Ooooooh yeah....

I forgot to tell you about the new online knitting magazine called Spun. Now this isn't your ordinary knitting mag. Let me put it to you this way, amongst the free patterns in their first issue is a great pattern for some fuzzy restraints courtesy of The Stitch Diva! That's right you heard me, restraints heehee! Too cool! Other features include a Q&A called IMHO that is, in their own words, "not for the faint of heart", Foodings which includes some yummy tofu recipes, and String where you can buy some fiber related goodies. Go check it out if you dare! Muhahaha!

I also forgot to share this link with you. Go ahead and check it out. I'll wait. Did you ever think you would see a pattern like that in your life??? I got one of those good old fashioned belly laughs out of that one. Thumbs up to the designer for originality. I may just have make one of those just 'cause.

Finally, I can't let another day go by without showing you the pictures Janette sent me the other day.


 

   
Warning: Studies have shown that staring at Sophie too long may cause cavaties.

PS

Suprise 1 and 2 winter patterns are now up at Knitty. Go check them out.

Project Reveal

I suppose I ought to tell you what was in the picture yesterday. Ya think? I happen to have in my posession 10 hanks of Berroco Cotton Twist in Baby Pink. I went to my to two different yarn shops searching for the perfect pattern, and I couldn't find anything that I liked. Finally the light bulb turned on in my head (glad I replaced that thing last week), and I remembered that I had a pattern book full of DK weight sweaters.Remember 1000 Sweaters? As I mentioned in another entry, this book offers several sweater types with options to change the necklines and sleeves . I flipped through the book and decided to knit the Fitted Rib Sweater sans sleeves. What is it with me and ribbed tops lately?? In my defense, this not your average ribbed tank. It has a little personality. Notice the little cable running down the side? How cute is that!

This pattern includes instructions for making a sleeveless version, but the strap will be very thin. This poses a little bit of a problem for me. How do you wear a bra!? (Major girl talk about bras to follow. Consider yourself forewarned)  I don't know about any of you ladies, but my girls defy every strapless bra in existance. They inevitably try to work their way down to my waist. I tell you what, there is nothing sexier than watching a woman hoist up her bra every five minutes. Whooo baby! I have not yet developed a subtle method of accomplishing this. So I'm left with two options make the straps wider, or figure out a way sew in a bra. I am thinking that wider straps would be the easiest option.

Ok that's enough of the bra talk. We will now return to our regularly scheduled entry. I started the top Sunday and I have completed 8 inches of the front so far. I must tell you I am thoroughly enjoying knitting with this yarn. I love how soft and shiney it is. I have such a hard time putting it down which is  why I was still up at 4am on Monday morning and went to bed not because I wanted to but because I had to. The only negative aspect of this yarn is that it splits easily, and I have to watch my hands instead of the television. This also causes me to knit a little slower which honestly doesn't bother me at all. I will absotively posilutely buy this yarn again. It is perfect for Florida weather, and it comes in so many incredible colors. My favorites are Fern, Sprout, and Sensei.

So that's my new project. Now I just have to come up with a name. Another Ribbed Top is kind of boring don't you think. I'll worry about that tomorrow. It's 1am and I have to get up early. Must...Put...Down...Top. Have a great Wednesday everyone!

My What Big Eyes You Have

I went to the Optometrist today for my annual exam. Now keep in mind that before today, I have had the same doctor for years. Now that we live in Florida, I had to find a new one. This means I had no idea what his examination procedures are. I had no idea that he was gonna do this...

Notice the iris of my eye has been reduced to a minute ring around my pupil. It reminds me of an eclipse. Having no clue that this was going to happen, I drove myself to my appointment. Let me just say that getting home was fun! Actually my sight wasn't impaired so badly that I couldn't drive, but it would have been nice to have someone else do it. The best part was wearing the huge temporary sunglasses! HaHa! I looked like such a dork. Overall I was very happy with my new Optometrist. He gave me a very thorough examination, he was very friendly and informative, and he was mighty easy on the eyes if I do say so myself. Um..pardon the pun!

I noticed the lack of pictures of my own projects. This honestly isn't from the lack of knitting anything. It's actually because I've just been lazy with my blogging. Well I can't post a picture of my eyeball without showing you what I'm working on now can I.



Click On Image To Enlarge

Valentine's Day Show N Tell: Diane's Entry

Hi there everyone. I hope you all had a great weekend. I know I did. I didn't have to work at all, and I actually got some knitting done. More on that tomorrow. Today's Show N Tell fits perfectly with my latest pattern searching obsession, Bags!

Diane writes...

This bag I made using Daphne's May Handbag pattern. I used Sirdar Ribbon DK navy blue. I had to double it up as it is only quite thin, and I can't remember what size hook I used. It was my 1st attempt at crocheting with ribbon and also my 1st bag. I gave it as a stocking filler at Christmas to my eldest sons girlfriend who is 18,and as you can probably see (through the bag) she manages to get her purse and mobile phone in quite comfy. She said that all her friends at school fell in love with it, but i said i'm not making them to order! LOL! Also in Accesorize, she has seen similar bags for £15 and as my mum gave me the ribbon it turned out to cost a lot less than that.
Diane

Click On Images To Enlarge

Great Job Diane! I love the color. The pattern for the May Handbag is available for free and is #55 the list of 192 free bag pattern links! Now keep in mind, I didn't even list all of the patterns available out there. I left a few out that I didn't care for.

I have really enjoyed Show N Tell, and I would I hope to get enough entries to keep it going for a long time. Any crafty endeavor is eligible for Show N Tell. If you created, you can show it off here. All you have to do is email me at faerycrafty1 at yahoo.com with your entry. Don't be shy now!

Folk Bags Pattern

Hi there everybody! Are ya glad it's Friday? I know I am. I just wanted to share a link with you all really quick. Remember I mentioned the book Folk Bags the other day? Well Interweave Knits was kind enough to offer one of the patterns from the book for free! Just click the picture for a sample of one of the awesome patterns from this must have book. Have a great weekend. Show N Tell is comin' on Monday!

I've Been Tagged

1. Total amount of music files on your computer: 0 
 
2. The last CD you bought was: Phantom Of The Opera original cast

3. What is the last song you heard before writing this message? They were playing the soundtrack to Top Gun while we were closing up at work. I don't remember which song was the last song I heard though.

4. Write down 5 songs you often listen to or that mean a lot to you: Not Fade Away, Head Over Feet, All My Life, Superman, and Clocks

5. Who will you pass the torch on to (3 people) Not Sure Yet.

Very Quick Post

Just a quick post tonight. Today was my day off, and it was quite full as usual. This has become one of those fall asleep at your keyboard kind of nights. I tell you one thing, I wasn't falling asleep during  The Grudge! Scaaaarrrrrrrrry! Maybe that's why I'm so tired. Jumping, shreaking, grabbing Rob and burying my head in his chest takes a lot out of you! A good friend of mine sent me a link to some fiber realted artwok she found on the net. It is called Crochet Hook, and I thought that you all might be interested in seeing it. Here's the link.

I didn't want this entry to be pictureless, so I thought I would share a picture of Frasier and Gwynn with you. When I used to volunteer at a No-Kill Cat Shelter, we took care of a feral cat colony in the area. We would trap them so that we could get them their shots and spay/nueter them. These two beauties were born in that colony. I trapped them when they were just babies, and I kept them at my house to tame them so that they could be placed in a good home. Aren't that gorgeous!

Updates

I have been adding and adding to the Free Bag Links list. There are now 134 links, and I still have a bunch more to add. It's amazing isn't it! The amount of free patterns on the internet simply blows me away. Even though I make these free pattern lists, I still urge you to support the wonderful designers out there and buy patterns as well. I know I'm developing quite a library. For great bag patterns I highly recommend Folk Bags. I would love to knit each and every bag in that book! So far I have only made one. Remember the Origami Bag?

I bet you are wondering how Shedir is doing. Well I was knitting along when I thought to myself, "Hey this thing is going to be way too long! Argh!" So I bit the bullet and started tinking (I love this term. Whoever thought of it is so clever!) back until I was down to five inches. I think that if I start the decreases now it will be fine. If not, I'll just rip the darn thing down and try again. Everyone that knows me well, is usually amazed at the patience I have when it comes to knitting. Let me just say that patience is not my strong point in life ;)

Once I finish Shedir (I hope it will be soon Vicki. Man I wish days were 48 hours instead of 24!) I am going to start on a ribbed tank. I got ten skeins of Berroco's Cotton Twist for my birthday, and I am anxious to start it. The pattern I am using is from 1000 Sweaters. If you haven't see this book, you are missing out. I think that it is incredible. You pick the body of the sweater and then you can pick from various options of necklines, sleeves, and pockets. Every pattern in the book calls for a DK weight yarn which is about all I have in my stash. Maybe if I get started on this tank soon, I'll get it finished before spring 2008!

Show N Tell: Janette's Entry

  

Name: Feather and Fan Triangle Shawl
Designer: Cheryl Oberle
Pattern Source: "Folk Shawls"
Yarn Source: Handspun –18 wpi – Ashland Bay Merino-Mojave Red/Grafton Fibers
Needle Size: 8

Although I would have loved to have knit the shawl using the yarn called for in the pattern, I really wanted to use my own handspun. A very easy pattern (once I wrote out the charts), it took about 3 weeks to knit. I am very pleased with the results. It hasn't been blocked yet and it probably will never be. It is large enough and I like the way it drapes. My daughter was kind enough to model it for me.

Free Bag Pattern Links

1. Adriafil's Etnic Bag (K) picture
   
2. AdultRamblings.com Carry All (C)
   
3. AdultRamblings.com Easy Bags (C)
   
4. Amanda Gill's Cotton Tote (K)
   
5. Amy Stevens' On the Moon (K)
   
6. Annie Modesitt's Aline (K)
   
7. Ann Blalock's Shopping Bag (K)
   
8. Atomikpop's Keyboard Purse (K)
   
9. Barbara Breiter's A-line Purse (K)
   
10. Barb Burri's Felted Fun Purse (K)
    
11. Barbara Breiter's A-line Purse (K)
    
12. Barbara Breiter's Draw String Bag (K)
    
13. Barbara Breiter's The Club Bag (K)
    
14. Berroco's Annie Bag (K)
    
15. Berroco's Lali (B)
    
16. Berroco's Layla (K)
    
17. Berroco's 'Lil Hush Purse (K)
    
18. Berroco's Lorraine (K)
    
19. Berroco's Louisa (K)
    
20. Berroco's Magritte (C)
    
21. Berroco's Marni (C)
    
22. Berroco's Mika (C)
    
23. Berroco's Mita (K)
    
24. Black Sheep Bags' Booga Bag (K)
    
25. Blissful Knitter's Felted Purse (K)
    
26. Brooks Jones' Belle Bag (K)
    
27. Brooks Jones' Elle Bag (K)
    
28. Brooks Jones' Fiona Bag (K)
    
29. Brooks Jones's Louise Bag (K)
    
30. Brooks Jones' Misty Bag (K)
    
31. Carol Ventura's A Perrrrfectly Wonderful Tapestry Crochet Kitty Bag (C)
    
32. Carol Ventura's Heading South Rasta Bag (C)
    
33. Carol Ventura's Tapestry Crochet: Horse Around Purse!
    
34. Carol Ventura's Tapestry Crochet Necklace Pouch / Amulet Bag (C)
    
35. Caron's Jewel Box Backpack (K)
    
36. Cascade Yarns' Small Felted Bag (K)
    
37. Cheryl Oxsalida's My Epiphany Bag© (C)
    
38. Chicknits' Recycled Felted Purse
    
39. Chris Adams' Blue Envelope Style Handbag (C)
    
40. Christy McMahon's Psychedelic Sling Bag (C)
    
41. Cindi Schramer's Felted Purse (K)
    
42. Coats & Clark It's In The Bag (K)
    
43. Coats & Clark's Blue Cotillion Purse (C)
    
44. Coats & Clark's Casual & Chic Handbags (C)
    
45. Coats & Clark Crochet Bag (C)
    
46. Coats & Clark's Granny Bags (C)
    
47. Coats & Clark's Honeycomb Purse (C)
    
48. Coats & Clark's Lined Bags (C)
    
49. Coats & Clark Mesh Evening Top and Bag (C)
    
50. Coats & Clark's Pretty Purses (K)
    
51. Coats & Clark's Quick and Easy Poncho (C)
    
52. Coats & Clark's Rainbow Purse (C)
    
53. Coats & Clark's Red Drawstring Bag Trimmed with Flower (C)
    
54. Coats & Clark's Shell Stitch Evening Bag (C)
    
55. Coats & Clark's Spectator Bags (C)
    
56. Coats & Clark's Take Along Tote (C)
    
57. Craft Yarn Council's Purse (K)
    
58. Craftbits' Big Easy Red Bag
    
59. Crochet Design's Bag with Subtle Fleur-de-lis Patterning (C)
    
60. Crochet Memories Bridal Shell Keepsake Pouch (C)
    
61. Crochet Memories Clustered Tote Bag (C)
    
62. Crochet Memories' Kid's Sunshine Tote (C)
    
63. Crochet Me's Brown Sugar Bag (C)
    
64. Crochet Me's Fleuri: A Bag In Blossom (C)
    
65. Crochet Me's Pike Place Market Bag (C)
    
66. Crochet Me's Sunny Destination Bag (C)
    
67. Crochet N More's Duffel Purse (C)
    
68. Crochet N More's Heart Purse (C)
    
69. Crochet N More's Textured Purse (C)
    
70. Crochet N More's Tote Purse (C)
    
71. Crochet World's Irish Rose Evening Purse (C)
    
72. Crystal Palace's Cameo Cable (K)
    
73. Crystal Palace's Da Fuzzy Bag! (K)
    
74. Crystal Palace's Deco Ribbon Bag (C)
    
75. Crystal Palace's Deco Ribbon Bag (K)
    
76. Crystal Palace's Felted Bag in Iceland Wool and Squiggle (K)
    
77. Crystal Palace's Iceland Felted Bag with Little Flowers (C)
    
78. Crystal Palace's Little Deco-Ribbon Bags (K)
    
79. Crystal Palace's Musique Felted Bag with Fizz Trim (K)
    
80. Crystal Palace's Raggedy Bag (K)
    
81. Crystal Palace's Soiree Bag (K)
    
82. Crystal Palace's Trio Tote (K)
    
83. Crystal Quintanilla's Hello Kitty Backpack (C)
    
84. Daily Knitter's Carrie (K)
    
85. Daily Knitter's Isabel (K)
    
86. Darice.com Lion Brand Cotton Purse (C)
    
87. Daphne's Brussels Striped Handbag (C)
    
88. Daphne's Change Purses (C)
    
89. Daphne's May Handbag (C)
    
90. Debbie Tabor's Berry Bobbles Backpack (C)
    
91. Debi Tuttle's Suzzane's Purse (K) picture
    
92. Denise Augostine's Bonny's Country Clutch (C)
    
93. Denise Augostine's Spring Purses (C)
    
94. DMC Beaded Amulet Purse (C)
    
95. DMC's Fashion Bag (C)
    
96. DMC's Multi-Color Bag (C)
    
97. Domestic Sphere's Felted Bag With Mitered Squares (K)
    
98. Dot Matthews's Extenda Bag (C)
    
99. EK King's Spiral Bound Bag (K) !
    
100. Ellen Fentress' Beaded Chenille Purse (C)
     
101. Emerald Moon Creations' Beaded Tote Bag (C)
     
102. Eva Owsian's Stylish Knit Purse (K)
     
103. Fiona's Friends Fulled Bag (K)
     
104. Freddy Knits' Loopy Little Bag (K)
     
105. Freepatterns.com Bride's Purse (C)
     
106. Freepatterns.com Double Seed Stitch Coin Purse (K)
     
107. Freepatterns.com Elegant Holiday Clutch (K)
     
108. Freepatterns.com Fiesta Evening Bag and Scarf (C)
     
109. Freepatterns.com Fun in the Sun Beach Bag (K)
     
110. Freepatterns.com Hobo Backpack (C)
     
111. Freepatterns.com Lacy Shoulder Bag (C)
     
112. Freepatterns.com Lacy Summer Purse (K)
     
113. Freepatterns.com Little Girl's Tote (C)
     
114. Freepatterns.com Nylon Popcorn Purse (C)
     
115. Frugal Knitting Haus' Kids Tote Bag (K)
     
116. Frugal Knitting Haus' Sampler Stitch Purse (K)
     
117. Frugal Knitting Haus' Shopping Tote or Needlework Tote (K)
     
118. Frugal Knitting Haus' Snail Shell Beach Purse (K)
     
119. Fuzzy Galore's Crocheted Deco-Ribbon Beach Bag (C)
     
120. Fuzzy Galore's Da Fuzzy Bag (C)
     
121. Fuzzy Galore's Fuzzy Bag (K)
     
122. Fuzzy Galore's Jacki O Bag
     
123. Fuzzy Galore's Passport Bag (C)
     
124. Fuzzy Galore's Surprise Bag (K)
     
125. Gilded Clutch (C)
     
126. Gina Wood's Felted Bag (K)
     
127. Glampyer.com Felted Bag With Skulls (K)
     
128. Groovy Crochet Mosaic Bag (C)
     
129. Groovy Crochet's Flower Power (C)
     
130. Groovy Crochet's Gypsy Sling Bag (C)
     
131. Groovy Crochet's Hound's Tooth Bag (C)
     
132. Groovy Crochet's Maxi and Mini Bags (C)
     
133. Happyghan's Sarah's Forever Friends Handbag (C)
     
134. HappyHooker's Sponge Buddy Bag (C)
     
135. Hello Yarn's Felted Skull Tote Pattern (K)
     
136. Hello Yarn's Fulled Lopi Tote (K)
     
137. Hello Yarn's Mini Skull and Crossbones Tote Pattern (K)
     
138. HobbyCraft's Shoulder Bag (K)
     
139. Hobby Lobby's Black Handbag (C)
     
140. Hobby Lobby's Bougainvillea Handbag (C)
     
141. Hobby Lobby's Omega Espiga Thread Purse (C)
     
142. Interweave Knit's Maddy Spadola's From Rags to Stitches Bag (K)
     
143. Interweave Knit's Monk's Travel Satchel (K)
     
144. J Gibson's Turkish String Bag (K)
     
145. Jack Frost Handbags 1940's Purse (C)
     
146. Jan-Knit's Sweetheart Bag (K)
     
147. Janet Hoxie's Scallop Shell Purse (K)
     
148. Janice Farrell Pea's The Felted Bucket Bag Pattern (K)
     
149. Janice Farrell Pea's The Flap Dash Bag Pattern (K)
     
150. Janice Farrell Pea's The Newspaper Carrier's Bag (K)
     
151. Jean Lampe's Shopping Bags in Two Sizes (K)
     
152. Jeanne Hassler's Felted Bag (K)
     
153. Jeanne Hassler's Silk Garden Purse (K)
     
154. Jeanne Hassler's Squared Bag (K)
     
155. Josi Hannon Madera's Spike Stitch Clutch (C)
     
156. Julie Anderson's Sophie (K)
     
157. Julie A. Bolduc's CD Drawstring Bag (C)
     
158. Kate Lemer's Spring Fling Bag (K)
     
159. Kathy Wortel's Entrelac Suki (K)
     
160. Kathy Wortel's Suki (K)
     
161. Keyboard Biologist's Small Felted Bag with Partition (K)
     
162. KnitFreak.com Little Green Bag (K)
     
163. KnitKit.com Special Companion (K)
     
164. KnitPicks' Farmer's Market Tote (K)
     
165. Knitting Fiend's Hand Knit Felted Purse (K)
     
166. Knitty Chick's Salsa Purse (K)
     
167. Kreinik's Blue Envelope Purse (C)
     
168. Kreinik's Patriotic Purse (C)
     
169. Kreinik's Snapping Turtle Amulet Bag (C)
     
170. Kreink's Triangle Evening Bag (C)
     
171. Kreinik's Topaz Crocheted Purse (C)
     
172. Kreinik's Zebra Print Shoulder Bag (C)
     
173. Kymberlina's Barrel Purse (K)
     
174. Laurie Clark's Black Clutch Purse (C)
     
175. Leigh Spencer's Tasha (K)
     
176. Lily Sugar 'N Cream Back Pack (K)
     
177. Lily Sugar 'N Cream Crocheted Spring Bag (C)
     
178. Lily Suger 'N Cream Summer Purses (C)
     
179. Lion Brand's All Occasion Tote Bag (C)
     
180. Lion Brand's Chenille Sensations Baguette (C)
     
181. Lion Brand's Chenille Shoulder Bag (C)
     
182. Lion Brand's Chenille Thick and Quick Heart Bag (C)
     
183. Lion Brand's Color Waves Bouclé Envelope Bag (C)
     
184. Lion Brand's Everything Bag (K)
     
185. Lion Brand's Felted Diaper Bag (K)
     
186. Lion Brand's Flower Purse (K)
     
187. Lion Brand's Fun Fur and Microspun Fun Bag (K)
     
188. Lion Brand's Hobo Bag (C)
     
189. Lion Brand's Hobo Bag (K)
     
190. Lion Brand's Incredible-Fun Fur Furry Little Bag (C)
     
191. Lion Brand's Jiffy Backpack (K)
     
192. Lion Brand's Jiffy Thick & Quick Potholder Envelope Bag (C)
     
193. Lion Brand's Kitchen Cotton Tote Bag (C)
     
194. Lion Brand's Little Black Purse (K)
     
195. Lion Brand's Pound of Love Sweater Bag (K)
     
196. Lion Brand's Prism Bag (C)
     
197. Lion Brand's Rainbow Bag (K)
     
198. Lion Brand's Striped Self-Lined Bag (K)
     
199. Lion Brand's Suede Bag (C)
     
200. Lion Brand's Thick and Quick Purse (K)
     
201. Lion Brand's Wool Ease Thick & Quick Fun Fur Knit or Crochet Purse (B)
     
202. Lion Brand's Wool Ease Thick & Quick Oriental Envelope Bag (C)
     
203. Lion Brand's Wool Felted Tote (K)
     
204. Major Knitter's Crabapple Blossom Bag (K)
     
205. Marlo's Crochet Corner Ashley's Chic Purse (C)
     
206. Marlo's Crochet Corner Fun Flower Purse (C)
     
207. Marlo's Crochet Corner Happy Hearts Purse (C)
     
208. Marlo's Crochet Corner Plastic Bag Tote (C)
     
209. Marlos' Crochet Corner Retro Purse (C)
     
210. Marlo's Crochet Corner Round Plastic Bag Tote (C)
     
211. Marlo's Crochet Corner Round Winter Purse (C)
     
212. Marlo's Crochet Corner Super Size Tote (C)
     
213. Marlo's Crochet Corner Tic Tac On The Go Purse (C)
     
214. Marlo's Crochet Corner Tropical Breeze Tote (C)
     
215. Marlo's Crochet Corner Waffle Purse (C)
     
216. Marnie MacLean's Entangled Roses Purse (K)
     
217. Marnie MacLean's Itty Bitty Kitty Puuurse (K)
     
218. Mary L. McCall's Small Bag (K)
     
219. Mary McKnight's Rinky-Pink Beaded Treasure Sack (C)
     
220. Mason-Dixon Button Hole Bag (K)
     
221. Matthew Hesson-McInnis' Football Warmer Purse (K)
     
222. Medidit.com Two Purses (C)
     
223. Midnight Knitter's Christmas Purse (K)
     
224. Midnight Knitter's Chunky Hip Bag (K)
     
225. Midnight Knitter's Felted Angle Purse (K)
     
226. Midnight Knitter's Josie Bag (K)
     
227. Midnight Knitter's Via Mala Rectangle Purse (K)
     
228. MimisCrafts.com Sack Bag (C)
     
229. Moda Dea's Hobo Bag (C)
     
230. Moda Dea Knit Shoulder Bag (K)
     
231. Moda Dea Scarf and Purse (K)
     
232. Monterey Cotton Crocheted Beach or Tote Bag
     
233. Mosaic Minds' Pop Top Purse (C)
     
234. Nancy Hearne's Hearts Gift Bag (C)
     
235. Natalie Wilson's Sueet Suede (K)
     
236. Newyorkknits.com Felted Eyelash Bag (K)
     
237. Ornaghi Filati Farfalla Bag (C)
     
238. Ornaghi Filati Peluche White And Blue Bag (K)
     
239. Patt Marcial's Blace Purse (C)
     
240. Patti Gonsalves's Wool Dandy Bag (C)
     
241. Polly Outhwaite's French Market Bag (K)
     
242. Precilla Hewitt's Paperback Totes (C)
     
243. Priscilla Hewitt's Summer Sling Tote (C)
     
244. PurpleDandyLion's Firey Salsa BackPack (C)
     
245. Rachel Edwards' Drawstring Bag (C)
     
246. Renaissancewoman.net A Small Knitted Purse (K)
     
247. Robin Smith's Felted No Rules Bag (K)
     
248. Roxycraft's Gelato Bag (K)
     
249. Roxycraft's The Last Straw Bag (K)
     
250. Roxycraft's Small Felted Clutch (K)
     
251. Safiya's Double Stripe Purse (C)
     
252. Sandra Huffines' Heart Purse (C)
     
253. Sarah Bradberry Linen St Shoulder Bag (K)
     
254. Sarah Bradberry's Little Girl's Fulled Backpack (K)
     
255. Sarah Edwards' Felted Ice Cream Sundae Basket/Bag (K)
     
256. Sarah Peasley's Sister! Sister! (K)
     
257. Sarah's Threads' Teeny-Tiny Felted Totes (K)
     
258. ScullyKnits' Highland Wool Felted Bags (K)
     
259. Sarafina's Loft Felted Purse Pattern (K)
     
260. South Bay Crochet's Mile a Minute Sequins and Beaded Purse (C)
     
261. Soxie's Bag's (K)
     
262. Stacey Cline's Where Is Spring? Bag! (K)
     
263. Steph Thornton's Drawstring Cotton Bag (C)
     
264. Stephanie Shiman's Unbiased (K)
     
265. Sue Schwartz's Jennifer Purse (K)
     
266. Sullivans' Draw String Bag (K)
     
267. Sullivans' Shoulder Bag (K)
     
268. Sullivans's Fashion Handbag (K)
     
269. Susan Esser's Veggie Beach Laundry Bag (K)
     
270. Susanna Winter's Backpack (C)
     
271. Swallow Hill Creations' Beaded Coin Purse (K)
     
272. Sweaterscapes.com Envelope Purse Pattern (K)
     
273. Too Many Hooks Ark Tote Bag (C)
     
274. UnwindYarn.com Carpenter Street Bag (K)
     
275. UnwindYarn.com Dandelion Handbag (K)
     
276. Vickie Howell's Tinsel (K)
     
277. Vivian Hoxbro Felted Domino Bag (K)
     
278. Wendy Squires' Beaded Bag (K)
     
279. Wrights' Purse (C)
     
280. Yarniverse's Cable Purse (K)
     
281. Yarnpath's The Doggie Bag (K)
     
282. Zibibbo's Cestino (K)
     
283. Zibibbo's The Other Sueet (K)
     
284. Zibibbo's The Other Sueet (K)

Dear Lexie,

Has it really been 8 years? It seems like it was just yesterday that I watched you come into this world. That day I learned the meaning of love at first sight. I remember your Nana and I just standing there crying tears of joy looking down at this perfect little baby girl...



Now you are eight years old and I couldn't be prouder of you!




Look at how beautiful you are! But not only are you blessed with beauty, you are also blessed with an intelligence that has blown us away since you were very little and a sense of humor that keeps us all in stitches.




In other words, you are just like me!




Shhhh don't tell your mom I said that! Happy Birthday Lexie! May all your wishes and dreams come true.

Love Always,
Aunt Tay Tay ;)

Show N Tell: Nancy's Entry

 
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I wanted to understand illusion knitting for a long time. I never thought that my first attempt at it would be to design an illusion pattern, but I wanted something really special for a knitting friend for Christmas. After some trial and error, I was really happy with the final result.

The scarf is my own design. It took a while to figure out how to design illusions, though. Some of my first attempts were amusing. I started with the "HO HO HO" panel. The design takes shape on the wrong side of the work, therefore, I was thinking that I had to reverse the letters to make it come out right on the public side - WRONG. My first attempt actually said "OH OH OH". Frog it... On the Christmas tree panel, the tree ended up being VERY skinny and VERY tall. Ok - frog it.

Once I got the pattern to look right, I thought it was smooth sailing - WRONG AGAIN. If you don't reverse the design at the middle of the neck for the 2nd side, the scarf ends up with all the panels going the same direction, therefore, when worn, one side will be upside-down. Frog it...

I'm in the process of designing several other illusion patterns. If you are interested in purchasing this pattern or any other illusion patterns, please email me at nancy@3rdm.net.



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This bag was a test knitting project for a friend. She designed the pattern and I wanted to use some more vibrant colors than the muted tones she had used on her prototype. I started dying wool for this project. I love the result I got with the Wilton cake dyes. The green, blue and yellow are cake dyes. The red was some red wool I had left over from another project. I just couldn't dye wool to make the red turn out. I got a wide range of pinks and purples, but no red, so I used Lamb's Pride instead.

This bag was a lot of fun to make. I really love the decreases on the bottom. I really enjoyed the chance to practice "knitting backwards" so I didn't have to turn my work every time I needed to purl. Entrelac can drive you crazy if you don't learn to knit backwards.

Friday Already??!!

I can't believe it is Friday already. Geez time really flies by doesn't it! I get to work 7am to 5pm today so I should be nice and pooped when I get home. The good thing is I actually get the whole weekend off! Tomorrow should be a pretty full day. I'll be going to my knitting group meeting in the morning and I have a class at that God awful antique shop from 3-5. I can't wait! I wonder what tea we'll get to drink. Ooooooooooh I'm so excited! I can't say that I have ever been excited about going to work before now. It's too bad I can't do this for a living.

I'm not sure what I'll be doing on Sunday. Maybe I'll just get to work on Shedir. I have two more pattern repeats left before I start decreasing. Don't let how long it is taking me to finish this hat discourage you from trying it. I only get about an hour or so a night of knitting. I could see this hat being finished in less than a week if I had more knitting time. Ideally, I would love to get Shedir finished by Monday. That's some pretty wishful thinking. We'll see what happens.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I have another great Show N Tell lined up for Monday. Remember anyone can participate. All you have to do is email me at faerycrafty1 @ yahoo.com with a picture of your project and write up a little something about it. It doesn't have to be knitting. It can be any craft. See you Monday!

My Brother

My brother is coming home from Iraq in March!! Yay!! He's coming down here so that he can go on a cruise with his wife. I am getting them Disney tickets so that they can have the greatest time possible. I can't wait to see him and hug him!!! You all have heard me talk about Nick before. I figured that I ought to put a face with a name and share some pictures with you. This is my brother Nick with his wife Emily and children Nate(left) and Ben. What a beautiful family! Don't ya think!

These pictures were taken when he was on leave from Iraq. I think he got to spend two weeks at home and meet his son Nate for the first time. This next picture brings tears to my eyes every time I look at it. He looks so loving holding his son in his arms yet so sad that he has to leave him to go back to war. Could he be wondering if he would ever get to hold him again?


I know in my heart that God will bring him back to us all safe and sound! He has so many people praying for him. I told him that we have prayed a bubble right around his helicopter, and that nothing will ever touch him. Thanks to everyone who has sent happy thoughts and prayers his way. He really appreciates it, and I truely think it makes him feel safer. 

and the rest...

Ok so where was I? Oh yes, I taught my first lesson at the antique/bead shop last night. I had a wonderful time, and I can't believe I actually got paid to do it! First of all the shop is actually this huge, beautiful, pink Victorian house that is richly decorated and full of the most beautiful antiques you have ever seen. I'm not the best writer in the world, but I'll try to describe the evening as best I can.

She walked me into the kitchen that is equally as exquisite as the rest of the house. This is where they serve tea throughout the day, and one wall has shelves full of the different gourmet teas that they offer. They carry so many different types of tea that you could probably have a different flavor for every day of the month, and they create this wonderful scent in the kitchen adding to the pleasant experience. She tells me this is also where classes are held. What? Isn't that just awful?! I have to teach a class and spend two hours in this comfy, fabulous kitchen surrounded by delicate china and sweet smelling teas. Then you are going to pay me for my trouble? Ask me later how to act completely professional on the outside while jumping up and down, doing happy dances, and squealing like a teenager on the inside. Maybe I should teach a class on that.

My student showed up and we all sat around the table sipping tea from intricately patterned antique teacups (yes the woman even served us some of the gourmet tea. can you say spoiled!) and discussed all that the session would entail. I like to sit and chat for a bit so that I can find out what my student's goals are. Some students only want to learn the knit stitch to make scarves, while some want to learn anything and everything they can. I get way more excited about the latter. This student's main goal is to learn the skills necessary to create preemie hats and booties to donate to hospital where she works. I liked her right away.

Needless to say this was the best class I have ever taught by far. The atmosphere was incomperable, and as if it couldn't get any better my student was a dream. She picked up knitting like it was second nature. Her stitches were nice and even, and they weren't too tight or too loose. She had those Goldy Locks kind of stitches, juuuuuuuust right. Heehee. Ok I'm silly. Seriously though folks, can you believe I got PAID to do this????

Do you think I'll be going back? You bet your patooty I will be! As a matter of fact we have already scheduled a class for this Saturday. I told her to practice her knitting and purling all week long and to start looking for patterns she would like to make. I'm convinced that she'll be knitting hats in no time. She is a fast learner and very enthusiastic which makes all the difference.

Inez asked for advice on how to get started teaching knitting classes. I'm not sure if this is how everyone goes about doing it, but this what I did. After I gained confidence in my abilities I went to my local craft store and inquired if they had a knitting teacher. I brought in examples of my work and a copy of a basic syllabus I wrote up. I joined a yahoo group for knitting teachers, and did some research online and in books. I had already taught several people how to knit successfully so I was confident that I could at least teach the basic classes. After getting more comfortable with teaching, I began to offer other types of classes like pattern reading, cables, and most recently a design your own poncho class. The way I see it is that if you can do it, you can teach it. The most important thing to remember is have patience! Also, the Craft Yarn Council of America offers a Certified Knitting Instructor program that you can complete in a Correspondence Program. I hope this helps :)

Well it's time for dinner. My tummy is growling and the smells coming from the oven are making my mouth water. Can't....concentrate....must....eat...food

The Class

I taught my first class at the antique/bead shop last night. I have a lot more to tell, but I have to head out the door for work. More later...

Show N Tell: Cindy's Entry

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The beautiful shawl above was knit by one of the wonderful ladies in my knitting group, Cindy. Woohoo I get to see it in person!
She writes...

I made this with a 4 ply wool using Pat Ashford's book "Muffler Mathmatics". It uses a math equation similar to EZ's percent system. I enjoyed making it, and it is certainly big enough and warm.
Cindy

Friday!

What does a person who works too much need? How about another job!! I got a call from that bead shop yesterday, and they have some people dying to learn how to knit. I just have to give them my schedule and we'll set up prices and times. I tried to call today, but I wasn't able to reach anyone. I'll try again tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

As you can see, I've managed to find time to knit on Shedir. I think that if I had more time to knit that I would be able to whip this out in a few days. This week my knitting time has been scarce, but she's growing little by little. I must say that I am really enjoying working on this hat. Cables are too much fun! It's weird how some of the stitches look funky in this picture. They really aren't that uneven in person. Maybe it's a trick of light. Yeah that's the ticket!

I hope that you all have a great weekend. I have another incredible Show N Tell coming up on Monday. I don't know about you, but I am just loving this! If you would like to participate email me at faerycrafty1 at yahoo dot com. Send in a picture(s) and write up a little something about the project(s). Don't be shy! See you on Monday!

Rest and Stuff

I had a great day today doing nothing. Actually I wasn't really doing nothing. I did get some stuff accomplished. First of all I went through my bookmarks of free pattern sites and found about 190 bag links. This really and truly was not a lot of work, because I have already bookmarked all the sites I know that have free patterns.

After I hunted around, I went over to Rachel's websites CrochetPatternCentral.com and KnittingPatternCentral.com to see what I had missed. She has the most free pattern links I have ever seen in my life. In all actuality I could have just given you the link to her bag page, but then that would take all the fun out of hunting them down. Also there is the slightest minute possibility that I would find a pattern link that she doesn't have which would be a nice way to pay her back for all the links she has given me. You rock Rachel!

I got some more knitting done on Shedir while my husband drove us to pick up his new suit. You better believe pictures are coming of him in it! Goodness gracious sakes alive he looks good in that thang! I have never seen him in a suit even on our wedding day (We had quite the hippy wedding. I was barefoot)so it was a big deal to me.

Cherry is completely finished now and in serious need of a lint roller to get all the blasted cat hair off of it. Zoe says,"You mean that isn't supposed to be on there Momma? I shed it just for Misti!" I was going to post a picture of it tonight, but then I thought it would be better to get a picture of my sister with it :) She's coming tomorrow!! You will also finally get to see how Ribby turned out. Yippee!

I hope everyone has a great day. I want to do some more pattern hunting (I just know there is a rock that hasn't been unturned) and then I will start listing the patterns. Hopefully it won't take me too long to get them all posted. I'll probably be MIA for the next couple of days. I'll be soaking up my family until Monday! I have to get a year's worth of lovin' in! Have a great weekend! See you for sure on Monday with a new Show N Tell!

PS. Voting ends on Monday which just so happens to be my birthday. You can vote once every 24 hours up until then. Thanks so much for all of your votes so far. You are all awesome!