Not much knitting has happened since the last post. Our new "knitting group" is still in the beginning stages. A few e-mails have gone back and forth, but no definite date, time or place has been decided on. But it's a start.
I've been knitting small things. I did finish the spiral socks in camoflauge yarn. We call them "sleep socks" at home. I have "orders" for more. Note to self: boy was camo yarn hard to follow the spiral pattern on. Suggestion: thread a darning needle with contrasting yarn and move the thread up at your pattern starting point as you go. That's what I'm doing on my next pair, instead of trying to eyeball it.
In addition to the camo socks I knit two pairs of booties that I gave away. On pair in that lime green yarn I had left over from a blanket I made. Boy, has that leftover yarn come in handy-not only did I make a pair of sleep socks with it I used it to make a simple pair of garter stitch booties. It is washable and a funky enough color to give a basic bootie an updated feel. I have plenty left. I'll report in on what else gets knit up in some funky lime green yarn. Tip: try using some unusual colors for your baby knits, orange, lime green and red are just some.
There are several really cute and simple free bootie patterns on the Lion Brand Yarn web site. I made their t-strap bootie in red and it came out really cute and girlie. Visit http://www.lionbrand.com/ and look for their pattern tab. You might have to register to start getting their e-news letter and access their patterns. But it's worth it.
My cable bag is a bust-the yarn is too dark to "see" the cables as I go-and also I'm NOT that accomplished of a knitter. And the yarn cries out to be knit in a seed stitch-so I' m fiddling with that. I can see why there can be so many UFOs-unfinished projects-it's easy to get excited about a new yarn and then fizzle out when some other exciting new project comes along.
I have a knitting bag, but I also have a crochet bag. I also have a project bag (I'm using the clear plastic zipper bag comforter sets come in) that holds small balls of yarn and a bunch of black yarn given to me by my husband's cousin. What do you do with a bunch of inexpensive black yarn and a bag of yarn leftovers? You crochet granny squares! Yep, I'm back at it. I crocheted up about 40 of those little darlin's a few years ago before I pooped out. Well, the granny square project is back on again! Okay-I have too many oars in the water-so I won't tell you about my applique class yesterday and my shade garden project-two totally unrelated things to knitting.
Can I say crochet on a knitting blog?
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Writing March 2009
Hi all,
Remember I said I might not be a dedicated blogger. March is almost over and I'm just now getting around to my March posting. Not only have I managed to mess up my blogger address, I can't seem to fix it-that's probably because I don't know what I'm doing. I have hope (a little) but not much because the "help centers" designed to answer all our questions-are basically no help. I need an e-mail address to send my dilemma to. So, don't GOOGLE me-because I ain't there-and yes, I said ain't.
Anyhoo, that was my frustrated rant for the day. Actually I am writing to talk about writer's block. If you are stuck, not a word flows from head to fingertips, then try jump starting your "serious" writing by updating your blog or sending e-mails to family and friends. This gets the creative juices going! Trust me, it works.
Article writing advice
If you sit frozen in front of a blank computer screen, stumped for your first words. Don't fret. Don't have a title? Type: Hey, I don't have a title for this. It will come to you later. Don't know where to begin? Just start! You're the only one looking at your work-no one else needs to know about all the corrections and paragraph rearranging. In writing articles, I just jump right in. 9 out of 10 times my beginning paragraphs are either deleted or moved somewhere else in the piece. Don't worry about writing "in order" just write and rearrange as needed. When writing an article allow yourself enough time to let the piece rest a couple of days. Then look at it again with "fresh" eyes. You'll be (pleasantly) surprised after a little rearranging and tweeking you have a finished piece.
Don't get discouraged if after all your hard work your editor "rearranges" and adds/ deletes to your piece. That's their job-they edit for space and content! I always re-read my submitted article in published form to make note of any changes to form and content. This makes me a better writer.
Now I have to go work on an article for 008 Magazine, and when that's complete I have interviews and research for an Acadiana Lifestyle assignment on the upcoming Airfest in New Iberia.
Check out the April issue of Acadiana Moms for my The Way I See It column titled: The Reading Gene
Happy Writing!
Remember I said I might not be a dedicated blogger. March is almost over and I'm just now getting around to my March posting. Not only have I managed to mess up my blogger address, I can't seem to fix it-that's probably because I don't know what I'm doing. I have hope (a little) but not much because the "help centers" designed to answer all our questions-are basically no help. I need an e-mail address to send my dilemma to. So, don't GOOGLE me-because I ain't there-and yes, I said ain't.
Anyhoo, that was my frustrated rant for the day. Actually I am writing to talk about writer's block. If you are stuck, not a word flows from head to fingertips, then try jump starting your "serious" writing by updating your blog or sending e-mails to family and friends. This gets the creative juices going! Trust me, it works.
Article writing advice
If you sit frozen in front of a blank computer screen, stumped for your first words. Don't fret. Don't have a title? Type: Hey, I don't have a title for this. It will come to you later. Don't know where to begin? Just start! You're the only one looking at your work-no one else needs to know about all the corrections and paragraph rearranging. In writing articles, I just jump right in. 9 out of 10 times my beginning paragraphs are either deleted or moved somewhere else in the piece. Don't worry about writing "in order" just write and rearrange as needed. When writing an article allow yourself enough time to let the piece rest a couple of days. Then look at it again with "fresh" eyes. You'll be (pleasantly) surprised after a little rearranging and tweeking you have a finished piece.
Don't get discouraged if after all your hard work your editor "rearranges" and adds/ deletes to your piece. That's their job-they edit for space and content! I always re-read my submitted article in published form to make note of any changes to form and content. This makes me a better writer.
Now I have to go work on an article for 008 Magazine, and when that's complete I have interviews and research for an Acadiana Lifestyle assignment on the upcoming Airfest in New Iberia.
Check out the April issue of Acadiana Moms for my The Way I See It column titled: The Reading Gene
Happy Writing!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Knitting February 2009
Well, my knitting class is coming to an end on Saturday, 2/21/2009. I'm to pick out a project to work on before I leave. I am coveting one of those cable knitted bags (purse) more on the larger side than small. I'm thinking dark gray tweedy type yarn... not sure of the handles yet... I need something to tote all my junk around in. Even though I already knew how to knit and purl...cast on...cast off...increase...decrease...and cable...the art of reading a knitting pattern eluded me. I could kinda figure it out...but never really felt secure that what I thought was right was right...thus the class.
In class I did learn a few things: I learned how to do a knit cast on-that's handy, and I've been practicing. Also some explanations in knitting patterns are "assumed." No wonder I was having trouble! Techniques and abbreviations are not made clear, but are instead assumed you would know the correct way to SSK-Duh...no! I'm on the right track now, with help from the class instructors. I do have a better understanding of patterns-the ladies at the shop are trying really hard.
What I wasn't expecting was that while in class I feel goofy and stupid-two feelings I really don't like. Therefore, I don't say much but quietly knit and pay attention. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but I do know it wasn't what I found. I am getting better, but I'm still not at ease. I know it will take time and lots of practice. I have just finished knitting some cotton wash cloths from a class pattern. Hey, they were easy and fun to make!
Give it a try:
BASIC DISHRAG ( from http://majorknitter.typepad.com-free/ knitting patterns)
Requirements
1 ball of knitted worsted weight cotton ( sugar 'n' cream)50 gram size Size 9-10 1/2 needles
Directions:
Row 1: knit one row
Row 2: K2, YO ( yarn over) Knit to the end of the row
Repeat row 2 until there are 40 stitches (for the dish scrubber) or 50 stitches for a face cloth
Next Row: K1, K2tog (knit 2 together), YO, K2tog, knit to the end of the row
Continue decreasing until 4 stitches left. Cast off
My mother, the expert knitter-if only I could be half as good as she- advised to try Norwegian patterns She has been knitting since she was 5 years old from Norwegian patterns-so it comes easy to her. When I asked why she started knitting at five she explained: "It was out of necessity, honey!" So think about a five year old knitting to have mittens, socks, scarves and sweaters to wear, because she had to. Now she knits because she wants to, and because along the way it became-what we are all seeking-a pleasurable way to pass the time. And at the end you have a beautifully hand knit item, too.
My Spiral Sock Story
Mom sent a Norwegian pattern ( and a knitted example) of a spiral sock. I decided to jump in with both feet and try my hand at knitting spiral socks. (Heck, I'd just mastered dish rags!) And I did it! I read the (Norwegian) pattern and knitted the sock-I 'd look at the example sock to make sure I was on track until I got to the toe. After reading the pattern, staring at the toe, reading the pattern, staring at the toe...you get the idea...I finished my first spiral sock. It's done in bright lime green yarn withtwo pieces of blue yarn( used as toe markers) that make the creation look like a green frog with droopy blue eyes ( I haven't removed the markers yet.) I did call my knitting help desk ( that would be mom in Tempe) and explained what I did with the toe, and ask if it was correct. Have you ever tried getting knitting help over the phone?
"t looks almost like your (sock toe)," I said-as I read from the pattern to her.
"You read the pattern?" she said "I just finished off the toe like a regular sock"
Aha!
Yep, I read the pattern and this is what I did-I explained about how I knitted the two stitches together.
"That's how your grandmother does it, too" she said.
She also does sweater shoulders the same way I was told. For some reason that was a piece of information I know I'll always remember. I know every time now I finish a spiral sock toe knitting two stitches together-I'll think of grandma.
2009 is the year I become a better knitter
In class I did learn a few things: I learned how to do a knit cast on-that's handy, and I've been practicing. Also some explanations in knitting patterns are "assumed." No wonder I was having trouble! Techniques and abbreviations are not made clear, but are instead assumed you would know the correct way to SSK-Duh...no! I'm on the right track now, with help from the class instructors. I do have a better understanding of patterns-the ladies at the shop are trying really hard.
What I wasn't expecting was that while in class I feel goofy and stupid-two feelings I really don't like. Therefore, I don't say much but quietly knit and pay attention. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but I do know it wasn't what I found. I am getting better, but I'm still not at ease. I know it will take time and lots of practice. I have just finished knitting some cotton wash cloths from a class pattern. Hey, they were easy and fun to make!
Give it a try:
BASIC DISHRAG ( from http://majorknitter.typepad.com-free/ knitting patterns)
Requirements
1 ball of knitted worsted weight cotton ( sugar 'n' cream)50 gram size Size 9-10 1/2 needles
Directions:
Row 1: knit one row
Row 2: K2, YO ( yarn over) Knit to the end of the row
Repeat row 2 until there are 40 stitches (for the dish scrubber) or 50 stitches for a face cloth
Next Row: K1, K2tog (knit 2 together), YO, K2tog, knit to the end of the row
Continue decreasing until 4 stitches left. Cast off
My mother, the expert knitter-if only I could be half as good as she- advised to try Norwegian patterns She has been knitting since she was 5 years old from Norwegian patterns-so it comes easy to her. When I asked why she started knitting at five she explained: "It was out of necessity, honey!" So think about a five year old knitting to have mittens, socks, scarves and sweaters to wear, because she had to. Now she knits because she wants to, and because along the way it became-what we are all seeking-a pleasurable way to pass the time. And at the end you have a beautifully hand knit item, too.
My Spiral Sock Story
Mom sent a Norwegian pattern ( and a knitted example) of a spiral sock. I decided to jump in with both feet and try my hand at knitting spiral socks. (Heck, I'd just mastered dish rags!) And I did it! I read the (Norwegian) pattern and knitted the sock-I 'd look at the example sock to make sure I was on track until I got to the toe. After reading the pattern, staring at the toe, reading the pattern, staring at the toe...you get the idea...I finished my first spiral sock. It's done in bright lime green yarn withtwo pieces of blue yarn( used as toe markers) that make the creation look like a green frog with droopy blue eyes ( I haven't removed the markers yet.) I did call my knitting help desk ( that would be mom in Tempe) and explained what I did with the toe, and ask if it was correct. Have you ever tried getting knitting help over the phone?
"t looks almost like your (sock toe)," I said-as I read from the pattern to her.
"You read the pattern?" she said "I just finished off the toe like a regular sock"
Aha!
Yep, I read the pattern and this is what I did-I explained about how I knitted the two stitches together.
"That's how your grandmother does it, too" she said.
She also does sweater shoulders the same way I was told. For some reason that was a piece of information I know I'll always remember. I know every time now I finish a spiral sock toe knitting two stitches together-I'll think of grandma.
2009 is the year I become a better knitter
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Writing February 2009
I have to admit I don't write every day-it's true. Sunday I had the chance to sit down at the computer to write uninterrupted-instead the hubby and I watched movies while I knitted. (more of that later) For those interested my article on Greg Guirard-Preserve Cajun Heritage-in the February 2009 issue of Acadiana Lifestyle came out great thanks to fabulous editor Cheryl Robichaux! If you have a chance to pick up a copy I hope you enjoy the magazine-it is a great publication-filled with lots of useful information and great articles.
I need to write and submit before March 15th my column for Acadiana Moms. I am debating topics-as usual-but you can count on family being featured. 008 Magazine asked me to write about indoor set up trends for 2009-now I am inspired to do a little interior decorating! Look for the March/April issue. And if you are interested in recipes for your favorite poochie pooh-check out the mag's Rrrecipe section especially for pets!
On another note-I have been procrastinating-I really need to try to write on a subject/topic not assigned-and submit to other (major) magazines. I am getting better because I have pitched ideas to my local editors that they have accepted, but I have not ventured beyond my comfort zone. Thanks to the girls-yes that's you-Rhegan and Mindy-who stepped up to bat with article topic ideas. Ok-Mindy-the "let me go ask my aunt what she thinks," might not count. Needless to say-the brain waves just started working one day-and I saw article possibilities everywhere! (Or maybe I just woke up when the coffee kicked in) But the article ideas have not left the lists I have compiled! My fault-I am scared. So, if you want to write me words of encouragement to get me going into the big black abyss of freelance writing-outside the state of Louisiana-come on down!
That's all for my writing world-I will interview my mother who is a wealth of knitting, weaving and quilting knowledge and write about her....soon.
To read 008 Magazine go to: www.008magazine.com
And Acadiana Moms has a great on line forum for moms at: acadianamomslikeme.com
I need to write and submit before March 15th my column for Acadiana Moms. I am debating topics-as usual-but you can count on family being featured. 008 Magazine asked me to write about indoor set up trends for 2009-now I am inspired to do a little interior decorating! Look for the March/April issue. And if you are interested in recipes for your favorite poochie pooh-check out the mag's Rrrecipe section especially for pets!
On another note-I have been procrastinating-I really need to try to write on a subject/topic not assigned-and submit to other (major) magazines. I am getting better because I have pitched ideas to my local editors that they have accepted, but I have not ventured beyond my comfort zone. Thanks to the girls-yes that's you-Rhegan and Mindy-who stepped up to bat with article topic ideas. Ok-Mindy-the "let me go ask my aunt what she thinks," might not count. Needless to say-the brain waves just started working one day-and I saw article possibilities everywhere! (Or maybe I just woke up when the coffee kicked in) But the article ideas have not left the lists I have compiled! My fault-I am scared. So, if you want to write me words of encouragement to get me going into the big black abyss of freelance writing-outside the state of Louisiana-come on down!
That's all for my writing world-I will interview my mother who is a wealth of knitting, weaving and quilting knowledge and write about her....soon.
To read 008 Magazine go to: www.008magazine.com
And Acadiana Moms has a great on line forum for moms at: acadianamomslikeme.com
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Knitting January 2009
I decided since I was so slick about combining two blogs into one: writing and knitting, I would at least put separate titles. For all of those out there copied on the original knitting group e-mail-here's the scoop:
ULL Potpourri is offering a Knitting 411 class starting January 31-February 21 Course# 600013 and the fee is $75.00. Option 1: Monday 1-3 pm Option 2: Saturday 10 am-12 pm Phone: 337-482-6386 or http://www.ce.louisiana.edu/
I am treating myself for my birthday to this course. (Option 2)I need help with reading patterns. This course teaches the knit and purl stitch, reading patterns, casting off and more. I hope after this course we can start meeting on a monthly basis as our own knitting group. I will blog our escapades. Whoo whoo!
Of course, taking the class is not needed to start our knitting group, this is just something I want to do so I can become a better knitter.
Report in your thoughts on the class
ULL Potpourri is offering a Knitting 411 class starting January 31-February 21 Course# 600013 and the fee is $75.00. Option 1: Monday 1-3 pm Option 2: Saturday 10 am-12 pm Phone: 337-482-6386 or http://www.ce.louisiana.edu/
I am treating myself for my birthday to this course. (Option 2)I need help with reading patterns. This course teaches the knit and purl stitch, reading patterns, casting off and more. I hope after this course we can start meeting on a monthly basis as our own knitting group. I will blog our escapades. Whoo whoo!
Of course, taking the class is not needed to start our knitting group, this is just something I want to do so I can become a better knitter.
Report in your thoughts on the class
writing January 2009
Welcome to my blog! We are just back from the Bayou Writers Group (BWG)meeting. That meant a road trip and gab fest for Mindy, Rhegan and I. We weren't our normal gabbing selves so I only have about three note book pages of to do's, reminders, and self-imposed deadlines. Crazy business. But we love it! Speaking of things to do-learing to knit better in 2009 is on my list, not the dreaded R list(resolutions) more like stuff I want to try to accomplish. Starting a knitting blog was on my "to do" list for 2009-so I just combined the two. Pretty slick, ha?
Look out girls-I'll be emailing the "assignments," reminders and other good stuff
By the way the BWG says blogging is the way to go. I'll give it a shot but won't promise anything
I just finished an interview with Greg Guirard for an article due 1/14 for Acadiana Lifestyle Magazine on preserving the Cajun culture through pictures. Then on the 15th my column is due for Acadiana Moms. So, let's not hear any complaining about deadlines out there. I don't have a word written and notes from heck. My column is about family, and family gives you lots to write about. Just when I think there aren't possibly any more topics-I'm choosing between two or three. Watch for the February issue of Acadiana Moms and see what I picked and let me know what you think.
Look out girls-I'll be emailing the "assignments," reminders and other good stuff
By the way the BWG says blogging is the way to go. I'll give it a shot but won't promise anything
I just finished an interview with Greg Guirard for an article due 1/14 for Acadiana Lifestyle Magazine on preserving the Cajun culture through pictures. Then on the 15th my column is due for Acadiana Moms. So, let's not hear any complaining about deadlines out there. I don't have a word written and notes from heck. My column is about family, and family gives you lots to write about. Just when I think there aren't possibly any more topics-I'm choosing between two or three. Watch for the February issue of Acadiana Moms and see what I picked and let me know what you think.
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