Mish Mosh Crafting

Wearable Row Counter

2013-02-23T23:34:00.002-08:00

What do you use for a row counter?

For a long time, I resisted the trend of convenient as-you-go click counters, and used a pen and paper. And then I was gifted the Clover click counter by my wonderful husband, and realized the error of my ways, and the convenience of a row counter such as this one. Although, I find that I forget this row counter at home way too often, leaving me knit-disabled when I'm out and about.

I just purchased the beauty via etsy:

(You can purchase your own Here at Pancake and Lulu's shop)

Hopefully having something pretty and wearable will mean it's right next to me just when I need it.

I'm very excited to get it in the mail!

Guilt Free Cupcakes

2013-02-20T16:16:00.001-08:00

The last few weeks I've spent patiently knitting, sewing, and crocheting away at baby items for my sister's first baby. I even ordered rattle inserts so I could make some non-plastic, easily washable rattles for her. At the moment I'm playing Dr. Frankenstein with a several cupcake patterns to yield my perfect cupcake rattle.

Attempt number one!

I needed a new pincushion - so it served a good purpose.

I must say, though I knit more projects than I crochet, I enjoy how fast a crochet project seems to fly by. I finished this little beaut' in about an hour last night.

I found the pattern here at Bitter Sweet. I changed just a few things, adding a round of SC here and there, nothing prolific.

I also finished the Diamond Baby Mittens to match the Diamond Baby Socks. Again, changed it just a tad, by only doing 3 diamond motif repeats, instead of 4, but that was probably just because my guage was a little big. (Shame on me for not swatching!)

I will continue to experiment with these cupcakes, and hopefully end up putting my own pattern out there.

Until then - Allonsy!

A New Crafting Adventure

2013-02-19T18:15:00.000-08:00

Since discovering my crafty side about 7 years ago, when I picked up my first pair of knitting needles, I've slowly added certain crafts to my repertoire. First I added some simple hand stitching (this mostly being out of necessity as a broke college student), then some crochet, an upgrade to a sewing machine, and now - hand embroidery.

I've been interested in embroidery for as long as I can remember, my grandma has all the little scraps of fabric she gave me covered with the chicken scratch stitches of 8 year old me. Unfortunately, no one in my family does hand embroidery, my grandmother had just let me cut up old clothing and had purchased me embroidery floss and needles to nurture my creativity.

Now I'm back! With the knowledge and faith that I can teach myself, especially if I've successfully taught myself knitting, crochet and sewing.

I've already gone and picked myself up needles, embroidery floss, hoops, and some onesies to learn on (for my niece of course, oh and there's that - my sister is having a girl!).

This is my first finished project:

I freehanded the bird with a template pencil, and went over in running and stem stitch. :) The eye is a French knot, and the beak satin stitch. It was a good learn-to template.

Next:

Embossed tie applique onesie, cupcake toys and rattles, the baby blanket (which is more than half done), and I'm sure an assortment of other projects I'll add to my roster.

Allonsy!

New Yarn!

2013-02-13T16:11:00.001-08:00

What girl doesn't love new yarn (and some new circs)?

Just wanted to share!

Weekend Knitting

2013-02-09T12:18:00.001-08:00

My weekend is going by in a sunny, fiber infused blur. I just wanted to share some WIP pics.

I hope everyone else's weekend is well!

Allonsy!

Review: Sockupied Spring 2013

2013-02-08T11:07:00.003-08:00

Year after year I've seen the newest issues of Sockupied come out, available by direct download. And year after year I held off from making the purchase. For one, I wasn't a big sock knitter at the time, and I figured with enough research I could just learn the techniques on my own. This year I broke down (especially after seeing Alice Yu's "Deuce" socks!), and decided to make the purchase.

First I'll go over everything that comes with this $7.99 purchase.

5 beautiful sock patterns
3 heel techniques, taught in writing, diagram and video
Clear, helpful instruction for subbing in a heel technique you like for one you might not favor
Tips and techniques to custom fit your socks to you (or your loved ones) special feet

Now, for my review:

I am 100% satisfied with my purchase. The things I've found in this ebook have helped boost my confidence for future pattern modifications, and imbued me with the knowledge of 3 more heel techniques. No longer am I stuck in my comfort zone of the YO heel. Alice Yu's shadow wrapping heel is now my new favorite, and can be used both for a wedge heel and an hourglass heel. Having options in your knitting is a wonderful feeling.

The patterns included in the ebook are clearly written, and easily knit on DPN's, two circs, or in magic loop. All of the patterns, in my opinion, are beautiful and I can't wait to add them to my humble sock drawer when my recent sock yarn order arrives. I would recommend this download to both new and experience sock knitters, because I feel there's something all experience levels could take from this book.

You can see I've already put the skills learned to use in my version of Weeping Angel socks, where instead of the bulkier heel in the pattern, I've used the shadow wrap heel.

You can purchase this Sockupied here.

And before you start thinking that I'm getting paid for this review - I'm not. I bought the ebook with my own funds, and wrote this review from my own desire to do so. I wanted all of my fellow knitters to know how I enjoyed this purchase before jumping in and making it for themselves.

Allonsy!

Duplicate Stitch How-To

2013-01-31T15:23:00.001-08:00

I'm back! And this time I'm getting back into the swing of this whole tutorial thing.

I frequently use duplicate stitch in my knitting. I use it to reinforce any seaming I do, and to reinforce thumbs on gloves and mittens, it's also a good alternative for new knitters who are still scared to attempt other colorwork methods, like Fair Isle or intarsia, to put a design on a piece of knitting after it's completed. Duplicate stitch isn't difficult, all you'll need is your project, a tapestry needle, and a similar weight of contrasting yarn. Duplicate stitch, in my experience, only works on stockinette pieces of knitting. When you're looking at stockinette stitch, you'll see that the individual stitches look like little tiny "v's."

You'll need a contrasting yarn, or the same color of yarn if you're reinforcing a seam or area of your knitting. It's important that the two yarns are the same weight, otherwise the constrasting yarn will bulge, or it won't cover the underlying stitches completely. If you don't have two yarns of the same brand or weight, you can substitute certain yarns. For example, if you're working with worsted weight yarn, you can use a double strand of DK yarn to duplicate stitch.

1. Thread a tapestry needle with contrasting yarn. (Don't thread too much onto the needle, it's better to have a few more tails to weave in when finished than pulling feet and feet of yarn through your work, and having a tangled mess on the wrong side of the fabric.) Insert the needle into the base of a stitch, right where the two legs meet at the bottom of the "v." Pull the yarn through, leaving a 6 inch or so long tail.

2. Now insert your tapestry needle into both legs of the stitch above the stitch you originally pulled your constrasting yarn through. Pull the yarn through the two legs, but not too tightly. Just as with knitting, you'll find a tension that works for you with practice of this technique, like Ma' always said "Practice makes perfect." And something about patience, what was that again?

3. Re-insert your needle right back into the base of the stitch that you originally started in, and now you'll see how the contrasting yarn rests right over the two legs of the stitch, effectively masking the original color. I like to think of it like I'm drawing an upside down triangle over the stitch, using the legs of the stitch about it.

In the end, you should have something that looks like the picture above, neat little duplicate stitches square over your original work. Experiment with this technique to create beautiful motifs, or finished objects that will withstand the forces of nature.

As always, if you have any questions, would like a PDF version of this tutorial, or have any requests you can contact me at Ashley.Mishmoshcrafting@gmail.com

Allonsy!

My Experiences with Knit Picks

2013-01-29T11:22:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to take a moment to talk about the special love I have for Knit Picks. You always hear that when someone has a problem with a company - they'll tell everyone. When they get great service - they'll tell one person. Well, I'm here to tell everyone that I love Knit Picks, and not just for beautiful needles, affordable quality yarns, or that fancy catalogue they send me that makes my wallet cry.

What I love most about Knit Picks is their customer service. I've never bought from a company with such prompt, polite and understanding individuals on the other end of my customer service calls. In the past I've purchased many cables, needles, yarns and accessories from Knit Picks (and will continue to do so), although I have only ever had an issue three times - it was always handled without question. And without me having to send back an item, fill out some form, or sacrifice my first born.

My first experience with their customer service was 2 years ago - a giddy me had purchased the Harmony Interchangeable needle set. I got my set, was in love, and didn't pay attention to the cap on one of the cables, and it stripped the connection on my size 5 tips. I was sad. Very sad. My husband said "Well, try calling them." So, on a whim, I did. The kind woman who picked up said "Okay, well I'll get a new 32" cable and set of size 5 needles right out to you!" Since my first issue I've only had to call customer service twice more, but both times they handled my issues quickly and kindly, with no hassle on my end. It was this interaction, and confidence in who I was buying from, that has brought me back time and time again.

I've gone into yarn shops after buying a product the day before (realizing I grabbed what I thought were yarns from the same dye lot but were not, circulars with faulty connections, etc), and they wouldn't take returns. Or they told me to contact the manufacturer, who told me to contact the store, and it was a big run around. I'm still going to go to my LYS for yarns that I need right now, or that Knit Picks doesn't carry, but for the things I can wait a few days for - I'm a KP customer all the way.

Note: I am in no way affiliated with Knit Picks, other than being a pleased customer. This post isn't an advertising ploy, and it's not lining my knitting basket with yarn.

Finished Object: Diamond Baby Socks

2013-01-26T12:26:00.000-08:00

I finished the diamond baby socks for my sister last night! It was a great victory, for, as I mentioned, I found the pattern to be a little "figure it out yourself!" And found myself frogging back a lot because my diamond pattern just wasn't lining up. Now they're done, and perfect! I knit them out of Knit Picks Stroll sock yarn, and I'm going to be casting on some matching mittens soon, and I can't wait to see the set on my little niece (or nephew, but I'm hoping for a niece. But of course, I'm happy no matter what - just want a healthy baby for my little sister.)

Now I just have to finish the hooded froggie baby towel for her, and then start another 20 projects. I have lots of hats I want to make, but I'm trying to stay away from anything gender specific until she knows what she will be expecting.

Until next time!

Allonsy

On The Needles

2013-01-25T10:37:00.001-08:00

Wow! It has been awhile since I've mosied over to my very own blog. I'm sorry guys... if any of you followers are left!

Life has been absolutely crazy for me lately. My husband and I have been handling his outprocessing, and getting me moved back home to Michigan while he's abroad. On top of that, we've been trying to get information on how to handle our move to Italy once his service overseas will be done. It's been a mess. But we did our best to enjoy this last years festivities together, as we won't be able to be together next Christmas.I also had a bad bought with the flu, and then a back injury during the holiday season, so I'm finally bouncing back from that.

And then (yes, there's more) my sister announced that she's 3 months pregnant with her first child. Being a dutiful sister and soon-to-be-Aunt, I, of course, have launched head first into tons and tons of baby knitting. The silver lining of all this baby knitting is that it's pushed me out of my "comfort zone" with my knitting. I seemed to have fallen into a hat, cowl and mitten slump and now I'm having to get back into doing all of that small circumference in-the-round work.

So, now that I'm done making excuses for my abcense, it's time to get back to the blogging! It will be nice for me to have something to be a bit of a distraction when the hubs does leave.

I have several WIP's going on right now (If you're new to knitting or crochet - a WIP is a "work in progress"), it's an illness really - I can't stop myself from casting on every pretty, or cute item that catches my eye or tickles my fancy.

The Inga Hat (Found here on Ravelry!), this hat has been an experience for me. Being that it's the first time I've done a pretty heavy piece of color work, and haven't had to frog back rows and rows of my work at a time (touch wood!), and I'm nearly finished.

Fair warning, though, this sock pattern has been very frustrating for me. The directions have been rather vague and hard to follow, and I've found myself having to figure a lot of it out by trial and error (and way too much frogging for what should be a quick knit). Although it's entirely possible that this is a personal problem, and I'm a little more dense than I'd like to admit. For the brave, or the more talented, the sock pattern can be found here.

These gloves are being completely patterened by myself. I couldn't find a pattern on Ravelry that really fit my needs, or that my husband liked. So I decided to give it a go myself and see what I could come up with. When I finish, I'll most likely post the pattern here.

The last of the current WIPS, it's a baby towl for my sister, which will have a hood and be a frog when it's all wrapped up.

And that's all she wrote, folks! I'll definitely be back with more tutorials soon! What are all of you working on?!

Allonsy

WIP (A Noble Cowl)

2012-10-09T13:42:00.001-07:00

My last posting showed you guys how to dye yarn with food coloring, as a frugal, non-toxic alternative to harsher yarn dyes. I've been knitting up a cowl with that yarn, and so far I'm in love with the color spread.

This is a pattern I've done several times, it's a wonderful, flowing and derived from a classic lace motif. A Noble Cowl [ravelry] is a pattern I'd recommend to anyone wanting to start progressing into lace work, the repeats are easy to flow with and memorize.

I think this time I'll be keeping this project for myself.

Coloring Your Yarn

2012-09-29T02:52:00.001-07:00

I have finally tried my hand at dying yarn!

It's something I always thought about trying, but most sources will tell you that you must use often harmful dyes, which require masks to use, and require you to discard any utensils you use during the dye process. I am not comfortable using a chemical that I have to have a mask to be around, especially when I can't mask up my pets.

Then I stumbled upon a site that outlined how to use vinegar and food dye to color your yarn, with the same result, without the harmful drawbacks - and it's a frugal alternative to buying single acid dyes that cost 5 dollars or more a piece. I had me a spare skein of bare yarn lying around, and I decided it was time to try this out.

Implements Needed:

1. A skein of bare yarn, be it alpaca, merino, or wool. (I used 100% wool, from Knit Picks)
2. A clean sink (Time to get those dishes done!)
3. At least 2 cups of vinegar.
4. A set of food coloring. (Mine were McCormick)
5. A working crockpot. Because it's food coloring, you will not ruin it!

The Night Before:

Note: The crockpot isn't on during this step, I just didn't want to dirty two dishes unnecessarily, and when we do "cook" the yarn, it'll be in this dish anyway.

For starters, I grabbed my crockpot, poured 3/4ths cup of vinegar in, and then added some water. After getting my yarn settled in this bath, I added enough water to just cover my yarn, popped the top on, and walked away. You'll want to let this sit overnight, if you really want your yarn to absorb your colors. If you don't want your yarn so bright, you don't need to do this soak. I did end up checking on it later on, and added more water as the yarn had absorbed some.

The science here is, really simply, the vinegar is an acid that works to open up all the crazy little fibers in our sheep hair, so that when the color and heat are introduced, all the color can be soaked up. Without the acid, your yarn won't absorb the color, and you'll be the new owner of a skein of off white, or oddly brown yarn.

The Next Day:

In a nice clean sink, drain the water off and gently rinse out the yarn. Don't go too crazy here, just give it a quick run under the tap, I did this when it was still in the crockpot bowl. Refill the water so that it's just covering the yarn, you can add more, so that your dyes float around more and mix more, but that's up to you. Then add 1/2 cup of vinegar.

Pop it back into crockpot heating mechanism, put it on high, and wait until the water is hot enough to steam. Roughly 2 hours, depending on your crockpot. Do your nails, take the trash out, or whatever it is that makes you happy. (Knit, perhaps?)

Near the tail end of the heating process, it's time to make your dyes! If you are using gel, or any food coloring that isn't liquid then you absolutely have to dissolve it in boiling water. I used liquid food coloring, so I didn't have to worry about that.

I used a 1/2 cup of water to dilute each color in. I made them pretty dark, but once added to the pot
and the water therein, they lightened up. I'm sure there's an art to this sort of thing - but don't look at me for the secrets, I haven't figured it out yet. Then I did what other dyers would probably say is a bad thing, a very bad thing indeed, but I skip to the beat of my own drum, dammit - I grabbed my spoon, lightly held sections of my yarn down, and added a few drops of color here and there. Right from the bottle. I swished the spoon around some, and then finally walked away when I was happy with the witches' brew before me.

Now your yarn sits. It's out of your hands. My yarn sat for about an hour to an hour and a half before it had soaked up all the color. My water was 100% clear, seriously, your water should look like this. (Which is actually what my water looked like after the yarn was removed for rinsing.) If it doesn't, the yarn has not absorbed all the color it can.

I was pretty satisfied with my first yarn dyeing, so I turned off the crockpot, and let the yarn alone until the water was room temperature again. I really don't recommend getting hasty and skipping this step, you're using an animal fiber here, and the chances of felting all this beautiful newly crafted yarn is just too high. Now, if the coloring wasn't exactly what you were expecting, it's fine to add more coloring and then let it sit until the water is clear again.

Once the water your yarn is setting in is room temperature, it's time to give it a rinse. I dabbed some baby shampoo in my hand, got it nice and bubbly and very lightly washed the yarn out in cold water. Rinse it out real nice like.

I then threw it in a lingerie bag, and put it through the spin cycle in my washer (which is a top loader). This step isn't necessary, I just wanted to get as much water as possible out. If you don't have a lingerie bag, and don't want a tangled mess of yarn, just wring it out as best and lightly as possible.

Then it's time to hang it up as best possible, as I did, to dry. I tried to have it drape across two hangers, for even drying. My final color was a little more pastel-y than I had anticipated, so next time I will definitely be going heavier with the food coloring added, but I'm still pretty pleased with what I got. I even have the perfect project.

Allonsy!

Christmas FO #1

2012-09-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

My first Christmas knitting project is complete!

I know it's simple, but I also think it's very chic in it's very own way. And hopefully my little sister will agree.

Pattern located here: http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2011/10/11/sweet-stitching-with-erin-bandana-cowl.html

All credit for the pattern to The Purl Bee. I found this pattern via Ravelry.

For those who don't know about the forum visit: Knitting Paradise

Twisted Stitches

2012-09-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

Using cables in knitting is an easy way to incorporate both feminine and masculine touches to a project. Using a Celtic knot can make a pair of mittens interesting and strong for your special man friend, and just a braid can make a hat pretty and beloved by a mother or sister. In this tutorial, I'll be showing you how to cable without having to use a cable needle.

Before we get started, I'd like to cover a few basics about this technique. For one, it's not my favorite way to cable, but when you've left the house with your project, find yourself with time to kill, and then realize you didn't bring your cable needle along this technique can be a real life saver. There are drawbacks, however. My rule of thumb for using this technique is simple - if I'm doing more than a 6 stitch cable, meaning if I'm actively cabling any more than 3 stitches, I won't use it. The work gets too tight, and it's much too easy to lose those stitches and unravel hours of work - which doesn't save anyone any time. But when used over a small number of stitches, it can help speed you up by taking out the repetition of picking up and putting down your cable needle.

Left Cable (Often LCT, LCB, or C(#St)B)

A left cable twist is a cable that will point, or go off to, the left side of your work when the right side of your work is facing you. To create a left cable twist, the cabled stitches will be held to the back of your work.

Right Cable (Often RCT, RCF, or C(#St)F)

A right cable twist, on the other hand, will go off to the right side of your work. To create a right cable, the cabled stitches will be held to the front of your work.

And that's it! It's really that simple. Usually cabling is done with a cable needle, or just a double pointed needle, where you'll slip the stitches onto the cable needle, hold them in their respective place while you knit the stationary stitches, and then knitting off of the cable needle. This makes it easy to not lose track of stitches, or have them come unraveled. Cabling without a needle is a little (or a lot) more daring, but if your cable pattern is a simple braid, like the example above, or is a cable pattern worked over a small amount of stitches, I think you'll be just fine.

Left Cable Without a Cable Needle:

1. Work up to the stitches that would normally be cabled. Now, skip the normally cabled stitches (in my case it is the first two stitches of the stockinette panel) to the next two (again, this in my case, your pattern may be worked over three, or more stitches). Insert your right hand needle into the back of these stitches.

2. Here's where it gets scary. Mentally steel yourself, my friend, it will all be alright. Deep breath in, deep breath out.

Now you're going to slide the preceding stitches (the 2 that would normally be slipped onto a cable needle) off the left hand needle, and slip the two stitches you just went into the back of onto your right hand needle. (Do this slowly, don't jerk your knitting around, and you shouldn't have any problems.)

Taking your left hand needle, scoop those free stitches up. Again, do it slowly. Going fast is instinct, but if you jerk too much you're bound to have those free stitches unravel at some point.

Now you're going to pull the 2 stitches your transferred to your right hand needle up and slip them back onto the left hand needle, in front of the two previously free stitches. (I kinda messed up and didn't get a picture of that, sorry!) Now all you have to do is knit across the now cabled stitches. Easy peasy. Essentially all we did was rearrange the stitches on the needles themselves, instead of doing it with the help of the cable needle.

Right Cable Without a Cable Needle:

Now we'll move on to the right cable steps. A right slanting cable calls for the stitches to be held behind the work. As you can imagine, we'll be reversing the directions above. Again work up to the stitches you'd normally slip onto the cable needle, skip those stitches and insert your needle into the front of the two stitches (or whatever your pattern specifies) after.

Just as before, slide the stitches to the tip of your left hand needle, letting the first two stitches fall free, and pulling the stitches you went into off the left hand needle, and on to the right hand needle. Using your left hand needle, pick up the free stitches. Then slip the two stitches transferred to your right needle back to the left hand needle.

And then all you do is knit along as normal!

We're done! That's how you cable sans the actual cable needle. As always, if you have any questions feel free to comment, email, smoke signal, or telegram! But the first two really are ideal.

If a video would work better for you, I have found the couple listed below helpful.

Allonsy!

And It Begins

2012-09-17T00:34:00.001-07:00

I got a new laptop! It's nothing too fancy, but it will do the job for the time being (I plan on updating all the fancy stuff once the PCS is handled.) I'm ecstatic to be back in action, and I'm itching to pump out some patterns and new knitting and crochet postings.

The season for Christmas knitting is upon us, fellow knitters! I've been feverishly clicking through the pages of Ravelry (the last few weeks on my phone) trying to find the perfect patterns that are perfect for the special people in my life. Men, of course, are always the hardest recipients to knit for (What do they want? Scarves? Hats? Gloves? Remote control snuggies?!) My husband actually made it easy for me this year, with direct requests. But I still have a brother and father to scour the lost annexes of knitting on the internet to please.

I could also buy them more traditional gifts, but what's the fun in that?

Here are some links to a few of my Christmas knitting projects, and some of my all time, go to favorites.

Bella's Mittens - I've got to be honest here, I've never seen the Twilight movies, nor read the books. But I fell in love with the look of these mittens. A couple of my gift list friends will get these, in different colors, obviously. They're a relatively quick knit, and I found that cabling these without a cable needle wasn't too tight. (Post to come on that!)

Katherine Hat - I just finished one of these for my very own mother. The cabling ends up costing your more in yarn than average hats, but the finished piece is just gorgeous.

Shroom - With a nice bulky yarn, this hat is ideal for that quick project, especially for someone who falls into that younger category, and may not be too fond of intricate fair isle, or cabling work.

Skyrim Dragon Mittens - These are by no means a quick knit, and I wouldn't recommend them to a new knitter. But gosh darnit, they're a beautiful finished piece and they will ensure that the gamer in your life will be your best friend forever.

What is your go to Christmas knitting gift? A hat? Maybe a nice set of mittens? Share the patterns to help ease the worries of the rest of us!

Tiny (Er)Lenmeyer!

2012-07-25T12:43:00.001-07:00

Well, I am still awaiting my battery. It should be here Monday or Tuesday, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I can say that one good thing has come from the visceral pain and suffering of not having a computer at my disposal - I've been a lot more creative. Instead of having Ravelry at my fingertips, I had to actually figure out things, by myself! I usually try and figure out shaping issues, or pattern hiccups, but it's so easy not to have to strain your thinking cap too hard when you have wonderful communities like Ravelry and Knitting Paradise. The fiber crafting community is a special kind of welcoming, and I've never come across a senselessly mean word in my time in it.

So anyway! I have a new pattern for you! Well.... sort of. A pattern adapted from a pattern to fit my own selfish love of small things. I was searching for the perfect gift to make a past teacher, for their new addition, and I came across Earl Lenmeyer, published by Shanna, or as she's known on Ravelry - Craftyshanna. He spoke to me. He was perfect. So I zoomed along and made one over the weekend - and decided I wanted a teeny tiny little one. I present - Tiny (Er)Lenmeyer:

With size G hook, chain 2 stiches, in the second stitch from the hook, chain 6.

Increase into each of the 6 stitches (12 stitches)
SC 1, Increase around (18 stitches)
SC 2, Increase around (24 stitches)
SC around the 24 stitches through the back loops of the stitches.
SC around.
SC 2, Decrease around (18 stitches)
SC around
SC around
SC1, Decrease around (12 stitches)

You may want to start adding safety eyes (if you're using them) and stuffing here, if you haven't already.

SC around
Decrease through the back loop of the stitches all the way around

Cut yarn, and pull it tight. Those 6 stitches should be able to close up just fine.

Now insert your hook into the row where you decreased through the back loop the last time. There should be 12 front loops. Chain one through each of these, for 12 stitches.
SC around
SC around
SC 1, decrease around (8 stitches)
Cut yarn, finish his or her adorable little features, and you're done! Stick a key-chain in him and enjoy!

Domo-Kun!

2012-07-05T12:38:00.001-07:00

Before I start: I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July filled with family, grilled foods and of course, explosions. Now, let's start the show.

Little Domo's have taken over my free time as of late. I might suffer from fiber-adhd because I find it impossible to solely focus on one project. I have a rug going, a cowl, a blanket, a Domo, and multiple hats. And on top of everything, the past month and a half has been hectic for lil' old me. Juggling a husband, school, military holidays (as a military wife) and being a homemaker feels simply impossible sometimes.

He's getting his appendages as we speak!

Crocheting has given me a strong confidence boost. I'm surprised at my ability to remember how to do something that I haven't even thought about in several years. This confidence boost has translated into some other areas of my life, as well. In fact, yesterday I totally disassembled my vacuum because it wasn't working - cleaned the 5 pounds of dog hair from every nook and cranny, and then even managed to put it back together. Now that sucker (pun intended) is running like a brand new vacuum.

It's the little things in life that really count, right? That makes this 5 inch tall Domo-kun perfect.

Crochet Lust

2012-06-24T18:09:00.003-07:00

For the longest time, though knowing full well how to crochet, I refused to take up the one hook half of the fiber crafting world. And then pinterest started filling my head with those darn amigurumi animals and other adorable things. Seriously, I really think pinterest had a mission. Mission accomplished, pinterest, mission accomplished. I hope you're happy with yourselves.

Then I saw this -

Do you SEE this?! It's made from granny square "pixels." Now I'm on my own mission - granny square 8-bit nerd rugs for my home. Updates to come!

Entrelac Revisited

2012-06-14T20:22:00.002-07:00

A while ago I did a tutorial on entrelac, a great way to knit a modular-type of garment with blocks of alternating colors. Now I decided it was time to do a tutorial on entrelac in the round.When working entrelac in the round you're basically just excluding the side triangle, which may be a godsend for some. Entrelac is definitely easier when worked in the round. But, I recommend everyone learn entrelac flat first.

It might seem counter intuitive, but when you learn how to knit entrelac flat, and then learn it in the round it will just feel like doing it a little differently. If you learn in the round first, and then decide you also want to learn how to work it flat, it will feel totally alien and be extremely confusing.

Materials: I'm using US size 8 Takumi Clover needles, with a 12 inch cable. The size of you needle and cable really depends on your yarn, and the pattern. My yarn is a cream and light pink color of Berella's "4" yarn.

Step 1: Cast on a multiple of 8 stitches to fill up your needle. The blocks and base triangles we'll be working, just like my flat tutorial, will be worked over 8 stitches. It provides a nice even number that's not too large, but not so small that the slipped stitch edges are hard to identify.

We're going to be working the base triangles identically to how you work the base triangles in a flat piece of entrelac. If you're working on an entrelac hat, you will probably have done a set number of ribbed rounds or something similar. I'm just picking up and just knitting the entrelac.

Step 2: Building the Base Triangles

1. Knit 1 stitch
2. Turn your work around, and purl the stitch you just knit.

Note: Some patterns and instructions on entrelac will slip the first stitch of each row, including this very first stitch. I personally do not do this because I've found that knitting the first stitch provides a more "stable" triangle for me, after knitting it once I slip purlwise for the rest of the triangle. If you want to slip this stitch and then purl, that's fine too.

3. Turn work. Slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch.
4. Turn work, purl back to start. (By start, I mean back to the start of this base triangle, or, in other words, back to the first original stitch that you're slipping.)
5. Turn work, slip 1 stitch, knit 2 stitches.
6. Turn work, purl back to start.
7. Turn work, slip 1 stitch, knit 3 stitches.
8. Turn work, purl back to start.
9. Turn work, slip 1 stitch, knit 4 stitches.

Continue in this way, adding 1 more stitch of the set 8 every time you turn to knit. Once you have 8 stitches on the right hand needle, you will stop. Do not turn and purl.

You're now done with that base triangle, and you will just pretend for the time being that it doesn't exist anymore. Begin the next triangle on the next set of 8 stitches in the same way as above.

Continue your way around the needle, picking up the 8 stitches of each base triangle.

At this point it looks like you have an awkward, mushy crown on your needles. Now we're basically going to be filling the little loops formed between each of the triangles with the right slanting diamonds.

Step 2: The Right Slanting Diamonds

Like I said, there are no side triangles in entrelac worked in the round! Yay! We just get to move on to the central diamonds.

This first diamond might throw you off, it's a rebel without a cause, and it wants to be different than all the other diamonds, it wants to be special. The first diamond will be picked up with the right side facing you. All the other diamonds will be picked up with the wrong side facing you, and there's a special maneuver to begin the other diamonds as well, but we'll worry about that later.

Because you've been slipping the first stitch purlwise, you should have a very neat little edge of "v's" to pick up from.

You'll be inserting your needles between each of the "legs" of this v, and picking up a new stitch with your alternating color. In this case, that's white.

As I said, you'll be picking up from the front for this diamond. Insert the right hand needle into the "v" at the base of the last triangle (the one you just finished knitting), with alternating color behind, loop and pull the new white stitch onto the left hand needle. Continue this way, picking up a total of 8 stitches. Now it's time to begin forming the first diamond.

Row 1: Purl 7, purl the last white stitch, p2tog (1 white and 1 pink) together
Row 2: Turn and knit across the 8 stitches.
Row 3: Turn, slip 1 stitch, purl 6, p2tog
Row 4: Turn and a knit 8.

You'll keep working this way until the pink stitches (or whatever color you're using) are decreased away. Once you have purled the final pink stitch with the white stitch, you will stop. Don't knit back across. It's time to pick up 8 new stitches.

This time, and for all the rest of the diamonds this round, you'll be picking up with the wrong side facing you.

To begin, yarn back and insert you right hand needle into the first slipped stitch and pull yarn through. (If you're having trouble, this is shown on my original entrelac tutorial, located here: Entrelac Part 1 and Entrelac Part 2) Pick up a total of 8 stitches.

Now bring your yarn back to the front, and slip the last white stitch you just picked up onto your left hand needle, and purl it together with the first pink stitch.

Row 1: Turn, knit 8 stitches.
Row 2: Turn, purl 7, p2tog.
Row 3: Turn, knit 8 stitches.
Row 4: Turn, purl 7, p2tog.

Just as before, continue this until all your pink stitches are gone, on the last p2tog do not turn and knit, just pick up 8 more stitches and do it all again.

That's it for now, folks! The rest of the tutorial, for the left slanting diamonds and the ending triangles should be in tomorrow! If you have any questions, email me at Ashley.mishmoshcrafting@gmail.com

Also - if you like my tutorials, maybe you'd like to donate a dollar (or more!) for my little yarn fund (which doubles as my Addi needles fund, sigh, maybe someday), which of course will be used for more tutorials! Donate Here.

No pressure of course, everything here will remain free.

Edit: I would like to put a very special thank you out to Kay Green for being my first donation. I really appreciate it, thank you for the very special night.

Pulling the Wool Over My Eyes

2012-06-08T20:49:00.001-07:00

And my feet, and lap...

I'm tackling my first blanket. I've shied away from blankets because of the time commitment they require. I typically want that instant gratification of a project off my needles by the end of a week. I'm using the extended version of the Radiating Star Blanket available for free on Ravelry.

I'm only in the first 20 rounds, and I love that it's worked in the round, that in itself makes me more likely to finish it. That, and the fact that I got 6 balls of the same color for less than 10 dollars.

This is all I have done so far. But I can't wait to see it lovingly draped across the edge of my chaise lounge.

Have you knitted a blanket? How was it, and did you finish it?

On the Next Episode

2012-06-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

Since Alex and I have been a little more busy these last few days or so (well, I've been more busy than usual, Alex somehow juggles a hectic life 24/7) I guess we've taken to posting blog teasers. I wanted to give a little preview of what I'm planning for the next week, provided I learn to juggle this blog, my other blog, and my writing work.

I was cruising through Pinterest searching for inspiration for my next project when I saw this.

I love big, bold socks like this. Sure, the only place to conveniently wear them is at home, but isn't that where they're the most comfortable anyway?

I couldn't find a pattern for this picture, so I'm putting together my own sock tutorial (complete with video!) and pattern, both will be available for free. The tutorial will cover an afterthought heel and a star toe.

So, stay tuned!

Sneak Peek :: {Laugh, Live, Love}

2012-05-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

I'm doing a quick sneak peek into what I'm working on. It's in the beginning stages of what I'm doing, so I can't give it all away. I think this might be the toughest craft I'll do all summer.


I bought these each for a whopping .29 cents at my local Michaels.

Here's a peek. Now, here's what I can give away. I'll be busy with artist tape and two shades of brown spray paint. :)

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder, Right?

2012-05-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

Have I really been gone for over a week?!

Sorry guys, life has been busy. With a military husband to spoil over Memorial Day weekend I had my hands full.

But I do have good news - my knitting mojo has returned! What a glorious thing it is. I'm currently working on a version of Pumpkinbelle's cowl, located here: http://pumpkinbelleknitsandbits.blogspot.com/2011/05/grey-loop.html

I'm switching it up a little bit, and I'll be sure to share my changes with you. I'm also working on some patterns of my very own, like a hat, and.. well, mostly hats. I love lacey head-wear this time of year.

I did accomplish one goal I've been putting off this weekend - working with polymer clay.

I mostly wanted to get into working with polymer clay to make buttons for my knitting. And that's exactly what these lil' beauties will be used for. I even got my husband to help make them with me, and while we're not professionals yet, I think we did pretty alright for a couple of first timers.

How was everyone's long weekend? How do you dress your knitting up?

Make It Yourself (Recipe) Monday!

2012-05-22T12:43:00.003-07:00

My husband and I recently started hitting the gym vigilantly. At least three times a week we head on in, and two times a week I try and do an at home workout as well. And I've even started incorporating a healthy menu that both of us can accept.

Anyone knows, when starting a workout/weight loss plan you're told by everyone and their 4th cousin twice removed that you have to eat breakfast. I am not a breakfast person. That's right, I said it. I don't like eggs, I don't eat any pork product (and haven't for years), and oatmeal is the epitome of gross to me.

My mother tried and tried all my formidable years to get something in me before school. I was unrelenting. Especially because it was not uncommon for breakfast to make me feel physically ill for the first 4 -5 hours of the day. Who wants that?

Now I'm 23, married, and thousands of miles from home. I find myself forcing my husband to eat breakfast for his health and still not doing it myself, oh the irony!

I'm a big fan of meal replacement shakes, so I always have whey protein in the house. I don't like going through the trouble of making a big lunch if my husband isn't home, and often make green smoothies.

Today, I think I have finally found the cures to my morning blues. Iced Vanilla Protein Latte.

Don't rub your eyes, or try to adjust your t.v. set, you saw this right. Low calorie, high protein, and high energy breakfast latte that you don't have to feel bad about all day. And who doesn't like lattes? I just don't like paying 5 dollars for one, and then thinking about all the calories.

What You'll Need:

3/4ths a cup of prepared coffee, I used Seattle's Best Number 4 (my personal favorite)

1/2 cup fat free milk

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Ice

Throw the first three ingredients into a blender, or a shaker bottle, and blend 'em up. Then grab a handful of ice and pour your delicious latte over, enjoy.

After all is said and done, your latte only has 2.5 grams of fat, 30 awesome grams of filling, muscle repairing protein, and is under 200 calories.

What tips and tricks do you guys use when trying to lose weight and improve your lifestyle?

Knitter's Block

2012-05-20T01:29:00.001-07:00

Anyone who knits for a period of time understands the frustration of Knitter's Block. You search through pages and pages of Ravelry pictures, hoping for one of the thumbnails to jump out at you, inspire you, and launch you into a fury of needles and yarn - ending with a final beautiful project. But this doesn't happen. You cease to be inspired. You feel as if your mojo has abandoned you. Your needles lay dormant, your stashed untouched. The world is cold, and lonely, devoid of the warmth of your 100% baby alpaca lace weight sock yarn.

Maybe that last part is an exaggeration.

Regardless, this is where I am with my knitting at the moment. I was incredibly inspired by the thoughts of recycling everyday items that no longer had a use into yarn, and making wonderful home decor with them, ie the t-shirt pillow and the sheet bowl. Once I completed these projects, I just failed to have anything jump out at me and inspire me. It might be the changing seasons, it's hard to justify knitting scarves and hats in the middle of a 105 degree Las Vegas summer, or it's just a plain lack of motivation.

I keep starting projects. Having hope for them, and then ripping them from my needles, and tossing the yarn back into the ol' stash bin. So, I started doing the thing that typically remedies these moments for me - knitting dish cloths. I posted about this awhile back, and linked to a pattern I really like: Instant Knit-ification

At the moment, this is exactly what I've been knitting this week. Wash cloths. So many cloths. I purchased a large cone of cotton yarn, aptly named "Ivy League," by Peaches n' Cream. I actually settled on the yarn, because the other cones available were all bubblegum pink, or a crazy purple color. My kitchen has a lot of blue and greens, so it worked. Now I'm really in love with the yarn, and I enjoy how the greens and blues snake across the knitting, reminiscent of ivy.

The pattern for the finished cloth shown on the corner of my wash cloth bin is located here: Modified Feathers and Fan Cloth. The original pattern, from Dishcloth Boutique, is here: Feathers and Fan Cloth, I followed this pattern for the cloth shown in the Ivy League yarn.

I also stumbled upon this pattern, thanks to Ravelry, Picot Swirl Cloth, which I love. I always had an affinity for round cloths, and thought the only way to really make one was to crochet. Boy, am I glad I was wrong. At first glance, the pattern seems intimidating - but it's really not, just give it a chance. Also, when stitching it up at the end, don't try using Kitchener stitch, you'll want to use the shoulder seam technique. There are directions for this seam here: Shoulder Seam Instructions.

How do you guys pass the time when you hit your own knitter's block? Is there a go-to garment you whip up?