Works in Progress

I'm writing today, here, not because there is anyone in particular who is following this blog (I haven't been active here in quite some time) but so that when I look back I'll be able to see just what was going on with me and what I have been doing!

Surprisingly enough, despite all that has been going on in my life, I've found a bit of time to knit.  Now, I have not finished projects (smile) but I do have a few that I'm working between in times when I have both hands free!

Take a look:

 Seed stitch on wool ease

 

 Seed stitch on the 'like suede' yarn

 

Two-strand/yarn scarf

I've also been teaching my oldest daughter to knit.  She recently turned 7 and I promised her that when she was 7, I'd teach her to knit.  She's working on the 'knit' stitch, and doing very well!

I'm also working on a few holiday gifts and pulled out/dusted off my sewing machine to assist me in the venture. In the event that one of my family members/dear friends just happens to check this blog, I'll refrain from sharing pictures or any description of these projects, as I'd like them to be pleasantly surprised when they receive them! (hint, hint!)

I also have a few other ambitious projects I'd like to complete before Christmas as well.  Since we've been doing handmade gifts in our immediate family for the past 7 years, I've been trying to come up with what I'll give my children and husband this year.  I think I've posted photos of last year's gifts--oh, wait, that was two years ago now.  (Shaking head--time is really moving!)  I'll have to post photos of last year's gifts.  DH and I found some less than perfect bookshelves and rebuilt them and painted them for the kids last year.

Anyway, I'm wanting to make some skirts for my 4 yo daughter--she LOVES being in dresses/skirts.  I'm also thinking that I'd like to make something like this (see photo below) to hang over both girls' beds.  Now to think of something for the boy.  Perhaps something to hold/hang his ever growing dinosaur collection.  Hmph...need more thinking time.  Oh! he has been asking for a "King Hat" (a crown) so perhaps I'll make one of those!  We'll see.

I've also been spending a good deal of time blogging on my other blog: Home-Grown Love.  I am giving myself permission to take care of myself in all the necessary ways.  So, with that in mind, I hope to share something at least once a week here...starting in the new year to help me get back in the habit of crafting--making things with my hands!

Happy Holidays to you and yours!!

Update

So I haven't been here is....many, many days. Yeah, I'm slacking! With moving, homeschooling, getting back into school myself I haven't had time to blog, let along sew. I've wanted to...I've picked up some really cute things I want to make. Hopefully later this summer when things are 'back to normal' I'll have something more to share. Check back then...

Black Furry Wrist Warmers!

This are so very soft and beautiful! I used a strand of black eyelash and one of a black chunky acrylic. BEST of all, I completed them in just two hours!!!! Yes, I had to wait until the children were in bed. I whipped them up on large-sized needles, alternating between a US19 and a US15. My very own simple pattern: CO 15 and did about 20 row in knit. I'm really like them. Not sure if I'm going to part with these! :)

For the next pair, I'm going to work in the round using 4 needles (UGH!!!). I'm a bit scared of this, since this is something I've never tried! But as I've learned from past experiences, what often scares doesn't bite! So, off I go to get a set of double-pointed needles.

Pictures coming....

Love this Yarn!

So I've been deciding just what to create with all this fabulous yarn! It's so soft! I was surprised! With a remnant piece of black eyelash, I'm making myself another pair of wrist warmers. I've added it to some chunky black cotton yarn so they should be soft and warm!

Been reading through new books and scanning new sites to find great ideas and patterns for gifts. Check out the new listings on the page!

[I'm] Happy Knitting! ;)

What a Deal!!!

I got the BEST deal on yarn just the other day. I responded to an ad on craigslist. I wife wanted to get rid of her husband's stash of yarn. Yes, I said husband!! He's a knitter! Anyway, she showed a picture of the trash bag stuffed with yarn and offered it for $15. When I inquired I was pleasantly surprised that it was still available and that there were about 30 skeins of yarn and remnants. I quickly made arrangements to pick it up ASAP!!

Now, for those of you who do anything with yarn and purchase it regularly, you will know that $15 will get you about 3 skeins at a craft store (Michaels, JoAnn Fabric, etc) or only 1 skein at an actual yarn store. So the fact that she was willing to sell 30 skeins for $15 was a steal!!!

It really didn't matter to me what the yarn was like...since I'm looking to make gifts as well as sell some of them!!! After getting the bag home and putting the kids I sat on my couch and went through my treasure!!! And let me tell you....there were 50 [yes, i said 50] new, never used skeins of some of the nicest yarn!! All those frilly-make-you-look-pretty-yarns! Not only that, there were about 15 partial skeins and remnants, a few knitting needles and crochet hooks (as if I need any more of those--you must see my stash!) and a nice pair of scissors.

I can't even believe that I found this....but am so very thankful!!! So this gives me the 'start-up' yarn I need to begin my projects for our (Emilie & my) online boutique!!! [Yes!!! We're going to do that THIS year people!!! Stay tuned for more details!!!!]

Here's a shot of most of the yarn...didn't include the remnants. Can you believe it?

Wrist Warmers

I'm so excited!! Last night I completed my first pair of wrist warmers! Found a very simple pattern online...changed it, of course, and created these (see picture)! I knitted the both at the same time so thy would both be complete at the same time. For you without children, it should take about 4 hours. It took me two days, still not bad!

They are my trial run so I didn't use any fancy yarn. But I'm very pleased with them!! I'll try a different pattern and yarn on the next pair!

yeah!! for me!!!

Projects!!!

So right now I've been going through books and magazines again deciding upon my next big project and a few small ones. I've started another scarf and since I've completed by 9 month in the making blanket for my son, I think I want to start another long project. We'll see!

I made the girls hats and scarves again this year. I wanted to do some mittens, but those haven't appeared yet. Knitting with more than two needles is a bit scary, so I'll wait a bit more before I try.

Three Christmas' ago, Melvin and I decided that we would make the gifts we give as to cut down on all the expense of the holiday as well as make the gifts more special and meaningful. This past Christmas (2007) I made a reversible tablecloth and matching seat covers for the girls' table. It was patchwork and turned out lovely! You'll have to take a look at the pictures. I want to make some napkins for my table and a few place mats. I'm thinking of embroidering them and even allowing Jaya to help with that. She's five now and I think it's time for her little hands to learn to sew!

I've made my son a fleece coat/jacket and am planning to make one for Jaya. Kari is swimming in coats for now. I do want to make something special for her. She loves to color orange so I'm looking for some really nice orange yarn. I'm thinking that I'll knit her a poncho.

So, these are just some of my hopes for this new year! I'll keep you up-to-date with how things a taking shape!

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2008!

Yes, it's been a hot minute since last I posted here. Please forgive (for those of you who have been anxiously awaiting to hear about all the things I've done, etc).

I've been busy packing, moving (yes, again), unpacking, sorting, reading, entertaining, problem-solving, etc. during my absence. I am happy to report that although I didn't get to all the projects I had hoped to last year, I was able to complete several handmade gifts for the holidays! I have decided that since I don't get much time with three little ones running around, that I will be starting gifts NOW so I can give more this coming holiday season!

The new few posts will be descriptions of the items I've made with pictures! I've also taken to decorating our new home! Fun stuff!

Good to be back!

What's Going On?!

So it's been exactly a month since last I posted. Yes, mama's been busy over here! :)

Fortunately or unfortunately, I haven't had much time to knit. I have, however, checked out a dozen or so knitting books from my local library and have found some GREAT patterns/ideas for gifts!!! I've compiled a nice file of them and will begin knitting, after picking out some really nice yarn. My plan is to start my holiday gifts in April. Perhaps I'll have a few completed to give this year! :)

I'm really excited to be able to make gifts to share with family and friends....and hopefully, if time [and my children] permits, you will be one of the recipients of my handmade creations. [Em, it's time to get our logo together!!!]

I'm going to post a few of the books that I've found some nice things in, for those of you who may be interested in finding quick and fairly easy patterns! And don't forget that your local library is a great [free] place to find the newest books as well as some older ones with good ideas.

What's Been Going On?

Since starting the hat and working on the blanket (shown in previous posts), I've been checking out new patterns by checking knitting books out from my local library! I've come across some really nice things that I hope to get to during this year. Hopefully by March I will have my list of things to make for family and friends complete and be able to begin on these gifts. And if I'm lucky, you'll have something from me--handmade--for Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa (whatever you celebrate during that time of year!).

For those of you who knit, or are interested in knitting, here are some of the books that I've checked out. I'm only sharing that ones I've actually found things inside to knit. A lot of them are 'good idea' books, but I'm realizing that I'm still a beginner when it comes to knitting. I've also learned that when books read, "Easy Knits" or "For the Beginning Knitter," they are still more advanced than my skill. There is still so much I must learn. I must find a knitting mentor, like my cousin has! LOL!

Here they are:

• Handmade Holidays by Melanie Falick (GREAT book! Beautiful things to knit!!!)
• Easy Knitted Accessories by Jeanette Trotman (really nice things to knit and they're listed by skill level, so 'easy' is a relative term in this book!) :)
• Debbie Bliss Easy Knits (again, another "easy" book! great sweaters for kids!)
• Odd Ball Knitting (great ideas for how to use random balls of leftover yarn; not all practical though)
• 1000 Great Knitting Motifs by Luise Roberts (good ideas for adding color/pattern to your knitting)

Well, I've just picked up some new ones from the library today and I need to go through them and see what else I can find that's quick and easy--but nice! Perhaps I'll get some knitting time in this Thursday!