Karen's Knitting

Snowflake (?) hat

2012-02-13T14:36:00.000-08:00

I made my first attempt at reading a chart and knitting a hat in the round. All instructions that I found about chart reading states that you read from the bottom up; row 1 is read right to left; row 2 is read left to right. The instructions for the hat did not include anything regarding the chart. This hat was knitted twice. The first time I noticed that there wasn't a snowflake. I ripped out and started again. Still no snowflake. Then I started reading more on-line and found out (!) that when you are knitting in the round, you read ALL ROWS RIGHT TO LEFT!! I finished the hat and decide it would be my "round the house" hat. I told a co-worker about it and she wants to buy it for $5. Deal!
I used less than a ball each of jojoland wool at $3/ball/50 grams
Size 7 needles. The pattern is on Ravelry called Norwegian Star found here:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/norwegian-star-hat-3
I made the larger size, 112 stitches vs. 96 stitches. It fits well. I am very, very pleased with my floats. I did not pull them tight, therefore, no puckers. I think I messed up on the decreases at the top, but..... it's an original!

Helmet Liner request

2011-12-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

Last week George called me and asked if I could knit another helmet liner. His friend was re-deployed to Afghanistan and is freezing. I finished it last night. I had to knit through a painful bout of tendinitis. Also, had to go out and buy more wool. Apparently the damn moths found my stash of wool and was eating through a full hank. I now have lavender everywhere and my untouched wool is in ziploc bags with lavender inside. So thanks George! I probably would have lost a lot more yarn if you hadn't asked for another helmet liner.
Again I used Cascade 220. Pattern can be found on Ravelry or here.

Cassis is finished!!

2011-11-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

Finished the cassis on Thanksgiving and I love wearing it.
Thanks to my Urban Sheep peeps who helped me along the way. Seems I like to misread instructions here and there.

L-O-V-E <3

Felted flower bowl

2011-11-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

This is my first felting project. These are the before pictures. I will felt it this weekend and post the felted pictures. This is called "Felted Flower Bowl" by MegMarie. The pattern can be found here.
I made the following changes: I used size 11 needles and two strands of yarn. I used leftover wool. I frogged it a couple of times. Use markers to keep your place!!!
I made the color changes at: rows 1-9 multi-color; 10-16 brown; 17-22 green; 23-28 tan.
Come back next week to see the felted bowl.
It took 3 attempts to felt the bowl. First attempt was at the yarn shop. The water never got HOT. Only tepid. So I went home and used my front loader. I placed it again in a pillow case and added a Keen sandal to the washer with a little liquid Ivory. It felted much better on round 2. I put it back in again for round 3 and was happy with the results.
Check it out----/

Bazinga!

Waffle stitch baby blanket

2011-11-13T10:20:00.001-08:00

I made this blanket for baby William (Bo) who was born at the end of October. It was an easy pattern to knit. It is called Waffle Preemie Blanket and can be found here. I made the medium size. I used size 7 circular needles to accommodate all the stitches. I used 6 skeins of Cascade Yarns "Pacific" in the colorway of 66. It is a blue/green with specks of yellow and turquoise. It is very soft.

And I found this pix on Facebook. Grandpa and Bo, with my blanket covering him :)

Ericka scarf completed

2011-08-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures. I finished this awhile ago. I lighlty blocked it. I can't wait to use it this winter.

Progress report

2011-07-06T09:15:00.001-07:00

I have finished the Ericka scarf and blocked it. It is now ready for winter. I was fun, mindless knitting and perfect for a carry-along project.
The Cassis is coming along great! I tried it on last night and it is down to the ole butt cheeks. When this hank is done, I want to stop and do the sleeves. I want to make sure I have enough yarn for the length I want. With the weather being in the 100s for the past couple of weeks, this project is not fun to work on. I have it off my lap and to the side, but it is still hot to knit.
I have a pair of socks on the needles as my carry-along project. The two skeins of yarn were hard to match up for a matched pair of socks, so this will be my first mis-matched pair. Going wild, I am.
I have resumed my Saturday morning knitting at the Urban Sheep. Thank God they are not afraid to use the A/C :) And iced coffees from Starbucks nearby doesn't hurt either.
I have heard that we will be getting a Hobby Lobby in the near future. So excited!!! I've been to two of them in Texas and love HL, much better than Michael's.
I will post pictures soon of my projects.
Happy knitting everyone!

The Cassis by BabyCocktails

2011-03-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

I am venturing into the land of top-down cardigans for the first time.
This was a featured pattern at my favorite yarn shop, The Urban Sheep. Here are two pixs of the cassis that was made by shop patron, Denise.

I am using Cascade 220 yarn in the colorway of 9414; 100 grams/220 yds per hank. It looks like blue denim as it is knitting up. You cast on with size 8 circulars and then switch to size 7. I highly recommend using stitch markers! Denise made hers shorter than what the pattern has written. I am thinking of making the sleeves longer and keep the original length. I am knitting the size 46. I bought 8 hanks of yarn.

I have finished the collar. I am now knitting the "sleeve seam shaping and front lace detail." I'm about 4" away from the next step. Here are my pixs of my progress.

This pattern can be found on Ravelry or at http://babycocktails.blogspot.com/. I think I paid $6.50. Can't wait to wear it!

Erika (sock yarn) scarf update

2011-03-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

Don't leave your projects in your knitting bag without putting end stoppers on your needles! I did (dork) and half of the stitches came off the needle. Since this has one row of yarn overs, slips stitches, etc. I frogged back a couple of rows to a "clean" purl row and then put my stitches back on. Correctly picked them up on the first attempt.
Here is a slow, but sure progress picture.

Sock Yarn Scarf

2011-02-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

I found a wonderful book called Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders: 101 Patterns That Go Way Beyond Socks! by Judith Durant. Here's the link to Amazon: http://www.tinyurl.com/6xpn5hc (Just cut and paste)
I am knitting "The Ericka Scarf" found on page 94.
I am using Berroco Sox yarn in colorway #1427.
I needed to pay attention when starting this pattern as I had to restart it 3x.
Arrrrgh!

Brown helmet liner

2011-02-13T21:45:00.000-08:00

Completed my 3rd helmet liner this weekend. Love this color of brown from Cascade yarn. Ready to send off to Tom's Marine buddy who deployed just before Christmas. If only he would email me his address......

More Mittens

2011-01-22T16:13:00.000-08:00

Made another pair of mittens from my stash of yarn. These are made with Vanna's Choice in Pine with a strand of multi-colored mohair. They have been sent to my sister Koni in New Hampshire where it is cold and snowy. I made the cuffs and hand longer. I did better this time with the thumb. The technique I used is called "Patience and Practice".
Enjoy!
OTN: A brown helmet liner

Italian-American afghan completed

2010-12-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

Wow! Finally completed. This is the afghan I started in April 2007 while my dad was in surgery to remove a tumor found in his colon. We received horrible news that the tumor was cancerous and had spread to his liver. He was diagnosed at Stage 4. My dad passed away in October 2009. I told him this afghan was going to be an Italian-American flag afghan as it is Red/White/Green for Italy and Red/White/Blue for the USA.
The pattern is called Arctic Throw from the Berroco website. At the time I couldn't afford the Berroco Air yarn. Instead I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick.
I don't remember how many skeins of yarn I used.
The colors are: Wheat, Cranberry, Navy, and Pine.
Size 13, 29" circular needles.
Pattern can be found here
This afghan is very warm :)
Salute Papa Gino. I miss you immensely.

First mittens

2010-12-23T12:35:00.000-08:00

The time finally came to knit a pair of mittens. Took awhile to find a basic pattern. Every time I searched "mittens" I found lots and lots of patterns for gloves and fingerless gloves. Come on people, "mittens" are not gloves.
I used yarn in my stash. Vanna's Choice in brown and mohair that is variegated. The result was a Neapolitan Ice Cream sandwich looking mitten :)
I made the woman's medium size. They fit, but not much wiggle room.
Needle size 9
Pattern is called: Instant Mittens
It can be found on this blog

Jingle Bells Hat

2010-12-18T10:37:00.000-08:00

I received a request for a Christmas hat for a co-worker's grandson. Barbara just wanted a "Christmas type" hat for him. I found this pattern on the Red Heart yarn site. It is called Jingle Bells Family Hats. I bought two skeins of Plymouth Yarn "Encore" worsted weight. One skein of Red #9601 and one skein of red/green #1001. I made the child's size. The hat portion was done in red and the points in the red/green.
The little tyke barely kept the hat on, prefering to put the bells in his mouth. I am still waiting for a pix of the hat on his head. I will update this post when I receive a pix. I sold the hat to her (she insisted) for $10. I have more than enough yarn left over to make another hat.
I needed a pix for this post, so a Christmas-y dressed teddy bear at work volunteered to model the hat.

Black Helmet Liner

2010-12-18T10:27:00.000-08:00

It's been months since I've been here!!! Still knitting away.
Just before Thanksgiving my husband asked me to knit a helmet liner for his gym buddy Aaron who was being deployed the first week of December. The knitting shop where I bought the last hank of Cascade 220 was closed due to new ownership. My knitting buddy Loretta donated her hank of black Cascade 220 and I got started. Time was of the essence and I finished it in a week. Hope it keeps you warm Aaron, and keep safe!
Pattern can be found on a previous post.

Baby Aubrey is here!

2010-09-22T19:36:00.000-07:00

And... her first pictures taken at the hospital include her with the pink heart baby blanket I knitted for her. Born September 21, 2010. Welcome to the world Aubrey!!

Helmet Liner

2010-08-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Last week an Investigator in my office asked if I knew what a helmet liner was. Yes, I've seen them on line. I told him there are many groups out there that knit them for our armed forces. He said he has a friend who's son needed one and asked if he knew anyone who knitted. He called me and asked if I could knit one. YES!!!!! I told him I would give it a go. Fingers crossed, knitting needles and yarn at the ready......
Tah-dah!!! Finished! I love it!!
Pattern found on Ravelry here
Needles: size 6 and 8 circulars, 16 in
Yarn: One hank Cascade 220, color #8622

Dishcloth

2010-08-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a dishcloth I just finished. I reversed the colors of the one I made for mom.

Travis's Baby Cocoon Sack

2010-08-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

This cozy looking baby cocoon sack was knitted for Gia, Tom's cousin in Napa. Baby Travis is due in September, 2010.
I used leftover yarn from the prayer shawl I knitted for my mom. The yarn is Vanna's Choice. Colors used were Navy, Olive, and Beige.
Knitted on size 7 bamboo circular needles and DPNs.
The pattern can be found here.

And with Teddy....

Lori's skinny purple scarf

2010-08-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

While in Texas in April, 2010, my sister-in-law asked me to knit her a scarf. Lori lives in Virginia Beach. So I asked wide or skinny? Skinny. Color? Purple. Light or dark purple? Dark. Length? Long.
One long skinny dark purple scarf coming up!
I took the Irish Hiking scarf pattern and knitted just one cable instead of three.
I went to Hobby Lobby in Temple, Texas (we need one in Modesto!!) and bought size 9 needles because they were out of 8s and I wanted to start the scarf while visiting.
I chose "I Love This Wool" yarn. I used one skein, which made it 96 inches long or 8 feet. She can wrap it around her neck a few times.

April's baby shower

2010-08-20T09:29:00.001-07:00

We were finally able to hold April's baby shower at work. It was originally scheduled for August 5th. When we arrived at work that morning we were told of the passing of one of our co-workers. It was a painfully sad day.... week.... until his Celebration of Life on August 13th. So it was moved to August 17th and April was able to open my present!! Below are the pictures of us with the blanket. I hope it keeps Miss Aubrey warm for a very long time. Best wishes to April, John, and Aubrey.

Knitting thoughts to knit by...

2010-08-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

I found two of these sayings posted by knitters on my KnittingNovices yahoo group.
It is something Every knitter should keep in mind:

...a story about Indians in the Southwest who wove blankets/rugs and, intentionally, made a mistake in each one. They believed that when they wove a perfect rug they had nothing left to learn on earth and their time on earth would soon end.

...The Amish intentionally left an error in all of their quilts, because they believe that only God is perfect.

Aubrey's baby blanket

2010-08-01T12:07:00.001-07:00

This was made for soon-to-come baby Aubrey; April's first baby. She is due to arrive in September. Baby shower is this Thursday.
The pattern can be found here.
I used size 8 needles. Five hearts wide by seven hearts long.
Yarn used was Plymouth Yarn Encore, 75% acrylic, 25% wool, color #0449. This took 3 skeins. Blocked size is 31" x 29".

Two more dishcloths from April

2010-07-30T15:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a circle cloth that I finished on the plane to Texas back in April 2010. Gave it to mom.

This is the Republic of Texas dishcloth that I knitted while on the plane. I started it in the Phoenix airport. Finished it in Temple, Texas. I gave it to Kristi.

Mom's socks

2010-03-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

I knitted this pair of socks for Mom's birthday next month. And I get to personally deliver them to her in Texas!!! Hope they fit!
Socks were made using Berroco Sox yarn, colorway #1424 Huddersfield, size 1 (2.25mm) needles.

Patriotic circles

2010-02-02T19:18:00.000-08:00

Another circle dishcloth completed. This one used Sugar 'n Cream color white and Peaches & Creme's Faded Glory; size 7 needles.

Circle Cloth dishcloth

2010-01-28T18:53:00.000-08:00

I had this pattern in my to do stack for awhile and I finally couldn't stand it calling out my name anymore. Problem was I was sick and forgot to do the last set of rows. So, it is shorter than it should be, but still looks nice.
The pattern can be found here.
This one is made with Peaches and Creme Lemon-Lime and Peaches and Creme Sunshine.

Scarf

2009-12-24T14:07:00.000-08:00

I created this pattern and used the mohair yarn from Mama's stash. I like the way it turned out and have been wearing it to work. The big surprise was how itchy-scratchy the yarn feels. My co-worker likened it to glass. Can I wash it?
I love the colors. It looks different depending on the color of the sweater I am wearing with it. Merry Christmas Eve.

Currently on the needles: an afghan that was started 2 1/2 yrs ago. Mama Mia!

Wine Socks are done

2009-11-15T21:36:00.000-08:00

I finished these socks on 11/12. Not in time for Dad's memorial. Once family started arriving, the needles became idle. They are a nice reminder of my dad when I do wear them.
The pattern is from Ann Budd's "Getting Started knitting socks". It is called Spiral Rib Socks, pg 92. The pattern called for worsted weight yarn and size 8 and 7 needles.
I used sock yarn from Knitpicks.com and size 1 (2.25mm) needles. The yarn color is not as bright as it is in the picture. The flash kinda ruined it.

I've already casted on my next pair........ in Christmas yarn!

I'm back

2009-11-01T09:03:00.000-08:00

Wow! I've been gone waaaay to long from my blog. Dust and cobwebs everywhere.
I'm still knitting, although I laid down my needles for awhile and read alot instead. Bought myself a Kindle from Amazon and love it! Rode my bicycle to work all summer. I took care of my Dad's place while he was in the mountains, so that meant watering 3 times a week for about 2 -21/2 hours. Sadly, my wonderful dad passed away on Oct. 7th from colon cancer. He bravely fought it for 2 1/2 years. This is the last picture of us together. I had to go up to the mountains and pack him out.

While sitting with him at home and at the Hospice House I was knitting socks. So these socks will forever remind me of that time with him. Appropriately, the colorway of the yarn is called "wine." My dad loved his vino. I'm trying to get this 2nd one done before next weekend so I can wear them to his memorial.

Lancaster socks Done!

2009-04-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

I finished these up quite awhile ago. Finally got around to taking a picture of them to post. I've worn them a few times, showed them off, and as you can see, they held up to the washing machine. I hang dried them; can't be having them shrink. They are very comfortable.
Yarn: Berroco Sox yarn
Colorway: 1427 (Lancaster)
Pattern: Basic sock; cuff: K2 P2; leg: K3 P1; foot: Knit

Mama's Stash

2009-03-15T11:15:00.000-07:00

Mama, circa 2000

My husband's grandmother was a knitter. When I met her (Mama) she was no longer knitting. I hadn't started. She died in 2001 at the young age of 96. She was a wonderful, caring, giving, lovely woman. I wish I had found her stash while she was alive. The stories she could have told about her projects! Instead, last month I was given her stash. There are quite a few unfinished projects. Some with needles still attached, all without the patterns. And without the stories. How sad!!! While going through the bags and boxes, her daughter Maria told me how Mama learned to knit. She befriended a lady who was the nurse to Robert Louis Stevenson. She taught Mama to knit her very first item.....socks!!! It took me 4 years to finally venture out and attempt socks. Now I kick myself for waiting so long to knit them.
I brought all the yarn home and today I took pictures of my "inheritance".... it took eight years of asking for the stash and last month I got it. Eureka!!!
Here we go....

Purple Mohair

Parfait, 9 balls

I started unraveling this project and I'm knitting a scarf with the yarn

Who was this for? My husband?

Almost complete. Where's the pattern??

Unknown

I think I can finish these

Yarn odds & ends

If you have suggestions or comments on this post, please, please send them. I would love to hear what you think, what I should do, etc.

Wool Hat

2009-03-01T09:11:00.000-08:00

I made this wonderfully warm wool hat last month. I just love it!!
I used Noro Kureyon 100% wool yarn #159 Brick/Green/Purple/Blue colorway.
I used two skeins. I found a good price on ebay. I found a link to this pattern while reading blogs. The pattern can be found here. Pretty?

Backscrubber

2009-02-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

I came across this pattern found on knittingbunny's blog. She has some of the coolest things to knit.
I used Peaches & Creme cotton yarn, color #11 Sunburst, size 5 needles. I found that if I left extra long tails at the cast on and bind off ends, I could use them to sew on the handles.
Looking forward to using this in the shower.

Share your smile with someone today

Another baby bib set

2009-02-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

I finished one more pullover baby bib and washcloth set. The baby shower is set for Feb. 18th. Can't wait!!
Yarn: Peaches & Cream #169 Salmon Royale. One ball for both. Size 10 needles.

Koni's Socks

2009-01-25T15:00:00.001-08:00

I knitted this pair of socks for Koni in cold, cold New Hampshire.
Made with Moda-Dea Sassy Stripes, colorway 6250 Crayon; on size 3 needles.
I tried to match the color stripes, but the 2nd ball started halfway thru and I didn't want to run out of yarn or try and add to it later. As long as they keep her feet warm....

Baby Bib

2009-01-14T17:50:00.001-08:00

Ooooooohhh, Baby. She's having a boy. Here's a fast and fun baby bib and washcloth made in one day. Pattern from Creative Knitting, January, 2009, page 66.
I used Sugar 'n Cream Twists Denim Twists, color 20117. I used size 10.5 needles instead of size 10s because I had the 10.5s with me and I was anxious to start. I am going to make another set as a stash buster of my cotton dishcloth yarn.

One Lancaster sock finished

2008-12-20T11:24:00.000-08:00

Tah-done! On to the next one, except.... I somehow lost two needles. Unbelievable! And they are the Harmony wood ones from Knit Picks. Time to place another order!!

Lancaster sock

2008-12-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

Making progress on my second sock. I like this colorway. Gotta love self-striping yarn :)
Knitting on my new Knitpicks Harmony DPNs, size 2.25
Yarn: Berroco Sox, color: 1427 (Lancaster)

Modesto weather: Foggy, again. No Burn day. Cold, damp, and did I mention it was FOGGY? Time to turn up the heater and play the Beach Boys CD.

Ziggy Recycles

2008-11-16T21:49:00.001-08:00

Sometimes Ziggy says it all.

Knit Picks order

2008-11-16T21:27:00.000-08:00

I placed an order with my new knitting friends and kinda went overboard. But, wait, the books were 40% off!!!
Books: Sensational Knitted Socks and More Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch

Yarn: Knit Picks Essential Kettle Hand-Dyed. Wine on the left; Eggplant on the right.

Needles: Harmony wood 6 inch double pointed needles.

Socks - First pair done!

2008-11-03T07:08:00.001-08:00

I completed my first pair of socks! Okay, now I am addicted. Already knitting another pair and I've spent more money on sock yarn, needles, and books.
Check 'em out!

Garden pixs to share

2008-10-21T20:16:00.000-07:00

Summer is gone and that makes me sad.
The tomato plants were all yanked out 2 weekends ago. The sunflowers are gone.
Basil is going to seed. The lettuce is fighting the white flies (HATE 'em!). My lantana is still pretty in the front yard. The Haas avocado tree is growing tall. Can't wait for it to produce. Love the elephant ears. Enjoy the pictures.

Rosemary

Haas Avocado tree

Elephant ear

Daisy

Lantana

1st sock's mate

2008-10-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

10/18/08
Here is the mate in the making. I have finished the leg portion and knitted 6 rows of the heel. Just 20 more rows to go.

Now the heel has been turned.

Stitches have been picked up and the gusset has been started.

10/19/08
Gusset done. Now 71 rounds for the foot.

Sunflower summer

2008-10-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

For my birthday in April my stepmom gave me two giant sunflower plants that she had started. I planted them along with some other sunflower seeds I went out and purchased. I had a lovely backyard full of sunflowers. When they died off, I cut off their heads and set them out to dry. I found instructions on the internet how to oven roast them, after letting them soak in salt water overnight. I plan to do that soon. Here are the pixs of the sunflowers, before and after. They are such happy flowers. Can you see the bees in the photos?

First Sock!!

2008-10-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

Check out my first ever sock! I met up with some awesome ladies at Barnes & Noble and they started me on my first sock. Just completed it and now I'm working on its mate. Denise had the best advice. Read the pattern line by line and don't try to figure it out, just do what it says. Well.... it worked! I will be showing it off tomorrow night. Now that it is done, I find it on the large size. A little long, a little wide in the foot. Also, the yarn was a bit "thick". I will use thinner yarn and smaller needles on the next one. Here are the sock specifics:
Pattern was found in Ann Budd's Getting Started Knitting Socks. Size is "6 stitches per inch". I used #3 needles. Yarn: Moda Dea Sassy Stripes, color 6948 Polo; light #3, 100% acrylic. I LOVE self-striping yarn!!
So...... do you like?

PrayerShawl finished

2008-10-12T22:32:00.001-07:00

I finished the prayer shawl for my mom. I blocked it and now it is boxed up waiting to go out in the mail.

Purse

2008-06-07T21:18:00.000-07:00

I knitted my first purse and I am really please with the way it turned out.
It is a Cameo Cable Bag. The pattern can be found here for free. I used 3 balls of Crystal Palace Cameo yarn; color #9909, Print Blue Note. I bought the handles from JoAnn's, which are Bamboo Oval 8-1/2" x 5-1/2". I lined the purse so the contents would not stretch the purse or poke through. I also added a flower button to the front.

Levi's gifts

2008-04-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Baby Levi was born at the end of February. He was born while I was knitting the 2nd bootie! Great timing. My knitting friends got to meet Levi and I gave him his booties and pixie hat.
Doesn't he look adorable!!

Progress report

2008-03-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

Couple of projects to update their progress.
Getting further along on the prayer shawl. Now on color number 4. Hope to have this one done by the first week of April.

Also on the needles is this multi-cabled scarf. New cable technique where you "twist" the stitches. Lovin' this one.

I took 14 skeins of cotton yarn to work to try and sell. I got burned out on making dishcloths. Thought I could sell them and then buy more yarn. Well.... I bought more yarn on ebay anyway. Want to make my first purse.

Still working on the fishie afghan. Knitting fishies at work. I have about 25+ done.

Pixie Hat Completed

2008-03-04T18:27:00.000-08:00

I finished the hat in the nick of time. Baby boy was born on Feb. 28, two days after I finished the hat. I hope to deliver the gift tomorrow night and learn his name. But wait, I knitted a set of really cute booties. They are soooo tiny. I can't wait to get a picture of him wearing his gifts. This was a fun and easy pattern to do and will probably make more hats like this.

Pixie Hat

2008-02-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

I'm currently knitting a baby pixie hat for Terry's baby boy who is due on March 7th. I found the pattern in Debbie Bliss's baby book. This is the first hat I've done completely on dpns and I started over three times, I think. The ribbing is done on size 5 needles and then you switch to size 3 needles and work in stockinette stitch. Add pom-pom to finish. I am frantically working to get this done before she goes to to hospital. My knitting friends gave her a surprise baby shower, I got the call the night before and there was no way I would have it done in time, so I brought it to the shower and showed her what I was working on for the baby. Since he is going to be born in March, I opted to make the newborn size so he could wear it now. I hope to be able to post a pix of him wearing the hat.
The yarn I am using was bought at Sonoma Yarn (thanks Tillie). It is Merino 5 100% superwash Merino wool by Crystal Palace Yarns. The two colors are: 0014 Midnight Oasis and 5224 Wine. Here it is in progress.

Coffee Cozy Craze

2007-12-23T20:31:00.000-08:00

Found the cutest pattern on line to make Coffee Cozys.....
Here's the link

Also on the needles is the still in progress Artic Throw. Pattern can be found on Berroco's Free Patterns
I am using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the colors of Cranberry, Pine, Navy, and Wheat. Coming along nice and warmly.... :)

Last of the dishcloths

2007-12-23T00:36:00.000-08:00

This is the baby fern pattern that I found on line. I made two; one purple and one in Christmas variegated cotton.
I liked this pattern so much that I am taking someone else's suggestion and making a prayer shawl by doubling the pattern size. I am using Vanna White's yarn and I've just started on it.
Also, knitting away on coffee sleeves or cozies. It has a fun to do horseshoe cable.

Snowflake

2007-11-22T09:57:00.000-08:00

Another dishcloth completed. I didn't like the way the picture came out. I had to take it with the flash off and use indirect lighting. When I placed it closer to the light, it washed out the pattern. The pattern for the snowflake can be found on RainyK's website. This one knitted up fast. I used Sugar 'N Cream Twists "taupe twists" and size 7 needles.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

I can SO relate to this poem

2007-11-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

KNITTERS CHRISTMAS EVE

`Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
Was unfinished knitting not under the tree.
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care
`Cause the heels and toes had not a stitch there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
But I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,
And the sweater for him was six inches too small,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tripped over my yarn and fell down with a crash.
The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how much I still had to go.
Out on my lawn I heard such a noise,
I thought it would wake both Dad and the boys.
And though I was tired, my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
But what I heard then left me perplex-ed,
For not a name I heard was what I expected,
"Move, Ashford! Move, Lopi! Move, Addi and Clover!
Move, Reynolds! Move Starmore! Move Froelich –move over
Paton, don't circle 'round; stand in the line.
Come now, you sheep will work out just fine!
I know this is hard; it's just your first year,
I'd hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer."
I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,
Eight wooly sheep on my lawn all a-grazing.
And then, in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa's feet coming across the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,
And as I turned 'round St Nick I did meet.
He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe,
And his clothes were hand knit from above to below.
A bright Fairisle sweater he wore on his back,
And his toys were all stuffed in an Aran knit sack.
His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf 'round his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.
The back of his mittens bore an intricate cable.
And suddenly on one I espied a small label,
"S.C." was duplicate stitched on the cuff,
And I asked, "Hey, Nick, did you knit all this stuff?"
He proudly replied, "Ho, ho, ho, yes I did.
I learned how to knit when I was a kid."
He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself, for I'd thought up a plan.
I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew, he was tied to a chair,
He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap
Where I'd laid my needles and yarn for a cap.
He quickly began knitting, first one cap then two,
For the first time I thought I might really get through.
He put heels in the stockings and toes in some socks.
While I sat back drinking scotch on the rocks.
So quickly like magic his needles they flew
That he was all finished by quarter to two.
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me,
And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon,
"Next year start your knitting sometime around June!"

Blue sweater - Finished!!!!

2007-10-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

It is finally done and I've worn it a couple of times to work. I tried to make this one a bit longer, but I think it is about the same length. I seamed the points from the shoulder to the neck a bit longer so the head opening is smaller, which I like.
Materials used: Caron Simply Soft Shadows, Soft Merino #0005; two strands held together.
I also made the front and back at the same time. This way I made sure the front and back were the same length... ;-)

Two UFOs completed

2007-10-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

The halloween colored dishcloth is now finished!
And.... tah-dah - so is the blue 6-hr sweater. I finished up the sweater Monday morning and wore it to pick up Dad at the Sacramento Int'l Airport. Since I wasn't driving (thanks Charlene) I brought along my shawl and worked on that in the car both ways and in the airport waiting for the plane.
I'll post a picture soon of the sweater. Charging the battery in the camera right now.
I'm now working on some of the fishies for the afghan. Knitted two of them last night. Yesterday was "maintenance guys" day. Appointments were all lined up and everyone showed. I now have a new faucet in the upstairs bathroom, DirecTV is sending a new receiver and re-adjusted the dish and the chimney has been cleaned and inspected. Found out we had a chimney fire and didn't even know about it. Scary!! Thank God the house didn't catch on fire.
Today it is cool and rainy. Hope we get a good downpour to clean the air and streets.
Go and have a great day!

My Birthdate

2007-10-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Your Birthdate: April 18

You are a cohesive force - able to bring many people together for a common cause.
You tend to excel in work situations, but you also facilitate a lot of social gatherings too.
Beyond being a good leader, you are good at inspiring others.
You also keep your powerful emotions in check - you know when to emote and when to repress.

Your strength: Emotional maturity beyond your years

Your weakness: Wearing yourself down with too many responsibilities

Your power color: Crimson red

Your power symbol: Snowflake

Your power month: September

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

UFOs !!!

2007-10-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

Where? In my knitting bags!
This is a motivational tool to get these babies done....... hope it works.

First up: The green shawl. I have made progress. It is now 30 inches from the beginning point to the needle end. Hope to be using it this fall. This is the yarn given to me by my secret pal LAST year for St. Paddy's Day.

This is the 6hr sweater that is taking me months to get done. I'm almost there!! Just 2 more inches, then I can bind off and sew up the sides and shoulders. I thought I was smart by knitting both sides at once, at least the length will be even!

Another cloth in the works. This one is from the Lion Brand website. Someone on one of my Yahoo groups suggested this pattern using a solid and a variegated. Rows 1 & 2 are knit, Rows 3 & 4 are K1, P1, then repeat the 4 rows. For rows 1&2 I am using Peaches & Creme Licorice #210 and for rows 3&4 I am using Peaches & Creme Sunburst #11. Both these colors were new additions at Wal-Mart. I bought a few of each. The Licorice color is cool!

And when life throws you too many curves and you need to let go and unload....
Grab an axe and split some firewood! Man!! That felt GOOD!!

And... October didn't get off to a great start either. My most favorite spot on this earth Kennedy Meadows Resort burned down. The Lodge, restaurant, store and 7 cabins burned to the ground. A fire in the chimney flue started the fire at around 1 a.m. Unbelievable!! Even though Matt is vowing to rebuild, it won't be the same. This is the place I would escape to and recharge. If I couldn't physically get there, I would go there in my mind to escape the stress in my life. God speed Matt. May the snowpack be light this year so you can get started earlier.

2 More Dishcloths

2007-10-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

I've been away from blogging for quite awhile, but September was a very bad month for me. A friend, a former boss and my dear 96 year old grandmother died in that order in September. The first two were unexpected deaths. My Noni started failing at the beginning of the month and died on Sept. 23, with me at her side. She taught me to crochet when I was a kid. It was fun to sit and crochet together. I miss her terribly.
Needless to say, not much knitting was getting done. I have resolved to get those needles flying and to get my UFOs done and to knit more dishcloths to sell in December.

This yellow cloth is like the one in the Sept. 2 blog, except that I reversed the colors. This time the variegated is the "motar" and the solid yellow are the bricks.

This Christmas cloth was made using Sugar & Cream's "red" for the "motar" and Village Yarn Craft Cotton. There is no name on the band of yarn, so I will call it "Christmas". Both were made using size 7 needles and it is the Ball Band Pattern.

Yellow Ballband Cloth

2007-09-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

This was a fun pattern to knit. I heard about the pattern on my Yahoo Group MonthlyDishcloths. Knitters were saying how much they love the pattern. Then... a few posted that they thought it was ugly, specifically the backside. Hmmm..... Sounded like a challenge to me. Well..... it's pretty on BOTH sides. For this dishcloth I used size 7 needles and Peaches N Creme #10 Yellow (for color "A") and #165 Daisy Ombre (for color "B"). Gorgeous! I am going to give this dishcloth to Ditty when I see her later this month.

I have now started another one in Christmas colors.

My painting

2007-08-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

Me......

Click here to create your own painting.

Cyclist dishcloth

2007-08-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

I think I made this one in record time; just 3 days!! I gave this as a gift to my sister-in-law Sheri, who was here visiting from Japan. Her husband Jake, daughter Shanti and her bicycle all over the world. So I was glad I found this pattern at Knits by Rachel. I plan on making one for myself.
Materials used: Peaches & Creme Light Blue #26; size 7 needles

Sister dishcloth

2007-08-04T00:18:00.000-07:00

Besides knitting fish, I manage to finish a dishcloth that I will send to my sister as a belated birthday present. I know, Bad Karen, sending it late. Argh!
Anywho, I purchased this pattern (and a couple of others) from Knits by Rachel's website. Love her patterns.
This was knitted on size 7 needles, using Sugar 'n Cream Hot Pink.
How do you like it?

F I S H

2007-07-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

I'm knitting fish!
This is a lot of fun. I found this group, BitsandBobs2, and they are making fish afghans. What a fun way to use up a lot of leftover yarn. I have so many ideas for this project.
My first fish was a multicolored fish. Cool!
I got out some camoflague varigated yarn and thought....hmmmm. I could make a camo afghan for my nephew by using this and brown, greens and black yarns. So, two fishies down, 117 to go!
Then I thought about the leftover red/white/blue varigated I have. Add some red, white, and blue yarns and I'll have a patriotic afghan. The possibilities are endless.
It's amazing what one can find on the internet, surfing instead of reading or knitting.
Back to fishing......

Pasta sauce

2007-07-28T19:24:00.001-07:00

And now.........Sauce!!!
Mangia!

T O M A T O E S

2007-07-28T11:34:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this time of year. My garden is flourishing.... Check out the bounty below.
ROMAS
This basket of beauties are destined to become delicious pasta sauce. The basil and rosemary is picked, need to snip off some oregano and let the creating begin! Mama Mia!!!

BIG BEEF
This basket of lovelies are named Big Beef. Check out the one in the middle! These are about to transform into delicious salsa and are going to go on a few BLTAs.... Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato and Avocado, sandwiches. A few may drop in on the pot of simmering pasta sauce.

Still more to pick.... looks like I'll be making pasta sauce again next weekend. I love the way the house smells when the sauce is simmering on the stove all day.

More round cloths and a Longhorn

2007-07-26T18:07:00.001-07:00

I found this pattern on a blog. Love it!!! Made it for my Mom in Texas. Going to knit a couple more for my sisters. Go UT!!!

I knitted a couple of more round cloths.
They were knitted on size 7 needles. First one is using Sugar N Cream "Playtime" cotton yarn.
I don't have the yarn band for the red one but it was also SnC.

Two dishcloths

2007-07-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

This week I knitted two dishcloths that were fun to watch emerge from my needles.
First up is the Daquiri dishcloth. I found the pattern here. It is under the 6/19/07 entry. I made this with Peaches and Cream 100% cotton yarn, Baby Green #54.

The next one is a lacy round cloth. This is a Rhonda White pattern found here. I used Peaches and Cream 100% cotton yarn, Orange Sherbert #131. I'm thinking of making more of these. I am going to do them in fall colors for Thanksgiving and in Christmas colors for Christmas. These are going to make great gifts.

Bee Stitch Mastered!

2007-06-26T19:20:00.001-07:00

I grabbed another ball of yarn and was determined to get this stitch right. Here is my pretty new dish cloth.
This is called the Bee Stitch Cloth and can be found here. I used Peaches and Cream 100% cotton in the colorway of Potpourri #178 using #7 needles. I LOVE this stitch. Hope you like the results too.

Green Bee Stitch Border Dishcloth

2007-06-17T23:34:00.000-07:00

Tried a new stitch this week and boy was I frustrated...
I made the Bee Stitch Border dishcloth,
found here: Bee Stitch Border Cloth.
I used Peaches and Cream 100% cotton yarn in the color of #168 Shades
of Green.
This was the first time I "knit(ted) in the stitch below". I kept
getting confused as where the stitch below was located. At first I knitted in
between the two and then I did "find the hole below" and stitched
there. I was apprehensive to let the live stitch on the needle fall
off. I did have a few dropped stitches that I had to retrieve.
Needless to say, I am less than thrilled with the way this one turned
out. It was supposed to be a gift. I will keep it and try again.
I did look on line for instructions on how to do this stitch and I
couldn't find a video, just a pix and the explanation was lacking.
What do you think?

How Will You Be Defined in the Dictionary?

2007-06-09T14:04:00.000-07:00

Just had to post this one to my blog since I liked the answer.

Karen --

[adjective]:

Sexually stunning

'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Awesome!

Wearing the sweater

2007-05-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

Here's the picture you've all been waiting for....LOL
Not too bad. I think the next one will be a bit longer. Although co-workers have told me that the length is fine; makes my legs look longer.
I am working on the next one, which is blue.

The 6-hr sweater

2007-03-31T10:42:00.000-07:00

Ok, if they say so...... yes, I could do this in 6-hrs. If I sat down and did nothing else, except maybe change the TV channel. I am knitting this pattern. I am using Caron Simply Soft Shawdows yarn in the colorway of Fuschia Flare, which stripes, holding 2 yarns together. The ribbing at top and bottom is on size 13 needles and the main body is on size 17 needles. It is knitting up fast. I like the fact that it is sleeveless, so I should be able to wear it this summer inside A/C'd offices. I am knitting the "large" size. I've lost over 30 lbs, but the boobs are still there, so I have to compensate for "that" size. I overbought on the yarn, so I might be able to make another one. Maybe for Koni........

2 more bookmarks

2007-02-26T19:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, so they came out large. It was good practice. I knitted these two at the same time on circular needles. I used baby yarn and size 5 needles. Next time, much smaller needles. I intend to add beads at the ends.

First bookmark

2007-02-05T21:40:00.000-08:00

Finished my first bookmark. Love it! I used baby fine yarn. I added a few beads at the end. That was a test. I think I'll do better on the next one with them embellishments. This was the first time I attempted the "ssk". Piece of cake. I will be making a lot more of these for gifts. Never to soon to start on Christmas gifts, right? I bought some more baby yarn. I'll post pics as I finish them.
Keep those needles clicking.....

Beginning the shawl

2007-01-21T11:02:00.000-08:00

I've started knitting a triangular shawl with this yarn. I began it using bamboo needles, but the yarn would not move smoothly across the needle. I found myself pushing it too hard. Thought I would break the yarn. So I bought some aluminum needles and it is going much easier. The pattern is real easy.... Cast on 3. Row 1: Knit one, yarn over, knit to the end. Rows 2 and 3: Repeat row 1.
Can't get easier than that!!!
This isn't my favorite yarn to knit with. I find the "nubbies" get stuck and I have to give a little tug or the stitch will be too tight. But....... it is very soft and will come in handy on those slightly chilly summer nights.
Knit on....

Justin's hat

2007-01-21T10:58:00.000-08:00

Finally received a picture of my nephew wearing his earflap hat that I made for him. I made the child's size, but he is swimming in it. Oh well, he can grow into it. As long as it keeps him warm in cold, cold, cold Vermont.

"Lime" Green Boucle

2007-01-06T18:06:00.000-08:00

Thanks Secret Pal for last year's St. Pat's gift of this boucle yarn. What to make with it? I'm tired of scarves. The yarn feels very thin and light. Hmmm... What to make....?

S'mores Knitting

2006-12-21T20:27:00.000-08:00

Isn't this just the cutest S'mores? I got it from one of my knitting buddies. Merry Christmas, Joni!

Black Lites earflap hat

2006-12-17T21:17:00.000-08:00

Completed my second earflap hat using Bernat's Black Lites bulky yarn, color= Big Blue. Used two skeins.
Looooooove it! Soft and warm.
Next up..... hat for me.

Chicken Knitting

2006-12-07T19:50:00.000-08:00

Cool pic...

Knitting in December

2006-12-07T19:37:00.000-08:00

I have been knitting, just a bit slowly. I've been reading at night and also walking. I'm either walking one mile on my lunch hour or 2 1/4 miles at night and on the weekend mornings. I bought a pedometer and I'm trying to reach 10,000 steps. I reach it (and more) when I walk the 2 1/4 miles.

I haven't made much progress on the Besotted scarf. I feel bad about it. It is not a pattern that I can memorize, so I have my notes with me while knitting.

I've started another earflap hat. I decided to use Bernat's Black Lites yarn. It's starting to come together. In the pix, I have joined the 2nd earflap and knitted one or two rows. I like knitting in the round.

The latest...

2006-11-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

I've finished another set of wrist warmers. Can't decide if they will be a birthday present or Christmas present.
I started another camo earflap hat but hated the feel of the yarn, so I ripped it. I used the Red Heart yarn shown in a previous post. I had to use three strands of yarn to get the gauge. The hat felt so stiff and rough that I wouldn't wear it, so why continue knitting and give it to someone else? The original pattern calls for Lorna's Laces Shepherd Bulky. I went to their site and they don't appear to sell direct. So I looked for a retailer seller in my area and found one in Stockton. I emailed them asking if they carry it or could they order it for me and they haven't replied. I also looked at ebay, but none are selling that specific one. I'll wait until I can use the actual yarn before knitting another hat for my nephew.
I am currently knitting a scarf called "Besotted". It has been slow going. Need to kick up my efforts.
It has turned cold and rainy here which makes me think of knitting an afghan.
Found an adorable baby hat to knit for a co-worker. Left the pattern at work. I'll link it next time I write.
I've been reading a book for my bookcrossing group. It's called Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris. It started out slow and I almost gave up. Then I got into it and I'm almost done.
Off to get my knitting bag......... Have a great day!

2006-10-21T10:34:00.000-07:00

This month I knitted a fun "camo" hat with earflaps that I am going to send to my nephew in cold Vermont. The pattern came from a Knitty Gritty episode. The pattern called for Lorna's Laces Shepherd Bulky yarn. It wasn't available locally, so I used Bernat's "Solo" bulky in the color Lichen. And I trimmed it with 2 strands of orange yarn. The Red Heart yarn I first bought for this project needs 3 strands to make the gauge. I still may try it with that many strands. I used double point needles for the first time. They were used near the top while decreasing. The hat is knitted in the round and it was easy to attach the second earflap and then knitting in the round.

I also made another pair of wrist warmers. I'm keeping these! I saw this yarn at Michael's and fell in love! I used Patons Classic Wool Merino in the color Palais.

Now on my needles is a scarf called Besotted.
And I bought yarn to make a "six-hour sweater".

Wrist warmers done

2006-09-25T19:57:00.000-07:00

I completed my first set of Irish Hiking Wrist Warmers. I gave them to my step-mom while visiting her at Kennedy Meadows, CA.
In the 2nd pix you can see where the thumb pokes out.
I used size 8 needles. The yarn was "old" yarn that she gave me a couple of months ago. It is: Bucilla softex spectrum, 4-ply knitting worsted weight, color #134. It was a 3 oz. skein and I have enough left over to make for sure one set and possibly 2 sets. These work up in a snap. I am already making another set for..... ME!!!

Wrist Warmers

2006-09-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

I settled on a project..... Irish Hiking cable wrist warmers. I found the pattern on wineandneedle's blog.
They are so easy to knit. I have finished one and I am almost done with the second one. I am using yarn that my stepmom gave me and I plan to give them to her on Wednesday. I like it that I don't have to worry about a thumb gusset.
I'll post a pix when I'm done.
On Wednesday I plan to be up in the high Sierras at Kennedy Meadows visiting my dad and stepmom. I had intended to go horsebackriding to Kennedy Lake. This is something I've wanted to do for a long time. It is an all day ride. But Dad called today and said that the pack station will be bringing out the deer hunters on Weds and Thursday, so no horses are available. I am really disappointed. So.... I plan to go trout fishing instead. Found my rod and reel, got a one-day fishing license today at Wal-Mart, bought power bait, hooks, and split shots and I plan to post pixs of my great catch(es).
Any day in the Sierras is a good day!

Nothing on the needles

2006-09-11T18:55:00.000-07:00

Searching for my next project. So many ideas.
Guess I'll look through books and magazines while sipping my homemade Amaretto di Vella.
Yummy! (Recipe available for $1 thru Paypal)

Ready for winter

2006-09-10T16:43:00.000-07:00

I seamed up my sweater yesterday and I'm weaving in the loose ends. Done just in time for winter. The sleeves are a bit longer than I want...... but I'll just add that to my notes in the binder in case I use this pattern again. I like the boat neck. Should be nice and warm when winter gets here. Hope it won't be too warm to wear to work and show off.

Heart motif scarf

2006-09-09T19:43:00.000-07:00

I completed the heart scarf earlier this week. I did my first 3 needle bind-off and I'm not sure if I like the way it turned out. I looked at The Knitting Answer Book and it stated that I could have either right sides together or wrong sides together. Because of the way I put the stitches from the stitch holder back onto the needle, I opted for the wrong sides together. This left a raised seam on the right side. I haven't decided yet if I am going to attempt to undo the bind off or just leave it as is.
This was a fun pattern to do. The yarn was Lionbrand Quick and Thick Cranberry.

Irish Hiking scarf done

2006-08-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

I finished the scarf on Tuesday and it looks gorgeous. I hope the recipient likes it.

I had a bad day of knitting on my second heart scarf panel. I had done about 54 rows and I just wasn't happy with the way it was turning out and then I dropped a couple of stitches. In a fit of frustration, I ripped the whole scarf and will start again tomorrow.

I found out yesterday that a co-worker will be having a baby girl in January. I am searching for the "perfect baby blanket" to knit. Yummy soft yarn..... maybe the Iris afghan pattern. Still searching.

First Hat Success!!

2006-08-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

Yabba-Dabba-Doo!!! It's a success! My first hat!
This is my niece Shanti who loves her hat and was wearing it non-stop. Both her and the hat are back in Japan where she is proudly wearing the colors of the "America flag."
My knitting buddies were right. I didn't knit 5-7" of stockinette stitch before I started decreasing. Now I know and have learned that some instructions are just plain awful.

I want to try a hat with earflaps next for my nephew with camo variegated yarn I bought at Wal-Mart, seen here.

I have completed one "side" of the heart motif scarf. I am using Lion Brands Chunky Wool-Ease, Cranberry color. LOVE IT!!
This pix shows it on the "pink" side, but it is actually a rich cranberry color.

And I have maybe 10 rows left on my Irish Hiking Scarf.

Happy knitting...

First hat failure

2006-08-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

I decided to try my hand at a simple knit hat and boy did I mess it up. It came out soooo small. It was suppose to be child size and it looks like it will fit a preemie.

Here's the pix of the finished (?) hat.

And here's what I did wrong, thanks to the observations of my fellow Yahoo group knitters.I cast on 90 stitches, then I knitted 2 ins of 2x2 ribbing and then started the decreases. It was pointed out to me that I neglected to knit 5-7 inches of stockinette stitch BEFORE decreasing. Wah!!

Some finished projects

2006-07-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

Today I thought that I would post some pictures of my finished knitting projects. The poncho was made using 3 strands of yarn and size 13 needles. Sometimes I used 3 strands of the same color and other times I mixed it up. I think the neck opening is too large and I may pick up some stitches and knit/crochet around it to make it smaller.

Next I made the baby feet dishcloth for a co-worker who was having a little girl. Found the pattern on the web. Little Megan Grace was born the day after I gave mom the gift.

I made the Peace sign dishcloth for me. Boy.... do these colors run!!!! Yeah, I'm actually using it.

The yellow Kitty was made as a birthday present for Jeanne who looooooooooooves kitties.

And this is the Irish Hiking scarf I have started for my nephew. It has three cables and I love doing cables. I am using size 8 needles (Bamboo) and a large cable hook. The yarn is Dark Sage by Red Heart.

I have finished the four pieces of my first sweater and will be learning how to put it together. Yahoo!

Let me know what you think!

Karen

Thanks for stopping by

2006-07-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

I am new to blogging. I thought it would be fun to have a blog of my knitting adventures and hopefully no disasters to report. I plan to include project progress and pictures of KIPs (knitting in progress) and the finished products.