I'm Finished!!

Can you believe I finished that scarf and shawl list?? I sure can't. I had to organize, alphabetize, and write out the code for the page. I'm not going to admit how many hours this all took! You might think I don't have a life! Haha! The final link count turned out to be 139. I ended up cutting out a few patterns due to issues with the site they were posted on. Needless to say, I haven't done any knitting today. I really need to get that Fair Isle Bag Finished. It has been whimpering in the darkness of my knitting bag. "Please pick me up! I'm lonely!" There just isn't time is there? Sometimes I wish that there were two of me, but then we would probably fight over who gets to knit the bag anyways. Well, it's time for me to get off of this computer. I can't look at this screen a minute longer. Ok, I'm really getting off of this computer now. Have a great day!

Holy Cow!!

There are soooooooooooo many scarf and shawl patterns on the internet. Can you believe that I have found 145 so far, and I am actually leaving a bunch out! I could stop there, but I think I'll look a little bit more for the heck of it. I'm shooting for 150. Think I'll get there? For now, I'm dragging my tired butt to bed! Goodnight :)

Look What I Can Do!

I can spin! Woohooo! I learned how today during my first Spinning Guild meeting. We made our own spindles out of CD's and wooden dowels, and then we got our first lesson in spindle spinning. It was honestly and incredible experience. Ever since I was a kid I have been fascinated with the process of creating fabric from wool, cotton, and other fibers, and now I have actually participated in it. When I learned how to crochet at five I was amazed with what you could create with a just a hook and yarn. When I knit my first socks, I just couldn't believe that two sticks and yarn made them! Now I can even make the yarn! I may not be good at it yet, but by golly I can do it. I still have this great pink roving that Janette gave me, but I want to practice a bit more before I attempt to spin it. It is so pretty, and I don't want to ruin it.

If you would like to make your own CD spindle Click Here. It was really easy to make, and Rhonda said that it spins just as good as her other spindles. She has to be the craftiest woman ever, so I believe her! There are many resources for spinning on the internet, so I'll post a few links for those of you interested in learning to spin. Enjoy!

I Can Spin
The Joy Of Handspinning
The Bellwether
Spin Off

I'm Still Here!

I haven't abandoned the blog. I promise.  You see, Hurricane Charlie has this real problem. He just has to be the center of attention! I really think that he should have been hugged more as a child. Maybe he needs some therapy??

I took my Ribby Shell over to the next door neighbors for some good ole hurricane party knitting. Not having to read a chart or a pattern was especially helpful once the power went out. I highly recommend this pattern for some seriously easy and relaxing knitting. I did put Ribby down long enough to teach my next door neighbor Kim how to knit. I have a ton of extra needles and a stash of kitchen cotton that I may never see the bottom of, so I got her started on an easy dishcloth. She was a very fast learner.

I would really like to show progress pictures of Ribby, but it is for my mom who is a daily reader of my blog. Hi Mom! She knows she is getting a tank, but hasn't seen the pattern picture or the yarn. That is the one drawback of Christmas knitting and blogging. Maybe I should just figure out how to block my family from my blog! Hahaa! Just kidding Mom!! Maybe.......(insert evil laugh here)

Wowsa!

I have had some time on my hands today, so I've been searching for scarves and shawls. Can I just say Holy Crap!! There are a lot of shawl and scarf patterns out there! You are going to have to be patient with me on this one. Right now I'm in the bookmarking stage. It's going to be some work getting the links alphabatized and coded. I will probably seperate the crochet patterns from the knitting ones since there are so many.

Poll Results

Thanks to everyone that participated in my poll. I'm going to get started looking for scarf and shawl patterns in my free time. I'm only going to put links for interesting/unique scarf patterns, because there are A LOT out there. I hope everyone has a great day. I have to go to work now, yuck!

Update

I have another update on my brother. It's very frustrating that we get only bits and pieces of information and half of it is wrong. First we hear he is shot, and then we hear he wasn't shot and it was shrapnel. Now the latest news is that he was shot. Did you ever play the game Telephone when you were a kid? You all sit in a circle and the first person whispers a sentence in the second person's ear. The second person whispers what they heard into the third person's etc etc... The last person says outloud what they think the sentence is, and it is almost always way off. This has been like one big freaking game of Telephone. This is the actual story.

Last Wednesday night Chris was in a convoy that was attacked. The militants were on the side of the road with a rocket propelled grenade waiting for them to pass. Once they shot that they started small arms fire that killed one and wounded five. Chris was one of the wounded. He was in the passengers seat, and the bullet went through the door through his right leg and shattered in his left thigh. The person driving was much more injured, so Chris took over driving until they were out of danger. My brother Nick was able to go to the hospital and will be there until Chris gets sent home. I am so thankful for my brother Nick's unit who never even hesitated about getting him to Chris' side.

This information came straight from Nick's wife so it should be acuarate. Thanks again for all of the well wishes and prayers. Please continue to send happy thoughts and prayers for both of my brothers. Nick is still in the mess, and Chris has a long recovery ahead of him.

Ok you need a smile after reading all of that. Click Here

Bad News Today

I had a bad feeling this morning, so I decided to read the online news on Iraq. Some of you may know that both of my brothers are over there. I read that a helicopter had been shot down, and my stomach twisted. My brother Nick works on Black Hawks and has to fly along with the crew. I got on AOL instant messenger to see I could get in touch with my sister-in-law. I had to make sure Nick was ok and my bad feeling was wrong. She says, "Oh yeah Nick is fine. I just talked to him a little while ago."  Whew! We continued to chat and all the sudden I get this message,

"CHRIS HAS BEEN SHOT!"

She was on the phone with my mother who was asking her to call the Red Cross. I called my mom to try to get more information, but she didn't have much information to give. All we know is that his convoy came under attack, he was shot three times in his legs, and his friend was killed. Despite his wounds and profuse bleeding, he kept driving his truck until he got them all to safety. My brother is a hero.  There isn't a whole lot of information available on the attack, but you can read an article by clicking here. 

The phone call to the Red Cross was a success. My brother Nick is at the hospital with Chris as we speak. They are about to operate, and hopefully we will learn more soon. Not knowing is freaking killing me! My mom is a wreak, my dad is a wreck, and all of us kids are a wreck! At least Chris is alive and will be leaving the war. But what about Nick? What's going to happen to him?

A Button!

Donna from Yarn Tomato made me a button, and I absolutely love it! It's on the left side of the page near the bottom. If you haven't visited Donna's site before, you ought to check it out. She makes the cutest buttons ever. She is also the owner of the Crochet Blogs ring which I plan to join. I'll make an effort to crochet enough to meet the qualifications :) Right click on the button to save it to your computer, and then upload it to your image host. If you don't have image hosting you can go to Photobucket. That is who I use, and it is free. Thanks again Donna! You Rock!

Yep, I crochet

I promised progress pictures today, but I decided not to show a project I am actually working on. Instead I decided to show a project that I have been neglecting for a very, VERY long time. This is a motif for the Summer Sunflowers Afghan that I begun, oh I don't know ummmm, SIX YEARS AGO! Why I lost interest in it I really don't know. I know that part of the reason is that I taught myself how to knit four years ago and fell deaply in love with it. I barely pick up a crochet hook anymore unless it is to teach a class at work or make Christmas presents. I always end up crocheting stuffed animals for the kids and christmas ornaments for the rest of my family. Last year I made Devin a stuffed Tigger and Ben a stuffed cow. His mommy really likes cows, and I wonder who's cow it is now. Haha! Now that I have started my Christmas projects there will be Crocheting content in my blog :) Maybe I will even pick my poor old Sunflower Afghan back up. I know she is terribly lonely.

Finally Knitting!

I actually did some knitting yesterday! It's amazing! I worked on the Fair Isle bag and started the Ribby Shell from ChicKnits. I have finally completed one side and the bottom of the bag. I am officially halfway there! I know I am really slow finishing projects, but I haven't been able to get much knitting time in lately. I'm lucky if I snag an hour a night. I'm beginning to worry about finishing Christmas presents on time. I think I will end up giving IOU's with pictures for the presents that I don't finish. They should understand. I work full time, I have no commuting time, and I can't knit at work. If you can I am soooooooooooooo jealous of you! My time for working on projects is way limited.

Wild!

The wildest thing happened to me today. My husband and I were out running around having fun, and around six or so we started heading home. As we were stopped at a stop light I noticed this old man waving at me and pointing at something. It was a little parakeet that had landed on the side mirror of his car! When it registered in my brain, I started to get out of the car to catch it. Unfortunately, the light turned green and the man started to drive off. The poor little bird did it's best to stay on the mirror, but had to fly off onto the side of the road. I started freaking out and got my husband to turn around so I could save the bird. He knew better than to argue, and he took me back to the spot that I saw the bird land. I jumped out of the car and there the little thing was! It was walking back into traffic towards the cars. Stopping traffic I slowly approached the bird so that I wouldn't scare it into the cars. I herded it away from the street and back to the grass where I quickly but gently grabbed it. It then proceeded to bite the crap out of me and continued to do so all the way back to the car. You should have seen my husband's face when I walked up to the car with the little bird in my hands! He says, "Now what the heck are we going to do?" At first I wanted to keep it but then I decided against it. I would hate to have saved this little baby's life only to have my cats knock over the cage and eat it. After a few phone calls and a bazillion bird bites, I found the birdy a home. Now I can rest easy knowing it is safe and sound.

Free Poncho Links

1. Abigail Goss' Baby Poncho Set (C)
   
2. Adriafil's Poncho "Carmencita" (K)
   
3. Adult Ramblings' Joined Motif Poncho (C)
   
4. Adult Ramblings' Left Over Poncho (C)
   
5. Adult Ramblings' Striped Poncho (C)
   
6. A.L. de Sauveterre Cape May (K)
   
7. Amimono's Falling Leaves Poncho (K)
   
8. Amy Fong's Sheer Poncho (K)
   
9. Angel Poncho for baby (C)
   
10. Anne Modsitt Hannah's Poncho (K)
    
11. Barbara Breiter's Easy Garter Stitch Poncho (K)
    
12. Barbara Breiter's Easy Openwork Poncho (K)
    
13. Barbara Breiter's Musique + Fizz Knit Poncho (K)
    
14. Bella Online's Adult Poncho
    
15. Bella Online's Pretty Poncho (C)
    
16. Bernat Bling Bling Poncho (B)
    
17. Bernat Cottontots Hooded Poncho (K)
    
18. Bernat Ping Pong Capelet (K)
    
19. Bernat Solo Poncho (K)
    
20. Berroco's Amore Poncho (K)
    
21. Berroco's Asars Ponchette (K)
    
22. Berroco's Delmarva Poncho (K)
    
23. Berroco's Donatella Poncho (K)
    
24. Berroco's Famous Poncho (C)
    
25. Berroco's Famous Poncho (K)
    
26. Berroco's Linda Poncho (K)
    
27. Berroco's Loretta Lynn Poncho (K)
    
28. Berroco's Maia Poncho (K)
    
29. Berroco's My First Asymmetrical Poncho (K)
    
30. Berroco's Nina Cape (K)
    
31. Berroco's Novak Poncho (K)
    
32. Berroco's Paige Poncho (K)
    
33. Berroco's Panache Poncho (K)
    
34. Berroco's Phyllis Poncho (K)
    
35. Berroco's Samantha Capelet (K)
    
36. Berroco's Shanaya Poncho (K)
    
37. Bobbie Nash's Ribbon Shawl/Poncho (K)
    
38. Boogie Knits' Summer Poncho (K)
    
39. Bright Spot's Color Block Poncho (C)
    
40. Bright Spot's Leafy Poncho (C)
    
41. Brooke's Purple Poncho (K)
    
42. Canadian Living's Back To School Poncho (K)
    
43. Canadian Living's Mini Poncho (K)
    
44. Capelet Pattern Generator (K)
    
45. Carie Clement Super-Simple Trellis Stitch Poncho (C)
    
46. Caron's Child's Ruffled Poncho (C)
    
47. Caron's Fabulous Ponchini (K)
    
48. Caron's Toddler Poncho (K)
    
49. Carrie Viskozki's Black and White Poncho (C)
    
50. Carrie Viskozki's Child's Striped Poncho (C)
    
51. Carrie Viskozki's Stiped Poncho (C)
    
52. Carrot Patch's Galway Bay Cape (K)
    
53. Carrot Patch's Nautical (K)
    
54. Carrot Patch's Rah Rah Cape (C)
    
55. Carrot Patch's Swashbuckler (C)
    
56. Cat Bordhi's Flowing Collar Poncho (K)
    
57. Celebrity Poncho (like Jessica Simpson's) (C)
    
58. Celia's Basket Ostrich Plume Lace Capelet (K)
    
59. Charlotte Meyer's Charlotte's Web Poncho (C)
    
60. Chell Grissam's Lightweight Jewel Shawl (C) (the tie makes it poncho like)
    
61. Cherry Tree Hill's Old Rose Poncho (K)
    
62. Child's Poncho (C)
    
63. Chris Carroll's Jayda's Poncho (K)
    
64. Christy McMahon's Kid's Beaded Poncho (C)
    
65. Christy McMahon's Pretty Plus Size Poncho (C)
    
66. CJ Roshak's Poncho (C)
    
67. Classic Elite's Charmed Poncho (K)
    
68. Classic Elite's Lou Lou and La Gran Poncho (K)
    
69. Clearwater Knits' Ladies' Poncho (K)
    
70. Coats and Clark Baby Poncho (C)
    
71. Craftown's Asymmetrical Cross Stitch Poncho (C)
    
72. Craftown's Child's Poncho (C)
    
73. Craft Yarn Council Knitted Poncho (K)
    
74. Craft Yarn Council Crocheted Poncho (C)
    
75. Creative Knitting Magazine's Tuneful 'Rap (K)
    
76. CrochetandKnitting.com Keeley's Poncho (C)
    
77. Crystal Palace Asymmetric Poof Crochet Poncho (C)
    
78. Crystal Palace Big Net Mesh Asymmetrical Poncho (K)
    
79. Crystal Palace Big Net Open Stitch Poncho (K)
    
80. Crystal Palace Child's Capelet in Cotton Chenille with Squiggle Trim (K)
    
81. Crystal Palace Choo Choo poncho (K)
    
82. Crystal Palace Deco-Ribbon Openwork Poncho (K)
    
83. Crystal Palace Glam Poncho (K)
    
84. Crystal Palace Striped Poncho (K)
    
85. DIY's Poncho-relli (Charm and Toreador ribbed poncho with ribbon) (K)
    
86. Dot Matthews' Baby Short Round Poncho (C)
    
87. Dot Matthews' Bows and Arrows Poncho (C)
    
88. Dot Matthews's Diamond and Lace Poncho (C)
    
89. Dot Matthews's Diamond Trellis Poncho (C)
    
90. Dot Matthews' Doover Poncho (C)
    
91. Dot Matthews' Eastwoodly Poncho (C)
    
92. Dot Matthews' Elagant Lace Poncho (C)
    
93. Dot Matthews' Reflection Poncho (C)
    
94. Dot Matthews'Gentle Ripples Poncho (C)
    
95. Dot Matthews' Lizzy the 4th Poncho (C)
    
96. Dot Matthews' Short Round Poncho (C)
    
97. EK's Easy Poncho (C)
    
98. Emerald Moon Creations' Adult Poncho Sweater (C)
    
99. Emerald Moon Creations' Child's Poncho Sweater (C)
    
100. Filatura Di Crosa Zarone Cape (K)
     
101. Fuzzy Galore's Cloud Poncho (K)
     
102. Fuzzy Galore's Easy Crocheted Child's Poncho (C)
     
103. Fuzzy Galore's Easy Poofy Capelet (K)
     
104. Fuzzy Galore's Easy Lacey Capelet (K)
     
105. Fuzzy Galore's Granite Poncho (C)
     
106. Fuzzy Galore's Mobious Capelet (K)
     
107. Fuzzy Galore's Spiky Poncho (K)
     
108. Glampyre Knits Shoulder-Warmer (Boob Tube) (K)
     
109. Groovy Crochet's Cape and Beret (C)
     
110. Groovy Crochet's Child's Cape (C)
     
111. Groovy Crochet's 3 Color Poncho (C)
     
112. Groovy Crochet's Autumn Poncho (C)
     
113. Groovy Crochet's Fringe Poncho (C)
     
114. Groovy Crochet's Gaucho Poncho (C)
     
115. Groovy Crochet's Granny Square Poncho (C)
     
116. Groovy Crochet's Minimex Poncho (C)
     
117. Groovy Crochet's Petite Poncho (C)
     
118. Groovy Crochet's Poncho (C)
     
119. Groovy Crochet's Poncho and Cap (C)
     
120. Groovy Crochet's Poncho and Pants (C)
     
121. Groovy Crochet's Poncho, Hat, and Bag (C)
     
122. Groovy Crochet's Practical Poncho (C)
     
123. Groovy Crochet's Rustic Poncho (C)
     
124. Groovy Crochet's Show Off Poncho (C)
     
125. Groovy Crochet's Two For The Road Ponchos (C)
     
126. Groovy Crochet's Woodland Poncho (C)
     
127. Groovy Crochet's Versatile Poncho (C)
     
128. Hello Yarn's One Baaad Poncho (K)
     
129. Howe2Knit's Cabled Poncho (K)
     
130. Interweave's Round the Caplet (C)
     
131. Interweave's Staff Ponchos (K)
     
132. It's a Girl Thing Poncho (K)
     
133. Janelle Schlossman's Child`s V-st Poncho (C)
     
134. Janelle Schlossman's Easy Poncho
     
135. Janelle Schlossman's Lacet Stitch Poncho (C)
     
136. Janelle Scholossman's Lacey Plus Size Poncho (C)
     
137. Janelle Schlossman's Open Stitch Rib Child`s Poncho (C)
     
138. Janelle Schlossman's Pretty Shells Plus Size Poncho (C)
     
139. Janelle Schlossman's Sky Poncho (C)
     
140. Joanna's Poncho (K)
     
141. Jo-Ann's Scalloped Cape (C)
     
142. Jo-Ann's Seafoam Crochet Poncho (C)
     
143. Julie A. Bolduc's Scalloped Fashion Doll Poncho (C)
     
144. Katie McEvoy's Cleopatra Pattern (K)
     
145. KnitList's Poncho Recipe (K)
     
146. Knitting-Crochet.com Spanish Style Poncho (K)
     
147. Knitty's Villa (K)
     
148. Linda Craftiques' Cabled Poncho (K)
     
149. Liza Prior Lucy's Iceland Knit Poncho with Bobble Fringe (K)
     
150. Luv2Crochet.com Lacy Shell Poncho (C)
     
151. Mackenzie's Stainless Steel Poncho (K)
     
152. Maggie's Crochet Martha's Coming Home Poncho (C)
     
153. Maggie's Crochet Martha's Mini Coming Home Ponchos (C)
     
154. Maggi Stitches Ribbon Poncho (K)
     
155. Maize Hutton's Poncho (K)
     
156. Majorknitter's Blue, Blue, Blue Poncho (K)
     
157. Major Knitter's American Doll Poncho (K)
     
158. Major Knitter's Poncho Pattern (K)
     
159. Mango Moon's Embellished Poncho (C)
     
160. Mango Moon's No Fringe Poncho (K)
     
161. Mango Moon's One Piece Poncho (K)
     
162. Mango Moon's Ponchito (K)
     
163. Marlo D. Cairns Triple C Poncho (K)
     
164. Martha Stewart Like Poncho from Bernat (B)
     
165. Martha Stewart Like Poncho from Caron (C)
     
166. Martha Stewart Like Poncho by Plymouth
     
167. Michaels.com Chenille Thick & Quick Fun Fur Sheared Poncho (K)
     
168. Michaels.com Incredible Poncho (C)
     
169. Michaels.com Incredible Poncho (K)
     
170. Michaels.com Moonlight Mohair Poncho (K)
     
171. Michaels.com Poncho Scarf (B)
     
172. Midnight Knitter's Seaweed Wrap (K)
     
173. Medidit.com Striped Poncho (C)
     
174. Moda Dea Cache Crocheted Poncho (C)
     
175. Moda Dea's Poncho (K)
     
176. Moda Dea's Swirl Poncho (C)
     
177. Moda Dea's Ticker Tape Poncho (C)
     
178. Moda Dea's Vixen Poncho (C)
     
179. Modeknit.com Hannah's Poncho (K)
     
180. Myra Wood's Easy Peasy Poncho (C)
     
181. Nancy Valocik Buttoned-Up Knitted Shawl (very poncho-like)
     
182. Natalie Langkilde's Poncho shawl (K)
     
183. Ornaghi Filati Acapulco Poncho (K)
     
184. Ornaghi Filati Biberon Poncho Fucsia (K)
     
185. Ornaghi Filati Oslo Mantellina (K)
     
186. Paige's Poncho by Marnie Maclean (B)
     
187. Pam Davis' Opal Child's Poncho (K)
     
188. Pam Davis' Lacy Opal Shawl-Poncho (K)
     
189. Pam Davis' Opal Fall Poncho (K)
     
190. Peg Thomas' Short Simple Cape (K)
     
191. Poncho Pattern Generators (K)
     
192. Rachel's Beauty in Bloom Poncho (C)
     
193. Rare Yarns' Butterfly Poncho (K)
     
194. Red Heart Symphony Poncho (K)
     
195. Roz's Beginner Poncho for Everyone (K)
     
196. Roz's Poncho (K)
     
197. Roz's Tuck Lace Poncho (Machine Knit)
     
198. Sandi Marshall's Cape Sized For Toddlers And Small Children (C)
     
199. Schachenmayr Chid's Poncho (C)
     
200. Schachenmayr Poncho Shawl (K)
     
201. Scotty Maloney's Dog Poncho (K)
     
202. Signa's Bed Cape (K)
     
203. Sskeins' Easy Baby Poncho (K)
     
204. Stitch1knit1.com Patons Diploma (K)
     
205. Steph Thorton's Child's Poncho (C)
     
206. Stephanie Japel's Paris Loop (K)
     
207. Sue Kawamoto's Holey Moley Poncho (K)
     
208. Sugar N Creme Easy Crocheted Ponchos (C)
     
209. Susan Esser's Poncho-Eula (K)
     
210. TheDailyKnitter.com Pepper Poncho (K)
     
211. The Knitting Garden's Chunky Print Wrap (K)
     
212. Women's Weekly Crocheted Poncho (C)
     

All the links listed above are the result of some serious google searching :) I have no affiliation with any of the sites and probably have not researched them beyond the page on which the pattern is located.

Lessons Learned

Let me first say in my defense that I am a TOTAL beginner at this whole Fair Isle thing. I know there is at least a couple of people reading that are with me on this. I will now save those people from making the same mistake I did.  Friends don't let friends make dorky mistakes :)

Do you know that when you read a chart while knitting flat not in the round, you read it from right to left, left to right, right to left, and so on? Well if you do, you are one up on me my friend. I have never read a chart in my life. It didn't specifically state in the pattern to read the pattern this way, so I just read it right to left, right to left, right to left... Luckily the main pattern still worked out. I guess that if it hadn't worked out, I would have figured out I was doing something wrong. Well actually I don't guess, I know. I found out that I was screwing up when I got to a part of the chart, and it just wasn't looking right. Rip rip rip knit knit knit, and it still didn't look right.

Me: "Janette what the haites am I doing wrong? Is this chart wrong? This should look like this, and it doesn't?"

Janette: "No the chart looks right to me."

Me: "Well something can't be right this is supposed to have brown stripes, but I'm not getting brown stripes"

Janette: "Yeah it looks like the chart will give you brown stripes"

Me: "But I'm not getting brown stripes"

Janette: "How are you reading your chart? Are you reading it right to left then left to right?"

Me: "Huh???"

I was lucky that the mistake didn't mess up the main design of the bag. It did however mess up the sides, but noone is going to notice it but me. I'm gonna suck it up and leave the mistake. There is no way I'm ripping it out. It's not like it looks bad. It's just different from the chart.

Well there ya have it. Thank God for Janette, or I would have been bashing my brains out over that one. So folks, learn from my screw up. If you have never read a chart before, remember when you are knitting flat you work the chart starting at the bottom. On the first row you read it right to left, and on the next row you read left to right.

Summer Tops

Daring Diva Halter by Marnie Maclean (k)
Evening Diamonds by Marnie Maclean (k)
Faux-Fur Halter from Knitty (k)
Garnets and Pearls by Marnie Maclean (k)
Glenna from Berroco (k)
Grey Top from Circulo (C)
Halter Top from The Nuthouse (c)
Halterneck from The Nuthouse (k)
Hiroko from Berroco (k)
Honeymoon Cami from Knitty (k)
Irene from Berroco (k)
Jenna from Berroco (k)
Jewelled Shell from Knitty (k)
June from Berroco (k)
Katia Portofino from Elann.com (k)
Lace Tank Top from Elann.com (k)
Leah from Berroco (k)
Lilith from Berroco (k)
Luella from Berroco (k)
Marla from Berroco (k)
Marsha from Berroco (k)
Meg from Berroco (k)
Mariah Top by Marija Spasojevic (C)
Nina by Berroco (k)
Off the Shoulder Top from Circulo (k)
Paulina by Berroco (k)
Rib and Cable Tank from Estelle (k)
Ribbon Sweater from Rebecca pdf (k)
Riso Cardigan from Lana Grossa pdf (k)
Sassy Stripes from MagKnits (k)
Shapely Tank from White Lies (k)
Shell from Crystal Palace (k)
Shimmering Slip On from Craftown (k)
Sigma Tank from Knitty (k)
Silk Cardigan and Top from Lana Grossa pdf (k)
Sophistication from Circulo (c)
Spring Fling Tank from Blue Blog (k)
Square Top from Glampyre (k)
Summer Net Shell from Crystal Palace (k)
T3 from Knitty (k)
Tank of Many Colors from Berroco (k)
Textured Sleeveless Top from Elann.com (k)
Tina by Berroco (k)
Top with Ribbon Sheen from Rebecca pdf (k)
T strap top from Crystal Palace (k)
UCan2 Shell from Chicknits (k)
Very Cherry & Cherry Twist from Knitty (k)
Waikiki Peplum Vest from Crystal Palace (k)

To Pioggia

Pioggia wrote:

As always, you provide very useful links indeed, thank you. Do you happen to have a picture of the wrong side of your fair-isle bag? I'd like to take a closer look before attempting fair-isle myself. Thanks!


Pioggia,

You are very welcome. This is all a learning experience for me, and if I can help someone out then it makes it all the better. Plus if anyone other than just me learns from my mistakes then I don't feel so bad about screwing up! Haha!

The internet was a God send for me when I was learning to knit. I didn't know a single person that knew how, so I had to figure it all out for myself. From day one the internet has been an incredible resource, and it continues to be to this day. One day I hope to be the creator of such wonderful websites and the originator of the tips and hints :)  I love having a way to share the useful information that I find out there in the great big world wide web! I'm a great googler (hehe is that a new word?), and my husband says that if it is out there I'll find it.

As requested, here is a picture of the back of my bag. Just click on the image for a larger view.

Oh what the heck I'll throw in a shot of the front too.

 

I just started the bottom of the bag during my knitting group meeting yesterday morning. Another great lesson was learned, ie. I screwed up bigtime, but I'll save that lesson for my next post. I wish you the best of luck on your first colorwork project. Keep me posted :)

Happy Knitting,
Stacie

Yarn

I have recently learned a lesson when buying yarn. Make sure you get enough!! I ordered some Schachenmayr Micro online. As I have posted before I am planning on knitting a tank top with it, but I'm really beginning to worry that I won't have enough. Unfortunately I don't have any way to get anymore. Sooooooo If I don't have enough, I'm up the creek. My friend Janette sent me some good links that help you estimate how many yards of yarn you need to make a sweater. They give estimates for different sweater sizes and different yarn weights. These links actually saved my butt on a recent yarn purchase! I figure that I can't be the only one that learns lessons the hard way, so I thought I should share them with you. 

Angel Hair Yarn Company
The Red Sweater
Yarn Xpress

Christmas

The great rush to finish Christmas presents has begun. Why am I thinking about Christmas in July?. Well, I only have 158 days to finish all of my presents, and that isn't very much time when you factor in working full time. In case you didn't notice, I have put a countdown to Christmas over on the left. Eventually, I am going to put a list of all the people I am making presents for and scratch them off as they are completed.

The Fair Isle Bag is a gift for someone. I can't really disclose the name just in case they might read my blog. It's going to be hard to let go of it, but I know that it will be going to a good appreciative home. I'm having a hard time trying to decide what to make for people this year, and I'm debating on asking people what they want and forgoing the whole surprise thing. Losing the surprise is kind of a bummer, but I would hate to work really hard on something and it not be worn/used. It's so hard to guess what people want, and it's not like they can go to the store and make and exchange. Ya know what I mean?

My biggest concern is what to make for my sister. I would love to surprise her with something really cool that she will just love to pieces, but I can't really decide what that would be. That is why I'm thinking I should give her some options and let her decide what she wants. However, wouldn't that take all of the fun out of it? Any suggestions?

Another Bag Update

Here is another update on my bag. I realized that I have been showing it upside down in all of the other images. The bag is knit starting at the top of one side, across the bottom, and back up the other side so this is the way it should be shown.

The striped part up at the top will be folded over for the strap to be threaded through. As you can see the green is showing up against the blue background. I'm really glad about that because I didn't feel like buying anymore yarn for this project. Here is a close up shot of the green.

Well there it is :) What do you think? Do you think the green shows up well enough? I only have about 13 more rows left on this chart, and I will start on the bottom! I'm moving on along slowly but surely.

Lorraine's Question

Lorraine wrote:

WOW! If you're fairly new at Fair Isle knitting, you're doing a FABULOUS job. I'd love to make a bag like it. Can you tell me where you got the pattern?

Thanks Lorraine!! Actually this is my first attempt at Fair Isle, and I am loving it to peices!! The pattern that I am using is from the Summer 2004 Interweave Knits Magazine. If it is no longer available in stores you can go to the Interweave website and order it. This issue also features an excellent article on the different ways to hold strands of yarn while knitting with two colors. I found it very informative. If you are totally new to Fair Isle check out the Philosper's Wool video or the Knitting In Color blog. They are both wonderful resources and were very helpful for me. Nanette from Knitting in Color has a book for sale that teaches Fair Isle techniques and all the profits go to pet rabbit rescue. I hope this info is helpful. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Knitting :)

Fair Isle Bag

I have not foresaken the Fair Isle Bag. I'm still working on it. I had a problem with the color of green that I was using, but I think that I have it taken care of. At first I was using Forest Green Heather but as I said it nearly disappeared into the Blue Mist. I went with a lighter green, Loden. After I got that taken care of, I ended up ripping out about ten rows after deciding that the yellow was way too bright in one section of the bag. I wasn't being a crazy perfectionist this time. Rob totally agreed with me. It was like the yellow just screamed LOOK AT ME!! and that was not what I was going for. Soooo Instead of using the Pastel Yellow, I am going to use Camel.

I casted on my Keyhole Tank Friday during my knitting group. I learned something from that experience. Never cast on while in the presence of good friends :) I couldn't stop chatting long enough to count past fifty stitches. I love love love getting together with those ladies. They are my only friends here. I tell them that they get a week's worth of my gibber jabber in a couple of hours. I don't know what I would do without them!

I don't have enough progress on either project to show, but I do have something else to bring for show and tell....

It's Hawkeye knitting! I was so excited when I saw it that I grabbed my camara and snapped a picture. I thought maybe you would get as much of a kick out of it as I did :) I'm not sure what he is working on. All I could tell was that he was knitting right handed with  a peachish color yarn, and he has a basket with several balls of yarn in his lap. He was doing a pretty good job too. He wasn't just pretending. I wish that I could have gotten a better picture.

Update

Just a quick update to let you know that I have added a few more links to my list (the link is on the side). I have also gone through and added where the pattern came from and whether it is Knit (K) or Crocheted (C). I was recently directed to another free pattern site so I have a feeling that I'll be adding a TON more patterns. At present I have over fifty links!! I can't believe how many free patterns there are out there. It is absolutely amazing. But no matter how many free links there are on the web, I still love buying books, magazines, leaflets, etc.

Summer Tops

Ok I have put all of my links in alphabetical order and attempted to make the link page look halfway decent. I still need to indicate beside the linkswhether the pattern is knit or crocheted and where it came from. I haven't checked them to make sure that they all work or not yet. The page will be updated as I find new patterns on the internet so keep checking back.

Quick Post Before Bed

Tonight I have been working on a links page for all of the free Summer top patterns that I have found on the internet over the years. There are quite a few links so this is taking some time. I hope to have the link page up and running by tomorrow night. Once I'm done with Summer tops, I am going to start on bikinis. That list will be considerably smaller. This will save you from having to do all the online searching that I have done for patterns. I'll keep updating the lists as I find new patterns. I've stared at this computer screen long enough. I'm going to bed. Good night :)

Adrienne Vittadini 2004 Spring Patterns

Click On Image To Enlarge

This is what I am currently drooling over. Aren't they gorgeous! I especially love the black and white tank top. It is too sexy! There is no way in Haites that I could ever afford the yarn the patterns call for, but I bet I can find a substitute!

Progress

 

Here is my progress pictures. You can click on the images to enlarge them. I am very unhappy with the green yarn that I am using. I don't think that it stands out enough against the blue. Unfortunately I couldn't find a lighter green at the store, so I'll probably have to order some online.

July 4

Happy 4th of July!!!

Cartoon Me

I saw the link to make a cartoon portrait of yourself on Wendy's blog, and  I thought it would be fun to try it. I showed mine to my husband, and he said, "Hey it's Anime You!" Actually, it does kinda look like me, freckles and all. If you click on the picture, it will take you to the site where you can make your own.

Great Link

The other day when I was getting ready to graft my shoulders on my tank, I did a google search for the kitchener stitch. I always forget how to do that darn thing. Anyways, I stumbled across a wonderful website called Knitting at Knoon Designs. This website has 21 videos for different knitting techniques, and they are all free. It also has some free patterns, and patterns for sale. Just thought I would share it with you. Enjoy!

Next Tank Top

Equals my next tank top project! Isn't it cute!? The pattern is from the April 2004 Knit N Style magazine and the yarn is Schachenmayr Micro.  The pattern calls for size 5 needles, but I like the fabric better on a size four. After doing the math it will work out perfectly with the size 4 needles using the instructions for the medium size. Janette told me how to use math to alter the pattern, and I'm really excited to see how it will turn out. I'm not going to do the little stringy things because I really think it looks a lot better without them. I am in love with this yarn. It is soooooooooo soft, and I wish that I had bought more of it. It reminds me of Lionbrand Microspun, but I think that it is a bit softer. I know I'm going to have to be careful with it as I knit because it splits easily. I should be getting my circular in the mail soon along with another yummy yarn purchase. Oh yeah I forgot to mention it is knit in the round up to the armholes. Woohoo less finishing!

Image Hosting

I don't know when my image hosting will be back up so I'm uploading as many pictures as I can to a different host.

Image Hosting Down Again

I was planning on posting pictures of the next tank I am making but as you can see my image hosting is down. I'll try again later when I get home from work.

Monday

It is Monday and I wish I had some progress to report on my Fair Isle Bag but I don't. My poor kitty Zoe had a seizure at a 3:50 am yesterday morning. It was so strange. I was asleep in my bed upstairs, and she was downstairs when she had it. I actually heard her seizing all the way downstairs. I shot up out of the bed and flew down the stairs in the dark. I guess I have developed "momma ears". This was her mildest seizure ever, but it still meant the end of sleep for me. I got her calmed down, cleaned her up, and then had to go to work. Needless to say I was not up for knitting when I got home. The vet says that as long as she doesn't have more than one in 30 days or developes a pattern she won't have to go on medication. We have run tons of tests and she is perfectly healthy except for this problem. I got good sleep last night so after some errands I'm gonna get back to my bag.

Thanks

I just wanted to say thank you for all the sweet compliments on my tank top. I love hearing from you, so feel free to post comments or ask questions any time.

I met with my knitting group today. I have such a wonderful time chatting and knitting with my new friends. I have never had friends that knit before, so I get excited about every single get together. Today I think I did more talking than knitting, but I did pick my Fair Isle Bag back up. I hope to have enough progress after this evening that merits taking a picture :)

Tadah!

Beginning to Finish

I started sewing up my side seams tonight. I will now fess up to never using the mattress stich until now. Prior to this project, I have always whipstitched my seams together. Now I feel like I am at the point where I should be putting more effort in my knitting projects. I have taken on more difficult patterns, and I honestly feel I have matured as a knitter. The mattress stitch was a lot easier than I thought it would be. My friend Janette sent me a link to Lucy Neatby's explanation of it, and it really helped me a lot.  I really can't get over how good this works! The seam really is invisible! Yay!

Scary Movie!

I didn't get any knitting done tonight. My husband and I rented Texas Chainsaw Massacre! I couldn't concentrate on knitting while watching that! Holy Patooties it was scary and goooorrrrrrrrryyyy! I don't know if you like watching scary movies or not. But if you do, you need to see this one! I never saw the original one, but now I think that I am going to go and rent it. I love scary movies especially the ones that make you jump and squeal! Maybe it's the adrenaline rush??!!

Finishing

I grafted the shoulders of my tank top and now I am getting ready to sew up the side seams. I doubt that I will finish this tonight but hopefully I will have it done tomorrow. My goal is to be able to wear it to my next knitting group meeting :) The shoulder graft turn out pretty good actually. Here is a close up of one of the shoulder grafts. Hopefully I'll have a picture of a finished tank top really soon! 

Surprise

That mess up there is what I came home to today! That is the yarn from Just Peachy, and this is just a small portion of the mess. It was strung all the way upstairs, and a small table was knocked over. These crazy cats of mine had knocked my bag out of the chair, spilled yarn and contents everywhere, and just went nuts! To make matters worse the tank is knit with two strands of yarn held together so that's two different balls all mixed up there! I was laughing way too hard to get upset.

I'm also not angry because I have already finished both the front and back of my tank. Now all I have to do is graft the shoulders together and then sew up the sides. I am dreading that part. I have some good online references for finishing, so I hope that I'll do a good job. Here is a link to an article about the Mattress Stitch from Knitty.

I don't let my cats play with yarn, and I keep it in my bag. I take the safety and health of my animals very seriously. They are my babies :)

Wednesday

I decided to keep working on the tank top. I would really like to wear it soon, so I'm going to finish it before I allow myself to work on my Fair Isle bag. That is my incentive for completing the project soon. Here you can see where I just started the straps. The part of the straps that criss cross are now on stitch holders and will be knit once the main straps are finished.  Just in case you have forgotten what it will look like completed click here.

Tuesday

My husband and I rented a movie tonight, so I decided to work on something easy while watching. I started the neckline and armhole shaping for the front of Just (not) Peachy. I haven't made major progress on it, but here is what I have done so far.

A Change

I made another change to the blog. I don't know if you noticed it or not. I took a photograph of myself and then played around with it in Paint Shop. What do you think? I think I like it better than the drawing I did of Zoe and I.

I am still working on my Fair Isle Bag. I have finally made it to the main chart of the design. Is it weird to be so excited about knitting?? Haha! I can barely make myself put down the needles long enough to go to bed or clean my house! Thank God my husband is the one that does all the cooking or we would probably starve to death!

Progress

Here is my progress so far. You can click on the image to view it at a larger size.

So what do you think? Does it look good so far? I have been using the Philosopher Wool method of weaving in the ends as I go so that I don't have any floats. They didn't show how to weave in the Purl stitches, but I played around with it until I figured it out. Here is the back of the bag.




I would love any input on my progress good or bad. I take constructive criticism very well :) In my opinion I think it is pretty good for a first attempt at Fair Isle.

Obsessed Much

It is 2am and I am still up knitting. Do you think I might be a little obsessed? Haha! I am really enjoying Fair Isle knitting! I can hardly make myself put it down. I love the challenge of learning something new. I got a little burned out with all the darn Stockinette on Just (not) Peachy, and I am totally welcoming this non-mindless knitting. I'm already on the hunt for my next Fair Isle project. My husband is still tripping out over my new endeavor. You would think that I was knitting up golden fiber. It makes me feel good that he has taken such an interest in my knitting, and it makes me wish that I had taken up Fair Isle sooner! He told me that he would love to have a sweater, so we have been looking for a pattern he likes. Well folks, I'm going to carry my tired hind parts to bed now! I'll posts pictures of my progress when I get up. Night!

Good Ole Days

I know this has nothing to do with crafts, but who cares! This is me and my sister. I'm the one on the left. Don't you wish you could just go back in time to the age when you were oblivious to all the bull crap of the world. Yes my friend ignorance truley was bliss!

Bag Update

I got an email from the Assistant Editor of Interweave Knits answering my questions about the Fair Isle Bag. I am really impressed with the fast response. She said that the pattern is right and the color change lines are supposed to be there. If I wanted to get rid of the lines I could change it to a knitted garter stitch instead of a purl garter stitch. I have decided to go ahead and stick to the pattern. I actually think that it is looking pretty good so far. I took a close up shot of it so that you can see the lines better. Also, after further inspection of the pattern I realized that the top edges of the bag are going to get folded to the inside to form a casing for the strap. You won't really see this part anyways. Go figure.

Knit Along

I have decided that the knitalong isn't just going to be for the Fair Isle Bag anymore. It is simply going to be a Fair Isle Knitalong. It doesn't matter what project we are doing as long as it is a Fair Isle project. For example, I am going to knit the Fair Isle Bag, and Janette is knitting the Fair Isle Pillow from the Spring Interweave. Her pillow is really looking awesome! I will probably post a picture of it on here, if she'll let me. Anyone at all can join this knitalong, and if you want me to post pictures of your progress just let me know.

I started my bag today. I misinterpreted the pattern at first and I had to rip it out after only few rows. I'm glad I caught it quick. Now it seems that I have ran across another issue. I don't know if it is something I'm doing, a design flaw, or just supposed to be that way. The pattern starts out with a purl garter stitch. Ok no problem I can handle that. What I don't understand is why the pattern calls for a color change while purling on a RS row. This makes that ugly color change line instead of a clean transition from one stripe to the next. For example the chart might look like this...OOOOXXXX. Rows 1, 3, and 5 are all RS rows, and the color change happens on a RS row. I looked online for corrections, and there aren't any. Is it possilbe she wants the ugly line? Am I reading this wrong? I give up for now. I need to go to bed.

The Yarn

Pictured above is the yarn I am going to be using on my Fair Isle Bag. Unfortunately, it doesn't really show the true color of the yarn, but you get the idea. I think that they work well with each other, and my total cost for all of the yarn was around ten dollars. You can't beat that!

I am getting really excited about starting the bag, but I'm not comfortable enough with my 2 color knitting ability to start it just yet. I am still practicing with the Sampler Purse, and I'm doing A LOT of reading. I am going to make a list of all the sites that I have been learning from and post them here later.

I have decided that I am going to hold one strand of yarn in each hand instead of both in my right. I came to this decision because of the Philosopher's Wool technique of weaving in the floats. I'm not really sure how to weave in the floats when they are both held in my right hand. Knitting continental is very awkward for me and I am worried that I will have a hard time purling with my left hand. My other concern is how to weave in the floats on the wrong side when you are purling. The Philosopher's Wool video only covers knitting not purling. I'm going to keep reading and practicing and eventually I'll start my bag. I'll keep you posted

Pictures

Robyn requested a picture of my Just Peachy progress. So far I have finished the back and I am about eleven inches into the front. I haven't made it to the really neat criss cross part of the pattern so my picture isn't going to be very exciting. I guess it isn't really Just Peachy since I am knitting it with white yarn, but I think calling it Just Whitey sounds ridiculous! Hahahaha! Anyways, here is the picture. Please try to contain your enthusiasm and awe...

Would you like to see what I was doing when I should have been finishing Just Not Peachy? I think it is far more exciting! Check it out!




That is the first few rows of the Sampler Purse from Philosopher's wool. What do you think? If it looks bad, please tell me! This is my practice before I start the Fair Isle bag. My husband saw it and really got excited. He said, "Dang babe, that is really awesome! I'm really proud of you." He has never gotten this excited over my knitting before. Well I take that back. He was that excited when he got his first pair of socks. He is so proud of them. Well that is my show and tell for the day. Happy knitting everybody! I'm going to knit a little more and go to bed.

The Colors

I finally figured out what colors of Woolease I want to use for my bag. I'm going to buy the rest when I go to work today. I am starting to get excited about this project now. I am going to go ahead and knit it flat instead of attempting to knit it in the round, but I am not going to make the front side and back side different colors. I think it will look better with both sides the same colors. I am going to finish Just Peachy before I start it. I figure I should scratch off at least one of my bazillion projects before I start a new one. I will post pictures of my color choices as soon as I have all of them.

Knit Along

I'm not sure how many people will be doing the knitalong now. I know that I am still going to go ahead with it even though the bag isn't knit in the round. I have been practicing and I think that I like holding both strands of yarn in my right hand. I think I will get better tension that way. I borrowed a Strickfingerhut (knitting thimble) from a friend in my group and it works well. I'm actually fine without it, but I like having little gadgets :) I ordered one, and I should get it pretty soon. I haven't bought all of the yarn for the project yet. Since I'm too poor for the yarn the pattern calls for, I am going to use Woolease. Actually I really like Woolease. It feels great, knits up really nice, and with my discount it is pretty darn cheap.

Fair Isle Bag KnitAlong

I met with my knitting group today and we discussed the knitalong. We figured out is that the front of the bag and the back of the bag are different. The colors aren't uniform going around the bag. It is knit flat from the top then you get to the bottom and start the other side all in one peice. As far as I can tell that is when it changes to the other color. You finish by folding it in half and sewing up the sides. This is why it will be difficult to convert. I'm sure we will figure out something. I use the term we loosely since I wouldn't even know where to start. Fortunately there are very experienced knitters in my group. I was thinking that maybe we could find a bag that is knit in the round and then apply the color pattern to it. I bet that Cindy could figure that out no problem. I'm going to run it by the group and see what they think.

Research

I haven't done any knitting in the last couple of days. Instead I have been looking up information on knitting with color. I have never attempted Fair Isle knitting. so I need all the help that I can get. I found a great video lesson on the Philosopher's Wool website. They also have a " sampler purse pattern" which they encourage people to practice the technique on. We aren't starting the knit along until around June 7th, so I will have time to play with the sampler pattern to get comfortable.

Red, White, and Blue Needles

It turns out that my red white and blue needles are special after all. I had thought that they were from the Bicentennial, but it turns out that they are from WWII. The following is an email that I received regarding the needles.

Hi Stacie,
The needles in question--red, white and blue were produced during WWII. (World War II) Women were encouraged to use these "patriotic needles" to knit warm items for the troops, especially sweaters, gloves and watch caps. The American Red Cross published a booklet of acceptable patterns that would produce uniform style knitted items. The finished products were sent to the Soldiers ,Sailors and Marines who were stationed in the colder climates during the war. Many groups of women would get together and have "knitting bees" --each woman would work on one of the patterns--when these items were completed, they would be turned over to the American Red Cross to be distributed to the troops. Knitting for the troops took place not only in the United States, but in Europe as well. School children were also encouraged to knit socks, scarves, etc. Even today, there are grass roots organizations that knit warm items for our troops overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Ship's Support Project is just one such organization. By the way, your patriotic needles are quite collectible and hard to find. As a side note, people (men and women) have been knitting items for soldiers in war as far back ( or even farther) as Hannibal crossing the Alps( wool stockings were in great demand to keep the soldiers warm and happy in the extreme weather).
Knittingly yours,
Mary

Thank you Mary for sharing this information with me. It is so wonderful to know those needles created something that warmed a soldier and provided him comfort. Here is a link to the Red Cross website. You will find the actual patterns that the Red Cross distributed. I also read that they are going to be selling vintage knitting kits so that you can Knit Your Bit in honor of the WWII volunteer knitting campaigns.

Saturday

My husband and I went to visit his mother and grandparents last night, and I got quite a bit of work done on Just Peachy on the ride over. The "shortcut" we took went awry so that provided extra car knitting time. I think it is great how patient you can be when you have your knitting.

Lately I have been thinking about starting a Knitting and Crocheting group at my apartment complex. There has to be people living here that either knit or crochet, and I could teach anyone that wanted to learn. I have all of those extra needles that I could provide the new knitters, and we have a wonderful club house that we could meet in. Actually, it was the needles that gave me the idea. I am going to talk to the manager and see if we can advertise in the monthly newsletter.

At work today I was able to help a lady with a crochet project that she was working on. She is making an afghan for someone as a wedding present and was having problems with the pattern. I told her about my next class and got her number so that I could call her when I have the date set. In my last beginner's class I taught the students how to make Granny Squares, and I plan on teaching the basic ripple afghan pattern in the next one. It is a very easy pattern and it is perfect for beginners.

Meryn Cadell

This is a poem from the album Angel Food For Thought by Meryn Cadell. It has been quite a while since I've listened to this album, and I forgot that this poem was on it. My husband and I were listening to it in the car the other day and I said, "I have to post this on my blog!"

KNITTING

I'm knitting myself a hat
And I'm sewing up a head to wear it on
And I'll never be this lonely again

I'm making myself some mittens
And I'm stitching my fingers together to keep them warm inside
And I'll never think about it
And I'll never touch myself again

I'm knitting myself a sweater
To cover the body I'm wearing
And the sweater will hang to my knees
And my hair will grow to the floor
And I'll never go outside again

summer patterns cont.

I've been busy hunting for summer patterns again. This has been pretty fun actually. It's amazing how many wonderful free patterns that are out there. I think that I have finally hit the end of my search. If any of you know of any free summer patterns that I might have missed let me know.

• Glenna
  
• Hiroko & Hasana
  
• Leah
  
• Lilith
  
• Luella
  
• Marilyn (dress)
  
• Marla
  
• Marsha
  
• Nina
  
• Tank of Many Colors
  
• Tina
  
• Bombshell Halter
  
• Daring Diva Halter
  
• Evening Diamonds
  
• Garnets and Pearls
  
• Brazilian Bikini (crochet)
  
• Groovy Crochet Bikini 1
  
• Groovy Crochet Bikini 2
  
• Funky Sleeveless Eyelash Top
  
• Lace Tank Top (I really like this top, and it is sited as an Advanced Beginner level pattern.)
  
• The Waikiki T-Strap Top (This one's from Crystal Palace is quite unique and very sexy)
  
• Fur Halter (Super funky pattern from Knitty)
  
• Honeymoon Cami (This top is too cute and definately on my list of must knits.)
  
• Evening gown
  
• Eyelash Trim Shell
  
• T3
  
• Jeweled Shell
  
• Very Cherry and Cherry Twist
  
• Mariah Top (crochet)
  
• Halter top
  
• Easy Single Crochet Halter Top (I made this myself and I love it. It was one of the easiest things I have ever made)
  
• Rib and Cable Top
  
• Shimmering Slip On
  
• Vintage Halter Top (pdf file)
  
• Vintage Bikini (pdf file)
  
• Knitted Strapless Top (pdf file)
  
• Vintage Shorts and Top Set (pdf file)
  
• Vintage Tunic Dress (pdf file)
  
• Summer Funnel Sleevless Top
  
• Sleezy (crocheted dress hehe. If someone makes this for the love of God please let me know!! )
  
• Vintage Patterns (This site has patterns to crochet and knit. If the site is down check it again later.)
  
• Grey Top
  
• Off The Shoulder Top
  
• Blue Bikini
  
• Two Bikinis (one knit and one crochet)
  

Well, that's all folks. I hope that you enjoy the patterns I have found. Like I said before, if you know of any patterns that I missed, let me know.

Whoa!

My grandmother called me today and told me that she bought me something at a yardsale. When she brought it over, I couldn't believe my eyes! She had a box full of knitting needles, needle holders, and books! I couldn't believe it. I said, "Lord have mercy is this Christmas!" I brought them in, washed them, and organized them. I seperated out each individual pair and rubber banded them together. All together there were 75 pairs of needles, 4 crochet hooks, and ten stitch holders! There were a lot of needles with missing mates.

Now that is a lot of needles! I think that most of them are pretty old. Many of the needles didn't have a brand name on them, and there were a few needles that I found to be quite interesting. There is one pair of wooden needles that appears to be hand made. There is also a wooden pair by Boye and one by Bates. I didn't know that those companies made wooden needles. I'm curious about how old they are. The pair on the right is the one that is handmade.




Another set that I found to be interesting is made by Bates. I have never seen anything like them before. They are made out of plastic and are quite patriotic as you can see. If any of you know anything about these needles please let me know. Unfortunately the stitch holder is broken.




There were a couple of brands that I have never heard of: Hero, Phatom (Made in England), and Zephr. The Zephr is a circular needle made all in one peice out of nylon. It doesn't have any joins. Then there is a metal circular that has a metal wire cable connecting the needles. I have never seen one of these before. I also found a circular needle from an old Needlemaster set. I remember hearing that Sears used to carry knitting needles a long time ago, so it was pretty neat to find a couple of Sears brand needles in the stash. After I got them all seperated I did an inventory. Gawd, I'm such a nerd!!

Saturday

I'm not meeting with my knitting group today. Instead, I am going to visit with the in-laws. Today is our nephew's first birthday. He is a real cutey patooty. He looks just like Rob did when he was that age. I am going to bring my knitting of course. I never leave home without it. Heehee. I am going to take Just Peachy along on the trip.I'll be casting on for the front today. So far this project has been super easy. I can say this now because I haven't come to the part where the front criss crosses. However, I looked ahead in the pattern and it doesn't seem like it will be hard to do. We shall see.

I haven't decided if I want to start Chickami next or the cuuuuuuuuuuuute crocheted top that's in the same VK issue as Just Peachy or maybe the bikini! I haven't crocheted anything for quite a while so I just might pick one of those. I went to my LYS and picked up the necessary needles for Chickami so I am good to go whenever I decide to start it.

Wednesday

I have put down Just Peachy for a little bit. I wanted to work on my 2x2 socks. Queen Kahuna has a method of knitting a heel and gusset without having to pick up stitches. You increase for the gusset as you are knitting the heel. I have never tried anything like this so it is a learning experience. So far her directions have been very easy to follow and I have not had any trouble.

I taught a Beginner's Crochet class today. I taught my students how to make Granny Squares. It was the very first thing I ever learned and I thought it would be a great project for beginner's. This way they can leave the class knowing how to make baby blankets, afghans, dishcloths , and more. The students were excellent and very fast learners. We had a great time. For their next class I am going to teach them a basic ripple pattern. My next knitting class will be on the 28th. I hope those students will be as good as the ones I had tonight.

Sunday

I finished the back of Just Peachy tonight. I have the shoulders on a stitch holder. When the front is done the shoulders are going to be grafted together. I just hope that I do a good job on the side seems. I honestly hate finishing. I am just going to take my time and do the best job that I can. As promised I took a picture of the progress. Keep in mind it isn't blocked and I haven't weaved in any of the ends yet. Here it is...

Changes

I worked on Just Peachy tonight and made another change in the pattern. It isn't a major one but I thought that I would make note of it. When I got to the increase the pattern calls for a M1, but for some reason that made a little hole. I usually don't have that problem and I think maybe it has something to do with the yarn that I am using. I decided to use a different increase and I knit in the front and the back of the stitch instead. That worked just fine. My poor 2x2 socks have sat untouched for a while. I picked them up last night and knit a couple of rows. I have been knitting during my lunch break lately. I'm making a purse from Fun Fur and Homespun to display in the store. It is an extremely simple pattern, but will be a great way to show off the yarns and advertise my classes. I'll be posting pictures of my progress on Just Peachy soon. Wow say that three times fast!

Online Knitting List Acronyms

AS: Alice Starmore (knitwear designer)
BTW: By the Way
BUFO: Boring UnFinished Object
ECU: Eastern Continental Uncrossed
BIGHI: (pronounced Biggie) But I Gotta Have It
EZ: Elizabeth Zimmermann (knitwear designer)
FCEK: Family Circle Easy Knitting (a magazine)
FO: Finished Object (usually accompanied by many !'s)
FOREPLAY: For Our Really Exciting Projects, Let's Add Yarn
: Grin
HALFPINT: Have a Lovely Fantasy Project, I've No Time(coined by Amy Detjen)
IM(H)O: In My (Humble/Honest) Opinion
IW: Interweave Magazine
KAT: Knitting against time
KF: Kaffe Fassett (knitwear designer)
KIP: Knitting in Public (and you're encouraged to do it!)
LOL: Laughed Out Loud
LYS: Local Yarn Store
LYSO: Local Yarn Store Owner
MS: Meg Swansen (knitwear designer)
NQBE: Not Quite Big Enough
NTINAMY: "Not that I NEED any more yarn..."
OKC: Obligatory Knitting Content
ROFL: Rolling on the Floor Laughing
SEX: Stash Enrichment eXpedition SWIPE: Stalled Work In Progress
TIA: Thanks In Advance
TKGA: The Knitting Guild Association
TOAD: Trashed Object, Abandoned in Disgust (coined by Fahy Bygate)
TTFN: Ta Ta For Now
UFO: Unfinished Object
USO: Unstarted Object
VBG: Very Big Grin
VK: Vogue Knitting
WIP: Work in Progress
Y or WCZ: Yarn or Wool Containment Zone: where we cache our stash.
YAQ: Yarn Acquisition Quest

Referring to family members, etc:
DH or W: Darling (or Dear) Husband or Wife
SO: Significant Other
DS or D: Darling Son/Sister or Daughter
DGD or S: Darling Granddaughter or Grandson
M or FIL: Mother or Father in Law and so on, depending on context.

Sunday

I am about 4 1/2 inches into Just Peachy. It called for one row of k1 p1 ribbing, but I did two instead. I'm hoping that will keep it from rolling up. The pattern calls for 8 balls of Adrienne Vittadini/JCA Celia (silk) in #908 peach. I wish that I could afford it, but it is 9.95 a ball! It would cost 80 bucks for me to make it. I'm not saying that the yarn isn't worth it. It is just way out of my league. I am happy with the feel of the Aunt Lydia's Caress Microfiber I decided to use as substitute. I got it on sale for $2.00 a ball. It may not be as nice as the silk, but I think it will turn out great.