WIP Wednesday 10/2/13

Hi friends! Not too much new to report. 

I put a few more rounds on the pocket for my moss and bluebells scarf. Definitely loving this now that I understand it, but it does take a bit of concentration and I've been lacking in that department lately.

I've also been working on my hitchhiker. Progress is slowing as the rows get longer, but it's coming along. I love this project for autopilot knitting!

I started a crocheted baby blanket for someone close to me as well. I don't know the gender of the expected little one yet, but she's planning on doing the nursery in teal, gray, and yellow so I'm trying to stick with that theme. I am using the neat ripple pattern from this link (please forgive me, my phone won't let me add the pretty HTML link right now for some reason) http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/neat-ripple-pattern.html  and I absolutely love it! I'm using simply soft yarn. It's soft, the colors are super saturated, and I love how squishy it gets when put through the washer and dryer! I hope knitting is as easy for me as crochet one day.

That's all from me for now, happy crafting!

FO Friday 9/27/13

Cute attack!

Bear hat number one! Please forgive all the stuff in the background of these photos, we are moving things around (and out of the nursery) so things are kind of chaotic. This pattern is the Baylie Bear Cowl by The Velvet Acorn, and can be found here.

This hat is pretty big, so she has plenty of room to grow!

Here is bear hat number two-

I just finished it tonight. Man, those ears are tough to sew on! For me anyway. These are pretty hard to photograph without the baby too.

Hope you all are doing well, and making fun things. Happy crafting!

WIP Wednesday 9/25

Hi friends!

Sorry for the long break, I was sick a few weeks ago and then last week I was too excited about knitting to stop and post. Here's what I've been working on-

Still chugging along on my hitchhiker. It's slowing down now that each tooth area is getting so big.

I started a second little bear hat. I just need to sew on the ears (hardest part!) and sew up the hood. I don't think I shared the first one with you, so I will try to do that Friday. They're super cute!

I pulled my moss and bluebells back out!! I must have gotten off count last time, the pocket seems to be working out just fine this time!

I am using a yarn called "sheepish" for this. I love how soft and squishy it is! I think I'm going to leave the scarf part as is and re-knit it in a green color of this same yarn. Currently the scarf is made of a sturdier yarn, and I think I'd rather do the extra work and have a completely soft and scrunchy scarf rather than a serviceable but not so soft scarf with super soft pockets. Live and learn!

Hope you all are doing well, happy crafting!

Scraps

Confession time. I am really bad at dealing with leftover scraps of yarn. I always go back and use them eventually (even if its just to practice a new stitch) but it's such a hassle. Especially with commercially wound yarn, or anything with a center pull.

You see, I finish a project and get so excited to start the next one that I just toss the leftover mess into the nearest yarn receptacle. Or really anything cat proof. I know I've found yarn wedged atop books in the bookcase, in the entertainment center, who knows where else. I don't have a huge stash either! I have a storage thingy similar to This one, and all of my yarn and notions would probably fit if I packed it in neatly.

Instead, I refuse to re-wind the used yarn, and the ends get everywhere. Then when I decide I want it for something I have to spend hours trying to untangle everything! It is not a pleasant experience. When it's really bad, I have to wait for my husband to help me (he's really good at the whole untangling thing) but do I learn? Of course not. Maybe it's just so frustrating that I block it out or something. But there's hope!

We are currently rearranging out apartment a bit, mostly trying to get my things out of my daughter's room. No more craft room. Pretty soon we are going to have to find a new place for my yarn, and as soon as that happens I have a plan. I am going to take a few days off of knitting and crocheting, and wind up all of the tangly bits I have, so I can fit them neatly in the storage drawers with everything else. Wish me luck please! Hopefully after that I can just keep up with it as more odds and ends are created.

Anyone have any super easy craft organization tips? 

WIP Wednesday 9/4/13

Hello!

I still haven't been able to find time during the day to knit, but I'm taking advantage of my evening hours for sure.

I've been working on my Hitchhiker. Not as much as I've been meaning too, because I keep getting distracted by other things, but it's coming along.

I've also been working on my alien cow scarf #2. It's working up pretty fast.

I made a simple stretchy headband/ear warmer for a friend of mine too! The ends still need to be woven in and I'm working on a flower for it. 

It's kind of difficult to photograph a headband! This is the headband that won't work with the flower I posted yesterday. I think I am going to try a gray and pink one on it next. I started one last night. 

That's all I have been working on lately, happy crafting!

Flower for you!

I couldn't get an accurate photo of the color, but that's probably because it's night time.

I crocheted this little guy up yesterday and today to add to a headband that I'm making for a friend. Unfortunately it won't really work with the headband I made (the colors of the flower are too saturated, the headband is a soft and dusky pink) but I still think it's pretty neat. I'll just hold onto it and make a new headband that matches it better sometime in the future.

Hope you all had a great Labor Day weekend!

FO Friday 9/6/13

Hello!

This easy crochet blanket is so bright and cheery! I started and finished this right before little one was born.

I love how the colors are reminiscent of an inside out electric watermelon.

This is based on the neat ripple pattern found here . I made the stripes wide, not sure why. I just felt like it I guess. I like how it turned out! You can see more pictures of mine here .

I think she likes it too.

FO Friday 8/30/13

Hello again!

I think I'm going to split up my older FO's to show one a week. This is mostly to ensure I keep posting, since it takes me so long to finish things anymore.

Little one sleeps in her crib overnight (yay!) but refuses to nap unless she's being held. We're working on it. For now though, that means my only real crafting time is after baby bedtime. I do what I can.

Remember that ABABA scarf I started for my sister last year? Well it's done! You can see it on Ravelry here. I will also post pictures below.

I quite like it! I almost didn't want to give it away, but I knew my sister would love it. 

I used knitpicks chroma in the colorway fossil. The yarn is the same weight, but this time the scarf seemed to come out bigger. I like it much better! I might need to go back and make one of these for myself after all!

I didn't block the scarf. My sister lives states away, and I finished it right before my mom (who lives near her) came for a visit. I figured I'd rather send it with my mom than take the time to try and block it and let it dry (probably necessitating a trip to the post office and the extra shipping expense) so I just gave my sister instructions on how to do it if she decides she would like to.

I really enjoy this pattern, but at the same time I'm glad that this is finally finished. It took forever! (Not a whole year, I did put it away for quite awhile.) I think I just need to stop agreeing to do the same project more than once in a row. Especially projects that take such thin yarn... It gets kind of monotonous.

Anyway, that's all for now. Have you finished any pretties recently?

Happy crafting!

Eta I never showed you my first ABABA?! Oh my! That's terrible! Here it is-

It was very pretty, but kind of small. I ended up giving it to a friend's daughter because she loved it and it matched her coat perfectly.

WIP Wednesday 8/28/13

Hi friends!

We can go into all of the crafty projects I've been working on since my disconnect from the blog world later, for now I just want to talk about my current projects. I have two.

The first is a knit scarf/shawlette called Hitchhiker by Martina Behm. The pattern can be found on Ravelry Here . It seems to be very popular, and I can see why!  The knitting is simple, but not boring, and it's going pretty quickly! I'm definitely loving the pattern so far. Even as a fairly new entrant to the knitting world I understand everything well. Here are some progress photos-

It will actually be bigger by the time this posts, I've been working on it as often as possible. I'm using Malabrigo sock yarn in the colorway stone chat. Pretty, isn't it?

The other thing I am currently working on is alien cow scarf #2. It is a simple double crochet scarf in some boucle yarn I bought from JoAnn's ages ago. I managed to make a huge one for myself last year, and my friend liked it so much that I'm making a smaller one for her from the leftovers. Here it is so far 

Those white looking dots are actually a light pink, I just have bad lighting right now. This yarn is kind of a nightmare to work with, but it makes a delightfully light and soft scrunchable scarf. The texture gets even better (add more softness and slinky-ness) after a trip through the washer and dryer too!

Hope you all are working on fun projects too! Happy crafting!

Hello!

Long time no see! Is anyone still out there?

I know I disappeared, but life happens. First, I couldn't really knit or crochet because my wrists were hurting. I didn't really feel like baking either, so I had nothing to write about.

Then I found out that the reason I didn't feel like doing anything was because I was pregnant. I didn't really want to announce that to the Internet until at least the first three months had passed, so I just didn't post. By the time I was ready to announce it I had an ego attack and decided no one would care. 

Since my little one was born I haven't really had any time to post. (Not to mention my computer is in her room, so after bedtime posting was not an option.) I have recently discovered that blogger has an app, so I can post from my phone!! This means that I should *fingers crossed* be able to post more often now. 

I promise not to turn this into a hardcore parenting blog, but since this does focus on my life there will be mentions of my little stinky bear from time to time. Here's a picture for future reference-

Man, time has been flying! I can't believe how big she's getting!

Since this is kind of a coming back post it's not going to have much else in it. I should have more craft related stuff up soon.

Happy crafting!

Ps: please forgive any typos until I get better at using my phone's keyboard. Thanks!

WIP Wednesday 7/4/12

Hello! Happy 4th of July!

I wasn't able to put up a weekend post like I was hoping, my wrists were still hurting too badly. They're still bothering me but I've been trying to rest them as much as possible (and having the day off of the computer has really helped.)

I finished my ABABA scarf, it just needs to be blocked and have the ends woven in, and then I can get a finished picture up. My sister liked it so much that I'm making one for her! I'm using KnitPicks Chroma fingering yarn, and I'm really liking it so far. I'll try to give it a little mini review later, after I've been working with it awhile.

This pattern is definitely a keeper.

Since my wrists have been so uncooperative lately I can't do much knitting at any one time. The most I've managed this week is 2-3 rows and then at least an hour worth of resting. With my work schedule, that definitely has not been leaving me much time to knit.

Without knitting, I'm not sure what to do with myself. I like to read, but I like to read in bed right before going to sleep. I don't get much TV time, because my husband likes to relax by playing his videogames after work. I can't listen to podcasts without doing anything, because I fall asleep. I've been bouncing off the walls all week looking for something to do... until today.

I pulled out my drop spindle! I ordered a drop spindle kit from Crystal Creek Fibers on Etsy a few weeks ago, but haven't had the time and motivation to try it out. Mostly because I thought it would be hard, and I was kind of scared. It came with the spindle you see here, a mini niddy noddy, and a FULL POUND of merino top to learn to spin with. I wasn't quite sure how to hold/separate/pre draft the merino yet, so I started with some pencil roving I bought from a yarn store around here. It's going fantastically! I read the directions that came with the kit, watched a few YouTube videos, and now I have something that mostly resembles yarn! The spinning is using a slightly different hand/wrist motion than knitting, so it's not causing me any pain. I'm sill planning on taking it slowly, but for now, I'm just having fun!

Happy crafting!

Update

Hello, friends! I haven't forgotten you, and I've been knitting up a storm (except for the last few days.) I can't wait to share, but i can't quite yet. I've been working long hours and my wrists are hurting. A lot. It hurts to write, it hurts to type, and I can't even think about knitting- which is driving me crazy! I will try to get a more in depth post up this weekend, but for now, happy crafting!

WIP Wednesday 6/13/12

Still plugging away at the scarf, not too much to say right now.

Not sure why my blanket shows up orange in the picture... it's definitely a bright, crayon red. That's ok though, I think it looks cooler (and less clash-y) as an orange blanket. The yarn isn't too far off the color shown though.

This pattern (the ABABA scarf from Ravelry) is wonderful for where my head is right now. It's got a little bit of interest, it's not too complicated, and the best thing- I'm more than halfway through it and haven't felt the urge to put it away and cast on something new yet!

Hope you all are doing well, happy crafting!

FO Friday! My mom's hood.

Look! I do finish things once in awhile!

My mom and my little sister came in for a visit today, along with my sister's friend C who lives with the family. Yesterday evening I finally realized this was the week, so I figured I should probably finish sewing up my mom's hood. The crocheting has been done for ages, it just need sewn up and the ends woven in. I think I need to practice sewing more- my stitches usually end up pretty even and fairly invisible, but it's so agonizing. I think if I get more practice in I might get to a point where I can do it more quickly and easily. And not whine about it the entire time. Maybe? I hope. It'll probably look prettier too.

Here is my mom's hood, modeled by my younger sister-

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

WIP Wednesday 5/23

It IS Wednesday, right? I'm pretty sure it is. It doesn't really matter though, because I have a new project!
I have been enthusiastically plugging away at the ABABA scarf from Ravelry. I did have to learn some new stitches (k2tog and p2tog were easy enough, but I'd never actually DONE them, and kfb I had to YouTube) but in general it's easy enough for my stressed out self to handle. I've been sitting in the living room on a reclining chair listening to podcasts and knitting. The pattern is easy enough to memorize so I don't have to constantly flip through it. It's really been rather relaxing, and I've found I'm usually in a better mood afterwards. The constant stitch repetition is definitely improving my tension.

I am using a Zauberball by Schoppel Wolle and loving the long color changes. I always want to knit just a little bit more to see if I can get to the next color before I have to go to bed. And it's pretty soft! I was pleasantly surprised. I haven't had any problems with it so far, it hasn't been too twisty and the thick and thin-ness of it intrigues me. I will definitely be using this yarn again in the future.

I don't have a great picture of the actual project right now. I did, but I got a new phone and haven't figured out if I actually have a way to get the rest of  my pictures back from the old one yet. They gave me the memory card from the old phone back when I donated it at the cell phone store, but I'm not sure how to connect it to the computer. Or if my photos are even on there. I need to play around with it... eventually. Or, you know, just take new pictures. Yeah, that would probably be easier.

Here's how I store it though! It's usually in a plastic bag as well for extra kitty proofing. (Please ignore the shoes in the background, we just kick them off when we come inside.)

It gives you an idea of the color at least. Yay pretty yarn bowl!

Hope you all are doing well, happy crafting!


Click here for more info on work in progress Wednesday

Swap! What I sent.

Well, it definitely took me long enough to get around to writing this! Hopefully you'll forgive me.

Here is what I sent for the spring swap-

This is what the box looked like. There were also glittery stickers. Do you like the little owl? His name is Winston. My husband drew him and I think he's very cute!

Photo courtesy of my swap partner, as I forgot to take one.

A skein of misti alpaca yarn, a crochet hook, an owl necklace, a crocheted scarf, vanilla milkshake straws, candy, helly kitty lip balm, memo pad, pansy seeds to plant (mixed with tissue paper and formed into a butterfly,) bags of tea, an IA magnet, and an IA coffee mug (which unfortunately broke on the way.) She seemed to like everything, so I think I did alright!

I think this is the closest I managed to get of the true color. It was a nice, mossy green.

This scarf was my secret swap project. It started out as a cowl, but it was turning out too thick and warm for spring. Next it was a more complicated crocheted scarf pattern, but I was working so many hours that I just didn't have the brain space to ever get much done on it. So it turned into this- a v-stitch scarf in a brick pattern. This was simple enough that I could work on it in front of the television, but in my opinion much nicer than a plain garter stitch, single crochet, or double crochet scarf would have been.

Photo courtesy of my swap partner (hi swap partner! I don't want to put your  Ravelry name on here, just in case!)

I've decided that swaps are a lot of fun, and will definitely be doing another one at some point in the future. Hope you all are doing well, happy crafting!

Scared

I think... I'm afraid to blog. I'm not sure why. I've had a bit more free time, I have pictures that I can upload... I just haven't.

It's strange really. I get a thought in my head that I should write a post, come to the computer, and just decide I'm too busy. Or that I'll do it later, soon, this weekend, tomorrow.

I've also been pulling away from Twitter, Facebook, and even Ravelry. Maybe I just spend too much time on computers daily. On the bright side though, I have had more time to knit. I will reveal my swap partner project soon as it has been received (and loved!) Right now I am resting my Moss and Bluebells scarf and working on the ABABA scarf using a Zauberball. I'm loving the color changes!

Does this ever happen to you?

Spring Swap

Hello! Long time no see, I know.

I actually get a full weekend this week, and to my surprise, I was visited by the mailman! I am taking part in the spring swap hosted by the Tiny Owl Knits group on Ravelry, and boy was I spoiled. This is going to be a picture heavy post, because I was so excited. Sorry some of the pictures are sideways, I didn't notice until after I uploaded them and now I'm too tired to fix them.


Look at how cute the box is!

When I opened the box, I found a letter. It was a very sweet letter, which gave me permission to rip into my goodies before finishing the reading of it...

Aren't these stickers cute?

Which I promptly did, of course! Below are pictures of my goodies in no particular order-

Yummy apple/strawberry scented candle

My swap partner is from TX

A TX cookie cutter!

Chocolate, cleverly put in a plastic bag in case of meltage.

Lots of yummy recipes

An easter bunny!

A pretty teacup and saucer, from her grandmother's china! I will cherish this.

These little owls are on the cutest plate

This little owl is on a super cute bag!

A book that I can't wait to read

Pretty notebook

Handmade magnets that are already on my fridge

Pencils and notepads

Stickers!

Cute little mini skeins for my hexipuffs

A pretty scarf made of of yarn that looks difficult to work with

Knitted leaf dishcloths

Cutest little owl puff

Mug cosy

Tea wallet. I love the little button!

And it's filled with tea of course.

Mr. Mini Fox!!!

I can't believe someone knitted this FOR ME. ALL FOR ME! 

Cute knitted bag filled with pretty plastic eggs...

That were filled with tiny animals and aliens....

And Hello Kitty...

And stitch markers...

And more stitch markers (isn't that green/black one pretty?)...

And a special hexipuff stitch marker!

There was even a knitted egg inside one of the eggs, intended for a cat toy.

My cat loved it so much he refused to share with his sister.

I am overwhelmed. My spoiler knitted up a storm for me, and I am just so pleased with everything! I seriously almost cried when I found Mr Fox. So cute! And the letter was so sweet, I'm such a happy girl right now.

This has inspired me to get my butt in gear and get my swap package sent off to my spoilee... I only have 2 more things to pick up and it will be on its way! (I am NOT waiting until the last minute, I swear. It won't be super early, but hopefully it will be worth it.) Also, I'm not cheating. The rules for this swap are to send no later than a certain date, but open your package as soon as it arrives.My first swap experience is going amazingly well. I've been so happy putting a box together for my spoilee, and my spoiler put such an amazing box together for me! Knitters/crocheters/crafters are such lovely people, I am very happy to be part of this community.

Until next time, happy crafting!