Monday, August 25, 2008

Knitterella Inspiration

The opportunity arose to knit the Lacy Thong for a neighbor/friend who is getting married soon. The first I had heard of this idea was at Knitterella's blog and thought "how fun is that?" I had to knit these twice because the first go-round they would have probably insulted the tiny bride. I went down needles sizes and knitted the smallest size. They turned out much better. She did guess that they were from me but it took her a few seconds longer to realize that I had made them. Not a good picture of them as I was finishing them the second before I left for the shower! Nothing like a good ole last minute project. Seems to be the theme of my life right now. It's been a C R A Z Y August.


Here's one other project I had finished a while back but I had to thrift for awhile until I found the perfect pin to go with my cowl. Again inspired by Knitterella. I started making this cowl from the pattern of Last Minuted Knitted Gifts then began increases using the Dolores Park Cowl pattern. It ended up a little bit too big so I thought it would look nice pinned. I have one other cowl waiting for a button and then I'll post that one.

Did anyone do the Ravelympics? I thought "cool" I can finish a project in a few weeks. I picked an easy one too. Just knit and purl. It's a capelet. Did I finish? No... I was disqualified. I used the wrong size needle and forgot to switch needle sizes when stated in the pattern! DRATS! My hope for the gold will have to wait another four years.

That's all for now. I need to get to bed so that I can function tomorrow at school. Today was a struggle :(




Friday, August 08, 2008

Bear-y Buddy Bag



Just a quick post of a baby shower gift I've giving this weekend. It was created from this pattern. It turned out so cute that I think I might have to make a few more to have on hand for gifts. She is one talented knitter and designer!


This bag is perfect for that little toddler to tuck away a sippee cup and a book or some toys.


The two stripes are knitted from Vanna's Choice Baby for durability and machine-washability. I have to admit that I didn't enjoy working with this yarn but now I know. I'm going to try to find some nice cotton for the next go round.


Hopefully soon I'll be posting another project that I'm giving tomorrow at a bridal shower. It's currently in the blocking stage.


Have a great weekend.


Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Woolly Cardinal & some cheap thrills

I really thought that my knitting production would increase over the summer while I was off from school but that doesn't seem to be the case here. I've made a list and have well over 15+ projects that I've either started or have purchased to begin and that doesn't even include my notebook that's filled with ideas in which I want to create. I think I have discovered my passion. Wish it was financially sustainable but unfortunately it drains my pocketbook instead :) I'm thinking about an Etsy shop in the near future. If not knitted items I can at least sell my surplus of vintage buttons and wool sweaters. It's been fun thrifting for these items but how much is too much?? Anyone looking for some felted/unfelted wool?

Even though back to school for me isn't until the end of August I volunteered to be part of a grant-funded training class of digital video production. It will take me away from my summer break and kids for seven days but the dangled carrot is perhaps a new sewing machine or a camera upgrade as the result of my attendance. Yahoo!!

Finished
up one Woolly Bird. I added an applique to his side and tried the blanket stitch. It would have been much easier to do if I hadn't already stuffed and sewn him shut. (Note to self for next one)




CHEAP THRILLS.... (even for adults) I was blog reading and you know how it goes, you click on one link which leads you to another and another and another (lost in blogosphere) but this was meant to be...somehow I found myself here and ten minutes later we were at Home Depot buying supplies for the marshmallow shooters and having a blast (sorry, no pun intended) It was less than $5 for everything.




I think we have a budding engineer. She worked on redesigning her shooter for over an hour and came up with all sorts of prototypes.


To work the shooter: simply drop in a mini marshmallow and blow real hard. When I tried they actually flew about 20 feet!


Go have some cheap fun!