Penny-wise Knitting

Mod Podged Trivets

2024-02-17T07:49:00.000-08:00

Simple glue, fabric or napkins & a 4" x 4" porcelain tile, some sealant and you can have some of the cutest places to set a hot pot on.

Mod podge is such a simple crafting tool and can be so incredibly forgiving when you craft with it.

Please see my coaster tutorial for directions here: mod podge coasters tutorial

Shamrock for St Paddy's day

2024-02-16T15:48:00.000-08:00

I made this with the overwhelming amount of craft supplies I bought last summer when I accidentally bought WAY more than expected when I said, "Sure, I'll take the whole lot". Boy, oh boy... was that a mistake. Thankfully, I've been able to start selling some of the craft supplies I won't make. I easily had enough ribbons and supplies to make 20 Easter wreaths. 20. I'll probably make two, and will share when i get them done.

My original plan with this one was to use hot glue and throw a few plastic gold coins on, maybe a green & white ribbon. But I'm seriously considering leaving it as understated as it is.

Link to my post about how I made this and if someone could consider this type of wreath making for earning extra money.

Simple quilted placemats - sewing project

2024-01-26T19:47:00.000-08:00

I definitely have a lot of learning to do still for sewing. But this was only my second attempt at making placemats using a cute pattern I purchased on Etsy.

"Take Four" - I don't know why I thought this was a good way to learn to sew. Mostly it was about the fact that I wanted to try to make something small for the house, something that I could change out over the seasons - and somehow, I thought this pattern was just about right for me. It's a bit harder than I expected, but they turn out super cute. And it's a fat quarter friendly pattern - which means you can buy a set of fat quarters in coordinated fabric and go to town.

Just don't look too close to my seams. They aren't as straight as I'd like.

Mod podged coasters

2024-01-24T19:25:00.000-08:00

I have been making these every couple of months with all different styles. There is no end to the creativity. For gifts I've made used licensed fabric for star wars, deadpool, etc. Those are ok to use for gifts, but not for sale.

They turn out adorable and so, so VERY easy.

Check out my tutorial and information on HomeMadeHappiness

Sewing project - travel case

2024-01-24T18:14:00.000-08:00

Probably my fifth sewing project in my life... and it turned out pretty good. Not perfect, but I've only been sewing a few things in the last couple of months.

I've got a second blog started for use with a future-not-quite-ready for the big time website where I will be reviewing projects/patterns/etc and discussing if there's any potential for turning the projects into something profitable (or not).

Let me know what you think: HomeMadeHappiness

2024, new life to my knitting

2024-01-22T17:28:00.000-08:00

My wrist pain has made it altogether impossible to enjoy knitting. And I've tried it all. NSAIDs (ibuprofen and two forms of topicals), wrist splints, etc.

It's been two years since I've been able to knit. And it's been HARD. I've explored a lot of alternative crafts over the past few years. And while that's been fun and I've enjoyed them. It is not the same. I don't get the same dopamine rush, I don't get the same meditative, soothing, relaxing sensation.

But I found something, and it's even under $10!!!

I found a pair of fingerless gloves that have heating elements on the palms and back of the hands that is heated by a simple USB port.

Affiliate link - USB Heated Gloves.

I've been wearing them while working (office work, so I'm on a keyboard all day), and in the evening. They've helped the pain ten-fold better than everything else I've tried.

Now, admittedly, I've been nervous about whether they'll work for my knitting or not. So far, I've spent about twenty minutes last weekend and twenty minutes yesterday - keeping my knitting time to a minimum intentionally. But my wrists don't hurt afterwards. I'm not sure if I'll ever knit as much as I used to... easily four to five hours every evening and most of my weekends. But I am definitely feeling more at ease with knitting again.

I can't vouch for how long they'll last. I've worn mine non-stop since Christmas. For $10, I wouldn't be too terribly upset if I had to replace them occasionally.

I also bought a pair for my son who struggles with Raynauds. He's thrilled as well. He's even bought a separate battery pack for them so he can wear them away from the laptop.

While the heating pads can be removed for washing, there's a velcro strip to hold them back in place that could be a little stronger; but the light velcro strip is reducing bulk so you don't really notice that while wearing the gloves. I just wouldn't take them out and replace them multiple times unless you really needed to.

NOTE: No one has paid me to support these, though the link above is an affiliate one, so if you use the link and buy the gloves, I will get a small commission.

Nothing, if not unpredictable

2022-05-12T15:29:00.021-07:00

Another wide gap between posts.

I really, really enjoyed the spur of creativity creating innovative baby hats.

I really, really enjoyed working on some charity blanket projects, which were really big and seemed to never end.

But, now my health has prevented me from knitting more than an hour or two a week.

Still have the urge to create. Not a lot of talent, but I'm exploring other crafts.

Easter Wreath - made with mesh, pipe cleaners (or I should say chenille stems, as they are called now) a few odds and ends from the craft shop and an inexpensive, stuffed bunny.

Used a video tutorial from Dave's wreaths - #daveswreathsandthings #daveswreaths #howtomakeawreath

Explored some fluid painting. I bought a kit at Michaels when available for 50% off. Mine came with three 10" x 10" stretched canvas frames.

First two totally bombed because I tried a DIY equivalent for Fluetrol (not recommended).

Then the second attempt was a massive success, and I'm really proud of it.

Next, I really, really wanted to make some bigger items. I made the initial mistake of buying inexpensive canvas that is on cardboard instead of a wooden frame. With this much liquidity - the canvases would warp... (I do not recommend).

I had thought about using them to create simple cut outs and using resin to make them into jewelry... but my resin work isn't great - so when I was trying to clear some space out, they went to the trash.

I will likely take up this type of activity again, I truly enjoy the speed and just need to get a bit better with my color options and investments.

Another wreath - this time for fall, using a bit more traditional floral items.

Speaking of resin work - I tried using prints and resin to make coasters.

Notice the bubbles? some of these turned out better than others. But for one of my first attempts, I was ok with that. Future work I would try to decoupage the printing onto the actual coasters themselves before adding a clear resin layer. These were printed on clear acetate; which had mediocre results. I tried to ink-over the faded text, which wasn't a very good result.

I would like to do more resin work - but I'm just a bit vague on what I'd like to make. The molds and chemicals aren't that cheap. And buying a mold for one project doesn't seem very practical. Maybe a few more coasters so that I can feel like I got better use out of this set of molds.

We have a lovely nativity set that is quite large - with most figures over 10" tall. I'd been hunting for a scenic background for the set. I'm still a little bit chicken for making the actual manger / shelter. But I played around with all sorts of materials to create some desert scenes... The Kings' path is about 18" wide; the oasis well is only around 8" wide.

One of these days I hope to get brave enough to try a building with a roof, floor, some straw for the animals, fencing, the works.

Part of me is having a lot of fun trying out new crafts. A lot of the time though, I question if they look like they are made by a small child and I don't have any talent at all.

I've got a couple of macrame projects waiting in the wings as well as the goal of getting more canvases for fluid painting. I bought a paper making kit ages upon ages ago - wanting to make paper for paper crafting using flower petals from my own gardens and shredded junk mail... that kit was bought around 10 years ago, but I think I'm finally getting to a point where I'm ready to try it instead of taking the kit from home to home.

Mitered square scrap blanket

2020-07-31T12:45:00.005-07:00

I've been having a bit of a go at making a twin-sized blankets with odds and ends of worsted weight yarn. Maybe around 60 yards per square.

Using size 7 needles (I knit pretty loosely, so you may find you want to go up a bit in size).

For the first square, I cast on 48 stitches with a stitch marker placed in the middle.

Each row after - I slipped the very first stitch with yarn in front, then I knit to the stitch marker, slipped it, did an SSK, and then knit to the end of the row. Repeated until I only had two stitches left - and just did a P2Tog (though I imagine an SSK or K2Tog woutld work as well, it's just with the yarn in front after turning for that last row, it was just easier to P2Tog.

Subsequent squares in the same row - or starting a new row - I would pick up & knit 24 stitches off of an existing square, and cast-on the 24 needed to start another square. Subsequent squares in an existing row, I could pick up and knit 48 stitches from two existing squares.

I'm weaving ends in as I go ... and if a scrap of left over yarn doesn't make the whole square - I'd switch, or add a stripe... and have some fun with it.

I did do a 4-color square once (probably won't do that one again, it was more weaving in than I enjoyed.

I did it by casting on/picking up 12 stitches in color 1; 24 stitches in color 2; 12 stitches in color 3... made sure in each row to wrap the color I was working in around the next color and worked the decreases until there was no more color 2. Then switched all stitches in the next row to color 4. It was an experiment ... and it was ok. And it did let me use ever decreasing amounts of yarn - say 15 yards -ish each. But, yeah... I think I'd rather just crack open another skein of yarn vs trying to use such tiny left overs.

As you can see, it's not finished quite yet... Plan is to do 20+ rows of 10 squares each. It goes fast than one would think, but it's still one of those things that can get tiring after a bit. So four squares here, two squares here... bit by bit, it's growing.

Edited to Add:

Finished January 2023. Hit a bit of a bump there where I was getting a little tired of the project. Mind the mess, we're human not automation robots keeping the house spotless.

Puppy Hat

2020-02-25T19:45:00.002-08:00

ETA: Size 7 circular needles or double-points. Used scraps of Worsted Weight yarn.

Two sizes - preemie or newborn

CO 40 (48) sts (or any multiple of 8) with contrast color (I used blue)

Join in the round being careful not to twistKnit 3 rounds with K1, P1 ribbing with the first contrast color, cut yarn - leave enough of a tail to weave in endsKnit 1 rounds with just the Knit stitch with the second contrast color

Knit 2 rounds with K1, P1 ribbing with the second contrast color, cut yarn - leave enough of a tail to weave in ends

Knit all stitches with main color for approx 4" (tweed turned out super cute)
Decrease round 1 - Knit 7 stitches, K2tog; repeat through end of round
Knit 1 round
Decrease round 2 - Knit 6, K2tog; repeat through end of round
Knit 1 round
Decrease round 3 - Knit 5, K2tog; repeat through end of round

Knit 1 round

Decrease round 4 - Knit 4, K2tog; repeat through end of round

Knit 1 round

Decrease round 5 - Knit 3, K2tog; repeat through end of round

Decrease round 6 - Knit 2, K2tog; repeat through end of round

Decrease round 7 - Knit 1, K2tog; repeat through end of round

Decrease round 8 - K2tog all stitches

Cut the yarn, leave enough to run through remaining stitches and tighten to close, weave in ends

Ears (make 2):

CO 8 with second contrast color

Row 1: K1, KFB, K4, KFB, K1 (10 sts)

Row 2: K10

Row 3: K1, KFB, K6, KFB, K1 (12 sts)

Row 4: K12

Row 5: K1, KFB, K8, KFB, K1 (14 sts)

Row 6: K14

Repeat row 6 for 2 1/2"

End Row 1: K1, K2tog, K8, K2tog, K1 (12 sts)

End Row 2: K12

End Row 3: K1, K2tog, K6, K2tog, K1 (10 sts)

End Row 4: K10

End Row 5: K1, K2tog, K4, K2tog, K1 (8 sts)

Bind off loosely, leaving enough of a tail to seam

Eye patch:

CO 3 with first contrast color

Row 1: K1, KFB, K1 (4 sts)

Row 2: P4

Row 3: K1, KFB, KFB, K1 (6 sts)

Row 4: P6

Row 5: K1, KFB, K2, KFB, K1 (8 sts)

Row 6: P8

Row 7: K1, KFB, K4, KFB, K1 (10 sts)

Row 8: P10

Row 9: K10

Row 10: P10

Repeat rows 9 & 10 for 1" ending on a Purl row

End Row 1: K1, K2tog, K4, SSK, K1 (8 sts)

End Row 2: P8

End Row 3: K1, K2tog, K2, SSK, K1 (6 sts)

End Row 4: P6

End Row 5: K1, K2tog, SSK, K1 (4 sts)

End Row 6: P4

End Row 7: K1, K2tog, K1 (3 sts)

Bind off loosely, leaving enough of a tail to seam

Eyes (make two):

CO 3 with black

Row 1: K1, KFB, K1 (4 sts)

Row 2: P4

Row 3: K1, KFB, KFB, K1 (6 sts)

Row 4: P6

Row 5: K6

Row 6: P6

Row 7: K1, K2tog, SSK, K1 (4 sts)

Row 8: P4

Row 9: K1, K2tog, K1 (3 sts)

Bind off loosely, leaving enough of a tail to seam

Nose:

CO 6 with black

Row 1: K1, KFB, K2, KFB, K1 (10 sts)

Row 2: P10

Row 3: K10

Row 4: P10

Row 5: K1, KFB, K4, KFB, K1 (12 sts)

Row 6: P12

Row 7: K12

Row 8: P12

Row 9: K1, KFB, K6, KFB, K1 (14 sts)

Row 10: P14

Row 11: K14

Row 12: P14

Bind off loosely, leaving enough of a tail to seam

Place ears, eyes, eye patch and nose on the front of the hat until you like the placement. Ensure you seam items on VERY SECURELY with multiple rounds of stitches.

Mock Cable Scarf

2020-02-25T19:16:00.000-08:00

Worked with Marble Chunky yarn

wyif = with yarn in front
psso = pass slipped stitch over
repeat directions between asterisks (*)

Repeat is of 5 stitches + 2
CO 37 stitches

Row 1 - slip first stitch wyif, move yarn to back *slip 1, knit 2, psso (over both knit stitches), purl 2* 7 times, knit 1 (30 stitches)
Row 2 - slip first stitch wyif, *knit 2, purl 1, yo, purl 1* 7 times, knit 1 (37 stitches)
Row 3 - slip first stitch wyif, *knit 3, purl 2* 7 times, knit 1
Row 4 - slip first stitch wyif, *knit 2, purl 3* 7 times, knit 1

Repeat these four rows for desired length ending with a Row 1; bind off loosely

Super fast, quick & easy - just the way I like it!

Snowmen

2018-12-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

A semi-non-knitting project, for a change.

At the crafting store and a little bit of inspiration hit. Originally, I was going to put each of these inside of the clear plastic ornaments... and make them into mini-snowballs ... but the bottom bead is too big to fit. I might re-try again with smaller beads... but these turned out pretty adorable as they are, don't you think?

Here's a close up, they are about 2" x 3/4":

I could probably use a little practice with the glue gun, but eh, clear glue & white snowmen. I'm good with this as my first try.

Supplies needed:
3/4" bead
1/2" bead
1/4" bead
sparkly and/or white pipecleaners
1-2 yards of sparkly yarn
Glue gun

Optional:
Heart-shaped bead, or what-ever type of bead you'd like them to hold

Here are the steps I used to make these.

FWIW - Steps 1 & 2 can be skipped if you can find white beads (sadly, I couldn't)
1. I created a jig by putting nails through the bottom of the box - pointing inward into the box, then using wrap so that paint wouldn't stick to the box
2. Spray-paint the beads white (I used 3 coats)

3. hot glue the beads
a. ensure that the hole for the biggest bead is vertical, and the top hidden by the middle bead
b. ensure that the hole for the middle bead runs horizontal (arms will go through it
c. ensure that the hole for the top bead is vertical, and the bottom of it is hidden by the middle bead... and the top can be hidden by the hat

4. I folded each pipe cleaner twice (made them the length I wanted and the thickness to hold well into the middle bead) - and push them through the middle bead & shape them into the position you'd like

5. Hot glue the heart (or other bead you'd like them to hold) to one arm

6. I crocheted an itty-bitty scarf & tie it around the neck of the snowman
Scarf pattern:
a. Chain 20 sts
(no really, that's it - other than the cut yarn & weave through the ends bit)

7. I knit a tiny hat & hot glued it to his head
Hat pattern:
CO 10 stitches (leave a 4-6" tail)
Using double points, I joined in the round & knit two rows
K2tog 5 times
Using double points, I switched to I-cord knitting & knit two rows.
Cut yarn 4-6" away, and run through all live stitches & pull tight
Take the yarn from the tail and weave it through the inside of a couple of stitches - heading towards the top of the hat....
Tie the ends of the two yarn ends to use them for helping hang it to the tree

8. Took a black & orange fine point sharpies and drew in the face & belly buttons

Free Pattern - Zebra hat

2018-09-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

I used a 9" size 8 needle, but you could use a longer needle if you do magic loop, OR you can use double-point needles. I'd also recommend switching to double-point needles near the crown.

I also used a Clover Pom-pom maker 1-3/8" (35 mm) (though you can make your own pom-pom maker with cardboard... I just find the clover tool helps me make really full and fluffy pom-poms.

Sizes - preemie (medium preemie)

CO 36 (42) sts (or any multiple of 6) with black

Join in the round being careful not to twist
Knit 1 round with black
Purl 1 round with black
Knit 1 round with black
Purl 1 round with white
Knit 1 round with white
Purl 1 round with white

Stripes in body:
Knit 1 round with black
Knit 1 round with white
Repeat these last two rounds until the hat is 3-3 1/2" tall

Decrease rounds

k4, k2tog repeat for the round

knit round

k3, k2tog repeat for the round

knit round

k2, k2tog repeat for the round

knit round

k1; k2tog repeat for the round

k2tog round

Break yarn and pull through all live stitches and pull tight

Ears (make 2)

CO 10 in black (leave a fairly long tail so you can seam the front of the ear & attach to hat)

(garter stitch)

Knit 5 rows

K1, KFB, K6, KFB, K1 (12 sts)

Knit 1 row

K1, KFB, K8, KFB, K1 (14 sts)

K6, K2tog, K6 (13 sts)

K6, K2tog, K5 (12 sts)

K5, k2tog, K5 (11 sts)

K4, slip 1, K2tog, pass slip stitch over, K4 (9 sts)

K3, slip 1, K2tog, pass slip stitch over, K3 (7 sts)

K2, slip 1, K2tog, pass slip stitch over, K2 (5 sts)

K2, K2tog, K1 (4 sts)

K1, K2tog, K1 (3 sts)

slip 1, K2tog, pass slip stitch over (1 st)

Cut yarn & pull through

Using the cast-on tail - fold the front of the ear together and seam up the front 5 rows together - see photo

Then attach the ears securely to the top of the hat.

Hair

Make a black pom-pom and when trimming the ends, make each side a little flat.

Attach the 'hair' securely between the ears.

Weave in all ends

Free Pattern - Spook baby hat

2018-09-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

Using approx. 30-60 yards of white yarn; and less than 10 yards of black yarn - worsted weight yarn

Small Baby pictured

Small Preemie (Larger Preemie, Small Baby, Medium baby)

CO 32 (40, 48, 56) join in the round being careful not to twist

(seed stitch for 4 rows)

K1, P1 - round 1

P1, K1 - round 2

K1, P1 - round 3

P1, K1 - round 4

Knit all stitches for subsequent rows until hat is 2" (3”, 3 1/2", 4") tall

Decreases (staggered)

k6, k2tog around for round 1

k4, k2tog once, then k5, k2tog around for round 2

k5, k2tog; around for round 3

k6, k2tog once, then k4, k2tog around, then K remaining sts for round 4

K3, k2tog around for round 5

K2, k2tog around for round 6

K1, k2tog around for round 7

K2tog around for round 8

- continue any further decreases until you are reduced down to approx.

(5 sts)

K 3 rows (swirl)

Eyes - knit 2

CO 5 with black

P1, KFB, P1, KFB, P1(7 sts)

Slip 1, KFB, K3, KFB, K1 (9 sts)

P all sts

K all sts

Slip 1, P2tog, P3, P2tog, P1 (7 sts)

Slip 1, K2tog, K1, SSK, K1 (5 sts)

Note - turn eyes sideways before securely stitching to hat

Use white thread to embroider pupils

Mouth -

CO3

K2, KFB (4 sts)

P all sts

K3, KFB (5 sts)

P all sts

K4, KFB (6 sts)

P all sts

K all sts

P2tog, P4 (5 sts)

K all sts

P2tog, P3 (4 sts)

K all sts

P2tog, P2 (3 sts)

Stitch eyes & mouth to body very securely and weave in all ends.

Free Pattern - Striped Preemie Beanie

2018-08-06T16:17:00.001-07:00

Super Simple pattern

Two sizes: Small Preemie and Large Preemie

I used scrap yarns to build these... but approximately 20-30 yards per color.

I used a 9" size 8 needle, but you could use a longer needle if you do magic loop, OR you can use double-point needles. I'd also recommend switching to double-point needles near the crown.

I also used a Clover Pom-pom maker 1-3/8" (35 mm) (though you can make your own pom-pom maker with cardboard... I just find the clover tool helps me make really full and fluffy pom-poms.

CO 40 (48) sts (or any multiple of 8) with main color (I used white)

Join in the round being careful not to twist
Knit 4 rounds with K1, P1 ribbing with the main color
Knit 2 rounds with just the Knit stitch with the main color
Knit 1 or 2 rounds with the contrasting color
Knit 2 rounds with the main color
Repeat these stripes 3 times (or you can continue the striping all the way through the decrease rounds).

Decrease round 1 - Knit 7 stitches, K2tog; repeat through end of round
Knit 1 round
Decrease round 2 - Knit 6, K2tog; repeat through end of round

Knit 1 round

Keep repeating the decrease rounds each time removing one knit stitch until you are down to 8 stitches in total in the round.

Cut the yarn for both colors, and use a darning needle to run through remaining stitches and tighten to close.

Using the clover tool and the contrast yarn - make a pom-pom leaving two ends. You want to feed both ends through the top of the crown on either side of the ring that was made when you finished the top of the hat and you want to knot this pom-pom exceptionally securely. You want the pom-pom to have NO GIVE (safety, right, not that most preemies will be grabbing the pom-pom, but you still want it to be safe.).

Weave in all ends.

Free Pattern - American flag Preemie Hat

2018-08-05T19:13:00.002-07:00

I've been seeing a lot of super cute crochet baby hat patterns. Not so much knit patterns.

So, I guess, I feel like changing that a little bit.

Super simple pattern. I used scraps to make this, but would estimate around 20 to 30 yards of each color in worsted weight yarn. I used acrylic because the local hospital has requested that they be fully sanitize-able.

For the preemie size, I cast on 40 sts on a size 8 needle 9" circular needle (note: my gauge tends to run big, most knitters might want to start with a size 6). I would also recommend having double-points for managing decreases at the crown.

CO 42 sts (or any multiple of 6) with red
Join in the round being careful not to twist
Knit 4 rounds in red
4 rounds in white
4 rounds in red
4 rounds in white
4 rounds in red (cut red yarn, leaving a long enough tail for weaving in later)
Knit 1 round in dark blue
Keeping your floats loose - use stranded knitting...
Star round 1 - Knit 1 white, knit 4 blue, repeat to end of round, knit remaining stitches in blue
Knit 2 rounds in blue
Star round 2 - decrease round 1 - Knit 2 stitches in blue, knit 1 white, knit 1 blue, K2tog blue, knit 1 blue; repeat through end of round; knit remaining stitches in blue.
Knit 2 rounds in blue
switch to double-points when necessary in the following rounds
Star 4 round 3 - decrease round 2 - Knit 1 white, K2tog blue, Knit 1 blue, repeat through end of round; knit any remaining stitches in blue (cut white yarn, leaving a long enough tail for weaving in later)
Decrease round 3 - Knit 2, K2tog, repeat through end of round
Decrease round 4 - Knit 1, K2tog, repeat through end of round

Cut blue yarn, and use a darning needle to run through remaining stitches and tighten to close.

Weave in all ends.

C2C Baby Blanket

2017-09-09T18:56:00.001-07:00

I have been totally digging Bernat Blanket ... especially when making quick baby blankets.

Mom's & Dad's tend to love using these - they are SO soft and snuggly and while I've been told multiple times that you 'ought not' to do double crochet or half double crochet for baby blankets??? I'm pretty sure the people who are worried about baby fingers getting caught aren't aware of how super chunky the Bernat Blanket yarn is.

Add that it's fully machine washer safe (just lay flat to dry) and it's a great go-to for babies and those who do their laundry.

I've been playing with different, yet very simple patterns... but I'm really enjoying this pattern I just tried out.

Quick and Easy Baby Blanket is exactly what it states it is. I finished this blanket in under 6 hours. I used about 2 1/2 of the large balls of the yarn (had some scraps) and I have always liked using 2 colors or 3 for baby blankets. I'm not a huge fan of pink, but at least it's not a pale one...

Gotta love quick, easy, and snuggly. I will probably make several more of these for the other babies coming along!

First FO for September

2017-09-02T20:43:00.002-07:00

A baby hat... made in my 2-color brioche pattern with a cute pom-pom.

I'm working on fine-tuning the pattern directions to make them easier for new-to-brioche knitters. (still have a ways to go... everything is simplified until you get to the decreases, then all kinds of confusion ensues).

I started this Friday evening after work, knit on it a bit this morning and during the football game and finished it after supper. It's completely reversible right up and until you add the pom-pom, but it's just the finishing touch that was needed.

Scraps of yarn were used, just random balls of yarn I pulled out of the scrap bin. I'm planning to make several more of these so that I can finalize the pattern directions and get them posted.

Grape Chevron Sweater - Still a WIP

2017-08-31T19:46:00.001-07:00

I've done most of my work this month on the sweater. Had to restart several times and still have a few mistakes here ... but most of them, I've decided to live with.

Mistake 1 - when dividing in half, I forgot there were two extra stitches at the end... so I divided at a point 1 stitch off to the side, which made one strap of the front 2 stitches extra (I added decreases to offset them).

Mistake 2 - I missed a decrease on that same side on one of the right-side-rows. (Threw in an extra decrease for it as well).

Mistake 3 - I swore up and down and right-side wrong-side ... and even ripped back my first 8 inches after the divide once already... that the v neck was starting too soon. (it wasn't... I wasn't thinking about the added collar that needs to be added later. (head-smack) I'm living with it ANYWAY.

At least I think I am. I may not have the right number of stitches on the front to match the number of stitches on the back... but if I can fudge that bit as well? We're going with it. It's still going to be a wearable sweater and it's not like anyone is going to be holding the picture from the pattern magazine up next to me while I'm wearing it.

Finished watch cap - FO's

2017-08-01T19:36:00.004-07:00

I managed to finish off my watch cap before the end of July.

I normally leave it as being fully reversible, but I'd recently seen a photo of one of these with a big, poofy pompom on top. I chickened out and settled on a medium sized one... but it still turned out pretty cute (or at least I think so).

It's ok, and it's cute... but I might try an over-sized pom next time.

I'm knitting again - WIP - Purple & white brioche watch cap

2017-07-29T14:36:00.001-07:00

I've always loved 2-color brioche hats. I love the magic buried in brioche and can't wait to start experimenting outside of the hat, I'm thinking a jacket similar to a pattern I've seen for a brioche cape (not much of a cape wearer).

But, given I haven't been able to knit for over eight weeks... I tried casting this on about two weeks ago... got maybe a row done before I had to call it quits. Tried again a few nights ago... and we're off and running.

I'm still trying to limit myself to 20 or 30 minutes at a time; as I don't want to push my luck, but I've made some progress, nonetheless.

Knitted Quilt in Blue - WIP

2017-07-24T16:32:00.001-07:00

I've been working on this 'quilt' for over two years. I've just gone through and re-pinned it with some new pins I picked up (watch here for a post about them shortly). And at one point I thought I must have made a mistake and ended up 4" short on one edge. Re-pinning it proves that I'm really only about a half inch off - enough that I can manage with pinning and seaming and meant that the blanket body is finished and just needs the finishing details.

First, the photograph (credit to the original poster, if I can find it again) that inspired me:

Step 1 - I knit a long strip up the vertical left edge using intarsia for the colorwork.

Step 2 - Then I knit the first horizontal strip that ran along the top edge.
Step 3 - Then a vertical strip that came down along the center section.

Step 4, 5, 6, 7 more horizontal strips to finish out the blanket

Remaining steps - visible seams in black, mock black seams around each square, and a solid black edging.

Latest Frugal Yarn Purchase

2017-07-19T16:52:00.001-07:00

40 skeins (some opened, but it looks like they are still mostly complete skeins)... for $60.

I HAD JUST complained about how I dislike shopping on Facebook (Marketplace isn't available here just now). And someone posted some 'good' (well, good for me, with my wool allergies)... yarn cheap on Facebook. They were offering the yarn for $2 a skein, or the full lot for $60. I couldn't resist.

$1.50 per skein for Cotton-Ease? Yes, mine!

Grape Chevron Sweater

2017-06-30T15:48:00.005-07:00

This is a slightly older project, still pending. It was supposed to be a project for Winter 2016 term (so started Jan 2016). Planning started before my now-husband had proposed. I even got him to pose for a silly photo for my proposal to 'use up my stash before it swallows him whole' photo.

And the specific stash in question is my favorite acrylic - Red Heart ... yes, they do make nasty yarn, but they also have a nicer yarn that they make... Red Heart With Love. Which is a nice, bouncy, acrylic. My biggest complaints is the small list of colors they do, however, they have recently added self-striping to their options... so it will get better (I hope).

As you can see, it's a grape-y purple (my favorite color).

The pattern is the Chevron Chic pattern which I have in a 2009 Verena Knitting magazine. So, pattern bought almost 8 years ago in the magazine, yarn bought at least back 2 to 3 years ago... and project began in 2016. Yeah... I'm quick like that, lol.

In all fairness... Jan 2016 was the month when wedding prep planning struck me pretty hard. There was a lot I wanted to do to prepare for the wedding (which wasn't until October 2016), but I also knew with my health that I could have a relapse at any time and if I wanted to do a lot of DIY for the decor, and the ceremony, and the snacks, etc... well, then I had to start early so that I would be ready.

I managed to get the back finished before I ran completely out of steam (my camera seems to like to turn purple into blue):

And then I picked it up again in December of 2016 (break month) starting the front; only I hadn't done a good enough job of noting where I was in the pattern and what size I was making (woops). I got to the chevron bit of it before I realized my counts for the pattern were off (mistake 1) and when I compared it to the back I realized I was off by more than the counts, I was a good 3-4" wider than the back because I had cast on for the completely wrong size (mistake 2). I had to frog the whole thing and then I put it in time out (where all the naughty projects go).

Then this last April (another break month), I picked it back up again and got the right number of stitches cast on... and I managed to get a couple of repeats of the chevron before it was time to start the new term. I had hoped to get through the chevron by picking it up here and there during term, but working on 'bigger' WIPs during term always seems to be such a waste of crafting time.

I found it sitting in my project bag, mid-row even:

I figure I probably easily have another 20 hours of knitting to finish the front of this sweater and another 40 hours or so of knitting for the sleeves. Then easily 3-4 hours of seaming up and weaving in ends.

It should be a warm and cozy sweater when finished and something I could easily wear into the office or when visiting family and friends. Assuming I can find time and health remission to work on it.

Color Dipped Top - WIP

2017-06-28T14:16:00.001-07:00

My next WIP is also a top for me, this time a bit of an intentionally oversized, comfortable in jeans, comfortable for around the house, type of sweater.

Due to health issues, my temperature sense/balance is a bit out of wack, so cottons are great for year round wear and soft, cozy cotton? Well, that is just comforting even if you are just too tired to move, tired.

With comfort and casual living on my mind... I picked out a great, slightly boxy pattern: Patons Color Dipped Top. I dug through my stash and I had two sets of skeins that I originally purchased with the intent of making a top with them - a dark blue along with a heathered blue/white ... only... sigh. I bought them not realizing one was a heavy Aran and one was a light DK. Um... woops! Thankfully when working my guage swatch, I realized there was a sizing difference (apparently the tag and the feel of the skein wasn't enough to trigger an ah ha moment, sigh!). But, I'd already fallen in love with the Aran yarn. So, I went online to purchase the bright blue to use (the heathered wasn't available in Aran weight), 😒

The yarn itself is Universal Yarn Cotton Supreme, and it is lush to the touch and I think it really shows off the stitch pattern. I bought the dark blue Aran weight as well as the Heathered DK weight from Heartland Fiber Co, which I visited for the first time a little over a year ago during the Eastern Iowa Yarn Shop Hop. It is a delightful store and I just kept coming up with new ideas for projects (and then the yarn), which is the best thing ever for both a knitter and for the shop owners. Lovely store filled with lots of little odds and ends (not just yarn) and great customer service. I'd love to go back any time, it's a little bit of a drive, but the shop is definitely worth a visit.

Since the second set of DK yarn wasn't going to end up working for the project, but I was deeply in love with this yarn for this project, I popped online and ordered some additional Cotton Supreme from Webbs. Loved the simplicity of the online ordering process and it certainly surpasses the quality of experience enough to want to add it to my beginning knitters references for my classes in the future.

When I was knitting up my guage swatch, I was thinking it was a broken rib pattern... where you K1, P1 on one row, and knit the second row. But, instead you K1,P1 on the first row (wrong side), then K1, K1 below; coming back on the second row. On a four row repeat where you then alter to P1, K1; and then K1 below and K1.... well, it makes this very interesting fabric which isn't truly stockinette even though the K1 below eliminates the purl stitch in effect... quite fun and interesting to knit up. Not totally mindless knitting like the broken rib would have been, but delightful none-the-less.

Sadly, this too is sitting sadly and forelornly in the corner... no knitting for this broken knitter. But it's going to make a truly lovely sweater one day.

Orange sherbert - a tank top WIP

2017-06-26T18:31:00.000-07:00

I won a lovely grand prize of $75 coupon at a not-quite-local LYS (about 250 miles away); but close enough to justify a destination change for our Spring Break this last spring. Such a GREAT gift from StevenBe (in Minneapolis, MN).

I picked up lots of lovely yarns, and we don't really need to tell my new husband how much OVER the prize I spent, now do we?

Since I'm stuck flat on my back and unable to knit for a bit, I figure maybe I could spend a little time resurrecting my blog and posting some progress pictures.

First the swatch & yarn:

I picked up four skeins each of white & orange Be Sweet Bamboo, very soft, lovely drape and while a little bit splitty, still a very nice yarn.

My 'swatch' was an attempt at this tank that I started back in March, before I realized that the needles I had chosen was working great for seed stitch (the bottom edge), but was wrong for the stockinette portion. I ended up frogging this attempt and started with a needle, one size smaller, this last May.

I'm making the pattern up as I go, with an intent to add bars very similar to this pattern: Block Theory; but using that color-work idea and some modifications from this pattern: Soliel; just substituting seed stitch for the bottom edge instead of lace (since the colorwork is intended to be the 'point' and the lace would only distract and make it too busy. I'm also knitting this flat, where there will be one side seamed in order to simplify the use of intarsia to build in the colorwork blocks.

Only, ha! With the needle size down one size. And even after re-working and re-verifying my guage swatch (lying gauge swatch)... I got into trouble at the mid-way point.

Bet you can't see the issue, can you? Neither did I for the longest time... happily knitting away and adding blocks of color on a whim.

Yeah, it's not WIDE enough for this not-quite plus sized person.

Hmmm... I've already frogged this project once. Because it was going to be too big and the knitting too loose. Now, the knitting is fine, but the guage is too small, sigh.

Got my thinking cap on and decided to add another block of color, this time up the 'seam' side, and in seed stitch... not sure why, maybe to make it look more like an intentional design element as opposed to an oops, did she mess up cover up (?)...

Anyway, a couple of inches in (was planning on continuing it until I matched the height of the other work, then continuing to work flat until I needed to start armhole decreases.

(hard to tell from this picture, it's a bit pinkish, but it's the same delightful orange as the bars in the picture above which is more true-to-color)

Then I got a flare up and repetitive activities causes problems. Now it's sitting in my beautiful project bag, around the corner from where I lay so I'm not too sad about not getting to work on it right now.