Farmgirl Creates

A glittery shrug for Mom

2011-12-27T21:43:00.000-08:00

I made this shrug for Mark's mom for her birthday. It is cream colored mohair with a little strand of gold in it. I've had it quite some time and got it at the thrift store, so I don't really know what kind of yarn it is. I used the Something Lacy Shrug pattern.

For Naomi

2011-12-18T08:51:00.000-08:00

I've had fun making baby girl things lately. Hopefully Naomi will feel the love! The dress pattern is "Miss Violet" from The Handmade Dress. Sweet and simple!

Summer knitting...

2011-08-23T16:36:00.000-07:00

This summer was full of adventure for us--a cruise to Alaska and a trip to Denmark and Norway. I did manage to fit in a little knitting, though. First a ruffly scarf made from Red Heart Sashay--quick, easy and an interesting experiment. I just followed the pattern on the ball band.
These Rose Wristers were inspired by my trip to Norway. The pattern comes from "Norwegian Handknits". I found them to be a nice foray into colorwork. I love how colorwork looks, but I'm not sure I'm ready to sign up for anything much larger.
Finally, these fishnet socks got left in Norway with a friend there. In fact, she is modeling them in the photo. The pattern for these is on the Purl Bee blog and I used some leftover yarn from my stash. Hope you all had a nice summer!

Big Lace Scarf

2011-06-18T15:01:00.001-07:00

This is the Big Lace Scarf from More Last Minute Knitted Gifts and an attempt to use up a large cone of fall colored wool. It was a quick knit and I've tucked it away until it finds a home.

Hat for a Young Friend

2011-06-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

This hat is the Koolhaas Hat by Jared Flood. It took 52 grams of worsted weight yarn for the smaller size and two days of knitting. It looks even better on a head, but it needed to head out the door pronto as a friend leaves town, so this photo will have to do.

A Little Dress with a story

2011-06-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a little girl born to two parents, two sisters and three brothers. Her sisters doted upon her, so much so that her oldest sister sewed many clothes for her. She also had plans to sew things that never ended up getting finished. When that baby girl grew up and had a baby girl, her big sister gave her some red fabric with numbers woven into it for her to make something for her little girl. However, the little girl-now-mama lost track of time and soon her little girl was a teenager and the red fabric still sat in her sewing boxes. One day a friend with a love of all things vintage had a baby girl and the red fabric was taken out and finally made into a little dress. I think it has finally found the proper home--vintage pattern, vintage fabric, new little girl. And there is still enough for one more little dress. Perhaps someday the little girl-now-mama will make a similar one for her little girl's little one....

Quarter Goals?

2011-04-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

So, this is what I would like to complete before July 1. Included here are my first foray into weaving on this type of loom, a vest for me, a couple of scarves, material to finish reupholstering the kitchen chairs, material for throw pillows for the couch, material for a baby dress, some scraps for icord bracelets and some fingering yarn. I've forgotten to include another pair of socks that I am interested in completing. We'll see how I do!

Off Kilter Mitts

2011-04-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

My knitting has been slowing down the last month or so. I can't say I am more busy than usual, only that I've been knitting less. Anyway these have been finished. The pattern is called Off Kilter Mitts and I made it from "Alpaca Love", which has a nice feel to it. I love the way the cable moves around the thumb opening!

Big Ole' Cowl

2011-03-17T11:34:00.001-07:00

This is an effort to do some stash-busting with some big yarn. It was a quick knit and I imagine it will be nice and warm. Hailey thinks it is ugly. I think it could work on the right person. (Hailey assures me that she is NOT the right person!) Regardless, 300 grams out the door!

Another Little Thing

2011-03-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying making these smaller projects. This is called "Aviatrix" and will be for a little friend of ours. It is a free pattern on Ravelry and knits up quickly!

Super Easy Legwarmers

2011-03-09T16:32:00.000-08:00

I made these legwarmers from "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" for Hailey for her birthday. They were easy and nice and long for a good "scrunch" factor, as you can see. They are also made from some yarn I've had around for quite some time. It is a possum/wool blend from New Zealand and is really quite nice.

To Haiti with Love

2011-02-27T20:07:00.000-08:00

These photos show what I've been up to lately, along with a couple friends. These are safe birthing kits, headed on their way to Haiti. They contain items needed for a clean birthing environment, along with a baby blanket and a stuffed toy. Friends Maria, Cecilia, Lauren and I make 7 kits together. Maria made the bags, I made the blankets and we culminated the project by having a stuffed toy making day. The kits are on their way via Konbit Sante Cap-Haitien Health Partnership. Thanks to Jade at Craft Hope for making this project known. We've had such a great time with this!

Smitten

2011-02-15T17:15:00.001-08:00

This pattern left us all giggling with delight. A few weeks ago, Hailey had gone on a walk with her boyfriend. It was cold and she came home chilly. I asked why she hadn't worn her new handwarmers to stay warm and she replied, "Mom, it is no fun to hold hands with gloves on!" Shortly thereafter, I came upon this pattern on ravelry and had to make it! It is called "Smitten". Perfect, no? I started knitting it and it made me giggle so much that I couldn't keep it to myself. Soon everyone in the house but Hailey knew about it. I decided to give it to her on Valentine's Day before she went for a walk with her boyfriend. When I handed it to her she couldn't stop laughing about it either. She and her boyfriend used it on their Valentine walk and I think it is a success. It made her facebook status and makes us all smile. Perfect!

Pleated Denim Purse

2011-02-04T09:42:00.000-08:00

Another project completed! I had the knitting done on this one last year, but just in the last couple of days have I finally added a lining, buttons and wrist chain. This cute little purse is from Boutique Knits. I love how it turned out!

Project Marathon

2011-01-27T12:22:00.001-08:00

I am having a blast after working on some intricate projects, just making some quickies. Hailey is modeling the Urchin hat (pattern by Ysolda Teague) made from some yarn that had been in my stash for years! I'm pleased with the hat and think that it sets off Hailey's henna dyed hair prettily! Also made a stationary holder for a young friend with some fabric I had left from a similar project for Hailey. I love the fabric! Last are some hats for newborns to send off to Caps for Good. They'll be distributed to low birthweight infants in poverty to help them keep their body heat while they are small and hopefully survive. They were so quick and used just tiny bits of yarn.

First knitting project of 2011 completed!

2011-01-13T22:51:00.000-08:00

This scarf is the Arrowhead Scarf from an old holiday issue of Knit Simple. It is knit from an angora/wool blend and an alpaca. I thought it ended up being a good way to use some variegated yarn. (Note to self: don't buy variegated yarn anymore--the colors are pretty in the skein, but I don't really like how it looks knit up.) This scarf is for Grandma Clow's 90th birthday. I think she'll enjoy it. Off it goes in the mail tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Malakai!

2011-01-11T09:13:00.000-08:00

Made this birthday banner for my nephew's second birthday. The fabric letters are fastened on with Heat-n-Bond. Funny thing is that I thought that I'd go easy and buy iron on letters. I just couldn't get the iron on letters to work after messing with them forever! I finally broke down and cut out the letters after I ironed the fabric to the heat and bond. It turned out to be much easier and I'm pleased with the result.

Bird and Vine Mitts

2011-01-08T13:19:00.001-08:00

I made these for Hailey for Christmas, though she saw them ahead of time and thought I was making them for another friend. I love how they turned out!

Sweet Violet Scarf and Cable Lace handwarmers

2011-01-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

These were made for Heidi and Mark's Mom as Christmas presents. I loved the way they both turned out!

Catching up....

2011-01-07T11:18:00.001-08:00

I haven't blogged here for so long. I really haven't completed much in the way of crafts over the last months, but as I think of things, I will post them to keep a record. The Raider's blanket is a Christmas gift for my BIL, Micah. The handwarmers were for Noah's bike rides across town to the Exploratorium and the hat was for a friend who moved to Ohio. She needs some warm things! Noah's handwarmers were made from some homespun that I spun myself. The yarn was uneven, but nice and springy!

Back to Eden

2010-05-20T07:02:00.001-07:00

...the Eden scarf, that is. I enjoyed this knit, made for a swap partner. The pattern is in Knitalong by Larisa Brown. Creative construction builds the scarf one leaf at a time. The pattern is easy to memorize. I may make another for myself sometime.

Completed Knitwear...

2010-05-01T18:57:00.001-07:00

This is all from the basket of yarns I photographed a while ago. The dress should fit a 12 month old and I think it is very sweet. I was delighted to find that I also owned the perfect buttons already! The headband was from that leftover bit of Softee Chunky. Both were completed a bit ago, but this is the first I've been able to get pictures.

Baby Gifts

2010-05-01T18:53:00.001-07:00

This is the second of two sets I've made like this for friends who are having babies. I love the "Little Golden Book" fabric--I hope the moms do, too. The pattern is from "One Yard Wonders". I have fabric for one more set. It consists of booties, bib, feely blanket and a gift bag. I don't especially enjoy making the booties, but the rest goes together very quickly.

Napkin set #1

2010-03-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

Here is my first of hopefully four sets of napkins for my family. I chose to use red as the accent color for the "Bird" set. I haven't embroidered for so long and really enjoyed this little project. The images are from "A Rainbow of Stitches". It is full of wonderful images to embroider. The next set will be in green and will be trees. Look forward to it later on!

Stashbusting from the basket....

2010-03-09T14:05:00.001-08:00

So, if you remember the pile of yarns from a couple of posts ago....Some of it has been transformed into these items: a scrappy lengthwise scarf, a one skein crocheted scarf and a top down baby shirt (also crocheted). All of these yarns have been sitting a long time waiting for a purpose. I will be happy to have them made into something. My next basket will have more project oriented yarns and less single skeins, I think.

The Central Park Hoodie

2010-03-09T14:00:00.001-08:00

One year and 715 grams of purple yarn later, behold the Central Park Hoodie! It was really not very difficult and gave me some practice with seaming my knitwear, which is not as hard as I anticipate. I was pleased to find that it fit me well. The only modifications that I made were to add 2 inches to the length of the body and the length of the sleeves. I'm very pleased with it and have worn it a number of times already!

Tiny Boots

2010-02-21T14:06:00.001-08:00

This is from Natural Nursery Knits and a cute, quick pattern. I love the simplicity. One of the kids' teachers is having a baby boy so these will be for them. I am embarking on a new method of trying to knit down the stash and feel accomplished. I am filling a basket with yarn and knitting until it is empty (for now). I have emptied the basket once this year and the stack of yarn here is the second basketful. This time the basket contains leftovers and single skeins for the most part. This is what I have to work with until the basket is gone. The baby boots were the first finished project of basket number two.

Using up the little bits...

2010-02-10T13:01:00.000-08:00

This is the last of a ball of Cascade Fixation yarn. These little socks take so little yarn and are so cute!

Lavender Lace Beanie

2010-02-09T16:24:00.001-08:00

Here is Hailey modeling my latest hat made of stashed yarn. This is a silk/wool blend that is just yummy to work with.

Like Birds on a Wire!

2010-02-08T16:29:00.000-08:00

This hat is called "Bird on A Wire" and was in the Fall 2009 issue of Vogue Knitting. It was my first stab at double knitting and it is fully reversible. It was a Christmas present for Hailey and I dare say that she likes it!

Owly Milo

2010-02-07T16:12:00.000-08:00

This is the third Milo sweater out of the same yarn! I am not yet tired of this pattern and it may serve to clothe a few more babies yet. This particular Milo is for my friend Alice's new little guy, due any second! I find the owl cable hopelessly cute!

A couple more finished objects....

2010-01-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

I seldom knit patterns more than once, but this is the second of a definite 3 Milo vests. I just love the boxy shaping around the neck and the various cables included in the pattern. So, this one was knit for my nephew for Christmas. The hat for my lovely friend Chris is from Boutique Knitting. Covering the buttons with fabric was magical...I could get into fabric covered buttons! I might make this hat a wee bit shorter next time or use lighter weight yarn. It's supposed to be slouchy, but I think it just looks too big this time around. It is cute, nonetheless.

Quincy Hat

2010-01-03T08:17:00.000-08:00

Here is an unrecorded object from December. My friend Amy was moving to more winterly weather and I thought a warm hat would be just the thing to send her off with. So I started the Quincy Hat from my new Made in Brooklyn book. After beginning, I realized that the yarn was purchased on a momentous road trip to New Mexico with Amy a couple years ago. I decided that this really must've been just the thing to give Amy on this occasion!

An update....

2009-11-16T21:01:00.001-08:00

I've been busy! Here are some of my latest creations. I won't give too many details, as some of them are gifts, but you will notice a child-size sling for dolls, a set of napkins, a baby vest and a fun girly skirt following the directions in "Seams to Me". I was so happy to find an excuse to make that skirt, as I have admired it for a long time.
In other news, I added substantially to my yarn stash (1235 g!). My friend, Maria, was given a few moving boxes full of yarn and shared her bounty with me. Thanks, Maria!

The Crown

2009-10-08T19:49:00.001-07:00

Here is another little gift made from stashed yarn. I got to try a bit of Araucania Nature Cotton--it is quite lovely to work with. This will be a big brother present when a friend we know has a baby later this fall. Now for the baby gift!

Boheme

2009-09-27T20:39:00.001-07:00

This was a fun, quick knit. I used more stash yarn for this and it will be for Mark's cousin's baby.

What you can do with leftovers...

2009-09-20T19:41:00.001-07:00

So, I've completed a couple of projects using leftover supplies. First, a mouse pin cushion using bits and pieces of fabric from my stash for one of the kids' crafty friends. I've been meaning to make something from "Pretty Little Pincushions" for quite some time and this is the first one that I've completed. It was a really quick little gift.
Second, is a baby blanket for Afghans for Afghans. I ended up delighted with this. Most of the yarn was yarn that I had no inspiration for using, but somehow I really like how they all came together. Hopefully it will keep an Afghani baby warm and make his or her mother smile at the same time.

Monkeying Around

2009-09-12T14:41:00.001-07:00

I had fun making this little monkey for Craft Hope (check them out at crafthope.com) It took about 30 g of sock yarn and took very little time. I used the Oddball Sock Monkey pattern by Evelyn Clark. Though I haven't knit much in the way of toys, this was a fun diversion and fulfilled a goal of doing something for Craft Hope.

Little things...

2009-08-20T08:55:00.001-07:00

These two were little yarn scrap eaters. The first is an apple cozy for a friend who thinks they are ingenious. The second is a cute little grim reaper for my son from Creepy Cute Crochet. The grim reaper took an evening and Isaiah was delighted with him.

More catching up...

2009-08-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

I love these wristwarmers. The pattern is called "Hand Charmer" and it is a free download on Ravelry. It took just under 50 grams of sock yarn and was knit mostly on airplanes to and from Europe and to and from Minnesota and a little in between the flights as well. I just love the lacy edge. I think I like them best upside down with the trim over the hands and the thumb gusset unused--perhaps peeking out of a jacket this fall?

First Wheel Spun Yarn

2009-08-19T09:23:00.001-07:00

Here is 68 grams of my first yarn on the wheel--a bit lumpy and uneven, but real yarn nonetheless. Now, I just need to find the perfect pattern for my lumpy bumpy yarn and see how it works. It is nice and soft. Not sure what kind of wool it is as it came with my wheel.

Catching up...Yarn adventures abroad

2009-08-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

First, I will get you caught up on my European yarn adventures...My goal in our trip to London and Paris was to find a yarn shop in each place that stocked unique yarns, things that I could not buy here in the U.S. (or at least not very easily).
In London I visited Prick Your Finger. All of their yarns are produced in the UK by small farmer producers. Some of the yarn had very handmade looking labels and the shop itself had its own line of handspun. I spent a good deal of time there musing over the yarn, looking at the Selvedge magazines, and admiring the art in the shop. They had alot of knitted and crocheted sculpture on display (including the bathroom sink and toilet!) At the end of the day, I took home some Jamieson's Shetland for a shawl.
In Paris, La Droguerie provided my take home souvenir in the form of 50 g. of teal alpaca (my photo color is a bit off here.). In order to procure your yarn at La Droguerie, you select the yarn from a peg in the store. From there, a kind lady (who knew I didn't speak an ounce of French) asks how much yarn you would like, takes it to the back, measures it off and brings it back packaged to the lady at the register. It waits there for you until you are done shopping. Not only does La Droguerie have beautiful yarns and patterns (which I may have purchased if I could read a pattern in French), it also has gorgeous ribbons, fabrics, buttons, beads and trimmings. I was inspired by the beauty of the shop and think that I should take some time to replicate that beauty at home.

A few things...

2009-07-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for a while, but here is a sleeveless cardigan and a couple of washcloths I made before we went to London and Paris. I am not sure about the color of that cardigan for me, but I had the yarn, liked the pattern and the yarn was the right guage. So, in the spirit of using what I have, I thought I'd give it a try. The washcloths were part of a thank you I left with people that we stayed with on our trip. Speaking of our trip, I added 100 g of Jamieson's shetland yarn and 50 g of alpaca from La Droguerie to my stash while I was on our trip. Not too bad, really. Both are lovely yarns.

My new skirt.

2009-05-09T17:22:00.001-07:00

I finished this just in time to wear for Mother's Day. Hopefully I can find a shirt that matches so that I can wear it tomorrow. I drafted the pattern myself following the directions in "Sew What! Skirts". The fabric was found at Thrift Town. I am pleased with how it has turned out.

Easy Ripple Blanket

2009-05-09T13:58:00.001-07:00

This was a wonderful stash buster--660 grams! I crocheted this and it will be sent to Afghanistan to keep a small child there warm. I hope that that child's mother feels the care and concern for her child and family.

Dogwood Blossom Shawl Completed!

2009-04-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

See? It's done and I am enjoying it! I have it hanging in the living room so that I can look at it. I started this last June and finished it a couple days ago and blocked it yesterday. *sigh*

Easter Stashbusting

2009-04-12T18:42:00.000-07:00

So, I have all but eliminated the kitchen cotton in my yarn stash by knitting washcloths. Here is an "Easter"y ballband washcloth. I've also made some melt and pour soaps in egg shells. Sounds like a good idea, right? And they do look cute...However, it is difficult to peel an egg filled with a solid substance. It ended up taking far too long to peel these. I am a stubborn Dutch girl, however, so I prevailed and wound up with 19 soaps. This morning I woke up with a throbbing finger only to find that I had an egg shell sliver jammed under my fingernail. It was nearly as stubborn as me and took some time and blood to remove. But, I wound up with some pretty soaps. Who knows? By next year I may forget what a pain this was and even by induced to try it again!
The other picture is one of two identical little kitchen scrubbers to match the washcloths below. They totally obliterated the blue and yellow variegated yarn! Happy Easter!

Washcloths

2009-04-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

Mark's mom has been asking about more washcloths, so I thought I'd do a little stash busting for Easter. I did need to buy one ball, but I think that I can make one more cloth and have it all gone. It'll probably be another yellow one. Each of these has been taking about a day to knit.

More little bits...

2009-03-19T17:54:00.001-07:00

I am perfectly delighted with the little baby socks in the top picture! Each sock took one short evening of knitting and used approximately 12 grams of Cascade Fixation (cotton/lycra) yarn. My only disappointment is that I had hoped to use the rest of that yarn up! I still have enough for one more pair of baby socks.

The wristband pictured below the socks took 10 grams of fingering weight cashmere. It's for me. Also a very quick knit to use up some little bits. The pattern is in the Fall 2008 Knit.1 magazine.

More stashbusting fun...

2009-03-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of finished objects from February and early March....

The first item is a neckwarmer made of a full ball of Artful Yarns Reality. The yarn feels yummy and I love the colors. I'm not sure where it will find a home, but it was a quick and satisfying knit and since I recently discovered that I have about 80 single balls of yarn, I need to crank out a project like this every month or so to cut down on my yarn stash.

Secondly, I gave Hailey this wristband for her birthday. You may not be able to see the pocket, but I designed it to be large enough to fit a gift card or library card inside. For her birthday, it indeed contained some coupons--for time out together, time sewing together, a special dessert, Bi-Rite ice cream with her papa, etc. Alas, I still have more of this yarn.

Side Slip Cloche

2009-02-17T13:35:00.000-08:00

I made this hat for myself. It seemed so 1940s to me. I love it! You will see the Yoga socks I made for Hailey last November. It's only taken this long to get pictures...

Brown and Teal

2009-01-31T20:25:00.002-08:00

I am inordinately pleased with this project. The yarn has been in my stash for a while. While I loved the colors, I could not envision wearing this yarn. So, earlier this month, I remembered it while showing some new friends my stash and suddenly, it clicked--baby blanket! I was not sure how big could make the blanket, but wanted to go as big as possible and not have any yarn left over. So, I just cast on two stitches, increased every row until the ball weighed half of its original weight. Then I decreased every row until I was back to two stitches. I have the tiniest bit left. Then I crocheted the edging with the brown until it was gone. I have one yard of that left. It turned out very soft. I imagine some baby will love the feel around the edges. I love the colors. Pure fun and the yarn is now gone!

PS. I couldn't resist putting in a bunch of the fun pictures that Noah took of this!

Noah wanted knucks, too...

2009-01-31T20:17:00.000-08:00

So, here they are. They used up about 30 grams of yarn, not sure how many yards. I would have to say that I hope to be done with this pattern for now. Don't get me wrong, it is a great pattern, but three times on any pattern is more than enough for my tastes : ). Hope they keep the boy warm and happy!

What I've been up to this month....

2009-01-31T20:00:00.000-08:00

So, we have a new family member. My sister-in-law and her husband had a baby earlier this month. As he is their first and they have been given so many baby things, I was delighted to receive a request for a new fangled nursing cover. (Even 12 years ago, when my youngest was born, I had never seen such a thing.) After googling around the internet, a trip to the fabric store and a couple of hours, I had a gift for her. It was wonderfully easy and well received!

My new toy!

2009-01-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

Meet the Ashford Traveller! I have saved all year long and finally today I went to Carolina Homespun and spent a few hours test driving wheels. This one spoke to me. Isn't it beautiful? I am working on my first skein of yarn as we speak. Pictures will follow...

A few Christmas gifts...

2008-12-30T17:34:00.001-08:00

Admittedly, these are not the best photos...in the rush to wrap them for Christmas and to finish them they got no proper picture taken. Isaiah snapped these as they were being opened. The penguin PJs for my niece have nice red buttons. Mom seemed to like the apron.

Branching Out

2008-12-29T16:40:00.000-08:00

Here is a Christmas present for my mother. It is made of a wool/cashmere blend from the pattern Branching Out on knitty.com. I knit it on two plane rides--to and from Minnesota...quick and satisfying.

A Couple more finished projects....

2008-12-15T20:45:00.000-08:00

I have used up most of my kitchen cotton on these coffee cup sleeves (I made 5 of them!) and on the kitchen towel (pattern from the second Mason-Dixon knitting book). These will be gifts, of course.

1. Finish Hailey's knucks.DONE
2. Finish my Dogwood Blossom Shawl.
3. Twirly Girl apron.
4. One other apron.
5. 24 party bags. DONE
6. Yoga socks. DONE (pictures to be taken and posted soon)
7. Golightly gloves and ballband washcloth. DONE
8. Coffee cup sleeves. DONE
9. Kitchen towel. DONE
10.

Golightly gloves and the Ballband washcloth

2008-12-02T07:50:00.001-08:00

These are from Mason-Dixon Knitting (the washcloth from their first book and the gloves from their second). Perhaps the gloves are a bit frivolous, but Mark's mom uses rubber gloves all the time and I thought she might like them. A quick, unique knit and I do think she liked them.

So, here is my running total of projects now:

1. Finish Hailey's knucks.DONE
2. Finish my Dogwood Blossom Shawl.
3. Twirly Girl apron.
4. One other apron.
5. 24 party bags. DONE
6. Yoga socks. DONE (pictures to be taken and posted soon)
7. Golightly gloves and ballband washcloth. DONE
8. Coffee cup sleeves
9.
10.

Hailey's Knucks

2008-11-20T17:33:00.001-08:00

So, I am done with Hailey's knucks and relieved, I would have to say. I am not very confident about the embroidery aspect of this project, but here it is. She looks happy with them! One more thing on my list that is done! Look for yoga socks in the next couple of days.

1. Finish Hailey's knucks.DONE
2. Finish my Dogwood Blossom Shawl.
3. Twirly Girl apron.
4. One other apron.
5. 24 party bags. DONE
6. Yoga socks.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Progress....

2008-11-06T19:53:00.001-08:00

I have something to add to my project list....24 party bags for Isaiah's birthday. I don't have a photo, but they are simple squares of fabric (samples from SCRAP--precut and everything) sewn into little bags, filled with candy and tied shut. I think they count for one of my ten projects to be done before purchasing any books or magazines.

1. Finish Hailey's knucks.
2. Finish my Dogwood Blossom Shawl.
3. Twirly Girl apron.
4. One other apron.
5. Sew 24 party bags for Isaiah's birthday party. DONE
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

1 down, 9 to go....

Another project...

2008-11-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

Introducing the Koolhaas Hat. This pattern is from the 2007 Interweave Knits Gifts. I've eyed the pattern for most of the year, so when a friend emailed and asked for a hat to keep his head warm in Minnesota, I decided to make this. I used some random wool from New Mexico. Fun pattern and a nice way to experiment with a new stitch pattern a bit.

This year's holiday edition of Interweave Knit Gifts is out now and I am tempted by it. Nice shiny new ideas. Never mind that I have hundreds of "old" ideas that I have never executed yet. I seem to collect books and ideas instead of executing the ideas I already have. In order to combat this, I think it is time for another little game with myself. I, Lisa, do solemnly swear that I will not buy the latest edition of Interweave Knit Gifts until I have executed at least 10 of the ideas that I currently have. Here is a beginning list:

1. Finish Hailey's knucks.
2. Finish my Dogwood Blossom Shawl.
3. Twirly Girl apron.
4. One other apron.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

I'll need to fill in the list as I go along, but this will definitely be a beginning! It should take me through the next month or the end of the year, depending on how many projects I get to. Wish me luck!

My Owlish fascination...

2008-10-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

I have been enamored of owls lately. Thus, I decided to indulge myself by making this owl apron. It was inspired by a pattern I saw while at Stone Mountain and Daughters in Berkeley. I did not buy the pattern, but I did make up my own owl pockets for my very own apron. I'm pleased with the results.

Completed: Shetland Shorty!

2008-09-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

This is the Shetland Shorty from Knitty. I used some cashmere that I had in my stash. Hailey had asked specifically for this sweater to wear with this dress. The browns match perfectly. We're both pleased!

Donut making, part 2

2008-09-12T21:02:00.001-07:00

This is the eating part of the donut making. It was a nice way for us to end a week of work well done, to sit down and have donuts and cider together.

Donut making

2008-09-12T20:45:00.001-07:00

Each October, when I was a little girl, as the weather cooled and the fall chill hit the air, my mom would make home made donuts. I would watch and anticipate the yummy goodness. She'd give them to us with cider or hot cocoa. I'm not sure if she intended to make such a memory, but every fall I think of donuts. This year, I've been thinking of them incessantly, even though it is only September. I decided the only cure was to make some. I've only made them one other time, but they were really quite easy and very yummy. I think they could become a fall tradition around the Scandrette home. In fact, I think they might show up at a yearly Halloween party we attend....

Our culinary adventures this week...

2008-09-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

The kids were each in charge of a meal this week. On Monday Isaiah made pasta and sausages. On Thursday Hailey made a Thai coconut soup. On Tuesday, Noah made this....a beef potpie. He sauted beef, carrots, potatoes and onions and then cooked it in a mushroom soup. It all went into the crust and then into the oven for a while to brown the crust. It was wonderful! We'll be making that again.

Sock Monkey blanket

2008-09-07T10:51:00.001-07:00

I have been gone from my blog for a while. I am working on a couple of lace projects that are taking me quite some time. Here is a blanket and matching hat I finished just yesterday for a baby shower. The pattern is from Stitch n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker and was quite quick.

We vacationed in Palm Springs in August and while there, I made my usual stop at "Tuesday Morning". Eight balls of Angora found their way home with me, as well as two balls of a merino, alpaca, silk blend. The price was just too good and the yarn too lovely. Altogether it was 300 g. of yarn, cancelling out the yarn progress made by the sock monkey blanket. Well worth it, though, I think.

Drifting pleats finished

2008-07-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

I am loving this book! It is full of unique techniques and I have lots of yarn that if just enough for a scarf, so I plan to work through lots of these designs. Here is my first--the Drifting Pleats scarf. It took 130 grams of Horstia Maulbeerseide-Schurwolle in 50% silk/50% wool. I love the sheen and the buttery softness. The pattern was fun to work and easy to remember after the first little bit.

Coming soon: Look for a sock monkey blanket!

A Flirty Ribbon Purse

2008-06-10T22:44:00.001-07:00

This was a quick little number that I hope to line, fill with girly little purse items, and give to a niece for Christmas. I'm happy because (a) I think she'll really like it and (b) I finally figured out what to do with my "great deal" on ribbon yarn!

My first swap!

2008-06-10T22:36:00.001-07:00

I participated in my very first swap on Ravelry (kinda like Facebook for fiber junkies for you uninitiated). For this particular swap, we were only supposed to swap from what was in our stashes and a homemade item. I feel overwhelmed with the beautiful things sent to me by my swap partner. A felted bag personalized with my name held a sachet, a soap, some lotion and homemade stitch markers. In addition, there were 3 skeins of alpaca yarn and 1 skein of linen/rayon yarn AND and knitted scarf. My swap partner went way above and beyond the call of duty!

Quick scarf

2008-06-07T16:57:00.000-07:00

This is a scarf made from 100g of Feza Fanatic. No pattern, I just cast on 150 stitches and knit end to end until I ran out. I ended with about 4 inches of yarn left! If I did it again, I might cast on a few more stitches for a longer, narrower scarf. Regardless, I like it.

Swap Partner knitting

2008-06-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

I knit these for a stash-only-swap that I participated in. They are the Anklets pattern from The Ultimate Sock Book by Vogue Knitting. I used 1 50 g. ball of Lana Grossa Meilenweit Cotton Fun. They were quick, easy and used only 1 ball! They were also a hit with my swap partner! I also decreased my stash by 56 grams of cashmere, given to my stash partner.

New way to play...

2008-06-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

After attending the Maker Faire in May and trying my hand with handheld looms, I thought that I would see about ordering one for myself. Well, it turned out that they were more cash than I wanted to part with right now, so I turned to more resourceful means, and with Mark's help, fashioned a functional (though less beautiful) loom for $1. The loom makes 4" self finishing squares like you see above. Though I could stitch them together to make something larger, right now I am content just to admire the resourcefulness of these little squares in using up last little bits of yarn. They are acting as coasters right now...

A gift from the fabric stash

2008-05-15T12:09:00.001-07:00

So, introducing an apron that I designed and made for my niece, Corrie, for her 6th birthday. She loves all things "princess-like" and she loves to cook. When we were visiting in February, she kept asking, "Aunt Lisa, did you make this for me?" as she brought things to me from her room. I decided I had better make the girl something as I had to keep answering "no." So, happy birthday to Corrie. I hope she enjoys many hours in the kitchen with her new, girly apron by Aunt Lisa.

My first skein of completed yarn!

2008-04-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

So, this is my first full skein of handspun yarn, done on a drop spindle. The fleece type is unknown, but I washed the fleece, carded it and spun it myself! The yarn is its natural colors. It turned out to be worsted weight (about 10 wraps per inch), 48 grams, and 78 yards. So now I am anxious to knit with it! I am not sure what I can make with this amount, but stay tuned and you will soon see : ).

Double Cable Scarf

2008-04-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

So, I really loved working with this Rio de Plata yarn. It is soft and I love the color variations. This scarf is from "One Skein" by Leigh Radford. I have made so many things from that book. The scarf ended up measuring 4 X 39", just about the size to wrap around your neck and tuck inside your coat. It will go in the gift stash for now until it finds a home.

Sunflower Tam

2008-04-25T21:59:00.001-07:00

This is the Sunflower Tam from "Knitting Nature" by Norah Gaughan. I love this book, but this is the first project I've actually knit from it. I used Rio de Plata yarn in Autumn color. The hat took about 90 g of yarn. It was one of those great projects that is quick to knit, but fairly impressive looking. I love the fractal design on the top...I am working on a little scarf with the rest of the yarn. It is beautiful stuff to knit with and has some gorgeous depth of color. Stay tuned...

Presenting the pink elephant....

2008-04-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

With the pink leftovers from the baby sweater, I made this little guy. I think it's cute in an odd sort of way. It took about 50 grams of yarn and now that pink is all gone--Yay! It gives me a sense of satisfaction to use things up.

Yarn Stash Depletion!

2008-04-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

So, I just finished assembling a box to send to a middle school class in New York. I was able to usefully part with 567 grams of yarn, all in the time it took me to pack a box. I enjoy doing this from time to time and letting some avid young knitters access to materials that I have way too much of! I am spending the day back in my studio, relaxing after a busy week and tidying my studio and moving some things out so that it again feels like the room I love to spend time in! Happy Saturday.

Judy's Grandmother's Baby Sweater

2008-04-11T13:15:00.001-07:00

The baby sweater is completed! This was a fairly quick and easy knit and made a 170 g dent in my stash. The recipient is yet unknown, so it will rest in the gift basket waiting for it's new owner! With the rest of the yarn, I am working on a garter stitch elephant. Perhaps it will accompany the sweater....

Easter treats

2008-03-17T21:14:00.001-07:00

These little Eastery goods were made of little scraps from the scrap bag. Hailey will get the owlet and I'm not sure who the bunnies are for yet. I may still give one to each of the kids. I have one left to sew up. All of these are quick, easy and take very little yarn.

Fire Queen

2008-03-17T21:08:00.001-07:00

Meet Fire Queen. She was a fun knit, made from Crystal Palace Kid Merino (1 ball) and red beads. I really enjoyed placing the beads. You'll have to look closely at the picture to see them. Look for the pattern at Knitty.com winter 2007/2008 issue.

Mon Petit Chou

2008-03-13T09:14:00.000-07:00

Mon Petit Chou is done. If you want to see an example of the whole thing, you can look at knitty.com in the pattern archives--they are, um, unmentionables, so I won't be modeling them here : ). The lace also doesn't show when it is layed out flat. So, this is a sample of the lace pattern in the garment. It is made from Cascade Fixation, which is a cotton/spandex blend. I used 104 grams. I would have to say that these are pretty comfortable, though stretchy, so the smaller size might've been better.

Completed Jaywalkers!

2008-03-04T08:57:00.001-08:00

My Jaywalkers are done! Amazing the progress I can make when only working on one thing at a time! I used 100+ grams (I think my feet are a little big) of Artyarns Ultramerino 4. I knew I was going to run just a bit short for the toe, so I went looking on ravelry, where I found a lovely person who was willing to send me her leftovers from a project--just enough to finish my toes. I'd have to say, handmade socks are very comfortable and long-lasting! My attention will now turn to Mon Petit Chou, which I should finish in the next day or two.
About that other picture--I know I have some explaining to do : ). I made an exception to my no buying new yarn rule. This is Rhythm by Yarn Treehouse. While we were in Seattle this past weekend, Mark's sister told me about a non-profit yarn shop whose proceeds go to domestic violence counseling. The Rhythm was donated by another knitter and then sold there. People who need counseling also come to the shop to learn to knit and find community among knitters. I loved the concept and wanted to support the place. Since I live far away, the purchase had to be now. So, it was a meditated, intentional purchase that I feel good about. I'll probably be back in Seattle in June and may stop there again. Lovely yarn, eh?

Lenten promises....

2008-02-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

I have a couple of Lenten practices for this year that pertain to my crafting. The first of which is to work on one knitting project at a time until each one is done. That one is being difficult for me. I am so scattered right now and wish that I could start about a million things. One the flip side, I am feeling overwhelmed by my stash and by all the possibilities and that I simply need to knit more and faster to get all the things done that I would like to do. Somehow that begins to take the joy out of it for me. So, I am hoping that the discipline of limiting myself will be a good practice and will teach me something about what I can do being enough.
The second lenten practice is related--I will buy nothing except necessities for myself and the household. Translated here that means no new yarn or books or anything fiber related. One exception: I have an order of books already on the way. Again, it is the lesson of "enough" that I am working on--both being enough and having enough.
I am nearly done with one project, which I will post here as soon as it is finished!

Ruched throw/shawl completed!

2008-02-07T13:43:00.000-08:00

So, I have used up 375 grams of yarn on this throw. I based the pattern on the Ruched Lap Blanket from Weekend Knitting, though I just kept knitting until I used up all the yarn. It wound up being more shawl shaped, I think, rather than blanket shaped. The light blue is the Angelspun by Unger. The darker blue seems like a cotton tape. Here's to stashbusting!

Two finished Objects!

2008-02-04T22:58:00.000-08:00

These are two versions of the Triangle Man Pillbox Hat by See Jane Knit. I ended up using 92 grams of yarn--a complete ball of Noro Silk Garden plus a little from my scrap bag of stash and then 34 g. of Noro Cash Iroha for the contrasting colors. I really enjoyed knitting this pattern as a brief experiment with color work. I am also happy that I have finally knit this for myself. Mark gave me the yarn 2-3 years ago for Christmas and it has been sitting there, too precious to knit. I decided this year that I WILL knit the beautiful yarns. There will always be more and I should really enjoy what I have. So, the top one is for me, the other one will become a gift for a friend or family member at some point. Yeah for my stash! I figure I have enough stash for years of stash knitting, but I'm taking it one month at a time. For my January goals, I believe I met them all except for making Hailey knucks. I am not sure I have the yarn she wants so I might postpone that project.
February goals:
1. No yarn purchases again this month.
2. Finish as many UFOs as possible. (I have to admit to casting on a project yesterday just so it could be a UFO).
3. Finish the knit a mile challenge by February 19th. (At this point I have knit 1495 yards, so I am very close!)

My first homespun yarn....

2008-01-07T21:38:00.000-08:00

As promised, here are pictures of my first homespun yarn--a sample of the finished thing and the work in progress. I am so pleased and excited. After a year of making bad yarn, here is something I could knit with. Now the only dilemma is to knit or to spin right now?

First Finished Object of 2008

2008-01-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

Meet the "Knucks". These were fun to knit and I may not be afraid to do gloves after this. Admittedly, fingers are a little tedious, but not all that scary! I used a ball of Anny Blatt in my stash and they'll be given to their recipient today. The blanket underneath the knucks was a gift for me from my friend Chris. I love receiving homemade gifts and I don't receive many of the fiber kind! So, it felt very special to me as well as being very beautiful. Thanks, Chris! On other exciting crafting fronts........

I learned to SPIN yesterday!! Now, I have made bad yarn in the past and I know the principles of spinning, but I have never had full success. Yesterday I decided to visit Carolina Homespun. I thought that perhaps a top whorl spindle with a hook might be easier than the bottom whorl with only a notch in the stick. Carolina Homespun is in the Excelsior in the owner's garage. It is an online store that is open very limited hours to the local public. It is packed with wheels, spindles and fibers. So, when I walked in and another girl did too, the owner invited us to sit down and she showed us how to spin. I've watched others spin, but to have someone watch me spin and guide me through it made all the difference. Morgaine was so helpful and generous with her time that I vow I will buy all my spinning products from her! I'll post pictures of my yarn soon.

By the way, from now on my blog photographer is Noah. He loves his new camera and is happy to shoot pictures for me.

January 2008 knitting goals

2007-12-31T08:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some knitting goals for January of 2008:

1. Finish 1 unfinished item. (Maybe socks)
2. Buy no yarn.
3. Make myself a hat.
4. Make Hailey knucks.
5. Finish Caroline's knucks.
6. Knit a mile by February 19th. (1760 yards!) I'd like to spin some of those yards, too.

All but number 6 are very doable goals. The mile might be a bit of a stretch, but it is a challenge off of Ravelry and I thought it could be fun to say I knit a mile in 7 weeks. We'll see how that one goes!

Fabric Stash put to use!

2007-12-29T13:36:00.001-08:00

I am pleased with this latest project. It is made from fabric picked up at SCRAP and, with a few modifications, following the directions for the pouch in "Last Minute Fabric Gifts". It took me about 2 hours, start to finish. I really like how it turned out and may make a few more for gifts.

Hexagon Shawl

2007-12-27T22:47:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot...I couldn't post this until after Christmas, but I finally finished the hexagon shawl! This one is my own design based on the hexagon shape directions in Unexpected Knitting by Debbie New. It is not as labor intensive as it looks, as I cast each hexagon onto the previously knit one rather than sewing them all together later. I used random balls of mohair and mohair blends that I had lying around and added the lavendar as my sole purchase to tie the other colors together. I crocheted a border at the end and wound up using about 7 balls of yarn, I think. It got shipped off to a friend as a prayer shawl after knitting on it and praying for her throughout the year.

Here I am!

2007-12-27T22:28:00.000-08:00

After a busy December, here I am with a couple more things. First, some details on "My So Called Scarf". I found many versions online and pulled out 2-100 gram balls of multi-colored Mondial la lana merino plus 247. It is 52% merino and 48% acrylic, therefore washable. I don't know where I got this and to tell the truth, I thought it looked pretty hideous on the ball (I should've taken a "before" picture of it). It was a quick knit on size 11 needles. The yarn is a worsted weight, but the stitch pattern requires the use of the large needles. This stitch pattern worked wonders for this yarn and I really like this scarf. It is undesignated so far, but is sure to find a home!
The crochet hook was hand carved for me as a Christmas gift by Noah (age 12). It is beautifully smooth and quite a nice gift in my estimation. He has a lot of patience for this kind of work and I'm pretty proud of him!

One last item...

2007-11-24T16:38:00.000-08:00

I found this picture of a tote bag I also made for the sale. All in all, the sale was successful. I wouldn't do it for a living, but it was fun for every-so-often making a little pocket change doing something I like with a friend. I sold most of my things. I only have a few eye pillows and stitch markers left. It was funny to see what went first. It wasn't always the things that I thought were the best. I did enjoy seeing people walk away with things that one of us had made. Maybe I'll start a little earlier next year....

The Knitterly Crafts

2007-11-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

So, I am posting so many times, as blogger seems to only want to do so many pictures at once....I have made knitting stitch holders with beads and some rings from SCRAP. Eight of these have already been purchased by friends. I've enjoyed making them while I watch movies. I also found in my stash of things this knitting needle holder that I started a few years ago and for some reason never completed. Here it is now, as well as two pairs of handwarmers of my design. (There are actually two of each, but I can only photograph one of my own hands if I'm taking the photo!) The yarn is from the weaving guild in N.M. so I am not sure what it is, but it looks like wool from Harrisville to me.
Spent the day yesterday with my friend Chris, visiting Michaels and wandering around Menlo Park. I came with the yarn I had been missing for the monkey blanket from the Happy Hooker. Otherwise, I was pretty good about not bringing more crafting gear home. I have much to use up.
I did use two balls of yarn for handwarmers and gave some yarn to my friend Chris for some of her holiday crocheting. I need to rearrange my yarn now--There is space in the cupboard and I can move some from the basket into the cupboard. I think my next yarn destash goal is to empty the basket!

More creations....

2007-11-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

Here is a smattering of my other creations...
First, in the recesses of my supplies, I found onesies. I made little appliqued patches for them from my fabric and some heat-n-bond. They were quick little things and fun to make. I think my favorite is the mushroom or the pink with the Holly Hobby.
Second is a crocheted flower that I put on a pin. I guess I made it quite a while ago and I found it in a drawer, set aside to be a gift.
Lastly, I made a swarm of eye pillows. I have wanted to make these for some time and even created a pattern a couple of years ago. The pillows themselves are made of cotton, but have various washable covers in case they get dirty. The filler is organic buckwheat and lavendar. They can be warmed or cooled and placed over the eyes for relief of headaches, sore, tired eyes, or sinus discomfort. I like how they turned out. Again, everything but the filler was from things I already had. That feels good!

Crayon holders

2007-11-17T10:51:00.000-08:00

These also were fun to make. I had three sets of 24 count crayons, so made these holders, as well.

Potholders

2007-11-17T10:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some potholders made for my holiday giving and craft sale, which happens tomorrow. I had fun using up things I already had on hand. The backs of two sets are even made from an old pair of jeans! I think my favorite set is the the one with the Japanese fabric in it. These were so quick--I think the thing that took the longest was sifting through my fabric for good combinations!

Reporting on New Yarn from New Mexico

2007-11-02T19:46:00.001-07:00

Every year, we travel to New Mexico for the Emergent Gathering. While there, I usually make my way to the Espanola Valley Fiber Arts Cooperative. This is a center that tries to keep local fiber arts traditions alive. They offer classes and loom rentals. It's just about the coolest place! Every year, my visit coincides with their annual sale. People donate yarn (and fabric, this year) to sell to raise money for the place. The yarn was $4 a pound this visit (at times it has been $1 per pound). I tried to be moderate by picking things up for friends as well. This is what I wound up with. Though I do intend to give some of the lace weight to some knitting friends for Christmas. Overall, I think I did fairly well in limiting my purchases. Last year Mark brought me an entire trash bag full! I again apologize for the off color on the lace weight yarn and on the blue Harrisville yarn. My camera batteries are going. Look soon for some more finished objects!