Saturday, February 2, 2013
Lists: Keeping Track
February 2, 2013
Big surprise-I’m a list maker. I have a list for everything from the proverbial grocery list to home improvement projects. Written on paper of course, not kept in my cell phone like my daughter. (how does she do that?) I stopped making New Year’s resolution years ago- instead I write a list of “things to do” and line through each as completed- I also change the year at the top of the list because everything does NOT get done each year. No wonder, when going through my knitting bag, I found lists, yes, that’s plural, of knitting projects. It’s a little strange to look back at those lists now and see what I’ve knitted, what I wanted to knit, and of course, what I have NOT knit. (Will there ever be enough time?... sigh)
Recently my son started a PINTEREST account for me-I just consider it another large list-my version of the electronic kind-I have recipes, crafts, books and of course- knitting patterns and tips, pinned to my account. And it’s so easy to “pin” and keep track of your favorite things in one place. ( remember my many lists?) I’ve recently pinned several free shawl patterns from: www.redheart.com
Besides lists I also keep a book journal, a knitting journal (with lists of knitting books, things to do-aka knit. And recipes-LOL) I did mention my knitting group likes to talk and eat didn’t I? I’ll try to incorporate some of our favorite recipes on this blog soon….hmmm…would I then have to change the name to Writing, Knitting and Cooking in South Louisiana? LOL Oh right, I try not to cook any more!
In addition to all the aforementioned lists and journals, not to mention a not often enough updated blog, I also have a “scrapbookish art journal.” (I forgot what it’s really called.) This is getting a bit overwhelming, don’t you think? In this journal I write and paste in favorite things such as pictures, sayings and more. Here’s one tidbit from this journal thingy: “Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling.” Margaret Lee Runbeck
On the subject of writing-it’s Mardi Gras season and I wrote the Mardi Gras Guide, and a few other articles, for the Feb/Mar issue of 008 Magazine, slated to hit the stands any day now-hurry to get your copy before they’re all gone. And as always, you can read the current issue, as well as back issues, on-line at: www.008magazine.com. February also brings a new issue of Acadiana Lifestyle Magazine and an article I wrote titled: The Tortoise Ranch, a fun and informative piece, also available on the publication’s web site at: www.acadianalifestyle.com.
Until next time, Happy Knitting
P.s. I’m going to now organize a small knitting bag to include a sock project, a Norwegian snowflake patterned headband project (already on the needles), and a crocheted shawl pattern named Magnolia, (how fitting for South Louisiana!) a free pattern from Classic Elite Yarns.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Free is Good!
I don’t know about you, but my Christmas knitting is (almost) done. Whoo hoo! Our knitting group was supposed to start Christmas knitting in July-it was on the list of things to knit ….needless to say life got in the way again and here it is November and I’m putting the finishing touches on a pair of fingerless gloves. (Ravelry: free pattern: Toasty) As fingerless gloves go, this is one of my favorite patterns to knit, and it’s free. I knit a pair in soft gray baby alpaca-lovely-my daughter had to have those-so I knit a second pair for myself. I just finished another gray pair (it’s not a theme, I swear!) using Norwegian yarn: Triplex Kamgarn made by Sandnes Kamgarn Spinneri-they are not as soft as the alpaca gloves but worked up just as nice. Mom mentioned my sister would REALLY like a pair of fingerless gloves… so I am knitting her a pair in dark gray (lol) using some more Norwegian yarn-these will be knit using Peer Gynt 100% wool by Sandnes Uldvarefabrik in Norway. She lives in snow country so they will be toasty warm. (pun intended)
Let's talk free stuff:
With the internet and the wide variety of yarn manufacturers and distributors-there’s a bevy of FREE knitting (and crochet) patterns available at the click or two of your mouse. Even knitting magazines refer to web sites with free pattern offerings. Check out your favorite yarns or designers for their web sites and blogs. Here’s just a few of my favorites:
• www.ravelry.com
• www.vogueknitting.com
• www.berroco.com
• www.garnstudio.com
• www.cascadeyarns.com
• www.patonsyarns.com
• www.knitrowan.com
• www.plymouthyarn.com
• www.lionbrand.com
• www.yarn.com
Mostly I use Ravelry because they compile multitudes of patterns from a wide variety of manufacturers and designers-both free and pay patterns. You’ll have to assign at least a password with your email to log on to the sites to access the free patterns-so make it easy on yourself when deciding on a password.
And as always-free is good!
Until next time-Happy Knitting!
Friday, September 7, 2012
9/17/2012: Knitting Should Be Fun!
Hi again,
In my previous blog post I said I'd update my 2012 completed knitting projects. In the knitting community there are many UFO's-no, not the extraterrestrial kind, the UnFinsihed Object kind. I don't like UFO's, they drive me crazy. I'm a frogger instead, no, not someone in a pirogue at night with a light on her hat-I rip the project (rip it, rip it, rip it, rip it-say it really fast and all together-get it?) if it doesn't look like I'll finish knitting it.
2012 Finished Knitting & Crocheted Projects:
(I think it was decided in an earlier blog entry it was OK to say "crochet" on a knitting blog-so I'm running with that idea)
These projects are not in the order completed, because I forgot to document them as I finished. Also, the husband re-set the date and time on my digital camera and all my pictures were deleted as the result. The conversation went something like this: Me: "Where are all my pictures? I had some really good ones of the grandsons. My knitting project pictures were on there! Did you maybe just change the SD card? No?" Husband: "huh?"
Orange garter stitch neck roll pillow
Beret using Classic Elite yarn in blue
Pink and white stripe fingerless gloves using Knit.1 free pattern on www.vogueknitting.com : fingerless wristlets (Thanks Ms. Ethel)
Ribbed shawl with cabled edge trim using Classic Worsted by Universal Yarn Inc. in dark brown
Manitoba Slippers-pattern from Interweave Knits-Holiday Gifts 2011-using Universal Yarn Classic Shades in blue and purple tones
V-Stitch baby blanket crocheted in white, Bernat Baby Sport yarn using free pattern #70118AD from www.lionbrandyarn.com
Afghan stitch baby blanket using Bernat Baby Coordinates, color: sherbet sorbet
Finished Enterlac scarf-whoo hoo!
Turban'd ribbed headband using a leftover skein of dark brown yarn from the ribbed shawl. This is a free pattern from www.fairmountfibers.com , published in Vogue Knitting's Fall 2012 magazine.
Knitting Should be Fun
Ok-now that all that is out of the way-let's talk about how knitting is fun. It's a creative outlet, it's relaxing and also productive. You are making something with sticks and yarn and it’s cheaper than therapy! Don’t get bogged down and frustrated because a project is not turning out like you thought it would-maybe it’s just not the right time for this particular project. Knitting should be fun. You can always put a project aside (UFO!) and come back to it later. Sometimes it’s just as fun to knit something simple. The more you knit you’ll discover “your own comfort” knitting. Mine is knitting ribbing-I like the calm and repetitive K2 P2 or something similar compared to a YO (yarn over) project where I have to think more.
I’m also spending my time writing. When you have the chance, pick up the latest issue of Acadiana Lifestyle Magazine, (September 2012) it’s the Football Preview 2012 issue-hey, you can knit while watching the games! The issue is chock-full of lots of other good stuff, too. Check out my article: ”Celebrate the Good Life-Fall Festivals, Boat Races, Historic Homes and Arts & Crafts.” Or go on-line: www.acadianalifestyle.com.
I also wrote the Hunting Guide for the September/October 2012 issue of 008 Magazine, as well as other articles in the issue. Pick up your copy at a local retailer or go on-line: www.008magazine.com to read about all the cool stuff happening in Acadiana.
Until next time-Happy Knitting
In my previous blog post I said I'd update my 2012 completed knitting projects. In the knitting community there are many UFO's-no, not the extraterrestrial kind, the UnFinsihed Object kind. I don't like UFO's, they drive me crazy. I'm a frogger instead, no, not someone in a pirogue at night with a light on her hat-I rip the project (rip it, rip it, rip it, rip it-say it really fast and all together-get it?) if it doesn't look like I'll finish knitting it.
2012 Finished Knitting & Crocheted Projects:
(I think it was decided in an earlier blog entry it was OK to say "crochet" on a knitting blog-so I'm running with that idea)
These projects are not in the order completed, because I forgot to document them as I finished. Also, the husband re-set the date and time on my digital camera and all my pictures were deleted as the result. The conversation went something like this: Me: "Where are all my pictures? I had some really good ones of the grandsons. My knitting project pictures were on there! Did you maybe just change the SD card? No?" Husband: "huh?"
Orange garter stitch neck roll pillow
Beret using Classic Elite yarn in blue
Pink and white stripe fingerless gloves using Knit.1 free pattern on www.vogueknitting.com : fingerless wristlets (Thanks Ms. Ethel)
Ribbed shawl with cabled edge trim using Classic Worsted by Universal Yarn Inc. in dark brown
Manitoba Slippers-pattern from Interweave Knits-Holiday Gifts 2011-using Universal Yarn Classic Shades in blue and purple tones
V-Stitch baby blanket crocheted in white, Bernat Baby Sport yarn using free pattern #70118AD from www.lionbrandyarn.com
Afghan stitch baby blanket using Bernat Baby Coordinates, color: sherbet sorbet
Finished Enterlac scarf-whoo hoo!
Turban'd ribbed headband using a leftover skein of dark brown yarn from the ribbed shawl. This is a free pattern from www.fairmountfibers.com , published in Vogue Knitting's Fall 2012 magazine.
Knitting Should be Fun
Ok-now that all that is out of the way-let's talk about how knitting is fun. It's a creative outlet, it's relaxing and also productive. You are making something with sticks and yarn and it’s cheaper than therapy! Don’t get bogged down and frustrated because a project is not turning out like you thought it would-maybe it’s just not the right time for this particular project. Knitting should be fun. You can always put a project aside (UFO!) and come back to it later. Sometimes it’s just as fun to knit something simple. The more you knit you’ll discover “your own comfort” knitting. Mine is knitting ribbing-I like the calm and repetitive K2 P2 or something similar compared to a YO (yarn over) project where I have to think more.
I’m also spending my time writing. When you have the chance, pick up the latest issue of Acadiana Lifestyle Magazine, (September 2012) it’s the Football Preview 2012 issue-hey, you can knit while watching the games! The issue is chock-full of lots of other good stuff, too. Check out my article: ”Celebrate the Good Life-Fall Festivals, Boat Races, Historic Homes and Arts & Crafts.” Or go on-line: www.acadianalifestyle.com.
I also wrote the Hunting Guide for the September/October 2012 issue of 008 Magazine, as well as other articles in the issue. Pick up your copy at a local retailer or go on-line: www.008magazine.com to read about all the cool stuff happening in Acadiana.
Until next time-Happy Knitting
Thursday, August 16, 2012
WRITING AND KNITTING AGAIN
8/16/2012:
My how time flies. I won't make any promises to be a better blogger-we all know how that went last time-but I will try harder to update this blog more often.
The knitting group I joined is still going strong. I have to confess we do more knitting at home than together as a group-too much eating and talking!
I've become a much better knitter in the last two years with the help and encouragement of my knitting friends. My next post will include some of my most recent completed projects!
If you haven't already-check out Acadiana Lifestyle's new web site: www.acadianalifestyle.com for all the current scoop and happenings in and around New Iberia and add to your favorites now! Thanks to my wonderful editor Cheryl for suggesting posting this blog on their web site and actually getting me updating it again.
I've been busy with work ( I have a day job), knitting and some crocheting, keeping up with the every growing number of grandsons, we're up to six now (!!!) and writing. I did give up cooking so I am saving some time there-LOL
until next time-Happy Knitting
My how time flies. I won't make any promises to be a better blogger-we all know how that went last time-but I will try harder to update this blog more often.
The knitting group I joined is still going strong. I have to confess we do more knitting at home than together as a group-too much eating and talking!
I've become a much better knitter in the last two years with the help and encouragement of my knitting friends. My next post will include some of my most recent completed projects!
If you haven't already-check out Acadiana Lifestyle's new web site: www.acadianalifestyle.com for all the current scoop and happenings in and around New Iberia and add to your favorites now! Thanks to my wonderful editor Cheryl for suggesting posting this blog on their web site and actually getting me updating it again.
I've been busy with work ( I have a day job), knitting and some crocheting, keeping up with the every growing number of grandsons, we're up to six now (!!!) and writing. I did give up cooking so I am saving some time there-LOL
until next time-Happy Knitting
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
FEBRUARY AND MARCH 2010
I have a KNITTING JOURNAL-and I write in it as often as I blog...Ah ha you say...that often, huh? So, right now I am looking thru my journal to refresh my memory. Since finishing the lacy baby blanket ( a friend has since advised on how to post non-gigantic pictures, hopefully some of those little bitty pics will follow) I have finished other small knitting projects-Whoo Hoo! Remember those gloves? Well, they are just a memory, because I ripped them! That's me, the expert frogger. I couldn't help it! Those tiny bamboo needles were poking so forlornly out of my knitting bag...I knew I wasn't going to finish them. And when I took a KNOTTY glove class at The House of Yarn in Broussard, Louisiana, I knew the first pair of gloves were history.
I probably, more than likely, pretty sure, have said I have an aversion to multiple projects. OK-I have to take that back. If I turn around now I would be looking at my knitting bag with not one, but two on-going knitting projects! ( one more at home) And two more project bags awaiting a start in my large knitting tote-which by the way- the husband says weighs a ton as he hefted it out of the car last night. Oh, and before I forget-the Knotty gloves were done on the magic loop-and I like it!
Projects completed: (not in order)
1. Knotty gloves in Happy Feet yarn by the Plymouth Yarn Co. in a smoky blue
2. Ribbed fingerless gloves using Brown Sheep Nature Spun worsted weight in Bordeaux ( I love Brown sheep yarn!)
3. Baby pink eyelash yarn boa scarf ( the yarn was a yard sale find)
4. Red heart scarf using color 39 red by Sierra
5. Knitting for the troops: One black helmet liner-using Cascade superwash
6.) Self-striping socks that my daughter claimed right off the needles
7.) Wam Bam Thank You Lamb chunky cowl (http://www.ravelry.com/) using Lion Brand Chunky yarn in black-gave to same daughter who stole socks....hmmm....
On the needles:
1.) Using gray Baby Alpaca in worsted weight: fingerless gloves in the pattern TOASTY ( http://www.ravelry.com/)
2.) Toe up, two at a time socks, knitting using the magic loop-and Sockin' Sox yarn in blue and grays by Plymouth Yarn
3.) a KAL at The Vermilion Bay Yarn Company using the Scalloped Shells pattern from the Book: Ocean Breezes-knitted scarves inspired by the sea By: Sheryl Thies.
Well, that's not too bad now that I see it in writing-I think it's the projects that are lined up like little soldiers waiting their turn that might be what's making me feel a tad bit overwhelmed:
1.) Purple and gold yarn for a pair of LSU spiral socks (see previous post with note on being a hopeless sock knitter)
2) Cream colored Cascade yarn for the Martha Stewart Knitted Neck Scarf (http://www.marthastewart.com/)
3) A green on green ear flap hat for son in law using Cascade yarn and the THORPE earflap pattern (also from http://www.ravelry.com/)
Last but not least: Never leave home without your knitting bag! ( I did once-and it wasn't good) tote that tote with you-you never know when you'll get a knitting moment. And thanks to Amy at The House of Yarn and all my new knitting friends-2010 IS the year I'll become a better knitter.
Next time I'll report in on some charity knitting The House of Yarn is participating in...
Writing
I thought for awhile that I might be in a writing slump-I had alot of self doubt and thought about giving it up-then the writing assignments poured in! My doubt all started when my February submission to Acadiana Moms wasn't in the issue, and I didn't know why. But it popped up in the March issue-it is titled The Blue Bird of Happiness. I sent in my column for their April issue about Surviving an Empty Nest-pick up a copy to see how I coped!
Acadiana Lifesyle Magazine editor Cheryl made me feel better without even knowing she was helping when she called my ad writing for their March progress report section "poetry." She's such a peach! Check out the publication at: http://www.acadianalifestyle.com/. It's a great magazine chock full of good articles and information. I have a CPR article coming out in the April issue and for May Cheryl was nice enough to ask me to write a piece on Moms with Special Kids-be on the look out.
Sevie, my editor at 008 Magazine, asked if I'd become a feature writer for them. I've been writing for them for a couple of years now-and of course I agreed! I wrote about Doggie Dental Care and the Golf Digest for the March/April issue. The piece I finished on grass-yes, I said grass, as in your front lawn, will appear in the May/June issue along with a Horse feature and a neat new sports gadget piece ( my lips are sealed-you'll have to pick up an issue to find out what it is!) and the latest in pets-Toads and frogs-of the mini kind! Visit http://www.008magazine.com/ to read on-line these articles and lots more good stuff!
Happy writing
lynn
I probably, more than likely, pretty sure, have said I have an aversion to multiple projects. OK-I have to take that back. If I turn around now I would be looking at my knitting bag with not one, but two on-going knitting projects! ( one more at home) And two more project bags awaiting a start in my large knitting tote-which by the way- the husband says weighs a ton as he hefted it out of the car last night. Oh, and before I forget-the Knotty gloves were done on the magic loop-and I like it!
Projects completed: (not in order)
1. Knotty gloves in Happy Feet yarn by the Plymouth Yarn Co. in a smoky blue
2. Ribbed fingerless gloves using Brown Sheep Nature Spun worsted weight in Bordeaux ( I love Brown sheep yarn!)
3. Baby pink eyelash yarn boa scarf ( the yarn was a yard sale find)
4. Red heart scarf using color 39 red by Sierra
5. Knitting for the troops: One black helmet liner-using Cascade superwash
6.) Self-striping socks that my daughter claimed right off the needles
7.) Wam Bam Thank You Lamb chunky cowl (http://www.ravelry.com/) using Lion Brand Chunky yarn in black-gave to same daughter who stole socks....hmmm....
On the needles:
1.) Using gray Baby Alpaca in worsted weight: fingerless gloves in the pattern TOASTY ( http://www.ravelry.com/)
2.) Toe up, two at a time socks, knitting using the magic loop-and Sockin' Sox yarn in blue and grays by Plymouth Yarn
3.) a KAL at The Vermilion Bay Yarn Company using the Scalloped Shells pattern from the Book: Ocean Breezes-knitted scarves inspired by the sea By: Sheryl Thies.
Well, that's not too bad now that I see it in writing-I think it's the projects that are lined up like little soldiers waiting their turn that might be what's making me feel a tad bit overwhelmed:
1.) Purple and gold yarn for a pair of LSU spiral socks (see previous post with note on being a hopeless sock knitter)
2) Cream colored Cascade yarn for the Martha Stewart Knitted Neck Scarf (http://www.marthastewart.com/)
3) A green on green ear flap hat for son in law using Cascade yarn and the THORPE earflap pattern (also from http://www.ravelry.com/)
Last but not least: Never leave home without your knitting bag! ( I did once-and it wasn't good) tote that tote with you-you never know when you'll get a knitting moment. And thanks to Amy at The House of Yarn and all my new knitting friends-2010 IS the year I'll become a better knitter.
Next time I'll report in on some charity knitting The House of Yarn is participating in...
Writing
I thought for awhile that I might be in a writing slump-I had alot of self doubt and thought about giving it up-then the writing assignments poured in! My doubt all started when my February submission to Acadiana Moms wasn't in the issue, and I didn't know why. But it popped up in the March issue-it is titled The Blue Bird of Happiness. I sent in my column for their April issue about Surviving an Empty Nest-pick up a copy to see how I coped!
Acadiana Lifesyle Magazine editor Cheryl made me feel better without even knowing she was helping when she called my ad writing for their March progress report section "poetry." She's such a peach! Check out the publication at: http://www.acadianalifestyle.com/. It's a great magazine chock full of good articles and information. I have a CPR article coming out in the April issue and for May Cheryl was nice enough to ask me to write a piece on Moms with Special Kids-be on the look out.
Sevie, my editor at 008 Magazine, asked if I'd become a feature writer for them. I've been writing for them for a couple of years now-and of course I agreed! I wrote about Doggie Dental Care and the Golf Digest for the March/April issue. The piece I finished on grass-yes, I said grass, as in your front lawn, will appear in the May/June issue along with a Horse feature and a neat new sports gadget piece ( my lips are sealed-you'll have to pick up an issue to find out what it is!) and the latest in pets-Toads and frogs-of the mini kind! Visit http://www.008magazine.com/ to read on-line these articles and lots more good stuff!
Happy writing
lynn
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Writing and Knitting January 2010
Happy New Year Everyone!
It is apparent I'm not a prolific or dedicated blogger. Kind of had a few technical issues with the blogger address-self-induced, of course. Then it was the fact that I didn't sit down to write. So, I'm trying again. In 2009 (I think) I vowed to become a better knitter. Slowly I have worked on this, intermingled with some crocheting, a whole lot of reading, four grandsons, a full time job and a freelance writing career I'd like to work on expanding.
How have I worked on knitting, you ask? Besides the spiral socks, I knit a garter stitch baby blanket using a free pattern from Lion Brand. I had some camouflage yarn in a beige/white/brown combo (hey, I have four grandsons! I'm bound to have some camo yarn) anyhoo, it wasn't working out as socks, go figure-see previous note to self- so when we found out our niece was having a boy-you can be proud now- I decided to knit a baby blanket instead of crocheting one. I have to say it came out really nice and matched her color scheme of brown and green nicely, too. I started another pair of spiral socks for the hubby, but I don't like the yarn, so they have gone nowhere. (I can't not knit socks, I'm doomed to be a sock knitter.)Recently bought more sock yarn...just fyi
Then my sister -in -law found out she was pregnant with baby number three. Yep, I started another knitted blanket. It's a girl. Getting a little braver I invested in a good pair of Addi-Turbo circular needles. I listened to advice from mom:
"Buy a good set of needles, honey" Words to live by.
Boy, was she right. But before I could start knitting, I had to sift through the ten thousand (slight exaggeration) patterns I have amassed. I'd run across what looked like a simple knitted lace blanket pattern when looking for a crochet pattern for a grandson's blanket. I eventually dug the pattern out of the pile and with new needles in hand and white baby yarn, I started. It took me awhile to memorize the pattern row, but once I did this pattern works up to a beautiful piece that looks more complicated than it really is. And I've only had to rip up twice! (note: don't knit and gab or knit and watch exciting TV while working on this pattern-you might have to rip up) It's been mentioned to me this pattern resembles the feather and fan pattern. You can get the pattern I'm using and others from: http://www.projectlinus.org/ or read below:
All Purpose Knitted Afghan
I am using a size 9 circular needle with Bernat Softee baby yarn in white, and cast on as directed for the smaller size.
Materials Needed:
40 oz. 4-ply worsted weight yarn for large afghan, size 10 circular needles
Directions:
For large afghan cast on 210 sts, for a small one cast on 144 stitches. Pattern is a multiple of 11 sts+1
Row 1: K 1,*yo, k3, k2 tog, k2 tog, k3, yo, k1. Repeat from * to end.
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit
Repeat rows 1-3 until desired length.
I love yarn. I probably don't love it as much as some, but I have a healthy "stash" However, very few of these yarns are noteworthy by today's standards. I am just now diving into the world of Malabrigo, Rowan, and other exciting yarns. My first love is wool (but I'm learning to love others-it's easy!) but I was discouraged for years because I thought wool was a winter weather yarn (Norway-cold-snow-ice)Ha! I found out I can satisfy my need to knit with wool because of all these lovely wool and wool blends, and I can still live in South Louisiana. In fact, the The Vermilion Bay Light the newsletter for one of our fabulous Acadiana yarn shops, The Vermilion Bay Yarn Company(VBYC), had a column in their latest newsletter titled Wooly Misconceptions. When In Acadiana stop by, say hey! and buy some yarn from one or more of our yarn shops. You can never have enough yarn, right?
The Vermilion Bay Yarn Company
2100 Verot School Rd Suite 8
Lafayette, La 70508
ph 337-216-4564
http://www.vermilionbayyarn.blogspot.com/ or visit them on face book
The House of Yarn
3711 W. Pinhook Rd Suite B
Broussard, La 70518
ph 337-839-0006
http://www.houseofyarn.com/
The Yarn Nook
321 Oil Center Dr
Lafayette, La 70503
ph 337-593-8558
http://www.yarnnook.com/
Gloves
Moving along with the knitting I saw an announcement in The Vermilion Bay Light that they were having a glove knitting class. Should I? Dare I? After all gloves have fingers that have to be knit...separately...tiny little fingers. I did! Well, I signed up. Glove making class went well...until I got to the fingers part...let's just say I have two gloves knit one with two fingers and a partial thumb, and one with partial thumb, no fingers(yet) knit...moving slowly...I'm afraid of those small finger parts, I can't seem to get comfortable with the small needles. One good thing that came out of class...I now own a nifty set of size two bamboo needles. My next pair is gonna be those fingerless pairs I'm seeing so many patterns for. I wonder if there's a reason fingerless gloves are so popular? Hmmm...
More knitting projects
My next class at the VBYC was Fair Isle baby booties. What the heck, I thought. I've been knitting simple garter stitch booties for years. I bought some really nice Rowan 100% cotton in gooseberry (green) and bleached (white) With the first bootie I wasn't comfortable with changing the colors, but by the second I had it down pat. I actually knit both booties, sewed them up and made the cord for each. One finished project!
At the VBYC the other day I saw a neck scarf displayed on their finished goods table. I had just made a note to myself to look for a "lotus leaf" neck scarf pattern. And what was this? Yep, a lotus leaf neck scarf! What luck! And when I asked about the yarn used? Designer yarn by Kaffe Fassett for Rowan called Colourscapes. Wow. I bought a raspberry hank. Then the next week I was talking to my mom and without me mentioning anything she said: "well, there's a man who's a knitting designer, Kaffe Fassett, he's known for his colorful sweaters." What a coincidence! "I know now," I replied "I'm looking at one of his yarns as we speak."
More on wool....Brown Sheep makes a wonderful wool...I bought a ball in "army" green, although it looked brown at home, and knit a neck gator to send to the troops. This peaked the knitting interest of my daughter, who hadn't knit a stitch since her grandmother taught her 17 years ago! "I want to do that too," she said. (knit for th troops) So out came practice yarn and needles. And for her it was like riding a bike. She remembered everything, like she hadn't had a hiatus at all. When I told her grandmother (my mom) she said: Well, she's a natural, when I taught her I could tell." It's doesn't hurt that there is "designer" yarns, cute, up -to -date patterns, and knitting accessories either to keep her interested.
To get the free patterns for Project Helmet Liner visit: http://www.citizensam.org/
I want to try to track my knitting projects and my knitting progress for 2010. We will see...will those gloves ever get fingers? How about those Selbu socks mom knit and sent and all I have to do is finish a toe? Will the hubby ever own a pair of spiral socks to call his own? Only time will tell.
Writing
I was lucky enough to pitch an article idea to my editor at Acadiana Lifestyle on maybe running a knitting article. And they accepted! Look for the February 2010 issue of Acadiana Lifestyle and my article: That Knitting Craze. I also submitted to my February Acadiana Moms column- The Way I See It -about the Blue Bird of happiness...well, you'll have to read it to understand. Also February brings the Feb/March issue of 008 Magazine where I wrote about the Boy Scouts of America's 100th anniversary and also contributed to the magazine's outdoor section with an article on doors. I have done some book reviews for Louisiana Book News, and contributed book reviews as a guest reviewer to The Daily Advertiser so far this year. Chere Coen, the Writers Guild of Acadiana's VP, is author of Louisina Book News and has a book column at the newspaper. She allows me to help out from time to time. And then there is blogging...
Happy writing and knitting...read a little, too.
And I did make an "old-fashioned" baby cape that I gave as a gift-but it was crocheted, so I really can't tell you about it because this is a knitting blog...but it was really cute! and it had pompoms...
It is apparent I'm not a prolific or dedicated blogger. Kind of had a few technical issues with the blogger address-self-induced, of course. Then it was the fact that I didn't sit down to write. So, I'm trying again. In 2009 (I think) I vowed to become a better knitter. Slowly I have worked on this, intermingled with some crocheting, a whole lot of reading, four grandsons, a full time job and a freelance writing career I'd like to work on expanding.
How have I worked on knitting, you ask? Besides the spiral socks, I knit a garter stitch baby blanket using a free pattern from Lion Brand. I had some camouflage yarn in a beige/white/brown combo (hey, I have four grandsons! I'm bound to have some camo yarn) anyhoo, it wasn't working out as socks, go figure-see previous note to self- so when we found out our niece was having a boy-you can be proud now- I decided to knit a baby blanket instead of crocheting one. I have to say it came out really nice and matched her color scheme of brown and green nicely, too. I started another pair of spiral socks for the hubby, but I don't like the yarn, so they have gone nowhere. (I can't not knit socks, I'm doomed to be a sock knitter.)Recently bought more sock yarn...just fyi
Then my sister -in -law found out she was pregnant with baby number three. Yep, I started another knitted blanket. It's a girl. Getting a little braver I invested in a good pair of Addi-Turbo circular needles. I listened to advice from mom:
"Buy a good set of needles, honey" Words to live by.
Boy, was she right. But before I could start knitting, I had to sift through the ten thousand (slight exaggeration) patterns I have amassed. I'd run across what looked like a simple knitted lace blanket pattern when looking for a crochet pattern for a grandson's blanket. I eventually dug the pattern out of the pile and with new needles in hand and white baby yarn, I started. It took me awhile to memorize the pattern row, but once I did this pattern works up to a beautiful piece that looks more complicated than it really is. And I've only had to rip up twice! (note: don't knit and gab or knit and watch exciting TV while working on this pattern-you might have to rip up) It's been mentioned to me this pattern resembles the feather and fan pattern. You can get the pattern I'm using and others from: http://www.projectlinus.org/ or read below:
All Purpose Knitted Afghan
I am using a size 9 circular needle with Bernat Softee baby yarn in white, and cast on as directed for the smaller size.
Materials Needed:
40 oz. 4-ply worsted weight yarn for large afghan, size 10 circular needles
Directions:
For large afghan cast on 210 sts, for a small one cast on 144 stitches. Pattern is a multiple of 11 sts+1
Row 1: K 1,*yo, k3, k2 tog, k2 tog, k3, yo, k1. Repeat from * to end.
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit
Repeat rows 1-3 until desired length.
I love yarn. I probably don't love it as much as some, but I have a healthy "stash" However, very few of these yarns are noteworthy by today's standards. I am just now diving into the world of Malabrigo, Rowan, and other exciting yarns. My first love is wool (but I'm learning to love others-it's easy!) but I was discouraged for years because I thought wool was a winter weather yarn (Norway-cold-snow-ice)Ha! I found out I can satisfy my need to knit with wool because of all these lovely wool and wool blends, and I can still live in South Louisiana. In fact, the The Vermilion Bay Light the newsletter for one of our fabulous Acadiana yarn shops, The Vermilion Bay Yarn Company(VBYC), had a column in their latest newsletter titled Wooly Misconceptions. When In Acadiana stop by, say hey! and buy some yarn from one or more of our yarn shops. You can never have enough yarn, right?
The Vermilion Bay Yarn Company
2100 Verot School Rd Suite 8
Lafayette, La 70508
ph 337-216-4564
http://www.vermilionbayyarn.blogspot.com/ or visit them on face book
The House of Yarn
3711 W. Pinhook Rd Suite B
Broussard, La 70518
ph 337-839-0006
http://www.houseofyarn.com/
The Yarn Nook
321 Oil Center Dr
Lafayette, La 70503
ph 337-593-8558
http://www.yarnnook.com/
Gloves
Moving along with the knitting I saw an announcement in The Vermilion Bay Light that they were having a glove knitting class. Should I? Dare I? After all gloves have fingers that have to be knit...separately...tiny little fingers. I did! Well, I signed up. Glove making class went well...until I got to the fingers part...let's just say I have two gloves knit one with two fingers and a partial thumb, and one with partial thumb, no fingers(yet) knit...moving slowly...I'm afraid of those small finger parts, I can't seem to get comfortable with the small needles. One good thing that came out of class...I now own a nifty set of size two bamboo needles. My next pair is gonna be those fingerless pairs I'm seeing so many patterns for. I wonder if there's a reason fingerless gloves are so popular? Hmmm...
More knitting projects
My next class at the VBYC was Fair Isle baby booties. What the heck, I thought. I've been knitting simple garter stitch booties for years. I bought some really nice Rowan 100% cotton in gooseberry (green) and bleached (white) With the first bootie I wasn't comfortable with changing the colors, but by the second I had it down pat. I actually knit both booties, sewed them up and made the cord for each. One finished project!
At the VBYC the other day I saw a neck scarf displayed on their finished goods table. I had just made a note to myself to look for a "lotus leaf" neck scarf pattern. And what was this? Yep, a lotus leaf neck scarf! What luck! And when I asked about the yarn used? Designer yarn by Kaffe Fassett for Rowan called Colourscapes. Wow. I bought a raspberry hank. Then the next week I was talking to my mom and without me mentioning anything she said: "well, there's a man who's a knitting designer, Kaffe Fassett, he's known for his colorful sweaters." What a coincidence! "I know now," I replied "I'm looking at one of his yarns as we speak."
More on wool....Brown Sheep makes a wonderful wool...I bought a ball in "army" green, although it looked brown at home, and knit a neck gator to send to the troops. This peaked the knitting interest of my daughter, who hadn't knit a stitch since her grandmother taught her 17 years ago! "I want to do that too," she said. (knit for th troops) So out came practice yarn and needles. And for her it was like riding a bike. She remembered everything, like she hadn't had a hiatus at all. When I told her grandmother (my mom) she said: Well, she's a natural, when I taught her I could tell." It's doesn't hurt that there is "designer" yarns, cute, up -to -date patterns, and knitting accessories either to keep her interested.
To get the free patterns for Project Helmet Liner visit: http://www.citizensam.org/
I want to try to track my knitting projects and my knitting progress for 2010. We will see...will those gloves ever get fingers? How about those Selbu socks mom knit and sent and all I have to do is finish a toe? Will the hubby ever own a pair of spiral socks to call his own? Only time will tell.
Writing
I was lucky enough to pitch an article idea to my editor at Acadiana Lifestyle on maybe running a knitting article. And they accepted! Look for the February 2010 issue of Acadiana Lifestyle and my article: That Knitting Craze. I also submitted to my February Acadiana Moms column- The Way I See It -about the Blue Bird of happiness...well, you'll have to read it to understand. Also February brings the Feb/March issue of 008 Magazine where I wrote about the Boy Scouts of America's 100th anniversary and also contributed to the magazine's outdoor section with an article on doors. I have done some book reviews for Louisiana Book News, and contributed book reviews as a guest reviewer to The Daily Advertiser so far this year. Chere Coen, the Writers Guild of Acadiana's VP, is author of Louisina Book News and has a book column at the newspaper. She allows me to help out from time to time. And then there is blogging...
Happy writing and knitting...read a little, too.
And I did make an "old-fashioned" baby cape that I gave as a gift-but it was crocheted, so I really can't tell you about it because this is a knitting blog...but it was really cute! and it had pompoms...
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Knitting March 2009
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?
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?
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