Crafty Rantings

Matt!

2037-12-24T19:31:00.000-08:00

It's 2012 Already?!?

2012-01-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

I have a lot of pictures on my camera which need to be put onto my computer so I can post here. Problem? Well, my computer needs to have Windows XP reinstalled and a faster processor and who knows what else. But until I get a job we have to limp along, the computer and I.

I have a picture of the scarf I gave my friend Tammy for her birthday in September, 2011. And some other items I have made like coffee cup sleeves and these cool crochet cowls which you pull up the back and it becomes a combination cowl and hood. Plus some other things.

But I wanted to write about what I just finished because it would never have happened if I wasn't crafty.

We have had a lot of wind and rain lately. Two of the tubes fell off my windchimes which bummed me out. I love the way they sound. They were inexpensive but I bought them in New Hampshire so replacing them would be difficult. After the first tube fell off I thought that eventually I would do something about it. When I looked out the kitchen window this morning and saw another tube off the windchimes I decided today was it. I went outside, brought in the fallen tubes and windchimes and started trying to figure out how I could reattach them.

Now I'm going to be honest. The repaired windchime looks, well, sad. But it works! I may eventually bring it in and restring the entire thing. For right now, though, I just wanted it working again.

I went to my sewing basket. Yeah, I don't sew. But I have some buttons and thread for truly basic stuff. I took the longest needle I had and some string that's medium weight and though I could pull the string through the hole with the needle. Put the needle through the hole and partway through the string. Nope. Then I brought my knitting and crochet accessory small bag into the room. Yeah, I have a ton of those with needles, hooks, scissors etc. but this is the one I keep most handy. I tried my smallest metal crochet hook, you know, the size I'm supposed to use to do doilies but don't because the hook is too small. It fit through the hole but I couldn't grab more than a couple strands of the string. Nope, that wasn't going to work.

Then I tried a variation on my first thought. I pulled out a YARN needle and managed to thread it with the string. Then in it went through the hole. It worked! I pulled a lot of string through it before cutting it since I didn't want to have to thread the needle again. Then I tied the first tube back onto the original string and hope it's secure enough. The second tube didn't line up as well as the first on the windchime. It was too long. So I left the string tied to the original string and cut it off and retied it higher up. Worked.

So the windchime is back hanging off my patio and hopefully everything will stay put. I can use that method to actually take the whole thing apart in drier weather and re-do it completely so it looks better.

I would never have been able to figure out how to repair the windchimes without being crafty.

Sometimes it pays to have time on your hands. Now if I could just get a job!

Update

2011-10-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

Bet you'd love me to post an update, huh. Well I finally have started crafting again and I have a couple of pictures but need to get them off my camera. And part of the problem is that if my daughter reads this she will know what she's getting for Christmas so instead I will just see about posting the picture of the scarf I gave Tammy for her birthday.

Just know that finally I am doing something. It is something to keep my mind off the fact that there aren't many jobs to apply for that pay enough to cover my bills (which really aren't that high). I am still applying and testing and interviewing and hoping and praying. With no extension I will be out of luck in January. And with the filing deadline for extensions only good for those unemployed prior to June 1, 2011 this means that I get 23 weeks versus the person who lost their job a week before me who can get 99 weeks.

So if I'm not updating this or crafting a lot, please be understanding. I am stressed out. And trying hard to hang in there.

Let's Try This

2011-07-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

This is on my Ramblings of a Mutant Penguin blog but I am posting it here for a couple of reasons. First, of course, is because Matt is cute. This was in May when I visited my mom for Mother's Day. Ally, Sean and Matt now live in Connecticut. All this was before my universe fell apart and now needs to be put back together.

The second reason is it's the jersey for my favorite Boston Celtics player - Paul Pierce. I need to get a pattern with letters and numbers so I can make my own washcloth. Or, if I was truly ambitious, I suppose I could crochet an afghan. But I'd prefer a washcloth. Perhaps one day when I am working again and not focused on other things I can do that.

I have made Katia Triana scarves which are beautiful but expensive. I bought the yarn on sale and even so it was expensive. I made one in purple/navy blue for Susan for her birthday and a pink one for me. Here's a picture of the pink one. I draped it over the back of the chair so hopefully you could get a better idea of what these look like. Truly, if I could afford it (and when I can I will!) I would buy a bunch of this yarn and make them for everyone!

Still Here?

2011-07-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

I don't know if this blog is still here or not. Twice today it's said it isn't. I wanted to update it. If this is working, hopefully I will have a picture or two to add.

I haven't been posting because I was laid off from my job of over 11 years as of June 30th. They eliminated my position because the attorney I was doing the most work for is retiring at the end of the year. So they laid me off 6 months earlier than his secretary. Oh well. Unemployment is at 14.1% in this county but I am looking. Not doing too much crafting because of that and the horrifically hot weather but I am trying.

Still crafting, still ranting!

Still Crafting, Still Blogging

2011-05-30T10:45:00.001-07:00

Yes I have been busy crafting. I've made washcloths and cowls. I'll post a picture here. Looking for new, small, easy patterns, as always. I didn't do a lot of knitting or crocheting while I was at my Mom's for a week (went for Mother's Day) and am trying to get back into it now. I've got a washcloth I'm working on for my grandson, Matt, but put it aside to work on something easier. Let's see what pictures I have that I haven't posted... Well maybe I have but Mom loved the shawl I made her. Here it is...

It's May Already!

2011-05-05T22:51:00.000-07:00

It's hard to tell but they ARE two different cowls. The one on the left was done with grey Woolease. The one on the right was Homespun Tudor. These just whip up so fast and are so cute and you don't need to worry about sizing.

Here are two round washcloths I recently made in a beautiful color combination. I sure hope someday I can find another really big skein of this since I like having washcloths in this color!

And finally, the one in the center is of the State of California with a CA in it. An interesting knit. I found a website with free patterns for all the states so I am now doing NH. The NH is for me. The CA is for Matt.

Until later, after I return from vacation on the 15th, I hope to have more pictures and maybe something else to show. Who knows!

Happy Crafting!

A Very Long Project

2011-04-03T10:05:00.001-07:00

OK this is probably one of the longest projects I have worked on in quite some time. Of course since it was for me it was on my low priority list. I remember I was working on it when my brother came to see me in October. I finished it in January. It's a crochet bag. The picture isn't the greatest but it'll give you an idea. It's pretty tall. And although it may not have been intended, when I went from the round bottom to starting up the sides, it created little "feet" which make it cute. The biggest challenge was making the long ties. But I finally managed to do that. It's something that probably requires two people because you're supposed to twist these long strands. I solved the problem by using the knob on top of my lamp that holds the shade on. Whatever works, right?

This pattern came out of "Crochet Patterns for Dummies". See, I had made a really small crochet bag a long time ago for someone and I thought this would be small, too. Didn't look at the number of rows. Boy, let me tell you this was a lot of work. But worth it. And in case you're wondering and even if you aren't, yes, it took a lot of yarn. I don't want to offend anyone but I thought if I was going to be USING this, I wanted it to be sturdy. So I bought a one pound skein of worsted weight and it's perfect. It makes a good project bag!

I just remembered to take a picture to post which is why it's a few months late.

Would I make another one? Only if I had a lot of time to kill and no deadline. This is not a project to do on a deadline.

But it sure is pretty. And useful!

Cowl Obsession

2011-04-03T09:59:00.001-07:00

I found a really easy knit/purl pattern for a cowl and have become obsessed with making them. This one was done with Homespun and is by far my favorite pattern and cowl that I've made. I was wearing it all the time until the weather got hot again. Ugh. Anyway I also made one in a berry color with Vanna's Choice but I made that one too big because of the difference in the texture of the yarn and so I may not wear that again and just consider it an experiment.

For a swap someone sent me a crochet cowl that I *LOVE* and so I thought I would go looking for a crochet pattern. I'm working on a really simple one now that's just single crochet one row and double crochet the next and then you join the short sides with a slip stitch. I'm doing it in grey Wool-Ease yarn. I had to change the pattern because I couldn't quite figure out what they meant about "short side" so I am making it such that I have the width and am working up to make the height. I also thought that would look better in terms of the pattern. When I finish it I will post a picture.

Yes, another fast and fun project to add to my collection of things to make!

For Mom

2011-04-03T09:54:00.001-07:00

I made this for Mom for Mother's Day. It's hard to tell but it's a shawl. It was crochet. If I made another one it would be wider and longer. It's rectangular but it just doesn't seem big enough to me. It's big enough for her, I'm sure, but I'd like something bigger.

Washcloth Mania

2011-04-03T09:46:00.001-07:00

Well I finally decided perhaps I should get back to making a few washcloths. They usually only take a couple of days especially with these kinds of patterns. Thursday is one of my bosses birthdays and I have never made him anything so John is getting a washcloth with a "J" on it. Later in the month Roger (who has been gifted with two tie blankets in the past) will get the "R" washcloth. Not much but customized. And something I'm sure their wives and/or children don't do.

The I thought about what I could make Andrew for when I visit in May. Here's what I made him:

Two For Mom

2011-03-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

I had been working on this scarf for a while. I finally managed to finish it and send it to Mom. It's such an easy pattern and so much fun. I think I've made 3 or 4 or maybe more in this pattern. I may even have put it on the blog before but just to repeat: Size 11 needles, 18 stitches, K1 *YO K2together* repeat to last stitch, K1. Every row is the same. And the result is so pretty! Mom loved it! And here's a picture of what I just sent her. It's a cowl. Another extremely easy knit. I used Homespun yarn for this one. My friend Vicky from work shared the pattern with me from her knitting pattern-a-day calendar. I had one last year but this year opted for just the crochet. I couldn't find the knit one that I was looking for and I've been crocheting quite a bit. Anyway, here's the cowl that mom should receive Monday or Tuesday of next week:

The cowl is being modeled by a teddy bear I purchased at the Quota wine tasting and silent auction held every October. His permanent residence is the chair he is in which goes to the diningroom table. I like having him there. Anyway he was the perfect model for the cowl. Hopefully it will be just right for mom. She has a skinny neck.

I am currently making myself one in a blue Homespun yarn but I increased to size 9 needles (used 8 for Mom's) and am thinking that even so, if it turns out to be too tight for my three chins I can always make another with an extra 10 stitches to make it really drape. Nice that the pattern is easy enough you can customize and make it bigger without bigger needles or with bigger needles.

So I'm busy and moving along. Haven't made a washcloth in ages. I should make some and start getting rid of my cotton. Or start making something else with the cotton. I bet I've got $500 or more worth of cotton in my house. Oh wait... yeah... it is DEFINITELY more. Maybe double that. (I try not to think about it!)

When I finish the cowl for me today I'll have to see what's next. Looking for inspiration!

Crafting happens where Penguins Rule!

The Last of the Winter Crafting?

2011-02-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

Oh I don't know. Maybe. Here are pictures of a scarf I made for a swap and the other for Andrew. Same pattern, different sizes. Yes, the same one I used to make the afghan.

I did not put fringe on Andrew's scarf because, well, he's a boy. But I put extra long fringe on the scarf I made for the private swap because, well, she's a lady. And the pattern is not only easy but beautiful. I thought they looked like crossed bobbles but my swap partner said she thought they looked like hearts! How nice!

Then someone commissioned me to make a pair of knee warmers. I'll post the picture that's an up close one of the finished pair. I had done them on size 4 straight needles and had to sew up a seam. Well I thought since the pattern said you could do them on circulars I would try that for a nice seamless pair. I ordered a size 4 circular and it finally arrived. When I finish the pair I will post a picture. I am almost done the first one. Anyway, the hardest part about the circulars was that even though I was making this pair bigger than the other (original called for 80 stitches but I thought that was small so I am doing 100 this time), I had to pull the loop thingy for the first round until I got it started and could then stretch it out enough to use the entire circular. If you have no idea what I am taking about that's fine. It's hard to explain. Anyway since it starts with ribbing I knew once the horrible first row was done I could make it work. And I know what to do to start the next one.

If these turns out nicely then I may make myself a pair. I am hoping to get them done soon so my mom can use them while it's still cold. Here's the pair. BTW they are beige with a black stripe. I am currently working on a light grey pair with a black stripe.

Don't Scold - At Least I'm Blogging!

2011-01-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

I made gifts for Christmas and didn't want to post any pictures until later. Well every weekend I think I will get to blog and am just too tired or busy or otherwise occupied. Time to shut up and blog.

The scarf on the left is really a variegated pink/red/white but it looks mostly pink in the picture. This was for my mother. It is a longer version of the scarf on the right (which is green if you can't tell) which I made for Matt. This is the same pattern I made really long (since it's crochet it's easier to modify!) and used 3 different colors put together with black to make an afghan for me. I haven't made a big project in a very long time!

I will take a picture of the afghan to post. I keep thinking I have and I have not. I have other things I've made that I need to take pictures for posting. I recently did a duplicate green scarf, this one for my brother's grandson Andrew. I need to mail that out. A few washcloths although I do more of those in warmer weather. I did a scarf for a swap. Need to fringe that today so I can mail it. AFTER the picture, of course. I keep trying to remember to take pictures.

I am working on knee warmers. I have never made them. I am going to try to shape the knee but I am confused by the directions so they might just be straight pieces to slip on. I am using size 4 needles because I wanted the stitches smaller but the directions didn't give a needle size so this is a guess. The stitches still look kinda big to me. It's got about 2.5 inches of K2P2 ribbing which I truly hate. I have messed it up and had to tink more times than I want to admit. We'll see how these come out. And how long they take. Guess if I hadn't been so tired last night and kept falling asleep in the chair I could have done more. After the ribbing, if you don't shape the knee, it's just straight stockinette. Easy. And when it's done if I do the set for commission (which is what brought all this up). Once this first test knee warmer is done I will see if I need to modify the pattern (or if I want to, say for instance have less ribbing). I like the contrasting color in the ribbing (halfway there) but I am thinking 3 rows is enough instead of 5. And I am doing them on 2 needles which means sewing a seam. If it turns out it is not big enough around I can add stitches (thank you pattern for telling me that!). I'd like to make a pair for mom (hopefully the test pair) and then the commissioned and then one for me. I am using Vanna's Choice yarn. I know it's not "real" fiber but it's soft, warm and everything I have made with it gets compliments. I am looking forward to finding out how much yarn these take to make, too.

I have a pattern for a wrap that I want to try once the knee warmers are done. It's crochet which I like. And then I think if I really like it I will pick a different yarn and make an afghan with that pattern, just longer than the wrap. But that will involve buying more yarn and finding time to go to the store in Chico. I have tons of cotton yarn so when I do finally get back to doing washcloths I will NOT need to buy yarn. And so maybe I need to join a swap where I send yarn. Swap-bot had one a while ago but I didn't join. I think I'll start one.

A lot to do today so off I go. Happy crafting!

After the Holidays

2010-12-18T21:13:00.000-08:00

I have a week off between Christmas and New Year's and the presents I've made will be with their owners so I can unload pictures and blog. I can just say that I've made a few things, nothing big since the afghan but I have madc some things. I'm wondering about starting another afghan in crochet. First I need to find a pattern I like and then the yarn. I love the strip afghans because it's only a little at a time. That, obviously, is very appealing. I haven't made a washcloth in a while. I am temporarily burned out with those. I need to make a few hats and scarves for my gifting stash, I think. Maybe coasters. Who knows. I have things I want to do on my vacation but probably I will just sleep, eat, play on the computer and do a bit of crafting. I need to spend one entire day taking down decorations and cleaning.

Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone! Keep crafting! I am!

Pictures & Catching Up

2010-11-13T12:34:00.001-08:00

(BEGINNING NOTE: BLOGGER WILL NOT DO THE SPACING I WANT - SORRY!)

OK now that the pictures are off the camera I can update the blog and play catch up.

I have been doing all crochet lately. I just find it faster and am having fun experimenting with the various patterns. So the brown hat on the left is a child's hat which I gave to Andrew (for a picture of him wearing it see my Ramblings of a Mutant Penguin blog - link on the right side). I made one and sent it to Matt, too. And a couple for my mom to give away for a charity event. And one in pink for Tammy Flowers' granddaughter Muriel. All these AND a ton of washcloths while I was on vacation and since I got home. See, it really is a lot faster to crochet. Anyone I love the grey washcloth on the right which I made for me. I used the same pattern to make a bunch of other colored ones. Here are two more, round ones this time, that I've recently made.

I am having fun trying new patterns. I found a cute pattern for a small scarf and I made 3 and sold them for $10 each. I have one small one in a burgundy which I may just hold on to for a while. Then I decided it was a nice pattern and I'd like to make one, longer though, in this variegated yarn my mother really liked that I used when I was there on vacation. So I figured out what I had to do to make it longer (add stitches in a multiple of 12) and the scarf turned out so well that I have further modified the pattern and now am using three different colors to make these as strips which I will then put together with black yarn to join and around the edge (and fringe) and am making an afghan for myself! I never make big projects but I am looking at this as little projects eventually put together. I am hoping to not lose interest. I need to make a few little things for Christmas but I can work on those inbetween once I figure out exactly WHAT to make. I already made hats for Andrew and Matthew but I may see if there's a different pattern and make them another for Christmas. I have little somethings for their birthdays. Hard when BOTH their birthdays fall in the same month as Christmas!

I have been busy and always working on something. I have a purple round bag I am crocheting for myself which I have worked on every now and again since the end of September. I'm more than halfway done. It's a pattern I am using out of "Crochet Patterns for Dummies". It's really a great resource for patterns and I've already made that bow-tie scarf pattern several times (I think I may have already posted a picture of the blue one I made my mom). Anyway, until I get interested in knitting again at least I am still able to craft.

I keep thinking about making myself another tie blanket and then realize I have at least 6 just for me. But darn they are warm, easy to make and fun. And if you can get the material on a big sale, not too expensive (I've made them for as little as $15 for a 2 yard by 2 yard but I've also made on that, on sale, the material cost me over $30 but that was a licensed fleece - Boy Scouts for my brother and definitely worth it!). Anyway, I need to make a list of what I need to work on so I make sure I get it all done. I have been making washcloths like crazy and some will go for gifts. I already know that since crochet is faster most of the gifts this year will be crochet.

So see, I didn't go into hiding. I went on vacation but I have been crafting all along. And finally, here are the pictures to prove it! Until next time, know that I am still crafty and still ranting.

Busy Fingers & Catching Up

2010-10-08T08:14:00.001-07:00

On the left is a "bow" scarf I crocheted for my mom. The pattern is so incredibly easy! It came out of "Crochet Patterns for Dummies". Yeah it sounds terrible but it's a great reference with patterns. The wrist warmer pattern for the one on the right came from my crochet pattern a day calendar. Here is a picture of the triangle shawl I made my mom, too.

I have made some washcloths and actually made 4 sets of the wrist warmers including one in pink for me. I've made a child's rolled brim hat which I need to take a picture of before I give it away (which I will do when I get to mom's house).

I am off on vacation and will return in two weeks. But know that I am busy crafting away. I saw an easy way to make a shrug (crochet) that I am going to try. Wish me luck!

Pictures with Words

2010-08-15T16:17:00.001-07:00

Yes I have actually been crafting. Not a lot but a little. The hot weather keeps me tired together with working on the house. I have two more major organizational projects but one (the attic) will have to wait until winter and until I can get friends over here to help. Not something I can do alone. But anyway I've been making a few washcloths anyway. Yes, I do occasionally make something else. Remember the "hot hat" pattern? And I need to get started on holiday gifts which means maybe making a few scarves and hats. I have been crocheting a lot lately since it's faster but maybe for holiday gifts I can do some knit as well as some crochet.

The washcloth on the left is a really cute and easy pattern in crochet. I modified it slightly because I wanted the ends to be a bit different. I like the color pattern, too, but am now almost completely out of that HUGE ball of yarn. Time to start using another of the big ones.

The washcloth on the right is the pattern I am making for all my co-workers for their birthday. Favorite color for each. This is Vicky's for her birthday which is next week. She never specified a color (only one who didn't!) but she looks good in that color or purple and I'd already done 2 purple. I'll know tomorrow if she likes it because we're having a birthday luncheon for her early. She's on vacation the week of her birthday.

I had hoped to get back to felting but I think if I'm going to do anything beyond the simple things it will have to wait for winter.

Sadly I almost didn't do this post. After years of doing this blog I think I am getting tired. But I do it more as a journal of what I've worked on so *I* will remember as to post for others to read. So one post at a time, I guess.

That's me... on hooks and needles!

No Real Update

2010-07-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

Yes I've done a bit of crocheting and knitting. No new patterns, really. I have three projects going so I will try to finish those this weekend, maybe take pictures and hopefully post.

It has cooled down so I should be more motivated. Not sure why I'm not.

Two New Creations

2010-07-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

Over the long weekend I purchased a pattern book (crochet) for washcloths that I didn't own. Amazing, isn't it?!?

The earth toned one on the left was made for a swap. I waited until partners were assigned because I wanted it to be in colors the person liked.

The one on the right is made with yarn I bought last weekend on sale at Joann's. Same pattern book but different pattern. I like the way the colors work up.

All the patterns are very easy and cute. I have some patterns I have collected from my calendars that I would like to try but right now when it's 80 degrees outside at 9am in the morning it's hard to be motivated to work with yarn.

Probably won't get a lot of crafting done this week. Tuesday night Ally and Matt arrive and then they leave Thursday night. Would rather do nothing with them than work on a project and ignore them. :)

FYI This post doesn't seem to want to put in the paragraphs. So if it looks funny, blame Blogger.

Rantings

2010-06-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't done too much crafting. Some of it is because the weather is getting hotter. Some of it is because I was busy spending all my time watching the NBA playoffs. Please, do not ask me about that.

I like doing little projects, as you know. I need to make one more washcloth for a co-worker's birthday in August. I finally have the color. Now to get the motivation.

I also know I should start doing some scarves and hats to put away for swaps or holidays. I have just been so not into doing much of anything lately. I mean not even simple things. So today is the day I clean up the kitchen, finish the laundry and decided to unload pictures from the camera so I could blog.

I admit I am finding it harder and harder to be motivated to blog especially when I seem to keep making the same things over and over. I need new patterns. New inspiration. Perhaps just a friend to knit or crochet with.

If you have some quick and easy patterns for something different to share with me I would love it! Or if you're in my neck of the woods and want to get together to craft I would love that, too! I have a house with room now and a stove and I am re-learning how to cook.

Motivation, anyone?

Other Things

2010-06-20T14:32:00.001-07:00

On the left is a dishtowel and matching washcloth and on the right is a scrubbie which I made for Mom for Mother's Day. She liked all of them (she likes everything I make her since she isn't crafty!).

While I was there I also made her a spiral rib hat in light tan. Since I have posted lots of pictures of those I won't post another one. :)

Mom asked me to make two baby fleece tie blankets for her to give to her church's blanket project for AIDS babies. I made these:

So before blogger decides to totally mess up this post, I am going to end this one and try one more.

She Lives!

2010-06-20T14:18:00.000-07:00

I unloaded the pictures from the camera and imagine it will take two posts to put them all here. I've recently become addicted to making "hot hats" which are these cute little things that look like doll hats but which fit on the knob of your saucepan lid and act like potholders. Here's a picture of one of them. I've been using variegated cotton. They take no more than 15 minutes and are crocheted.

I also made a matching dishtowel which looks like this:

Since blogger is giving me a hard time I will try another post for a few other things I have made.

Activity

2010-05-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, there has been crafting activity and yes, I have taken pictures. I just haven't had time to post. I made several crochet items and one knit item for my mother for Mother's Day. And tomorrow I am flying there. So pictures will have to be later. I am bringing yarn to make some washcloths and even a skein to maybe make a hat for my mom (yes, a spiral rib). We shall see. When I go for a week I usually don't have a lot of time (or ambition) to knit or crochet. And I did promise I would make her two tie blankets for the baby program they do at her church. So I may not have time to do anything craftwise for myself except at waiting areas in airports. We'll see.

Still love my new home and my Yarn Room! Craftiness is still happening!

Missing Penguin

2010-04-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

Yes, I've been missing from blogging. Not just here but my regular Ramblings of a Mutant Penguin blog. Now that pictures are off the camera and most of the organizing is done in the house I can blog!

I haven't really had a lot of time to do much. The hat on the right was started quite some time ago but I finally had to finish it because I needed to make the one on the left. A friend asked if I would make one for her elderly mother who is coming to visit so I had to finish the other one first. I have made a couple of the Grandmother's Favorite washcloths for soldier and I am almost finished another for a swap but really, honest, I have been too tired to do much. Now that most everything is done perhaps I can get back on schedule and make more washcloths. I want to make one just for Mom for Mother's Day (or maybe I will just turn it into a towel and then make her a smaller washcloth to match - guess that means digging into the stash and patterns). I don't have much time for that so as soon as I finish the one for the swap (easily done today) then I can start the one for Mom.

I keep a bag by my chair in the livingroom and always have a Grandmother's Favorite in the tan for the Socks for Soldier's program going. I try to do a row or two in the morning and then at night. Basically I am making myself knit at least a bit while I sit there enjoying my chair and great tv.

I may not have been doing a lot of crafting because I have been so busy getting settled but mostly I am settled now. Go to my Ramblings blog to see some pictures of how things progressed, especially the Yarn Room which was finished yesterday.

Hopefully I can knit or crochet more and blog. So now it's time to go finish that washcloth and start hunting for a pattern for Mom's Mother's Day present. I am very happy I will be able to be there for it again this year!

I'm crafty and I rant. And these are my Crafty Rantings.

A Few Thoughts

2010-03-17T13:55:00.001-07:00

I almost never have time to knit or crochet. I am too tired. I am too busy packing. Don't expect much out of me this month. I get to do two or three rows of a small project every other day in the morning if I'm lucky. But boy is my new house going to be wonderful!!

I will have a Yarn Room. The second bedroom downstairs is The Yarn Room. All my crafting things will go there as well as my computer. I am hoping I can manage that... I have had my computer where I could see my tv for about 10 years and I love it. I am hoping, though, that by having it in the Yarn Room that I will be in the livingroom more and will be able to knit and crochet more. Here's hoping.

And another thought I had that I wanted to blog about... Pictures.

Ever since I moved into one room the only way I can really lay out things to take pictures is on the comforter of the bed or on a tray table. When I am in my house I will have better backgrounds because I will have kitchen counters, a washing machine... lots of choices. I never realized before how much I disliked having to haul out a tray table to take a picture. And I try to take pictures before I give away or send items. And once I am in my house and can get everything put away I will be able to ...

FELT!

I purposefully purchased a washing machine with an agitator. The salesman asked why I wanted that specifically and I explained it's for my knitting projects.

I have no clue how the furniture will go in the rooms. None at all. I will have to make decisions on the spot. Well, ok, that's not quite true... There really is only one place the bed can go in my bedroom and the computer in the Yarn Room. And I do know where the tv will go (again, only one spot where it can go) and I will want my big comfy chair-and-a-half near the window so I will have natural light to knit by and a good view of the tv. But still, figuring out where things go and doing it quickly has never been my strong point. I typically have a room all laid out in my head before the furnishings get there. Probably not this time, though.

One of the reasons I wanted a 3 bedroom house for one person is so that I would have a bedroom for company and a Yarn Room. Actually I am putting my futon in the Tile Room (yes, two named rooms!) outside the half bath and the room which is supposed to be the third bedroom which is upstairs will really be my attic.

So no pictures or blogging for at least another couple of weeks if not longer. I think a lot of the moving will be done in the next few days if Susan and I can get at it. And work this week has been slow enough I could work extra time without it killing me. Now to get some sleep. And pack.

Knit on! I will try to as I can.

Hats & Washcloths

2010-02-27T05:12:00.000-08:00

This week I have not done much of any knitting or crocheting. I am exhausted and it is going to get worse. I've been totally wrapped up in trying to buy a house. For the month of March I will be totally absorbed with getting the repairs done in preparation to move in, packing and moving and hopefully settling in. But I have done a few things so here's a picture of the hat I made Kristen, my hairdresser.

I have made a couple of scarflets for private swaps but I've posted pictures of those before. Only difference is this time I added a flower to the end that gets tucked through the slit.

I made a washcloth for a "destashing" swap which actually tured out kinda cool. And found a crochet pattern I really like so I've been making that and having fun.

Here are the pictures:

Right now I have a purple scarflet maybe half done and two washcloths on the needles, one of which is for me and has been sitting doing nothing for over a month. It's more or less my pickup project.

I admit I've been too tired lately to do much except veg and try to breathe. It will get worse before it gets better. So I may have to force myself to do some knitting or crocheting at work on lunchtime instead. We'll see.

While I may not be actually doing too much I am planning things to make. Oh! I haven't taken a picture but I did make one other thing. I took some beautiful raspberry cotton and made myself a hand towel for the bathroom at the new house. Just haven't taken a picture to post. Hopefully I will remember.

Until later, keep crafting. I'll try!

Odd Habits

2010-02-12T06:23:00.000-08:00

A very long time ago I wrote about an odd habit I have when knitting. While I was waiting for my car to be repaired a few nights ago I observed a few other little odd habits I have while knitting and thought I would share it and maybe at the same time it would make you a little more aware of the things you do by habit that are, well, not like anyone else.

I am working on a scarflet. Yes, I have made several of these. I need to post a picture of one of the ones I have made recently because I have started adding a crocheted flower to the end you put through the slit. Anyway, I was working on one at the repair facility in the waiting area and noticed...

When I turn the needles to start the next row I do two interesting things, one of which I know a lot of people do. The shared habit - I push all the stitches together and towards the end of the needle so I can move them up easier (and not as often) as I knit. But before I do that, here's the habit I have which I haven't seen anyone else do: I make sure all my stitches are straight on the needle which means if they have rolled a bit I push them back so that the entire work is straight below the needles. I am not really sure how to explain this except to say that that is exactly what I am doing - making sure the stitches are all straight. I do that right before I push them all up towards the point of the needle for easy access.

Now that I am aware of some of these things I hope that I notice more habits I have so that if it's not facilitating the ease of knitting (or crocheting!) I can maybe break myself of the habit.

When I go back to living by myself I admit that I am looking forward to being able to put the point protectors back down the front of my bra. At least then I don't keep knocking them off the table and having to crawl around the floor to figure out where they went. Yeah, I know... odd. But then again what would you expect from a mutant penguin?

Another post with some pictures soon, I hope.

Hats

2010-01-22T16:22:00.001-08:00

I am totally addicted to the Spiral Rib hat pattern! I have posted the pictures of the one I made Ally (I think I only posted 1 picture). Anyway I made one for me and love how it turned out. Because I have offered to make one of these for a swap or two, I am going to post the picture of the one I made myself because it's in a variegated color instead of solid. Here:

So then my ex-sister-in-law, who is still these many years a wonderful friend, sent me a picture of a scarf she had knitted to go with her new winter coat. I know she crochets and I believe she is learning to knit. Anyway it was very cute. And I just couldn't resist. I made her this spiral rib hat and a cabled coffee cozy:

I truly love this pattern. It is easy to do, a fairly quick knit and takes very little yarn. See my previous post. So now I am trying to arrange private swaps with people for these hats. And washcloths, too. If you read this blog and are interested, leave me a comment with your email and I'll contact you or you can reach me at http://swap-bot.com where my username is, obviously, mutantpenguin.

I now leave you to go watch the Celtics play and knit. Craft on!

Matt's Pictures & An Update

2009-12-29T18:16:00.001-08:00

Well it seems I can't find the pictures of the green hat I made Matt (same pattern as the blue one on the left) nor the washcloth I made him or his dad. Gee. Anyway, the hat on the left will hopefully find a lot of usage.

The wrapped thing on the right is a crochet washcloth in white with red and green spots here and there. I wrapped up a bottle of shower gel and tied it with ribbon before putting them in snowman covered plastic bags. These were for the ladies at work. I made something in a different color for Ally's stocking.

Here's the update: I am making a spiral rib hat which I should finish in one sitting. I am on vacation this week and haven't really felt like doing much but watching movies, doing errands and sleeping in. Tomorrow I have nothing I really have to do so I am hoping to finish the hat AND the washcloth I have on the needles. Perhaps I will make a few coffee cozies. I still have yarn left to use from Ally's projects. Oh and mine! I made myself a spiral rib hat. I will take a picture and post it because it's adorable in multi-color yarn.

Now I am not a yarn snob but some people think if you don't use an expensive yarn it isn't a very good product. Well for kids using wool is dumb. It will get wet. It will shrink. It will stink. So I use acrylic. For the hats and scarves of late I have been using things like Vanna's Choice and the Deborah Norville yarn. It's soft, pretty, affordable and EASY CARE. I still have wool but since I can't do felting anymore and have lost the urge to make felted bowls, I am more interested in making washcloths with 100% cotton (which everyone loves, including me!) and hats and scarves that will last and be easy to take care of since it's so easy to ruin a nice handmade project sometimes.

I hope to sit down tomorrow and start my craft planning list for next year. I need to do something for a baby which means digging for a pattern for a baby hat and I also need to make something for a birthday. I know what color... Pattern is the problem. Been thinking about it and just want to make something pretty. I had toyed with the idea of a washcloth with her first initial in it but I am thinking a nice lacy washcloth pattern will be nice for her. She's a gentle young lady. I'll remember to take a picture this time. :)

Until later... knit and crochet, rant, be crafty, count your blessings, love your family, cherish your friends and remember that there is love in every thing we make, or at least there should be. Strive to put love in every single thing you do. Always.

Finally... Pictures of Ally's Gifts

2009-12-29T17:53:00.001-08:00

On the left is the scarflet I made Ally. On the right is one of the set of 2 of cabled coffee cozies I made to match the hat shown below the scarflet.

The other hat I made her and the cozies (another set of 2) are shown below. I made her 2 of each so that she could keep one in her purse and the other in the car. These spiral rib hats take

one (yes! 1!) skein and actually I had enough to make the matching cozies and STILL had some left. The pattern is 12 rows which I did twice with another 3 rows of pattern. And besides being economical to make they are FAST, FAST, FAST! I can do one in a day! The light blue hat was made from the same yarn I used to make Matt's hat. Those pictures in another post. Here is the other spiral rib hat and matching cozy.

The cozy on the right is a lot like the other except that I was having trouble with the cable and decided to try something new. I just can't seem to embroider even following directions so I gave up and booted up the DVR and watched the embellishment episode I had just taped from "Knit & Crochet Today" which is shown in repeats on PBS. Anyway the hexagons are crocheted then sewn on. Here's how I altered the pattern: I started by knitting 4 rows so there was a garter edge. 4 stitches on each side continue the garter stitch and 12 stitches in the middle are done in stockinette. Once it is long enough to go around a coffee cup, glass, whatever, 4 more rows of garter, bind off, sew on the 3 individually made hexagons and another very nice pattern modification!

Ally loved them all and especially the cabled coffee cozies. I really should make a lot of those to give away since they are easy, useful and cute.

Anyway those were Ally's Christmas surprises. Next post... Matt's and an update.

Christmas

2009-12-23T04:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight I will finally be with Ally after almost a year. It is way, way too long! Tomorrow morning when Matt wakes up on his birthday, Grammy will be there. As long as I am alive and healthy, that's how I want him AND me to start every December 24th.

I will finally be able to post pictures when I come back from my visit. All these secret things that I have had lots of fun making but can't share yet. I am attempting to find projects do to for next year that challenge me. But here's the challenge I have chosen for myself. I have asked my co-workers for their favorite color. For their birthday I will make a custom washcloth in their favorite color in a pattern or with an embedded pattern that fits the person and personality. I am going to have to hurry. First one is due at the end of January. She just got engaged and although she is not going to get married for a couple of years and is a young student, it's going to be a challenge.

The very first thing I need to do when I get back is find my pattern for a baby hat and maybe booties. Someone I know is having a baby girl at the end of January, too. I could probably use the bootie pattern from one of my knitting books except that despite everything my books are still in the storage unit. I have left David a note asking if we can go get them when I get back. We'll see.

May everyone continue to count their blessings (our crafty talent is a WONDERFUL blessing!) and I hope that everyone is able to spend their Christmas with those they love. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Secret Doings

2009-11-22T07:40:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again when there are secret doings happening. I obviously can't post pictures of what I have been working on but let's say that the list I made myself Friday morning of what I wanted to accomplish was just soooooo under what I have accomplished! And today I am going to try to start two more things which are quick doings.

Here's what I made Alma for her birthday (last Sunday) because she likes the color green and I liked the pattern:

I can't post pictures, either, of what I am sending in Kaylee's package. I will say that since Susan doesn't read my blog I finished a scarflet for her. Didn't take a picture before I wrapped it but I took a picture of the package (see-through bag) but you can't really see it. I used black/white self striping angel hair yarn as an experiment. I like how it turned out.

I can say that today's project will be to cast on a scarf. I was going to make a scarflet then decided to make another one of those fluffy scarves that you make by casting on 10 stitches on size 35 needles. I can finish that in a week or less. I know it's only supposed to be a day or two but I have other things I need to make which I need to mail so they will probably take priority.

I've been busy. I don't think my hands have stopped all weekend. Boy were they stiff this morning! I am typing instead of crocheting or knitting just to get some flexibility back into the hands. A cup of coffee, a bit of blogging, a bit of twittering and maybe a game or two at Pogo (I am such a Pogo addict!).

I can't wait to be able to post pictures after the holidays of what was made for Matt and others. But until then, know that I am so busy crafting you'd be amazed at what speed I'm working! And *I* am amazed at how wonderfully happy all of this is making me.

Busy

2009-11-16T07:07:00.000-08:00

I was away for the weekend and while I was, I started and finished a washcloth. I got a couple of rows done on two other projects and have finally brought them to work with me to make sure I work on THOSE and don't start anything new. I have not unloaded the pictures from my camera yet but when I do, if I find something worth posting, I will. In the meantime I am working on holiday presents and so not much time for posting. But I am knitting and crocheting!

Craft on!

Old Bird is Still Knitting

2009-11-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

I haven't taken pictures yet but I finished one washcloth with a beautifully textured pattern that I love. I am starting a new one for a swap. I also have another project on the needles. It's a Christmas present for Matt and nothing big but something I want to make him.

I need to take some pictures to post of that washcloth with the nice pattern. I was wanting to keep the skill I learned for "right twist". Now I will make another one or two with that before going back to a favorite pattern or two. The right twist isn't hard to do and it makes a beautiful stitch.

Still knitting. Still crafty. Still ranting.

Busy Even On Vacation

2009-10-25T11:33:00.001-07:00

Yup, I made a lot of washcloths while I was on vacation. Here are pictures of two of them:

These two were made for Mom. I don't expect you can see the pattern on the left but let's just say that I found this by accident. I was looking for patterns to take with me and there was a one page email I had sent myself with a 4 row pattern. Had no idea what it would look like because, obviously, I did not send myself a picture. So I tried the pattern before vacation and loved it. I have been making lots of washcloths in both of the above patterns. I think I did well while on vacation - I completed 8 in 13 days and I have one on the needles about half done which I worked on during the flight home.

I want to post this picture because I was so proud of this hat! I made a hat for Andrew in a brown to match his eyes. Doesn't he look cute?!? He loved the gifts Auntie brought him and I loved doing it for him. Look at my adorable great nephew.

Lately

2009-10-05T04:49:00.000-07:00

OK I am not going to post pictures of all the washcloths I have made lately, just the two I sent to Ally.

I also made two other little somethings this weekend but I am not going to post pictures because one of the little somethings is a Christmas present for Matt and I don't want to spoil it if his mom sees this first.

I will try to remember to take pictures of the things I make while I'm on vacation. I am bringing crochet hooks, needles, cotton yarn and I am going to my favorite yarn store in Dover while I'm there to buy non-cotton yarn. I need to put together a birthday package for my friend Kaylee so maybe I will make something for her out of yarn I get there. We'll see. I have a hard time figuring out what to get her.

I'm leaving for vacation on Saturday. I will try to post again before I go but I am pretty sure I won't be posting until after vacation (2 whole weeks!!). If I can get to my brother's computer two or three times a week I may post something but most likely no pictures until I'm home.

I have started doing other little projects besides washcloths and it's a nice change. I've got in mind a couple of things I'd like to make and am taking the patterns with me. Now if I could only get David to get my box of knitting books out of storage. I think I will ask him to do that for me while I'm gone.

Until later, craft on and rant on! These are my crafty rantings!

Suggestions

2009-09-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

I need some suggestions. I have so much yarn and I need a better way to store it and organize it. I have a little 3 drawer plastic thing but it's full. I have another bigger one also in the closet but it's hard to get to. I can't put plastic boxes or bags under the bed because I have a platform bed with drawers (and before you ask, that's where I keep the sheets for the bed). The closets are jammed packed. If I can ever get the two big boxes of DVDs out of the closet that would help because I could buy another plastic drawer thing to put it in and that might do the trick. But if anyone has some suggestions as to what I can do to better organize my yarn considering I have NO room to expand. Maybe a suggestion on how to re-organize the loads of things in the closet.

I realized the other night how out of control my yarn is at the moment and how hard to find exactly what I'm looking for when I'm looking. And yes, it's 99% cotton.

Any suggestions are welcome. :)

Update Soon

2009-09-17T20:52:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I will post a couple pictures and pose some questions. I really am still crafting, a lot actually. I need to finish one project this weekend and then I need to make a few things to take with me to New Hampshire on vacation. I have nothing to bring Mom or Cil yet. I have something for my cousin Priscilla. And I need to make something for Andrew and maybe Den. I have no idea what to make either of them. I wanted to make a hat for Andrew so maybe I'll take a pattern and the yarn with me and work on that while I'm there. Who knows. Time to make a priority list again.

More of what I need input on in a post over the weekend.

I'm craftily moving along.

A Little of This, A Little of That

2009-09-06T09:26:00.000-07:00

I have been experimenting with patterns and edgings, still. Lots of washcloths. I have two other projects partially started but just can't get motivated to work on them. I still have today and tomorrow of the long weekend so maybe I will force myself to work on them.

I had been doing crochet exclusively because I was tired of knitting. Then I made a washcloth for my friend Vicky's birthday at the end of last month and while I was putting that pattern away,found another one I had done before that I liked and decided to make it. After that I ended up making two in that same pattern and I have one on the needles now that is almost done. I should finish that today.

So here is one knit and one crochet.

The crochet one on the right is a nice pattern that I like. The edging was an experiment and some days I like it and some I don't. Right now I am working on one that is knit and one that is crochet. I am doing a bunch with one variegated tan/white/yellow in crochet because it's fast and they'll be sent to Ally and Matt when I have maybe 3 of them. I have one finished and one halfway done.

My next "project" will be to figure out what pattern books and needles and hooks and yarn to take on vacation next month. I want to send some of that to my mom's house first so I don't forget them.

And I have no idea what Amigurumi is but they do a lot of swaps for those on swap-bot and I am thinking it's time to research it and see if it's something I would want to learn to do. I have gotten stuck doing simple things, nothing truly challenging. I think it's a result of having no one to knit or crochet with or talk to about it much. Those of us who craft alone tend to stick with what we know how to do - scarves, washclothes, blankets, shawls, hats. Nothing too difficult.

I need someone to knit or crochet with to challenge me. And I hate going to group things at the local yarn stores. For one thing the groups always meet when I'm at work which doesn't help. Maybe I should think about some serious goals. I remember making a cardigan sweater with a zipper in college. That was hard. But I was motivated by a roommate who knitted. My roommates these days are guys and dogs. Not too much motivation. :)

I will keep doing something crafty. Promise.

Still Busy

2009-08-31T06:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am still making a ton of washcloths. I am also doing a bunch of swaps. I need to go shopping for one because it's a profile based swap. At least I have my list. I am also still contemplating starting a "washcloth only" blog which is why there are no pictures. I am, surprisingly, working on two things which are NOT washcloths. Both of which I had started a while ago. One is a scarflet. I actually picked it up and did a few rows this weekend. The other I have not picked up lately and need to but since it's for me, it's at the bottom of the list.

I will download the pictures from my camera and post a few of the washcloths I've done. I have been experimenting with edgings and patterns. And now I seem to be back into knitting. But perhaps I will crochet a couple more for the swaps since that's faster. I did make one to take with me when I go to New Hampshire in October for my mom. I hate to arrive with nothing handmade for her! Of course I made so many things for Mother's Day (and the surprise visit) that I hope she doesn't expect as much then! I am thinking perhaps I can make her a couple of tie pillows for her livingroom while I'm there if I can find just what I want. We'll see.

More later. Keep being crafty! I will!

Idea

2009-08-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

I have no idea if anyone reads this blog anymore or if it's just a place for me to post pictures and keep an online "journal" of what I've made or am making. But...

If you read this blog, I could use an opinion. I was thinking of starting a separate blog for just the washcloths I make. What do you think? Comments, anyone?

Boring

2009-08-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

I started two projects yesterday - a washcloth and a larger project. No, not going to talk about it because I may just take forever to finish it.

I bought grey cotton at Joann's yesterday. I am happy they had it. I bought some through Annie's Attic when I purchased my Knit Kit (which I haven't used yet but do carry around for when I need it). I like how it worked up into a washcloth so I bought the big skein yesterday with my 40% off coupon. Brought it down to about $6 which isn't too bad.

I am going to try to not lose steam and work on those projects today but who knows. I may just ditch them for a nap. :)

Flying Hooks

2009-08-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, the crochet hooks have been flying! I have one knit project cast on and partly done. Perhaps I will work on that today after I finish the washcloth I am making for a swap I want to send out Monday.

I've made a lot of washcloths of late. I am trying to come up with a clever name for a blog just for the washcloths since I make so many of them. But then again, if I don't work on anything else, this blog would suffer. I have made a lot of other things this year, to my surprise, which I found out by looking through my pictures. Still, washcloths are fast and fun.

Below are pictures of two little round "table topper" kind of things I made with variegated cotton. These are for my little round cabinet/table which long ago sat in the entranceway of the duplex I lived in for 4 years. Now that I live in one room, I found a place for it by the tv so I took it out of storage and now it's with me again.

I also finished a scarflet for my mom's cousin Priscilla. Don't know how good the picture is but here it is since I am not going to post up pictures of all the various washcloths I've made of late.

So until later... craft on!

Updating

2009-07-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went to Reno with my friend/adopted brother David. I thought I would relax and crochet or knit on the way there and back and in my room. Nah. And I haven't done much this week, either. I am working on a scarflet and a washcloth. I did finish one washcloth which I believe will go out in a swap in another week or so.

I have however done some purchasing. I bought "Crochet Patterns for Dummies" and "Knit Patterns for Dummies". Besides patterns they go over techniques and basics and it's a good combination that I think probably is better than my copy of the still-in-storage "Knitting for Dummies".

Then I went to Annie's Attic and purchased this thing they call a Knit Kit. It's a gadget which is supposed to have pretty much everything you need - row counter, tape measure, crochet hook, folding scissors, stitch markers and other things. It's very compact and "Creative Knitting" had a good picture of it so I blew $20 and bought one. I hope it's here next week and I'm not disappointed.

I need to make a list of projects I want to work on. I want to make a triangle scarf for my friend Vicky for her birthday but just can't get motivated. I have about 3 weeks to do that. I need to get going. Temperatures are over 100 every day which means basically all I want to do is sit and do nothing, even WITH air conditioning!

I have no pictures yet because they're still in my camera. I am going to try today to finish the washcloth and work enough on the scarflet that I can get it done in the next week. It's not a big project but it is warm. Then I will work on the triangle scarf. I am not really in the mood to knit OR crochet.

I can't wait for winter!

What Am I Thinking?!?

2009-07-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

I purchased a crochet pattern book last week and thought why not try one of those today. I mean I was going to start the next triangle scarf but wasn't concentrating and finally gave up, ripped it out and will try tomorrow. And I purchased everything for a knit project for me but am not motivated to start it yet. So I thought it would be nice to make a washcloth in a new pattern. Probably won't take long, right? Easy, right? Well these are all new patterns and while I have seen others with things like "crossed" stitches, I have never done one. But darn it, I wanted to try. So I've got one about half done. I imagine this would be nice (and definitely easier to do!) for an afghan with (STOP SHUDDERING!) acrylic yarn. Make a bunch of squares and since it's all done in crochet, crochet them together with a corresponding color. No, borders don't always need to be black or white! But for now I am making a washcloth. Perhaps one day I will start making a few of these with acrylic and put them in a pile to join into an afghan one day. If they aren't all the same size I could easily do that by adding border rows so they are all the same size and while it might look funky, I think it would be neat.

But geez, what am I thinking?!? How many little projects am I going to work on this weekend? Wait... I know the answer. As many as I need to keep the boredom away. BTW, the funky scarf for me doesn't have enough yarn nor does the scarflet I started and I forgot to buy more yarn for the scarflet today so it's back to Joann's tomorrow. This is why I'm starting other things.

Yeah, I know... it'd be nice if that lie was convincing. Especially to me. hehe

Gifts

2009-07-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Susan's birthday isn't until the 20th but since I don't get to see her very often I thought I would give it to her at the meeting we were attending this week. I hope she can figure it out! Here's what her triangle scarf looks like. And you can wear these in any manner you want. It's just an accent scarf.

And then for a swap I made this which turned out to be a lot bigger than I thought. I liked the pattern so I've made a couple for use here at home.

Then using this same color (which is the color I made the previous washcloths for my mom to give away for a charity fundraiser) I made these. The picture on the right is a washcloth and four matching coasters. I made that set for Mom to keep but we'll see if she does. If not then perhaps I will make her some when I visit in October.

So as you can see I've been busy. I made two big washcloths last night and today I am going to cast on another triangle scarf for a friend for her birthday. I am going to use bigger needles because the alpaca is so fine. I also want to cast on another experiment. I know... I haven't worked on the child's hat. That project is going to wait.

Next weekend I am going away so I will take something small, probably crochet, with me to work on during the drive and in my relaxing time.

This weekend I am looking forward to plenty of time to make a few small things. I love being able to finish things quickly that are cute. Hmm... maybe I should start a doily again.

Until my next post, craft happily and remember that Crafty Rantings keep me sane.

Flying Fingers

2009-07-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

Over the course of the weekend my fingers were flying as you can see from previous posts. Here's what you don't know... what I did yesterday.

I finished the one washcloth I had started to send my mom for her charity thing which is next week. Then I finished 2 more. And then I finished a set of 4 coasters to match one of the washcloths. Oh and did I mention that I also worked on the scarflet for my mom's cousin? Oh wait... can't tell you that... didn't mention I had even STARTED it!

So the only thing on my list I didn't touch this weekend was the child's hat. I may not get to that for a bit. I am not in the mood.

I'm probably going to have to purchase more yarn for the scarflet because just looking at it I know I don't have enough. And for the funky scarf, either. But that is just a pickup project.

Of course what else do I do but buy myself another pamphlet with washcloth patterns. Now I'm itching to try some of those. I have also decided to cast on another triangle scarf but with bigger needles. If it's decent enough I will give it to Vicky for her birthday. I was going to make her a doily but I am just so NOT in the mood to do doilies. Don't know why. It's not because it's crochet - everything I made yesterday was crochet and I am going to start another one or two crochet projects. Must just be the fact it's a doily. Who knows. I have two balls of black alpaca which is what I will use to make the triangle scarf for Vicky. I would use the one ball I have left of the cream but I don't want to run out and black is more her color anyway. I will know for sure after I show it to her tomorrow and see if she likes it. If she doesn't, I'll make something else in a hurry.

Pictures are still in the camera. Later I'll post them.

Goals!

2009-07-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Oh look! I set some goals for myself AND I MADE IT!!!

Here is Susan's triangle scarf for her birthday. I just laid it out to take the picture but you can wear it a bunch of ways. It's really kinda cute.

And so then after I finished this (and I am itching to start another with bigger needles!) I picked up the capelet which I haven't worked on in a while. I had a pleasant shock when I looked at the row counter and realized I was on row 23 of 24! So I started in and just kept at it and now... the picture isn't the best but I wanted to post this because I finished it last night and wanted to brag but was too tired to blog and take pictures. It's just like Mom's lilac colored one. But this one is for me (hence taking a long time to finish it).

I know I should work on the hat next but I think today I will finish the washcloth which is started (crochet) and maybe work a bit on the funky scarf (did a couple rows last night) but the scarf is more of a pick-up project. I am not motivated to work on the hat yet so perhaps it is time to go through the patterns and pick something fast and small. Or start another triangle scarf. Who knows. I finished one project that I really wanted to have done before Thursday this week and I finished a long-time project. And this is why, I remember, I don't make afghans anymore or anything much that is big. I do have a baby afghan started sitting in a project bag which is crochet that I may go back to now. Or not. Doesn't matter. I will have things to work on.

And today I am going to hit the sale at Joann's!

I hope everyone had a good 4th of July. America is another year older!

Disappointment

2009-07-02T06:53:00.001-07:00

I went to the website for Annie's Attic this morning (as I usually do) to take a look at their free pattern of the day. It wasn't there. I got a lot of great patterns and ideas there! I wonder what happened. I'm disappointed.

Danielle, Kelly and Isabelle

2009-07-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

Oh I don't know if you can see the colors or not. The scarf on the left was made with the same kind of "fun fur" (not the brand but that fuzzy fun stuff of some other brand) and the one in the center was supposedly the same but really isn't.

Each scarf was knit in garter stitch, size 13 needles, 10 stitches. Each scarf is black fuzzy with another color fuzzy. Scarf of the left is purple with the black and I apologize again for these being hard to see even when you enlarge the picture. The center is green and the dogs in the house were always going after it when I was working on it in the livingroom because it looked like grass so eventually I only worked on it in my room or at work. The scarf on the right is pink with the black.

Danielle gets the purple/black

Isabelle gets the green/black (she requested this and the darling just turned 6 on Monday)

Kelly gets the pink/black

I know Kelly loves pink, like me. Dani will look beautiful in the purple. All the scarves are the same length and I wanted to make sure that they were enough alike that there was no fighting over who got preferential treatment. Dani and Kelly are sisters and Isabelle is their cousin. They are Susan's granddaughters who I love dearly. Every time I see them they run up and hug and kiss me and who couldn't love being treated that way?

The girls do not know they are getting these and I have not told Susan. I know Isabelle asked me to make her one but she's probably forgotten all about it.

I will have to post up what they thought of them. Even if they hate them (which I'm sure they won't) it wouldn't matter. I enjoyed making these for them. And every stitch was knit with love. They'll know that and THAT is what counts.

I love that God blessed me with talent to be able to make such fun and pretty and versatile things for the people I love. And for the friends I meet along the way.

Finally, Pictures!

2009-07-01T20:55:00.001-07:00

OK, here are the long-promised pictures. First the two round washcloths I made and kept for myself or swapping because I just couldn't bear to part with them yet.

As you can see from not just these two but the next pictures I'll put in here that once I found the pamphlet with the patterns for the round ones I got on a kick and made a bunch. One of the ones I sent to my mother which was round and of the same color as the other two whose pictures WILL be here, well, I truly didn't care much for the pattern so I didn't take a picture but I did feel it was still good enough for the charity sale. Here are the two I sent mom:

So as you can see all four were different patterns. I like all of these. I admit one of the reasons I am posting the pictures is so I will have a reference next time I want to make one.

So I set a goal for myself to finish the last scarf and work on the triangle one. I have done both and am hoping to finish the triangle one before next week so I can give it to Susan when I see her again on Thursday. I have not picked up the capelet or the hat. I need to devote time to those, I know, especially since I am close to done on the capelet. I am going to force myself to finish that after I finish Susan's scarf.

Here's a list of my projects, begun or planned:

1. Susan's triangle accent scarf (started) - knit, pattern from my Knitting Daily calendar, size 5 bamboo needles, cream alpaca.

2. Capelet for me (started) - crochet, adapted pattern same as the lilac one I made mom, size J hook, metal (only kind I can seem to crochet with - old habits die hard!), denim colored baby yarn, "pound of love" skein - yeah, I know, it's not "better" yarn but it's soft and just what I want for ME.

3. Child's hat (started) - crochet, pattern from a website which I believe was Bev's child's cap but not sure, size I hook, metal, dark brown acrylic - color matches my great nephew's eyes perfectly, just like his dad and his grampy (who he seems to like to call "The Man" or just "Man").

4. Freakishly odd looking scarf for me (started) - knit, 15 stitches, garter stitch only, size 13 needles which are acrylic and totally cool looking and to use, light pink and raspberry fun fur. Yes, you heard me - fun fur. Fuzzy and really odd looking but strangely compelling.

5. Scarflet for my mom's cousin Priscilla (planned) - knit, same pattern as the one I made Mom and her friend Cil and me. I think it's size 11 neeles and it's a different color inside the acrylic needle like the ones above in #3 (should take a picture to show these cool needles - bought on sale in Hemet during my first visit after Matt was born and each size has a different twisting color inside the clear acrylic and it makes it incredibly easy to find which size you want!). I just purchased yarn for this tonight because the alpaca I purchased to make this is way, way, way too thin to use. I will either gift those two black skeins or use for something smaller and more delicate. I purchased some Angel Hair Boucle. Never worked with it but the texture seems right.

6. Two more washcloths for mom to give away in that bright variegated color, probably crochet and unsure of the pattern (planned). I need to get moving on these as she needs them by the middle of the month. Might not make that deadline.

I will have busy fingers this long weekend!

HAPPY JULY 4TH EVERYONE! CELEBRATE OUR INDEPENDENCE! IT WAS A LONG, HARD STRUGGLE TO GET HERE. LET'S REMEMBER AND STRIVE TO STAY SAFE AND FREE.

Yeah, I Know

2009-06-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

I know... no pictures yet. I haven't taken them out of the camera. Probably because I finally finished the 3 scarves for Susan's granddaughters and I want to take pictures of those to post. I just couldn't bring myself to blog over the weekend. I have Friday off so maybe by then I can post pictures and do an update. And maybe by then if I discipline myself I won't start anything new and can finish Susan's birthday triangle accent scarf and post a picture of that, too. I need to set some goals for myself. Here's what I MUST work on and finish:

1. Susan's triangle accent scarf for her birthday on the 20th of next month
2. The last few rows of the capelet
3. Seriously work on the cap I'm doing as an experiment for the grandchildren.

I also have a washcloth started to send to my mom for her charity thing next month so I'd like to finish that and another and get those off in the mail to her next week. I got a little burned out after making 5 of them in a row so not working on them for a week helps. And I did manage to finish one project this weekend which is good.

I think the key to getting things done is to set an agenda and STICK WITH IT!

Washcloths - Again

2009-06-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

I will try to post pictures before the week is out. My mother asked me to make some washcloths for her to give away to a charity thing (or auction or something similar) being done by her local Grange of which she is a member. She had offered to pay me but since I love doing them, I told her no and that we'd figure something else out.

I dug in my patterns and found a pamplet with all round patterns. I had made a couple of them a very long time ago but thought why not try again. Crochet works up so much faster! So I made 5 between Thursday night and Saturday afternoon. Two of them I liked so much I kept myself to put in my swap/gifting stash. The 3 I sent her were the same bright variegated yarn. Anyway, I didn't take pictures of one of them because, quite frankly, it turned out smaller than I wanted and I wasn't all that fond of it. I have another one started but I put that aside to work on finishing up the second of the three scarves for Susan's granddaughters. When I finish this one I absolutely MUST start Susan's birthday present before I start the other scarf. If I just keep at it I know the scarf will just finish. It shouldn't take more than 2 days altogether but I just haven't felt like working on it. But I am forcing myself.

I told my mom in a note that if she wanted to trade me for the washcloths, she could buy me 2 balls of cotton at her local Wal-Mart in the lilac/white variegated that I love. I can't get it online or at Joann's or at my Wal-Mart (they used to carry it but stopped) but when I was there last month they still had it at her store. I told her to keep it until I visit in October and then I will have to take less with me. And if they don't have that color to buy me something else she thinks I'd like. I sent her the remnants of the yarn I had with the label so she would know exactly what color I meant. Remember, Mom doesn't do any crafting so she's clueless when it comes to yarn.

I will try to remember to post the pictures. Promise. Back to work on the scarf. And I really would like to finish the capelet for me and the experimental hat. But, as I said, I haven't felt like working on anything even though I have... what is it now?... 5 projects that need to be done before the middle of next month!

The Other Two

2009-06-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

I promised pictures of the brown child's hat (in process) but it is really too hard to tell. Will post when it's finished. Right now I am working on Isabelle's scarf. And I will also work on the denim colored capelet and post a picture when it's done. I want to have a picture on here with me wearing it. So sorry about that... you got washcloth pictures instead. Please don't shoot me.

Oh and yes, the local good yarn store is having a sale through today so I have to go back and see if I can find another good bargain. I got the eyelash fur funky stuff for the 3 scarves for the girls plus 2 balls of soft alpaca the last time. I had a filled "frequent buyer" card which took me years because I hardly ever shop there and because if you get it on sale, you can't get a stamp. I used that $20 and it ended up costing me $1.07. So I still have money in my yarn budget. Gonna go buy myself some more of that nice alpaca which is usually $5/ball (it's very small) and with a couple of those I am going to make a scarf for my mom's cousin and I think I will buy enough to make one for my friend Vicky for her birthday. I was going to make her a doily but I can't get motivated. I am thinking I will make her one in the pattern I shared with her (triangle accent scarf) which is what I am making Susan for her birthday.

Anyway I need to make a list of what I need to make and the deadline and GET MOTIVATED AND MOVING AND KNITTING AND CROCHETING! I have been lazy of late. And, of course, I saw a washcloth pattern I want to do. Yikes!

I do so much better with a list!

Oh I have to share this because I really liked it. I want to give credit where credit is due! There is a really nice husband and wife team who own and operate a store called "Spinning Yarns" in Dover, New Hampshire. When I am visiting my mom they are my local yarn shop. Anyway, she is a member of Ravelry (as am I - usename is, of course, Mutantpenguin). I looked at her profile and her philosophy about UFOs is inspiring. She says she never has more than 13 UFOs at a time because any more than 13 is unlucky. Isn't that great?!? I LOVE IT! Now I know why I just always gravitate there when I'm in New Hampshire!

Finished Washcloths

2009-06-13T09:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some washcloths I have finished which were either made on vacation or just recently. I made two of the "Pink Chains" and gave one of them away in a "Think Pink" swap at swap-bot. I liked it so much I made one for me! Here they are:

And here is the one which is called "Pink Chains" because it's pink and the pattern name is "Chains". It's so easy and pretty!

Quick

2009-06-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I will post pictures, promise. I finished the pink washcloth for me that matched the one I gave away in a recent swap. I will take a picture of the denim capelet which is about 3 rows away from being done. And a picture of the experiment - a crochet hat in brown. I am liking the way it is turning out. It's a child's pattern. I will probably give the brown one to my brother's grandson since he has brown hair and eyes. I have a different color for Matt. And I am working on something for Susan's granddaughters. I need to get my fingers busy this weekend!

Summer in Chico

2009-05-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

It's getting really, really hot here again. Yes, I am actually working on things and have finished a couple. I have no pictures to post at the moment. I am currently working on the following:

1. Denim colored capelet (like Mom's lilac one) for myself. Crochet.

2. Brown child's hat (experiment). I have ordered yarn to make a hat for Matt and one for Andrew for their December birthdays. If I don't like this I will have to try a different pattern. In any case if this is good I may take it to Andrew when I go in October. Crochet.

3. Another pink washcloth in the same pattern as the one I made for the "Think Pink" swap I joined at swap-bot which starts tomorrow. It's the pattern I used for the long runner I made for my coffee table quite some time ago (I did post a picture). The pattern is called "Chains" and it's knit.

I will have to take pictures of the two washcloths I finished plus post up some from vacation that I didn't. I just get kinda tired of only posting washcloth pictures. So maybe I won't. I will definitely post a picture of the denim capelet when it's done and the hat.

Until then I sit here and melt. I got a sunburn yesterday attending 2 baseball games for 2 small girls I love dearly. Well worth it. And the youngest asked if I would make her a green scarf so I need to find some fun fur to fit the little redhead's vibrant personality. Now that ought to be fun!

All Things Mom

2009-05-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

I took pictures of mom in the shawl I made her for Mother's Day and the lilac shorter cape I made her. Here they are (remember, she does NOT like to have her picture taken!):

And while I was there I made a few washcloths because I didn't want to work on anything really big. I made a couple and told Mom to pick which one she wanted and the other was to be given to her cousin Priscilla. I do not know which one she chose so I will post pictures of both of those here.

I made a couple other washcloths, too, but now that I am home again I am working on the denim colored capelet like mom's lilac one.

So I did keep busy while I was gone. I will finish the washcloth I started on the airplane last night which is a pattern sent to me by a swap buddy in a swap-bot swap. I am thinking maybe I will run another washcloth swap although the last one which ended May 1st has one swapper who sent but her partner never received so I will have to clear that up first if I can.

Yes, I have been crocheting a lot. I have another project in mind for my mom but that will involve finding my doily patterns and thread. I think it's been a while since I made a doily and I know she loves them.

Vacation was great but a week goes fast. Mom was very surprised and happy and that was the intent. I try to indulge myself once a year when I get my tax refund. This year it was surprising Mom. Definitely a good use. :)

Update

2009-04-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am crafting. My friend Vicky shared a pattern with me that I am dying to start. I went out and bought 3 colors of yarn to make 3 of them (if my fortitude lasts!) but I am forcing myself to NOT start one. Why? Because I am on row 3 of the last 7 (plus 3 of edging to do afterwards) of my own shawl to match my mother's. I want it done before I go so I can take it with me.

I am at a point in working on the shawl now that I typically reach with large projects. This is why I stopped working on large projects. I get close to the end, know it's near, and I just get so tired of working on it I want to put it away and stop. But I am determined NOT to do this with my shawl.

A motivating factor to finish the shawl besides the fact I want to take it with me is that I want to take the new project to work on while I'm flying. I am taking the color I picked out for my mom, will work on it while I'm there but don't know if I'll finish it or not. If I do, that would be great. If not, I won't tell her it's for her and when it's done I'll just ship it and surprise her.

Kinda like me showing up for Mother's Day.

Still trying to work out how we're going to manage me showing up at the door but we'll figure it out. This will be a good Mother's Day for both of us. Only thing missing is Ally.

So once I finish the shawl I will start one of these little shoulder throws/capelets that are also crochet. Vicky brought hers in to show me and it is very cute. I need to re-write the pattern before I start because it's in English stitch terminology where TR (treble for me) really mean DC (double crochet) for American crochet. Rather than get confused I am going to re-write it in American terminology. It's a very cute and easy pattern. Can't wait. Guess that means I better get working on my crochet today! And yes, I will post a picture of my shawl when I'm done. I am using sport weight in a beautiful light pink for mine which, surprisingly, is a bit softer than the yarn I used for mom's.

Off to yard sale before I settle in with a bad movie and the shawl. :)

Pretty Little Things

2009-04-11T08:27:00.000-07:00

My friend Vicky got me started on these pretty little things and boy, these are almost as addictive to make as washcloths. The pattern is horrifically simple so I will type it out after the pictures. I am working on #4 already (when I finish that is when I go back to the shawl for me - see previous post). The three shown here were done with Chinchilla yarn which is a fluffy kind of almost-like fun fur kind of novelty yarn. And yarn snobs, if you're here, trust me - you ever get one of these soft little things on you, you just might change your mind about some of the more novelty stuff. I had used Chinchilla once before to make a really beautiful cream colored garter stitch scarf for my mom. She loved it because it was soft and warm. These are just, well, fast and pretty and I am still thinking about how I can alter the pattern to make long scarves. These are called "scarflets". I am going to offer my mother the choice of these two but I think she'll take the purple. These were made with regular Chinchilla.

So then I decided to make one for me. I had purchased bulky Chinchilla and so it required more yarn to make than the regular. I altered the pattern so I would have enough yarn. I knit tightly and so of course I still had yarn left when I probably shouldn't have. So I've tried making them a bit longer and looser. We'll see how this final one turns out. Especially since I am using Paton's Divine yarn. Here's the pink bulky one I made for me:

Here's how these are made.

I used size 11 needles
I have used Chinchilla regular, bulky and now Divine. You should be able to use any kind of bulky yarn (Homespun, for instance)
For the basic scarf, cast on 21 stitches. For skinnier ones, try 15, 17 or 19.
Knit in garter stitch (knit every row) for 27 inches.
Knit 11 (8, 9, 10). Place remaining stitches on a stitch holder.
Knit for 4 inches. I suggest use a row counter and that way when you do the other side, you know exactly how many rows to knit. At the end of 4 inches, put stitches on another stitch holder and cut yarn. I find that 4 inches is usually 10 or 12 rows. End on an even number of rows to make it easier to join both sets of stitches later.
Join yarn and knit stitches off holder onto the needle. This counts as row 1. Knit 4 inches. If you did even rows at the end of your 4 inches you should be able to just knit the stitches from the stitch holder back onto the needle and your original number of stitches is back on the needle.
Knit another 4 inches. Bind off loosely.

The nice part about this is no binding off and casting on to make the slit and rejoining to finish the scarf is easy. They don't take a lot of time to make. When done just put it around your neck, slip the opposite end through the slot and you have a nice warm, neck hugging scarf that won't fall off. Enjoy! I know I love mine!

For Me

2009-04-11T08:17:00.000-07:00

I had this really pretty bright cotton that was pink, orange and yellow. Now these colors together normally wouldn't appeal to me but when I started the washcloth below in these colors, I had to keep it for myself. Then I made myself something else which I will show in another post. I have put aside the shawl for me but I don't think it will be for long because I am dying to get back to it. I have one quick project I am working on and then it's shawl time!

Here is the washcloth:

Kaylee's Other Three

2009-04-11T08:11:00.001-07:00

Here are the last three washcloths I made for my friend Kaylee in Texas. The one on the left is the same pattern as the "easter egg" color one from the other post. The one on the right and below were yet another pattern.

For Mother's Day

2009-03-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

OK, I am going to BRAG. I know I can make nice washcloths and other things (and have) and that I can crochet almost anything. Knitting I have lots to learn. But crochet... now I have been doing that probably longer than knitting (I gave up knitting for several, long years but DID crochet those year - including teaching myself to make doilies!). I have made some beautiful afghans in the past. The Mary Jane slippers I made and the felted bags and bowls are all things I am especially proud of, and the Mary Jane slippers were crochet, not knit. But I honestly believe that this is, by far, the most beautiful thing I have ever made. And I made this for my mom for Mother's Day. And I am going to deliver it to her in person. I have my airline tickets and permission for the time off and Dad is taking me to the airport with Den picking me up in New Hampshire. I am surprising her. Boy will she be surprised! I wanted to go for her birthday in February when she turned 75 but didn't have the time or money. Now I do.

So first, here's a little background. First, the pattern was free. Now yarn snobs STOP reading and just skip to the picture and come back to read this after you've changed your mind. It was a pattern I found at http://www.redheart.com/ and I made an alteration. It called for size "J" hook but next time I am using a "K", maybe even an "L" which I do have, thanks to the Mary Jane's. It also called for, of course, Red Heart "super saver" worsted weight yarn - 3 skeins and I can't tell you how much yardage that is because I have no clue. Instead, I used Lion Brand Yarn's "pound of love" yarn in Antique White which isn't white and isn't cream but is soft (which was a big requirement). Yes, the skein was 16 ounces (454 grams) and had 1020 yards and IS 100% acrylic. And here's the fun part... I used up one whole skein and then probably about 1/4 of the second because I found that using the lighter yarn and the hook it stated - always a mistake with me because I crochet tightly and know I should go up a size - that I wanted it to be the same size as the picture and it wasn't going to be unless I added one more repeat to the pattern. It was a lot of work but it was SO worth it! Not only did it end up long enough but it is just gorgeous. It took me close to 3 weeks, I think, to make this and inbetween I made a lot of washcloths, too, but mostly every night after work when I'd sit down and watch an hour of news with Dad or watch in my room at night (or on the weekend), I worked on it. I guess you could say Bill O'Reilly helped motivate me. Every night I had an hour to listen and crochet.

The pattern is called "Be A Friend Shawl". Here are the pictures:

Now don't you agree this is a beautiful shawl? I am thinking I will take the pattern with me and start working on one for me when I'm visiting. Of course I don't usually get a lot done but I might if I take the yarn with me instead of buy it there. We'll see. But hopefully you can see the pattern up close. Definitely worth the extra repeat! I know Mom will love it. I love it and would only part with it for her.

Crochet Goddess

2009-03-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

Of late I have been the crochet goddess. I am making a half dozen washcloths for my friend Kaylee in exchange for a pair of handmade socks. I can't wait!! So I decided I would crochet them. I have already made 3. Each one will be a different color. There will be 3 patterns, 2 in each pattern. So far I have sent her the following:

And so then after finishing these two, I decided on the next pattern and here it was...

So there they are. I like the self striping one. I have a lot of that yarn because I bought a big skein back when Michael's carried the big skeins (boy do I miss those!!). Anyway I will be making more things with that color scheme.

I have finished my mom's Mother's Day present and will devote an entire post to that with pictures. I need to have a few more pictures taken. I have to say that I truly LOVE it. I want to make another in that pattern but will need to use a hook 2 sizes bigger and different yarn (I used baby yarn for the softness). Anyway more on that in another post.

I am now working on a scarflet with a pattern my friend Vicky gave me. Let's see how that goes.

Packages

2009-03-17T19:31:00.000-07:00

I have put together two envelopes to go to the 2 year olds. They both are getting the same wooden ornaments/playthings but the washcloth each is receiving was made with that particular little boy in mind. I put the plane, train and automobile on top of the washcloth for the picture. The one on the left is for Andrew, my brother's grandson, and the one on the right is for Matt, my grandson.

I just couldn't resist the little figures when I was shopping in Michael's over the weekend. I hardly ever shop there but saw these and thought it was something cute to send with the washcloth. And I know for a fact Matt loves planes and cars and I'm sure he'll love trains, too. My dad had a big thing for all three items.

Next on the post... I joined a dishcloth swap on swap-bot and decided to wait until the partners were assigned to make the washcloth. Since I am crocheting them now (so much faster) and am in that phase, I saw she liked purple so I made this to send to her:

I am getting a package together for mom when I finish a certain project (the one that needs to be altered) so when that is ready to go I will post pictures.

So until next posting, know I am crocheting my little fingers off. I have a project to work on for Kaylee which should keep me busy.

Oh hey, btw, I was looking for something tonight and I found a huge tote bag filled with BIG skeins of Bernat Handcrafter cotton in stripes and varigated colors. I have more cotton than I can every use. But, sadly, it is most variegated so I will have to use those to make crochet things for my stash (or knit - I have a few patterns that are good for variegated). I go through periods where all I do is knit and now I'm in the crochet zone. After I finish the project for my mom and another similar one I am sure I will be back to knitting. We shall see. So, having said that I have more cotton than I will ever use I am off to shop on the internet for more of the BIG skeins of Bernat Handcrafter in SOLID colors. I have very small amounts of solids that aren't either pink (of any shade) or blue. I think I am seriously addicted to cotton yarn. Dare I say even moreso than patterns and THAT is a serious addiction!

Quick

2009-03-17T13:33:00.001-07:00

Yes, I've been busy crocheting and working on various little things. I have taken pictures and will try to post later. I'm putting together an envelope for Matt and one for Andrew which I hope to mail out this week. And I am going to have to alter a pattern I started because the yarn I'm using just isn't up to gauge but it's so darn soft I couldn't resist using it. So I will have to add at least one repeat and make it larger.

I am also going to start digging in my yarn to make some washcloths for Kaylee. I'm going to see what I have for neutral color and variegated for edging. I am sure they will be crochet since it's faster.

Once I finish the altered pattern project I will start something similar. And surprise! The project is actually something that is larger and NOT a washcloth!

Finished This Weekend

2009-02-22T13:52:00.000-08:00

This weekend I wanted to finish up a few little things. I will finish the latest washcloth hopefully tonight. It's a pattern I have done before and really liked. It's called Moss Diamonds. I will post a picture another time.

Right now I want to show you two different washcloths I made. The blue one is knit and is a very simple pattern. The violet variegated was done with crochet. I love the color! I have one more ball in my stash so yesterday when I was at WalMart buying a cone of white (great for edgings but I ran out ages ago!) I saw they had this color so I bought another ball. Here they are:

Next weekend I am going to the February quarterly conference for Legal Secretaries, Inc. which will be held in Concord, CA. I am going with my friends Susan, Julie, Sara and Kathy and our friend Alma will meet us there. Should be a good time. Anyway... I wanted to make myself something to wear that was quick but cute. I knew somewhere in the closet I had a bag with a ball of pink Divine yarn and a ball of pretty Fizz which I had purchased to make myself a scarf. I figured 10 stitches, garter stitch on size 35 needles just like other pretty frizzy scarves I have made (Vicky got one for Christmas and I've made one for myself before - there are pictures in my archives somewhere) and I could whip it up very quickly and have a nice scarf to take with me. I found it, got it mostly done and then put it aside for a couple of days to work on the blue cloth above. So today I finished the edging on the violet cloth, did a few more rows and then a bind off for the scarf and so two small projects done! Here's the scarf:

Two Recent Items

2009-02-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

I joined a swap at swap-bot that was kinda fun. I haven't received my package yet but I haven't picked up my mail in a couple of days so I will do that on the way to work tomorrow just in case. Anyway, it was called "Use It Up Dishcloth Swap" and the point was to use your scraps to make your partner 2 dishcloths. I had one that had been sitting around for a while that was a ballband which, while I like the colors, I felt deserved a better home. So I took some other scraps and made this:

I made this dishcloth using a crochet pattern I like which is a combination of a "V" stitch and 3 double crochets which make a kind of "shell". Then to tie it together I used beige in a single crochet around the edge. I thought it owuld be ugly but it was kinda pretty.

On to the next project... I have made several of these, usually for me. When I lived in the duplex it was very cold so to keep my ears warm, I wore one of these to bed. The pattern is a skull cap for cancer patients but I loved how it was tight and warm. So over the weekend I made this one to send a friend who has a family member who can use this. It's the navy blue yarn that was leftover from Dad's scarf. I thought it went to a good use.. I had my teddy bear, Brownie, model it so it's hard to see the stitch but I have posted pictures of these before, long ago. Brownie, btw, celebrated her 73rd birthday at the beginning of this month. Despite the fur that has been rubbed off from loving children (mom and then me!), she is in pretty darn good shape. And she just LOVES modeling my knit items. Perhaps someday I will make her a shirt and pair of pants (if the pattern were easy enough!). Until then, she just models hats and scarves and enjoys her moment in the spotlight. :)

Recently Made...

2009-02-08T16:39:00.001-08:00

Using a color to match the hat I made Dad, I made him a scarf. It was just crochet with 26 double crochet stitches for however long I wanted it to be. Here's what it looks like:

For her birthday my mom requested another pair of pebble rib slipper socks. She said she had worn a hole in the heel of one of them. I found some chunky Deborah Norville yarn at Joann's that I thought would work up well. My friend Brooke generously sent me some of the yarn we had used before (Encore) in grey and I will make that up at a later date. I fell in love with this color. So I actually finished the pair on her birthday (takes about a day for each sock) but I wanted to make her something to go with it so the envelope will hopefully go out to her either tomorrow or Tuesday. I purchased two skeins of yarn and used one for the first and one for the second. It left me with quite a bit of yarn so I decided to make her something to match. I used the same stitch and made her a muff. I basically knit the cuff from the pattern and kept going until it was long enough, did a bind off and then sewed the tube together and turned it inside out with the pattern outside to match the slipper sock. I think it's kinda cute! Here are the pictures:

I'm sure she'll like them. And I liked the color so much that I went back and bought two more balls and just finished the first pebble rib slipper sock for me. I have a pair but I think they are in the storage unit in a plastic bag somewhere, like most of my belongings. So until I find them, I'm making a pair for me.

Small Happenings

2009-02-01T08:36:00.001-08:00

Yes, I continue to work on small things. After I finished the mat for the fridge I decided to alter the pattern size and make some small coasters. Here are two of them:

To crochet these took no more than 15 minutes. And they are cute. But yes, I have been working on washcloths. I made one in a raspberry color, burgundy and a different shade of blue. I forgot to take a picture of the lilac colored one I made and sent to Mom for her birthday. Anyway, these are all different patterns. Here are the raspberry and burgundy. I know you can see the pattern of the burgundy but I am still experimenting with where to take pictures so if you can't see the pattern on the raspberry, I apologize.

The pattern for this blue one came from the internet from a site I love because they give you the pattern. You add your own border. I like to always use this: knit 4 rows top and bottom (to start and end) and knit 4 stitches left side and right side (beginning and end) every row. Nice border. Anyway, the example of this pattern showed 3 squares and I thought I'd just square it out entirely. So using their pattern (multiple of x + x which in this case was 10 + 2***) I made it 4 squares across and 4 squares high. Kinda cute. Here's the picture:

***NOTE: Patterns that are written like this (# + # stitches) are hard to figure out. Here's the rule: It says, for instance "multiple of 10 + 2". This means it is multiples of 10 (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) +2, not 12, 24, 36, 48, 60. So it if says multiples of 5 + 1, you'd do 6, 11, 16, 21 etc. Because this is confusing I wanted to offer some clarification if you needed it. Or a friendly reminder. :)

Early 2009 Craftiness

2009-01-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

I finished the runner for my little heart table that holds my coffee maker. I haven't put it on the table yet because I just don't seem to remember. I will put two pictures here, one is a closer view so it might be blurry. I am still searching for the best place to put my items to take pictures. As you can see in these pictures, when I use my brown plushy ottoman one corner seems to blur because of the color. Oh well, when I *do* put this on the table I will take a picture.

So then I decided to make a topper for my little fridge. Yes, the above was done with cotton. But I wanted something besides the biege so I pulled out my self-striping blue cotton yarn and started. I looked for a pattern I could modify to make the correct size and after two or three false starts, thought I had it. Well, I was wrong. Too small. So it turned into a really cute washcloth. Here's a picture of that:

Well I still wanted a topper for my fridge. I have a placemat on it but I wanted something I made myself. I don't really have places to put all the cute doilies I have made over the years or anything else, really, for home decorations. So I wanted just a touch of things here and there. I decided that the only way I was going to get the correct size was to crochet something that I could alter the pattern until it was the correct size. I wasn't having any luck with something knitted. So I found a pattern that was simple and got started. I began it yesterday afternoon, didn't work on it last night, and will be done in a total of about 4 hours between yesterday and today. I only had 2 rows to finish it so I decided to go ahead. It could have been a bit wider and longer but I didn't want it overflowing, just fitting on top. Here's what it looks like on my fridge:

I like the pattern so I am going to use half the original pattern (calls for 38 double crochets but for the fridge I did 58) and I will make myself a quick coaster. I think Max has dragged off the last two I made for the table by my chair in the livingroom. So I am going to crochet one (since it's faster and will be done in an hour) and then when I am done using it I will put it somewhere he can't reach with his gorgeous long snout. One day I will post a picture of him and David. I keep saying I need to do that.

And so I will make the coaster and while I am doing that I will try to plot out what I want to make next. I just purchased a book of interesting knit stitches so I may give that a try to make a new washcloth or two. Or finally make that beautiful cotton I purchased from Joann's online store (almost a mulberry) into one of my favorite patterns for myself. I need to start adding to the stash again and will probably run another dishcloth/washcloth swap at swap-bot in the near future. If I'm feeling ambitious today after I run errands, make cookies and do up a coaster I may just go ahead and start the swap now with a sign-up date about a month away. I haven't run a swap in a while and sometimes that's fun. Anyway, I have things I should be doing today so I am going to wrap up this post.

Anyone have a suggestion for an easy, quick project, preferably with cotton, let me know! I'm going to dig out my coffee cup cozy pattern from wherever it's hiding (or download it from the net again!) and maybe make a few of those. I think my brother could use one but he might consider that too "girly" to actually use. But those are always nice to have in the stash, too.

Knit, crochet, do anything crafty you love and enjoy! Smile at what you've accomplished! And most of all, remember, there are no mistakes in a handcrafted item, just personalization.

The Christmas Blankets

2009-01-11T09:23:00.001-08:00

I made three blankets for Christmas (remember, Matt's was his birthday present). I made one for David, Dad and yes, even me. Here's a picture of the penguin one I made myself and the animal print one I made David.

And here's the picture of Dad with his blanket. He loves it. He uses it every day. I hope sometime to get back to work on the black afghan but for now this is exactly what he needs.

Happy 2009 and late 2008 happenings

2009-01-01T09:43:00.000-08:00

As you probably know, I went to Hemet to spend Christmas and Matt's 2nd birthday. I will have more on that in my "regular" blog, Ramblings of a Mutant Penguin. One small thing I gave him for his birthday was a zig-zag pattern washcloth in variations of blue which is one of his favorite patterns since he can put his fingers through the holes and use it himself. While I didn't take pictures of the tie blankets I made for David and "Dad" as Christmas presents, I was back in that groove. I even bought fleece to make myself one (which is half done - I set it aside to watch a movie last night but will finish it today). So while I was at Ally's it dawned on me that the blanket I made Matt before he was born was probably going to be outgrown if it hadn't been already. It was 1.5 yards of each fabric. So Joann's was having a great sale which meant that after his birthday luncheon, we took Matt to Joann's and let him pick out a patterned fleece. I picked out the matching solid color with assistance from Ally (who, fortunately, happened to like what I liked). I then got to work on Matt's new blanket and by the time he went to bed that night, including a period of about 2 hours spent viewing Christmas lights in another city, his blanket was done. I am going to post 3 pictures of the blanket. One is the blanket draped over a chair to just get a picture. The next is the blanket on Matt's bed. And the last is the blanket on Matt's bed with Matt thrown across it having a fit he has to go to bed NOW. Just couldn't resisit... it's cute.

OK now let's see if I can get the last picture to post...

Of course I have been working on something else. I started what I thought would be a washcloth in the neutral light off-white/beige. I had a huge ball of that color. Anyway, I started knitting it before I left on vacation. I took it to Ally's and worked on it. When I got home it was long enough to do the final 5 rows of knit and bind off. Well except that a funny thing happened on the way to the knit rows. The overhead light in my room decided it was done working and the socket has to be replaced. Hopefully soon... it's been out for almost a week now. (Yes, I'll remind David who is stuck doing the repairs. For those of you who don't read my other blog or know, I am renting the master bedroom from my friend David and his dad who I call "Dad", too.) Anyway... that meant I had to sit on my bed by that light to see to knit at night. Except that right opposite my bed is a cute little table which holds my coffee pot and such. I noticed that the washcloth was wide enough for the coffee pot to fit on and thought, gee, I could make something bigger (just keep knitting!) and I could replace the placemat under the coffee pot with this new cotton mat. And then something else knocked me in the head and I said, gee, if I am going to keep knitting, I can make it long enough to be a runner for the whole table and cover all of it (it's a narrow table and not too long... you will see the picture when it's done) so now I am just over half done with the runner. I am remembering why I haven't worked on Dad's afghan or Mom's shawl - I really don't care for projects that take a lot of time.

I am resisting the urge to start another washcloth or other small project. I am itching to do so. I haven't taken anything off the needles because this is all I have ON the needles! But today I am going to finish my fleece blanket and I will post a picture of that maybe tomorrow. I have lots of nice cotton in different colors that I am dying to get cast on as a washcloth in a quick pattern. I couldn't help myself and about a month ago I purchased a bunch of different colored cotton (1 or 2 balls each) from Joann's website because it was cheap ($1.58/each!) and shipping was free and, of course, I look every time I am in the store. I found a white with silver sparkles that I love and will maybe use some of that to make a mat for the top of the tiny fridge in my room. I have a placemat there now (like the coffee table) but since this is smaller, maybe it will be easier. I will pick a pattern I can expand to make the correct width and may crochet this one just because it's faster. But not until the other one is done. I don't like having too many ongoing projects. Too stressful.

I wish for all of you a 2009 that is so much better than 2008. I had a lot of chaos and some truly heartbreaking things happen and a lot of good things, too. May your scissors always be sharp, your needles filled with a project you love, your yarn never breaks or runs short and remember that sharing what you make with others not only shows your talent butyour love, your generosity and kindness.

Knit, crochet, quilt or sew or scrapbook or whatever crafty thing you do and be happy!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-23T13:43:00.000-08:00

To those who read this blog, my friends, my family, my fellow crafters, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. I fly to spend the next 4 days with my daughter, son-in-law and grandson who turns 2 tomorrow.

May your life be filled with everything wonderful, bright and for those of us who craft, yummy yarn and bamboo needles!

Naughty Habits

2008-12-18T06:59:00.000-08:00

I am wondering if anyone else has a habit (or habits) when knitting (or concerning knitting or crocheting) that embarasses them. OK, maybe it isn't a naughty habit but it is that whole "naughty or nice" time of year.

I will admit that I have a habit that is absolutely terrible and cannot seem to break. Whenever I am alone and knitting if I have point protectors on my needles when I take them off I put them in the front of my bra. I know I'll never lose them them or accidentally knock them off the side table or, as I have done before, they'll roll off my leg inbetween the cushions of my chair and then I have to move heavy furniture to find them. So I started putting them there. If I am knitting in a room with other people occupying the space, I would never DREAM of doing something so embarassing. I have tried breaking the habit but the first time I knock one off of the side table I go right back to it.

Wouldn't you consider this a bad habit? I do!

So, share, fellow knitters (and crocheters)... do YOU have any bad habit related to your craft? I dare YOU to post to your blog about it. :P

Recently Knitting...

2008-12-14T16:35:00.000-08:00

OK I am going to post two pictures but you probably won't be able to figure either one out. The picture of the blackish-grey wrist warmers I finished for Mom is fuzzy. I am going to wrap them tonight and mail them tomorrow. I wasn't going to give them to her until her birthday but it's been really cold there, they were done early and why not. Here's the picture:

The next picture is of a skull and crossbones washcloth I finished for a private swap with a gal at swap-bot.com and I am hoping she doesn't peek at my blog so it'll be a surprise. Again, hard to see because I don't have a big white surface to take pictures on anymore and because with these kinds of washcloths with pictures in them you need to angle the shot. But still, I thought I'd try. I bought a big ball of green Lion cotton at Joann's with my 50% coupon which brought it to about the regular price of a ball of Supersize Sugar and Cream except that there is more yarn in the Lion. Hence the usual $4.99 price for a ball versus the $2.49 of Sugar and Cream. Anyway, I had ordered from Joann's website and have a lot of nice solid colors I can't get in the store but didn't purchase any green because I don't care for the color. I am busy trying to decide what to take with me to knit while I am at Ally's and I want to bring some of the new colors. I am amazed at the stash of washcloths I have due to experimenting with new patterns. Anyway, I may try making something bigger like a placemat to put under my coffeepot or toaster. That might have to be crochet. But here's the picture of the recent work:

It's Not A Washcloth! And Look! A Picture!

2008-12-09T18:59:00.001-08:00

Title says it all. I made this to give at the Butte County Legal Professionals Association (BCLPA) Christmas exchange this Thursday. I hope you can see the picture. I had one skein of this multi-color and so I used the Feather and Fan pattern to make this. Now all I have to do is find something else to give with it and wrap things up tomorrow night. :) And yes, I still have a washcloth on the needles. I am working on another set of wrist warmers for mom at the moment. Not for Christmas but her birthday which is February 2nd.

And I have to try to get myself moving to make something for Jolene. She's got something special happening.

Here's the scarf:

Where Is That Pattern?!?

2008-12-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

A friend asked me for a pattern and so, of course, I started looking. Never could find it. No idea what happened to it in the move. But luckily I found it again on the net. It was for the ribbed wrist warmers. I've made a set for me and one for Mom and was planning to make her another set. At least now even though I can't find the yarn I bought in New Hampshire to make them, I *do* have the pattern.

I've been knitting the same washcloth pattern over and over so I am trying something else now, something that looks easy but I can do it in solid color. I've been using self striping yarn and while it's pretty, there are only so many patterns you can use. And I am tired of being stuck in a rut.

No pictures, I know. Just wanted to post and say I am knitting and still trying to find things. I may be that way until I die at this rate. hehehe

Connected Again

2008-11-25T20:28:00.000-08:00

My computer is connected again and the DSL works. I have been knitting but haven't taken any pictures. I will be another month recovering. I'm going to try to take a couple of pictures over the long weekend and post but you never know. I may just watch tv, movies, knit and enjoy the hot tub. No, not all together, silly.

In the meantime know I am living, breathing, my bruises are healing and I am definitely still knitting. Yippie!

Quick Post

2008-11-20T16:18:00.000-08:00

OK, quick post because soon my computer will be taken apart and while it will be put back together probably tonight or tomorrow, no idea when I will have DSL so posting might be a while.

At last it looks like the move will finally finish. By tomorrow night everything will either be at the storage unit or in my new room. It has been exhausting physically, mentally and emotionally. To alleviate the stress I take 5 minutes every so often and knit. I can only work on washcloths which are small and require no real amount of attention. I put aside the afghan a week ago because I can't concentrate. It is going to end up being for Dad's birthday in April, most likely. I may take it with me to Ally's over Christmas if I have been able to pick it up inbetween. We'll see. I am too tired at the moment to even think about it.

When I can get out from under the piles, I will take pictures of the last couple of things I have made and post them from work, probably. I will still knit during this so don't fear, the needles are active.

Stay in touch and I will post when I can. And should even have pictures! In the meantime, try this for a picture (I've been feeling this way throughout the move!):

Addictions

2008-11-09T11:34:00.000-08:00

Look at these pictures...

Now remember, I'm MOVING. Truth is, however, this is NOT everything in my stash! I have already taken some things and put them elsewhere. I suffer from two very serious addictions...

1. Cotton yarn

2. Patterns

A box of patterns has already left here and I have packed up the 3 vases filled with needles. And you can't see it in the picture on the left but I have a rolling tote (pink, of course) filled with my interchangeable needles and yarn and...

If you're getting the picture that I have a serious problem, you'd be right. I am going to try to fit all of this into the one room I am moving into. Whatever I can't fit will require severe sorting. NO there will be no trashing unless it's the two small bags of scraps I have currently hiding under the futon in the 2nd bedroom. Guess that's one good thing about going from a 2 bedroom duplex to ONE ROOM - limited space.

While I've been packing I remembered why I started knitting and crocheting again. I took up the hobby I had set aside because (1) my small motor skills are such I had to give up cross stitch years ago, (2) I love learning the new techniques and creating gifts for family and friends and (3) it fills up the time at night keeping my hands and minds occupied with doing something useful instead of wishing I had a boyfriend/husband. The good news is I will be living in a house with two guys who are like family and I won't be alone unless I want to be.

Remind me of that next time I complain about having to put a robe on to go to the kitchen, will ya? And when I have to limit my yarn purchases.

For now, though, these are serious addictions. I am almost ashamed that people are going to see this when they come to help me pack the next two weeks. David, of course, already knows and Adam has a clue. But the other people... they're in for a shock.

Don't think anyone other than a true knitter/crocheter has ever seen someone in the full blown throes of a serious yarn addiction. At least THEY understand the compulsion.

Anyway want to form a support group? :)

Miss Me?

2008-11-07T17:57:00.000-08:00

Anybody miss me? Yes, I have been busy moving but I am trying to alleviate the ever-growing stress by knitting. No pictures yet of the afghan but I have started it and am trying to keep at it.

I decided to learn a few new techniques. I think I already posted about that. Anyway, here's a picture of the first one I did where I learned how to do a right twist. To the left is the bigger picture and the close-up is on the right so you can hopefully see it.

So since I figured the right twist had been fairly easy to learn, I attempted the left. And what better way than a pattern that had left AND right twists. Now you might now be able to tell from the pictures but both the above cloth and this one are truly beautiful in person. Take a look at this one...

I have a couple other washcloths I have made (a pink "K" for my hairdresser Kristen and a light blue diagonal squares) but enough pictures. Let me finish something bigger so I don't have to change the title of this from "Crafty Rantings" to "Washcloth Queen Rantings".

I have learned so many new techniques this past year just by doing a lot of washcloths. When I am finally moved and living in a place with central heat and air, maybe I will have the time, patience and environment to make bigger items. I do have a couple things I am itching to make. The afghan has to be first. I want to give it for Christmas. Guess I better get busy and knit, knit, knit while I watch a movie tonight. I need to finish at least one more cloth for a swap (I'll give one from the stash as part of the required two) and I have it started. It's a cute pattern and very simple and if it's fast, too, then I may abandon the plan to give from the stash and make one in the same pattern in a solid color (using self-striping for the current one) to send so she sees the pattern better. We'll see how ambitious I am. I still have lots of packing and moving to do. Furniture goes in 2 weeks whether I'm ready or not.

Anyone want to help? You can come and be amazed at my stash! hehehe

She Who Does Not Post

2008-10-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

Don't be mad at me. I am doing a bit of knitting and I will try to remember to take pictures this morning so perhaps I can post them. I am busy packing and hauling things to storage and am just typically exhausted and discouraged. But I am still making time to knit a little every day. I have one big project I will start when the latest two washcloths are done. I need to finish one of the cloths soon because it (and one from stash) have to go to a swap. After Thanksgiving I will be moved so hopefully I can go back to regular blogging.

If I live through the move, I plan to knit a lot more than now. If I live. :)

Vacation Knitting

2008-10-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

I started out doing quite a bit of knitting and then not so much as it became clear I was going to have to come back to California. I'm still not sure if this is where I am supposed to be or not but I am knitting to keep my mind and fingers busy.

I finished a scarf while I was there and gave it to my mom. Here's a picture of that which turned out soft even though it was made with a type of synthetic fun fur kinda stuff. You yarn snobs just keep the comments to yourself. :) I can't help it... sometimes it's synthetic soft that grabs ahold of me. hehe

I also made a bunch of washcloths. I made 2 variegated pink ones which I gave to my ex-sister-in-law, also named Lynn, who also loves pink. Here's a closeup picture of the Feather and Fan one except that I used the alternate pattern which does not make ridges and creates one solid section.

BTW, Mom absolutely LOVED her wristwarmers as well as the doily and washcloths. She was really, really happy to have the wristwarmers and wore them a lot. She says they are perfect to use with the fleece tie blanket I made her (also purplish) which was my intent. I do not want her getting cold this winter and ending up in the hospital like last year. So of course I bought some black yarn to make her a pair of black ones for Christmas. I will need to work on those soon before I start my next really big project. Yup, you heard me... a BIG project! I bought yarn to make a black afghan for David's dad for Christmas. He, like my mother, is always cold.

Oh, and for those of you who might not think making washcloths is challenging or that it's boring, let me just say, again, that I am always learning new skills by trying the various patterns. I will have to take a picture to show you the latest one I finished. I learned how to do a RT (right twist) and hopefully the LT (left twist) I am working on now will turn out as well. Really, I am amazed at how much I still have to learn! And how much fun it still is!

Knit and be happy! I promise to knit and I promise to try to be happy.

NH Blogging

2008-10-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

Here I am in New Hampshire borrowing my brother's computer. I can't help it. I met up with my college friends today and the one who knits asked me how many washcloths I had finished already. Er... do I have to tell? I don't work on them all that much but I manage to finish one every day and a half or less. Yes, I've been to Spinning Yarns and yes, I found something for Kaylee's birthday package as well as something for me. I also purchased yarn for a project I thought I would be able to work on while here but that doesn't look like it will happen. No pictures right now, just a quick post.

I think my next post (maybe with pictures if I remember to take some!) will probably not be until the 19th.

Hope everyone is well. Knit and laugh and hunt for perfect patterns!

Vacation

2008-10-04T02:27:00.000-07:00

I am on vacation for two weeks so I probably won't have anything crafty to post about until I get back. I will be home on the 18th and then concentrating on moving so forgive me if this blog lacks postings for a while.

Looking forward to hitting up Spinning Yarns in Dover, NH because she always has some nice yarn. Besides, I think I am close to filling up her "saver" card by now. hehehe And I'm going to be looking for something special for my dear, wonderful, special friend Kaylee. No peeking Kaylee! :)

Hope everyone stays well while I'm gone.

Knit, crochet, enjoy, breathe!

More NH Gifts

2008-09-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many pictures I can put in this post but here's some to get started:

So on the left is a "C" for my mom's best friend Cecile. On the right is a "J" for my mom (her name is Joann). I love the way mom's turned out. I am going to make an "L" for me in that shade of pink.

I fell in love with the pattern and the way the colors pool after I made this for my mother and just HAD to make one for me.

I also made a couple of cute washcloths in a beautiful variegated blue (I've made things in that color cotten before) but forgot to take pictures. And since they're wrapped and in a box on their way to NH, no pictures until I get there.

I am taking a few patterns with me, some needles and some yarn but not too much. I won't have a lot of time to knit probably. But I am going to try to get a bunch of things done because once I get back from vacation, I will have to limit myself to one project at a time because my stash, needles and "notions" are either going to be packed up temporarily or permanently. I need to concentrate on finding a place to live and storage that I can afford for the size I need (still unknown). Life will be very stressful for me probably until the beginning of the year, at least. I may not be giving people handmade items for Christmas unless I already have it done before the middle of November. So if you were hoping for a handmade present, please don't be disappointed if you don't get one.

Thank you to my supportive and understanding friends. I may not be posting much or crafting much but in my heart and mind, I'm working on a crafting project. And I will try not to have to give it up completely for the next couple of months. It's soothing and helps keep me even emotionally. If I can post during vacation I will but don't count on too many posts for an indefinite period of time.

Keep knitting and crocheting! And know I'm still ranting. I think. :)

Great Progress

2008-09-13T09:53:00.001-07:00

My hands have been crafting away! I have made great progress on my NH gifting projects. Here's a look. First, Mom's doily which is exactly like the one I made myself, on the left, and the finished wristwarmers on the right:

Once I got moving on the wristwarmers (which are only rectangles of ribbing sewn up) it wasn't too bad. Had a scary moment when I thought I wouldn't have enough yarn. Probably because I had picked up the wrong yarn. Instead of the lilac merino I had set aside for some reason I picked up the purple superwash. I had enough yarn but not much left over.

I made a washcloth for Cil, my Mom's best friend. I try to make something for her, too. I love the pattern so if I finish the last one or two things I am working on, I will make one of these in a pinkish variegated for my mom.

No... wait... not done with what I've made. I hope you can see these but I can't ever seem to get the angle right. I made a washcloth for Andrew with the letter "A" on it and one for Den with a "D". Andrew's is on the left and Den's on the right. I am halfway done with one for my mom in her "J".

I also started a hat for Andrew but haven't worked on it because I'm not sure it'll be the right size. So once I finish Mom's letter washcloth I will do the one like Cil's and THEN work on the hat. I have a hat I can give my brother but it's all wool so I probably won't. I am sure I won't have time to work on a hat for him unless it's a crochet pattern.

When all the gifts for NH gifting are done I have two projects I want to get done soon to put away for holiday gifting. But even those will have to wait. I have one thing I want to get working on ASAP.

And my dear friend Kaylee sent me the most beautiful alpaca yarn! I have to figure out what to do with it. I think I am going to make myself wrist warmers, a hat and a scarf so I will have a matching set. I made a scarf with this beautiful rose yarn she sent me a couple of years ago and it's in a simple pattern which I will have to dig around to find. I think it was some kind of beginner's pattern. I love the feather and fan pattern for a scarf but already have a couple like that. I am going to dig through my "favorites" and see if I can find a pattern that will work up fast but is beautiful. I may even dig around in the crochet "favorites" as well as the knit.

So as you can see, my fingers have been busy, busy, busy and I have made great progress. Nothing works for motivation like KNOWING you have a deadline. And picking small projects to do helps. I am most proud of myself for finishing the wristwarmers because those are tedious to knit. I expect to finish mom's "J" washcloth today and then will cast on the other. I may even work on Andrew's hat. If the hat turns out to be good for his size, I will make one for Matt.

And no, haven't seen him since February, haven't talked to him on the phone and no plans to go visit although I would like to be there on his second birthday and for Christmas. I've got to put the washcloths in the mail for Ally to give to her best friend and daughters, too. And of course I'll make something for Matt to send for his birthday if I'm not there. Nothing to keep your mind off people and places you miss like busy fingers. Right?

The Latest

2008-09-04T06:57:00.000-07:00

I made a scarf for someone at swap-bot.com in the feather and fan pattern. I put long fringe on it. I really like how it turned out! Then I worked all the long weekend and finished 2 of the 3 washcloths I made to trade with my housekeeper for cleaning. 3 = 1 hour of cleaning. I used variegated yellow/white and if you look, you'll see how differently each one pooled. Rather nice. They are the same pattern and colors but each is different from the other.

And finally, look what finally got started...

What, you wonder is that?!? Well, I've been going on and on about wanting to make wristwarmers for my mother. Just like the ones I made in pink for myself, these are nothing more than rectangles done in ribbing that are sewn up the side with a space for the thumb. I had forgotten how tedious it is to do k2p2 ribbing but I'll keep at it. I need to make 2. I will probably work on these during the weekend. I need to dig out the NH washcloth pattern because I am dying to do that. Since I had the yellow variegated out and that doesn't work for patterns, instead I picked something different and cast that on.

In the meantime I am making a pink doily for mom, too. The current yellow variegated washcloth will probably be for my mom's best friend, a fellow knitter. So right now here's the list of projects which must be completed before October 4th:

A hat for my great-nephew Andrew (my brother's grandson)
Mom's wristwarmers
Ceil's yellow variegated washcloth
If I can manage, a couple washcloths for Andrew
And the big "if I can manage" is a hat for my brother

Lots to accomplish. Oh and I forgot the doily on the list! Guess I better make sure every night and weekend I am busy, busy, busy with crafty things.

I love a challenge. hehehe

The Washcloths

2008-08-24T17:48:00.001-07:00

So I've been making washcloths, too. I told Ally I'd make the same pattern in different colors for her friend Jana and her daughters. I used the Feather and Fan pattern. Jana likes ocean colors so I found this self striping cotton that reminded me of an ocean. The girls get solid colors. Here are the pictures.

Then I got busy and here's one in the Chinese Waves pattern I made for Jo:

So of course I made something else, too, in that color. I hope you can see the pattern.

The Doilies

2008-08-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

I set up a private swap with someone who wanted a spiderweb doily. Well I got sidetracked and decided I'd make a couple. Now the pictures for Tamisha's doily and Sarah's are being posted ahead of mailing. I will be mailing Tamisha's probably tomorrow and Sarah's will go out after Labor Day because I want to add something to the package. Tamisha has a smaller "web" doily. The one on the left is the big one for Sarah and the one on the right is for Tamisha.

So after I finished these two I was in Joann's and bought myself some pink crochet thread to make something for myself. Here's what I made me. Maybe I'll make a few doilies to throw in my gifting stash. And swapping stash.

Lots Happening

2008-08-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

I have a lot of pictures in my camera which I need to download and post. For the moment, however, let me say I have been one busy crafting lady.

I've made 2 and am on the 3rd washcloth to give to Ally to gift to someone. I love my daughter more than you could imagine but the gal has NO crafting ability when it comes to handicrafts. She can do other things but no knitting or crochet.

I made 2 doilies for swaps and decided maybe I'd get back into that. I finished up a couple of washcloths, too. I am on the last round of a pink doily for me. I am thinking it is time to make a few doilies to put in my gifting stash, too. And maybe I'll do up one or two to take back East with me on vacation.

Monday is my friend Vicky's birthday. I will post pictures of what I made her for her birthday when I get them out of my camera. I imagine posting pictures will take a couple of posts, minimum.

So my little fingers have been busy and I am enjoying doing doilies as a break from the washcloths. I need to work on the baby afghan and who knows, when the weather gets cooler maybe I'll be motivated.

I want to try something interesting - I want to make a pair of wrist warmers for myself with beads in the pattern. I have never done that but it's just a matter of paying attention. I'll have to talk to Brooke about that because she's done it and get some advice on what kind of beads to use. In the meantime I am going to make a pair of wrist warmers for mom because they aren't that difficult and I want to have something to take her when I go visit.

More later. I'm off to Sacramento!

Post #222 (Not Room 222!)

2008-08-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the state where I was born, where my twin brother and mom still live, and in celebration of Post #222, here's what I will be knitting next (after I start a doily for a private exchange):

http://www.knittingknonsense.com/newhampshirecloth.html

Ravelry Scarf Exchange Goodies!!

2008-08-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

Woohoo! You will just NOT believe the wonderful package I got from my Ravelry Scarf exchange partner! She did a great job! Her name is Kelli and she's from my dear New England (although Massachusetts - hehe). She made me a gorgeous scarf! I have to say when I opened her package, there was something in there that I, too, had chosen to have for myself - notecards. Now I have two sets and I am sooooo happy!! Here's a list of what was in the package and then hopefully you can tell from the picture:

Beautiful notecards, soap and tissues by Mary Engelbrett (who I really like!)

Blackberry and vanilla body lotion

2 balls of Sugar & Cream cotton yarn - lilac and medium rose

A hank of yarn that matches the scarf! Gorgeous pinks and lilac!

A scarf is a lace pattern called "The Gift of Friendship" in that great yarn!

AND the pattern!

The scarf was in a gorgeous bag that looks homemade, too!

A bunch of great patterns in protector sleeves

A beautiful lavendar reed doffuser

This was a truly well thought out package and she did a FABULOUS job! I definitely feel special and lucky! THANK YOU KELLI!!!

Now let's see if I can get everything in one picture and in this post. :)

Very Long Time No Post

2008-08-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

OK I knew it had been a long time but I seriously didn't think it had been THIS long.

I have been knitting but not doing any work on the baby blanket. Can't get motivated. I have been making washcloths and learning new things. I have found that by doing the little projects I am learning how certain stitches create certain effects etc. Education!

Anyway, here are a few things I've done lately. A couple of zig zag washcloths and a scarf I have to give my friend Susan when I see her next. It was for her birthday last month but we haven't connected since.

Oops... I Forgot

2008-07-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post a picture of the purple spiderweb doily I made for the doily exchange at http://www.swap-bot.com/ which is where I do a ton of swapping. This went out in the mail last week. Here's the picture:

Sadly there were mistakes in it (ok... as we used to say in the software field "features") but those are kinda hard to see and yet I also have this philosophy that a tiny flaw that only the maker can see makes it a personalized item which you can tell is handmade. OK, there was more than one in this. I remember two and hopefully the lady who receives this in Sweden won't mind and will like it anyway. BTW, the swap wasn't really clear that it was an international swap or I wouldn't have done it. I don't like doing those. Can't send anything beyond what's required because postage is so expensive. But this one is done and it was nice to finish up the doily.

Now back to the other two projects sitting around. I will finish the washcloth today, I hope. As as soon as I am done I am casting on another one just like it. I forgot how much I like the pattern.

Until next time... remember that crocheters hook you in while knitters will slip one and pass you over if you aren't careful!

Lately...

2008-07-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

It's too hot. It's smoky outside from the fires. Can't use the swamp cooler because it brings in air from outside and I just don't like having the house smell like smoke. I forgot and left a window open and it's taken 2 days to get the smell out of the house. So, needless to say, unless I'm at work, David's house or sitting directly in front of a fan blowing on me, crafting is minimal these days. Still, I am managing to work on some things.

I have started a washcloth in my favorite lacy zig zag pattern. It's terribly easy to remember and makes a beautiful washcloth, especially for variegated yarn.

I have also completed 2 repeats of a 10 repeat crochet white baby blanket. No, it doesn't have a baby to go to yet. And no, that isn't a request Ally. I just felt like tackling something bigger and had the yarn and patterns and thought baby blankets are bigger than washcloths, not as complicated as a felted project (although I AM thinking about bookmarks which are small), and so off I went.

I'm also thinking that working on Mom's shawl is a good project. No thinking involved. I am wondering if making the flowers now will help motivate me. And I want to knit her some wrist warmers like the pair I made myself. Just rectangles of ribbing you sew up. I thought between the two (shawl and wrist warmers) it would help her this coming winter. Fuel is so expensive and she likes to be warm and while I can't stand to be at her house in winter because it's always way too warm for me (in the past I have had to sleep with a window open!), she won't be turning up the heat as much this year so anything I can make her to help keep her warm, I'm glad to. She's already got a couple of the fleece tie blankets and she loves those. Now it's time for something warmer. Maybe a scarf, too. Only problem with making her a scarf or hat is that she hates to use them. Things I make for use inside the house will get used.

Anyway, I am going to do errands this morning (what's left of it) now that I've done chores and posted - finally! - and then I will come home and start working on something. Probably the washcloth. I will take the shawl and blanket to David's to work on before and after dinner. I don't get too much done because I spend too much time talking with David and Dad but I do usually manage a couple of rows.

Until next time...

Craft on, be happy, safe, cool, love your family and friends and be kind to those you meet along the way. Can't ask for much more than that.

Washcloths Galore

2008-07-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

I have 3 washcloths finished that I haven't posted pictures of and typically I am at the point where I won't post a picture unless it's a pretty pattern. These three are pretty. The pink striped one is for me. The pink heart one may go to Mom. I don't know yet. The yellow may be a birthday present for someone. Again, I don't know yet. I haven't decided. In another post I will talk about what I am working on now.

Here they are:

Ravelry Scarf Exchange

2008-07-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

I sent out my package to Sheila this week and she has received it so I can finally post the pictures. We are supposed to send a scarf we have knit ourselves (or crochet, that's allowed, too). We throw in extra goodies and try to choose yarn and color that our exchange partner will like. I sent a little navy bag with lots of little things in it like post-it's in a cute blue pattern, travel Kleenex, stickers and a bunch of stuff.

Using pink Merino wool from KnitPicks I used the feather and fan pattern to make her scarf. Then I crocheted her a hat using the twin stitch using the same yarn. Here's what Sheila received:

Hopefully she will use and enjoy.