crafty_kat

Dusting Off And Starting Anew

2012-02-06T11:31:00.000-08:00

*Dusts off and glances around* Well, I must say, things aren't looking too shabby for my having neglected this blog again. I do apologize, though. I keep meaning to post, and I keep forgetting! This makes for quite a bit of catching up to do, on my part, so I will stagger the posts a little, or they'd be way too long.

So let's start with the Dr Who swap I was in last year, since I can finally share all the goodies I made for my swapee.

Here's a picture of everything together (with a gratuitous Pippin in the shot):

Yes, I spoiled Jaynerulis rotten, and as she put it, I must be a TimeLord for having put all of this together.

All in all, she received tea samples from Adagio Teas,

Spritz cookies

chocolate rice crispy treats

ginger molasses cookies

homemade peanut butter cups

which I, of course, had to sample ;-)

Dr Who inspired fridge magnets. Ten-stripes, a Fez,

DW-logo, seal of Rasilon, Tardis, and

a bow tie, respectively.

Hubby even pitched in and made these stitch-markers in Dr. Who colors.

5th Avenue Infinity Scarf

Project:	5th Avenue Infinity Scarf
Pattern:	5th Avenue Infinity Scarf
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Manos del Uruguay
Colors:	Mulled Wine
Needles:	US8
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

A Tilting Tardis Cowl

Project:	Moving Through Time
Pattern:	Tilting Tardis Cowl
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	StahlSche Wolle Merino Superfine
Colors:	navy
Needles:	US9
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Donna's scarf

Project:	compantion
Pattern:	Donna Noble
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Phentex Mohair
Colors:	sage
Needles:	US10
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Who Love (beaded cowl)

Project:	Who Love
Pattern:	Jeweled Cowl
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud
Colors:	Midnight
Needles:	US8
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

and several dish cloths

Project:	PROJECTNAME
Pattern:	Doctor Who Adipose Dishcloth
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Peaches & Creme
Colors:	ecru
Needles:	US8
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Project:	Who?
Pattern:	Doctor Who Bad Wolf Dishcloth
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Peaches & Creme
Colors:	ecru
Needles:	US8
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Project:	cue who
Pattern:	Doctor Who Bowties are Cool
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Solids
Colors:	avocado
Needles:	US8
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Project:	logorific
Pattern:	Doctor Who Cybus Industries Logo
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Solids
Colors:	avocado
Needles:	US8
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Project:	Who Too
Pattern:	Doctor Who Don't Blink Dishcloth
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Peaches & Creme
Colors:	light blue
Needles:	US8
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Project:	Whoot
Pattern:	Doctor Who - Vote Saxon Dishcloth
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Solids
Colors:	avocado
Needles:	US8
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Project:	Plus One
Pattern:	The Most Awesomest TARDIS Dishcloth EVAR
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Solids
Colors:	avocado
Needles:	US8
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Project:	the more the merrier
Pattern:	Doctor Who Seal of Rassilon Dishcloth
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Peaches & Creme
Colors:	light blue
Needles:	US8
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Project:	candy
Pattern:	Doctor Who Jelly Baby Dishcloth
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Solids
Colors:	avocado
Needles:	US8
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Project:	who three
Pattern:	Doctor Who The Angels Have the Blue Box Dishcloth
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co., Inc Peaches & Creme Solids
Colors:	avocado
Needles:	US8
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Project:	who to?
Pattern:	Doctor Who Logo Dishcloth
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Peaches & Creme
Colors:	light blue
Needles:	US8
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

As you can see, it was quite the haul. I had a ton of fun putting all of this together (and believe it, or not, a fair share of anxiety, too). I wish I was in the position to do more swaps like this.

For now, I'll end here. I think this post has gone on long enough, don't you? I promise, I'll be back soon to show you what else I've been up to lately.

Been A While Again

2011-11-19T18:09:00.001-08:00

Yeah, yeah, I know, I've been MIA again a while. Partially because I've had another extended period of not being able to do anything, thanks for my fibro acting up, and partially due to the fact that what crafting I've done has mostly been for a swap. One that isn't done yet, so I can't share anything at this point. I will, though, once it's over and my recipient's gotten her package. ;-)

There are a few things I can share, however. I've done a bit of selfish knitting, too. I'd started working on a Multnomah shawl for myself, using the glass needles Dustin got me for my birthday this year. I love those needles, by the way, they're the best ones I've ever worked with. I got about halfway with my shawl when I, unfortunately, broke my needles. See?

Cue me pouting. So now my Multnomah's on hiatus until I can get new needles. I can't wait to finish it, though. It's funny, because when this yarn is balled up, the predominant color was pinkish-purple with charcoal, but knitting it up, it's turning out the exact opposite.

One of the girls from UU (ravelry) is sending me a set of hers so I can at least finish my shawl, since I don't have any others that particular size. These needles will have to wait to be sent in to get fixed, though.

I was a bit bummed about my shawl, as you can imagine, and itching to knit. Not to mention, dying to use some of the yarn Dustin had given me for my birthday, so I went scouring for something to make for myself, since I'd been doing so much swap knitting. I decided to make an On the Waves Wrap, using my Woobu yarn from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. That yarn is soooooo nice to work with. I hope it'll block and wear okay, because man oh man!

Project:	Woobu Waves
Pattern:	On the Waves
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Blue Moon Fiber Arts Woobu
Colors:	Bittersweet
Needles:	US9
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Obviously, it hasn't been blocked yet, so this isn't how it'll be, but the basic design is visible. It'll just be a bit more so once it's blocked. I added about four repeats to the pattern, because I thought it was a little on the short side, considering the fact I'm not exactly... small, up front, if you know what I mean. I probably should've blocked before doing so, though, because I have no idea right now whether it'll end up being too long, but I guess I'll find out. I love how it looks and feels, though! So soft.

I really, really wish I could share all the swap-items I've been working on (as well as a couple of gifts, come to think of it), but alas! I promise, though, I will do so at the earliest opportunity.

Finally!

2011-08-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

I've had this blanket finished for close to a year now, and was finally able to ship it out to my friend's little boy. Only a year late, but hey. She received it today, so I get to share it with you!

She'd shown me a picture of the decor they intended to use for their boy, and I'd had it in my mind ever since. I'm so excited to know that the colors match! She loves the blanket, and the shawl I sent her as well. It's just a prayer shawl, and I forgot to take a picture of it, so I can't share it yet. I've asked for pictures of both her baby and the blanket, and her and the shawl, so hopefully (if she'll permit it) I can share with y'all soon.

The stats for the blanket:

Project:	T's Baby Blanket
Pattern:	Moderne Log Cabin Baby Blanket
Size:	N/A
Yarn:	Caron Simply Soft
Colors:	Country Blue, Light Country Blue, Off White, Chocolate
Needles:	US# 10
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

We Interrupt This Program...

2011-08-09T13:44:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to have a minor issue (well, it's minor now, but it's serious and potentially a major problem if ignored) with carpal tunnel. My wrist's been hurting a lot more lately, and my fingers are tingling and numb. Not a good sign.

So I asked both on Ravelry and twitter and the following things were shared with me to try to help it. I'm sure I'm not alone with this problem, so I thought it might be a good idea to share them with you.

It was also suggested to do wrist curls with hand weights, 3 sets of 10 reps each, as well as use icy hot. Now, I'm allergic to the stuff (never mind the fact it gives me asthma attacks), so I generally use Sombra instead.

As you can imagine, having wrist problems isn't making knitting any easier. It's been very slow going (and technically it shouldn't be going at all for a while at least), so there's not a hell of a lot to share.

Deirdre Et Al

2011-07-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Deirdre is now officially blocked. I've decided to keep her as a birthday present to myself. Hopefully she'll be all dried up and ready to wear by Sunday (not that I'm planning anything, but it's the idea of it).

Isn't she pretty? I love how the shawl turned out. Surprisingly, I'm really loving the color, too.

And in a fit of productivity (cue laughter, here), I bound off on my Harvest socks. You'd think that meant I was done, but I'm not. Right now, they're just tube socks. See?

You see that bit of yarn the other sock is dangling off of? That's where I have to pick up stitches to do the afterthought heel. It was the only way to get the tip, heel, and cuff to match. I'm both scared and excited. I'm so close to being done with my first pair of socks! I've promised myself that I'll finish them before my birthday. Think I'll be able to?

Deirdre!

2011-07-24T11:57:00.000-07:00

I just finished binding off on my Deirdre shawl! The colors worked out so nicely, I'm quite pleased. The shawl turned out very differently to what I was expecting, given the image provided with the pattern. It's definitely a bit smaller than I was wanting, so I'm hoping it'll block out well.

All the same, I'm quite in love with it, even with all the mistakes I made. Hope they won't show too much once blocked ;-)

The details:

Project:	Test knit for PBrr
Pattern:	Deirdre
Size:	one size
Yarn:	Propaganda Yarn; Nadya base
Colors:	Grapefruit Diet (Blood Oranges for Breakfast, originally)
Needles:	US2 for upper stockinette, US4 for lace and border
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Deirdre

Catching Up

2011-07-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Wow, I didn't realize how long it's been since I posted last. Life went just a little crazy (okay, a lot crazy) and I lost track of time. So sorry about that.

Anyway. Hubby took me to Black Sheep Gathering last month, and we had fun. There were a few things I missed from other years (no Angora bunnies on display, nor were there Alpacas, bar two out front). I noticed there was a huge increase in fiber for sale, compared to actual yarn for sale, which struck me as interesting. I guess spinning's becoming more and more the thing to do. Too bad I can't do it (no, really, I tried. My hands hurt like crazy when I use a spindle, and since I have neither room or money for an actual spinning wheel, I'm not likely to find out whether I can do it that way instead).

Still, I got away with a very good haul. We went there to see about getting yarn for hubby's hat and gloves that he's requested (yay, I get to knit for him!), and managed to find some for a hat, at least. No luck on anything for gloves, though.

Once that was taken care of, I was told in no uncertain terms to buy yarn for me, and only me. Selfish knitting required. Very nice, but much harder to accomplish than one might think! Still, I did pretty well, scoring some sock yarn in different colors.

I was also treated to glass(!) knitting needles and wooden crochet hooks. I haven't tried the hooks yet, but oh my God, do I love, love, love my needles! If only they weren't so expensive! Anyway, these were a belated anniversary/early birthday gift from him. Score!

I won't upload all the pictures here, as it'll end up being a fairly heavy picture post to begin with, but you can see everything here.

Okay! Onward and upward, as they say!

So y'all remember those socks I started? The Harvest ones? I got a little further with them, but have had to pause at the heel because what I want doesn't work with that pattern. Not too big of a deal, as I can use a different heel, and I will, but I had to set them aside for now. Here's how far I got, though. I can't wait to finish these!

Aren't they cool? Love them!

Now you know me by now, I hope, so while I've had to shelve these, I started another pair out of some Alpaca yarn I was given a few years ago. First time ever knitting with the stuff, and I have to say, I'm lovin' it. It's different than anything I've worked with so far, and good golly, miss Molly, are they going to be warm!.

Had to put these aside as well, but for a different reason. A friend of mine helped us out of a very tight spot, so I wanted to do something to thank her. She's aware something's coming, but not what, and I won't give my secret away completely, but I will give you a sneak peek.

I ran into a counting problem, though, so for now, it's in time-out. Yeah, yeah, I know, I know. I can't help myself, okay?!

When PBrr asked on Ravelry for test knitters for a new colorway for her shop, I volunteered. Hand-dyed yarn? Hell, yeah, I'm there! I was one of the lucky few to receive a skein, and though the color wasn't quite what I'd expected (the name was Bloodoranges for Breakfast, I think she's since changed it to Grapefruit Diet, though), I've fallen in love with it.

I'm making a Deirdre shawl with it. Simple enough (supposedly, I don't quite agree with that assessment, however) to display the colors, and lacy enough to get a feel of how they'd look like that.

Here's what I've got, so far. And really, anyone who knows me will get just how strange it is for me to be in love with this yarn.

I think this last shot is the most color-accurate one out of all of them. Well, maybe the first, but skeined up like that it gives a wholly different look than when it's all knitted up. I still have quite a way to go before I'm done, but I'm seriously loving this already.

There's also a mini-swap I'm doing with another girl from Ravelry, but haven't started on that yet. Mostly because I'm still trying to figure out pattern and yarn. Once I've got something there, I'll of course let you know, too. Still in a swap with Jen, too, but that one's proving a little more elusive for me, since I'm lacking a few things that I require in order to finish some of the stuff I've got going for it.

Alright, this post has reached epic proportions already, so I think I'll sign off and go do some more knitting ;-) Also, I am ignoring my widget for now.

*hums* Christmas is coming...

Oy!

Socks!

2011-06-18T19:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally took the plunge after much searching for a pattern that might work for me. Since I'm fairly inept as of yet, at understanding and tweaking patterns, it needed to be very cut and dry for me. I couldn't really find one, but the girl on Ravelry came to my aid, and pointed me to a wonderful tutorial and a recipe rather than a pattern. Isn't that the same thing, you ask? Yes, but not quite.

These are the most basic of basic socks, knitted toe-up, which means I cast on x-amount, and then increase until I get the desired width. The calculations given for that put me at about 68 stitches, but as I was knitting along, I noticed that it was still a little on the loose side. Add to that, that I was using left-over yarn from the fingerless gloves...

Yep, you guessed it. There's not enough left to make anklets with, like I'd hoped.

So I've frogged them, for the time being. I'm going to get yarn to match it (or contrast, depending), and have that be toes and heels, and use this yarn for the "body" of the socks.

Not one to be deterred for long, I cast on for a different pair. This time, I know there is enough yarn, as the toes and heels are going to be black, and the body of the socks will be a striped yarn. Already have a good start, and am quite pleased with them so far.

In other news, next weekend is Black Sheep Gathering, and I'm really looking forward to going. I don't think I'll be able to make it to the Ravelry meet up they have scheduled, since it's my niece's birthday that day, but all the same, it'll be good to go there again. Any of you folks going to be there?

Hesitant

2011-06-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

I just cast off on the Tongues of Fire stole, and I'm having doubts on the length of it. I'm hoping that it'll gain some length once I block it. I did try to see how much there'd be gained by blocking a small part of it, and I think it'll be okay... but to see it off the needles as it is right now, I'm worried... very worried.

See what I mean? It looks so... short. And come to think of it, also quite narrow. I wish I had the room to block this out properly, but I honestly don't at the moment. Need to figure that one out, as the length of it is a little longer than the space I have free (and that doesn't have cats running all over it). So I guess I'll be worried a little while longer.

No idea what I'll work on next. Might just end up doing a little more on the blanket, if I can handle the heat (no, seriously, that thing's getting warm!).

More Show And Tell

2011-05-29T17:21:00.000-07:00

Yay, I learned something new today! What did I learn, I hear you ask? I learned how to make a thumb in a glove ;-). I'd always been a bit scared about trying, because the idea of having to drop stitches (tiny ones, at that!) in the middle of something I've worked hard at... well, it scared the shit out of me. Even now, after I've done it.

It was tricky, and I messed up and had to re-do the thumb twice, but in the end, I think it worked out okay. I'm pretty pleased with them, anyway. Too bad they're a gift, and not for keeps.

What do you think?

That's not all I've worked on today, though. I finished block 7 of the Beaver Blanket I've been working on for much longer than I care to admit. It's looking pretty good, but I'm starting to worry whether it'll be wide enough for a King. My bed is a Queen, and I know it'll fit that, but... I only have one more block to go, width-wise, so we'll see. I can always improvise the design, of course, but yeah...

Check it out for yourselves (length still has two huge blocks to add to it, so far from done yet).

As you can see, it's going to be close. Time will tell,though. Anyway, I'm happy with the dents I've made in my WIPs. Still have a long way to go, especially considering I have a new niece on the way, and I haven't a clue what to make for her yet.

Slowly But Surely...

2011-05-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

I'm making strides on the crafting front, albeit very slow ones. I knit this Liesel scarf back in 2007, and I've only just blocked it. Yeah, kinda fail there, but oh well. Better late, than never, right?

the whole thing all blocked:

up close:

I've also begun to inch my way into the scary (to me) world of sewing. I haven't actually sewn yet, but I've been busy cutting up old jeans into squares so that I can make a quilt top. Or two. Or three. I don't know yet how many I'll end up being able to do, as I haven't made my way through all our old jeans yet. I've been saving them for years, and believe me when I say, one acquires a fair amount of pants over a decade!

Here's some progress, though:

There's four stacks. The two on the left are of my stretchy jeans; one black, one blue. The two on the right are of regular style jeans, also one black, one blue. No idea yet how I'm going to combine any of it. Especially since there's a few colored jeans still waiting to be cut up. Don't worry, I'll share the end results with you ;-)

I had every intention on getting more done today, but my back is killing me after blocking that scarf, so I'm not sure I'll get around to it. I'm hopeful, though, that I'll have another FO or two to share with you soon.

ETA: Forgot to add the stats for the scarf, so...

Project:	Pink Liesel
Pattern:	Liesel
Size:	one size
Yarn:	KnitPicks Ambrosia
Colors:	Petal
Needles:	US 8
Gauge:	n/a
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Almost Forgot!

2011-05-18T20:18:00.000-07:00

I can finally show the second Elise shawl I crocheted, since I gave it to my Mother-in-Law last week for Mother's Day (okay, okay, a few days, late, but it still counts).

Here's a picture pre-blocking:

and here is the finished product, all blocked:

She loved it, thankfully. First thing she did was go through her wardrobe to see what outfits would go with it, which was awesome. So yay, for that!

I haven't been able to do a hell of a lot on the crafting front of late, as I managed to hit my elbow hard enough to make "funny bone, very not funny" and give me issues. It's getting better, slowly, but it means my crafting mojo's taken a definite hit. Hoping to get back to it soon. I might even brave my sewing machine!

Blocking Away!

2011-05-07T09:11:00.000-07:00

I just finished wet-blocking my At The Deep End shawl (aka the Elise Shawl I crocheted a while back). It was a little intimidating, because while soaking, a lot of dye seemed to leach out of it. Never had that happen to me before, but then again, I've never worked with that yarn before, either. Hopefully it won't do so again if it ever gets wet.

Anyway!

Here's a before picture:

And all pinned/blocked:

Just hope I got it right lol. I'm still amazed at the difference it makes, and I can't wait to block my other projects now. Have to wait for this to dry, though, and that'll take at least two days. We'll see :-)

I Did It... I Think

2011-05-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

I took my first stab at blocking today. Not entirely sure if I did it right, but it seems to have worked.

Hey, MsKathy, I remembered to take before and after pictures, just so you could see. Hope it helps.

Before blocking:

and a closer look:

And here's it pinned down:

Can you see how the stitches opened up? Also, here's a look at the whole thing post-blocking:

Pretty cool, huh? I think I did okay for my first time out. With a little luck, I can give a shawl a go tomorrow, if I'm up for it. Will also need to partially block the shawl I've got on the needles, in order to figure out how much further I have left to go before I'm done.

Clever, I Am.

2011-04-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

No, really. >.< I had my friend send me a copy of the HTML for the FO-tables, so I could have all the information together and stuff, and what do I do? I forget to add them to my FO posts! Silly me! So I just went and added them to the various posts, excepting the gift posts, since I obviously can't share that information yet.

In the mean time, I'm currently at 20 repeats on the Tongues in Flame, and I'm wondering just how far I've got left to go with it. It's only 36" long right now, but it's unblocked. No idea how much I have left, but it doesn't seem like it's anywhere close at this point. *sigh* I'm loving how it's working out, though.

close up

and the whole thing

Not bad, huh?

Another Peek

2011-04-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd share another look at the shawl I'm knitting. I'm hitting a groove with it and have memorized the pattern (don't even need to glance at the chart anymore, woo!). I'm about 1/3 of the way through, from the look of things.

Also restarted the crocheted shawl, but I'm still trying to figure it out and don't really have much to share there.

Like I said, not much there yet. Also, may have figured out a way for me to block some of the FO's I have lying around, so will try to get around to that this week, hopefully.

Work In Progress

2011-04-20T15:13:00.000-07:00

I'm nine repeats in already and finally feel like I've got the pattern down. It's not too hard of a one, really, but it took me a while to get into the swing of it.

I'm loving how it's working up, though. Check it out:

Have quite a way to go before it'll be finished, but I'm hopeful.

Casting On... Again

2011-04-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

So I needed something to do, as I'm not feeling well and I am in no mindset to write. I found a bag of yarn I'd forgotten about, and I know there's enough of it this time, so I cast on for the Tongues of Fire again.

This is the yarn I'm using. So far, it's looking okay, but it's early days yet, as I'm only on the first row of the actual lace. So I'm back in the knit-a-long, which is cool. Still need to re-start the crocheted shawl I'm doing, too.

Good times. Good times.

Caved... A Little...

2011-04-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

I've been teasing poor Jen about her gifts, and figured I'd show her one of the things I've been working on. Since I'd just cast off on these, they seemed the perfect choice.

Project:	Falcons Fingerless Gloves
Pattern:	none used
Size:	medium
Yarn:	Red Heart
Colors:	Black & Red
Needles:	US5
Gauge:	none
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

I've got one other thing completely finished, and I need a little help from hubs to finish the other, but it's basically done, too. What else do I have up my sleeve? No idea. I have the rest of this month to figure it out, though ;-)

On another note, relating to Jen: she wants to make socks next, and since I've been wanting to learn how to do them too, we decided to pick a pattern: Basic Ribbed Socks. We'll knit them together, hopefully so we'll be able to figure out how to do it at the same time. I just hope I have the right gauge, as my needle-size differs from what the pattern itself says, but is within the range given on Ravelry. We'll see.

Oh, and I'll be using this:

for the toe and heel:

for the body of the socks:

Since I don't have the yardage required for just the striped yarn, I'm going to have to figure out the toes and heels, on top of doing a top-down sock for the first time ever. And, well, knit socks, really.

Wish us luck!

Slugging Along

2011-04-07T19:05:00.000-07:00

Well, sort of. I finished of gift # 2 for Jen the other day, and cast on for #3. This should be the last of the knitted items (at least, that I had planned). Then I just have to figure out what else to do. I have ideas, it's just a question of means.

I haven't had the heart to look at my shawls yet. Kinda got burnt on that after the yardage fiasco. Do want to pick them both up again though.

Also, need to figure out a way to get the lace I've done already, blocked. Twice now, I've taken it to MIL's and not done it. Why? Because I'm worried they won't dry in time for me to take home again, and I do not trust them not to mess with it if I leave it (kids + dog = trouble). So home it is, just need to figure out a way.

Bugger It

2011-04-02T19:50:00.000-07:00

Couldn't really do it, shouldn't really do it, but I did anyway. Scraped enough together to buy the yarn I needed for my gift project. Needed to feel good about something going the way it's supposed to, and that was it.

Knitting part of it is now done, and hubby said he'd do the sewing part for me (he's a lot better at hand-sewing than I am). Then there's just finishing touches left to do, and it'll truly be finished. But at least the knitting of it is done with. And yes, it does feel good.

That said, I started on part two of the project. So far, so good. I just hope it ends up fitting. Gah, sucks having to be so damn cryptic, but since it's supposed to be a surprise, I can't very well post it here where she can see ;-)

Patience is a virtue, isn't that what they say?

Bah

2011-04-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

So I got a PM from the designer of Tongues. All in all, I do appreciate her contacting me, but I'm still bummed as hell. The pattern page isn't very clear. The reason I chose that pattern was because the yarn I had was a little more than the minimum required, as stated on the page. The pattern itself says it used 2 skeins (but not how much yardage said skeins had, so for me that was no indicator at all. I don't know that much yet about yardage and stuff).

Turns out the minimum was added for people "wanting to make scarves". Well, it doesn't really say that anywhere. I wanted a shawl. Not a scarf. And apparently, the yardage I have is for... a scarf.

So now I'm bummed as hell. I'm not feeling the yarn, or the pattern. Hell, I don't even feel like knitting at all, which sucks.

Eep!

2011-03-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

Am casting on for Tongues of Fire. I'm a little intimidated, but it looks fairly simple as far as lace patterns go. There's a knit-a-long on Ravelry, so I'm hoping to be able to join in and get this done. Have no recipient in mind as of yet. I just want to see if I can do it.

Wish me luck!

An Impromptu FO

2011-03-30T12:33:00.000-07:00

I needed some utterly mindless knitting, since I couldn't get my brain to function properly enough to focus on a actual pattern (that's what I get for thinking I can start on that shawl this time of the month). Since I still haven't been able to get yarn for the other project I've got going, and I wasn't in the mood to deal with a huge blanket, I resorted to this:

Project:	Kitty hat
Pattern:	no pattern used
Size:	22"
Yarn:	Simply Soft
Colors:	Raspberry
Needles:	size 8
Gauge:	none
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

I look utterly ridiculous, but there you have it. No, I didn't knit it for me. I just knit it because I had scrap yarn, and I could. No idea what I'm going to do with it.

Now I have another problem. What to work on next, because I'm still not in a mindset for anything complicated.

Another FO

2011-03-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

Just cast off on my scarf. I'm very pleased with how it turned out. What do you think?

Project:	Pink Dr Who scarf
Pattern:	The Corrugator
Size:	one size
Yarn:	Patons Classic Wool
Colors:	Rosewood
Needles:	US 8
Gauge:	none
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Now... do I keep this for myself, or gift it? *ponders*

Oh, and of course now I have to find another project to work on that doesn't require too much concentration. Time to scour patterns and yarn, I suppose. ;-)

WIPs

2011-03-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

Gah, I hate when I run out of yarn before I run out of project. Alas, it happened, so the gift for Jen is on hold until I can afford to get more of it. Oh well.

So, what's a girl to do in the mean time? Cast on new projects, of course. I actually started two. One crochet (the lace shawl I was going to make with the yarn Amber got me). Unfortunately, I botched it up already and have to frog it. I'm not sure I have the stamina today to do that.

Which is why Jen helped me find a pattern for the Rosewood yarn I got as well. I'd tried the One Rose Handspun by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, but it was far too busy a yarn to fit the pattern. Jen found me this pattern, instead: The Corrugator.

It's much calmer, visually, than the other one was, and the colors seem to be more gradient with this one. I'm enjoying the knit. It's simple, easy to memorize, but visually pleasing. Win/win, in my book. I'm all for mindless knitting right now.

Random Act Of Kindness

2011-03-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

A friend from Ravelry sent me a care-package! I couldn't believe it when I opened the box and found all these goodies! Check it out :-)

A lot of yarn, chocolate, a card, DPNs, and a UU-stitchmarker (UU is the acronym of the group we're in on Ravelry). So cool!

These two are designated to (hopefully) become Endpaper Mits, by Eunny Jang.

I have no idea what I'm making with this yet.

This, however, I already know what I'm making with. Next on my to-do list. We'll do a crochet-a-long in the thread for the Eva's Shawl.

Thanks you again, Amber, for the lovely gifts. It made a crappy week a lot brighter. I look forward to show off the projects as they come along.

Cast On

2011-03-11T16:33:00.000-08:00

I ended up casting on a new project. It wasn't much of a choice, since I have a mini-swap going on with my friend, and what I'm making will take a while to finish. Since I finally got the last of what I needed for it, I figured I'd best get a move on ;-)

Sorry, I can't tell you what it is, or show progress pictures, since it's a gift. Sure you understand. But, I will share pictures once she's received it. :-)

Yippie!

2011-03-08T19:24:00.000-08:00

I just cast off on my scarf! I love it! Now I just need to find a way to block it, so you can really see it pop. I'm so pleased with it, though. I'm almost sad to see it done, actually. Once I got the hang of it, it was a pleasure to knit, especially with this yarn! So soft!

Project:	At The Deep End scarf
Pattern:	Feather and Fan scarf
Size:	one size
Yarn:	At The Deep End 50% Superwash Merino 50% Tencel
Colors:	blue/green/yellow
Needles:	US 5
Gauge:	none
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Now to figure out whether I'm casting on something else, or working on one of my WIPs ;-)

Progress!

2011-03-07T18:03:00.000-08:00

I've finally gotten the hang of this pattern without constantly having to count my stitches, which makes me happy. What makes me even happier?

This:

I'd guestimate I'm about halfway through my skein right now, so it's looking to be a decent length scarf. And pretty! I'm loving how the colors are working up, and the pattern, too. So simple, and yet...

Showing Off WIP

2011-03-04T18:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I frogged the first attempt at the Feather and Fan scarf (yes, scarf. I read the name wrong, earlier. It is, in fact, a scarf), but have made some good headway with it now.

The pattern itself is fairly easy to memorize. Less easy is not accidentally adding stitches. Oh well.

See? I know it's not easy to see, given the lighting and the backdrop of my laptop screen, but you should get a fair idea. I like how it's turning out. At first, I was iffy on the combination of yarn/pattern, but it seems to be working out well enough. The yarn itself is yummy to work with. So soft. *sigh* Love it. Almost don't want the scarf to come to an end. Lucky for me, I still have a ways to go before it's done.

Oh, I found a picture of the yarn pre-wind (though no longer all nicely rolled up. It gives a better idea on the colors, though).

Isn't it lovely?

Gah!

2011-03-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

*cry* I knit about 4 inches on the scarf last night, only to tink back 4 rows because I added stitches where I shouldn't. Only to now figure out I did the stitch wrong to begin with. Have to frog it all :-(

Selfish Knitting

2011-03-02T16:58:00.000-08:00

Going to cast on for something for me. Maylin gifted me with two specially dyed yarns, inspired by At The Deep End. The first, as you have seen, I made into a crocheted shawl. The second (which was actually the first version of the yarn) took a while longer to talk to me.

I think I have finally figured out what it wants to be. At least, I hope so. I'm going to try to make this simple Feather and Fan Shawl. Since it's a rectangular shawl, I should be able to knit until I run out of yarn. It looks simple enough, but I'm a lace-novice, so we'll see.

Wish me luck!

Another FO

2011-03-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

Behold, another set of fingerless gloves. I kinda like making these, they're quick, simple. And look pretty good. Hopefully Em will like them.

Project:	Easy Fingerless Gloves
Pattern:	Easy Fingerless Gloves
Size:	one size
Yarn:	Caron Simply Soft
Colors:	green
Needles:	US 5
Gauge:	none
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Not planning on casting on any more for a while, though. Mind, "planning" being the operative word. There are, after all, several other projects already on the needles. Not to mention, have some gift knitting to do shortly.

FO

2011-02-26T16:30:00.000-08:00

I just finished the gloves for Em. I wish the color came across better, but alas. Still, I think they're lovely. May knit a pair for myself. Hopefully Em'll enjoy them :-)

Project:	Easy Fingerless Gloves
Pattern:	Easy Fingerless Gloves
Size:	one size
Yarn:	Caron Simply Soft
Colors:	Country Blue
Needles:	US 5
Gauge:	none
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

ETA: Found the green yarn she mentioned she liked, so am going to cast on for another pair. Did I mention I was crazy? ;-)

So...

2011-02-23T17:35:00.000-08:00

I didn't end up blocking my shawls, since I was far too scatterbrained to do it when I had the chance, to that is waiting for another day.

I've been working on Danny's blanket again, which is coming along nicely, even if I do say so myself. I really like the idea of having a blanket in the works at all times - they're great mindless projects to have around. Must take that into consideration once budget allows for that sort of thinking again.

The other day, I was talking to a friend of mine, Em, about how her hands were always freezing etc. I just reached for my own fingerless gloves, and for some reason I got it into my mind that I could make her some, as she had said she didn't have any. So that's what I'm going to do. The same pattern I did the last ones with, so they'll be quick and easy, and cheap, since I'll be using left over yarn from one of the blankets I made. Then it'll only be a matter of getting them to her, but that's a worry for another day.

I know, I'm crazy for doing it, but it's one of those mindless projects, and I'm all about those right now.

It Sucks...

2011-02-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

When you run out of yarn before the project is complete. It really, really does. I am using a new (to me) yarn for the shawl I'm working on. One that I've knit a hundred times (well, not quite that many, but I've made it a lot). I took into account that I would need a little more. Even went so far as to compare it to what I normally used and made an attempt at calculating the difference.

I went up a needle size, and reduced the amount of stitches in order to compensate for the difference in the type of yarn and how it was knitting up. Technically, this should have meant I was using less yarn than I'd anticipated.

But no.

I am short at least an entire skein's worth of yarn.

*headdesk*

So much for calculating the difference. Yes, I know. I suck at math; but I didn't think I was that poor at it. What's worse is, I have another shawl with the same yarn (different color, of course) waiting in the wings. Which, of course, also will be one skein short. And I can't even get a head start on knitting that, because I only have one size 15's, and they are currently being used by the shawl already on the needles.

*sigh*

So, what's a girl to do? Why, start another project, of course! I know I have a few projects I could be working on, but I wanted something smallish and fairly quick to knit. Again, I was mistaken. Size 1 DPN's make for tiny porcupine knitting, which is decidedly not fast. Still, the project is small, so it shouldn't take me too long - I hope.

The idea was to make several book scarves, but with how fiddly this is turning out to be (again, I say: tiny porcupine knitting), I'm not sure I'll be able to stomach that. Then again, they're gifts, and it is still over 300 days 'til Christmas, so maybe if I spread it out over the year, it won't be as bad. Though I may see if I can get circulars in the right size, instead. Less painful ;-)

Also, I just have to say I love my hubby. One of the skeins of DMC yarn I was trying to get split and wound up was all tangled to the point where I couldn't do anything with it anymore. He took it, and in the end I only lost about three inches worth (as opposed to the entire thing). Woot!

Destash Alert!

2011-02-07T08:51:00.000-08:00

Gah! I wish I had the money to spend for something like this, but since I don't, I'm more than happy to pass this along anyway.

Alaskan Purl is destashing her yarn, big time. She's putting yarn up for the next three days, and her prices are pretty good, I think. Here are the details of the how, and here is the link to the actual yarny goodness. Seriously, I'm drooling over some of these *wistful sigh*

What Was That About A Break Again?

2011-02-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

Yeah, not so much, it seems. I cast on for a prayer shawl, and have been knitting on and off all day - wearing braces and all. I just couldn't sit still, and I've not been up for much of anything else. *sigh*

Ah well, if nothing else, it means 2011 is looking to be a creative year, one way or another. Right?

Woot! FO # 2!

2011-02-04T19:34:00.000-08:00

I just cast off on the second shawl. I love it. It isn't blocked yet (but then, neither is my shawl), but it seems a bit smaller. Used two very different yarns though, so will be curious to see how they end up after they've been blocked.

In the mean time, yay! Another FO already, and a Christmas gift checked off my list. *dances* I wish I could share pictures of it, but obviously that can't happen yet. Sorry to make y'all wait a whole year before seeing it.

I'm not sure what I'll work on next. I think I may give my arm a break for a couple of days though - am feeling the strain of so much crochet ;-)

Interesting

2011-02-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

So I was doing laundry at my mother-in-law's today, and working on my shawl. My oldest nephew (who's staying with her for the time being) walked in and saw me. Last time, he saw me knitting the fingerless gloves, and he was interested in those, too.

Today, he asked if I would make him gloves, too. He wanted to have a pair just like the ones I made for MIL (same "pattern" as the ones I posted about, but in Duck's colors; they're on Flickr). I told him I'd think about it, but I wasn't making any promises.

Then, I showed him some cool patterns for amiragumi on Ravelry, and he got all sorts of excited. Not asking if I could make some for him, but I planted the seed for him to learn, and now he wants to learn crochet so he can make gifts, just like I do. I told him to ask MIL, because she crochets better than I do, and (far as I know, at least) can understand patterns, whereas I don't. (Sorry, MIL)

I'm curious to see whether this'll amount to anything. After all, he's an eleven year old boy, who's generally excitable and will talk your ear off about any ol' thing. We shall see, I suppose.

Still, it was interesting. I actually kinda hope he learns. It'll be good for him, I think.

On another note; I got to wondering about Christmas. I've got a few things in mind already for a few people (and let me just say how good it feels to be in this mindset again), and am pleased to know that I'll soon be done with the first of them. And I have ideas for more. Well, technically I suppose I'm done with one already, since it's already a FO, but yeah, you know what I mean.

I am still trying to work out what to do for certain people, but it's only just February - I still have plenty of time. As of today, 325 days, as a matter of fact. So far, I think I'm doing pretty good.

So what about you? Do you have anything planned for Christmas already?

Elise Shawl, Take Two

2011-02-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

Yep, you read that right. I started another shawl. Figured I might as well get it worked on while the pattern was still fresh in my memory. I had to frog the first three rows twice before I got it right, but I managed to get there all on my own this time! *happy dance*

I'm using a very different kind of sock yarn this time though, and let me tell you... All yarn is so not created equal! This one'll be much more muted than the one I finished yesterday, as it's dark greens and grays and browns, but it'll look nice, I think.

I hope.

No pictures as of yet, as this one's intended as a gift, and while the person who's supposed to get it may or may not be reading this blog, I'd rather not spoil everything, if you know what I mean.

Oh My God, I'm Done!

2011-01-31T20:51:00.000-08:00

*dances* I just cast off on the Elise Shawl! I'm sooooo happy! Just need to sit and block it, but it's done!!!

I'm so happy with the end result. Definitely worth the tears I shed (yes, no lie there) when I started. Going to probably make another one at some point.

ETA: since it was so late last night, I didn't really get to post everything I wanted to. My friend, BrightShadowSky made a table for FO's (Finished Objects) that I aim to use from here on out.

Project:	Elise Shawl
Pattern:	Elise Shawl Pattern, on Ravelry
Size:
Yarn:	At The Deep End #2, 50% organic cotton 50% tencel
Colors:	blue/green
Needles:	I hook
Gauge:	N/A
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Old FO's

2011-01-26T13:58:00.000-08:00

Finally got around to taking pictures of two blankets I've had done forever now, and thought I'd share them with you.

One is the Moderne Baby Blanket, by MasonDixon Knitting, made with the same colors as the blanket I made for our Queen-bed. No particular recipient in mind when I made it; I simply had the yarn left over and figured I'd use it for that. Why not, right?

The next one was just to see what I could come up with. I kept knitting until I ran out of yarn (it was yarn that someone had gifted me with, and I made a lot with it, this blanket aside). Again, had no recipient in mind at the time I made it, but it's since been decided to be a gift to my nephew who's a fervent Ducks fan (his poor dad, the Beaver-fan has a lot to endure).

I started that shawl I mentioned the other day. I've had to rip it several times already, and I've been in tears a few times from sheer frustration. Luckily, some of the girls on Ravelry are being quite helpful (Tiggzie's making a picture tutorial for me, how lucky can one girl get?), so I'm going to keep trudging along for now. They promise it gets easier once there are more repeats, so I'm hoping they're right. The cats are looking at me funny, though, since I'm saying every step I am doing out loud as I'm doing it. I'm glad I'm home alone today...

ETA: Speaking of digging up, you'll probably see things appear on the WIP bar as I come across things. No, I have not suddenly become uber-productive, these are merely projects I put aside years ago and am coming back to ;-)

Finished!

2011-01-25T16:24:00.000-08:00

Yes, I did it. I finished the second pair of gloves. These are for a friend of mine. Same as the ones I made before, so not much to tell about them.

Project:	Easy Fingerless Gloves
Pattern:	Easy Fingerless Gloves
Size:	one size
Yarn:	Dale of Norway/Dalegarn Sisilk
Colors:	Red
Needles:	US 5
Gauge:	none
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Now that they're done, I am free to start on something new. That was the goal I had set, so that's what I'm sticking to. For those who are on Ravelry, you can see what I'm going to attempt next here. It's the Elise Shawl, and it's crochet. I've never managed to crochet my way beyond a granny square (yes, I've tried and failed before) but this actually looks simple enough that I'm going to try my hand at it. There's a crochet-a-long going on in one of the forums I frequent, so I'm hopeful that with their help, I can do this. Wish me luck!

Tinkering

2011-01-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

As you can see, I'm still tinkering with the blog. Just how I, of all people, ended up with a pink template to tide me over is beyond me, but there you have it. I just wanted something other than white, and this came up. *shrug* It won't be staying, but it'll do for the time being.

I'm still trying to figure out what to do with this blog, since - in all honesty here - I've quite forgotten most of the things that I had going on with it to begin with. I know I want it to be solely for my crafting related stuff, so that will remain. Just what, or how, that'll happen, I'm not sure yet.

On the crafting front, I'm quite pleased to have kicked off 2011 with not one, but two FO's! I'm trying to find the formula I used to have to record all the data with, but for now, I'll just have to make due with pictures and a general description.

I actually did some selfish knitting for a change. I know, it's rare! A couple of years ago, I was given a gift card for my LYS, and a few months ago, I finally got around to cashing in on it and got away with two skeins of Sisik. It's wonderfully soft yarn that I thoroughly enjoy knitting with. I may have to look into getting more, though I'll be honest and say that I didn't pay much attention to price, since I wasn't technically paying for it myself. I simply went for something decadent and to my liking as far as colors went.

Anyway! I made a pair of fingerless gloves with them. Just a basic rib-pattern, and a hole for the thumb. Easy-peasy. Check them out:

Project:	Simple Fingerless Gloves
Pattern:	Simple Fingerless Gloves
Size:	one size
Yarn:	Dale of Norway/Dalegarn Sisilk
Colors:	Red
Needles:	US 5
Gauge:	none
Ravelry link:	Hop on over!

Now, if someone could please help me figure out how to align these darned things better so I can get them side by side, instead of like this, that'd be peachy.

I've already cast on for another pair of these, as I didn't even use one full skein of the Sisik. These are a gift to a friend of mine. I've got several other ideas floating around in my head right now, thankfully most of them revolve around stash yarns, so I should be able to get more done in the foreseeable future! So long as life permits, of course.

I am finding that this whole catching the knitting bug again is proving to be a challenge of a different sort: it's taking away writing time! I want to be able to do both at the same time, but alas, I'm not that good ^_~. Guess I'll have to try for a happy medium!

blinks and looks around

2011-01-19T13:43:00.000-08:00

Wow...where has the time gone? Has it really been a year and two days since I posted last? (ETA: oops, make that two years!)

*checks date*

Guess so... What can I say? I haven't really been crafting much. A combination of health (mental and physical) and doing other things, like writing. I've caught the knitting bug again, though, which is a good thing. I don't know half the things that claim to be WIP's on the sideline there anymore, so will be scrapping the lot and working on the blog basically from scratch. Hopefully you'll bear with me as I get myself sorted out...again.

I just finished one project (go me!), but it's a gift, so can't show it just yet. I'm thrilled to have my first FO for 2011 though! My plan was to do some selfish knitting, and I even brought it with me, but not I'm waffling. I want to knit fingerless gloves, but I'm itching to work on... another blanket. *sigh*. It's a sickness, I'm tellin' ya.

Anyway, thought I'd show my face again and let you know I'm still alive and kicking. I'm hopeful that there'll be more to report on the crafting front for this year.

So I've Been Waiting To Post...

2009-01-17T00:43:00.000-08:00

mainly because I wanted to show off my Christmas stuff. But, I haven't got any pictures. They're on someone else's camera, and they're being slow to get them to me (that's what I get for forgetting to bring my camera lol). So pictures will have to wait.

In the meantime, I guess I can blab a bit about what I'm up to now. The Christmas post'll have to wait. Although, what I'm working on now is for Christmas lol. Christmas '09, that is. Danny requested a blanket like Treanna's, but in Beaver colors. So I started one. So far, it looks pretty good ^_^.
Mind you, between Treanna's blanket and now Danny's, I've made one blanket for us, and a smaller blanket that's the same colors but different blocks. Also for us. Those I've yet to take pictures of, since I haven't figured out how to do so without getting the cats on them. So yeah, pictures are forthcoming.

I feel pretty good though, to have a start on this year's Christmas knitting. Hopefully I can continue working on presents throughout the year. I know, I know.... I keep saying that and it just doesn't happen lol. But I can hope, right?

Haven't been up to very much besides knitting. I need to do some sewing soon. But it seems like I'm in blanket mode at the moment. Not sure what that's about. I tried working on another clapotis, but I just couldn't get into it. *shrug* So blankets it is.

So uhm...

2008-12-02T17:22:00.000-08:00

How bad is it that I've spent the day knitting on our Moderne Log Cabin Blanket, when I haven't finished the one for Treanna yet? Especially when I only need 4 more rows before I'm done with the last blocks, leaving only the border left to do?

*clears throat* Myeah... I swear, I'll get back to it tomorrow. It was just so much pink! Needed a break. And my yarn was calling me. Loudly. ^_~

Quilting

2008-11-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

Wow. Trina and I've been buckling down since Saturday to try and finish the quilt for Casper in time for Thanksgiving. We're actually pretty close. Just finishing touches. I'm doing some hand sewing/quilting right now and boy, talk about a pain! But I'm slugging along. It's only cross stitches on some of the corners of the blocks.
It's actually looking pretty good, and I'm happy with the results so far.
Ok, break time's over; better hop to it.

Panic!

2008-11-22T10:11:00.000-08:00

Found out this morning one of my nephews will be moving out of state next week. He will not be back for Christmas, so Thanksgiving is the last time in I don't know how long I will see him. And I haven't got a Christmas present ready yet for him!
Do have an idea though. I'm going to make the denim quilt for him instead of for us, and have the whole family write messages for him on it. That way he'll always have us close by.
Now I just need to learn to sew. And cut more squares. And have it all finished by Thursday! Yes, the panic button has officially been pushed. Yikes!

I'm so excited!

2008-11-18T13:32:00.000-08:00

Why? Because I just found out about this place. Way cool! Trina gave me sewing lessons for Christmas last year, but I've yet to actually get them. In part due to time issues, and in part due to space issues. Well, I can't do much for the time part, but I think the space might be covered! You can bring your own sewing machine, or use theirs. They've got classes, and they'll make appointments for classes, too! Yay! And they've got cutting boards, so that means I can finally get some of the fabrics cut out properly!!!! *does a happy dance* And for $2-3/hour, I'd say that's not too shabby!

And in other news.... I've been busily cutting out squares from our old jeans. I was right. They're way more compact this way then as actual jeans ^_~. Should be able to work with this.

Holy Cow!

2008-11-18T08:54:00.000-08:00

has it really been that long since my last post? Yikes! I have no excuse, really. I've not done a whole lot of crafting, for various reasons. Among them physical and a major crafting funk I've been trying (and failing) to pull myself out of.
Well, failing... until today that is. I have a lot of house cleaning/organizing to do. I've been collecting our old worn out jeans to make into quilts. This morning I figured... hey, if I cut them up into the squares I'll need, they'll take up less space than as regular jeans do! So I pulled out my cutting mat, scissors, seam ripper and rotary cutter and set to work. I've finished one pair and started on the second pair. I've got God only knows how many more to go lol. But it's a start, and hopefully it'll kick me into gear for getting back into my crafts. I need to, because....

Christmas is looming!!! Only 37 more days! Panic! I've got a few projects going for that, but nowhere near done. And I need some ideas for a few people. *sigh*
Since there's a chance that some of the people I am crafting for (or buying stuff for, whichever way it turns out to be) might run across this blog, I'm not going to do anything on here to give anything away. Until after Christmas, that is. I won't withhold anything from you guys, promise ^_~

Ok then. Breaktime's over! Back to demolishing jeans... and some housework along the way ^_~

Long time gone....

2008-07-26T07:51:00.000-07:00

As in me. Been kind of absent lately on the internetz. No particular reason. The world has not gone under. I've not died or even gotten too sick I was unable to do anything. I've just taken a break from it all. ^_^

I've come to a conclusion though. Things have gotten tighter lately, in our pocketbooks. We've all noticed it, I'm sure. Higher gas prices, higher grocery prices, the list goes on and on. In our house we've certainly felt it. Which is why I've not bought yarn in a long time (not including the few skeins here and there for a WIP for Treanna, since I didn't have enough).
So what have I been doing, you ask? I've been *gasp* stash busting. Everything I've been working on has been made pretty much from stuff already in my possession. My stash. Working pretty well, too.
I managed to actually knit a clapotis for myself and have a second on in the making (though I'm worrying about running out of yarn on that one). No pictures yet though. I've also been working on 3 blankets (one of them being the aforementioned WIP for Treanna). One of them is done except for figuring out a way to make an edging. The other I'm still working on as it is a patchwork kind of thing.

It feels pretty good to be able to keep on knitting without spending more money on it. Though I will admit I wish I were able to get more lol. I've got a stash, but mostly it's oddballs of this and that (the downside of "inheriting" most of your stash rather than buying it yourself).

Anyway, back to this conclusion I was talking about before. The reason so many knitters acquire a stash over the years? We buy yarn when we are able to afford to do so, so that we will have it in times when we can't. So, for those who would look down on those of us with a stash of yarn, I say ha! Now you know why ^_~

By the by, after posting I looked at the banner above this post. The number of days left before Christmas is starting to scare me -_-.... so much to do, so little time!

Did Anyone Ever Tell You....

2008-03-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

that knitting can be horribly addicting? ^_~ Seriously. I'm not kidding. I started on The Moderne Log Cabin Blanket from Mason Dixon Knitting. For myself. Had to put it away because I have only 3 colors and it requires (read: I want to actually follow the pattern) 4.
But! I had 4 colors that would be perfect for a blanket for Treanna. So guess what I did. Yep. You got it. I cast on for another blanket. And I've been knitting on it practically non stop. I am loving it! It's just garter stitch, but I am in love with this pattern. It is highly addictive.

Don't let anyone ever tell you knitting is anything but ^_~.
Oh, I promise there will eventually be pictures. But my batteries have died and I need to locate my charger, before I can take any pictures.

Some more FO's

2008-02-04T12:20:00.001-08:00

In no particular order, I bring you....

A cabled coffee cozy

A honeycomb coffee cozy

A trinity stitch coffee cozy

A long sleeved One Skein Wonder

A semi-long sleeved One Skein Wonder

The colors of the last two are way off, due to horrid lighting. The long sleeved is raspberry pink. The semi-long sleeved is a mix of orange, purple and red.

On the work in progress front, I've started on a Liesel using the left overs of Teresa's clapotis. It's acrylic, but there supposedly a way to kill the yarn so it stays in shape. I figured this was as good a way as any to learn about it.

Happy New Year

2008-01-10T14:07:00.001-08:00

and all that jazz.... Well, since I'm taking pictures (slowly but surely) for Ravelry, I figure I may as well update bit by bit here, too.

And, since it's after Christmas, why not start out with some Christmas presents!

First up, Bethany's clapotis. This one is relatively on the mark for color. Not the best picture, but it's all I've got. Here's another, closer, view.

Then, we have Teresa's clapotis.

Treanna had, at one point, requested a set, similar to the one I had made Trina. But instead of green/yellow, she wanted it yellow/green. I made her a hat and scarf, with a slight twist to the Harry Potter style scarf she had asked for. Dustin was kind enough to sew on the patches (by hand!) for me.

Sorry the layout with the pictures is so horrible. I can't ever seem to figure out how to make it look nice on here :(. It's always wanting to be contrary, which sucks.

I finished knitting a Liesel yesterday. Haven't blocked it yet, as I have nowhere to do so, nor anything to do it with. So it'll remain like this for a while. The yarn is actually a lot more pink in real life.

I think that's about it for the time being. I'll make another post once I've got more pictures taken, of some of the older FO's.

I give up.

2007-12-19T15:10:00.000-08:00

On Christmas knitting for this year, that is. ;) I managed to finish the stuff for Teresa and Bethany (pictures'll have to wait until after Christmas). I need to put a finishing touch on Treanna's gift, but that's it. I'm not doing any more! It means I have no idea what to give 4 people, but I'm not going to stress myself out over it. There's always next year.

So what am I doing now? I'm learning lace! I wanted to try and make a shawl for myself to wear to when we go see Riverdance in January. However, what I have in mind requires lace knitting, so I figured I'd try and make Liesel, and if that works out, perhaps double it up for a small shawl (the pattern, I mean). I'm making the scarf version out of some pink yarn I had in my stash. So far, so good. We'll see how I fare though, once I get further along. If I can do it right, I'll try (given enough left over time) making the shawl version with some green acrylic/mohair yarn from my stash.
I'm actually looking forward to it. Even if the lace aspect is somewhat intimidating to me.

Once I've done that, I'm going to finish the WIPs I have lying around. I have a lot of knitting to catch up on, and January is the time to do it in, I think. I've gotten my confidence back, and *knock on wood* my body's been playing a little nicer for me, as far as my knitting goes. So I'm hoping to take advantage of that. Be on the look out for plenty of Fo's!

In the meantime though, I wish everyone

Merry Christmas

and I hope you will be able to make it through your merriment in one piece.

I get it now...

2007-12-14T17:35:00.001-08:00

I finally get why a lot of people become yarn snobs, and why they do not make clothing items with acrylic yarn. I made the One Skein Wonder for myself with Caron Simply Soft, right? I love it, and I love how soft it is. One thing I don't love about it? It stretches a bit and won't stay on my shoulders properly anymore. And since acrylic has no memory to it, unlike wool.... it won't "bounce back" after washing. *sigh* No fair. And I just (well..."just") bought yarn to make myself and Treanna cardigans with, too. Now I'm not sure I want to use it anymore. I think it may get re-purposed for afghans or something. Means I won't be making cardigans for a good long time, and definitely not for both of us, which peeves me a little. I don't know. I feel deflated now, which sucks. Using nicer yarns means more money spent and I can't afford that for as much as I would like to make (since I intend to do gift knitting next year). Bah. Can't I win the lottery or something? That'd work, right?

Eep! Christmas Is Coming!

2007-11-13T13:28:00.000-08:00

Yep. You read that right. Christmas is coming! Can you believe we're only a week away from Thanksgiving? And after that.... *shudder*. I found a countdown banner, as you probably will have noticed. Figured it couldn't hurt to put it up (though Dustin'll call me crazy if he sees it).
I don't know about all of you, but I still have tons to try and finish. Not happening this week, but I'm hoping to get something done lol.
So what about you? How's your Christmas Knitting coming along?

Knitting Badges!

2007-10-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

So a friend of mine had these linked in her blog. I figured I'd go check it out for myself lol. You can find these here

The “Proselytize Knitting” Badge - A requirement for all Knitting Scouts, the recipient must do his or her bit to present knitting in a positive light, whilst at the same time avoiding all references to “hipness”, grandmothers, and yoga.
Uhm, I talk about knitting, with muggles and knitters alike, I blog about it, I've attempted to teach basic knitting... counts, right?

The “MacGyver” Badge (Level One) - The recipient must demonstrate clever use of a non-knitting tool in a knitting-related scenario. For instance, recipient has used paper clips as stitch markers, or successfully whittled and then utilized bamboo skewers as dpns.
Uhm, I used a Popsicle stick for a cable needle a few times

The “MacGyver” Badge (Level Two) - The recipient must demonstrate clever use of a knitting tool in a non-knitting-related scenario. For instance, recipient has used a strand of Regia Bamboo to slice cheese, or repaired a small appliance with a metal knitting needle.
I used to use a knitting needle to check if my cakes were done. I've also used the tips of small knitting needles to press tiny buttons (like on watches?)

The “Knitting Whilst Under the Influence” Badge - This applies to both actual knitting under the influence, as well as achieving moments of stunning intellectual clarity about ones knitting under the influence. Presumes talking about knitting whilst under the influence a given.
Yep, guilty of knitting under the influence. Just a glass of wine, or beer, not actually whilst being drunk lol.

The “Knitting Has Forced Me to Seek Medical Attention” Badge (Level One) – In which the recipient has been forced to seek the advice of a medical doctor, nurse, or alternative healthcare professional for injuries sustained as a result of knitting.
My upper back's been adjusted for hunching. I've had "tennis elbow" and carpal tunnel symptoms that required medical attention.

The “Knitting Got Me Through My Divorce” Badge - Better for you than wine, easier to care for than a houseful of cats, knitting probably kept you busy, and definitely kept you sane, while you navigated your way back to single life. You’re better off without him/her, honey.
Going through my parent's divorce counts, right? And though I wasn't married to my first boyfriend, I did knit my way through the post-break up phase.

That's all the badges I've got so far lol.

Oh, a challenge for all you knitters out there! The Yarn Harlot is coming out with a new book soon, and will be hosting a huge book launch to do in New York. Go check out her blog and mark your calenders for March 22nd 2008! If you're able to get there, be there or be square ^_~. I wish I could go, but eh, not in the charts for lil' ol' me. But if you can, do! There'll be lots of things going on, and this will show people just how strong the knitting community actually is ^_~.

More F.O.'s, Ravelry and ranting, too

2007-10-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly getting my projects up on Ravelry. I've been cleaning house and finding some laying around where I'd forgotten them. Oops! Also finished a few this past month. So here's two, one of each afore mentioned category ^_~.

First up, Treanna's clapotis, which she'll be getting today for her birthday (which was earlier this week).

The other FO is Trina's clapotis, which will be one of her Christmas presents this year. So shh, no one say anything :P.

I'm enjoying Ravelry a lot. I've been slowly adding stuff to my project list, as I said before. It's interesting to go over all of them again now, see how far I've come. I'm still far from finished with it, but I don't always feel like messing with it lol. So now and again there'll be many updates in a row, and then a long time nothing. Ah well, my prerogative, right?

I'm having issues with several projects at the moment. They're actually really beginning to piss me off, because they're all supposed to be relatively easy things to make. And I just can not figure them out. I hate it.

F.O.!

2007-08-10T20:03:00.000-07:00

It's easy to go from 58% finished to 100% finished, when you decide to change what you're making midway ^_~. The granny blanket I was making for myself, ended up being a baby blanket for my niece. Since the majority (given the size difference) was already done, I was able to finish this blanket in a few days. I'm quite pleased with it, even if I did end up having to hunt through town in a futile effort to get more of the rose colored yarn. But, the raspberry colored edge works well, I think. What do you think? Will my newest niece be happy with it? ^_~

It's getting worse!

2007-08-09T14:05:00.000-07:00

I just got my new Knitpicks catalogue in. My to-knit list is getting longer! Oh my gosh, there's so much cool stuff in there! Best yet, is that a lot of the patterns I'm interested in are free downloads!!!! Oh, if only there was enough time and money *sigh*.

It's official....

2007-08-08T17:57:00.000-07:00

My to-knit list is longer then my life expectancy ^_~. I just spent some time browsing patterns on Ravelry, and I went from a page and a half, to 7 pages of patterns I want to knit. And the scary thing? I'm not done adding yet. Not by a long shot. The most I've added now, has been baby things. This mainly, because my SIL's are intent on continuing to breed ^_~. I figure, I might as well get prepared. Also, I haven't even made anything for the last two additions yet (I know, shame on me!), so I have some catching up to do, as well.

Yaaarn!

2007-07-29T17:01:00.001-07:00

So what have I been up to? Well, not a lot of knitting. I'm still stuck, I'm sad to say. So instead, I've been winding the yarn I have around the house. Dustin even helped me out for a while, which was sweet. Next step, sorting it all out and taking pictures. Why yes, this is for my Ravelry page, why do you ask? ^_~ I'm itching to do some knitting though, so I'm hoping to get help this week *crosses fingers*

Contest pointer

2007-07-17T08:13:00.000-07:00

No, the contest is not mine. It is Shelly's. She's offering up some lave yarn and a lace knitting book. With option of having her dye the yarn, to boot. Exciting! Go look!

Ravelry!

2007-07-13T11:05:00.000-07:00

I just got my invite from Ravelry this morning. My screen name on there is naelany

So what do you do, when....

2007-07-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

You can't leave the house because of medication/health issues, but you can still knit? And what do you do, if you need to go to a yarn shop in order to get help with finishing swap-knitting (I'm covering new territory with this stuff) ?

You start working on something else. Well, if you're me, anyway ^_~. I can't tell you what I made for Treanna. It's not likely she's ever going to see this blog, but you never know ^_~.
I managed to finish what I made her, however. It took me a lot longer then it normally would have (groggy minds and painful limbs can only do so much at any given time). But it was relatively mindless knitting, which was helpful to me.

I started knitting a clapotis for myself. Out of acrylic yarn, but oh, do I ever love the colors!!!! Purple and burnt orange and brown and a few shades in between. Not something I'd normally have picked to go together, but boy is it working out wonderfully. Haven't gotten very far yet though. As proof of the whole knitting while on medication, I've had to frog the darned thing twice already -_-. I can't show pictures at the moment, as the batteries for my camera have died out. I found this out when I attempted to take pictures to show off lol. Hopefully once I've got batteries again, I can show off what I've been working on. For myself, as well as for my swap partners.
I still feel really bad about being so delayed with the swapping. But there isn't much I can do about it at this point. I keep trying to make it to the shop, hopefully I can get there really soon (this week, maybe? Please, God?).

I was going to say something else, but I forget what it was now... go figure. Anyway, at least you know I'm still alive and kicking.

Absent

2007-05-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long time no write. Life's been eh, to say the least. I've been trying to craft, and gotten somewhere, but due to physical...challenges, they haven't gotten quite as far as I would have liked.

I did realize one thing though, as I looked over this blog of mine. I need to figure out a way of renaming the "secret" stuff on my progress bar because....well.... I can't remember what they are! lol Terrible, I know.

Anyway, I'll try and get back to posting again. I've got some catching up to with pictures and stuff. So yeah, hang in there a while longer folks. There's still life here.

2007-01-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

*laughs* Well folks, Knitty has just provided each and every knitter with the perfect explanation of our stash of yarn. Go read it, it's worth it. And totally right (in my opinion, anyway) ^_~

January Jamboree

2007-01-27T13:43:00.000-08:00

I received from M.O. yesterday, so here are some pictures:

This is a picture of Lake Michigan that she took herself.
On each corner of the frame, there's a marble magnet,
made just for me ^_^

She got me some lovely, fuzzy yarn, a pair of circular needles,
and some scrapbooking stuff.
Oh, and some yummy chocolate ^_^

She painted this wooden box for me. Isn't it pretty?

This is a little pocket mirror

Which matches the bag she painted. Check it out,
the face on it looks like one of those
cat-clocks where the eyes go back and forth.

How cool is that, for a swap package ^_^. I'm not done yet with her stuff, but I can only hope she'll like what she's getting, as much as I like what she made.
Thanks, M.O.!

12 Days Of Christmas Swap

2007-01-23T14:14:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is the stuff I sent to my swap partner, Sewpixie. Obviously, not everything is handmade, but still ^_^. It counts, right?

I know, I know, I could've put the pictures on here, too, but come on.... that's a lot of pictures! So, please take a gander over to my pictures, and take a look at some of the other stuff I've made ^_^

Trying this out

2007-01-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I figured I'd try out Blogspot. I know I have an account on LJ already, but if this ends up suiting me better for my craftblog, then I'm moving it here. I'll be sure to let you know if and when that happens ^_^

ETA: Meh, not sure I can wrap my head around everything for setting this up properly right now, so I'm leaving it as is for the moment.

crafty_kat

Dusting Off And Starting Anew

Been A While Again

Finally!

We Interrupt This Program...

Deirdre Et Al

Deirdre!

Catching Up

Socks!

Hesitant

More Show And Tell

Slowly But Surely...

Almost Forgot!

Blocking Away!

I Did It... I Think

Clever, I Am.

Another Peek

Work In Progress

Casting On... Again

Caved... A Little...

Slugging Along

Bugger It

Bah

Eep!

An Impromptu FO

Another FO

WIPs

Random Act Of Kindness

Cast On

Yippie!

Progress!

Showing Off WIP

Gah!

Selfish Knitting

Another FO

FO

So...

It Sucks...

Destash Alert!

What Was That About A Break Again?

Woot! FO # 2!

Interesting

Elise Shawl, Take Two

Oh My God, I'm Done!

Old FO's

Finished!

Tinkering

*blinks and looks around*

So I've Been Waiting To Post...

So uhm...

Quilting

Panic!

I'm so excited!

Holy Cow!

Long time gone....

Did Anyone Ever Tell You....

Some more FO's

Happy New Year

I give up.

I get it now...

Eep! Christmas Is Coming!

Knitting Badges!

More F.O.'s, Ravelry and ranting, too

F.O.!

It's getting worse!

It's official....

Yaaarn!

Contest pointer

Ravelry!

So what do you do, when....

Absent

January Jamboree

12 Days Of Christmas Swap

Trying this out

blinks and looks around