gramsknits

Step Stripe Socks

2007-02-10T14:37:00.000-08:00

If you're a sock knitter and you haven't tried Austermann Step Sock Yarn yet, you're missing out! It is not only wonderful to knit with, it's GREAT to wear. One ball of yarn makes a pair. I knit these with 2 x 2 rib, size 0 dpns, with 72 stitches, resulting in a firm and tight fabric that will wear well.

To make an identical pair out of one ball, I wound the ball into a "cake" with my ball winder. Then I put the "cake" onto a scale, noted the weight and figured what half would be, pulled out the piece of yarn coming from the center of the "cake" and started winding again. When the "cake" remaining on the scale was half of the original weight, I stopped winding and cut the yarn. Then I pulled out the center yarn from each "cake" and laid them out until I had found the matching pattern repeat. I only had to waste a little of the yarn and I had plenty to make the socks (I wear a women's size 9 shoe). I even have a little left over. Some people don't care if their socks match, but I can't seem to get away from the "matching" and "symetrical" syndrome, so therefore, all my socks match.

Did I say that these wash well, also? They do! I wash all my socks by hand in the sink with a little bit of shampoo. Rinse in clear water, gently squeeze in a towel and lay out to dry. It only takes a minute and the socks come out great!

Springtime in Paris

2007-02-10T11:37:00.000-08:00

I think this is going to be one of my very favorite pairs of socks! I've held on to this yarn in my stash for a long time, waiting for the right pattern. It's Claudia's Handpainted Sock Yarn, a yummy 100% wool. The pattern for this sock actually calls for it to be knit from the toe up and then turned inside out when completed, as the pattern makes little "Eifel Towers". However, I prefer to knit from the top down and wear the sock right side out. Since I am knitting from the top down, I reversed the order of the stitch pattern and I love the way it looks, like raindrops falling down the socks. Thanks Six Sox KAL for the great patterns you share.

Chain Link Socks

2007-02-10T11:32:00.000-08:00

I waited so long to start these socks (December/January project from the Six Sock KAL), that I'm still trying to finish them, even though the new project has started. I fiddled with several different yarn combinations until I finally hit it - Lorna's Laces in "Jeans" and Jawoll Superwash Wool in "Cornflower Blue". Using size 0 dpns and a stitch count of 72, I'm getting a nice firm, tight fabric that should hold up well. Love them!

My First Shortrow Socks

2006-10-22T14:10:00.000-07:00

I was determined to learn to do shortrow heels and toes on socks.
After seeing someone recommend the book, Simple Socks
Plain and Fancy, by Priscilla A. Gibson-Roberts, I decided
to order it from Amazon and patiently waited for it to arrive.
I pulled this yarn, Austerman Step, from my stash and went for it.

It's really not hard, and I'm pretty pleased with how my first
pair of socks came out. I'll definitely try this again! By the way,
in case you haven't used this yarn yet - it's really kind on the hands
as it has Jojoba and Aloe in the yarn. They washed up nicely and
dried quickly - however, it's about 80 degrees right now here in
Southern California. When will I get to wear my socks????

Candy Corn Dishcloth

2006-10-22T13:56:00.001-07:00

I love these handmade 100% cotton dishcloths. This one is particularly sturdy and has a great feel - besides being fun!

We are given 10 rows each day for 5 or 6 days until the dishcloth is done. After we changed to the orange on this one, I pretty much had it figured out. However, . . . we're not allowed to make a public guess to the rest of the group in the Monthly Dishcloth KAL (see my sidebar) until the last day's rows have been given.

Fancy Washcloth

2006-09-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

I was able to keep up with the day by day instructions on this washcloth, so when the last day's instructions came out - all that was necessary was a short knitting session, and I was done! This was the mid-month September washcloth for the monthly dishcloth group I belong to (see the Monthly Discloth KAL button) on my sidebar under Knit - a longs. I changed the pattern only in that I did a seed stitch border rather than a garter stitch border. This cloth took most of a ball of Peaches and Creme, on size 7 needles. It's almost too pretty to use, but I'm a very practical person, so most likely will be using it!

They're Done!

2006-09-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

They're done - they're finally done! My Maple Leaf Socks are done!!! With an anticipated trip to Durango, Colorado, for Thanksgiving, I just had to make myself finish these socks. It will be quite chilly, I'm sure, in Durango at Thanksgiving, these socks scream "Thanksgiving Holiday" to me, so there you go . . . . The first time I will wear them in on Thanksgiving Day as we prepare and have Thanksgiving Dinner with our daughter and son-in-law. By the way, she has NEVER prepared Thanksgiving Dinner before, so it should be fun helping and teaching her the ins and outs of a traditional Thanksgiving meal preparation. I only wish that our other daughter and her family could be there, but due to scheduling, etc., they can't. Perhaps another time. We have tickets to ride the steam train the day after Thanksgiving - can hardly wait!

These socks were knit with Lorna's Laces in the colorway called Glenwood. The pattern was written by Jeanie Townsend who makes her patterns available to the Townsend Sock Yahoo Group members. See my side bar for a link to the group.

Snake Skin Socks Progress

2006-09-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

I almost didn't do this sock - the KAL pattern for August and September for the Six Socks KAL (see button on side bar for more information). Then after I saw some of the progress photos on the group site, that inspired me to search through my stash until I foundt this yarn - a beautiful colorway from Koigu - shades of brown, a bright peach, purple and lavendar, and olive green. Now these are probably going to be my favorite socks so far!!! I learned from this that I shouldn't rule out a pattern until I've at least given it a try with a swatch or something. I ordered some plain brown from Koigu for the heel and toe of the socks to give a little contrast and interest and make sure that I had enough yarn. Also, since the yarn is100% wool, I am adding brown "Wooly Nylon" to the heel and toe to give it reinforcement. These are going to be warm and very comfortable socks for this winter! Many thanks to the group designer for this beautiful pattern!

Washcloth Collection

2006-08-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

I promised I would photograph my first attempts at washcloths and here they are . . . The round peach and cream one is the first one I made. Almost too pretty to use! I've used the multi colored one and the blue/green/white one, but just made the starfish cloth last night. I'm going crazy with ideas for these - color combinations, etc. Although I enjoy knitting other things like socks, socks, socks, felted bags and more, these are such fun as one can be finished in a single evening and "wala" you've got a FO!

Washcloths, washcloths, washcloths . . .

2006-08-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

I've been bitten by the handknitted washcloth bug. OUCH! So far I've done 3 of them - two I have kept for myself to see how they wash, wear, etc., and one I've sent to my daughter who just moved to Colorado. For the next year anyway, she won't have a dishwasher - so she'll need lots of dishcloths. I've been remiss in not posting pictures of completed cloths, but will do some soon! Promise . . . .

Mauve Ruffle Bag

2006-07-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

This bag turned out so much cuter than I thought it would! The color in this picture is not exactly true - it's a bit more mauve than this, more like the unfelted version a couple of posts below. However, I'm extremely happy with how it felted - really fast and really thick and firm. When it came out of the washer - both DH and I said, "it smells like a dead animal in here!" I've never had anything I felted smell like that before. The woman I purchased the hand spun yarn from didn't know what all was in it as she won the fiber at a fair and spun it up. Could have been anything, I guess! But magically, when it was dry, the smell was gone! The pattern is called "Romantic Ruffles" by Kate Lemmers and you can get it free off the internet from here.

Maple Leaf Sock Progress

2006-07-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

I never thought I'd like this sock as much as I do! For the first time I'm knitting two at the same time on separate sets of size 0 dpns so that when I'm finished, I'm finished! I altered the pattern just slightly and added 10 rows of 4 x 2 rib between the maple leaf motifs and will add another few rows at the bottom of the second set of maple leafs to snug the leg of the sock a little. Yarn of choice is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the colorway Glenwood. Sock pattern was designed by Jeanie Thompson and is available by joining her Thompson Sock KAL - see button on my sidebar. 150 of us all over the world signed up to start this pattern on July 1st and it's really fun to see how different the socks look with the different yarn and needle choices. Thank you, Jeanie, for another wonderful pattern!

Hand Spun Yarn Bag

2006-06-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

The handspun yarn I purchased from a woman at the Pagosa Springs Fiber Festival over Memorial Day Weekend was absolutely a delight to knit with! It was so soft and smooth and felt great in my hands. It is the lighter mauve color and I combined some dark plum Cascade 220 with it to give it a tweedy look and more texture. (Also . . .I didn't have enough of the handspun to make the bag entirely from that yarn - only 240 yards). I am just finishing the I-cord handles and will felt it tonight. I think I'll have absolutely NO yarn left when I finish - phew . . . that was close! This is the first time I've used this pattern - it was really easy, but increasing for the ruffle was a pain, as I ended up with 320 stitches around on the top to knit 3 rows on and then bind off. The pattern was FREE off the internet - I'll look for the link while it's felting and drying and post it with the finished product!

Maple Leaf Socks Yarn is Here!

2006-06-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

I joined yet another KAL - socks no less. When they were all talking about doing the Maple Leaf Pattern by Jeanie Townsend I wasn't sure I was really excited about that pattern - - that is, until I found this yarn. It's called "Glenwood" by Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock. OK, I can see that yarn on me and in this pattern, so here we go again. KAL starts July 1 which gives me time to swatch, decide what needles to use, etc., and then get ready, set, GO! I'm crazy about this yarn and love knitting socks so this should work out just fine. I think that there's over 100 of us who have signed up for this KAL - using all different kinds of yarn.

CIC Completed Projects

2006-06-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

I took advantage of the LONG automobile ride to and from Colorado over the Memorial Day Weekend and almost completely finished two projects for CIC. Upon arrival back home, just a few minutes grafting the toe of the gold color socks and a few minutes finishing the vest were all that was needed. These little projects are so much fun - they go fast and will keep precious children in Russia warm in the very cold winter. I'm amazed at how many women are participating in this charity knitting and I'm certainly blessed to be among them!

Pagosa Springs Fiber Festival

2006-06-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

I finally had a chance to experience a Fiber Festival - and I had to go all the way to Colorado with my daughter and son-in-law to do it! Christy was interviewing for a teaching job and we just happened to find out that there was a fiber festival the same weekend in beautiful Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Pagosa Springs is in southwest Colorado, about 60 miles east of Durango, in beautiful mountain country. Although it was not a real large festival, it was still fun and educational.

SPINNING

Christy knows how to spin and wanted to try spinning mohair. This very kind woman clipped some mohair off her little mohair goat (in the lower left of the picture) and Christy tried spinning it straight from the animal. (Speaking of spinning, I'm taking my first spinning class on Saturday, June 10th! I can hardly wait. . . .)

ANIMALS

This little guy was a very friendly alpaca and he was even willing to hold still for pictures. His wool had already been sheared for the summer, so he was quite comfortable.

SHEARING

Christy (on the left) and I (on the right) sat and watched the sheep shearing for a while. They didn't like being taken to the shearing platform, but once there, they held quite still. I'm sure it feels good to get that thick winter coat off!

WOOL PROCESSING

This woman showed us how they "skirt" the fleece as the first step of processing the wool. She lives in the local area, has a 40 acre personal farm, and works three days a week at the Mountain High Fiber Ladies Fiber Processing Mill. She explained the whole process to us and even offered to give us a tour!! Sadly, we were expected back in Durango at a certain time so asked for a rain check for the next time we were in town. If Christy and Chuck move there, it will be sooner than later! Speaking of Chuck, he was a real trooper - went to the fiber festival with us, even walked around and took a couple of pictures for me. How many DH's would do that?!

Blue Little Companion Bag

2006-06-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

After taking a 4 month break from making bags, I am back at it because I need a new bag or two! I actually made this one before I went on a trip with my daugher and son-in-law over Memorial Day, but it wasn't dry in time to take with me. Boo-hoo! All is not lost, though, as I had a nice new bag waiting for me when I arrived home. It's amazing how they change during the felting process (see pre-felted bag below).

Specifications: Pattern = My Little Companion. Yarn = Noro Kureyon color number 92, Araucania Nature Wool, color number 36 (denim) and a little bit of a denim color Cascade 220. Size 13 needles and 2 trips through the washer. Finished size is 9" wide, 6 1/2" tall, about 5 1/2 inches deep.

This is the first time I've felted with the Araucania Nature Wool and I have to say I was pleased. What I like about the Nature Wool is the variation in depth of color throughout the skein which seems to give a little more depth in the finished product.

To anyone who wants a great and versatile bag pattern, this is it!

Dyeing to Knit for CIC

2006-05-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

I learned about CIC through the Six Sock KAL I participate in and was so touched by the needs of these children and caregivers. Since my stash contains a fair amount of just the right yarn (100% wool) I knew right away what I was going to do with a lot of the yarn I purchased with "no plan" in mind at the time. These little blue socks are the first item I've finished and will definitely keep two little feet warmer in the COLD Russian winter since they are knit with worsted weight 100% wool. The balls of yarn were originally white Lion's Brand Fisherman's Wool and Bernat Lana in a cream color. A little Saturday morning dye job and they are ready to be knit into garments. The blue yarn and the blue/green/yellow variegated will be combined and will be knit double stranded into a todler size vest. The raspberry yarn is waiting for a companion ball in some variegated colors that will compliment it for another vest.

I'm so excited about this opportunity to knit for this special need instead of always knitting just for me.

Sixth Sense Socks Finally Done!

2006-05-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my Sixth Sense Socks - I felt like it took forever!
I altered the pattern just slightly by using my own heel and toe pattern
because I know they will fit. They are extremely comfortable - but,
now I will have to wait until the weather gets cold again to wear them.
Oh well - at least I have a nice new pair of socks waiting for me! And -
I'm sure I will use this pattern again because the socks fit so well!

By the way, I used Trekking XXL in colorway 78, size 1 dpns, and did
72 stitches. I knit tightly, so they are a real sturdy fabric, but stretch
easily.

Sixth Sense Sock Progress

2006-04-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

I'm finally making progress on the first sock of the pair for the Six Sock KAL current sock. This one is called Sixth Sense and I'm doing it out of Trekking XXL, in colorway #78. I haven't had as much time to knit lately with my parents visiting from out of state for two weeks, but am moving along pretty well now. My mother saw my handknit socks and ordered a pair for Christmas. Very specific, too. She wants solid navy blue in a nice soft yarn. At least I have a few months to work on them!

I'm Learning Socks on 2 Circulars

2006-04-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

AKA - Blue Jeans Socks. I think I'm going to love these socks! The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the colorway called "Blue Jeans". I took a class a week ago in the Socks on 2 Circulars method and took right to it! We knit a toddler size sample sock in a worsted weight in order to get through the whole sock and I found the heel and gusset to be much easier than with the Magic Loop method for me and I may end up totally converting from dpns to the 2 circulars method. Although, I do love doing socks with dpns. . . .

2 Pairs Finished!

2006-04-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

I finally finished two pairs of socks this week - washed and blocked them - and they are ready to wear. After starting the second sock of the Opal Petticoat pair six times, I ended up with almost identical twins. I really liked working with this yarn except for the fact that my ball of Opal had 4 knots in it! One appeared just before I finished the toe of the first sock and the other three all appeared at different places in the second sock - all in the foot! YUK! The only thing I can say is that this forced me to cut them off, join properly, keeping the colorway going, and then become semi-expert at weaving in the ends so that it doesn't show. All in all, I'm happy with the way they washed up and I'd use Opal yarn again sometime.

The blue pair are made from Regia Silk (a combination of wool, silk & nylon) - an absolutely delightful yarn to work with - so soft and smooth, yet holds it's shape. They washed up and dried well - but I haven't given them the "wear" test yet. This pair of socks was actually started on a 40" Addi Turbo circular in order to learn the Magic Loop method. I got through the leg and the heel and then couldn't meet up with my teacher again before I wanted to go on - so I transferred it to dpns and finished. I also did the second sock on the dpns. I'm not sure I like the Magic Loop method as I can't get my tension quite like I like it. It's dpns for me for right now.

I'm in TROUBLE ! ! !

2006-03-24T15:22:00.000-08:00

I have a couple of local yarn stores fairly close by, but they either don't carry enough of a variety of sock yarn, or don't carry Cascade 220 (my favorite felting yarn) or enough colors, etc. Well . . . . ., a coworker gave me a gift certificate for Christmas to a NEW LYS near work. I went over there and thought, OK, not a whole lot to pick from here - at least not yet. I've gone back a few times and they kept telling me that they were getting some new products in. Oh boy - I went over there today at lunch time to get 2 circular needles I need for a sock class tomorrow and what did I find . . . Cascade 220 just in and organized on the shelves - 55 colors!! Trekking XXL sock yarn which I have been looking everywhere for in about 8 different colorways. Frog Tree fingering weight yarn that feels absolutely scrumptious in several colors. Handpainted sock yarn by a local person that is just beautiful. Addi Turbo needles. Noro. And more that I can't even remember. Did I walk out with just the 2 circular needles I needed? I think not. . . . . :)

Where's my mate??????

2006-03-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

Oh, how I love this sock! After completing a pair of socks, using the Glad Ragg pattern from the 6 sock KAL, and using beads, I just HAD to see how this same pattern would look without beads, using this yarn from Opal (Petticoat). The colors are marvelous, the striping came out just right and it fits great - just needs a mate. Never fear, sock, I'll cast on your mate today. My DH checks out all my work, but gave me a funny look when I said I was actually going to wear this sock. He should know, I've been into "fun" socks for several years - why not make them myself?! I used size 0 and size 1 dpns and cast on 72 stitches, just right for my foot!

It's a Pair!

2006-03-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

My Glad Raggs are done!!! I made it in plenty of time for the deadline, even. I'm somewhat of an ADD knitter, so I had to suppress the urge to keep working on other projects at the same time and just get these finished. Glad (no pun intended) that I did because it's cold and going to get colder this week here in Southern California and I can wear them! Jawoll wool which knits up beautifully and beads. Fancy/casual socks - so much fun to wear.

I love wool!

Christine's Bag

2006-02-25T13:42:00.000-08:00

Felted, shaved lightly, and finished! This is the third time I've used the My Little Companion pattern - it just plain knits up and felts great! This one ended up about 6 1/4 inches tall (without the handles) and 8 1/2 inches wide at the base - such a practical size. Christine keeps score for the church league basketball that my hubby plays on every Monday night. I don't know her very well but have seen her and talked with her a couple of times when I went along to watch the guys play. She was really interested in another bag I was knitting at the time. When dear hubby suggested that it would be nice if I could make her a bag, the stash came to the rescue. I just happened to have these yarns in my cupboard that would be perfect for her bag! Thank you for your dedication to the weekly basketball, Christine - hope you enjoy this little surprise!

This is Christine's Bag before felting. I used Paton's Classic Wool in a denim blue heathery shade and Noro Kureyon in a light pastel colorway with colors from turquoise to pink to green and cream. I'm happy with how the color blended, but yet the Noro added some life to the bag.

Glad Raggs Progress . . . .

2006-02-24T08:21:00.000-08:00

Knitting with beads - slow but wonderful. After starting this sock with 252 beads prestrung, knitting a while and then making many unfixable mistakes, I frogged it and started over. I wasn't about to restring the beads, so I used the "crochet hook" method of applying beads the second time and didn't put quite as many on. Result - - I love it! I actually like the way the beads sit on the yarn better with this method, also.

Completed first glad raggs sock! It even fits. The yarn is Lang Jawoll (75% wool) in a color called grey marl. It actually looks light denim and will be perfect with my jeans! Handknit socks are so comfortable. Since Spring is just around the corner, I have already casted on and started the second sock so I can wear them before it's too warm! This sock was designed by Laura Anderson for the Six-Sock Knitalong. To learn more about the knitalong, click on the six-sock KAL button on the right.

Turquoise Socks Done!!!

2006-02-20T08:19:00.000-08:00

I finally abstained from working on any other projects last night until I had finished the second sock of this pair -- I want to wear them before winter is over here in Southern California. In fact, it's cold right now so soon . . . . . smile! These are knit from Lang Jawoll washable wool (75%) and nylon and I am told that this yarn softens up and washes nicely. I think I'm hooked on knitting socks . . . watch out other projects!

Park City Snowmobiling

2006-02-18T14:25:00.000-08:00

Was this ever fun!! This was the first time we've ever been on a snowmobile and I loved it! We each drove our own machine all over this 13,000 acre ranch in Park City, Utah, for 2 hours - up and down hills, around corners, high elevation, low valleys, and play areas where we could really zoom around. Our guide told us that it's possible to get them up to about 60 miles an hour and I thought - - "NO WAY!" But after playing with it for a while and getting comfortable, I actually had mine up to almost 40 miles per hour - whew!! I'd love to do this again soon. . . .

Here's the pack - Back row - dear hubby left and then me. Front row - our 7 year old nephew, Skyler, and Sarah and Montie (hubby's brother). They live in Park City and invited us to come up to visit - they were great hosts and we had a wonderful time. I'm sure we'll go back again and also want to "check it out" in the summertime.

Blogger absenteeism . . . .

2006-02-17T12:36:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that it's been so long since I've posted and I promise to catch up this weekend. We've been everywhere and doing everything. I actually have a couple of projects that I will be finishing or have far enough along to post this weekend - pix, too. Last weekend we went to visit my husband's brother in Park City, Utah! Such fun - snowmobiling for the first time. What an adventure . . .and soooo much colder than Southern California!!

My Word Cloud . . . . .

2006-02-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

Surprise, surprise - - most of the words have to do with knitting - I guess that's because it's a knitting blog! Duhhh... If you want to try it, click here and then click on "custom". Have fun!!!

I got Tagged!

2006-01-21T14:47:00.000-08:00

I got tagged by Roxanne for the latest meme. Sorry, Roxanne, that it took me a while to come up with this. Made me think . . . .

1. 4 jobs you've had in your life:

a. Private Country Club Controller (current)
b. Bookkeeper
c. Executive Secretary
d. File Clerk ( a very LONG time ago)

2. 4 movies you could watch over and over:

a. Walk the Line
b. Regarding Henry
c. Seabiscuit
d. not sure . . . .

3. 4 places you have lived:

a. Southern California (for too long . . .)
b. Northern California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (great)
c. Lake Orion, Michigan
d. Rochester, Michigan (I grew up here)

4. 4 TV shows you love to watch:

a. American Idol
b. CSI
c. 24
d. Cold Case

5. 4 places you have been on vacation:

a. Kauai, Hawaii
b. Big Island, Hawaii
c. Maui, Hawaii
d. Northern Michigan

6. 4 of your favorite foods:

a. Fresh Salmon
b. Opakapaka (fish)
c. Fruit
d. Chocolate

7. 4 bloggers I'm tagging:

If you haven't been tagged and you would like to do this,
consider yourself tagged!!

Standing in the Shadow of Love Socks

2006-01-19T12:24:00.000-08:00

Since I love KAL's and I have a new love of knitting socks, I just had to join the Six Sock Knit-a-Long recently. This is the sock for December/January - called "Standing in the Shadow of Love". I am doing this one in Fortissima Socka yarn on size 1 needles. The sock patterns are designed by members of the knit-a-long and we do a pair of socks every 2 months - hence the name Six Socks (6 pairs per year). This is by far one of the most challenging items I've ever done, but love it. I will have to force myself to do the second sock - the new pattern is coming out on February 1st and I'm only one sock into the current project. You can only guess what I am doing every evening and on the weekend.

Most Comfortable Socks I've Worn!

2006-01-19T12:21:00.000-08:00

These, by far, have to be the most comfortable socks I've ever put on my feet! My daughter tried one on and just the "ohhhhhhhh" sound came out of her mouth. That was followed by, "you have to help me get started knitting socks!" I am now hooked on hand knitted socks and can't stop thinking about it, about color combinations, yarns, patterns, etc. Thanks to my SP6 secret pal Liz, I've got a new direction in knitting! Oh yeah, this pair is knitted with Hollyspring Homespun sock yarn on size 5 dpns. It's 100% merino wool and soooo very soft!

It's Done!

2006-01-10T19:03:00.000-08:00

I love this bag!! It turned out just the size I hoped ( 7 1/2 " wide by 6 1/2" tall by 5" deep) and the colors stayed muted and blended. My only problem was finding a box or firm object the right size to form and dry it on. After a light shaving, I'm ready to use it tomorrow. The combination of Cascade 220 and Noro Kureyon blends and felts extremely well - nice and firm, sturdy and thick. My DH still wants to take a few of my bags to "school" to show his teachers. Guess I'll have to put a collection together and set them by the front door. My only requirement is that he bring them right back as I use them daily. It's off make a little dinner, do a load of laundry, and then sit down to work on my two current projects - another bag and my second sock. Later.

Yea - Gift Certificates!!

2006-01-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

We finished our family Christmas today - this year was really strange with everyone going everywhere - so we planned to meet again today and finish visiting and exchanging gifts. I pulled out all the stops and made a roast and all the fixings. My daughters both gave me gift certificates for yarn shopping. One is to a store called Common Threads in Encinitas. We plan to all go there in a couple of weeks. The other one is to Knit Picks. What fun this will be!!!

We also celebrated my granddaughter's 9th birthday today - with lemon meringue pie and presents. We had Jessie and her little brother over night and she helped me make her birthday pie. What a sweet girl. Being her grandma is the most fun in the world!!!

A Bag in the Making

2006-01-08T19:09:00.000-08:00

This bag is felting as I post this pix. I made a bag for a good friend for Christmas and I really liked it when it was finished. In order to not be tempted to keep it, I promised myself that I would make one for me after Christmas. Here is is . . . .it's made with Noro Kureyon, color number 150 which is soft greens, along with Cascade 220 in a soft heathery green. The two blend really well and when felted, should be subtle. I used the "My Little Companion" pattern - it's the perfect size for every day. I'm now thinking about bags I can make in different colors to go with different outfits - such fun! Wow - I just checked on the felting process and the zippered pillow case I put the bag and I-cord handles in came unzipped and the bag and straps were out in the washer! Never had that happen before. Felting's not done - will post a pix when bag is felted and dry.

This Sock is Comfortable!

2006-01-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

This is my first regular sock - made from yarn sent to me by my secret pal, Liz. It's 100% Merino Wool by Hollyspring Homespun and it's really soft and comfortable - both to knit with and wear! I'm starting the second sock tonight as I want to wear them - they are so comfortable!!! This particular pattern uses yarn that is a light worsted weight and size 5 needles. It knits up fast and they fit perfectly!!! Love them, Liz.

First Pair of Socks Completed

2006-01-08T19:02:00.000-08:00

To avoid the SSS (second sock syndrome) I forced myself to make the second sock of this pair before going on to another pair. Perfect for little footies to wear around the house. I've decided that I really enjoy doing socks - they are a small project, can go quickly and fun to wear! These were made from Lane Cervinia in a pattern called "Forever Jacquard" from Italy. The only thing I'm afraid of is that the sock addiction might take hold and keep me from some of the other projects I've started.

My First Completed Sock!

2005-12-22T14:56:00.000-08:00

Yea - I did it! I went in to my LYS where I took the sock class and had the teacher help me with the Kitchener Stitch. I was totally intimidated with the Kitchener, but after she helped me do the toe of this sock - it's easy. I have some beautiful sock yarns that my secret pal 6 gave me, but I'm forcing myself to do another one of these so I have a pair - it does actually fit! Then it's on to the nice yarns that Liz sent me. It's true when they say that socks are addicting. . .

Christmas Exchange Gift

2005-12-22T14:40:00.000-08:00

Guess who ended up with this family exchange gift? Because we have a very large family - 50 of us when everyone is present - females bring a gift for a female and males for male. Then we play a game where a story is read and every time the word "right" is mentioned, we pass the gifts to the right. When "left" is mentioned, you guessed it - they go to the left. The game goes really fast and the gifts end up who knows where. If a male gets a female gift, someone just trades with him, etc. My own daughter who has learned to do felted bags and has done a few for Christmas gifts this year ended up with this gift. I also put some bath and body stuff in the package. Not a problem - her favorite color is purple and she loved it. The actual color of the finished bag is more like the purple in the pre-felting picture. I couldn't get the post-felting picture to come out the right purple.

Knit with a double strand of yarn, one strand Noro Kureyon and one strand Lamb's Pride - love that combination! Pattern is from the Pursenalities book and relatively easy to do. Felting took about 20 minutes in the washer and 3 or 4 days to dry as it's been a little cool.

My First Sock Progress

2005-12-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

I'm getting there! My goal is to get down to the toe so I can go back in to my LYS and have the teacher show me how to graft the toe and finish the sock. This has not been as hard as I thought and I even think that this sock might fit me. If so, I have enough of the yarn to make a second one and even wear them!! My secret pal sent me two beautiful skeins of sock yarn and a couple of patterns. Once this beginning (learning) pair is done, it's off to the good stuff.

Organize or Knit ????

2005-12-14T09:10:00.000-08:00

My main "stash closet" was overflowing, I had no more room to put any new purchases and my room was a mess! I also wanted to work on two projects, one of which is a Christmas present. My DH was going to be home late last night due to a meeting, so, the evening was mine!!! What to do?? Organization had to come first - I couldn't stand it. I purchased two of those plastic under the bed storage bins and cleaned some things out of this closet that I am not currently using (but still want to keep) and hid them away under our bed. What do you know - - I created more room for yarn, etc. This is the result - it's still not perfect, but out of the way (when the doors are closed) and my room is neater. No more yarn shopping for a while, I promise! By the way, my DH put these closets in for me about 2 years ago to help keep all of my "stuff" organized. Isn't he great?

I also decided to reorganize the side bar on my blog - check it out! When all was done, I still had a little time to knit before getting horizontal for the night.

Sock it to Me!

2005-12-11T21:04:00.000-08:00

I took a sock knitting class today at Bourgee Boutique in Claremont and I think I will enjoy adding socks to my repertoire of knitted items. I was able to get about half way done with my first sock (I had to leave class early to go the Stitch Cafe open house mentioned in the previous post). Shop owner, Gina, is so gracious - she invited me to come back one evening and she will help me finish the sock since I had to leave early. I'll post a picture soon.

Stitch Cafe Holiday Open House

2005-12-11T20:43:00.000-08:00

Holiday Open House at one of our favorite places - the Stitch Cafe in North Hollywood. Of course we had to come from far and wide to spend a couple of hours together shopping, eating, shopping, laughing, shopping, thinking about projects, shopping, colors, shopping, etc. When it was all said and done, we probably broke the bank, but came away with wonderful yarns for projects and fun - also made new friends. This was Melissa and Kelly's first trip to the Stitch Cafe and the first time Melissa, Christy and I met Kelly. It was also Melissa and Janet's first time to meet. Kelly was Melissa's stitch marker swap secret pal and we have all blogged back and forth. How nice to finally meet and have an evening of fun. Shop owner, Lisi, (dressed in black and white in picture) did a great job with this open house - besides shopping, we enjoyed great food and entertainment around a fire pit. We had actually checked out and paid for our purchases, but somehow sitting around the firepit with food allowed us to think about more projects and yarns we wanted to work with, soooo, you guessed it - another trip through the store and checkstand before we finally forced ourselves to leave and make the long trek home.

This was a great opportunity and much fun to spend a few hours with my daughters, sharing a common interest. Melissa on the left, Christy on the right and a proud mom in the middle! Papa Taylor so graciously offered to take care of the grandkids, Jessie and Jared, so Melissa could have a "girls night out". We talked about the possibility of all of us getting together some time soon to knit and work on our projects and of course talk, talk, talk. Maybe we could find some place in the middle since we are really spread out and spend a few hours some time. This was a night to remember and lots of fun in the middle of the holidays!

Another Knit-a-Long!

2005-12-07T09:30:00.000-08:00

OK, I'm a sucker for knit-a-longs. Actually, this one grabbed me because it looked quick and easy and I love how different it is. Also, I had 2 balls of Rowan Wool Cotton in a really nice plummy burgundy color that was beckoning me (just the perfect amount for the scarf, too). After casting on 180 stitches and then doing 2 more rows, one of which doubled the number of stitches, I realized that this is not going to be so quick. . . . it took me 2 1/2 hours just to get this far. Ouch! The Rowan Wool Cotton has a really nice feel and I think I'll be able to wear it around my neck just fine (a little sensitive to anything being right on my neck). Pattern is from Knit Picks and if interested in more information about the pattern or the knit a long, click here.

Christmas Gift Finished

2005-12-07T09:24:00.000-08:00

The special gift is done - ready to mail! I've been dying to work with a fabulous yarn - Muench "Touch Me". It's so soft and luxurious and feels great against the skin. After finishing the bag for my mother, I knew exactly what I would do to try the Touch Me yarn - make a scarf to match - especially since she lives in Michigan. Of course her favorite color is purple (mine, too) and she also has a purple coat. No brainer! The Touch Me was wonderful to work with and didn't "worm" on me at all, which I've been told it can do. After knitting it, I threw it in the washer with some towels on a warm setting and washed it - which I was also told to do by a shop owner. This really scared me because I was afraid I would mess up all my wonderful knitting. It came out of the washer small and hard (sort of felted). But then, as I was instructed, I threw it in the dryer with the towels on medium heat setting and dried it! Wow - it came out the right size and soft and absolutely beautiful!! I'm sure she will love it - maybe she'll let me wear it once the next time I visit her in the winter time!! Ha-ha! After working with that, I just have to make something else out of Touch Me!! Oh - the pattern I used for the scarf was a reversible sort of rib pattern called the "Farrow Rib". It's a free pattern I got off the web and I can't even remember where I pulled it from. So, here are the directions. The pattern is a multiple of 3 + 1. Striving for about a 6 to 7" width of scarf, cast on 25, 28, 31, 34 or how ever many stitches, in a multiple of 3 +1, it will take to get correct width. Row 1 - *K2, P1*, repeat to end of row, ending with K1. Row 2 - P1, *K2, P1*, repeat K2, P1 to end of row. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 to desired length of scarf. For this scarf I used size 8 needles. This is really easy to memorize and comes out beautiful!!! And - it is absolutely reversible!!!

Lucy Bag

2005-12-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

This is a gift for my secret pal - I don't think she knows who I am yet and won't see this until I reveal myself and give her my blog address. I knit this Lucy Bag out of Plymouth Galway in three shades of green - her favorite color. It was done single stranded with size 10 1/2 needles and felted really firmly and quickly. Interesting bag - would be great to tote some "stuff" around, etc. I hope she likes it - one can never have too many bags or totes. I even plan to make one for myself soon - so many projects on the burner . . . .

Incredible Secret Pal!

2005-12-03T14:52:00.000-08:00

What an unbelieveable secret pal I had. I still don't know who she is, but she promised to reveal herself soon - I hope! Since I mentioned that I was interested in learning how to knit socks, she sent me a great book on sock knitting, two patterns for different socks, with the yarn included to knit the socks, chocolate (yum!), lip balm, bath petals, a little travel pack with shower gel, foot lotion and body lotion and a shower cap (how did she know that we like to travel a lot), another fabric little travel bag filled with other travel essentials, and three sets of double pointed needles - perfect for the socks!

Wow, it sure was fun to go to the post office this morning and pick up the package, and then bring it home and open it as fast as I could to see what she sent. It's an awesome feeling to have someone who you don't even know spoil you like this, and I have also had fun spoiling my secret pal - - her package is going out tomorrow. THANK YOU secret pal! You are truly awesome and I hope you reveal yourself soon so I can thank you some more!

Christmas Gift for Someone Special!

2005-11-26T13:48:00.000-08:00

Here she is, ready to mail. I'm extremely pleased with how this came out - the combination of the Lamb's Pride and the Manos felted quickly and wonderfully. The colors stayed true and the bag came out firm and with lot's of body. The finished size is 8" wide by 7" tall by 2 1/2 " deep - just perfect for my mother who doesn't need to carry very many things with her anymore. I'm also working on a purple scarf made out of Muench Touch Me to go with it - she lives in Michigan!! Wonderful pattern for anyone who has the book Pursenalities. By the way, I also heard from a yarn shop owner down in Palm Springs earlier this week that the author is coming out with Pursenalities #2 after the first of the year!! Yippee . . . .

I found this pattern in the Pursenalities book and thought it looked just right for my mom. I just happened to have a skein of Lamb's Pride Worsted in Clematis and a skein of Manos del Uruguay in color # 103 which is a purple and blue variegated with a little magenta thrown in occasionally. These are all her favorite colors and "wala" this bag came out just perfect. Knit double stranded on size 15 circular needle. The body of the bag was one strand of Lamb's Pride and one strand of the Manos. The flap and handle were double stranded Lamb's Pride.

It's a Hat!

2005-11-26T13:41:00.000-08:00

I love this hat! It was so easy to make and felted really quickly and well. A plastic bowl that I found in my cupboard was just the perfect size and shape to form it over and dry. I've discovered that it can be worn several ways, flap up, flap down, on top of the head, in back of the head, etc. It fits me sort of on top and back on my head, and it fits my granddaughter so wonderfully coming down more on her head. In fact, she placed an order for one in pink! The yarn was a single strand of Wool of the Andes in Hollyberry from Knitpicks, and carried along with it was a single strand of Sock Landscape in Redwood Forest also by Knitpicks. Of course I've ordered more in other colors as I like the way it knits up and felts! The pattern is a free pattern on the Knitpicks site.

What is this????

2005-11-13T14:47:00.000-08:00

Can you guess what it is? I tried my hand at knitting something other than a bag, but something that I could still felt ( that old addiction, you know ). It's now felted and drying and I'm pleased with how it turned out. I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes single stranded and carried a single strand of Knit Picks Sock Landscape (a really nice merino wool in a fingering weight) along with it. The felting took only about 10 minutes and I'm really glad that I checked it a couple of times early on as it went so fast. Is it a bowl??? Is it a hat??? The mystery will be solved when I post the finished product - as soon as it's dry! And yes, I plan to make more. . . .

Charcoal /Black Bucket Bag

2005-11-13T14:44:00.000-08:00

Another stash buster bag - this one used just one skein of Paton's Classic Wool in black and one skein of Noro Silk Garden, color number 201 which is kind of muted colors with a lot of charcoal in it. I used the Pink Lady bag pattern again and left off the tab, as I like it to be open on the top. The Bernat Lana made it felt nice and firm. After a little shaving (Silk Garden is fuzzy), I have another bag! My husband remarked yesterday, "You're going to have to start selling bags or giving them away as you have so many. How many do you have now, anyway?" I told him that so far I have used all that I have made except one. Ha-ha!

Blue Striped Bag

2005-11-13T14:39:00.000-08:00

Here she is felted! It actually still took quite a while to felt, but turned out nicely and the colors stayed very true. It also felted quite firmly and stiffly so this will be a bag that can hold it's own, that's for sure. Finished size ended up 10" wide by 6" tall and 4" deep. Again, thank you secret pal for the beautiful yarns you sent!

After felting a project with yarn sent by my secret pal where I used that yarn exclusively, I decided to try adding to another type yarn and carrying the two together to see if it would felt faster. Since the yarn was a beautiful royal blue with little tiny flecks of other colors in it, I decided to clean up some of my stash and combined it with some royal blue Cascade 220 I had left and then switch and combine it with some navy blue Bernat Lana 100% wool yarn. I used the
My Little Companion pattern and just switched and designed the colors as I went. The pattern was actually quite easy and could be adapted by using several different types and colors of yarn for that "one of a kind" look.

Rose Bag KAL

2005-11-09T15:04:00.000-08:00

I just joined a Rose Bag Knit-a-Long! I've had the pattern for this wonderful rose basket type of bag for quite some time and have been fascinated with it - even to the point of purchasing the yarn for the project and rolling it into balls. Now it sits . . . . . I was so delighted to come across this knit-a-long today as that is just what I needed to inspire me to not only get going, but finish the project as well (I understand that it's not the easiest project in the world). Anyway, I'm always up to a good challenge.

Navy Carry Bag in Process

2005-10-30T17:45:00.000-08:00

I made myself a small tote bag to carry around smaller projects, but didn't have something larger for more "stuff". I found this pattern while shopping at Yarn Lady one day and knew it would be perfect. This has taken a while to knit as it uses 4 skeins of Cascade 220, double stranded. I felted the bag portion today (took almost 3 trips through the wash cycle) and now it's drying. The strap will get done whenever - it's one strand of Cascade 220 and one strand of Koigu Kersti carried along with it. Love that yarn! Since it has to be 12 feet (yes, 12 feet) long, it will take a while and whenever it's done, I'll felt it then attach it to the bag. The strap actually goes underneath the bottom of the bag for additional support and the bottom of the bag is a double layer so that a piece of plastic canvas can be slipped between the 2 layers to add support. Hope it works!

Grey Alpaca Sweater

2005-10-30T17:39:00.000-08:00

I purchased two large skeins (about 1300 yards in all) of some wonderful charcoal grey 100% alpaca from Heritage Spinning and Weaving in Lake Orion, Michigan, while I was there visiting my parents. The yarn is about DK or sport weight and very soft. After trying a couple of things, I have decided that I need to knit with it so that it has a little more body and have started this sweater that is actually a pattern (after the 2 x 2 ribbing) of knit 1 purl 1 on the knit row and straight purling on the purl row. It creates a little bit more texture and body to the finished product. The pattern I'm making is a short sleeved cardigan with a low (but not too low) rounded neckline. Since I'm using size 6 needles, this will take a while! Will post finished sweater whenever I eventually get it done!

Stash Buster Bag

2005-10-30T17:34:00.000-08:00

Finished product! I didn't pay attention really well when I felted the first Pink Lady Bag I made and it shrunk down really small. Sooo - this time I paid closer attention and pulled this bag out of the washer before it was too small. I love the way that the colors muted and melded together. This felting addiction is here to stay, I think. My dear husband has shown my blog to some of the women he works with (he is an elementary school principal) and now he wants to take the bags I have made to school and "show and tell". I told him that would be fine, as long as he brings them right back home (as I use them!)

I had one skein of Cascade 220 in this beautiful purple color, and two skeins of Noro Kureyon that blended well with it. After searching my patterns, I decided to do a variation of the Pink Lady Bag (without the tab closure and made the handle a little longer and finished it off differently). I started the bottom of the bag with the Cascade double stranded. Then dropped one strand of the Cascade and picked up 1 strand of the Noro and carried it along with 1 strand of the Cascade until reaching the top. Then I switched back to double stranding the Cascade and knit the handles until I ran out of yarn. Perfect!

Small Green Bowl

2005-10-30T17:27:00.000-08:00

Here is the bowl after felting - it holds it's shape nicely, but wow - - - did it ever take a long time to felt! After felting it's quite fuzzy, but for this bowl, it looks neat and unique that way. I added a strand of a metallic gold in the last 3 rows I knitted before doing the i-cord bind off and then the ruffle. It kind of gets lost in the fuzz, etc., but you can see it and it does add a little interest.

I thought I would try my hand at knitting a small bowl (pattern from Carol in my felted bag KAL group) with yarn I received from my secret pal. The amount of yarn I had was almost perfect for the bowl, only about a yard or so left over! I'm not sure of the brand or anything as she said she purchased it at a fiber festival on the east coast, but it was 100% wool, so I was pretty sure that it would felt.

Bag of Many Colors

2005-10-16T15:38:00.000-07:00

The bag is dry! I probably wouldn't have designed the colors of this bag the way it came out (but I was attempting to use up some stash), however, I'm happy with it and it's really something different than I normally would make. I guess I'm trying to step out of the box a little. The pattern calls for the top band to be turned down, but I plan to leave it up as I like it better that way on this particular bag. I shaved it just a little and left a little bit of the fuzziness on it. I'm thinking that I might get a few turquoise beads and embellish it right under the turquoise band to give it more of a southwestern look. Just have to find the right beads. The felting took about 25 minutes and blended the colors nicely. We'll see what the girls at the office say tomorrow. . . . .

Super Secret Pal

2005-10-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

Look at what I discovered this morning! Apparently this package came from my secret pal yesterday and my dear hubby forgot to tell me about it. He just put it in "my room" and we went off to our niece's volleyball game. I didn't see it until this morning when I "happened" to go in that room before going to work. I debated on whether to open it this AM or wait until tonight - obviously curiosity got the best of me. What a great secret pal - thank you, thank you, thank you! The yarn is 100% wool for felting and I love the colors. A funny thing about the patterns; I had just visited that website yesterday and found these same two patterns and really liked them. Rather than pay to download them right then, I bookmarked the website so I could go back later and spend a little more time looking and then purchase them. Now I don't have to! And the goodies she sent are my favorites! The Mint Milano cookies will get opened tomorrow night when 3 girlfriends come over to play cards. Thank you again, secret pal, you're the greatest!

Bag of Many Colors

2005-10-12T19:42:00.000-07:00

Bag of Many Colors (or Southwestern Bag because of the colors and finished look) is felting as I write this post. Attempting to use up some of my stash (to make room for new yarn, of course) I selected a skein of Cascade 220, color # 4008, which is a neat brick red, grabbed a portion of a left over ball of Lamb's Pride in a shade of turquoise, and added a skein of Noro Kureyon, color # 163, to bring it all together. I knit the bulk of the bag on a size 15 circular needle, carrying a single strand of the Cascade along with a single strand of the Noro. Then I switched to a double strand of the Lamb's Pride for the band around the top, which will fold down when felted. The I-cord handle was knit with a double strand of the Cascade on size 13 double pointeds. The whole thing only took 2 evenings. I've used this pattern before from the Knit One, Felt Too book and really like the finished product. It's almost done felting and I will post a picture of the finished bag when it's dry.

I was so excited to see a large envelope in my mail today which was supposed to contain two pattern booklets I ordered off the web for Manos Cotton Stria yarn, only to find that the supplier sent me the wrong booklets. They sent booklets for using the Manos wool yarn and I don't really care for the patterns. Sooo, a quick email should fix the problem (I hope) and I will have to be patient as the correct booklets work their way through the postal system. I saw the Manos Cotton Stria yarn at a yarn shop and just loved the look and feel of it and a finished sweater they had on display. The stash is ever growing, even though I keep digging into it and making things!

Stitch Markers from SMS Secret Pal

2005-10-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

I received my stitch markers from my third stitch marker swap secret pal! Here they are - all the way from North Carolina! Thank you secret pal!

Vintage Bubble Bag Bottom and more . . .

2005-10-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

To answer "anonymous" who asked a question about the bottom of the Vintage Bubble Bag: I finished the bottom just as the pattern called for and it did make kind of a line across the bottom. When I stuffed it to dry, I pulled it really hard and stuffed it hard on the bottom in order to try to "flatten" it out somewhat. It ended up with the bottom being OK and it will stand up on it's own. I have thought that if I make another one, I will finish the bottom a little differently - trying to make it rounder or at least eliminate the line at the bottom.

I'm currently working on a tote bag that I think I will really like. It has a nice large, flat bottom that you insert a plastic piece in to give it stability. Knitting it with Cascade 220, navy blue, double stranded and the handle is actually a strap that's felted separately and then sewn onto the bag - going up both sides and across the bottom, which will give it strength, I hope. The strap is out of one strand of Cascade 220 in a purple shade with a strand of Koigu wool carried with it that is a variegated of shades of blue, including navy, and purple.

I'm also working on finishing two tank tops, just have a little left to sew them together - why don't I like finishing as well as I like knitting???? Then - I'm almost done with the front of another short sleeve sweater I'm making out of a really nice Elizabeth Levold wool/silk combo. Then there are the sleeves and sewing together. If I'd just get the finishing touches done on these three - I'd have 3 more sweaters/tops to wear!

I went to a fabulous yarn shop with my daughter last Saturday called Common Threads in Encinitas. Besides being 1 block from the beach, it was in a really fun area to shop, and it was a beautiful day. We stayed there 1 1/2 hours and her kids (my grandchildren, of course) were angels. They carefully looked around the store and checked out the yarns, feeling them and oohing and aahing just like we were. That deserved a trip to the ice cream store across the street when we were done! I purchased a yarn I have been looking for a long time called "Denim Silk" by Berroco. Love it, love it, love it! I've already got it wound into balls and am trying to decide between 2 or 3 patterns. I discovered another yarn I immediately fell in love with called Manos Cotton Stria. Wow! Fantastic feel (really soft) and wonderful colors. I don't know how I kept myself from buying some, but I did. Have to have it, though. Maybe on my next trip to visit the kids!

Secret Pal Stitch Markers

2005-09-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

I love my stitch markers from my secret pal from Belgium! Two are made for small needles and two are made for larger needles and they came packaged in this neat little magnetic note pad. Thank you, secret pal - you rock!

Blue Jeans Bag

2005-09-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

Blue Jeans Bag after felting. The finished bag really does look like denim - the color stayed true and the bag felted up firm. Even though I felted it down as far as I could, the stitches are barely visible if one looks close. The finished size is 8 1/2 inches across the body of the bag and 5 1/2 inches tall at the body. If one wanted to carry a lot of "stuff", the pattern would have to be enlarged or felted less. Endless possibilities with this pattern for colors and altering (handles shorter, longer, etc.)

I loved knitting with this yarn - Cascade 220, color number 9414 - a denim blue. The yarn is plied with a lighter denim and a darker denim. I used the Pink Lady Pattern that I purchased from Noble Knits and just changed the color. A great pattern! It knits up fast and easy and I can already see so many different variations. I knit this double stranded on size 15 needles - aaaaaand - there is no I'cord! The handles are made by knitting up the sides and then joining at the top with the Kitchener Stitch (which I am still trying to get comfortable with).

In the Mail Today . . .

2005-09-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

I just received the stitch markers from my Stitch Marker Swap Secret Pal - all the way from Belgium! They are beautiful. They also came with a nice little magnetic note pad - adorable. I'll take a picture tomorrow in the daylight and post it for all to see! Thank you, Secret Pal!!!

Teal & Black Bag

2005-09-11T16:19:00.000-07:00

Post Felting

The felting process went pretty quickly, but boy was the Lamb's Pride ever FUZZY! Fortunately I had it inside a zippered pillow cover because when I checked it the first time, there were several large clumps of fuzz inside the bag. It took about 25 minutes to felt and quite a while to dry, and it ended up nice and thick and sturdy. Since I don't like FUZZY on my finished bags, I shaved, shaved, and shaved some more (inside and out). Finished size is 9" at bottom by 9" tall, excluding the handle. Perfect size! So many different looks could come from this basic pattern - let's see, what's next???

Pre-Felting

This bag knit up really fast - two short evenings. If I'd have had enough time in one evening to do it, I think that would have worked. The pattern was from the book "Knit One, Felt Too" by Kathleen Taylor and in the book it's called "Scallops and Beads". I used the basic knit pattern but changed the color and omitted the beads. Trying to use some things in my stash, I selected Lamb's Pride Worsted for the teal portion (double stranded with one strand of the color spruce and one strand of the color pine shadows) and I'm happy with the mottled look. I used Plymouth Galway in black for the top portion. Knit on size 15 circular needles for bag and size 13 double pointed for the I-cord strap. The strap is attached inside the bag and the top portion very conveniently rolls down toward the outside.

SP6 Questionnaire

2005-09-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

1. Yarn Snob? Yes, I guess you could say that I am. After I tried the better, more pricey yarns, I have had a hard time using the lesser expensive brands - there is a difference in quality. I don't use Red Heart or Lion Brands and pretty much purchase yarn at yarn shops or over the internet.

2. Spin/Crochet? I have not taken up spinning yet, but I do know how to crochet, although I prefer knitting.

3. Allergies? No

4. How long knitting? I have knit off and on for several years, more off than on. Although, VERY on in the last 9 months!

5. Amazon or online wish lists? Not at this time.

6. Favorite scent? I guess you could say floral and/or fruity.

7. Sweet tooth? Oh Yea! My favorite is chocolate, but I unfortunately like all things sweet!

8. Other crafts? I am an amateur photographer and I have also done scrapbooking, although I'm not scrapbooking at the moment.

9. Favorite music? Country, easy listening. I don't think I can play MP3's, only CD's and DVD's.

10. Favorite color? Plum. I prefer the purple, plum, blue, green pallette. My home is predominately light gold, plum, olive green, beige. I don't like orange and don't do much with red.

11. Family situation? Married, no pets. I have two married daughters and 2 grandchildren.

12. Life dreams? That's a hard one. I want to live my life pleasing to God, be a good role model to my grandchildren, family, and co-workers, and I hope to retire in the next 6 or 7 years and be able to spend more time with family, friends, church, etc.

13. Favorite yarns? Cascade 220, Lamb's Pride Worsted, Plymouth Galway, Blue Sky Alpaca, I love to felt! Also like cotton yarns.

14. Fibers I don't like? Acrylic or really wild, funky yarns. I do like to use some novelty yarns, but not too crazy.

15. Knitting obsession? Felting.

16. Favorite items to knit? Felted bags, easy sweaters, ponchos.

17. Knitting right now? Bag for felting, short sleeve pull-over sweater, poncho, shawl.

18. Ponchos? I like ponchos if they aren't too wild and crazy. I like wraps, also.

19. Straight or circular needles? It depends on the project, I like both equally well.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I've been using more and more bamboo needles.

21. Sock knitter? I haven't tackled a pair of socks yet, but I am very interest in it and have almost purchased supplies for socks a couple of times.

22. Learn to knit? Taught myself.

23. UFO? Not sure what you mean here.

24. Favorite animated character or animal/bird? I don't have a favorite animated character. For animal or bird, I would have to say hummingbird.

25. Favorite holiday? Christmas.

26. Collect? Dragonflies.

27. Knitting magazine subscriptions I have? Creative knitting, Vogue Knitting, Cast On.

28. Books I would like? A good sock knitting instruction and pattern book. Also would like the new Rowan book called "Classic Knits for Real Women". I think that the smallest sizes in this book would fit me - I really like some of the patterns in this book.

29. Patterns? No patterns I'm craving right now.

Mom's Bag

2005-09-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

Finished, Felted and Shaved!
Wow! Did this ever need to be shaved. The Noro Silk Garden is 45% silk, 45% kid mohair, and 10% lamb's wool. I am told that it will only felt when carried with another 100% wool that felts. I am sure that it was the mohair that caused the fuzziness - plus, there were these little strings sticking out all over the place from the Silk Garden. After about 45 minutes of shaving, clipping, shaking, shaving again, clipping again and then vacuming (yes vacuming with the wand of my big vacume cleaner) it is just beautiful. The only thing left to do is attach a fastener, probably a magnetic one, as that will be the easiest for my mother to open and close and will help keep her "stuff" in the bag. These are her favorite colors, so I can hardly wait for her reaction at Christmas. One Christmas gift done . . . . . how many more to go???

Mom's Bag Before Felting
This was also very beautiful before felting, but was long and flimsy. Felting sure does the trick. This is the Vintage Bubble Bag out of the Pursenalities book, made just as the directions called for. I used one strand of Cascade 220 in a beautiful Royal Blue, color number was 7818, and carried along one strand of Noro Silk Garden, color number 232, a multi blue, purple and green. The very top is Cascade 220 double stranded with no Noro and the handles are a 5 stitch I-cord, single stranded Cascade. It actually took quite a while to felt it, probably because of the Silk Garden - the Cascade had to do all the work of the felting. If I remember correctly, it took about 45 minutes of agitation in hot water before it was the way I wanted it. I stuffed it with several old small rag towels and plastic to shape it and just sat it aside to dry. Ooala! I am certainly addicted to this felted thing. I have the yarn to make one for myself in some yummy greys, blues and mauves, but I think I will cut the pattern down and make it just a little smaller for me.

On the Needles . . . .

2005-08-28T20:48:00.000-07:00

Started a project for my mother today for Christmas. She loves blues and purples and I found this lucious royal blue Cascade 220 and some Noro Silk Garden in a variety of blues and purples. I am combining them to knit her a purse (The Bubble Bag) for Christmas. I also plan to make her a scarf in Royal Blue to go with it. I'm sure it will get some wear as she lives in Michigan! Picture posting will follow . . . .

Fall Bag

2005-08-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

After Felting:

Finished product! This yarn (Crystal Place Iceland) felted REALLY fast and REALLY thick and firm. I originally made a 5 stitch I-cord and it came out too thick, so with the yarn I had left, I made a 3 stitch I-cord and it was just right. The colors definitely changed with washing and came out more red. With the right outfit, I think this will be great for the upcoming Fall. I called it my "Fall Bag" because the color progression in the yarn reminds me of Fall - green to a walnut color to a burgundy red.

Before Felting:

I used Crystal Place Iceland (100% wool) for this bag. It's a rather heavy yarn, a lot like Manos del Uruguay, probably even a little thicker. I knit it on a 15" circular needle, single stranded and it shrunk at least 50% during only about 6 - 8 minutes of washing. I think that this yarn would be really good for a bowl or something that a person would want to be really firm and thick - with the ability to stand up on it's own.

Purple Green and Gold Bag

2005-08-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

Here's the bag post felting - I'm pleased with the way it came out. The ladder yarn (Trendsetter) actually looks better after felting and add's an interesting dimension to the yellow stripe. This is a variation of the Booga Bag with binding off in I'cord (which I finally figured out how to do). Knit with Cascade 220 on size 10 1/2 circular needle. Handle is a 3 stitch I'cord, using one strand of purple and one strand of yellow, held together, for the tweedy look.

And now for prefelting . . . . .

Bag prefelting - love the colors. I've been saving this yarn which is leftovers from other projects I've done and when I found the ladder yarn from Trendsetter in just the right colors, I knew right away what I wanted to make. A girl can't have too many bags, can she?

2 Rib Scarf

2005-08-21T17:05:00.000-07:00

I made this scarf while I was in Michigan in May - it's knitted from one strand of a Katia ribbon yarn (a sort of khaki green) called Sevilla and one strand of a carry along yarn (Katia Gatsby) that was hand dyed gold, green and plum, variegated, which is sparkly. I knit it in a 2 x 2 rib so that it has a lot of body. I definitely will wait until colder weather to wear it - something really different - picture doesn't do it justice. By the way, this yarn had a mind of it's own, so the 2 x 2 rib helped it have a little form and substance.

SP Stitch Markers

2005-08-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you secret pal for the stitch markers. They are perfect for when I use smaller needles - I knit a lot on size 5 to 7 needles and I really like them!

Little Black Bag

2005-08-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

After a wonderful 15 day vacation on Kauai and then getting back into the swing of things at home, I finally finished another felted bag. I wanted a black bag for more dressy occasions, and I wanted it to be small. Well, it's small all right - measures 6" wide and 5" tall, just perfect for a little evening bag. I used one skein of Bernat Lana and did a version of the Booga Bag, only didn't knit the entire 64 rows, only about 50. I then used the rest of the yarn on the I'cord. It felted really fast and really thick and firm - no fuzz! Knit single strand with 10 1/2 circular needles. Does anyone have an idea or suggestion about something I could add to or apply to the bag to "jazz it up" for evening?

Stitch Marker Swap Questionnaire

2005-07-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

To answer the stitch marker swap questions, I like any kind of stitch markers and knit with both small and larger needles. So far the largest I've knit with is size 15. I do a lot between size 5 and 10. I like beaded stitch markers with a little dangle to them - any color. It doesn't matter to me when our secret swap pal is revealed. If the person is going to change each month, then revealing it when sending the markers is fine. I've already made a bunch of beaded markers, so I hope my sp or sp's like them. I do!

Jessie's Bag

2005-07-11T18:00:00.000-07:00

Jessie's bag after felting. It ended up about 4 inches wide, 4 inches deep and about 4 1/2 to 5 inches tall. Just perfect for a sweet 8 year old granddaughter. Knit on size 15 circular needles, I used Cascade 220 - the pink color didn't have a color tag on it, or I lost it. The yellow is color # 8412 and I just used a little bit. I added a little Trendsetter Tootsie above and below the yellow stripe to give a little dimension and fun and I made the handles by combining one strand of the pink and one strand of the yellow in a 3 stitch I-cord. Lot's of fun and easy to make! I hope Jessie likes it!

This is Jessie's bag pre-felting. It's amazing how it changes during felting!

Booga Bag!

2005-07-07T19:56:00.000-07:00

Booga Bag after felting. I was pleased that the colors only faded a little, as I really like them. It took about 25 minutes in the washer, then rinse and about 2 days to dry, stretched over a box. I think I'll be making more of these as they will make great gifts.

Booga Bag before felting. Didn't take too long to make - it was so fun to see the color stripes develop that I just kept knitting and knitting until I had it done. Used Noro Kureyon color # 166 - just a little over 2 skeins. Trying to figure out what I can make or add to with the remaining yarn of the third skein. I used 10 1/2 circular needles and 10 1/2 double pointed.

Stitch Marker Frenzy!

2005-07-04T15:37:00.000-07:00

OK - I admit it -- I went a little crazy. I made all of these stitch markers today - just wanted to get it done in one sitting - now I won't have to worry about it for a while. I'm still trying to decide which two of them I will use on the project I'm taking with me to Hawaii in 12 days! Such a hard decision to make. I'm taking a pale goldish yellow shawl I am making - kind of a lacy pattern and it requires 2 stitch markers. I've had a hard time sticking with this project, but figured if I took it on vacation, whenever I get the urge to knit - that's what will be available and maybe, just maybe I'll get it done!

Purple Lily Bag

2005-07-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

I finished this bag a couple of days ago and sewed the toggle on this morning, walaaa! I love it, as it's a perfect size to carry a small to medium size knitting project in. It's made from Cascade 220. The lighter color of purple is #7810 and the darker purple is #8887. The entire bag is knitted with a single strand and I felted it down a lot, as I wanted it fairly dense. Love the way Cascade knits up and felts! To answer a question by "anonymous" who left a comment - knitted with 10 1/2 circular needle. Thanks for your compliments!

Beaded Stitch Markers

2005-07-04T10:07:00.000-07:00

My daughter and I farmed the grandkids out to the pool with Papa and daddy and quickly sat down to create some beaded stitch markers. The hardest part was choosing which beads to use for each marker - after that, it was easy going. We made several different ones and some sets - these are just two of them. The next day I went to Bakersfield and taught my other daughter how to make them and she made 18 - all different! I plan to give some away, but am going to make some more for myself!

Brown Sophie Bag

2005-06-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

Finished my first Sophie bag today! It was knit with one skein of Cascade 220, color number 8013 (medium brown) and scraps of dark purple and light green (Celery) Cascade 220. I only took about 20 minutes in the washer to get to the size and density I wanted and ready to block and dry. I like this little bag - it actually looks larger in the picture than I think it really is - it's a nice size to carry just a few things, and so economical to make! I have plans to make at least a couple more in different colors. I've given away every bag I've made so far, so I think that I'll keep this one for myself. If interested, the pattern for this neat little bag can be found at http://www.magknits.com/warm04/patterns/sophie.htm. Have fun!

Check out Stitch Marker Swap!

2005-06-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

Join the stitch marker swap today - only open for joining until July 24th. This will be a great way to get a variety of stitch markers and a lot of fun! Check it out at http://stitchmarkerswaps.blogspot.com.

Felted Entrelac Bag

2005-06-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I have to say that my experiment turned out pretty well. The bag took about 25 minutes to felt and shrunk down about the amount I wanted it to. Because it came out very fuzzy, I shaved it with a disposable razor. Even my hubby thought that it was neat! This was made with 3 skeins of Noro Kureyon.

Entrelac Experiment

2005-06-20T10:51:00.000-07:00

I went to a class to learn how to do entrelac. When I saw how it was coming out, I decided that I had to make something out of the rectangle that I ended up with. I then folded it in half, added an I-cord handle and made a bag. It is rather flimsy in this state, so I then experimented with felting it. See that on the next post!

Purple Buttonhole Bag

2005-06-12T11:14:00.000-07:00

I finished my second felted bag - love it! I actually knit this one in one night, wove in the ends the second night and felted it. I used Cascade 220, a dark purple and a medium purple. Some times I used the colors by themselves, and a couple of times I combined the dark and medium together to give a tweedy look. It took about 25 minutes in washer to felt and came out quite fuzzy as I felted it down a lot. After shaving, it's ready to give as a gift to my sister-in-law who loves purple, knits, and hasn't tried felting yet.

The Yarn Lady

2005-06-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

OK - I was looking for some Cascade 220 and called all of my LYS's and nobody carried it! Bummer. That necessitated a trip over to The Yarn Lady in Laguna Hills to get what I NEEDED. Truly a great store - they have so much and carry quite a variety of colors of each yarn. Took me an hour to pick out just the above. I hope that this will keep me felting for a while!

Michigan Yarn Finds

2005-06-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

was While in Michigan recently for two weeks, taking care of my parents, I was able to visit two yarn stores - A Basketfull of Yarn in Clarkston, and Heritage Spinning and Weaving in Lake Orion. I haven't seen any of these yummy yarns at my LYS's so just had to buy some. Alpaca, silk/wool combo, alpaca/silk combo and cotton/wool combo. Can't wait to start something.!

Felted Buttonhole Bag

2005-06-07T18:28:00.000-07:00

Felted Buttonhole Bag

I finally finished my first felted bag. I enjoyed knitting it, but was ecstatic this morning when I pulled it out of the washer after felting! I'm addicted and have to make more.

Away from home . . . .

2005-05-25T06:22:00.000-07:00

No pictures to post as I am in Michigan for a few days. I brought projects with me that I have been knitting away on! Have a denim look bag almost half done and a really neat top made out of wool/silk almost half done. It's on #6 needles, so it's a LOT of knitting - but I love it. Will post a picture when I get home. I am here because my father is having major knee replacement surgery (which went very well, by the way) - however, before he went in the hospital, I was able to get away for a few moments and visited a charming knit shop in historic downtown Clarkston, called "A Basket Full of Yarn". They had many kinds and brands of yarn I hadn't seen before and I just had to purchase a scrumptious yarn that is 50% alpaca and 50% silk in a sport weight. It is a creamy off white with a little tinge of a peachy pink to it and absolutely feels like butter against your skin! I purchased enough to make a shell or tank top. There is another shop in Lake Orion that I hope to visit before I leave called "Heritage Knitting and Spinning". Check that out, Christy . . .

Dyed Cotton Swatch

2005-05-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

Dyed Cotton Swatch
OK - I picked up my hand dyed cotton that had dried, rolled one hank of it into two balls and just HAD to knit a swatch - both to see what is going to look like and to get my gauge. I love it! This will work for the pattern I have chosen, but will be a lot of knitting.

Felted Bags

2005-05-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have started my first felted bag - a small buttonhole bag, using two shades of olive green (light and darker) of Cascade 220. I love the way it's knitting up and can't wait to felt it. Will post before and after pictures as soon as I'm finished.

Dyeing to Use this Yarn

2005-05-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Dyeing to Use this Yarn
I am holding my freshly dyed yarn here, anxious to see it dry. Lisi, the owner of Stitch Cafe in North Hollywood, and the teacher of the technique, had to let it set for 4 to 5 hours, then wash it. I will pick it up on Wednesday, and what do you bet that I start the project I have planned for it, even though I have at least 6 other projects in various stages of completion. Oh well . . .

Entrelac Adventure

2005-05-16T19:06:00.000-07:00

Entrelac Adventure
After dyeing 1200 yards of cotton yarn yesterday, I sat through a 3 hour, intense, class to learn Entrelac. I love it! Boy, do you ever have to concentrate. I started this with Noro Kureyon Yarn, #170. I love the way it changes colors. I have 4 skeins of this and think it's enough to make a bag, which I'm planning to felt!

Hand Dyeing Field Trip

2005-05-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hand Dyeing Field Trip
I spent this afternoon at the Stitch Cafe in North Hollywood - yea! We dyed cotton yarn today - these are my two skeins, a total of 1200 yards of 100% pima cotton dyed three colors, teal (which came out like denim), dusty rose and seafoam. I plan to make a light weight casual cardigan sweater out of it - I think it will look great with jeans, etc. Can't wait to work with it. This process was a little different than working with the wool and silk - but I think I'll like it. I plan to try dyeing yarn myself at home after I get back from a couple of trips I have to take soon. Absolutely addicting. . . .

Neverending Project

2005-05-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

Neverending Project
I started this lacy shawl a while ago - actually on circular needles. I was having so much trouble that I ripped it all out and started over with straights! Much better. This will take a while to do, but I think it will be wonderful when done. I am using Sirdar Silky Look in a soft golden color. I love it!

Hand Dyeing

2005-05-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

Hand Dyeing
On Sunday, May 1, my daughter and her friend joined me in our first hand dyeing project at the Stitch Cafe in North Hollywood. I dyed three skeins of 50% Merino Wool/50% Silk. When I picked it up, the owner of the shop, Lisi, helped me write a pattern for a shell that would fit me. What wonderful yarn to work with - and the colors are vibrant and blending well. I can't wait to finish this and wear it. Looking forward to our next dyeing day - for cotton!

First Completed Project

2005-05-15T20:41:00.000-07:00

First Completed Project
This is the first project that I actually finished - and wore! Wore it to work and my workmates loved it. It is knit from one 400 yard skein of Schaeffer hand dyed yarn - wonderful to work with and great to wear!

Projects

2005-05-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

Like other avid knitters, I also have several projects going at once - keeps one from getting bored. I have actually finished one project and will post the picture soon - as soon as I figure out how to do it! Five (yes 5) other projects are in various stages of completion. The one that is intriguing me the most is using yarn, 50% marino wool and 50% silk, that I dyed myself at the Stitch Cafe in North Hollywood - a great shop, by the way. They are MOST helpful and excited about your projects. I am meeting my daughter, Christy, and her friend, Janet, there again this Sunday to dye cotton. Can't wait to see how it turns out!