Oh no-- more blankets!

Just when I thought I might finish a couple of blankets and move on to some other type of project (my daughter's and my godson's are both getting close to being done), I find that I will soon be casting on for two more. My secretary is pregnant. So is another friend of mine. Do I have to make them blankets? Of course not. But it gives me a purpose to knit! :-) Besides, both of my kids received hand-knit blankets as baby gifts, and I have always cherised them. I would love to give these babies a gift that will hopefully last them a looong time. But it is ironic to me that, just as I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel on two blankets OTN, two more come along to replace them. Hmm. Do you think these pregnancies were planned? Maybe there is a conspiracy with the yarn industry, to keep me buying tons of yarn for baby blankets? Ha ha. I have some thoughts already on what to do for both blankies. Just waiting to hear a boy/girl verdict on each!

Happy weekend everyone!

THANK YOU SECRET PAL!!!

What a wonderful secret pal I have! I am so lucky. My husband and son went to the Grand Prix yesterday afternoon. My daughter and I went to dinner with my parents and spent the night with them. We just came home, and I discovered a large padded envelope from Australia! I have never gotten mail from Australia before. That was fun in and of itself. Inside were these pretty, bright colored packages:

My SP spoiled me! She sent me two beautiful skeins of yarn in blues and whites. Some really yummy looking chocolates that I will be devouring shortly, and a beautiful Jo Sharp book. It has some wonderful, elegant items in it, and I look forward to exploring it further and making something from it! THANK YOU SP! I love everything. Here's a peek at the contents:

The felted purse

I finished the felted purse. I'm pretty happy with it, but it came out a little bigger than I expected. It is roughly 16 x 13. I need to put a cord through the top of it (the pattern calls for an I-cord, which you felt to match) to cinch it somewhat. Then I need to figure out what to do about handles. I had envisioned oversized bamboo or plastic handles. My LYS has some cute black plastic handles that are fairly wide that might be cute and would contrast nicely with the brights of the bag. Any thoughts???????

Here it is finished. Sorry it's a little blurry:

And before felting:

The block of the month afghan

I just began the April block for the block of the month afghan. This block will complete the first panel (there are 3 panels total). When I got the pattern, I came home, pulled it out, and freaked out a little. There were abbreviations that I didn't understand and techniques I had never done before. While there is a "class" each month at the LYS on how to do the pattern for that month, it would be impossible for me to attend this time because it conflicts with my Chinese class. I pulled out some of my knitting books and spent a while trying to decode the pattern. To my surprise, not only is the pattern a lot easier than it sounds, but it's fun, too! I like the ribbing that it's creating as well. Here is a picture of the progress thus far:

My newest project

I had so much fun doing the felted cosmetic bag for my mom, I've been positively itching to do more felting. I have really wanted to do a purse for myself for the summer. So far, I haven't knitted too much for me-- it's all been gifts. Today I went to my LYS and bought the most vibrant, beautiful yarns to do a purse. It's all Cascade yarn... a green and an orange from the Jewel line, and then a varigated yarn from their Nikki line. I plan to do the bag in mostly the green, with orange and the multi-color stripes in the upper 1/2 of it. I haven't decided yet whether to make the long, knitted straps that the pattern calls for or get some nice, large Lantern Moon or other wooden handles to do a hand-bag. I will probably wait and see what the finished product looks like after felting, to determine what would be better suited for it. I'm really excited. Here are the yarns (the first two on the upper row are the Nikki, then the Jewel in Orange, and the Jewel in Green):

And here is the beginning of the bag:

A Non-SP10 Surprise Package!

I got a huge surprise today. Chris' (my DH) grandmother, who lives on Cape Cod, sent me a package containing her own knitting supplies. Chris and I have been married for almost 15 years. We dated for several years before that. But somehow, in all that time, I didn't know that Ruth (my grandmother in-law) knitted. Chris mentioned to her in passing that I had become obsessed with knitting. So she put together her needles and scissors and shipped them off to me. What an amazing treat. I was so touched that I immediately burst into tears. Here are the contents:

You aren't hallucinating....

I changed the blog. I didn't really mean to though! I was trying to add the SP10 button to my blog. Couldn't figure out how to do it with the "old blogger" through html (I am programming challenged!), so I thought the "new blogger" might make more sense to me. Nope. No such luck. The end result is that I couldn't use my old template with the "new blogger", so the look of the blog has changed entirely. Do you ever have one of those days where things just don't go as planned? Of course you do. Well, I'm having one of those. LOL. After all of that, if anyone can tell me how to actually add a button to my page, I'd LOVE to know!

The weekend's over

I had a lot of fun knitting this weekend, as planned. I didn't accomplish quite as much as I hoped, but I did enjoy it nonetheless. I finished the block of the month for March (for the afghan kal I'm doing through my LYS), just in time to get the next block next weekend. Here is a link to the finished product sample-- I'm doing the "brights"-- the one in the right-side photo http://www.thehenhousetx.com/541206.html

The yarn that we're using is Rio de la Plata. We are using the wool, hand dyed yarn. It's beautiful, very saturated color. It is very soft, but it is quite fuzzy, for lack of a better way to put it. I'm glad that I only have to do a block of it a month, because I start to dislike working with it toward the end of each block. I think I prefer smoother yarns. Am I a yarn snob because I like cashmeres and silks? I hope not. :-) Besides, the Rio de la Plata isn't exactly cheap or shabby! And I do love hand dyed yarns.

As for the blocks, we started off with the blue block in the upper right hand corner of the photo. Then the pink, and I just finished the green. I guess the block we start on this weekend will be the bright pink. So far, the patterns have been very easy to follow. It will be fun to finish the hot pink block and have a completed panel!

Okay, enough babbling for one morning. I better get to work. That's what they're paying me for, after all. But I would much rather be knitting!

Happy Monday!

It's Friday (on a Thursday!)

I can't remember when I was this happy to have a long weekend. It's been a loooong week. Hopefully this weekend will be relaxing. I'm hoping to make some progress on various knitting projects in the next few days. I cast on for the China Doll jacket that I am making my daughter. I started on the back, and got about 8 rows in--- not a world of progress, but a start, nonetheless! I must admit, I'm a little intimidated by the pattern. And I'm not sure I fully understand a couple of the instructions. I plan to go to my LYS and see if they can set me straight.

I've been having a LOT of fun with the SP10 exchange. I've had communication with both my SP and the person who is SP to me. They both seem like very nice people. I've really, really enjoyed putting together packages and surprises for my SP. But I have to say, doing so is dangerous. I tend to fall into the "one for her, one for me" trap! In trying to find things to include, I end up finding things for myself, too! Oh well. I was snooping around, looking for some yarns to send to her, and came across the Etsy store "Sereknity". Wow, are there some gorgeous yarns and colorways there. Unfortunately, the one I like the best, and positively drool over, is all gone. :-( Take a look at this:

















I just LOVE these colors. It's so bright and cheery. That green is one of my favorite colors, and with the orange and pink in there, well, it just makes me happy. Alas, it is gone. So sad. The good news is that I DID find some nice things for my SP!

Happy Easter!

Pictures at last

I did a quick little project over the weekend-- a cosmetics bag. It really knit up fast. The pattern is from Melanie Falick's Weekend Knitting book. I used Knit Picks Merino, using up some of the leftovers in my stash. It was my first attempt at felting, and I was a little nervous to put it in the washer! But it survived! I had a lot of fun doing this. I want to give it to my Mom-- her birthday is tomorrow. But I have to figure out a way to close it up... I'm not good with sewing, so I fear that a zipper installation will be a disaster. Guess I better come up with something quick!



Here are some pictures of the result:















Finished Bag






























Bag with bottom seam sewn























Felted







I don't have the pictures with me from the piece after blocking. But I'll post one soon.

A new challenging project

I stopped at my LYS yesterday on my way home to get some ideas for a birthday gift to make for my mom. I turned a corner in there and saw a finished sample of the China Girl Jacket by Minnowknits. I almost died. My daughter who is 3 is from China. This jacket would be JUST TOO CUTE on her. Here is a link: http://www.minnowknits.com/chinadoll.htm

I bought the Manos cotton yarn and the pattern. It will be the first garment that I attempt. I'm a little nervous, especially because I don't sew. But my LYS is wonderful, and they assured me that they would help me with the seaming and picking up stiches for the collar. I am really excited about this one! I hope it comes out half as cute when I make it. My daughter's will be the practice piece... then I am going to make a second one for my best friend's daughter... that one has to be GOOD! :-)

And I was worried about the CAT?

Well, we woke up to quite a surprise this morning! Our shih tzu, Barkli, apparently got bored in the middle of the night. He rectified that by going to town on my stash. I have a box that I keep all of my yarn in. Or should I say KEPT? Barkli dug out at least half of it, and had a hay day with it. We woke up to find yarn stretched from one end of the house to the other, both upstairs and downstairs. Including ON the stairs. There were literally 3 skeins of yarn spread up the stairs. I didn't have time to try to pick it all up before I left for work, so that will be my fun for the evening. I am hoping that the majority of the yarn is slavageable. It doesn't look like he did any real damage to it... just had a ball (no pun intended) unwinding it all and dragging it about. And I thought it would be the CAT who tried to play with the yarn. Shows you what I know!

Blankets blankets blankets!

I think I need help. Is there a support group for people who can't stop knitting blankets? I am now working on SIX of them. It is a real sickness. I'm not sure where this is coming from. I think in part it is that I really like having a nice soft blankie... and maybe part of it is that I feel competent knitting one. I can knit and purl, do different stitches, etc., and not have to worry about shaping, or sleeves, necklines, etc. But I really think I need to move past this little phase I am in and force myself to try some new, challenging piece. The blankets I am doing all serve a purpose-- one is for my godson (it's about 3/4 of the way done now), one is for my 8 yr old son, one for my 3 yr old daughter, one for my husband and I, one for another friend's child (I can't go into details on that one, lest she read this!) and the last one is the square-of-the-month kal I am doing w/ my LYS. Anyway, I am going to finish the godson blanket and then move on to a non-blanket item. Is it too late to make that a new y ear's resolution? :-)

So, if anyone has suggestions for a pattern or something NON-BLANKET for a newbie knitter, I would love to hear them.

Here are a couple of pictures of my godson's blanket, in progress: (it's hard to tell what it really looks like, huh?)

Degree Programs Online

March already???

I just looked down at my calendar. It is March 2. I am trying to figure out how we are already into the 3rd month of 2007. Unbelievable. I sure don't have the FO's to show for that time! I have almost finished the second square of my square of the month afghan. I hope to get that all done this weekend, as the yarn and pattern for square 3 will be ready for pick up in a week or so!

My godson Henry was born very prematurely. He has been in the hospital for a couple of months. I am STILL working on his blanket, but the good news is that he went home yesterday!!! To say I am ashamed that the blanket isn't done is an understatement. He and his family live in Canada. I'll be going to visit sometime in April or May for the baptism, and my plan is to take the blanket and give it to him in person then. The pressure is on! :-)

It is warming up here in Houston. I'm getting spring fever. Hopefully I will still get some knitting done, even though I want to be outside romping with the kids in the sunshine all day long!!!

Degree Programs Online

SP 10 Questionnaire

Degree Programs Online

My friend Becky (who is responsible for me knitting!) participated in SP9. I enjoyed reading her blog and seeing the fun she had with that exchange. So I jumped at the chance to be a part of SP 10! I'm really looking forward to it. The first step? The questionnaire... so here goes:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?

I really enjoy working with natural fibers. I love nice cottons, wools... I'm not a fan of eyelash yarns.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?

Do I have to answer? I am embarrassed to say that I use ziplocks! Fancy, huh?

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I have been knitting for about 7 months. I am a beginner, but not too terribly far from intermediate I think. I learned in several ways. My good friend Becky, who lives in another city, hooked me up with a woman who lives near me that has been knitting for 60 years. That lady taught me to knit and purl. I spent a couple of hours at her house last August. Since then, I've spent a lot of time with books and the internet to learn more, and I've taken a sock class.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?

Yes.

5. What's your favorite scent?

Lavender.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?

Occasionally. My favorite candy? Jujubes. You know- those horrible sticky things that come in a green box with a bumblebee on it and just about rip your teeth out?

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?

I do some scrapbooking, and it is mostly in digital form. I don't spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)

I love pop and rock music. I can play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?

I love blues (especially navy), orange, bright green... I think that the only color I am not crazy about is purple.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?

Married, two kids (ages 8 and 3), a shih tzu and a crazy cat.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?

I love scarves, like ponchos. I don't have much chance to wear hats or mittens in Houston.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?

This is a toughie, since I am relatively new to knitting, but so far I really like doing scarves and blankets. I think I could really become addicted to socks with a little practice.

13. What are you knitting right now?

A couple of blankets-- one for my godson, one for my daughter, and one that is a square-of-the-month afghan project w/ my LYS.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?

Sure!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?

I like both straights and circulars for different projects. I prefer nice, smooth needles-- no plastics! My favorites so far are a pair of straight Lantern Moon rosewood needles that I got as part of the square of the month afghan project. They are so smooth and beautiful!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?

I don't have a winder, and I don't know what a swift is (but I don't have one!)

17. How old is your oldest UFO?

7 months!

18. What is your favorite holiday?

Christmas!! Too much fun to watch the kids open those presents!

19. Is there anything that you collect?

Teapots

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

Nothing in particular. But when I walk into my LYS, I want EVERYTHING all at once! I don't have any subscriptions yet.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?

Again, there are just too many to even begin to fathom. Some day I'd love to make a sweater. But it is a bit daunting to me still.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I took a class and hope to get to the point where I call myself a sock knitter... but I don't know if you could say that yet! I wear a size 9.5, but don't know my exact measurements.

23. When is your birthday?

July

Socks

I forgot to mention in my last post that I have also begun to attempt sock knitting. I took a class a few weeks ago at my LYS. I really enjoyed it. Once I get going on DPN's, I like it. But getting started is really hard!!! In the class, we made one entire mini-sock, so we had the opportunity to get all the way through the steps of making one sock. I am hoping to have the time to sit down and try making a pair this weekend. Knit on!

Degree Programs Online

Time FLIES!

Degree Programs Online

Geez. I can't believe it is already February. Where has the time gone? I have been doing a lot of knitting. I made a scarf for my brother for Christmas. He loved it. So did the rest of the family, and everyone wants one now. :-) I made one for my 8 year old son, too. I guess I went on a scarf kick in December, because I made a couple for myself, too! They are fun, quick and relatively easy. It's instant gratificiation!

Otherwise, I am still working on a blanket for my godson Henry. I'm using two colors of Plymouth's Dream Baby yarn, a nice ecru color and a pretty blue. The blanket is being done with both strands at once, so it is nice and soft and lush. I hope he enjoys it. And I hope I get it finished before he is a grown up!!!

It's been a busy month. I feel like I am finally making nice, even stitches and my work is presentable! I guess that is an accomplishment. I have been working on a blanket for my daughter-- it is a series of squares, four squares each in 6 different stitches. I began on the garter stitch, then did the seed stitch and the moss stitch. Now I am doing the dash stitch squares. I will probably go back and re-do the garter stitch squares, as they are a mess! Those were the first things I ever knitted and "finished", and the stitches aren't pretty, there are holes, etc. I will use those four squares as my trial and error squares. Once all 24 squares are done, I have to join them all and then do a border around the whole thing. So I will use the four messy squares as my practice squares for doing the joining.

Otherwise, I am also working on a baby blanket for my godson. I'm using Plymouth's Dream Baby yarn-- it is so soft! I'm doing two yarn colors at once on big needles, and I have made up my own pattern-- I cast on 140, and did seed stitch for 20 rows, then a 16 stitch seed-stitch border on the beginning and end of each row, garter stitch in between. It is looking really good. I am pleased with it so far!

I did a "magic ball" scarf, using the magic ball yarn by Be Sweet. That was a lot of fun-- the material changes every few feet and it made a really neat looking scarf. That was also my first experience with increasing and it went well. I think I may give the scarf to my mother-in-law.. we'll see.

I'm also making a scarf for my brother for Christmas. A quick piece-- it's a super bulky wool, and I'm just ribbing it. It also looks good. I'll post some pictures soon!

Degree Programs Online

It's the little things!

Degree Programs Online

I feel like the cartoon lightbulb went off over my head this weekend! I went to my favorite yarn store on Friday and wandered around for a little while, oogling and touching all of the beautiful yarns. I ended up back in the book section and I bought a book called "Knit Fix". It looked like it would be good, and I needed to get past my ignorance of fixing. Up until now, I have either lived with little mistakes or started all over. Well, I was working on seed stitch for a blanket this weekend. Somewhere around the 20th row, I got things messed up. I really didn't want to start all over again, so I pulled out the book. I found a section on "Unknitting" or "Tinking". I figured I might as well give it a try-- after all, my alternative was to start all over again anyway! I really didn't think I would be successful, as I never can tell what those diagrams are trying to indicate to me. I have a really hard time figuring out what the two dimensional picture is telling me to do! But somehow it worked!!! I got back to the exact spot where I made the mistake, and it was so amazing to simply start knitting and purling again and have it come out okay w/o having to start anew! WOW. Like I said-- it was quite a revelation to me! It really is the little things that make me happy!

Moving right along!

I have been working on a blanket for our daughter. She is a blanket freak. She is 3, and while she isn't exactly Linus from the Peanuts comics, carrying a blanket everywhere, she does love to snuggle with one, and won't sleep, nap, read a book or watch tv without one! I found a cute pattern that involves a series of squares. There are four squares each in six different stitches. I am on the last of the four garter stitch squares. I realize that many would find doing four garter stitch squares incredibly boring. But I have really enjoyed it, and mostly because I can see progress in my knitting. You can definitely see a difference from the first square to this one... the stitches are more even, there aren't as many flubs, it generally looks better. One of these days I will figure out how to repair some of my mistakes. But for now, I'm happy just seeing fewer of them! Hopefully my daughter won't be too concerned with them either!

Once this one is done, I'll move on to the one I posted previously, from Knitty.com.

I have also been thoroughly enjoying participating in some of the dishcloth KAL's. Those are almost instant gratification-- just my style!!!