted in the cactus flower color way, that I got last summer. I love the way this turned out! I just want to wear it and wear it and wear it until it's too hot to wear anymore.

The 600 stitches on the ruffle nearly killed me though. I may make it again, but not soon.

Two pictures, one that shows the scarf well, but not me, and one that shows me better but not so much of the scarf. :D

Silky Saroyan

2010-03-06T09:24:00.000-08:00

For some reason I have gotten into the spirit of Malabrigo March. And got back into Sock Knitters Anonymous.

I started the March Mystery sock, and finished my first Malabrigo project.

My Retro Baby Surprise Jacket

2010-03-01T16:26:00.000-08:00

I never wanted to make a "BSJ" as it is lovingly called amongst knitters, because it seemed sort of outdated, or over done. I don't know. However sometimes knitting is for the experience, so I decided to join a knit along for said jacket.

I figured since this was just an experiment for me that I would use left over sock yarn.

I have decided that I will probably make another one of these, it was sort of fun, but not right now.

I was convinced that this was going to be the ugliest bsj somewhere in the middle of this.

I used the left over of a couple pair of socks the only boy colors I could find.

then I sewed it up, and added a few of my grandma's vintage buttons that matched perfectly, and it looks very 50's retro to me.

Because I needed a break

2010-02-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

I am very close to finishing Madeline's sweater, but I got a little burned out. She wants 3/4 sleeves, which takes longer than the short sleeves I made for myself.....

so anyway I took a break to think of all the projects I wanted to make during Malabrigo March, and to make a little turtle with scraps from the pair of mitts I made for the sample I sent to Knit picks.

I also started a Baby Surprise jacket, one of those things I said I would never make....

Ironically it's a February Lady Sweater

2010-02-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

I started a February Lady Sweater for Madeline a while ago, but then decided I wanted to order special buttons for it, so waited to knit on it, as the buttons might not fit the holes, and I would have to go back and remake them. Glad I did, because Madeline outgrew the one I started, and I only started it back in September.

so I jumped up two sizes, and started over.

her is my progress. I might actually get it done before the end of the month.

a swap for broke folk

2010-02-22T12:01:00.000-08:00

It was proposed that we could have a fun swap with others in the Fingerless Glove Fanatic-Off topic group on Ravelry. We wanted to have the opportunity to swap on a postal budget, as well as providing contents for the swap that were either handmade or inexpensive.

I sent to my swapee a skein of yarn I was not planning to use any time soon, a pair of mitts that were a color that I probably wouldn't wear and a box bag that wasn't selling too well in Utah (it had pictures of cocktails etc, fabric I received from a custom order for someone else). I was barely able to squeeze all that into the smallest flat rate box, and mail it off for less than $5.

The person who had me was HappyNancy from Ireland. She actually gave away the surprise early on, that she had me, because she was concerned that I might not like what she had to send. But she did an amazing job, thinking not only of me, but my family. Here are the pictures.

I got the most amazing package from [HappyNancy](/people/HappyNancy).

When I found out I got the package with irish chocolate I knew everyone would be jealous, then I saw the other stuff and I was amazed!

here were a bunch of little packages individually wrapped!

some were labled for me but there were also some labled for the girls and even one for Hal!

so I opened all of them to make sure they deserved what was inside. LOL

there is a cute little gift for each of the girls, as well as a cute little bag of chocolate for each girl, then even a bag of chocolate for Hal, and FOUR pieces of chocolate for me. I also got the coolest necklace with skulls on it, and matching earrings, and a dragonfly hair clip, and hand made cards that are fantastic! a bookmark that says I should be knitting, and Irish recipes! Oh my gosh! and a cool hand made in Ireland cross thing that I know nothing about and may have to research.

Now for each of us enjoying some of our good fortune!

and I thought Nancy might like to see what each girl chose.

LOOK a MINOR MINION, I am so jealous! I am trying to figure out a way to steal it from her. Yvette actually chose it first, and Madeline chose a necklace that ended up being too small for her so they gladly traded.

look at that cute little necklace!

and sabrina has this cute grey bunny! she loves bunnies!

this is an Irish post card and actual shamrock. Madeline tried to trade the necklace with her, but she wasn't having anything to do with it.

adorable little beaded necklace, she has outifts planned for it already.

I am not sure if one of the toys was intended for Charlotte, but she really really wanted this hello kitty pin.

Hal wasn't going to let anyone eat those chocolates, so he ate them right away, and even let me take a picture. LOL

Knitting myself a valentine

2010-02-15T18:23:00.000-08:00

I generally don't knit for my husband unless he asks for something, but I knit something for myself. they citron shawl/scarf. It is a very small shawl, I like to wear it as a scarf.

The scarf picture is a little dark, but I am including it anyway.

2010-01-29T10:46:00.001-08:00

click on image to see the caption

What do you think.... could I make a scarf long enough?

More socks please

2010-01-27T10:14:00.000-08:00

I keep felting socks! I guess it's time to make more.

I decided to add these to the chocolate knit along. The yarn is Sassy Sheep Oriental sock, in Red Wine and Dark Chocolate. The color is more red wine than dark chocolate, but I don't mind.

Birthday Yarny goodness!

2010-01-21T08:19:00.000-08:00

I got some yarn the day before my birthday with a coupon from "The unraveled sheep"

two skeins of koigu, two skeins of sublime, and a skein of tofutsies

Yesterday I finished purchasing yarn with my Christmas gift card, and got a namaste bag and another skein of malabrigo with my birthday coupon. There is some extra yarn in the picture that I am not at liberty to discuss at the moment, but it is related to the birdy birthday club....

I ordered the namaste monroe bag in red it should look like this.

It should also be here tomorrow!

Aide for Haiti

2010-01-18T18:21:00.001-08:00

Many designers have made their for sale patterns available to purchase with a percentage of proceeds going to charities to help Haiti. I have joined the bandwagon and will send a portion of my sales of Nordic Snowflake mitts to Doctors without borders.

I also tested someone else's pattern that will do the same thing: Not sure of the pattern name but will post it when I know.

these are also doubling as my chocolate knit along mitts.

The box is in the mail

2010-01-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

I had a rather heavy package show up on my door step yesterday. It was a surprise as I had forgotten that I joined a post Holiday secret swap. My package is now ready for the mail. A little late, but ready to go. I am lame.... sorry secret spoilee!

Here is a picture of what I got

There was a septopus (only seven legs according to my spoiler), a box of brownies, and a skein of cascade 220 super wash in one of my favorite colors, I was totally surprised and happy. Shawn (shawn4equality on ravelry) also made a ninja mask cowl because I joked that I needed it because my tv room was so cold! Now for a select few of us modeling it... excuse my picture as I have no makeup on.

Pattern for sale on knitpicks

2010-01-13T14:18:00.001-08:00

I still have this pattern for sale on Ravelry but if you want a cheaper price you can get it at Knitpicks.com

I am so excited to have a pattern "published"!

A seaman's cap for cousin major

2010-01-11T07:48:00.000-08:00

I finished a seaman's cap for my cousin major, upon request. I knit to fit requirements that my aunt sent me. 22.5 inches around, and 16.5 inches earlobe to earlobe. Madeline and Sabrina are actually pretty close to that size. so they modeled it for me.

Jack's fingerless gloves

2010-01-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

These are actually for my buddy Jack. He commissioned me to make them at the end of last year. I fit them in to my Obligatory knitting queue, and here they are. I hope they fit.

The good thing is that they are made from baby alpaca so they will probably stretch a bit.

First finished project of the new year.

2010-01-06T17:46:00.001-08:00

I put the men's fingerless gloves down, on Sunday so that I could work on a non, for pay project. I dug out a half finished project that was a pair of mitts that didn't become a Christmas gift, and reallocated them to a Birthday gift for a friend.

So My October Moss mitts now belong to Robin. I dropped them off today.

First project of the new year

2010-01-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

I started the pair of men's fingerless mitts for Jack, last night. I am up to the beginning of the first thumb gusset. These knit up pretty fast so it shouldn't take much.

The mitts are in the mail

2009-12-31T16:15:00.000-08:00

I have knit two pair of mitts from one of my patterns in opposite colors... I have been spending my Christmas vacation time on this off and on. It also required some attention to the pattern as they are being considered for "publication".

Here they are in their new revamped colors.

Now I need to make another pair of men's fingerless mitts in the same color as last time, and a black hat similar to the one I made for Hal and Madeline wants me to make her some musical fingerless mitts.

I wondered why all my pictures had a blurry spot

2009-12-28T08:41:00.000-08:00

There was a fingerprint on my lens!

I finally finished my pair of November Mist mitts. They were supposed to be part of my mom's Christmas gift.... but they will get there tomorrow or the next day. I am going to try and mail them today or tomorrow. She got the one finished one in her wrapped package on Christmas Day with the promise that the next would be worked on.

Booby socks finished Chtistmas Eve.

2009-12-27T13:50:00.001-08:00

finished the second one last thing Christmas eve..... Finally!

A day too late

2009-12-22T18:11:00.001-08:00

I finally finished grandma's cowl.... won't make it by Christmas.. but that's ok.

one more row please

2009-12-22T07:44:00.000-08:00

I have one more row of purl before the bind off on my grandmother's cowl.

Hal gave those fingerless mitts to his coworker, and said he loved them. He said they were the best he had ever seen. each finger had ribbing (he said "that stitch") like an individual little sweater for each finger, and they were super soft. I am glad he liked them. I guess they were a little big, but oh well.

Light at the end of the tunnel

2009-12-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

I was going to make a pair of mitts for my Mother In law for Christmas, however I didn't get them done, and they decided to do a drop by this afternoon, so I just gave her the body butter and soap that I traded/ordered from Ganiggle. I gave them the unscented of each. I think I gave the orange soap to my dad's girlfriend, and will give something to my mom, or not, because I do have a pair of socks for her, and have one half a pair of mitts and another half of a pair of socks I can give her and promise the other halves later. (I did last year).

I think I may keep the rest of the body butter and soaps for me.

Almost done with Grandma's cowl, she may even get it for New Year's .

Men's fingerless gloves finished

2009-12-19T08:25:00.001-08:00

I finished these last night.... used size 2 needles because alpaca is sort of stretchy.

Men's fingerless gloves

2009-12-18T12:34:00.001-08:00

I am working on some "mens fingerless gloves" in a heathered charcoal color in Alpaca with a twist, baby twist. One done and working on the fingers for the second. I should have it done today. Maybe I can get DH to model them.

Knucks?

2009-12-16T06:57:00.000-08:00

someone who works with my husband wants fingerless glovers, but he wants the knuck kind. I am not fond of making half fingers, but it is certainly possible.. I just need to figure out which pattern to use, and what yarn. A plain worsted weight version, like knucks would be fine. I guess I could look up a plain glove pattern, and make it into half finger fingerless mitts.....

I knit yesterday, really, I did.

2009-12-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

As we get closer to Christmas, it is getting harder and harder to get anything done. Yesterday was a terribly busy day for me, I knit some, but decided to send my grandmother's gift withoout the cowl, and will send that on later with pictures of one of my daughters wearing it. I sent the beautiful Vita cloche to my aunt with some award winning chocolate from this area. I also sent pictures of Isabelle wearing it... She tried hard not to smile, because she didn't want to show her braces.

I will update more, later today.

61 cent swap

2009-12-14T19:48:00.000-08:00

We had a challenge in the OT FGF group to create a swap package in an envelope, with postage only of 61 cents. This is what I got!

Working on it, I promise

2009-12-12T17:46:00.001-08:00

I am working on the new colors for Twist of Elegance. I am hoping to finish tonight, then I can work on the cowl for my grandma tomorrow.

New plan

2009-12-11T17:29:00.003-08:00

I decided to make my grandmother a cowl out of a lighter more peachy yarn that someone sent to me in a swap, it is very very soft.

Last order of the season

2009-12-10T07:34:00.001-08:00

I finished my last stocking order of the season. They are drying now. I have another order, but told her I didn't think I could finish before Christmas this year. I might be able to, if she wants to pay full price. She is one of my original stocking people, that paid an extremely low price to have me knit stockings. I have increased my rate, and my husband still thinks I charge to little for custom knitting contracts.

Anyway, I think next I will be making a "cowl me in the morning" for my grandmother, plus I need to finish my re knit of my twist of elegance, which is about 75% done.

Hats ready for lift off!

2009-12-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

I finished the last of the hats going to my brother in law's family.

I wrapped them all, an d threw them in a box with a can of Stephen's marshmellow hot chocolate mix. I need to find my packaging tape, and then they are off, to IL.

Here is one last look at all of them.

From Monday at Robin's

2009-12-09T17:22:00.000-08:00

On Monday I helped my friend Robin at her store.... which is dangerous, because look what I came home with....

I also got a prize from the Sassy Sheep group on Ravelry yesterday

Working on a hat

2009-12-06T19:19:00.002-08:00

I started the last hat for my husband's brother's family. an orange Goomba hat.

It may take me a couple days to finish as I have so many things on the needles right now.

Christmas exchange jar

2009-12-05T19:22:00.001-08:00

I tried to make my own peppermint bark to go inside but it didn't work out well, so I used the costco stuff. The top is some christmas yarn I found at Joann's croched with v stitch. tied on with a ribon and a bell.

JewelCraft Glass E-Bead 5/0 40gm Product Line Detail

2009-12-04T07:58:00.000-08:00

JewelCraft Glass E-Bead 5/0 40gm Product Line Detail

I found a great source for 5/0 seed beads. You have to buy 4 40g tubes at a time, but it is less than $2 a tube. I now have enough to make 6 hats!

More stocking orders

2009-12-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

I had someone call me late last week for a stocking order. I am not sure I can get it done before Christmas... but maybe. I had another paerson contact me on Face Book, wanting more stockings, I told her I was pretty sure I could NOT get any more done before Christmas.

So tomorrow, I should have one done for the order of 4 I am working on. That still leaves one, and I need to start a hat this weekend as well as make peppermint bark and rainbow jello for Saturday... those are my goals for Friday.

Take two!

2009-12-02T17:17:00.001-08:00

The rav hunt ended early this morning with the posting of the third clue. Some people are too smart. (Namely Pikkle and Pockeetmouse1189). You guys wait until Monday, I will make it harder!

I finished a full set of a test knit, but will wait until the pattern is live to put the picture up... On with the christmas stockings!

I am reknitting twist of elegance in new more contemporary colors (I hope).

here is what I have

Next contest is up

2009-12-01T07:32:00.001-08:00

I started the next Ravelry treasure hunt in the From Robin's Nest Group on Ravelry.

What happened?

2009-11-30T07:06:00.000-08:00

I did some knitting since Thanksgiving, but somehow I didn't have time to blog.

I finished an old test knit for Ganiggle, and one mitt of a new test knit.

I will post the pic of the old one as it is now live.

November mist
a link if you're on Ravelry

Turkey Day Vs. Knitting

2009-11-27T07:25:00.000-08:00

Turkey day won.

I didn't get much knitting done yesterday, in fact not much time to blog either.

I did finish a stocking the day before, so I am taking a break from acrylic for a moment and trying to finish a test knit for Ganiggle.

No pictures yet.

knitting to do list

2009-11-25T07:42:00.000-08:00

I am busily knitting on a stocking trying to at least get to the toe, before I go take a shower.

Here is my knitting to do list:

4 ordered stockings (one finished, one almost finished two more to do)

1 scarf for Robin's shop

1 dog stocking (unofficially ordered, may need to wait)

some knitting that Sinclairchili wanted me to do for her, as she can't knit as well
as she wanted after her accident

reknit twist of elegance in more contemporary and available colors

one more Christmas hat (will knit on Sunday)

finish mitts for Mom if I have time

Oh, I suppose I should knit a stocking for my new nephew, but that is last on my to do list at the moment. He's only a week or so old, he won't mind if he doesn't have one this year.

Anything after this is gravy.

Only one left to go

2009-11-24T06:56:00.001-08:00

I finished this hat last night right before bed. Ironically the pattern is called "Jesse's Christmas hat" I am giving it to a boy named Daniel though.

Wow

2009-11-23T18:51:00.001-08:00

I may get a pattern published. I am not sure, and can't share too much about it, so that's all I can say for the moment. Let you know if it happens.

I am one and a half hats away from finishing the great chrismas hat caper. I am in the middle of one for the oldest boy. Will post pics when it's done.

Freakin' huge fake Isle

2009-11-22T16:18:00.000-08:00

I usually make hats that are too big for my freakin' huge noggin. This time I did the opposite.

I make the fake Isle hat

I used size 7 needles instead of 6, so it ended up HUGE! I think I am going to frog it, and do it again.

Trying to decide

2009-11-21T14:07:00.000-08:00

I am working on a stocking today, but tomorrow I plan on working on a couple hats. Maybe a larger goomba hat in orange, and a navy blue "boyfriend" hat for the 12 yr old boy. That should complete the hats for the family we have for Christmas this year. Throw in a can of Stephen's hot chocolate and call it good, right?

I am trying to decide if I want to make the Vita cloche (previous purple hat) in pink, or grey or brownish grey, or purple again, and what beads would go with it, as I would have to order more beads. Any suggestions?

Hat done, it doesn't fit of course.

2009-11-20T12:20:00.001-08:00

I finished the hat last night. It is a beautiful hat, I love it.... It doesn't fit me! I think it has turned into a Christmas gift for my aunt who likes purple.

the designer is going to try and figure out how to make it bigger for me, but then that means I need to order new beads...

Red cabbage hat

2009-11-19T11:01:00.000-08:00

Actually it's the Vita Cloche by Ninaknits on Ravelry. I am linking the designers photo on Flikr.

I pulled out a skein of Purple mystery, cactus flower and pearl ten from my stash, and decided I could use one of those for the hat. I then had to hunt down beads. The elusive 5/0 seed beads. Not to be found in normal stores, only online apparently.

I ordered one that I thought would work with any of the colors I mentioned. When they arrived I decided, with a little help that they would probably go best with the purple mystery malabrigo.

I wanted to take a break from stockings yesterday, so the day before I started to use my ball winder to wind up my malabrigo. I don't own a swift, so I usually use my second daughter, she is the best substitute swift, however, she was in bed. I was trying to do this task by myself, when my husband started talking to me.

I asked if he wouldn't mind helping me. He seemed to think he would do better winding, rather than holding. The only problem was, he was winding too fast for me to be an effective swift, and he suggested that maybe just laying it on the floor might be better. That didn't work. I then suggested maybe he hold, he was an even worse swift than I was. (rolling my eyes now). He thinks my ball winder is silly, and poo poos the idea of even having to wind yarn. I told him that most of the higher quality yarns don't come in a center pull skein. Some do, but not most. He still thinks they should.

When I finished winding my little cake of purple mystery malabrigo, he said it looked like cabbage yarn. The color reminded him of red cabbage...... Men!

Here is my first progress picture of the hat, I am farther now, but don't have a picture yet.

Rav Contest

2009-11-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

I couldn't decide if I wanted to share the expereince of trying to wind a ball of Malabrigo with my husband, or if I wanted to share something else. I guess I decided on the something else.

Some of you may know that I am pretty much affiliated with From Robin's Nest Yarn and Crafts. She had me when she said, "Malabrigo", then she started to get in things like Dream in Color, and Zauberball, etc. Such fun yarns. I have to say the Malabrigo has been a big hit. I have more than I ever thought I would.

I have also organized a sock and fingerless mitt club with her, now she also has me running her rav hunt in her Ravelry group. So if you are a member of Ravelry you have to come by and see the weekly rav hunt. If you are a member of her group, and you win...... you get a prize!

Back when I wasn't in charge of it, I won a prize or two. Here's the link.

knit knit knit

2009-11-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

I reached my goal of making two hats this weekend. I actually made 3 because I made one for Hal.

For Hal, he actually requested a seaman's cap without a lump on top like store bought hats. in black....

I think he actually liked it, he was just trying to look like a crusty ol' sailor

The two for my BIL's family are these.

an umbilical cord hat for the new baby boy that was born last week.

a goomba hat for the 2 year old. I am worried that it may be a little small, but don't really care at this point, he can wear a beanie.

I plan to make an orange goomba hat for the 4 year old, and probably either a seamnan's cap or a plain ribbed hat for the 12 year old.

Knit on my friends, Knit on!

2009-11-16T13:21:00.001-08:00

I have been knitting for pay instead of pleasure recently. I am not sure how I feel about it. I guess it's still good, I still enjoy knitting, I just need to make sure I don't overextend myself, so that it isn't fun anymore.

I made a bunch of chunky scarves for my Hairdresser's salon, at their open house on the 7th of November. I was also hunted down for Stockings again this year.

I have finished two other stockings and have 4 more to make before Christmas.

I am also working on hats for my husband's brother's family. I have 3 left to do.

I took my friend Sherri to lunch on the 11th and made her this cowl, the day before. I think she liked it.

Can you name this design?

2009-10-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

I worked up this scarf to sell in Chad's (my hairdresser) salon. i am thinking of writing up the pattern, but can't think of a name for it.

I could possibly even reward you with a small token of my appreciation if you come up with the decided name. :)

2009-10-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

I did finish some of the socks I was working on last month.

the second sock for the India socks for instance...

Madeline wore them first, then I washed them.... they were not superwash! They felted a little.... Now they belong to Isabelle.

I also finished my yellow mystery socks by Nancy Bush,

I initially gave them to Isabelle because the toe decrease was a little cramped for my foot, Madeline of course wore them first, I then reclaimed them when I gave Isabelle the India socks. Only because I made Madeline socks from yarn she earned from Robin when she was workiing for her this summer...

It isn't the best of pictures, but you get the idea.

Binary A hat

2009-10-05T08:50:00.001-07:00

Ok, I have designed a passive aggressive hat....

I think I will post the pattern on line a little later.
I think it looks nice enough that no one will ever consider what the binary meaning is.

download now

Great Basin Fiber Arts Fair

2009-09-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

Robin (From Robin's Nest), invited me to go with her last Saturday to the Great Basin Fiber Arts Fair. We wandered around in the heat and the sun looking at vendor booths. There were people spinning, and selling. A couple alpaca yarns that are local. Even a few rams to pet. I helped Robin look at, and pet some alpaca yarn in very pretty natural colors from a place called "Country Comfy Yarn" Here's a sample

We also discovered a couple of sister Indie Dyers with their own little business called "sassy Sheep" they had some very yummy yarns. I think Robin is going to start carrying both yarns. they also have a podcast that I am currently listening to, very fun gals!

http://www.thesassysheep.com/The_Sassy_Sheep/Podcast/Podcast.html Check them out!

Oh, also for those of you who are following the progress on the 4 Seasons Sock and fingerless mitt club, I am sponsoring a contest. If you mention me, my rav name {psst} and your rav name in the special notes of your pre-paid reservation of any part of the club I will draw a name from every 20 people for a free box bag. This is also retro active, just send me a message if you already reserved your spot and I will add you to the list.

Officially having SSS

2009-09-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

That would be Second Sock Syndrome.

I am in no hurry to cast on my second Bandelier sock.... I finished my first India Sock and not sure I am in a hurry to cast on the second for that either. I may just finish up some hats and Christmas stockings first.

Pictured is my India sock made from what I think is Knit Picks Bare dyed in "Iron Man" colors by a Karma Yarn Swapee over a year ago. I decided the colors reminded me of India, and I liked the simple lace pattern in Wendy Johnson's "Dead Simple Lace Sock" pattern.

Charlotte wanted to be in the picture. :)

delaying the inevitable

2009-09-10T10:01:00.000-07:00

I worked on clue two most of last night, just thinking I really need to get some christmas stockings done. then this morning, I still need to take a shower before I go get Yvette from school, but I had to finish clue two on my mystery socks!

where does the time go?

2009-09-09T11:00:00.000-07:00

This is the Felicity hat I made with my leftover lettuce malabrigo from my February Lady Sweater. I like it. It is so artfully modeled on Plain Jane my mannequin head. :)

I started a group for the bandeleir socks it is the bandelier socks KAL group on Ravelry.

here is my first sock

I am not sure how I feel about the yarn, or the pattern, the finished product is cute. I still have to weave in all the ends, and start the second sock, but I am taking a break because I got so frustrated.

I also started the mystery sock for sock knitters anonymous it is a Nancy bush sock I am currently working on clue 2.

here is clue one

First Sweater in a long time!

2009-08-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

I purchased a bit of a malabrigo from "From Robins Nest" several months ago. I finally decided to turn my Lettuce color way into a "February Lady Sweater"

I love it!

Madeline earned some malabrigo in Azalea that she wants me to maker her the same sweater in the 3/4 lenth sleeve version.

I also made a felted bag out of noro, but it's still drying. and i am working on a sock....

Something else I have been working on

2009-07-08T19:50:00.000-07:00

Robin (From Robn's Nest) recruited me into making a sock and Fingerless mitt club

inaugural From Robin's Nest Sock and Fingerless Mitt Club!

**Theme: The four seasons**
This club has designers and indie dyers found here on Rav.
**winter: January 2010**
sock design telmahq
mitt design: Knitasaur
dyer: Jaylyn
**Spring: April 2010**
sock designer: meplz
mitt designer Snapper
dyer twilightknits
**Summer: July 2010**
sock designer Hunter
mitt designer MsChris
dyer: theCraftsMeow
**Fall: October 2010**
sock design: nano514
mitt design stefaniegr
dyer yohopaulie

We have are just about ready to take orders on the sock/mitt
club contact fromrobinsnest (ravname) to order, I think she will have it on her website soon. We will have limited spaces, but will try to take as many people into the club as we can.

You can choose to go either with the sock portion, the mitt portion, or both.

Sock club: $220
Mitt club: $120
Together: $300 and you get a box bag and $40 off

both kits will come with yarn and pattern and a seasonal goody bag that will most likely contain stitch markers and something else seasonally related)

Pay all upfront and get 10% off and free shipping
or you can pay per season.

I am so excited about this!

Socks, socks, some more socks, oh and other stuff

2009-07-07T06:19:00.001-07:00

I have gotten into sock knitting. I really enjoy it.

I made a pair of Baudelaire socks designed by Cookie A. out of some tofutsie yarn I bought on my birthday.

Then I got the Sock Innovations book by cookie A.
and then I made some Kai-mei socks from that book for a green Knit A Long, using some grasshopper colorway in Knit picks essential kettle dyed.

Then Madeline thought it was high time I knit her some socks, with pockets in them! She earned some cherry tree hill supersock solid in turquoise to match some DC shoes I got her for school next year.

In the midst of all this I was involved in a sock showdown for one of my groups on Ravelry. These are the socks I knit for DJDuckee

I was almost the first to "assassinate" my target, but her mailman was lazy! stupid mailman!

I also received two pair of socks

I got this pair from SusanB-Knits in exchange for making her a crochet hook roll.

I am modeling them with my new pair of converse that I got to wear at the family reunion next week.

I also met my demise in the sock showdown with this beautiful pair of socks.

Well that seems to be all socks, where is the other stuff, you ask? I have to say that's a good question. I did start another clapotis made with wollmeise yarn that belongs to Smurfie, for smurfie. I am about half way though it now. woohoo! I also started another pair of socks and a february lady sweater to work on while at the family reunion.

new stuff!

2009-04-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

I don't think I mentioned that Robin at From Robin's Nest is now carrying my needle rolls and project bags. We are also working on an exclusive line just for her.

I wanted to add a picture of the front of her store here and in the previous post

also here are my girls in her store during the Easter Weekend extravaganza.

They love going back to see Robin. She has made it very easy for me to bring my kids to shop.

From Robin's Nest: a review

2009-04-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

I was encouraged recently to join a group on Ravelry called From Robin's nest yarn. I was lured in with the idea of a weekly scavenger hunt, that had real prizes! I love contests! I joined the group, of lovely ladies, and for the past 2 or three weeks have tried my hand at the contest.

In the meantime I discovered that behind the scenes "From Robin's Nest" is an actual yarn and craft store, here in Utah. I hadn't heard of this Local Yarn Store. And anyone who knows me knows I have a fiber addiction, as most knitters do. I told Robin after she posted some enticing pictures of yarn, that I had to come see her store.

I copied down the address and one Saturday headed out with my handy dandy gps. I am glad I did. I was expecting her store to be in a strip mall as most yarn stores tend to be. After a few false turns I finally found her store, in a cute little house in a little cul-de-sac. A lovely wooden sign over the door telling me I had found the right place. I tentatively poked my head in the door and was kindly welcomed into a front room filled with yarn, and another customer. I was gently serenaded by the sounds of some birds in another room as I glanced over the shelves as Robin helped the other customer. Plenty of known brands met my gaze, in lovely colors.

Even though we had exchanged posts on Ravelry only once or twice, Robin quickly guessed who I was with my silly Ravelry name, Psst. She showed me which yarns she had that might work for my desire to make "Booby Socks". I picked up a lovely pair of Lorna's Laces skeins in Flamingo stripe. I also lusted over a skein of Cherry Tree Hill yarn to make a "Cowl me in the Morning". I purchased my lovely pink yarn, and made my excuses to go buy light bulbs, as I had snuck out of the house to run errands.

I have since learned that she has a internet portion to her store as well Here I have not tried it, as I am only 15-20 minutes away, but after meeting Robin, and hearing from others, they are well pleased.

I have also returned with my oldest daughter to buy that tempting skein of Cherry Tree Hill yarn, and Robin was ever pleasant and helpful. We also discussed the prospects of other fibers in her store. I am excited for her growth.

I wish I had a cute little picture of her store front, but I didn't' think to take one when I went last.

Must Review, but What?

2009-03-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

I am supposed to write a review of something, but I haven't decided what to review. A pattern? A book? A yarn? A store? A brand of needles? A podcast?

I don't know yet, I will give it some thought and get back to you.

Punky swan maiden

2009-03-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

This very cute pattern, by Holly Terrell, Corvidae, on Ravelry, called:Swan Maiden Mitts, is made with lace weight yarn or if you want you can try sock weight. I had acquired some very colorful lace weight from Cdaniele, on ravelry, and decided to try. It almost has a stripey effect. I really like them.

I also finished another roll/wallet for KP options needles, well actually two, and sent one to my dad's girlfriend as a gift.

This is the one that went to my dad's girlfriend, I made another with a plain navy ribbon instead of gold. It is I haven't put it in my artfire store yet, but maybe soon.

Oh yeah I opened an artfire store, my name there is Psstknits, or http://PsstKnits.artfire.com