Neat Pic

I took this picture on the way to my friend Suzy's Christmas Eve party. Rob was driving, and I wanted to play with my new toy. I think the car may have hit a bump which caused the camera to move and make the lights do that really cool thing they did. Interestingly my face didn't get blurred with the bump. It kinda looks like Tinkerbell is flying laps around my head. I just though it was a neat picture and wanted to share it with you :)

Happy New Year!!!!
Be Safe!

Paillette Purse Pattern

Click To Enlarge

This is the pattern for the purse or at least the closest thing to a pattern I can muster. I didn't count the darn bangles/paillettes so I don't know how many to tell you to get at the moment. This will be added later. If you have any questions about the pattern feel free to contact me :)

Materials
Size 8 needles
Paillettes with large holes about 182
1 hank Cordé by Judi & Co.

Bag
This bag is knit all in one piece and sewn up the sides.Before you cast on, string your paillettes onto the yarn.

Cast on 29 stitches
Rows 1-5 K1, P1 across
Row 6 K1, P1, *insert needle as if to knit and slide a paillette up to the needle, complete the knit stitch, P1, repeat from * across row to last two stitches K1,P1
Repeat rows 1-6 six times
K1, P1 for five rows.
This completes one side of the bag.
Repeat the entire process for the second side and bind off.

Strap
Make a 4 stitch I cord for the strap in whatever length you desire.

Closure
You can use any kind of closure for this bag that you like. I crocheted a button and then crocheted a small loop to fit around the button. To crochet a button you chain 5 then single crochet around twice. Break the yarn then use the tail to close the open end. Tadah! A crocheted button!

Finishing
With RS facing, sew up the sides of the bags, attach i-cord, and sew on your choice of closure

Paillette Purse

Here is the purse that I knit for my LYS. I didn't have my camera with me, so I just took a picture with my phone. I think it came out pretty darn good though don't you. I am now in the process of writing the pattern and I will post it here when I am done. This is the first official pattern that I have ever written, so Doni had to help me out with it. I knew what I did I just had a hard time figuring out how to write it.

As you can tell from the previous picture (thank you so much for the compliments) I have a camera in my possession. Not just any camera though! My hubby bought me a new Nikon for Christmas! Yay Rob! You rock!! This thing even makes movies. Now I just need to figure out how to post movies here! I'm not sure if I can or not. Wouldn't it be awesome if I could? Think of the possiblities! See you soon with more pictures! Have a great Wednesday :)

Christmas

Christmas Already??

You know Christmas kinda snuck up on me. I can't believe it is actually in two days. You know what else snuck up on me? Dec 18 which is the second anniversary of my blog!! It's now two years old and being seriously neglected the last couple of weeks. I just haven't seen the point in blogging lately. I mean honestly a blog just isn't a blog without pictures, and my camera cord is still missing in action. I finished the purse with the bangles, my friend Debbie and I made a bazillion crocheted snowflakes, I am halfway finished with a ruffly scarf, and I have some beading that I have been working on. I can't show you ANY of this because I don't have a bloody camera cord!! This is seriously frustrating. Rob and I are going to hunt for it tomorrow since we're both off. I'm hoping to get my blog back in order and start posting regularly again. At least I'll have a bunch of pictures to show ya!

Stuck At Home

Well I'm stuck at home due to the lack of an automobile so I decided that I'll work on my baby pattern list. Speaking of babies, Donna over at Yarn Tomato  just had a beautiful baby boy named Miles. Pop on by and see the cutey.

Do You Know...

How hard it is to drive a car in stop and go traffice WITHOUT a clutch?? It's kinda hard! Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

Still Here!

I'm still alive everyone. No worries! I can't get over how hard it has been to adjust to this new schedule. I have been knitting quite a bit though. I'm almost done with one of this potato chip ruffly scarf, and I'm making one of those purses with the shiney bangles on them. I'm not using a pattern but basically making it up as I go along. If you want to know the "recipe" so to speak, let me know.  I have pictures but I can't find my camera cord at the moment, and I have to go to bed. Figures right.

Today was my 14 hour day, and I have very little time to get anything done.  I hope I can even sleep since the floors are vibrating from the LOUDEST NEIGHBORS EVER!! Apparently noone needs to sleep at 11:30pm. What the heck am I thinking? Please bear with me. I know it isn't much fun reading a blog that doesn't post often and doesn't have pictures. I'll get it together soon.

 

Things To Do In No Particular Order

1. Post the links I have for baby clothes.

2. Find my stupid camera cord and post pictures!

3. Take pictures of the cashmere headband and scarf.

4. Set aside a time to blog and stick to it.

5. Find time for exercise. Getting off the booty is goooood.

6. Sleep?

Adjusting

Well I started my new job yesterday, and I love it! There is a HUGE amount of stuff to learn, and I am mentally wiped out when I get home. I am working the new job, teaching three days a week, and I have an hour commute in heavy traffic, so I think it's going to take some time to adjust to my new life. Inevitably my blog is going to suffer over the next few days. I'm still going to check in but I definitely won't be able to post a bunch. I am sure to be late answering back comments and reading my blogs as well. I am getting knitting done though. I have a whole hour for lunch now, and I knit during most of it. Some of my coworkers have expressed interest in it, and I think that is fabulous! Maybe we could get a little lunch hour knitting group going :) I hope you all have a great day. I have to go to bed so I can wake up and fight traffic in the morning. Waaahoooo!

Fun Fun Fun :)

I had a wonderful time yesterday! Rob took the day off and we went to MGM Studios and Epcot. His aunt had given us free park hopper passes for Christmas last year, and we have been too busy to use them until now. We started the day of at MGM studio and rode The Tower of Terror. It wasn't quite as terrifying as I thought it might be. After we left there, we basically ate our way around Epcot. This was all my idea I should add. We had dinner in Morocco and watched this awesome belly dancer perform. While I was taking a video on my camera phone she came over and grabbed me! She had me do some of the belly dancing moves with her in front of the whole restaurant! I was a little embarrassed, but it was too fun! Someone taping asked my husband for his email address so that he could send him video of me dancing. I'm not sure if that is a good or bad thing.

In knitting news I just finished a headband/ear warmer made with 100% yummyyyyyyyy cashmere! My silly butt forgot to take a picture of it before I dropped it off at the shop. Don't worry I'll get one on Tuesday. Even though this was a very simple project it was one of the most pleasurable knitting experiences ever! This yarn was like spun clouds, baby bunnies, and satin sheets all spun together. Since I wasn't really following a pattern, I had to rip out the headband a couple of times before I got it right. Oh darn, right? What a horrible thing! I had to knit with the cashmere more!? Perish the thought. I'm halfway through a ruffly scarf in alpaca silk for the shop, and then I am going to try to get that Vogue wrap finished by January when I go up to VA. Well it's time for bed. I hope you all have a great day! I'll be working. Yay!


PS Go get cashmere!!

PSS The new Magknits is up. Go check it out!

Show N Tell: Judy's Entry

Hello,
I enjoy your site even though I don't knit. Some I have tried to convert to crochet and some to weaving. I do have a show and tell a little out of the ordinary. I am a weaver. I make rugs, handbags, scarves, table runners and placemats.
Here are some of my favorites...



This is the loom I make them on.




This handbag was woven with Lion Brand Chenille (Burgundy) It was lined in purple silk. This was a one day project and I gave it to my daughter who added the beads and buttons to make look more bohemian.

 

This is a 5 foot runner made from bed ends. When they make sheets the trim all the ends and then ham them. They sell those ends to weavers. This fabric was a very mish mash of colors. It is one of my favorites. Using a loom is a test of your patients, but it pays off when you se the finished product.

Thank you,
Judy Oneacre
www.celticyarn.blogdrive.com

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I know I am enjoying a much needed day off and time with my husband. I think that having a day set aside to remember all the things that you are thankful for is a wonderful thing, but I do my best to be thankful every day. Some days are easier than others, however I always make sure I drop the negativity when my head hits the pillow and remember all the great people I have in my life. Honestly it isn't too hard. All I really have to do is look to my right :)

Cool Hat!

    
Here is one of the things I have knit lately as a sample for my LYS. I got the pattern here. It is super easy and knits up really fast. The yarn is Lamb's Pride worsted, and it only took one skein. I really like this hat a lot, and I plan on making one for Grandmommy and me. The color didn't really come out right in this picture. It is actually teal with more of a green hue than is shown here. I love teal! It's one of my favorite colors.

Thanks for all the congratulations on my new job. I am now a receptionist, and I'm making a lot more money and better benefits. Plus I actually have a set schedule with the weekends off!! The job literally fell into my lap, and I couldn't be happier.I am a lucky lucky girl :)

Show N Tell: Cecilia's Entry

Click To Enlarge
May I present my first two finished knitted items? First my "Cruella de Vil" scarf. The basic garter stitch scarf. At the end of the first skein it was not long enough so I added the off white, and thought it looked like Cruella's hair. For my second item we have "My First Cardigan" from BH&G Knitted Sweaters for Her (nice pattern book, BTW). Made from (cheap!) RH Misty acrylic/nylon so already pilling, but it's cozy and will make a great house sweater, and I am always in a sweater! And it was a great learning experience. I learned a lot of techniques and am already busy on sweaters #2 & 3.

Thank You For Your Support!

I GOT THE JOB!!!

Wish Me Luck!!

I can't divulge why I need luck tomorrow (Friday) let's say around 1pm, but it is surely a good reason! It is something that will change my life for the better, and I'll be praying tonight for good news to tell you tomorrow! I'm sorry I have been so slack on blogging. I need better time management!! Thanks :)

Baby Stuff

Crochet stuff will come one of these days...

1. Ariel Zusya Benjamin's Apple Hat (K)
   
2. Baby Center's Bunny Beanie (K)
   
3. Bonnie Brann's Petal Baby Hat (K)
   
4. Britta Stolfus Rueschhoff's Trellis (K)
   
5. Brynne Sutton's Cargo Pants (K)
   
6. Canadian Living's Baby Jacket (K)
   
7. Carole Barenys' Seamless Yoked Baby Sweater (K)
   
8. Cinnamon Cooper's Baby Tart (K)
   
9. Craftown's Diamond Baby Ensemble (K)
   
10. Crystal Palace's Baby Georgia Chick Dress (K)
    
11. Crystal Palace's Baby Teddy Bear Sweaters (K)
    
12. D-Made's Quickie Baby Sweater (K)
    
13. Dawn Adcock's Little Shell Lace Baby Bonnet (K)
    
14. Deb White's Jane of the Jungle (K)
    
15. DYI's "Suede" Baby Hat (K)
    
16. DYI's Ugg Boots (K)
    
17. Emma Crew's Made With Love Layette Sweater (K)
    
18. Freddy Knits' Beginner's Fair Isle Baby Hat (K)
    
19. Freepatterns.com Shells and Columns baby Set (K)
    
20. Freepatterns.com Sweetheart Sweater Set (K)
    
21. Friendship Knitting Guild's Ear Flap Baby Hat (K)
    
22. Friendship Knitting Guild's Easy Baby Sweater (K)
    
23. Friendship Knitting Guild's Garter Stitch Baby Cardigan (K)
    
24. Good Housekeeping's Ribbon Dress (K)
    
25. Heather Ramsay's MissDashwood (K)
    
26. Holli Yeoh's Devan (K)
    
27. Interweave Knits' Better-Than-Booties Baby Socks (K)
    
28. Joyce Mesecar's Baby Pullover Sweater (K)
    
29. Judy Lamb's Cascading Leaves Christening Gown (K)
    
30. Lacy Cardigan With Matching Hat and Mittens (K)
    
31. Lorraine J Major's Angel Lace Baby Cap (K)
    
32. Kat's Angel Cardigan (K)
    
33. Kat's Lacy Cardigan With Matching Hat and Mitts (K)
    
34. K. Schmidt's Nora's Orange Sweater (K)
    
35. Kate Gilbert's Anouk (K)
    
36. Kathleen Sperling's Argyle Cardigan (K)
    
37. Kerrie's Newborn Hats (K)
    
38. Kristi Porter's Haiku (K)
    
39. Lauren Eade's Baby Hat with Leaf Edging (K)
    
40. Lion Brand's Tutu Onesy (K)
    
41. Lora Jenkins's Lace Baby Beenie
    
42. Marnie MacLean's Dragon Hoodie (K)
    
43. Mary Lee Herrick's Baby Coat (K)
    
44. Megan Mills Mitered U Baby jacket (K)
    
45. Naked Sheeps Cashmerino Aran Raglan (K)
    
46. Nilda Mesa's Cecilia (K)
    
47. Nola Rixon's Opal Wool Cardigan (K)
    
48. Opal's Baby Set (K)
    
49. P2 Designs' Baby Hat with the Swirl on Top and Socks (K)
    
50. P2 Designs' Bright Eyes Baby Jacket (K)
    
51. P2 Designs's Christmas Hat and Elfin Socks (K)
    
52. P2 Designs' Circle of Hearts Baby Hat (K)
    
53. P2 Designs' Circle of Hearts Socks (K)
    
54. P2 Designs' Froggy Hat (K)
    
55. P2 Designs' Froggy Socks (K)
    
56. P2 Designs' HollyDays Set (K)
    
57. P2 Designs' Just Ducky Hat (K)
    
58. P2 Designs' Just Ducky Socks (K)
    
59. P2 Designs's Leggings with Foot (K)
    
60. P2 Designs' The Noah's Ark Collection (K)
    
61. P2 Designs's Peppermint Twist Hat and Socks (K)
    
62. P2 Designs' Pretty as a Poppy hat and Mary Jane Socks (K)
    
63. P2 Designs' Snowflake Baby Hat (K)
    
64. P2 Designs' Snowflake Socks (K)
    
65. P2 Design's Ups-a-Daisy Hat & Socks (K)
    
66. Stephanie Pearl McPhee's Daisy (K)
    
67. Wendy Johnson's Baby Norgi (K)
    

I have no affiliation with any of the sites and probably have not researched them beyond the page on which the pattern is located. Thanks Rachel for all your help :)

Show N Tell: Sue's Entry

I am way behind in getting this to you - the Advent Box is done. I've attached photos for you. Behind each of the doors is a little, hand-painted wooden ornament for the kids to hang on their Christmas tree. It was indeed a "labor of love"!

I'll have to send you some of the new things I've done with Diane Langan's shrug patterns. They are easy to work with and great to "improvise" various changes.

Have a wonderful weekend - and that was really special to share your hair with those who really need it. I did that some time ago - and never regretted it!

Hugs,
Sue - in the Log House

Veterans' Day

I offer my sincerest most whole hearted thanks to all the Veterans alive and to those who are no longer with us. Both of my brothers and my Pops are Veterans and I am super proud of them :) Big hugs to you Nick, Chris, and Pops!

Here is Antique all balled up with each yarn catalogued on notecards.  Doni (owner of the yarn shop I where I bought the kit) did me a huge favor by doing this for me.  I would have never thought of doing it to tell truth. This will make everything so much easier.  I went ahead and bought a set of ebony needles to knit her with. Nothing but the best for this beauty. I'm not going to start working on her until I have finished some of the things I am already working on. What better motivation to finish my current projects than this!

Busy Busy Busy!

I am sorry that my blogging has been so sporadic, but I have been super busy lately. Let me say that I'm very happy to have all the things going on that make me busy (I'm finally making the best of living here in Florida), but my blog tends to suffer for it. Usually I'm not walking in the door until after 7 or so, and then I have to clean, cook, pay bills, etc. By the time I get to really sit down at the computer to check my emails, reply to comments, and read my blogs I look up and it's after midnight! Where does the time go? Then I wonder if I should blog or get some much needed sleep. Here lately sleep has won out. I haven't forgotten about the list of baby clothing pattern links, I just haven't had the time to sit down and do it. I am going to start doing a couple a night, and hopefully I'll have you a list soon :) To save on time tonight, here is what I have going on in nutshell...

• My knitting classes have really picked up I am very happy to say. I have wonderful students and I completely enjoy having the extra classes and students! The more the better!
  
• I have been knitting this hat (very interesting site) as a sample for my LYS. So far I'm about halfway done. My goal was to have it finished by tomorrow, but it's not going to happen.
  
• I am working on a lacy wrap from Vogue. I don't have nearly as many rows completed as I would like, but I can already tell it is going to be beautiful.
  
• I am about to start one of those neat spiral looking scarves in a yummy pink alpaca. This is also a sample and will come after the hat.
  
• I have the yarn to knit Butterfly, but I haven't swatched it yet. I think maybe I should make up a schedule for all of my projects. Monday is LYS, Tuesday is wrap, Wednesday LYS, Thursday is Butterfly...
  
• I got a copy of Knitting Blogger's Favorite recipes in the mail the other day! I was so excited to see my recipe in there :) The book really turned out great and I can't wait to try other bloggers' recipes! Thanks Elizabeth!!
  
• I am learning how to do chain maille and doing a bit of beading when I get the time. If you are interested in learning about it, here is a wonderful link. This interest came from the inability to find a single silver bracelet that I liked in the store. I plan on making a bracelet that looks something like this.
  
• Speaking of beading, I will hopefully get to my friend Debbi's house on Friday to do some beading. This has to happen in between apple pie baking and a knitting class. I'll try not to cancel on you Deb!
  
• I have been making the best of every spare minute I can catch with my husband. When your SO works even more than you do (that's a whole lot) you have to choose quality time over quantity of time. We went to Buca di Beppo over the weekend, and boy oh boy does that place rock! If you have one near you and you love Italian food, go as soon as you can! You won't be disappointed!

So there you have my life in a nutshell. I'm sure I'm leaving something out ie. the war between myself and my cell phone provider. Hehe! I owe you a ton of pictures of all my WIP's, but right now the bed is calling my name. May you all have happily busy days :)

Show N Tell: Jenn's Entry

These are some cases that I made from this pattern. The first picture is a cigarette case for my Grandma. She likes to tie fringe and wanted fringe on it, so I attached some to the flap. It was made with Red Heart, not sure of the color. It's a new color, I know that much. The bottom picture is a phone case for a friend from school. I had made me one ( mine was different, didn't have the flap, just a braided piece of yarn attached to loop over a button to close it.) I don't know what this yarn is. I'm sure I have the label around somewhere in my label box, but there are so many labels in there! I know I got the yarn from Michaels though. It's a mohair type yarn I think.

Jenn

Know What This Is?

It's an Absolutely Fabulous Throw Kit!!!!! I have wanted one of these kits for so long, and now I finally have one. It was given to me as an early Christmas/Birthday present, and I am sooooooo happy!! Ok happy is a bit of an understatement.  I am bouncing off the walls, dancin' a jig, jumpin' up and down happy! I couldn't wait to tell you all about it because I knew that you would appreciate how completely awesome this gift is. I tried to explain it to my husband, but he just didn't get it. My co workers didn't seem to get it either. I can't begin to express my gratitude for this wonderful gift. The colorway of this kit is Antique, which matches my living room perfectly. I'm going to my LYS Saturday so that I can use the ballwinder, and I'm going to get all of the yarn organized. I know that once I have this yarn balled, I'm going to have a hard time not starting her! I have to try and stay focused on my current projects!!!

LYS Sample Scarf

Show N Tell: Debbi's Entry

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Hi, Just in time for Halloween......a Pumpkin Patch. I made these for my nephew's Pre-K class. I found the pattern at http://pie.midco.net/grammalowe/halloween.html#cropump. I included the two Jack-o-Lanterns in the pictures to show how they look done up that way, but I decided to leave the faces off the others because of the ages of the children. I used a bright orange and dark green Red Heart worsted weight yarn, the pumpkins are crocheted with a size "F" hook, the "Jacks" with size "G" and "H" hooks. I used the green for the first round of the lid instead of the orange called for in the pattern. The lid is attached in the back and opens to reveal the "Treats". My name is Debbi, I am a 47 yr old widow and Grandma living in the Orlando area and providing daycare for my 5 yr old nephew and 3 yr old niece. I finally learned how to crochet three years ago while visiting with my extremely talented friend, Cheryl. My other hobbies include making Rosaries, French Beaded Flowers, bead-weaving, cross-stitching, and I am learning knitting.

Debbi

Hotty!!

This is a great picture of Rob with his favorite plane, a P51 Mustang! Doesn't he look happy!? Not to mention he looks pretty H-O-T I must say! <grin> He took some pictures during his flight up to Maine and back and I'll share those with you too when I get them.

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Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!

I spent the evening in tangled yarn hell!! I am knitting a scarf for a yarn shop and the helpful wonderful pattern says, "Wind skeins of Eros and Electra on a ball winder and pull from the center and the outside for 2 strands." The lovely pattern didn't say how big of a pain in the butt it is to use Eros with a ball wander (it's super slippery), and how much trouble you can get yourself into when it doesn't work. I figured I would have the scarf completed this evening but instead spent the whole evening untangling Eros. I must say, this is one of the coolest novelty yarn scarves I have seen in a while, and the colors are fantastic!

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Well there you have my scarf mess. What you see here is Odyssey Glitz 4796, Eros Extreme 4796, Eros 4796, Electra 201, Parrot 4796, and Jungle 4796. The scarf is knit longways alternating between these six yarns. It can easily be finished in an evening as long as you don't go whacko with a ball winder like I did. I had a much better success rate using this method.

Coming soon will be pictures of the Lacy Wrap from the Fall 2005 Vogue I'm working on, and a felted bag with matching cell phone holder (in it's unfelted state) I knit for class. Can you tell I've been busy?

Show N Tell: Dale's Entry

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I made this hat for my sci-fi loving son. It's a take-off of a hat worn by a character named Jayne Cobb in the TV series Firefly. Apparently the hat was made for Jayne by his mother, so this is appropriate! The colors are very bright - orange, yellow and rust. I used Lamb's Pride and a size 11 needle. The gauge is loose but since he lives in the south, he doesn't want this hat for warmth! He also has an extra large head size so I needed the extra size the bigger needles gave me. The hat is for his birthday and he hasn't seen it yet! It was so simple to do - a tall stocking cap with a pom-pom and then long ear flaps!

Dale
~Be a hero, be a marrow donor
http://www.marrow.org

Did You Guess Punkin' ?

You were right :)


Click Picture For Pattern

Can You Guess What I'm Making?

Long Awaited Shawl Picture!!

In case you didn't catch this insane and barely coherent entry I figured I should give more info about the shawl in yesterday's picture. The wonderful, beautiful, gorgeous, fabulous, awesome, I'm running out of adjectives, shawl was knit by none other than Becky from Knitting Interrupted. She donated it as a prize for Give A Little Katrina Relief which has now raised over $100,000!!! Becky is too awesome for words give away such a fantabulous (i'm just going to start inventing adjectives) knitted shawl, and I'm just too lucky for words to have won it. Right now Becky is collecting snippets of yarn for her Snippets Journal project. You can read all about it here. Becky, thank you again for the shawl!! I will love and cherish it always :)

Good News and Bad News

Before I tell you the news, I want to tell you about the poll results. Baby Clothes won by a landslide! There are literally hundreds of baby clothes patterns online, so I'm not going to post every one I come across. It's still going to be a pretty large list of links, no worries.

Now for the good news. I always liked good news first. I got my replacement battery in the mail! It works great and I can take pictures again. First and foremost I owe you a picture of me and my pretty blue shawl. Don't think I have forgotten. Hard to forget something so beautiful especially since I curl up with it almost every night.

And now we have the bad news. I CAN'T FIND THE STUPID CORD TO MY CAMERA!! You know the one you have to have in order to put the pictures ON THE COMPUTER! Yeah that thing. It's gone. Of course it's gone. But in the famous words of my husband, "It's around here somewhere." The hunt is on people. The hunt is on!

Show N Tell: Veronica's Entry

  

I went to England and visited a well known dollmaker and sculptor. I spent 3 weeks and, along with a few other things, this is what we made. She's a rendition of "My Fair Lady".For anyone who is a dollmaker and wants details...

She is 25 inches tall. Her face is cloth over modeled baked clay then coloured using Water Colour Pencils.  The hair is processed mohair. The dress is stretchy velvet, pulled, tucked and stitched into position directly onto the body in many areas and the seam up the front is covered with a string of tiny pearls. The body is tight weave cotton and stuffed firmly, and her little boots are Apoxie Sculpt molded right onto her fabric leg then painted with 3 coats of white and shimmer white. There are hollow rods in her legs that fit over smaller rods protruding from the base so that she is free standing. It's not an easy feat stuffing the legs around those!

Veronica
http://www.picturetrail.com/bumblebearies

Jewelry Pics As Promised

Here are pictures of the jewelry that I made Grandmommy. I am still sans camera and Terry was nice enough to snap some pictures for me.

Click for Super Large Image

This set is made with Swarovski crystals, Czech glass, and sterling silver findings. I just made it about two or three days ago. We were going to have one of our girls days, and I told her to make sure that she wore pink. Since she had picked out the beads, she pretty much knew what I was up to. She was very happy when she saw her set. I think I ought to make her a matching bracelet now.



Click for Super Large Image


I made this set for her a while ago. This set is made up completely of Swarovski Crystals, and all of the findings are sterling silver. I seriously enjoy making jewelry with the Swarovskis. I have always been a sucker for anything that sparkles. <grin>

Camera Update and Stuff

Before I say anything, I must mention the horrible earthquake that happened recently and say once again the people affected by yet another horrible tragedy are in my thoughts and prayers. Something's gotta give. Right?

I bought a battery for my camera on Ebay. Hopefully it will get here very soon! It is driving me crazy that I can't post pictures of what I am doing. I started a really cute felted bag in Purple Lamb's pride with Mulitfizz mixed in. It is going to be super cute! I am also going to make a matching felted cell phone case. These are samples for future beginner knitting classes. There is nothing better than felting for a beginner class. Uneven stitches?? What? Who cares! It will all felt out! This is great for the self esteem of a new knitter and eases a lot of frustration. If you teach crochet or knitting I highly recommend adding felting to your classes.

Take a sec to vote on the next pattern search. I'm going to close the poll Friday which will give me the weekend to find the links. Sunday is the start of my vacation yay! Hopefully I'll have a battery for my camera by then so that I can get some long overdue pictures taken. The main one being the picture of my beautiful blue shawl. No I haven't forgotten about that :)

I should have pictures tomorrow of the latest jewelry set I made for my grandma. She's going to take them tomorrow. I'm actually pretty proud of this set. The chandelier earrings came out very well if I do say so myself :) I just love designing and creating my own jewelry. It is so much fun to have that near instant gratification. I am planning on getting into more complicated projects as soon as I can allot the time for it. That is easier said than done. Have a great Wednesday everyone and don't forget to vote!

Show N Tell: Liz's Entry

  

The first picture is my Daughter, Emily's Easter dress, which was made by my Mother, with a little help from me. (She's three in this picture)I don't remember the pattern number. The fabric and pattern, are both by Daisy Kingdom. The other pictures are of my first knitted sweater ever! It's the must have cardigan by Patons, made with Patons Classic Merino. I love love love this sweater. I finished it right before summer, so I haven't been able to wear it out yet. The first cold day though, she's coming out!

Enjoy! Liz http://lizbethknits.blogspot.com

Issues

I am having camera issues. My battery no longer charges and now my stinking ac adapter has a short in it or something. Now I can't even plug the darn thing in to take pictures. If I could, I would show that I am halfway finished with my Lacey ChicKami. Insert mental image here. Haha! I am currently trying to track down a replacement battery which isn't easy or very affordable. It is at least a bit more affordable than buying a whole new camera. Hopefully I will remedy this situation very soon. What is a knitting blog without pictures?

Well there are always the links :) That is one thing I can do that is very helpful, and doesn't take a camera. What I want to know is what links would you like to have next? The holidays are rapidly approaching and I'm sure that there is something you are looking for. Give me some requests and we'll vote on the next hunt.

Show N Tell

Hi everyone! I have some good news. Show N Tell is going to resume. I have received some new entries, and I have also been informed that some entries were sent in and apparently lost. If you have sent and entry in to me, and you haven't seen it posted. Please contact me a faercrafty at gmail dot com. I apologize for any misplaced entries, and I am working on a more organized way to store them. Hopefully, they will keep flowing in. Remember that any craft is eligible for Show N Tell, and you can participate even if you already have a website or blog. You may get some new visitors and make some new friends. Thanks again to everyone who has participated. I have greatly enjoyed seeing and reading about your creations.

Free Bolero and Shrug Links

1. Alpaca Plus Inc. Shrug (K)
   
2. Ann Cannon-Brown's Far East Peacock Plumes Bolero (K)
   
3. Augustus Butera's Cropped Bolero Vest (K)
   
4. Barbara Breiter's Bolero Jacket (K)
   
5. Beatknit's Bell Sleeve Shrug (K)
   
6. Berroco's Sarena Shrug (K)
   
7. Blue Alvarez Designs' Hot Lava Bolero (K)
   
8. Blue Alvarez Designs' Wrath of Khan Shrug (K)
   
9. Brenda Zuk's Collared Shrug (K)
   
10. CashmereCat.com Faux Fur Shrug (K)
    
11. Craft Yarn Council's Shrug (C)
    
12. Craft Yarn Council's Shrug (K)
    
13. Craftster.org Child's Shrug (K)
    
14. Creative Corner's "Thing" A shawl collar sweater/shrug (K)
    
15. CrochetnMore.com Barbie Shrug (C)
    
16. Crochetville's Flowery Shrug (C)
    
17. Crystal Palace's Merino Frappe + Tingle Knit Shrug (K)
    
18. Crystal Palace's Party + Splash Shrug (K)
    
19. Crystal Palace's Party + Squiggle Shrug (K)
    
20. CrochetTreasures.com Shoulder Shawl with Sleeves (C)
    
21. CrochetTreasures.com Shoulderette (C)
    
22. Dawn Leeseman's Kid Merino Lacy Shrug (K)
    
23. Elizabeth Clouthier's Queen's Shrug (K)
    
24. Fayla Reiss's Shrug it Off Shrug (K)
    
25. Freepatterns.com Chenille Shrug (C)
    
26. Hazel Spencer's Drop Stitch Shrug (K)
    
27. Heather Dixon 's Lacey (K)
    
28. Interweave Knits' Staff Shrugs (K)
    
29. Jenessa's Drop Stitch Shrug (K)
    
30. Jennifer Thurston's Hug (K)
    
31. Jody Prival's I Do Shrug (K)
    
32. Josie Walker's Cotton Candy Shrug (C)
    
33. Julie A. Bolduc's Fashion Doll Shrug (C)
    
34. Karen Boykin's "Mia" Shrug (K)
    
35. Keridiana Chez's Ribbon Shrug (K)
    
36. Katherine Summer O'Neal's Cleaves Shrug (K)
    
37. Leef Bloomenstiel's Elegant Shoulderette (K)
    
38. Leigh Witchell's Shrug Recipe (K)
    
39. Linda's Chocolate Shrug (K)
    
40. Linda's Holey Squares Shrug (C)
    
41. Linda's Noodle Shrug (K)
    
42. Linda's Triple S Shrug (K)
    
43. Linda Wish's Shrug-Shawl Bedjacket (K)
    
44. Linie 104 – Cocoon Bolero (K)
    
45. Linie 131 – Fantasy Bolero (K)
    
46. Lion Brand's Fancy Fur Shrug (K)
    
47. Lion Brand's Festive Fur Bolero (K)
    
48. Lion Brand's Heavenly Bolero (C)
    
49. Lion Brand's Romantic Bolero (C)
    
50. Lion Brand's Suede Bolero (K)
    
51. Lion Brand's 'Wrap Artist' Shrug (K)
    
52. Liz Gipson Spindle Spun Singles Shrug(K)
    
53. Lothruin's Bolero Jacket (K)
    
54. Lyn's Designs' Baby Granny Stitch Shrug (C)
    
55. MaryEllen Stover's Cross Stitch Crocheted Shrug (C)
    
56. Mango Moon's Shrug (K)
    
57. Rebecca Hatcher's Shimmer Raglan Shrug (K)
    
58. Rock Chick's Peacock Shrug (K)
    
59. The Knitting Fiend's Mary Ann Raglan (K)
    
60. The Knitting Fiend's Shrug Pattern Generator (K)
    
61. Two Sister's Vintage Shrugs (K)
    
62. Virginia's Armor Wool Shrug (scroll down) (K)
    
63. Wendy Bernard's Girlfriend Shrug (K)
    
64. White Lies Designs' Lacy Shrug (K)
    
65. Yarn Forward's Bolero Top (K)
    
66. Yarnmarket's No Struggle "Shrugawl" (K)

Locks Of Love

First of all I just want to tell everyone thank youuuuuuuuuuuuu!!! You all made me smile, and you have no clue how much that was needed right about now. Since I have let the cat out of the bag I can tell you my main motivation to take the plunge and chop of my locks. It is a wonderful charity called Locks Of Love. I donated a foot of my hair, and I feel really good about it. I didn't even cry when she cut it. Here's proof...

See I'm all smiles :) My Grandmommy took me and was my support. Thank you for everything Grandmommy. You are awesome. She's been wanting me to do this for a while, and she's pretty happy with the end results. I will admit that I feel a little strange, and I miss my hair. That's nothing compared to the happiness I feel when I know it will help someone who doesn't have any :)

Are You Sitting Down?

Many of you know me to look like this...

In fact I have looked like this for the past few years. I have been dealing with some major issues and you know what women tend to do when they really need a pick me up.

CLICK HERE FOR THE BIG SURPRISE! SORRY LADIES NO BUN IN THE OVEN!

Get Prepared!

Big Shocker Coming Soon To A Blog Near You

Show N Tell: Judy's Entry

Click To Enlarge

Today's Show N Tell is from one of the ladies in my knitting group. On the left is the Booga bag and on the right is the Every Day Cardigan. The Every Day Cardigan was knit in Peace Fleece but I'm not sure what the Booga bag is knit in. If I had to guess I would say that it is Noro. I didn't receive any more information on these two projects. I think they look wonderful though :)

I hate to admit this but that is the last Show N Tell that I have to offer.  I have really enjoyed Show N Tell, and I would love to get enough entries to keep it going for a long time. Any crafty endeavor is eligible. If you created, you can show it off here. All you have to do is email me at faerycrafty at gmail dot com with your entry.

Free Shawl and Wrap Links

1. A.C. Moore Knitted Shawl With Beads (K)
   
2. All Tangled Up's Kiri Shawl (K)
   
3. Ashley Martineau's Garter Stitch Shawl (K)
   
4. Aunty M's Stole (C) 
   
5. Barbara Breiter's Kid Merino + Little Flowers Shawl (K)
   
6. Berroco's Georgia Oversized Square Shawl (K)
   
7. Berroco's Hasana Shawl (K)
   
8. Berroco's Josephina Oversized Wrap (K)
   
9. Berroco's Lilly Modern Geometric Wrap (K)
   
10. Berroco's Marguritte Evening Wrap (K)
    
11. Berroco's Michaela Spectacular Lace Shawl (K)
    
12. Berroco's Patricia Shawl (C) 
    
13. Berroco's Stevie Shawl with Sleeves (K)
    
14. Berroco's Zeta Shawl (K)
    
15. Bev's "Dishcloth" Shawl (K)
    
16. C Devine's Rose Trellis Shawl (K)
    
17. CanadianLiving.com Kaleidoscope Shawl (C) 
    
18. CanadianLiving.com's Lovely Lacy Shawl (K)
    
19. Caron's Cozi Shawl (C)
    
20. Caron's Ruffle Wrap (K) 
    
21. Caron's Shoulder Shawl (K)
    
22. Cat Bordhi's Swimming Jewels Stole (K)
    
23. Catherine Lindsay's Lacy Shell Stole (C)
    
24. Craftbits' Baby's Lacy Shawl (K)
    
25. Craftown's Diamond Pattern Shawl (K)
    
26. Craftown's Easy Knit Shawl (K)
    
27. Craftown's Evening Shawl (C)
    
28. Craftown's Everyday Shawl (C)
    
29. Craftown's Fan Pattern Shawl (C) 
    
30. Craftown's Shawl (K)
    
31. Craftown's Shimmering Shawl (C) 
    
32. Craft Yarn Council's Fall Shawl (C)
    
33. Craft Yarn Council's Fall Shawl (K)
    
34. Craft Yarn Council's Fringed Shawl (C)
    
35. Craft Yarn Council's It's a Wrap (C)
    
36. Craft Yarn Council's Summer Cover Up (C) 
    
37. Crystal Palace's Fizz + Kid Merino Shawl (K)
    
38. Crystal Palace's Party Ribbon + Splash Shrug (K) 
    
39. Crystal Palace's Party Triangle Stole (K)
    
40. Crystal Palace's Triangle Garter Stitch Shawl (K)
    
41. Dainty Works' Katherine Queen of Stoles (C)
    
42. Dainty Work's Peachtree Street Stole (C) 
    
43. Dainty Work's Powder Puff Shawl (C)
    
44. Danielle Schoonover's Cozy Lace Wrap (K)
    
45. Darilyn Page's Basketweave Fiber Hug Shawl (K)
    
46. Debb Wilcox's Papillion (Butterfly) Shawl (K)
    
47. Debra Matz's Bell Pattern Shawl (K)
    
48. Debra Matz's Rob Roy Triangular Shawl (K)
    
49. Denise Powell's Watercolours Shawl (K)
    
50. Dot Matthews' Bows and Arrows Stole (C)
    
51. Dot Matthews' Pretty as a Peacock Stole (C)
    
52. Emily Nelson's Solomon's Knot Shawl (C) 
    
53. Emma Crew's Cobweb Shawl (K)
    
54. Fleisher's Knitting and Crocheting Manual's Leeds Shawl (K)
    
55. Flory Loughead's Shetland Shawl (K)
    
56. Grace Stark's Wrapped in a Hug Stole (K)
    
57. Gritty Knits' Scrap Wrap (K)
    
58. Groovy Crochet's Easy Crochet Wrap Up Shawl (C)
    
59. Groovy Crochet's Filigree Shawl (C)
    
60. Groovy Crochet's Marigold Shawl (C)
    
61. Groovy Crochet's Mexicana Shawl (C)
    
62. Groovy Crochet's Tasseled Wrap Around Shawl (C)
    
63. Heirloom Knitting's Bird's Eye Shawl (K)
    
64. Heirloom Knitting's Daisies Shawl Pattern (K)
    
65. Hello Yarn's A Brown Shawl (K)
    
66. Janelle Schlossman's Light and Cozy Shawl (C) 
    
67. Janice Pea's Drop Stitch Shawl (K)
    
68. Janice Pea's Ruffle Stole/Scarf (K)
    
69. Janice Pea's Simple Triangular Shawl (K)
    
70. Janice Pea's Thrift Shop Shawl
    
71. Jillian Moreno's Bob & Weave Wrap (K) 
    
72. Jo Anne Tracy's Halcyon Shawl (C) 
    
73. Joan Hamer's Big Snuggly Shawl (K)
    
74. Judy Gibson's Simple Slant Shawl (K)
    
75. Karen Connor's Lace Shawl (K)
    
76. Kat Coyle's Leaves and Waves Shawl (K)
    
77. Kelly. A Jackson's Just a Little Privacy Wrap (C) 
    
78. Kelley Petkun's Dropped Stitch Shawl (K)
    
79. Kelley Petkun's Red Hat Lady Shawl (K)
    
80. Kim Huhta's Glam Ribbon Stole (K)
    
81. Kika Robinson's Easiest Shawl Ever (C)
    
82. Knit Picks' Drop-Stitch Twist Shawl (K) 
    
83. Knitting-Crochet.com's Cover-up (K)
    
84. Knitting-Crochet.com's Elegant Evening Wrap (K)
    
85. Knitting-Crochet.com's Filet Mesh Shawl (C)
    
86. Knitting-Crochet.com's Just Enough Lacey Shawl (C) 
    
87. Knitting-Crochet.com's Lacey Evening Wrap (K)
    
88. Knitting-Crochet.com's Light Lacey Shawl (C) 
    
89. Knitting-Crochet.com's Light Wrap (K)
    
90. Knitting-Crochet.com's Long and Open Shawl (C)
    
91. Knitting-Crochet.com's Long Shawl (C)
    
92. Knitting-Crochet.com's Long "V" Stitch Shawl (C) 
    
93. Knitting-Crochet.com's Multi Colored Shawl (K)
    
94. Knitting-Crochet.com's Stole (C)
    
95. Knitting-Crochet.com's Trianular Shawl (C) 
    
96. Knitty Gritty's Wrap it Up Liberty Shawl (K)
    
97. Knottie By Nature Blue Jeans Shawl (C)
    
98. Knottie By Nature's Spring Has Sprung Shawl (C) 
    
99. L. Mathewson's Diagonal Stitch Shawl (C)
    
100. Laurie Osborne's Wave and Shell Shawl (K)
     
101. Lee Mathewson's Kerchief or Shawl (C) 
     
102. Linda Benne's Baby Kid Mohair Shawl (K)
     
103. Linda Clark's Candle Flame Shawl (K)
     
104. Lynda Illingsworth's Tessa and Anna Shawls (K)
     
105. Linda's Denim Shawl (K)
     
106. Linda's Lacy Shawl (K)
     
107. Linda's Old Shale Shawl (K)
     
108. Linda Wish's Shrug-Shawl Bedjacket (K)
     
109. Lion Brand's Trellis Triangle Knit Shawl (K)
     
110. Liz Biven's Easy Shawl (M)
     
111. Lizzi Jennings' Tri-aran-angle Shawl (K)
     
112. Mango Moon's Wink Stole (K)
     
113. Mani Di Fati's Ivory Shawl with Flowers (C) 
     
114. Mantellina Shawl With Sleeves (K)
     
115. Marnie MacLean's Flamenco Wrap (C) 
     
116. Marie-Christine Mahe's Vegan Fox Stole (K)
     
117. Marlo D. Cairns' Sweet February Shawl (C)
     
118. Maureen Egen Emlet's Shells and Squares Shawl (C) 
     
119. McCall's Crochet It! Lacy Summer Shawl (C)
     
120. MeDidIt.com's Fringed Stole (C)
     
121. Melissa Leapman's Pink Scalloped Shawl (C) 
     
122. Melissa Lim's Eve Fluffy Faux Fur Stole (K)
     
123. Midnight Knitters' Seaweed Wrap (K)
     
124. Minerva Yarns' Shoulderette (K)
     
125. Moda Dea's Kickx Wrap (C) 
     
126. Moda Dea's Stole (K)
     
127. Moda Dea's Wrap (K)
     
128. Mom's Shawl from The Knitting Fiend (K) 
     
129. Nancy Valocik's Buttoned-Up Shawl (K)
     
130. Nona's Tie One On Wrap (K)
     
131. Orang Merajut's Green Stole (K)
     
132. Peggy Pignato's Weaver's Wool Mini Shawl (K) 
     
133. Polly Othwaite's Kiri Shawl (K)
     
134. Rare Yarns' Wrap in Garter Stitch (K)
     
135. Safiya Ali's Lacy Stole (C) 
     
136. Sall Trefftsz's Raspberry Wrap (K)
     
137. Sara Sharpe's Tinsel Garland Shawl (K)
     
138. Sarah Bradberry's Comfort Shawl (K)
     
139. Sarah Bradberry's Dishcloth Shawl (K)
     
140. Sarah Bradberry's Feather and Fan Comfort Shawl (K)
     
141. Sarah Bradberry's Shetland Shawl (K)
     
142. Sarah Bradberry's Shoulder Shawl (K)
     
143. Sensations Rainbow Boucle Wrap (K)
     
144. Seraphina's Shawl (C) 
     
145. Sivia Harding's Variation on a Frill Stole (K)
     
146. Solutia's Homespun Shawl (K)
     
147. Stasia's Koigu Kersti Shawl (K)
     
148. Sue's Clove St Shawl by Betsy Baird (K)
     
149. Susan C. Druding's Deco Ribbon and Splash Stole (K)
     
150. Sue Morgan's Frilling Wrap (K)
     
151. Terri Lee Royea's Garter Stitch Shawl (K)
     
152. The Daily Knitters' Susan Shawl (K)
     
153. The Yarnpath's Zen Garden Stole (K)
     
154. Trish Bloom's Bloom Shawl (K)
     
155. Two Sister's Vinatage Angora Stole Cape (K)
     
156. V & A Fern Stitch Shawl (K)
     
157. Vicki Harrelson's Scalloped Edge Shawl (C) 
     
158. Yarn Market's Baby Loop Reversible Wrap (K) 
     
159. Yarn Market's Mariposa Shawl (K) 
     
160. Yarn Market's No Struggle "Shrugawl" (K)
     
161. Yarn Market's Phoenix Shawl (K) 
     
162. Yarn Market's Prism Shawl with Touch Me (K)
     
163. Wendy Engstrom's Orenburg Style Shawl (K) 
     
164. Wendy Wonnacott's Ella Shawl (K)
     
165. Women's Weekly Heirloom Shawl (K)

I have no affiliation with the above sites and most likely have not
researched them beyond the page on which the pattern is located.

Shawls Shawls Shawls!!

I went shopping the other day with Grandmommy, and everywhere I looked there were shawls and wraps! There were so many different patterns and colors. I almost bought one and then nearly smacked myself. Helloooo I can knit one of these! Helloooo I have a beautiful blue one at home right now :) First things first, I will finish ChicKami and Butterfly, and then I think I'm going to myself a warm snuggly shawl. Yes I'm going to knit the Peacock Shawl, but first I want to knit something warm to take with me when I go to Virginia in January. Now I just need to find the right pattern, so I decided to revamp my Free Shawl Pattern list. I have already gone through the knit patterns, and now I'm starting on the crochet patterns. I figure this way I'll find exactly what I want, and maybe you'll find one you want too.

Here We Go Again!!!

I can't believe this!! Another Catagory 5 hurricane!! If you are in the path of Rita, please for the love of God and all that is holy get out of the way. We have seen that these hurricanes are no joke and are to be taken very seriously. I'll be praying for you all.

Bad Bad Blogger!

I have been a terrible blogger lately. Time really hasn't been on my side. I have managed to do some knitting but nothing really worth showing. Watching stockinette grow a few inches isn't exactly exciting stuff. I wanted to start working on Butterfly, but I don't have the time to get into anything complicated. Stockinette round and round and round is right up my alley at the moment. My husband is hopefully going to be off this coming Sunday, and I'm going to try and get him to take a picture of me with my pretty shawl :) Hopefully, I'll do it justice, and hopefully I'll get back to blogging more regularly soon. Happy Tuesday!

All Work And No Play...

makes Stacie a very tired girl! I haven't been able to post much this week due to being worked to death at work (14 hours unloading freight) and coming home to study for the final test for my new job. Honestly I don't really have any business posting this right now. I have one day left to study before I do my one on one and they decide to hire me. However, I feel like I have a few wonderful reasons to take this break.

1. MY BEAUTIFUL WONDERFUL GORGEOUS FABULOUS EXQUISITE AMAZING SHAWL CAME TODAY!
   
2. My awesome wonderful husband was promoted today!!! He is now a Stage Check Pilot which looks GREAT  on a resume! We're getting there baby!
   
3. I can't say who and I can't say how, but someone that has caused me a lot of stress for the past year and a half is no longer in my life. Although I would have remedied this pretty soon anyways, it's nice to have an early reprieve.

Ok back to the books! Pictures of my beauitimous shawl will be coming as soon as I get the chance to breathe! Please bare with me :)

HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL!!!

Ok I don't know how I'm going to calm down enough to blog about this. Ok breathe Stacie. You remember, in and out. Whew! Ok so you know about the Give A Little project that Margene and Susan are hosting. Ok I can do this... Well they give out prizes for people who donate money to the Red Cross. I donated money and some prizes, but I never expected to win anything. I usually don't win things. Remember how amazed I was when I won that sock yarn! Thanks Vicki if you're reading!

Tonight I got an email that knocked me on my butt!! I look in my inbox and I see "You are a winner". So I get all excited! I'm thinking oh boy some yarn or something neat like that! There are so many good prizes. Never in a million years did I expect to win THIS. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!! I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW I'M TYPING THIS. I CAN'T BELIEVE I HELD IT TOGETHER THIS LONG!!!! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!! I emailed Susan and Margene first, and then I emailed Becky once I got her address. Let me just say that this entry is cool calm and collected compared to the emails that I sent them. Here's a little snip of one of them...

"OMG NO WAY!!! HOLY CRAP!!! NO WAY!! Sorry for yelling! I think I'm going to have a heart attack. I'm so serious! Holy mother of pearl!!!! omg! Ok ok what's my address!? Ummm oh ok yes!"

Gawd I'm such a nut. They probably think I'm crazy, but I couldn't help myself. At least they know I am appreciative! Hahaha! I can't wait to have it in my hands. I am so very lucky! I am so very amazed!! Thank you Becky!! Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Lacey Edged ChicKami

Click To Enlarge
Here is the beginnings of my version of ChicKami by Bonne Marie Burns. I started by finding a lace edging that I liked from Knitting On The Edge. Once I picked out the edging I wanted, I had to convert the pattern from knitting flat to knitting in the round. When you convert a pattern from flat to circular you basically reverse the directions on the WS row. So that means if the WS row says K2, P3, then you would P2, K3. Well the first row in this pattern is a WS row and you are supposed to Purl this row and every WS row, so I changed them all to Knit, super easy fix. Finally, I had to take out a K stitch on the end so that the whole thing would join properly.

Does any of this make any sense at all? I'm not always the best on explaining this kind of thing in writing. It's usually way easier for me to show someone. Why don't you all just come on down to Florida, and I'll show you. You wanted to go to Disney anyways right?

Knitting Neglect

My knitting is so neglected this week. I have actually managed some, but haven't managed any pictures of it. I'll take a picture tomorrow and post it here. In the meantime go check out the new Fall Knitty. I really like this pattern. What do you think?

Have you seen the amount of money that has been raised by knitters!!? Let me just say that knitters ROCK!! I offered Nancy Bush's Knitting On The Road as a prize and a copy of the Fall 2004 Interweave Knits (out of print) along with a couple of Vogue Magazines. Anything I can do to help :) I wish that I could do more. I took a receipt of my donation to work today and they matched it! Yay!! If you want to donate, ask around to see if any of your friends or family have an employer that matches donations. Make your money spread as far as you can get it :) Have a great Thursday everyone! Knitting pics coming soon :)

*was originally blog neglect then I thought to myself. hey self you have been updating your blog just not your knitting. wrong choice of words haha!

Show N Tell: Jenn's Entry

Thought I would give this another try. This is an afghan that I crocheted for my boyfriend, Travis, for his birthday. He didn't exactly get it on his birthday (in June) In fact, I still have it. :) But I'm finally finished doing everything I wanted to it. He loves it and was nagging me to get done with it and give it to him. I chose Green and White because green is his favorite color and I didn't like the idea of an all green afghan because I figured I would get bored fast with it. I can't remember what pattern I used. I just found a pattern that looked like I wanted and I used the pattern to get the first couple of rows done and then I just did the rest from those rows. I just looked at the pattern from my computer, I don't even remember if I saved it or not. But there are tons of patterns out there that are like this one that aren't hard to find. It's called something like a ripple afghan or something like that. I really wanted to get a picture of Travis wrapped up in the blanket one morning while he was still asleep while on a trip to my Grandparent's house. But I didn't even think about it until later. I can't remember how many skiens of yarn I used either sorry! I do remember that I used a size I crochet hook though.

Jenn of Shamrock Crafts

Nick Update

My mom just told me that Nick called her today. So far in the two days he has been in New Orleans he has rescued 300 people. Unfortunately one person passed away while in his helicopter. He says it is so awful there. Ben is having a hard time without his Daddy, but at least he won't be gone for a year this time. Please keep Nick in your thoughts and prayers. He has seen a lot of terrible things for someone so young, and I worry about him. We are beyond proud of him and could not ask for a better brother, son, husband, father, and soldier. We love you Nick!!

Show N Tell Is Coming soon...

Fun Ways To Donate

One of the blogs I read is having an auction for one of her paintings. She will be donating the proceeds to the Humane Society. She's a wonderful artist so go check her out.

You can also make a donation by buying the pattern for a pretty ribbed top here. She is donating the proceeds via a friend's 200% employer matching program.

Full Thread Ahead is selling Bear Kits and all profits are going to the Red Cross.

Little Knits is donating 100% of their net proceeds until September 8th.


If you know of any other places donating money, let me know.

Nick

Please keep my brother Nick in your thoughts and prayers. He has been deployed to help with relief in Louisiana.  My sister-in-law was able to speak to him last night, and he told her that "New Orleans is worse than Iraq".  That statement was like a punch in the gut. She told me that alot of people he has been rescuing are disabled people in wheel chairs and very sick children and that it is making him so sad. I feel so bad for these poor people, and I wish that I could do more. I am so proud that I have a brother who is there helping them.

One of these days this blog will get back to knitting, but not just yet. I can't bring myself to blog about knitting at a time like this. Heck I can barely even knit. I think I have ripped out the same two rows twenty times already. I had to count my darn cast on six times because I kept losing count after about 30. Again please keep Nick in your thoughts and prayers as he helps to rescue the poor victims of this horrible catastrophe and don't forget to donate if you can. We have to stick together America :)

Please Donate :)

My friend Janette and I were talking on the phone today about donating money towards hurricane relief. Janette made the point that if everyone in the US would just give just $5, millions and millions of dollars would be raised. I know times are hard and the gas prices are rising, but I'm sure that you could give up a few cups of coffee or a couple of 2 liters of soda and make at least a $5 donation. I for one am taking the money I was about to spend on some yarn I shouldn't have been buying in the first place and donating to both the Red Cross and the Humane Society. And for some incentive on donating check out I'm Knitting As Fast As I Can and Zeneedle. These wonderful ladies are giving away prizes to donators. So far they have raised over $4,000!! I know that number is going to rise higher and higher.

 

So Sad!

I am so sad! I can't bring myself to blog about knitting. I keep reading all of the news about Katrina and it is all so awful. People having to shoot holes through their roofs in order to escape the floods, looting, bodies floating in the streets, no food, no water, shelters are flooding...It's awful! My brother Nick is getting sent there for a month to help in the relief efforts. I feel utterly helpless. All I can do is pray. Sorry for being such a downer. I just couldn't go about the blog as usual with all that has happened. If you would like to donate to the Red Cross, click here.

Slow Down Katrina!!

Today's Show N Tell is being interrupted so that I may make a request for all the prayers, good thoughts, and finger crossing you can muster for the people in Katrina's path.She has left four people dead here in Florida, and it is estimated that she could leave 1 million people homeless. I was watching the news today, and I saw where many people in Louisiana are without transportation or a place to evacuate to. I can't imagine the fear they must be experiencing. We went through three hurricanes last season, but none of them compared to the size and force of Katrina. I just hope that the government is doing what they can to get the people without transportation evacuated. I'm sure that they could even use school buses if they had to. Get out while the getting is good people! I'll be praying!

Waiting For Butterfly

While I'm waiting for the yarn to arrive for Butterfly, I have been going through my book Knitting On The Edge looking for the perfect edge for ChicKami. When I asked my husband to look through it and tell me what he liked he proclaimed, "There is an entire book of nothing but edges?? Are you serious?" Well yeah! Duh! He just doesn't get it does he. If you haven't seen this book before, you should go and check it out. It is a wonderful resource for people who are learning the ins and outs of designing knitwear. Today we pick out an edge. Tomorrow we design the whole sweater. Yay!! I can't wait! My ultimate goal as a knitter is to design my own patterns. I think that would be so incredible! I have always admired people that could do that, and I want to be one of them! Take Bonne Marie of ChicKnits for example. She is an incredible designer! I don't think I have seen a design that I did not like yet. I wish I could hang out with her in hopes that some of that talent might rub off!

Anthropologie.com

I seriously need to learn how to knit something from just looking at a catalogue picture!! The sweaters on this site are too awesome! My favorite is this one. The sleeves are just too cool!! Isn't it funny how I couldn't make myself shell out $128 for the sweater, but I would fork out $128 to knit the sweater. It's a sickness I tell ya, a sickness.

Butterfly It Is

Well I have definitely decided to knit the camisole version of Butterfly. How could I resist? It is such a beautiful and feminine pattern, and I can't wait to get started. Instead of using Kidsilk Haze, I have opted to go with KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud. The Kidsilk Haze is beautiful without a doubt, but I didn't want my top to be fuzzy. It's just personal preference. It took me a while to figure out what color I wanted Butterfly to be. After much

Ok have you ever fallen asleep right at the keyboard. I mean completely knocked out asleep with your hands on the keyboard ready to type. Well just thought I would let you know that is what happened here. Ok back to the entry. Where was I? Oh yeah...

After much debate I chose Peppermint. It is just so girly and so delicate that no matter what other colors I looked at I just kept going back to pink. Did you also notice the price of the Alpaca Cloud? Yay!! I went ahead and ordered three hanks of Shimmer for the Peacock Feathers Shawl in Turquoise Splendor, color cards for all of their lace weight yarns, and a bottle of Lavender Wool Wash. My total was a whopping 32 bucks!! Yes you read right, 32 bucks. I didn't even have to pay shipping!! Now all I have to do is wait. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!