Knitting & Crocheting

I just completed my first project from More Knitting in the Sun: 32 Patterns to Knit for Kids... a summer weight shrug for Fairy-girl, my little ballerina. It turned out adorable... but a bit big (sarcasm here). Huge is more like it. I really should have paid more attention to the finished chest sizes rather than just the size labels. Fairy is currently wearing size 6 in store bought clothing and they fit her just right. I like to size up sweaters a bit to make sure we get two seasons out of them so I cast on the size 8. Umm... well, yeah, she can wear it for a few years (3 or 4 possibly ;) ). LOL. I have only steam blocked the edges to stop them from curling... I haven't blocked the sleeves yet and I'm sure they will grow quite a bit in length when I do.

But sizing issues aside, this shrug turned out super cute. The pattern was easy to follow, came together pretty quickly and I love the bell shaped sleeves. If you would like to read more of my notes on this project you can check out my Ravelry page.

I must say I love this yarn, Cascade Yarns Ultra Pima. It is shiny, smooth and has excellent stitch detail. I didn't have any problems with splitting and it went a lot further than the pattern suggested. I expected to use 3.5 skeins and ended up using only 2 and a tiny bit of the third. I have plenty left to complete a second, smaller one or maybe the matching top.

And just 'cause I haven't shared it yet... I had to add a pic of my little dancing stars from their recital last week. They both did an amazing job and had so much fun.

Normally I don't knit much in the summer. It's hot and my energy is usually more focused outdoors. This year has been different. I don't know if this has been because this season has been mostly cold and rainy so far or due to the fact that my Raverly Queue is continuously growing rather than shrinking or simply that the more I knit the more I want to knit, but I haven't put down the needles much yet. For the most part though, I am at least knitting summery things. I love my new book, More Knitting in the Sun: 32 Patterns for Knit for Kids. I want to make everything in the book! I will be sharing some of my completed project from the book shortly.

Today I'm sharing my Rainbow Falls Scarf. Last fall I won two beautiful skeins of bamboo yarn from Knitty Grrlz. The first skein I used to make my Cross Stitch Scarf, the other has been sitting in my stash waiting for something special. In between a couple larger projects I've been working on recently, I needed a break and wanted a quick project for some immediate gratification. I found this lovely Waterfall Scarf Pattern by Cosymakes and thought it would be a great project to showcase this lovely yarn. This is the first time I completed a project with a drop stitch. It was fun and I will be playing with concept more in the future. I have additional notes on my Ravelry page. I love this one so much I just might have to keep it for myself.

 

Anyone else still knitting away this summer? What are you working on?

This fall I will be teaching a knitting class at my children’s co-op. After typing up my syllabus for the class, it of course occurred to me that this would make an awesome series for Wee Folk Art. And then not only can I share my class with all of you, it will also double as a place for my students to get help between classes. So, if you have ever thought about learning to knit this is your chance. I will take you step by step through a variety of knitting skills to get you well on your way. I am designing each project in this series to focus on a specific skill set which means if you complete all the projects in order you will master all of the skills you need to start tackling knitting projects on your own. Ok, no more excuses. If you have ever wanted to pick up the needles but just haven’t found the time or someone to show you how, get ready to learn this fall.
 
On to the reason we are here today… I sent my mom a sketch and asked her to convert it into one of her lovely appliqué blocks to use as the button for our Newbie Knitting Series. How cute would this be on a knitting tote? Like all our blocks, it was designed to fit on a 6" x 6" block but can be reduced or enlarged to meet your needs. The pattern can be found HERE.

One note from Kimara: Before you begin stitching, pin or staple the pieces together, following the pattern, in the order listed on the pattern.

We have all experienced this at one time or another. We buy our child the perfect gift, whether it is a new playhouse or their first tricycle. We follow the directions and assemble it with love and care, and perhaps a few colorful euphemisms for the uncooperative wrench. When we are done, and the gift is presented, the child "oos" and "ahs" for several minutes, then spends the rest of the day playing with the box the toy came in...  

The other night I was knitting a sweater for Fairy that I had started a while ago. I was down to my last few rows of my last sleeve, but bed was calling, and while I was putting away my knitting, Tim started snickering?

Me: "What?"

Him: "Do you know how many baskets, bowls, boxes and bags you have laying around this house with the express purpose of stashing your knitting projects?"

Me: "Several."

Him: "Several? (Raising his eyebrows in a most annoying manner.) And what exactly are you using for this knitting project?"

Me: "Um... an empty Kleenex box. Your point?"

Him: No point. No point at all. (His shoulders bob as he tries to suppress an out-and-out laugh.)

Okay... this here is the truth. I DO have, oh, probably 2 dozen different containers for holding projects I am currently working on. I'll be out and about and see a lovely container and think, "Oh... that would be great for holding my knitting." So I get it. And, I do indeed use many of them, but that evening, I was caught using a used Kleenex box. 

It happened quite by accident. I was trying to hide my knitting from the ravenous jaws of my pups while I made a quick pit stop. I tucked a ball of yarn, and my needles in an empty Kleenex box that was sitting on my desk waiting to hit the recycling bin. When I returned, I realized the empty box was perfect for setting on the floor and pulling my yarn out of it. I loved it! First, the protective plastic sleeve at the opening does a wonderful job of keeping your skein in while allowing your yarn to come out. Then, my yarn can be on the floor without doubling as a mop and picking up all the dog fur in the area. Finally, small projects, including my needles, can be tucked away when I'm done, and stowed on my desk while leaving a minimal footprint!

No, I won't get rid of all my other containers. My Kleenex box won't hold all my projects, and the rest of the sweater is tucked away in one of my many beautiful bags, BUT I refuse to feel silly for using my little used Kleenex box. So snicker all you want, Timothy, I will not be teased into giving it up!

This past week I got a chance to make myself the ever popular Shalom Cardigan. Working in bulky yarns made this a quick knit and the twisted rib yoke made it interesting while still being an easy pattern. Colorwise, I wanted a fairly neutral sweater that would work with khakis or jeans but had a bit of interest. So I worked with a base of cream, adding a varigated tan and blue yarn in the yoke. My other mods included working on size 10 needles and adding an extra 5 stitches on either side of the lapel. It is a fun addition to my winter wardrobe that I'm sure will get lots of use. Check out the pattern on Ravelry to see how so many knitters have tweaked this simple and free knit and made it their own.